Another Major Developer Teams Up With Condo.com — Elad National Properties Now Featured on the World’s Largest Condo Marketplace

Condo.com (www.condo.com), the World’s Largest Condo Marketplace, will feature seven major condominium developments from Elad National Properties on its website that focuses on showcasing condominiums for sale and for rent. Condo.com attracts over a million visitors monthly that will now be able to view unique residences by Elad in locations throughout Florida, Georgia and Maryland.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) October 22, 2008 — Condo.com (www.condo.com), the World’s Largest Condo Marketplace, will feature seven major condominium developments from Elad National Properties on its website that focuses on showcasing condominiums for sale and for rent. Condo.com attracts over a million visitors monthly that will now be able to view unique residences by Elad in locations throughout Florida, Georgia and Maryland.

“We welcome the opportunity to feature Elad National Properties on Condo.com and support them by providing them access to our community of over 1 million visitors searching our site monthly for condominiums for sale or rent,” said Condo.com CEO Richard Swerdlow. “Condo.com is the perfect vehicle to market and sell Elad Properties like Madison Square at Dunwoody, Mizner on the Green, and The Fitz at Rockville Place to name a few of the developments being featured. Visitors can view and compare amenities offered, read what other residents say through our ‘Resident Review’ function and even speak to a building and/or area expert,” Swerdlow added.

“Condo.com is an integral part of our marketing efforts for seven properties we are featuring on this powerful advertising vehicle. As the world’s largest condo marketplace, Condo.com offers the tools and features and more importantly the audience for us to reach potential buyers so they can get the information they need to make a decision on buying or renting one of our condominium properties.    Condo.com is an excellent partner for Elad and we look forward to a prosperous relationship,” stated Rami Rosen, Vice President of Marketing & Sales for Elad National Properties LLC.

Elad National Properties joins thousands of condo projects listed on Condo.com from 70 countries around the world and adds to the over 700,000 condominiums listed for-sale and for-rent on the site. Condo.com is the most comprehensive resource for condos on the web and enables users to search for condominiums based on location, price, developer and type of condo property.

About Condo.com
Condo.com (http://www.condo.com) is the world’s largest condominium marketplace with over 700,000 listings valued in excess of $180 billion. The site receives over 1 million visitors monthly and is dedicated to the evolution and prosperity of the condominium real estate market. Condo.com improves and simplifies the way people buy, rent, sell, manage, market and enjoy the condo lifestyle. Condo.com lists condominiums for sale and for rent in the United States and 70+ countries around the world. The Company cost-effectively delivers exposure and qualified leads to developers, brokers and owners through the seamless distribution of its listings to a global network of real estate websites visited by over 15 million viewers per month. Condo.com is privately held and headquartered in Miami, Florida. For more information visit http://www.condo.com.

About Elad National Properties
Established in March 2004 to spearhead the expansion of the El-Ad Group into the Southeastern United States, Elad National Properties (formerly the Elad Group Florida) has expanded rapidly during its short history, particularly in Florida. The Company currently has a substantial presence in 10 states and has amassed a portfolio of assets valued at $1.2 billion. Currently Elad has are 1800 condo units for sale in Florida, Georgia, Maryland and Massachusetts.

Toll Brothers, The Nations Premiere Builder, Features Its City Living® Properties on Condo.com, the World’s Largest Condo Marketplace

Condo.com (www.condo.com), the World’s Largest Condo Marketplace, announced today that Toll Brothers is featuring 20 of its City Living® condominium developments on the industry leading website. Condo.com features condominiums for sale and condominiums for rent.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) October 4, 2008 — Condo.com (www.condo.com), the World’s Largest Condo Marketplace, announced today that Toll Brothers is featuring 20 of its City Living® condominium developments on the industry leading website. Visitors to Condo.com can now view a full inventory of available units and floor plans in these Toll Brother Developments located throughout the United States, specifically in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona and California.

