Category Archives: Real Estate

Large Japanese property corporation entered the Australian & NZ serviced Apartments/accommodation Industry

February 2, 2017 EPR Network Leave a comment

JAPANESE RENTAL HOUSING MANAGEMENT COMPANY BUYS WALDORF SERVICED APARTMENTS

Sydney, Australia, 2017-Feb-02 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — Daiwa Living Management Co. Ltd (DLM), one of the largest Rental Housing management companies together with Cosmos Initia Co, Ltd (CI), a Residential Developer in Japan, have jointly purchased 75% of Waldorf Australia and New Zealand Group.

Waldorf is a privately owned company which commenced operations in Sydney in 1982. Since then, the business has grown to more than 1,500 apartments and operates in Sydney, Central Coast, Canberra, Leura, Geraldton, Perth and Auckland.

Waldorf is currently one of the largest Serviced Apartment operators in Australasia. DLM manages approximately 500,000 rental housing properties across Japan.

The Serviced Apartment business has undergone significant transformation in Australasia in recent years with almost all leading operators entering into ‘Joint Ventures’ with international operators.

DLM and CI are subsidiary companies of Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd, the largest publically listed Construction and Development Company in Japan.

“The sale to DLM Group will bring forward our plans to further improve services and allow the business to expand significantly in the coming years.” said the Waldorf Group founding Director and CEO, Avi Rubinstein. He added that “We expect to grow our business to more than 5,000 apartments in time and this will greatly enhance our brand awareness and increase our competitiveness.”

“Serviced Apartments are an attractive alternative to Hotels as they offer spacious, high quality self -contained accommodation at reasonable prices and they are becoming increasingly attractive to domestic and international tourists as well as to the corporate traveller.” Mr Rubinstein said.

DLM has been seeking an opportunity to enter the Australasian market and is excited about the Waldorf acquisition. Waldorf is a well-established and successful business which is ‘scalable’ and presents DLM with an ideal platform to grow across many sub markets in both Australia and New Zealand.

The existing owners of Waldorf will continue their involvement in the business as Directors and their main focus will be to acquiring new properties for the newly enhanced group.

ENDS

For further clarification, please contact Avi Rubinstein at webmaster@waldorf.com.au

Contact-Details:
Avi Rubinstein, Waldorf Australia & NZ Group
110 James Ruse Drive,Rosehill, NSW 2142
Tel 02 88378000
www.waldorf.com.au

Business, Construction, Real Estate

Richman Signature Properties and Laurel & Wolf Unveil 2017 Trends for Apartment Interior Design

February 2, 2017 staronepr Leave a comment

Designed Model Homes at Aurora in Tampa and Parc at White Rock in Dallas Offer Glimpse Into Trends, Including Individualism, Simplicity, Refuge From Tech.

Greenwich, CT, USA — Today’s millennials and Gen Xers are forgoing home ownership and flocking toward apartment rentals in record numbers. And while they’re doing so by choice to maintain their flexible lifestyles in live-work-play environments, they are not willing to sacrifice on style. Historically, apartment communities have shied away from allowing residents to individualize their apartments through painting and other customizations, but Richman Signature Properties (http://www.richmansignature.com), a leader in luxury rental communities with properties throughout the U.S., is doing just the opposite. In fact, the company has teamed up with leading online interior design service Laurel & Wolf (http://www.laurelandwolf.com) to create chic interior design options curated specifically for this demographic.

“We’ve worked with Laurel & Wolf designers to uncover the top trends for apartments that feel like forever homes. It’s all part of our mission to reimagine what rental living looks like for our residents. A major differentiator of our communities is the design flexibility each property offers, not typically found in other apartment communities that have stringent rules for decorating,” said Kristen Gucwa, vice president of marketing for Richman Signature Properties. “Our partnership with Laurel & Wolf is a testament to our commitment to give our residents the opportunity to express individuality through on trend, in demand home design.”

