by Roberta Murphy

Magic must be in the air.

Even our middle son Eric — who has never, ever cottoned to bagged lunches — packed one the other day and probably saved at least $5. This college student works part time, but last week discovered the agony of having to pay $1,800 or so for a new bumper and rear quarter panel that met a brick wall when he was backing out of a narrow Rancho Santa Fe driveway in the dark recently. This story has little to do with the great money saving tips I am about to pass along, except I’ll insert it first:

1. Pack a healthy lunch, fill a Thermos of coffee, and spare the environment another plastic bottle by carrying water in a reusable container. Eric now saves at least $5 per day out of his pocket. Take away a couple of dollars, max, for ingredients, and you are still dollars ahead

2. Paste a sticker that says, 800-FREE-411 (or 800-373-3411) onto both your cell and home telephone. Instead of paying your telephone service up to $3.50 for a telephone number, why not listen to a 10-second commercial and get the number for free? Makes sense to me.
Click to see the 8 other great money-saving  tips.

by Roberta Murphy

Luxury real estate gossip the last few months has fluttered around topics like the sale of Donald Trump’s Palm Beach mansion at $100 million (when it had been listed for $125 million), the pending foreclosure of Ed McMahon’s Beverly Hills home, and the F-word in luxury real estate (foreclosures).

These days, recession is the hot topic as brokerage accounts have been bloodied, home equities have declined, and credit cards are filling up with gasoline charges. It’s no wonder that it’s now fashionable to talk about frugality. And these discussions are leading to real changes in lifestyle.

Some very random observations and sensible advice:

1. Hybrids are the cool cars. Gasoline guzzling Beamers and Mercedes are being traded in for fuel-sipping and leather-seated hybrids. In some areas, there are wait lists of months for the Toyota Prius.

2. Have adjustable rate mortgages on your home or other properties? You may want to consider financing that will carry you through the financial storms ahead. Values are slipping in many luxury real estate markets–and appraisals may become problematic in the year ahead. Just my opinion, of course.

3. Are fewer Americans traveling to Europe? We’ve known several who have canceled European holidays and are traveling locally–or to Asia instead. Nobody wants to spend decimated dollars in a in a Euro-pumped economy. US dollar exchange rates against the Chinese Yuan are far more attractive.

4. A bright note in the economy are the number of Europeans, Canadians and others who are coming to the United States to shop not only Neiman Marcus and Chanel, but to spend those Euros and Loonies on prime US real estate. Homes in San DIego, Palm Beach, Scottsdale and Las Vegas are phenomenal bargains when purchased with these foreign currencies.

5. A number of affluent baby boomers are scaling back. They are aiming to trade their large suburban homes for something smaller, something single level, and something that is in walking distance to beaches, golf, restaurants, and mass transit. Trains, in particular, have captured the fancy of many,

6. This is only buzz, but I am hearing that many are dropping and/or selling country club memberships–and that there are reportedly thousands for sale in golf heavens like the Palm Springs area. Any other information out there?

7. More people appear to be dining at home. In the La Costa area where we live, both Tommy V’s and Sushi on the Rock have shuttered their doors. These were bustling restaurants just a year ago. It is likely a scenario that repeats itself throughout the country. And is it just my imagination, or do the local farmer’s markets seem to be busier this year? Perhaps people are rediscovering the utility of their own lovely kitchens.

Somehow, I think there will be future articles and lots of discussion on frugality in our lifestyles.

After all, consider the real estate and stock market bargains that might be bought with the money saved….

by Roberta Murphy

I really want to talk about the effect petroleum costs will have on real estate, but first wish to tell a little story:

My grandgather, Adolph Michelson emigrated at the age of 7 with his family from Norway to Deadwood, South Dakota. It required a long, hard journey by steamship. train and wagon to arrive at their eventual home in the steep hills above Deadwood. It was there that they lived with other immigrants and Indians, sharing magnificent views and boot camp workouts as they trudged up and down that steep, steep hill to get to town for work, school, food and other supplies.