“We are thrilled to welcome Toll Brothers City Living® developments to our Condo.com Community and provide them exposure to the 1 million visitors searching our site monthly for condominiums for sale or rent,” said Condo.com CEO Richard Swerdlow. “We’ve built our site to effectively market Toll Brother Projects like Harborside Lofts, White Flint Station, Maxwell Place on the Hudson, Stratford Club and Northside Piers to name a few. Potential residents can view all the impressive features and amenities that are offered in these communities through the features and tools provided on Condo.com,” Swerdlow added.

Toll Brothers City Living® has crafted a beautiful collection of distinctive city residences in some of the most dynamic urban markets in the nation. Each community offers spectacular luxury condos with a vast array of innovative architecture, elegant finishes, world-class amenities, and unequalled services that accentuate a lifestyle of luxury. The prominent locations of City Living communities put the energy and convenience of an urban lifestyle right outside your condo. You’re in the midst of it all, from the local bistros, lounges, boutiques, and shops, to the world-famous museums, galleries, theaters, and parks.

Toll Brothers joins 1000’s of condo projects listed on Condo.com from 70 countries around the world and adds to the over 700,000 condominiums listed for-sale and for-rent on the site. Condo.com is the most comprehensive resource for condos on the web and enables users to search for condominiums based on location, price, developer and type of condo property.

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE AND WORLD’S LARGEST CONDO MARKETPLACE JOIN FORCES

July 30, 2008 (Miami, FL) – Condo.com, the world’s largest condo marketplace, which currently has over 15 million visits a month, announced a partnership with Raices Magazine, a global magazine targeting real estate investors and professionals. This partnership provides both Condo.com and Raices customers with exclusive promotional opportunities and benefits as well as important industry information.

“Partnering with Raices magazine falls right in line with our desire to constantly make more services and resources available to our thriving Condo.com community of buyers, sellers and real estate professionals.” said Richard Swerdlow, CEO of Condo.com “We know our customers will benefit from the information provided in Raices and we are sure that Raices will appreciate the quality and volume of professionals joining our condo.com community daily,” he added.

While Condo.com uses the power of the internet to communicate its message to customers, RAICES uses a 4 color print magazine to reach its audience which currently includes over 100,000 readers worldwide. “Our typical reader is a CEO or top executive in the real estate industry including developers, investment groups, bankers, brokers and consultants in major cities in Europe, Asia Pacific and America. “ says creator Fabio Ostroviecki. “Condo.com is the most important alliance we have in North America. This partnership will fuel our intent to keep growing, provide cross functional tools to our customers and broaden our spectrum of reach. This is an exciting alliance for us and our readers and supports our goal of generating sales for our clients,” added Ostroviecki.

While many companies are struggling in today’s economy, especially in the real estate industry, Condo.com continues to experience rapid growth as the World’s Largest Condo Marketplace. Traffic to the site increased 23% in June, which generated more than 14,000 leads, over 3.4 million page views and over 97,000 visitor hours on the site.

About Condo.com

Condo.com is the most popular global internet portal for the condo real estate industry focusing on multi-family housing and the condo lifestyle. Condo.com has a comprehensive database that includes over 600,000 listings from multiple sources including developers and lending institutions that are traditionally not available to consumer markets. Registered Condo.com customers will get special discounted subscription rates to Raices Magazine among other special offers and exclusive events. For more information, visit www.condo.com or call 877.266.3601.

Ultimate Getaways

1. Maldives

Since this island chain is located several hundred kilometers South West of Sri Lanka, it is no wonder why the Maldives are a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of every day life. Most housing here consists of authentic tiki huts and bungalows; that are right on the water. Whether you live or vacation here you will find yourself completely secluded from the world as you know it. The crystal waters and translucent sand makes the Maldives absolutely breath taking. The Indian Ocean provides the Maldives with warm, sparkling water year round. In fact, the ocean is so clear that visibility reaches up to 50m! Known for its rare, underwater beauty, it only makes sense that the name ‘Maldives” roughly translated means, “The Island Kingdom”.

