Extraordinary Living Continues…

About a year ago a truly unique collaboration between the Wall Street Journal and Sotheby’s International Realty was created, linking these two venerable and trusted names together. The concept was to bring a greater awareness of the fine homes represented by Sotheby’s International Realty to the readers of the Wall Street Journal in a savvy and precise web presence within the Wall Street Journal website.  A great deal of research indicated that the individuals visiting the Wall Street Journal website shared many of the traits of our targeted market.  They were “the connoisseurs of life!”  They called the new collaboration: ”The Business of Extraordinary Living.”

This was to be something very different from anything the two companies had done before. Of course another real estate company could still advertise in the Journal but Sotheby’s International Realty would actually have an exclusive ”microsite” linked directly within the real estate section of wsj.com.  There are 35 million visitors per month to wsj.com so this would provide an amazing opportunity to present our fine homes and properties front and center to this highly-targeted market. Our goal was also to increase the awareness of our brand and continue the association of Sotheby’s International Realty with the finer things in life.

During the past year we conducted research with the Wall Street Journal to validate the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts.   Firstly we found that there were almost 29 million impressions delivered in 2009. The average time on the site was 5 minutes, and banner ad click-through rates for this site were three and a half times more effective than industry averages. Of the people who responded to our survey, 76.4% found our site “helpful” while 87.3% found it to be “appealing” and 58.2% had a more favorable opinion of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand after visiting the microsite.

In 2010 visits to the real estate section of wsj.com continue to increase at a rapid pace, where traffic to the real estate page has ballooned by 38%, representing an average of one million individual viewers per month!  Specific statistics show that detailed property views on wsj.com for listings represented by Sotheby’sInternational Realty are up 205%!  This year, we will see an increased exposure of The Business of Extraordinary Living site on wsj.com, delivering 60 million impressions, which is essentially double the exposure that was delivered in 2009.  The microsite has been enhanced to allow for a better engagement with the visitors by providing local content within THE ADDRESS section of the site entitled “Featured Listing”. Demographic related content will be automatically served up to each unique visitor based on their location and behavior. This will result in an increase of authentic, targeted leads being provided to the listings our network represents.

As an extension of our relationship with The Wall Street Journal, we have been able to  negotiate an extremely effective online campaign with TIMES ONLINE, the producers of one of the United Kingdom’s top quality daily and premier Sunday newspapers.  Through a combination of banner ads and featured properties of the week text links, TIMES ONLINE will deliver 1.5 million targeted impressions against an internationally elite audience from Continental Europe, the Middle East, Russia and the Far East. 

By visiting The Business of Extraordinary Living microsite and TIMES ONLINE ,we hope that consumers will enjoy learning more about our unique brand, our network of fine professionals and our commitment of artfully uniting extraordinary homes with extraordinary lives. 

check it out here: http://online.wsj.com/ad/sir 

Signature Sotheby’s International Realty is a part of this incredible association and our clients benefit from the unparalleled exposure their properties receive from these and many other unique partnerships established throughout the world. Maureen and I are truly honored to be a part of this collaboration and feel that our clients could not get this type of coverage with any other brand.

805 Idlewild Way

NEWLY RENOVATED SIESTA KEY WATERFRONT HOME! A fantastic opportunity awaits you for an idyllic island lifestyle. An incredible value, this spacious home offers a brand new open kitchen, recently remodeled with granite counters, stainless appliances and a breakfast bar. The master suite boasts a newly enlarged bath and closet, a large soaking tub and water views. This 3 bedroom, 3 and a half bath home is an open design allowing indoor/outdoor entertaining overlooking the 148 feet of waterfront. The 100 foot dock has a 16,000 pound boat lift and offers access to the beautiful waterways of Sarasota. Other features include a wood burning fireplace, 3 car garage, office, large laundry room, 3M film shield on windows and doors, and a beautiful custom heated swimming pool with waterfall/hot tub surrounded by a Mexican travertine deck. Take advantage of the Siesta Key Village, charming with its restaurants and shops. Walk or bike to sandy, white beaches or enjoy the nearby 10 acre park.

620 Mangrove Point Road – Sold

Riveting Prairie-Modern estate centrally located on the enchanting Siesta Key. Natural Key Stone dramatically frames the custom Cantera doorway and completes the striking facade. Upon entering this magnificent home one is overcome by the expansive space and towering ceilings. Casement windows and sliding glass doors open to the spectacular outdoor living areas, and refreshing pool. A sophisticated use of materials and finishes including, Brazilian cherry wood floors, imported granites and marbles, Italian glass mosaics, and exotic wood tones. Designed for entertaining this grand estate features a whole house sound system, mezzanine level game room with wet bar, summer kitchen, and two guest suites with en-suite baths. A mariner’s paradise located on a deep water canal with seawall, 16,000 pound capacity boat lift, and instant access to the Intercoastal Waterway. Reside in comfort and safety, recently constructed to exceed the current hurricane and coastal zone code requirements.