Views be damned. This was where the poor people lived.

As soon as the Michelson family could afford to do so, they moved their big family into a home in town, where shopping, school and employment were within easy walking distance. Their decision to move was not based on home features, the quality of the stove, or the number of closets–or even neighborhood amenities. It was based on that single and most basic real estate dynamic:

LOCATION

It is only since the advent of sprawling suburbias and each family having multiple automobiles that we strayed from distinct town and country living. The wealthy may have had homes in both locations, but the average family lived near employment . There were no school buses (or video games because kids had to hike through miles of rain and snow to get to school each day) and gasoline stations were pretty rare at the turn of the that other century. Which all leads me to wonder….

What might be the top priority for the home of the future when gas prices reach $6, $8, $10 or even $12 per gallon?

How about the radical choice of living walking-close to employment, shopping and schools? Or living near a bus stop or transit center where one can commute for work, school and fun?

I am eying real estate differently these days–and am coming around to my ancestor’s way of thinking. Location trumps views, walkable sidewalks trump big back yards and a bicycle pump beats a gas pump–at least for kids who drive or are driven to school (ever seen the long lines of mini vans idling outside our schools at arrival and departure times–or high school parking lots?). Might a more urban lifestyle offer some solutions that would allow for a saner lifestyle?

I am also wondering if Carol Lloyd’s prediction of suburbs turning into Slumburbia might also come true–sooner rather than later due to rising fuel costs? In her SF Gate article, she notes, “In Europe, where the cities never died, the suburbs have long been the homes of last resort for the poor and the marginalized.” This is already occurring in and around sprawling urban centers like Houston, where home prices in and close to downtown Houston are selling at a premium, while homes in once-affluent suburbs are selling at prices far below replacement costs. It is a scenario being repeated all over the country, with slightly different configurations along the coasts.

In San Diego County, where I live and work, we are anecdotally seeing a surge of buyers seeking to live within walking distance of restaurants, theaters, dry cleaners and food or farmer’s markets. They no longer want to battle freeway gridlock, and would happily trade their road warrior status for the peace of riding a train to work. They are also seeking more open communities, where neighbors stroll by and greet one another, where not so much of life is lived in and for cars–or behind mortgaged garage doors.

I am so, so tempted to join them….

by Roberta Murphy

Upon first seeing these beautifully-designed solar panels, I couldn’t help but imagine other applications and modifications for the green lifestyle–whether it be in the luxury home, a school yard, a country club or off-the-grid project.

Imagine these cobra-shaped shades as swiveling solar panels that take the place of outdoor umbrellas around the pool. Or as bus stop shelters or airport curbside check-in. The possibilities are endless and scalable.

And these VEIL Solar Shades are interactive to boot. Indicators on the base show which positions will yield the maximum energy collection at given times of the day. And underneath the shade is an LED feedback system that indicates whether the shade is getting enough sunlight or not–and whether the shade should be turned.

Designed by the Australian design firm Büro North and the the Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab, the VEIL Solar Shades blend form and function elegantly.

Your ideas for implementation?

Tip of the top hat to Josh Spear.

by Roberta Murphy

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:

1. Declining property values over which they have no control.
2. Increased crime.
3. Deterioration and overcrowding of schools.
4. The loss of peaceful sleep.
5. Flood control: The pond and surrounding grounds contain and absorb water during heavy rainfall (which already floods at the northern end of the property).
6. 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?

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:

Off the Grid and Low-Impact Homes

6 Ways to Shave Your Carbon Footprint

by Roberta Murphy

Azulera Resort Village on Costa Ricas breathtaking Guanacaste coast promises to be the luxury resort destination within the next two years.

By then, it is projected, Greg Normans challenging beach-to-mountain golf course will be completed as will the five- star Hyatt Regency Hotel and the 64 ultra-luxury condos that will be contained within this gated Brasilito complex.