2. Secret Cove, Nevada

It may be called Secret Cove, but this hideaway is rather well known. Located on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe, Secret Cove is characterized by a series of beaches. The town is so private and secluded that many of the beaches are clothing optional so that visitors can get fully in touch with nature. Secret Cove has beach and lake access to suit campers, hikers, and kayakers alike. If you want a less extreme retreat, where clothing is required, visit Sand Harbor. Nestled in North Nevada state park, Sand Harbor also offers a boat ramp and a larger selection of water activities.

3. Korcula Island, Dalmatia, Croatia

Out of Croatia’s 1000+ islands, Korcula Island is the greenest, most independent and interesting of them all. Korcula may slip under the radar today, but it was a favorite Greek holiday spot over 2000 years ago. It even was named by the Greeks after its dark and densely wooded appearance. Sitting amidst the Adriatic Sea, the inhabitants live mostly off agriculture. The climate is conducive for vines, olive trees, vegetables and citrus fruits. If you visit Korcula be prepared for a lot of walking and a cultural experience. There is a lot o history to be uncovered in Croatia so get ready for some exploring!

4. Howe Sound, BC

Howe Sound is the ultimate in Northern Beauty. It is Vancouver’s playground for sailing, diving, camping, hiking, rock climbing and picnicking. What’s even more appealing is that Howe Sound also includes islands and clusters of islands. Swans and eagles flock to the sound in the fall and winter while the spring brings migratory birds. When you are not enjoying the outdoors, don’t miss out on the food and wine tasting events. It is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of getting in touch with nature.

Round The World Trip

1. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil

This collection of 270 separate waterfalls gives Niagra Falls a run for its money. Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, this is the perfect South American destination. The Iguazu Falls are surrounded by unique national parks and almost three kilometers of lush forest. While you’re there, take a speed boat ride and explore the surrounding culture. You can get there by bus from Paraguay, Argentina or Brazil, or fly from Buenos Aires or Rio De Janeiro.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

The lost city of the Incas sits proudly amongst the Andes Mountains. It was built circa 1450 but it wasn’t until the early 1900s that it was rediscovered. Since the city is not reachable by roads, you can take a 2-4 day hike along the Inca trail or a 5 hour train journey from Cusco. Whatever method of travel you decide on, make sure to book in advance. Trains are easier to catch, but hikes are limited to 500 people a day. Either way, you will be leaving from Cusco which is a fun city in itself because it has good restaurants and an active nightlife.

3. Tikal, Guatemala

Tikal is the largest and grandest of the Mayan ruins by far. The ruins are secluded in a rainforest in Northern Guatemala and most are actually undiscovered. Tours start in the early morning when you hear the native monkeys howling. If you visit Tikal your best options are to stay in Flores or Santa Elena. Flores, which is 30 kilometers from the ruins dates back to the 13^th century. Santa Elena on the other hand is a larger town that offers cheap accommodations for travelers.

4. Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

It would be nearly impossible to get anywhere near Cairo without going to see the Great Pyramids of Giza. They are set on the outskirts of the large city of Giza and the Sahara desert. Most pictures of the Sphinx are taken from the desert side so it is a common misconception that the pyramids are in the middle of nowhere. Giza however is a bustling city with tons of restaurants and is just across the Nile from Cairo. You can effectively see the pyramids in a half day trip and most hotels have tour packages available. If you are with a group of people, it may be worth the money to hire your own tour guide and go at your own pace.

5. Petra, Jordan

If you are looking for an introduction to Middle Eastern culture, you will enjoy Petra. The city was built entirely into pink rock and nothing short of breathtaking. Luckily, for travelers, Petra is in a relatively calm area of the troubled region and is safe to visit. While the standard tour takes a day, plenty of add on packages are available to enhance your visit. Try renting a horse or mule while you are there. Most visitors travel to Petra from Israel, or fly into Amman which is a three hour car ride away.