Beyond the design insights, Richman Signature Properties is making the stylish décor options a reality for its residents. Upon moving into one of its luxury communities, residents at all Richman Signature Properties may choose to Live Prettier with a complimentary Laurel & Wolf Signature Design package (http://www.laurelandwolf.com/pricing), customized to complement residents’ individual tastes, lifestyle and budget. The service connects residents to work one-on-one with a designer entirely online.

To demonstrate the trends and showcase to future residents the stylish possibilities for their new home, Laurel & Wolf has created an entirely furnished look for Richman Signature Properties’ newly completed model homes at Aurora in Downtown Tampa and Parc at White Rock in Dallas.

Following are the top apartment interior design trends for 2017 from Richman Signature Properties and Laurel & Wolf, which can be implemented into any apartment home that needs a refresh.

A Shift in Bedroom Space
With an increase in the use of technology and the bustle of everyday life, renters are feeling the need to make bedrooms a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Millennials and Gen Xers are moving their home offices and TVs out of the bedroom, and shifting to calming colors and monochromatic palettes. Additionally, articulating sconces are taking the place of traditional table lamps in the bedroom. They offer a more direct source of light, creating more peace in the space, and can be ideal for young professionals and couples with differing bed times.

Maximizing Style with Curated Colors
Millennial and Gen X renters are taking a page out of the history books and looking toward more classical color palettes for their homes. This year, we’ll see a rise in popularity of pairing rich pigmented tones in dusty blues and grays with hunter green and wheat accents. Warm, calming colors will be complemented by natural textures to further tie to the need for home sanctuary.

Simplicity and Originality is a Must
When it comes to millennial renters, the big trend is ‘less is more.’ There’s a desire to streamline spaces – to be uncluttered and less fussy than traditional design. For the pieces they do choose, millennials are open to spending a little more money if it makes their room stand out, especially from their friends.

In addition to simplicity, there is a renewed interest in original furniture pieces and mixing design styles to create a one-of-a-kind, simple yet eclectic look. Driven by the desire to be unique, we can expect millennials to purchase more antiques, vintage and one-off pieces over the mass-produced furniture makers.

Going Green (In Moderation)
Recently, Pantone released its 2017 color of the year: Greenery. Greenery is bright, lush and ideal for residents who want to bring that outdoor feel into their homes. While renters may feel more comfortable sticking with neutrals for wall colors, we’ll see a rise in modern takes on plants, e.g., lush terrariums to add a splash of greenery in the home, similar to the living room model found in Richman Signature Properties’ Parc at White Rock in Dallas.

“Today, millennials desire more than just a space to call home, they want to live in a place that showcases their unique tastes and draws upon their life experiences,” said Leura Fine, CEO and founder of Laurel & Wolf. “So, through our partnership with Richman Signature Properties, we are proud to be able to provide residents the opportunity to create a space that truly reflects their wants and needs – a place that celebrates their individual style.”

In addition to the online interior designers, Richman Signature Properties’ collaboration with Laurel & Wolf provides residents with expert insights on interior design trends and a collection of on-trend paint colors selected exclusively for Richman Signature Properties’ to help residents create one-of-a-kind living spaces.

Parc at White Rock in Dallas and Aurora in Tampa are part of the fast-growing upscale collection of Richman Signature Properties including The Sedona, Grady Square, and The Epic at Gateway Centre in Florida’s Greater Tampa Bay area, and Azura, Palm Ranch and Portico in South Florida. Additional upcoming communities include Infinity LoHi in Denver, Library Tower and F11 in San Diego, Sage at Cerritos in the Los Angeles area and Biscayne 27 in Miami.

Visit RichmanSignature.com and discover luxury rental communities in top markets across the U.S. Join the conversation on social media @LiveatSignature.

