This is the last post in this series on finding a luxury home. (Part 1, Part 2).

Now that you have given careful consideration to the reasons you are seeking new luxury home, and the amenities and features you desire, it's time to begin your search. Here are my thoughts on how to do this most effectively.  Bear in mind a search for the right luxury home can sometimes take a year,or even longer, if the specifications are especially demanding, due to very limited inventory; or waiting for a particular home to actually come on the market.

• Use a REALTOR - I think this is the smartest thing to do. Luxury homes are unique and the right home or estate may be hard to find if the specs are unusual, or the inventory is limited in the area you wish to live in. A qualified REALTOR will know how to do this. Plus once s/he ascertains exactly what you want, a good agent can send you listings that only meet your criteria, and can also preview properties for your (with additional photos and commentary) so you only go out to look at those that truly are right for you. This is the best approach particularly if you are out of town and only want to make a trip to look at homes once there is a select list that are worth your time. An agent can also help find those properties that may meet your needs but which are not publicly for sale.
• The Internet - if you are inclined, take some time to look at things on the Internet (or have someone do that for you if you are too busy). There are lots of sites that focus on the luxury niche (there are many homes that do NOT get listed publicly). Here are some of the better ones:  DuPont Registry; Sothebys; Christies; Unique Homes; Luxury Real Estate; Unique Global Estates; Dream Homes (California only). Keep in mind that only some of the homes in a particular area will be listed - an agent's access to the MLS will provide a more comprehensive list.
• Real Estate Publications - many of the organizations that have websites listed above also have glitzy magazines showcasing some of the luxury homes. There are also publications that do not have websites, although that is rare. Keep in mind that due to publication timing, some homes that appear in these magazines may no longer be available.
• Newspapers - there are some well known papers that list high-end real estate that may fit your needs (many also have on-line sites and blogs). Check out the NY Times (Sunday real estate section), The Wall Street Journal, The LA Times, The Chicago Tribune, and similar large papers in major cities.

A few other things to keep in mind. Get your financials in order - either get pre-approved (if you are considering financing a portion of the purchase for tax purposes) or be able to document your ability to pay cash (a letter from your bank, etc.). It is not unusual for the sellers, and agents, of very high-end end homes to request documentation of financial ability before a tour of the home may be granted (typically this will be homes in the $8 - $10 million range and beyond, but will depend on seller and agent preference).

If it is important that you remain anonymous as the buyer (in the case of celebrity status, great wealth, or other personal reasons), you should discuss this with your REALTOR, and perhaps consider using a family representative to look at homes during the selection process. It is possible that in some cases a well-known, famous, or celebrity name, if public, can hurt the chances of a fair negotiation for you.

Good luck! And please don't hesitate to request my assistance if I can help in any way, or provide further information.

If you are interested in seeing a sampling of high-end homes here in San Diego, let me know your price range and general requirements and I will email you the properties that meet your criteria.