6. Rajasthan, India

Rajasthan is a mystical region filled with colors, camels, forts, temples and an array of music. It is the largest state in India and is also known as “exotic India”. Visit the capital Jaipur for a modern and urban experience, and the smaller surrounding towns for a more intimate feel. Pushkar for instance is a holy village that is very popular with backpackers You can fly directly into Jaipur, Jodripur, or Udaipur, there is a bus service that connects all these points of interest. Or, take the luxurious train system for a truly rich experience.

7. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

This is a must see if you are anywhere near South East Asia. Angkor Wat is a 12^th century temple that is part of a much bigger complex. You could easily spend an entire day seeing the site, but tourists flood the area every day around lunch so plan your trip in the early morning or late evening. To get here, you can fly into the capital of Phnom Penh or directly into Siem Reap. Siem Reap is the second busiest airport in the country, and is surrounded by five star hotels and smaller hostels. Package tours from Bangkok are available also.

8. Great Wall Of China

Beijing, or the “Forbidden City”, is one city you shouldn’t pass up on your trip around the world. In the Beijing area you can view China from the past and the present. The Great Wall of China is 4000 miles long with the closest part being about 70km outside Beijing. This wall is beaming with history- it was built in the 5^th Century BC and between 2 and 3 million people died during its construction. Since the Badaling section of the great wall is closest to Beijing it tends to be the most crowded. The Mutianyu section is a little further but offers a more intimate experience. Combine a trip to the Great Wall of China with the Ming tombs for a full day of sightseeing.

9. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is just one of 17,000 small islands that make up Indonesia. The 3 million inhabitants practice their own form of Hinduism. While you’re there, you’ll be submersed in the culture, including morning offerings which consist of flowers, incense and leaf baskets. Ubud, an art village, and Kuta, a popular surfing hangout are both nearby and worth visiting. The ancient temples and rice terraces are also quite the sites to see. Luckily, navigating the island is very inexpensive, hotel rooms start at around $5 USD a night. You can fly into the Denpasar Airport which is close to the capital city or take a ferry from anywhere in the region.

10. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

No trip around the world would be complete without looking at the largest collection of living things on the planet. If you are scuba certified you’ll be in heaven, if not you can snorkel, fish or fly over the reef. Glass bottom boat and platforms rides are also a good alternative to observing the coral without getting wet. If you have more time, explore the less popular sections and islands in the region. Flights are reasonably priced from the major surrounding cities in South East Asia.

11. New Zealand

New Zealand is the best stop you could make by far between North America and Australia. Kiwiland is less known but everyone who visits instantly falls in love with it. Aukland is a large, less charming city but is worth stopping at for a night. Luckily, traveling around is easy- there are crammed but efficient buses that hop from attraction to attraction. If you have more money to spend, renting a camper is an awesome way to sight see and there are hundreds of parks to spend the night. The South Island tends to be more popular but the North Island is just as beautiful. Make sure you visit at least one of the two glaciers on your visit and sight see in Queenstown.

LUXURY HIGH-RISE NAOS INTRODUCES NEW STANDARD TO THE RIVIERA BAJA REGION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Riviera Baja, Mexico (July 7, 2008) – If surfing, boating, golfing, relaxing, great food and great wine on the Pacific Ocean are qualities you desire in a beachside home or condo, look no further than NAOS in Mexico’s Rivera Baja. New growth in the Baja area has gotten locals and many other California, Nevada and Arizona natives very excited; yet, no building thus far has featured the high-standard of quality and value that discerning buyers demand in today’s market…until now.