About Richman Signature Properties
With more than 30 years of experience in development, construction, asset management and property management and operations in 49 states, The Richman Group recently debuted a new division of the firm, Richman Signature Properties. With the portfolio of luxury apartment residences, they reimagine rental living with an emphasis on individuality, social connectivity, preferred signature amenities and an accommodating resident-focused culture dedicated to elevating renters’ lifestyles. Richman Signature Properties currently has properties in Florida, California, Texas, and Colorado and plans to continue to grow its portfolio across the U.S. Together, The Richman Group has developed nearly 20,000 residential units and owned or asset managed over 100,000 units. For more information, visit http://www.richmansignature.com.

About Laurel & Wolf
Laurel & Wolf is the leading online interior design service that allows you to connect and collaborate with a professional interior designer to create your perfect space. Founded in 2014 by professional interior designer turned entrepreneur, Leura Fine, Laurel & Wolf is transforming the way people live through the power of great design. For more information, please visit http://www.laurelandwolf.com and follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest @laurelandwolf.

Media Contacts:
Sloane Fistel
rbb Communications for Richman Signature Properties
305-249-1171
sloane.fistel@rbbcommunications.com

Jamie Glushon
Laurel & Wolf
310.734.7950
jamie@laurelandwolf.com

Construction, Energy, Environment, Non-Profit, Real Estate

The Rose receives 2016 Jack Kemp Excellence in Affordable and Workforce Housing Award from the Urban Land Institute

November 4, 2016 EPR Network Leave a comment

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 2016-Nov-04 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — PLACE is pleased to announce that The Rose and three sister developments at Portland and Franklin Avenues (South Quarter) in Minneapolis were selected by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Terwilliger Center for Housing as the winner of the 2016 Jack Kemp Excellence in Affordable and Workforce Housing Award. This annual award honors developments that ensure housing affordability for people with a range of incomes. Representing the completion of South Quarter, The Rose offers 43 market rate apartments and 47 income-restricted affordable apartments in profoundly sustainable buildings that have neither furnaces nor conventional air conditioning equipment.

In 2010, affordable housing developer Aeon, in partnership with Hope Community, selected PLACE by competition to add specialized development consultant capacity as Sustainability Champion for the last phase of South Quarter. Aeon wanted the final buildings to be the best performing buildings of their kind in the country, on an affordable housing budget. A 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to public benefit, PLACE provided disruptive environmental design analysis, assisted in assembling and facilitating a world-class collaborative design and construction team, deepened community engagement, and refined financial modeling in furtherance of creating high-performance, healthy buildings for Aeon’s residents.

Minneapolis has the harshest climate of any large city in America. The biggest challenge for PLACE was to ensure that the team could deliver a building envelope capable of keeping residents cool in a scorching summer with high humidity and a frigid winter with temperatures plunging to minus thirty degrees Fahrenheit. Buildings in the U.S. are built each day to standards that cause them to consume 70% of America’s primary energy, with 52% of that energy going to heating and cooling. The Rose is 75% more energy efficient than local standards require, which also deepens affordability for residents; it represents PLACE’s most cutting edge restorative development work to date.

“This project is on the leading edge of workforce housing development and preservation,” said J. Ronald Terwilliger, chairman of Terwilliger Pappas Multifamily Partners in Atlanta. “It has it all—mixed-income housing, environmental sustainability, long-term affordability, and long-term financing.”

“The efforts of Aeon and Hope Community, with their many public and private sector partners, prove that previously disinvested communities can point the way forward for mixed-income, environmentally sustainable redevelopment in our cities,” said Stockton Williams, executive director of the ULI Terwilliger Center.

PRESS CONTACT

Chris Velasco
Executive Director
PLACE
100 Portland Avenue South
Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 309-3889
www.welcometoplace.org

Advertising, Internet & Online, Marketing, Real Estate

Real Estate Lead Partner Moves Headquarters To Nashville TN

October 10, 2016 EPR Network Leave a comment

Nashville, TN, 2016-Oct-10 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — Real Estate Lead Partner (www.realestateleadpartner.com) has made the decision to move their sales headquarters to Nashville, TN.

