What Makes A Luxury Property?

One quick glance at real estate listings will often reveal a lot of properties listed as “luxury”. But what does this mean?

It can be difficult to define luxury. It means different things to different people. Although factors like size and price play a part, they’re certainly not what define a property as luxury.

So what makes a luxury property? Let’s take a look at some of the key elements that truly make a home worthy to be called luxury.

The ideal place

The most important factor that determines the home’s value is its location. High-end homes in desirable locations are those that appeal to home buyers.

It could include a large lot that is nestled in a natural paradise. This could include waterfront living. It may also be easy access to the highway, which makes it possible to commute to and from the city easily.

It should be close to parks and  great schools for others. It can be attractive for some people to be near tourist attractions. For some, it might be a property within a gated community. As with all aspects of a luxury property, defining what it means to be an ideal place comes down to the individual.  

What Makes A Luxury Property

The floor plan

Luxurious homes tend to be larger. Although, you can certainly find some smaller homes that would absolutely be considered luxury.

The important thing is that it has ample space for your needs. The location and individual needs of the buyer will determine how large the home needs to be.

Luxury homes can boast incredible master suites. Others have large kitchens with upscale amenities. Many luxury homes also offer high-end amenities throughout. Some luxury homes include home theaters and game rooms that are ideal for relaxing with friends and family.

Built using the best materials

It is easy to see the high-end materials in luxury homes by simply walking around. These homes often include premium kitchen appliances, granite countertops, and marble floors. Some homes include an infinity pool or decking made from flagstone or elegant travertine.

Smart technology is often a feature of luxury homes that make life easier. Many buyers today are looking for additional features, such as a sauna or gym. They may include antique reclaimed wood flooring and herringbone tile patterns.

The luxury home design is not a cookie cutter; every architectural detail is carefully considered during the design process.

An elegant exterior

The exterior of a home is often the first thing you see. Beautiful exteriors are a hallmark of luxury homes. Luxury residences have striking exteriors that exude architectural elegance. Luxury homes can also include landscaping, water features and lighting.

You can have outdoor amenities like wine bars and outdoor kitchens. Ambient night lighting creates a peaceful backdrop.

There are those who immediately think of a large swimming pool when they hear the word luxury. Perhaps a large gazebo for entertaining. 

Every exterior element is designed to match the architectural façade and creates an enveloping elegance.

What Makes A Luxury Property

Pricing and value

Homes listed as “luxury” and “premium” have a higher median price than the median in both value and cost. These properties tend to have higher prices because of their unique features.

Luxury homes are more spacious, have premium amenities and features, are built on prime lots and offer stunning views and surroundings. This no doubt affects the price tag. 

These homes are usually, but not always located in a high-end development. While there is no set price that makes a home luxury, many times they’ll start at $500,000.  Of course they can go up to several million dollars. This is dependent on the location and community. Luxury is ultimately in the eyes of the beholder, and it is priced accordingly.

Of the highest quality

It doesn’t suffice to have a spacious master bedroom and a grand foyer. A skilled luxury home builder must also be the one to build it. Both the design and construction materials should be of premium quality. In the case of a custom build, many luxury homes can be built to your specifications.

It is important to learn about the builders in a particular community, even if you are looking to buy an existing home. Do they have a reputation for quality construction and attention to detail? Are they using modern techniques to get the best possible build?

It will add value to your home if it is built by a trusted luxury builder.

Conclusion

Much like beauty, luxury can be in the eye of the beholder. Size and price play a role, but realistically it’s what you find to be luxurious that really matters in the end. 

So what makes a luxury property? You’ll know it when you see it!…

Galvan: Top Realtor in Lo de Marcos

There are tons of people that are moving to Mexico and taking advantage of the Mexican lifestyle.

Lo de Marcos is an enchanting paradise that a privileged few call their permanent home and others would one day like to call their permanent home.

That said, we have a majority of visitors who spend a few weeks to a full season here but are not with us year round. In the case of those that rent, they just pack-up and return and have nothing more to worry about, but in the case of those that are fortunate to already own property, they leave with the underlining pressure of having to maintain their property from afar, a task that can sometimes become pressing. Fortunately, at Galván Real Estate and Services, we offer our clients the benefits of our Property Management Department.

The last thing anybody needs is for a vacation home to become a burden of any sort. Because we understand that, we have created a division that will ease the load of leaving your property. The professional and dedicated care of our Galván team will insure that your home away from home in Riviera Nayarit, is taken care of with the same commitment you would have, and that even far away your assets are in good hands.

