SafeWire Joins LeadingRE Solutions Group Program

 

– SafeWire exists to assure every real estate transaction is free from wire fraud. –

 

CHICAGO (August 18, 2020) – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, a global network of 550 top independent firms, has added SafeWire to its Solutions Group program of preferred business resources.

SafeWire is a software that digitally authenticates buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. SafeWire uses sophisticated multi-authentication technology to eliminate unsecured emails within transactions and deliver financial information safely, timely and efficiently. Since 2018, the company has successfully authenticated over 40,000 transactions.

“Real estate wire fraud is the biggest threat there is to the traditional real estate transaction. If we can’t keep consumer funds safe, who will? SafeWire is proud to partner with companies like LeadingRE who take consumer safety seriously and continue to lead the industry towards fraud free real estate transactions,” said SafeWire CEO Chris Sauerzopf.

Robin LaSure, LeadingRE vice president, corporate marketing, adds, “Our members’ top priority is watching out for the interests of their clients, which includes their financial well-being. The loss associated with wire fraud can be devastating, so we are pleased to offer a solution that provides protection and peace of mind through SafeWire’s secure, modern, paperless application.”

Learn more about SafeWire at SafeWire.com. Learn more about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® at LeadingRE.com.

 

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About SafeWire

SafeWire (https://SafeWire.com) is a real estate wire fraud prevention software, free to real estate brokers and agents, that digitally authenticates buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. SafeWire uses sophisticated multi authentication technology to eliminate unsecured emails within transactions and deliver financial information safely, timely and efficiently. SafeWire+ Assurance is an optional warranty for consumers that provides an additional peace of mind in the largest financial transaction of their lives. Since 2018, SafeWire has successfully authenticated over 40,000 transactions as FraudFree™.

 

About Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (www.LeadingRE.com) is a selective global community of the highest quality independent residential real estate companies, with over 565 companies and 135,000 sales associates in over 70 countries. Network members generate over 1.1 million transactions annually. LeadingRE exists to make its members better by connecting them to opportunities and people around the globe, supporting them with an international referral network, professional development programs, unique events and connections to people and opportunities worldwide.

 

 

 

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LeadingRE Member Market Spotlights: Portugal’s Algarve Coast; Mazatlan, Mexico; and Cayo, Belize

 

– Portugal Luxury Property, Mazatlan4sale and VISTA Real Estate share what makes their markets so special. –

A recent Forbes article (“Living And Retiring Overseas Post The Coronavirus—Three Top Options,” by Kathleen Peddicord) offered three prime destinations for consideration: Portugal’s Algarve Coast; Mazatlan, Mexico; and Cayo, Belize. As it happens, LeadingRE is well-represented in these markets by Portugal Luxury Property, Mazatlan4sale and VISTA Real Estate, respectively. We asked each of these companies for insights on what makes their markets so special and are pleased to share what we learned.

 

An insider’s look at Algarve, Portugal
Insights from Portugal Luxury Property

 

Tell us what makes the Algarve Coast special.

We are blessed with more annual sunshine than anywhere else in Europe. The stunningly beautiful coastline in the south of Portugal, known as the Algarve, stretches 150km from the Spanish border in the east to Cape St. Vincent in the west.

The south coast has a varied geography with long beaches backed by sand dunes and natural lagoons in the east and picturesque rocky coves, which protect magnificent beaches, in the west.

Its high desirability as a destination for holidaymakers offers a highly attractive environment for property investors. For many years, the Algarve has been a preferred destination for a home in the sun either as a permanent residence or a holiday home.

Boat owners and yachting enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that several modern marinas are available throughout the region, offering fully comprehensive facilities.

Many people with business interests elsewhere in the world choose to base themselves and their families in this privileged location, taking advantage of the excellent communication infrastructure and the proximity to Europe’s major capital cities. High-standard health care is ensured by several modern private hospitals in the region.

There is easy access from London and most major European cities via Faro International airport, which is just a half hour connecting flight or 2-hour drive from Lisbon, offering flights to other worldwide destinations.

 

Please explain the type of housing available in Algarve, and discuss the return on investment.

There is a wide range of properties in the Algarve, Lisbon and surrounding areas, including luxury golf villas and townhouses, beachfront villas, sea view homes, luxury penthouses, resort holiday homes and large permanent residences. Many buyers use the accommodations for their own vacations and rent the property out through a management company for the rest of the year, securing an excellent return on their investment. There are several purchasing options available, including properties with a rental guarantee (with or without flexibility on self-usage) and a privately owned property that is rented accordingly to owner preference.

 

An insider’s look at Mazatlán, Mexico
Insights from Mazatlan4sale

 

Tell us what makes Mazatlán special.

Over the past 20 years Mazatlan has gone from a sleepy fishing town to a world-renowned tourist destination, offering ideal weather, spectacular scenery, a family-friendly environment, and easy access.  Mazatlán offers beautiful sand beaches, friendly people and amazing sunsets. Mazatlán also offers a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle at an affordable price.

Featured points of interest include: El Cid Country Club Golf Course, Olas Altas Beach, Mazatlán Golf Club, Playa Norte, and Estrella del Mar Turtle Sanctuary.