Real Estate Lead Partner is a sales and marketing company that uses social media to help real estate and mortgage brokers get qualified leads for their agents.

Utilizing a customized approach with Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo and other popular social media sites Real Estate Lead Partner can develop an individual affordable marketing budget that delivers guaranteed results.

Realestateleadpartner.com drives traffic back to tailored made landing pages that convert visitors into leads with conversions as high as 21.7%. Leads are then nurtured with proven drip email and SMS marketing follow up campaigns managed through an individual CRM (Contact Management System)

If you would like to receive a personalized quote for a real estate lead generation within your budget visit them online at www.realestateleadpartner.com or call 615-237-5524 and speak to an regional account executive today.

Press contact:

Jason Brockman
Real Estate Lead Partner
402 BNA Drive BLD 100 Ste 410
Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 237-5524

Business, Construction, Real Estate

Richman Signature Properties Announces Two Properties Will Open in Tampa Bay Area This Fall

October 8, 2016 staronepr Leave a comment

New Westshore and Downtown Tampa apartment communities offer amenities designed for flexibility, style and social connectivity.

Tampa, FL, USA — Richman Signature Properties (http://www.richmansignature.com), a leader in luxury apartment communities, announces two new properties opening this fall that are reimagining rental living in the Tampa Bay area. Aurora in Downtown Tampa is set to welcome its first residents in mid-October, and Grady Square in Westshore will open in December.

“Today’s home hunters place a high value on convenience, flexibility and social connectivity, and are increasingly attracted to rental options that offer amenities to match,” said Todd Fabbri, president of The Richman Group of Florida. “From the custom art we’ve installed on the exterior of Aurora to the welcome gifts each resident receives to help enhance their lifestyles, every detail of these new communities was envisioned to meet the needs of today’s savvy Tampa resident.”

Located at 124 South Morgan St. in Tampa, the 351-unit Aurora (http://www.richmansignature.com/florida/tampa-bay-area/aurora) offers 15 floor plan options including chic urban lofts, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences ranging in size from 577 to 1,666 square feet. Aurora is nestled in the heart of Downtown Tampa within blocks of the Tampa River Arts District, Amalie Arena, Channelside Entertainment District, University of Tampa and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Preferred amenities include on-demand fitness classes and a yoga/spin studio within a fully equipped fitness center, a tranquil zen garden, electric car charging stations, bark park, BBQ grills and pavilion, and a resort-style pool with sun deck, private cabanas and spa. Additionally, Aurora is the first Richman Signature community to feature a custom-designed art installation on its exterior that enhances the Downtown Tampa skyline and adds to the property’s unique elements.

Located at 2615 North Grady Ave. in the Westshore area of Tampa, the 300-unit Grady Square (http://www.richmansignature.com/florida/tampa-bay-area/grady-square) offers a live-work-play lifestyle in the heart of the booming business district near more than 200 specialty stores and restaurants, Raymond James Stadium where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play and George M. Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees. Distinctive floor plans for urban lofts, one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments range in size from 574 to 1,628 square feet, all with elevator service. Grady Square delivers preferred signature amenities to elevate residents’ lifestyles, including a zen meditation room with juice bar, enclosed bark park with pet spa, state-of-the-art fitness center with a yoga/spin studio, a fireside lounge with coffee bar, electric car changing stations and business center. At the center of the community, residents will find a tropical swimming pool with a separate hotel-inspired, two-level clubhouse. Grady Square also features a relaxing waterfront with lush grounds and walking paths.

Richman Signature Properties builds communities in carefully chosen locations that cultivate live-work-play environments and enhance the roster of preferred amenities delivered to residents. Each community offers residents a variety of comfortable floor plans and upscale design options to accommodate residents’ needs along with resort-style amenities and a resident-focused culture that encourages individuality and social connectivity.