NAOS will create the area’s most sophisticated beach property for owners to enjoy. The beautiful luxurious beachfront project will promote the relaxed west coast lifestyle that those familiar with the region are accustomed to. Located in Rosarito, Baja California Norte, Mexico, this ocean-front residence differs from others in the area because of its supreme location, unique and desirable amenities, quality furnishings and construction, and “true-value.” Potential buyers can own quality beachfront property for a fraction of the cost when compared to residential properties in areas like San Diego, Los Angeles, and even other Baja projects. NAOS will offer a refreshing and lavish residential option for those buyers who wish to live, retire, or vacation on the Baja’s beautiful beaches and coastline.

Designed by renowned architects Moises Izon and Jose Sanchez of the award winning firm Central de Arquitectura, NAOS promises to be the first of its kind in the Baja region. This future community will be composed of 400 residential units split into 2 high-rise towers specifically designed to create carefree waterfront condo living. NAOS will offer a variety of living spaces including spacious one, two and three bedrooms units with dens, lofts, garden houses and penthouses. The collaboration of Italian inspired kitchens and bathrooms with spas, marble flooring, top of the line finishes and fine modern amenities make for space that is nothing short of luxury living. The units are inspired by modern yet comfortable architecture with a plethora of high-end amenities including granite counter tops, and top of the line stainless steel appliances.

In addition to the abundance of elite amenities at NAOS, the community will feature a world-class spa, tennis courts, private beach front cabanas, large indoor-outdoor pool and BBQ area, jogging trails, fully equipped state of the art gym, private kids pool, and high speed WI-FI internet.

NAOS prioritizes its residents’ enjoyment with a fully stocked two story library, private multi use rooms for business affairs, and secured children’s play area. Safety and comfort are guaranteed with secured and individualized parking, state of the art Fire and Smoke Protection Systems & 24-hour concierge and security. Environmentally friendly green components geared to improving and conserving the environment…..such as but not limited to water recycling, solar powered energy are also a large priority for the 3 phase high-rise NAOS community.

Scheduled for completion in March 2011, NAOS will revitalize the area and create a new trend in making Rosarito Baja the new Mexican hotspot for home buyers and retirees.

For more information visit www.naosliving.com or please contact Mia Jurica at (619) 307-6717, email mjurica@naosliving.com.

World’s Most Expensive Homes

1. Updown Court, Windlesham, England

$138,000,000.00

This palace is no new-comer, it has topped the list of expensive homes for over the past three years. Bigger than a hotel, the house has 103 rooms incase someone stops by for a visit. It is also home to five swimming pools, bowling alley, Movie Theater, squash court, tennis court and an underground garage.

2. Hala Ranch, Aspen, Colorado

$135,000,000.00

Owned by Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, this is more of a palace than a ranch. The property is currently the most expensive home in the United States and sits amongst 95 acres of greenery and mountains. It is 56,000 square feet and has 15 bedrooms making it the perfect countryside getaway.

3. Maison de L’Amitie, Palm Beach, Florida
Cost: $125,000,000.00

Of course one of Donald Trump’s properties is on the list of the top 5 expensive homes. This beachside getaway in Palm Beach, Florida was actually bought at a bankruptcy auction. The Maison de L’Amitie is the result of extreme home renovations. With a 100 foot pool and 475 feet of beach front, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Florida sun.

4. Tranquility, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Cost: $100,000,000.00

This home boasts a 3500 bottle wine cellar, 19 seat movie theater, 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. The 20,000 square foot house is all luxury from the floors to the ceilings and beyond. Plus, with Lake Tahoe in your backyard, what else cold you ask for?

5. Istanbul, Turkey

Cost: $100,000,000.00

Tied for fourth place, this international palace is fit for a king. Its 30,000 square feet is filled with intricate designs and lavish decorations. This estate is located on the Bosphorus or also called the Instanbul Straight, and has 64 rooms so you have plenty of space to yourself.

Ghost Towns

If exploring a condemned building gives you the chills then you should stay far away from ghost cities. Though abandoned cities are known mostly through fictional movies and literature, there are actually thousands of Ghost cities across the world. These once bustling towns are plentiful especially in the central and southern United States. In fact, there are 6,000 abandoned sites in Kansas alone.