The bio-sensitive Hyatt Regency Azulera Resort and Spa will coexist within a pristine tropical forest that stretches from mountain peaks to the white Pacific beaches below.

Following this first phase of development will be a large shopping and medical plaza and another projected 1000 condos, town homes and ocean view luxury estates.

We just returned from visiting the site and watched as Azulera owner-developer Anil Kothari (CEO Global Financial Group), golf legend Greg Norman, Hyatt executives, and Costa Rican Ministers of Transportation, Environment and Energy, and Tourism gathered for the formal groundbreaking ceremony that was finalized with the planting of a native Guanacaste tree near the beach.

We joined about 30 other real estate brokers from the US and Canada for the ceremony, and would spend the next few days learning more about the province of Guanacaste and this precious paradise. The spectacular natural beauty of the area struck us all, as did the gentle warmth of the Costa Ricans and, of course, the balmy climate. We learned that there is more biodiversity in Costa Rica than along the Amazon. This is because the climate is both sub tropical and tropical, and a varied terrain that ranges from plains to beach to jungle to mountains.

We all appreciated that Costa Rica is both a highly-educated country and one that fiercely protects its flora and fauna. Hunting is not allowed, and children are taught from an early age to treasure their natural environment, which includes magnificent foliage, various breeds of wild monkeys, parrots, macaws, and other exotic birds, along with reptiles of all sorts including iguanas and red-eyed lizards.

The Guanacaste coast is being developed with great care. The Four Seasons has developed a private resort to the north, Marriott is building a golf resort in nearby Pinellas and the Ritz Carlton is planning a luxury hotel with golf course and a 200-slip marina to the north of Azulera.

And just last month, Steve Case, founder of America Online (AOL) announced plans to open an $800 milllion beach resort with two boutique hotels just south of Playa Hermosa. At around the same time, two Minnesota developers announced that they would also be building a 150-room Regent Hotel on Guanacastes Papagayo Peninsula.

Guanacaste is a Costa Rican province abuzz with carefully-planned and eco-sensitive luxury development and we are honored to be among those representing the developer in the sale of the 64 Azulera luxury condos.

Additional articles about Azulera Resort Village, Guanacaste and Costa Rica will be forthcoming.

In the meantime, if you would like additional information about Azulera condo availabilities and pricing, please feel free to email me (roberta@sandiegopreviews.com) or call 877-818-8197 or 760-402-9101.

Read also:

Dreaming of Luxury Costa Rica Real Estate

by Roberta Murphy

More and more people from around the world are choosing to spend at least part of their lives in coastal Costa Rica–and more than a few decide there just might be no better place to spend the rest of their lives.

Why?

1. A warm climate, beaches, mountains, jungles–and breathtaking biodiversity. The people and government of Costa Rica are committed to preserving Costa Rica’s clean air, beautiful beaches and precious flora and fauna.

2. Costa Rica has one of the oldest and most stable democratic governments in the Americas. In fact, this peace loving nation has twice won the Nobel Prize for its peacekeeping efforts.

3. Costa Rica is a peaceful nation and has no standing army; it was disbanded in 1949.

4. The people are generally fond of foreigners and welcome them to Costa Rica. American’s included.

5. The cost of living is very reasonable–especially once one owns a home in Costa Rica. Taxes on a $500,000 home, for example, may run only $500 per year.

6. Good medical and dental care is not only widely available, but are also very reasonable. Many travel here for cosmetic procedures that cost a fraction of what might be charged in Europe or the U.S. And what a lovely place in which to recover!

7. Costa Rica has a highly educated population. The government currently spends around 27 percent of its budget on education. The literacy rate in Costa Rica is at 93 percent.

8. Costa Rica is only about the size of West Virginia, but has wonderful coastlines with 132 miles along the Atlantic, and 631 miles of prime Pacific beaches (especially in Guanacaste) and coastline. The interior is graced with farmland, mountains and jungles.