All residents can take advantage of partnerships with like-minded lifestyle brands to help them Live Easier, Live Healthier or Live Prettier with complimentary memberships to Shipt, Fitbit fitness gear and interior design services from Laurel & Wolf.

Additionally, Tampa’s Richman Signature residents enjoy exclusive perks with local brands. Located across the street from Grady Square, Neiman Marcus Tampa Bay will offer residents of both properties access to VIP events and programs including the Big Night Out Makeover, invites to launch parties and special offers. Nearby restaurants like Yeoman’s Cask and Lion also offer residents special promotions like special happy hours, a signature “Aurora” cocktail and doorstep delivery exclusively for Aurora residents.

Aurora and Grady Square join the fast-growing upscale collection of Richman Signature Properties in Florida, which includes the following opened properties: The Sedona in Tampa’s Westchase community; The Epic at Gateway Centre in St. Petersburg; Palm Ranch in Davie; and Azura in Miami’s Kendall area. Other Richman Signature Properties slated to open this year include Portico in Sunrise near the famous Sawgrass Mills Mall and The Parc at White Rock in Dallas. Additional upcoming communities include Infinity LoHi in Denver, Library Tower and F11 in San Diego, Sage at Cerritos in the Los Angeles area and Biscayne 27 in Miami.

Visit RichmanSignature.com and discover luxury rental communities in top markets across the U.S. Join the conversation on social media @LiveatSignature.

Media Contact:
Ana Marquez
rbb Communications
305-967-6668
ana.marquez@rbbcommunications.com

Business, Construction, Real Estate

Richman Signature Properties Announces Two Property Openings in South Florida This Fall

September 12, 2016 staronepr Leave a comment

New amenity-rich apartment communities in Kendall and Sunrise cater to today’s millennials and Gen Xers seeking flexibility that fits their lifestyles.

Miami, FL, USA — Richman Signature Properties (http://www.richmansignature.com), a leader in luxury apartment communities, announces fall openings for two new properties that are reimagining rental living in South Florida. Azura in Kendall is set to welcome its first residents on Sept. 1, and Portico in Sunrise will open Nov. 1.

“We’re confident about the growth in the South Florida market with a noticeable increase in apartment hunters choosing to rent versus buy,” said Todd Fabbri, president of The Richman Group of Florida. “Today’s savvy home hunter values convenience, flexibility and the freedom to display their individuality. At properties like Azura and Portico, we’re revolutionizing what it means to rent with amenities that match the lifestyles of value-driven millennials and Gen Xers.”

Located at 1955 NW 136th Ave. in Sunrise, the 417-unit Portico (http://www.richmansignature.com/florida/fort-lauderdale-area/portico) offers residents a prime suburban setting within walking distance or close proximity to several office parks, dining options, Sawgrass Mills Mall and The BB&T Center, home of the Florida Panthers and a popular venue for major concerts. The new community offers chic urban lofts, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, ranging in size from 662 to 1,430 square feet. Preferred amenities include a meditation room, on-demand fitness classes within a fully equipped fitness center, electric car charging stations, numerous courtyards, bark park, BBQ grills and fire pit, and a stunning resort-style pool deck overlooking the lakeside walking path and kayak boat launch, allowing residents to truly enjoy the outdoors.

Located at 12755 SW 136th St. in Kendall, a suburban neighborhood of Miami, the 240-unit Azura (http://www.richmansignature.com/florida/fort-lauderdale-area/azura) is just minutes from the Florida Turnpike and near an abundance of dining and shopping venues. Distinctive floor plans for one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments range in size from 732 to 1,358 square feet. Comprised of eight, three-story buildings, Azura delivers preferred signature amenities to elevate residents’ lifestyles, including a state-of-the-art fitness center with a yoga/spin studio, a fireside lounge with coffee bar, poolside cabanas, a business center and an enclosed bark park. At the center of the community, residents will find two lush courtyards and a swimming pool with a separate 6,683-square-foot, two-level clubhouse.