Below are some top reasons to invest in Mazatlán:

  • Safety and security
  • Lower cost of living
  • Proximity to an international airport
  • Ease of travel, with easy access to all that Mexico has to offer
  • Investment potential
  • A strong community that promotes interaction between residents
  • Access to quality medical care
  • Access to beaches

 

Please explain the type of housing available in Mazatlán, and discuss the return on investment.

Properties include beachfront homes, lots and condos. Private residences (mostly re-sales) are available in the town center of Mazatlán. The central historical area exhibits a significant number of buildings in various states of disrepair and ruin and may provide an ideal investment for people who want to create their home by means of a colonial restoration project.

In outlying areas, investors are buying homes offering semi-rural surroundings and ocean and/or mountain views. There are also a number of time-share projects in and around Mazatlán, and especially in the tourist “golden zone” area of the city (note that time share is not ownership). Mazatlán runs an average of 43% occupancy rate for the year. With an average nightly rental rate of $2000 Pesos.

 

An insider’s look at Cayo, Belize
Insights from VISTA Real Estate

 

Tell us what makes Cayo special.

The Cayo District has always been the heartland of Belize, providing a traditional way of life with abundant food and water resources, great weather and beautiful wide-open spaces. It is the largest district in the country and is home to over 90,000 residents of all cultures and ethnicities.

Cayo is the center of Maya culture and contains some of Belize’s most famous caves, waterfalls and natural attractions. It is approximately two hours away from Belize City and contains the very popular twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena. It is also bordered to the West by Guatemala and hosts two of Belize largest Maya sites.

Popular activities within the Cayo District include cave tubing, Maya sites and caves, canoeing, horseback riding, birding, zipline, hiking, camping, waterfalls and much more.

Living expenses in Belize are substantially lower than those of the developed world. While goods and products are often priced relatively higher due to import duties, services are often quite cheaper than in the developed countries. Good healthcare, insurance, legal services and so forth can be found for reasonable prices.

Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world and three of four atolls in the Western Hemisphere. About 42% of Belize’s land is under protected status. Among some of these guarded treasures is the world’s only jaguar reserve (Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary), the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Community Baboon Sanctuary as well as scores of ancient Maya sites and many more protected areas.

 

Please explain the type of housing available in Cayo, Belize, and discuss the return on investment.

Recently in Belize, the housing market has become very diverse in terms of offerings and pricing. Single family detached homes can be found throughout Belize either on small lots or on acreages.

On the islands and beachfront communities, where beachfront land is scarce, condominium projects have been flourishing, ranging from basic accommodations to highly luxurious properties that bring the cache and recognition from major global brands. Recently, vacation rentals have increased in popularity as in other tourist driven markets. These products have also become popular in non-tourist and more commercial markets such as Belize City. This took away from the more traditional offerings that were rented long term.

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Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International Announce Winners of HGTV Ultimate House Hunt 2020

 

Record-setting 1.5+ million votes cast in annual online promotion. –

 

CHICAGO – August 6, 2020 – The winners of the HGTV Ultimate House Hunt 2020 have been announced, based on a record-setting 1.5+ million votes. The popular promotion held annually on HGTV.com features extraordinary real estate listings, with all 89 finalists represented by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and Luxury Portfolio International® members.

For the second year in a row, the Overall Winner was a listing represented by Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, which also took top honors in the Beachfront Homes category. The stunning contemporary residence on the big island of Hawaii blends indoor and outdoor living space, with open walls offering views of the ocean and amenities such as an infinity pool, a hot tub designed to look like a natural hot springs, an outdoor bar, a tropical courtyard, and 300 feet of beachfront access.

Other category winners include Allen Tate Company for Amazing Kitchens; Baird & Warner for Big City Digs; Silver Creek Real Estate Group for Countryside Retreats; Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers for Curb Appeal; Smith & Associates Real Estate for Homes With a History; Pinnacle Estate Properties for Outdoor Escapes; and Premier Estate Properties for Waterside Homes.

In addition to these categories, a special Global Homes gallery featured exceptional homes from 13 countries around the world.

“In our ninth year of working with HGTV.com on the Ultimate House Hunt, we were thrilled with the incredible response. Clearly, HGTV’s audience shares our passion for beautiful homes, and we congratulate our winning members and all of the finalists,” said LeadingRE President/CEO Paul Boomsma.

To view the Ultimate House Hunt winners, visit hgtv.com/ultimatehousehuntwinners.

 

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About Luxury Portfolio International® (LPI)

Luxury Portfolio International® (www.LuxuryPortfolio.com) is the luxury marketing division of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, the largest global network of premier locally branded firms dominated by many of the world’s most powerful, independent luxury brands. Luxury Portfolio attracts a global audience of visitors from over 200 countries/territories every month and markets approximately 50,000 luxury homes annually. Well Connected.™

 

About Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (www.LeadingRE.com) is a selective global community of the highest quality independent residential real estate companies, with over 565 companies and 135,000 sales associates in over 70 countries. Network members generate over 1.1 million transactions annually. LeadingRE exists to make its members better by connecting them to opportunities and people around the globe, supporting them with an international referral network, professional development programs, unique events and connections to people and opportunities worldwide.

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