BROWARD MASTER BROKERS FORUM EXPANDS ITS HORIZONS WITH PANEL DISCUSSION AND DINNER SPONSORED BY PALMERA DE CABARETE RESORT & SPA
Top Real Estate Agents Discuss Exciting Second-Home Markets in the Dominican Republic and Caribbean
Fort Laudedale, Florida (May 20, 2009) - The Broward Master Brokers Forum (MBF), an organization comprised of South Florida's top residential real estate agents, recently held a dinner and panel discussion entitled "Expanding Our Horizons: Selling Overseas". This event was sponsored by Palmera de Cabarete (the first five-star resort and spa to be developed in Cabarete on the north shore of the Dominican Republic) at the historic Lauderdale Yacht Club.
Upon entering the Yacht Club, Master Brokers were treated to entertainment, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres on the club's lovely pavilion. Carolyn Block Ellert, Broward MBF chair, began the formal program by thanking the guests and sponsors for their participation, and briefly discussed the opportunities that exist for local real estate agents in overseas markets; particularly in the Caribbean. She then introduced Nancy Harrison, director of marketing for Palmera de Cabarete, and Dean Parsons, the project's director of sales, for a presentation about Palmera de Cabarete and its exceptional locale on the Dominican Republic. Once completed in 2011, the magnificent $200 million project will be situated on 19.5 beachfront acres in Cabarete, on the north shore of the Dominican Republic. Palmera de Cabarete enjoys 1,000 feet of private shoreline, part of one of the longest expanses of uninterrupted beach in the Caribbean.
A thought-provoking panel discussion followed, moderated by Mark Lunt, director of the Ernst & Young Miami office's Hospitality Group. The panelists were Jesse Keenan, senior associate with the Adorno & Yoss Development Group, and Darren Law, president and CEO of Palmera de Cabarete. Master Brokers were educated about the rising popularity of the Dominican Republic, the government's efforts to promote tourism and development, and critical details about conducting real estate transactions in that nation and others in the Caribbean.
"With an extraordinary sponsor, a fabulous venue, and a brilliant panel discussion, this was one the finest Forum Dinners in the history of our chapter," said Carolyn Block Ellert, chair of the Broward MBF. "Our members look to these panel discussions for valuable, cutting-edge information they can't find anywhere else, and this one certainly delivered."
About Palmera de Cabarete Resort & Spa
The Caribbean's adventure sports capital will get its first luxury resort with the 2011 opening of Palmera de Cabarete Resort & Spa, located on 19.5 beachfront acres in Cabarete, on the north shore of the Dominican Republic. Valued at more than $200 million dollars, Palmera de Cabarete has attracted a prestigious team of designers and hospitality professionals whose pedigree includes Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos and The Regent Palms in the Turks and Caicos. Palmera de Cabarete enjoys 1,000 feet of private shoreline, part of one of the longest expanses of uninterrupted beach in the Caribbean. Plans feature 138 two-, three- and four-bedroom exquisitely appointed designer suites, sized from 2,000 to more than 4,500 square feet and available for purchase.
Cabarete, the acknowledged "adventure sports capital of the Caribbean," offers world-class windsurfing, kitesurfing, mountain biking, hiking, canyoning and whitewater rafting. Just a few hours by air from major North American cities, the ease and availability of direct flights adds to Cabarete's appeal. The authentic beach village of Cabarete exudes a strong sense of place. Beachside restaurants and clubs are the stage for a vibrant nightlife with dancing late into the night. An international mix of visitors and residents join in soaking up the local flavor, and English is widely spoken everywhere. Cabarete promises to be the next Caribbean "hot" spot and the north shore, an emerging upscale destination with brands such as Aman, Nikki Beach, and Buddha Bar Resort staking their flag. The government has promised $1 billion over the next five years for infrastructure improvements along the north coast and Cabarete in particular. For more information visit www.palmera-dr.com.
About the Master Brokers Forum
Established in 1993, the Master Brokers Forum is a unique organization comprised of South Florida's top residential real estate professionals. The MBF provides its members with the opportunity to network and exchange ideas, stay at the cutting edge of the real estate industry and new products, and spearhead the identity of the best of real estate professionalism. Membership is limited to the region's most successful real estate professionals, and is by invitation only. The Broward MBF is generously sponsored by Wachovia. For more information, visit www.masterbrokersforum.com.