Azura and Portico join the fast-growing upscale collection of Richman Signature Properties in Florida, which includes the following opened properties: The Sedona in Tampa’s Westchase community; The Epic at Gateway Centre in St. Petersburg; and Palm Ranch in Davie. Other Richman Signature Properties slated to open this year include Grady Square in Tampa’s Westshore area, Aurora in Downtown Tampa and The Parc at White Rock in Dallas. Additional upcoming communities include Infinity LoHi in Denver, Library Tower and F11 in San Diego, Sage at Cerritos in the Los Angeles area and Biscayne 27 in Miami.

Visit RichmanSignature.com and discover luxury rental communities in top markets across the U.S. Join the conversation on social media @LiveatSignature.

Media Contact:
Ana Marquez, rbb Communications
305-967-6668
ana.marquez@rbbcommunications.com

Construction, Consumer Services, Real Estate

Roof Crafters Gives Away New Roof

June 22, 2016 EPR Network Leave a comment

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 2016-Jun-22 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — After Roof Crafters gives away new roof, Mid-city homeowner Yolanda White was delighted to hear her leaking roof would get fixed when a team of volunteers from Tulsa, Ok. came to town. Then the news got better.

After Roof Crafters gives away new roof, Mid-city homeowner Yolanda White was delighted to hear her leaking roof would get fixed when a team of volunteers from Tulsa, Ok. came to town. Then the news got better.

The project at White’s house changed when Vaughn, an Owens-Corning Platinum Contractor, contacted Magee, another Platinum Preferred installer with Owens Corning, to see if Magee had a “backup crew” available in case inclement weather or other difficulties forced the Tulsa team to return home before the project was complete. Being community minded Roof Crafters gives away new roof by providing all the labor to install the roofing system.

“[Magee] said, ‘Hey, I’ve got a crew that will do the whole thing,’” Vaughn said. Materials were donated by ABC Supply, a nationwide supplier.

White’s one-story home was elevated after the storm, but the roof was not replaced at the time. White has lived in the 50-year old house for 15 years.

Team coordinator Dr. Amy Emerson said the team wanted to help White because she gives so much to others.

“She is an incredible lady who uses her vacation time each year to cook two hot meals for children in the Hollygrove neighborhood, who attend a week-long summer camp,” Emerson said. “It’s fun to see all kinds of people come together to do this project.”

Other activities held in conjunction with the team’s visit included a “Pete the Cat” literacy event, based on the popular children’s series books by Eric Litwin. Free books were provided for children that attended. The churches are co-led by ministers Charles Marsalis and Kirk Garrison.

While the long-standing partnership with the Oklahoma team has made them “family,” White said the focus of the week was on the children and not the adults workers. “Even though it’s just for a few days, the children are getting something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”

Marilyn Stewart writes about people and events of the faith community in Orleans Parish. Send information three weeks in advance to marilynstewart.nola@gmail.com.

Contact-Details:

Roof Crafters LLC,
Chuck Magee,
18021 N. Service Road I12 Hammond, LA
70403 225-667-1189,
http://theroofcrafters.com,
888-846-1558
chuck@theroofcrafters.com

Business, Real Estate

Joe Robaina is Awarded the First Ever Military Residential Specialist Certification in Miami-Dade County

January 30, 2016 staronepr Leave a comment

The Platinum Worldwide Group at the Keller Williams Realty Coral Gables – Coconut Grove market center announced today that Joe Robaina is awarded the first ever Military Residential Specialist certification awarded in Miami-Dade county specifically to better assist Veterans, as well as active service members and their families.

Coral Gables, FL, USA — The Platinum Worldwide Group is a real estate team at the Keller Williams Realty Coral Gables – Coconut Grove market center in the greater Miami area and they announced today that Joe Robaina, a broker-associate and the team’s leader, has been awarded the Military Residential Specialist certification after completing the first course offered for that purpose in Miami-Dade county.

