Archive for March, 2008
La Costa Villas Offer Big Investor Bonus
Investors are moving back into the San Diego real estate market with impatient wallets. And luxury real estate investors are no exception.
They are seeking well-priced foreclosures, pre-negotiated short sales and most favored of all: Real estate investments with income streams.
So-called bargains in sub-marginal areas may not be the wisest real estate investment move anywhere. Perceived bargains in outlying markets may be nothing of the sort, and we persistently advise our clients to stay with blue chip real estate investments especially in volatile economic times.
We just received a whisper from La Costa Resort and Spa in balmy Carlsbad, California that buyers of their Villas will receive up to $125,000 at closing for leasing their properties back to them for two years. And of course, there is always the option of using their condos too.
This is a very limited offer, as only 10 La Costa Resort Villas whole-ownership, luxury condominiums remain. Each is fully furnished (just pack a toothbrush) with designer decor and high-end amenities throughout, and is located on the grounds of the world-class La Costa Resort and Spa.
Low out-of-pocket expenses enable resort ownership for minimal cost.
One-bedroom luxury condos start at $594,825, while two-bedroom units list for up to $1,033,000. With 75% financing, buyers can claim ownership with considerably low out-of-pocket expenses of up to $125,000. Plus, La Costa management will also waive monthly fees for two years to save La Costa Villa buyers even more.
A bonus of complimentary Villas Signature La Costa Sports Membership, valued at $16,500, is also included.
If you are interested in this exceptional value, please call Mike or Roberta Murphy for additional information at 760-402-9101 or 760-402-9102. We are including some luxury spa treatments for our buyers as well.
read comments (0)The WalMart Effect
Once upon a time, the neighborhoods off Houstons northwest FM1960 were a luxury homebuilders dream. Large wooded and level lots surrounded upscale country clubs such as Champions Golf Course, Raveneaux, and North Gate Country Club.
Affluent families were attracted to these homes because of great neighborhood schools, beautiful parks, challenging golf courses, and nearby fine dining and shopping areas. It was an area where I once lived, as did my sister Gayle Butler and our parents.
We never dreamed that dense apartment housing projects and a compatible WalMart Super Store would invade quiet lifestyles.
In fact, I received a distressed phone call last Tuesday evening from Gayle because the biodiverse preserve behind her home has reportedly been sold by WalMart to a low income housing developer. Behind her lovely residence sits a meadow with a large pond that is home to enormous colonies and species of frogs.
For almost 30 years, the entire neighborhood has been serenaded by thousands of singing frogs and hooting owls. They are a diverse natural treasure, residing at the back fence of the Super WalMart on FM 1960 at Walters Road.
(Im no biologist, but you might call me a frog and owl lover and Ill take no offense especially since we are inundated with reports of mysterious declining frog populations)
Gayle and her neighbors mourn the potential loss of these frogs, owls and other rare gifts of nature to asphalt, concrete and greed. In fact, they are starting to mumble about the Walmortification of neighborhood, flora and fauna.
They are also understandably concerned about:
- Declining property values over which they have no control.
- Increased crime.
- Deterioration and overcrowding of schools.
- The loss of peaceful sleep.
- Flood control: The pond and surrounding grounds contain and absorb water during heavy rainfall (which already floods at the northern end of the property).
- Impassible traffic on FM1960 that is already overly congested.
WalMart touts that it œSells for Less, but at what cost to the people, animals and the environment around their neighborhood stores? From my zoning-secured and and bio-protected community in North San Diego County, I cant help but question why WalMart didnt take steps to secure this 40-plus acre preserve from Radler Enterprises for all to enjoy? This would have been an opportunity for WalMart to truly create an atmosphere of saving.
Is it any wonder that empowered cities like San Marcos, California voted to keep WalMart out? Or that their super centers are resisted by so many?
WalMart: This is your challenge to save a biodiverse treasure pleading for life at your back door.
Harris County: Are you really going to allow this destruction?
A Novel Green Mansion
by Roberta Murphy
Any verbiage I add to this photo would probably be superfluous, since this chatty picture already exceeds the expected thousand words.
Hats off to someones clever recycling of mobile homes.
Not sure if the intent was green construction, but the designer certainly managed to minimize the footprint of this little mobile home park.
I also wonder about the relation of people who live here. And what about plumbing? Or high winds?
Finally, hope this upwardly mobile community isnt anywhere near the path of tornadoes.
Thank you Ronnie Sellers, fellow ANTS investor and bonsai guru in North Carolina, for the photo. He is especially fond of the red shipping container with the attached solarium.
Embarrassing Note: Just discovered this photo is from a movie set. The onlookers are cropped out of the photo. Still a clever arrangement!
Read also:
A Luxury Home Bargain: Rancho Santa Fe Farms
by Scott Murphy
Discriminating luxury home buyers in the San Diego area are starting to raise sophisticated eyebrows at some of the better real estate buys in luxury neighborhoods such as Rancho Santa Fe.
One of the best buys on the market these days is a magnificent 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath single story estate on two level acres that was recently remodeled. This Rancho Santa Fe Farms home features a lagoon pool, a citrus grove, fine hardwood flooring and a 4-car garage,and is now available for $2,195,000 or the price of a luxury tract home in coastal San Diego.
Rancho Santa Fe Farms is a favorite for golfers who appreciate equity membership in the Rancho Santa Fe Farms Golf Course, or for those who simply want a home sitting on some of the finest acreage in San Diego County.
Located at 15032 Rancho Santa Fe Farms Road, this residence listed by Danny Powers of Villa Sothebys International Realty will be held open this weekend. For additional information, please call Scott Murphy at 760-613-6190 or meet me at the home this afternoon!
Most Luxurious Home in Lake Tahoe
I love living in coastal San Diego, but have a special appreciation for mountains and mountain lakes. Among other mountain attractions, its the regularity of seasons, the deep blue water, the towering pines, and the snow pack that accumulates each winter.
It is easy to imagine such natural beauty.
Now, imagine a 210-acre mountain estate in Lake Tahoe (the tax-free side) with its own serene private lake and an updated, 70-year-old, 38,000 square foot mansion complex. Offered through Chase International, Lake Tranquilitys splendid main residence replicates many important rooms in our Western culture.
Included is:
- A replica of the grand staircase on the SS Titanic. Ahhh.
- A cushy cigar lounge fashioned after the one at the St. Regis Hotel. Breathe deeply.
- A library that mimics the New York City Public Library. Shhh
This luxurious home includes a 3500-bottle wine cellar, 9 bedrooms, 18 baths, a gymnasium with basketball court, a guest house, art studio, boat house pavilion, horse stables, staff quarters, and two over-the-water par-three golf holes. The conservatory is accessed via an underground passage. There, you are greeted by an indoor mosaic glass swimming pool with poolside bar and exercise facilities all overlooking Tranquility Lake.
The exquisite natural setting provides trails for hiking or cross country skiing and incomparable views of Lake Tahoe and its magnificent surrounding mountains.
Tranquility is offered at $100 million. The owner is reported to be Joel Horowitz, co-founder of the Tommy Hilfiger empire.
If this is a property that might suit your portfolio, please call me at 877-818-8197 or 760-402-9101. An appointment with knowledgeable representation can be arranged.