Though the details behind some abandonment is unknown, most are linked to the depletion of natural resources, lack of transportation, and natural or man made disasters. Take a look at these ten ghost cities and the unique stories behind them.

10. Bodie, California

Bodie got its start as a mining town that was founded in 1876. As the mining industry grew, so did the once small town. By 1880, the population had soared and reached over 10,000 people. Bodie boasted 65 saloons on its main street alone and even had its own Chinatown. Mining resources began to dwindle in the early 20^th century, and even though business decreased, most of Bodie’s residents stayed put. Then in 1932, a blazing fire swept through Bodie’s business district and further condemned the city. The remaining residents moved on and the city is now preserved in a state of arrested decay. In 1961, Bodie was designated a National Historic Landmark and is open to visitors who want a glimpse into the past.

9. San Zhi, Taiwan

This futuristic pod village was planned to be a luxurious vacation spot in the Northern region of Taiwan. After numerous fatal accidents during its construction, production hit a stand still. Workers lacked money and the willingness to move forward with the project. In the meantime, Taiwan scrambled to cover up the details behind San Zhi after rumors started swirling about the haunted village. There are still no named architects or companies linked to San Zhi’s construction. Today, the alien like structures stand in remembrance of those who lost their lives while working on the village.

8. Varosha, Cyprus

You may already be familiar with Varosha, the once popular tourist area that grew into a holiday destination. Now this city in Famagusta is occupied and controlled by the Turkish military. It all began in 1974 when the Turkish invaded Cyprus and tore up the island. Residents fled but expected to be able to return to their homes within days. But the Turkish wrapped the city in barbed wire allowing only themselves and UN personnel to enter. The buildings are decaying but on the plus side, rare sea turtles are beginning to nest on the deserted beaches. The recent Annan Plan proposed for the city to be turned over to Greek Cypriot control but never materialized. Currently, the government is working on opening the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” in 2011.

7. Gunkanjima, Japan

Hashima is one of 505 uninhabited islands in the Nagasaki Prefecture of Japan. This island lies 15 kilometers from Nagasaki and is known as the battleship island because of its sea walls. In 1890, Mitsubishi bought the island in order to retrieve coal from the bottom of the surrounding sea. Twenty Six years later they built Japan’s first and largest concrete building to house the workers and protect them from hurricanes. By 1959 Gunkanjima had one of the highest population densities world wide and continued to grow. The rise of petroleum caused coal mines to shut down and Gunkanjima was no exception. Mitsubishi closed the mine in 1974 and residents abandoned the city. Now the island is a popular site for movies such as Battle Royale II and an inspiration for video games, but regular travel to the island is prohibited.

6. Balestrino, Italy

Balestrino is a unique Ghost town because it is hard to find any information on its abandonment. Town records date its establishment back to the 11^th century when it was owned by the Benedictine Abbey of San Pietro dei Monti. A castle sits atop the upper part of the town while the lower part is based around a church. In the mid 1800’s about 850 people lived in Baslestrino. The town mainly consisted of farmers who took advantage of the landscaping to grow olive trees. The 19^th century plagued Balestrino with earthquakes and landslides. In 1887 an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.7 destroyed many villages in the area and greatly impacted Balestrino. The whole town was abandoned in 1953 due to geological instability. The derelict part has remained untouched and un-accessed for over 50 years but may be redeveloped in the future.

5. Katoli World, Taiwan

This Darkeng scenic area outside Taichung opened in the mid 1980s. It was one of few theme parks with a rollercoaster and attracted many tourists. For over ten years business was profitable until disaster struck. The massive earthquake on September 21, 1999 closed the park down and killed thousands in the surrounding area. Luckily it was after park hours when the earthquake hit and no one inside Katoli World was hurt. The rides are now overgrown and unused.