Here are the top 10 Reasons to hire the Galván Team. 

  1. We are well known and respected in town.
  2. We have a Full Time Property Manager on staff.
  3. We offer bi-weekly Property Inspections. 
  4. We offer complete Project Management for construction projects. 
  5. We have several Full Time maids on our staff.
  6. We offer accurate and timely monthly Accounting statements.
  7. We offer complete bill paying services. Annual Trust and taxes included. 
  8. If you want to rent your property, we have a qualified Rental Department.
  9. We are able to assist with all of your property needs. 
  10. Our approach is active and not just responsive.   

From maintenance and utility payments to home improvements, Galvan Real Estate and Services can assist you with a management plan that best suits your needs.

Not only will we aid you in keeping the property in top condition, but we will also provide you with the invaluable peace of mind you desire. Our responsible, driven, knowledgeable and bilingual staff will be your insurance in the security, preservation, management, and/or expansion of your home, and they will only be an e-mail, text message or phone call away.

Riviera Nayarit and Lo de Marcos Mexico
Riviera Nayarit & Lo de Marcos, Mexico

A vacation or retirement property is not just a property, it is a home away from home, and Galvan Real Estate wants you to trust us with your home while you are temporarily at distance.

Please contact us today to discuss our different Management Packages so we can get you on your way to have the support and incomparable Property Management Services that we know only our team can provide in Lo de Marcos and other regions.

Your peace while away from Riviera Nayarit is worth it.For more information, please contact us at Director@GalvanRealEstateandServices.com

Calgary Canada Showing Increasing Interest in Spite of Politics

For the most part most Canadians understand and respect the importance of the energy sector to the overall GDP of Canada which also includes contributions to other provinces without energy resources. Alberta is the primary energy resource rich province in Canada.

Calgary is a metropolitan of some 1.3 million and in the past few years has seen an increase in interest in the housing market here. However, with recent political news and the re-election of PM Justin Trudeau, Albertans in general are concerned. Do they have reason to be? Let’s dig in and find out.

As of this day (Dec. 16, 2019) the housing market in Calgary is still, even if hard to believe, a buyers market. This according to this article on CBC (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/crea-housing-prices-homes-calgary-toronto-vancouver-1.5397882)

As the article outlines, although house prices have dipped 2%, the fact remains that the volume of total sales is up over the 2018 season. Instability is still a real concern while the next four years under Trudeau’s Liberals, could add further instability ahead given the wedge between the province and that party.

Politics aside however, by no means is Calgary dependent upon political agendas of the Federal government. The city has so much to offer new homeowners which is likely what drives the market here more than anything.

Here are a few of the benefits Calgary residents have available to them:

  • close proximity to the Rocky Mountains (1.5 hr drive) and nature
  • youthful population with average age being 36
  • higher income – Calgary has more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in Canada
  • highest homeownership numbers in Canada
  • outdoor trails totaling 18kms throughout the downtown region
  • Clean. Calgary ranked #1 on Mercer’s Top 10 Cleanest Cities in the World in 2013
  • vibrant nightlife and shopping options

Of course there are many more however we’d be here all day listing them so let’s continue with talking about homes for sale in Calgary and why 2020 is shaping up to be a good year for real estate here.

What’s hot in and around Calgary?

The community Lake Bonavista is one of the most talked about areas around Calgary to live. Why? Well for one it surrounds a man made lake. You may want to visit Toledo home listings. In fact it’s the first lakeside community in Calgary. Residents here get a member access card to Fish Creek Provincial Park – an incredible park featuring many amenities to the outdoor enthusiast. Homes for sale in Lake Bonavista range in price between $750k and $775k on average. So yes it’s clearly an upper-end housing market here.

Video used with permission of Calgary Real Estate company REPYYC

Another popular area around Calgary for those looking for the truly luxurious Alberta experience and everything Calgary has to offer is Britannia.

Britannia is one of the highest priced markets in Calgary and is renown for it incredible homes by some of the finest architects around. Calgary once declared the area of significance due to it being one of the oldest and most comprehensive neighborhoods in Calgary. Houses for sale in Britannia range in price starting from around a million and heading straight up to the record home sold in Calgary at $6 million.

Video used with permission of Calgary Real Estate company REPYYC

That being said virtually anywhere in the greater Calgary area would be a fantastic place to live or raise a family and data is showing us that with lower home prices and higher demand, Calgary in 2020 should be looking forward to more positive news in real estate.