The Military residential Specialist website (gomilres.com) describes the program as follows:

“The Military Residential Specialist (MilRES) Program offers real estate professionals the opportunity to help ‘military’ clients and their families while growing their own business in this important but under-served market segment.”

“MilRES® was founded in 2010 by nationally known speaker Buddy West. After two years of researching the subject, traveling to military installations and interviewing military officers and enlisted service members, veterans, their families, Congressman and heads of the Veteran’s administration, the MilRES® team was ready with an outline and plan to develop the class. This class was not written by a ‘class writer or developer,’ but from content from the military for Realtors® to serve the military.”

Here is a link to a YouTube video by congressman John Carney on this subject: https://youtu.be/8fhC5jqMR2I

Mr. Robaina had this to say about his reasons for seeking out this certification:

“As a professional real estate adviser, I am always looking for ways to increase my knowledge and ability to help those who rely on my and my team for real estate advice and services. However, in this case, I was especially keen to the opportunity to become better equipped to serve the special needs of Veterans, active and retired military personnel because I feel a debt to them and their families for the sacrifices they all make to serve and protect us.”

Mr. Robaina is currently preparing a series of seminars and webinars designed to inform the South Florida community about the needs and many programs available specifically for Veterans, active and retired members of the military, as well as the National Guard, Reserves, Coast Guard, Fires, Police and other branches of government service personnel line the FBI and CIA through his affiliation with the “Heroes” program which provides additional financial benefits through reimbursement of real estate commissions and reduced fee or no-fee programs offered by affiliated mortgage providers, and other service providers.

Anyone interested in participating or attending one of these presentations or simply learning more about any of these programs can contact Mr. Robaina by visiting his website: http://www.platinumworldwidegroup.com.

Media Contact:
Joe Robaina
Platinum Worldwide Group at Keller Williams Realty
1-306-785-0460
http://www.platinumworldwidegroup.com

Construction, Environment, Non-Profit, Real Estate

The Metropolitan Council approves a $2M grant to fund a landmark, transit-oriented development in the heart of St. Louis Park, Minnesota

December 11, 2015 EPR Network Leave a comment

St. Louis Park, MN, December 11, 2015 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — On December 9, 2015 and after overwhelming enthusiasm and support from a rigorous application and vetting process, the Metropolitan Council approved funding for PLACE’s St. Louis Park Community. The Council approved 2 million dollars in funding from its Livable Communities Account for a Transit-Oriented Development (LCA-TOD) grant after the proposed project demonstrated a breakthrough approach to meeting housing and economic development needs in the Twin Cities. The funds will be used to help secure site acquisition at the former McGarvey Coffee property, pioneer alternative energy sources, and integrate stormwater improvement with infrastructure like green roofs and an urban forest.

A nonprofit called PLACE (Projects Linking Art, Community, and Environment) heads up the community endeavor in concert with the City of St. Louis Park, fellow eco-minded and socially conscious companies like Allianz Life, Stantec, Shaw-Lundquist, Lindquist & Vennum, MSR, LIFT, and Rachel Contracting that have invested in the project, other private partners, and public collaborators like Hennepin County. The community will elevate affordable living, design, and artistic culture in the city and will be located near the expected Green Line extension (Southwest Light Rail) Wooddale Station. The development’s potential positive impact is staggering, with healthy homes for 300 households across the income spectrum supported by a mobility hub, urban agriculture, live and work spaces, a hotel, and a renewable energy generation system that consumes food waste created by its inhabitants and surrounding neighbors.

Chris Velasco, PLACE’s Executive Director, observed, “I think this project will be of national significance for communities that want to effectively leverage their scarce resources.”

Ryan Kelley, City of St. Louis Park Planner, says, “The City of St. Louis Park is extremely proud to be the co-recipient with PLACE of the Met Council’s largest transit oriented development grant for a new sustainable community of regional significance.”