4. Centralia, Pennsylvania

Incorporated as a borough in 1866, Centralia was principally employed by the coal industry until the 1960s when most companies went out of business. An exposed coal reign accidentally ignited in 1962 and started a massive underground coal fire that continued to burn through the 1970s. Problems began to arise when people reported adverse health effects from carbon monoxide and soon after a gas station reported a fuel temperature of 172 degrees Fahrenheit. In 1981 a 12 year old boy nearly plunged to his death after a 150 foot deep sinkhole opened up beneath him. A few years later $42 million was spent on relocation. Now deserted and unsafe, the fire is expected to burn for another 250 years.

3. Yashima, Japan

This imposing plateau is the second largest city on Shikoku, one of Japan’s major islands. It is also home to the famous battle that took place on March 22^nd, 1185 during the Genpei War. The top hosts the Yashima temple which is well known destination for Shikoku pilgrimages. Money was poured into the development of Yashima to encourage tourism by building hotels, parks, aquariums, and trails. When the number of visitors dropped, all the money that had been swirling around was lost in business and real estate deals. Eventually everything was shut down and residents moved away.

2. Pripyat, Ukraine

This abandoned city is in Northern Ukraine near the border of Belarus. The cities population was once 50,000 and was home to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant workers. Disaster struck in 1986 and people fled due to the threat of radiation. For years after, the area acted as a museum showcasing soviet life. But in the 21^st century, the area was heavily looted- even toilet seats were taken. Pripyat won’t be safe for inhabitance for many years to come, so for now at least the city lays in decay.

1. Craco, Italy

Craco lies in the region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera. It is 25 miles inland from the Gulf of Taranto at the instep of the boot of Italy. Craco dates back to 1060 when the land was owned by Archbisop Arnaldo, and the church had a strong influence over the people. In the late 1800s, this typical medieval town was ideal for wheat and crop farming and was home to 2000 people. Desperate times were caused by earthquakes and landslides that took a toll on agricultural conditions. In the early 1900s, more disasters struck and many of Craco’s residents moved to North America. Those who stuck it out eventually left in the 1960s for the nearby town of Craco Peschiera.

Condo.com Partners With HGTV’s FrontDoor.com

July 10, 2008 (Miami, FL) – Condo.com, the Worlds Largest Condo marketplace, now provides it’s customers even more exposure to potential buyers through an exciting partnership with FrontDoor.com, the real estate Web site powered by HGTV. This partnership provides Condo.com customers with increased presence through FrontDoor.com’s various media outlets, primarily on the popular HGTV and DIY network as well as its award winning internet site.

“We are pleased about this additional media promotion designed especially for our thriving online Condo.com community of buyers, sellers and real estate professionals, who understand and appreciate the quality of HGTV and Scripps Network brands and programs as much as we do,” says Richard Swerdlow, CEO of Condo.com. “With our site traffic setting record numbers of both repeat and new customers every month, we are constantly looking for new ways to add value and elevate our customer’s real estate IQ, bringing new partners on board with similar goals,” added Mr. Swerdlow.

Condo.com is a global internet portal for the real estate industry focusing on multi-family housing. It has a comprehensive database that includes over 600,000 listings from multiple sources including developers and lending institutions that are traditionally not available to consumer markets. This massive database will now be promoted on FrontDoor.com reaching even larger audiences and providing Condo.com sellers one more unique advantage.

About FrontDoor
FrontDoor.com (http://www.frontdoor.com) is an online real estate listing service powered by HGTV, the No.1 source for home-related media content. The site currently offers more than 1.5 million listings of homes for sale and partners with top real estate brokerages throughout the U.S. In addition to providing users with the latest residential for sale property listings, FrontDoor houses expert HGTV advice and videos along with original Web series and a comprehensive library of engaging, interactive tools, guides and information.

