Philanthropic Giving Expected to Increase in 2008

Charitable giving by the rich is expected to increase this year compared to 2007, according to the
Crown Philanthropic Advisors, a New York firm that sells technology platforms for donor-advised funds.

Crown's survey of donors and advisers showed that the wealthy–those with $2 million or more in investable assets–are unlikely to cut back on charitable giving this year.

Source: Wall Street Journal Wealth Report

Wealthy Consumers Rate LuxuryRealEstate.com Most Prestigious Real Estate Website

High net-worth consumers rated Luxuryrealestate.com the most prestigious real estate website in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey from the independent New York City-based Luxury Institute (www.LuxuryInstitute.com). Weichertcapital.com and Realtor.com rank second and third respectively.

Good News for the Economy: The Pace of the Decline in Luxury Consumer Spending Is Slowing

While affluent consumers continue to conserve their cash and hold back on indulging in luxury extravagances, the decline in luxury consumer spending is likely to be leveling off, according to the latest poll of affluent consumer confidence conducted by Unity Marketing (average income $204,800; age 45 years; and men 36 percent/women 64 percent). To learn more, please click the headline of this blog post.

Sotheby's, Christie's Rated Most Prestigious Real Estate Companies by Luxury Consumers

High net-worth consumers rated Sotheby's International Realty the most prestigious real estate company in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index survey by the Luxury Institute (www.LuxuryInstitute.com). Respondents who would recommend Sotheby's International Realty say they have "high-end properties," "exclusive listings," "great customer service," and an "excellent reputation." Christie's Great Estates was rated a very close second; Corcoran group was rated third.