“PLACE is an excellent project, for the city and the region. Turning vacant, unused property into a community space with alternative energy features, that is connected to other uses, like transit, is just the kind of investment the Council wants to make toward a livable communities and a prosperous region” – Erin Heelan, TOD Grants Coordinator, Metropolitan Council Livable Communities.

Executive Director Velasco thanks the Metropolitan Council for its confidence and support on behalf of the entire team and the residents of St. Louis Park.

MEDIA CONTACT

Peter Sieve (612) 326-0409 pete@welcometoplace.org
Elizabeth Bowling (612) 326-0399 elizabeth@welcometoplace.org

www.welcometoplace.org

Business, Real Estate

San Francisco Federal Credit Union Introduces 100% Home Financing with POPPYLOAN™

December 10, 2015 staronepr Leave a comment

New Mortgage Now Available for San Franciscans Who Can’t Make a Down Payment in Skyrocketing Bay Area Housing Market.

San Francisco, CA, USA (December 10, 2015) — San Francisco Federal Credit Union today announced the availability of a new home purchase loan option for San Franciscans struggling with Bay Area housing prices. The POPPYLOAN™ mortgage offers up to 100 percent home financing with the possibility of zero down payment required for credit union members seeking to buy a new home.

POPPYLOAN was created in response to skyrocketing home prices throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Many San Franciscans are paying more than the average mortgage payment in rent every month, but they cannot buy a home because they cannot save enough for the 20 percent down payment required for a conventional mortgage. To help fellow San Franciscans make their dream home a reality, San Francisco Federal Credit Union created the Proud Ownership Purchase Program for You – POPPYLOAN.

POPPYLOAN is available to anyone who works in San Francisco or San Mateo Counties and can be used to purchase a home anywhere in the nine Bay Area Counties: San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, or Solano. Qualified borrowers can finance up to 100 percent of the purchase price of a home, up to $2 million. There is no added requirement for private mortgage insurance (PMI).

“We see POPPYLOAN as a game-changer for the San Francisco real estate market,” said Rebecca Reynolds Lytle, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for San Francisco Federal Credit Union. “Too many of our members have given up hope of buying a home because of escalating home prices and the required down payment. However, these same families are paying more than a mortgage payment for monthly rent. Paying $3,600 for a one-bedroom apartment is about the same as making a monthly payment on an $800,000 mortgage. We created POPPYLOAN to help middle class families realize their dream of buying a home without having to move out of the Bay Area.”

To qualify for POPPYLOAN, borrowers must be 18 years or older and purchasing a single family home, townhouse, condominium, or 2-to-4 unit multi-family dwelling as their primary residence. POPPYLOAN is structured as a 5/5 adjustable rate, 30-year mortgage. Interest rates and monthly payments are fixed for the first five years and every five years thereafter, with no more than a 2 percent increase every five years and no more than a 6 percent increase over the life of the loan. POPPYLOAN is not available for refinancing an existing mortgage.

“The rising cost of real estate is creating a housing crisis in San Francisco, and while POPPYLOAN isn’t a solution for everybody, we want to do what we can for our friends and neighbors,” said Steven Stapp, President and CEO of San Francisco Federal Credit Union. “We studied the problem and realized that there was no reason our credit union couldn’t offer up to 100 percent financing without requiring PMI. Other credit unions have had success with similar programs and we built POPPYLOAN as the best possible solution we could offer to our members.”

For more information, visit San Francisco Federal Credit Union at http://www.sanfranciscofcu.com.

About San Francisco Federal Credit Union
San Francisco Federal Credit Union has been serving San Francisco since 1954. Today, anyone who lives, works, or attends school in San Francisco and San Mateo Counties may apply for membership. We currently serve more than 37,000 members. San Francisco Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration and is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 416906.

Contact:
Elaine Lee
Marketing Supervisor
San Francisco Federal Credit Union
P: 415-615-7099 F: 415-447-2259
elaine_lee@sanfranciscofcu.com

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