The award-winning Web sites created and supported by Scripps Networks Interactive have attracted a monthly average of more than 14 million unique visitors in 2007 (Jan-Oct) and are category leaders in the food, home and living space online. The Scripps Networks Interactive properties — Web sites HGTV.com, FoodNetwork.com, DIYnetwork.com, FineLiving.com, GACTV.com, Recipezaar.com in addition to the new FrontDoor.com– are not only extensions of Scripps Networks leading lifestyle brands, providing users programming information and additional instructional content, but also exciting destinations for original content, engaging video and powerful interactive tools.

About Condo.com

Condo.com (www.condo.com) is the world’s largest condominium marketplace with inventory valued at over $200 billion. The site lists condos in the United States and 70+ countries around the world and cost-effectively delivers exposure to developers, brokers and owners through the seamless distribution of its listings to a global network of websites visited by over 15 million viewers per month. The site serves as a thriving online community for all things condo with a wide range of resources and a social network for buyers, sellers and other professionals. Condo.com is a privately held company headquartered in Miami, Florida. For more information, visit www.condo.com or call 877.266.3601.

The Best Cities…You’ve Never Heard Of!

When you plan your next vacation, whether it be at home or abroad, consider cities that may be off the beating path. Traveling to cities less publicized can give you a more cultural experience and can actually be less expensive.

1. Toulouse, France

You don’t have to stop at the Eiffel Tower to experience the best of France. Toulouse, located in the Southern part of France, is a bustling cultural epicenter that most people have never heard of. You can take walking, boating and biking tours all over the city; to explore the beautiful public parks, gardens and waterways. Make sure you schedule time to visit the over a dozen monuments and museums as well. Some of the most popular monuments include The Capitole, Notre Dame Du Taur, and the Carmelite Chapel. Be sure to bring a camera!

2. Hamburg, Germany

If you never considered Germany to be on your list of places to see, you may want to think again. Hamburg is home to amazing sites including Alster Lake, The Port of Hamburg, The Fish Market and the Historical District. See the city via barges, boats and even hot air balloon tours during the day. At night, take advantage of one of the largest red light districts in Europe where you’ll see street walkers, shows, adult shops and a musical theatre district.

3. St. Petersburg, Florida

While Orlando tends to be the most popular vacation spot in Florida, St. Petersburg has just as much to offer. It is home to Caladesi Beach which was voted the number one beach to visit in 2008. The white sand beaches are perfect for sun bathers while the Gulf of Mexico is ideal for boaters and fishermen. The city itself is a melting pot of different cultures and is filled with bars, clubs, parks and galleries. What’s even better is that all of Florida’s most visited parks and attractions are within a thirty to ninety minute drive so you can experience all the best spots in Florida on your vacation.

4. Galway, Ireland

About 150 miles West of Dublin you’ll find the up and coming city of Galway. An ideal destination for art lovers, this city is filled with museums, galleries and even hosts an annual festival. Horseback riding, fishing and cycling are popular activities to explore the city during the day. At night be sure to visit bars and pubs to party with the locals, because Galway is one of the most popular entertainment destinations in Ireland.

5. Malaga, Spain

Anywhere you visit in Spain you will find lots of culture and history. Malaga is a Port city in Spain that is nestled along the Mediterranean Sea. Sites you shouldn’t pass up include the Cathedral, Roman Theater, and Picasso Museum. If you don’t want to museum hop all day you can take advantage of the miles of beaches and coastline. For dinner, stop at any number of authentic restaurant within the city. No matter how you spend your time in Malaga you will experience the perfect combination of modern city in Spain and a traditional fishing port.

6. Montevideo, Uruguay

In Montevideo, you are sure to find true South American culture. This city is becoming increasingly popular for young artists and designers looking for a fun vacation and inspiration. Montevideo is also known for its amazing architecture traditional museums that reveal a lot about the city’s roots. Make sure you stay the weekend so you can experience Mercado Del Puerto. Saturday afternoons the streets fill with grill stands, music, dancing and wine.