The reason for my recent keen interest in Costa Rica is that we will have been selected to help represent the Azulera developers in the sale of the long-awaited and luxurious Hyatt condos and resort village that are being developed along the breathtaking Guanacaste coast.

But details of that venture will come–sooner rather than later. Say tuned!

by Roberta Murphy

I was asked to share some simple Feng Shui tips for home offices, written by Laura Milligan over at the Bootstrapper Blog. She lists 50 great ones, but I’ll tease you with a few she has listed in her article.
In spite of a personal bookshelf full of Feng Shui education, I found these suggestions particularly useful in that I am currently refiguring my own home office and need constant reminding to keep the chi flowing freely.

Some of my favorite reminders from Laura?

1. Rearrange furniture regularly. You don’t have to move the contents of an entire room, just do enough to shift the energy flow. You’ll feel the difference!

2. Make sure your furniture and accessories represent the elements of fire, wood, earth, metal and water. Most furniture is wood, but the other elements can be added via pottery (earth), furniture and plants (wood), fountains or paintings with water (water), brass lamp and/or wind chimes (metal), and lighting or a candle (fire).

3. Don’t overcrowd a room and if possible, leave 3 feet between pieces of furniture. I can’t sit that far from my desk, but some Feng Shui practitioners would suggest that I leave my chair 3 feet out when not at my desk. Hmm….

4. Consider hanging a mirror over your computer and desk so that you enlarge the feel of the room and can keep an eye on what is behind you (Feng Shui suggests you always be alert to doors–and never sit with your back to one.

5. If it doesn’t have a function, you don’t need it (and function could be that it is simply something you love). Again, allow for the free flow of chi/energy.

6. Play soothing music throughout the day to relieve stress and drown out distracting noises.

7. Eliminate clutter, hide cords, file away loose papers, don’t eat at your desk and clean up before leaving the desk.

For the entire list of 50 tips (we’re a digest, remember?), pay a visit to the Bootstrapper Blog. It’s a worthwhile trip!
For additional Feng Shui and decor reading:

Easy Feng Shui Tips

D.Porthault Sheets for Luxury Dreams

The Beauty of Front Porch Swings

Home Sellers Competing with Model Homes

What’s Hot and Not in Homes this Year

by Roberta Murphy

Several months ago, in an interesting discussion with Marc LaChance, I was introduced to off-the-grid homebuilding. Marc has a plan and the means to build homes where electrical, telephone, gas, water and sewer lines do not run. I saw some early plans for his homes, and was highly impressed with their beauty, functionality and earth-friendliness.

It seems when one door opens in the mind, it leads to a series of others.

Late last night while waiting at home for two sons to return from their day at sea and evening on the sand, I discovered this charming woodland cottage, built into and of the earth. Truly off-the-grid, this hand built cottage in Wales is made of sticks, stones, straw, mud and scrap wood, along with some recycled cast-offs.

And it didnt exactly break the bank or back either.

Built with utmost respect for the environment, this unusual cottage cost less than $10,000 to build, and required around 1000 to 1500 man hours to construct which equated to about four months. Built into a hillside for protection and low visual impact, this dwelling utilizes stones and mud for retaining walls and foundations and oak thinnings (spare wood) from local forests for framing.

The interior is a marvel, with its reciprocal and natural roof rafters, limestone walls (breathable and more earth-friendly than concrete), straw bales for insulation under the floors and in the construction of the walls and roof, a center skylight for natural lighting, and scrap wood for floors and fittings.

I have had a hard time pulling myself away from this project. The rounded walls, windows and doors certainly reflect out-of-the-box thinking and design, as do the undulating wooden ceilings. The ingenuity that went into making this a functional home also capture the imagination.

Solar panels provide energy for lighting, music and computers. I did not see them in the photos, but trust they are there because Moabi, the designer and a Portuguese photographer, lives there with his family that includes two small children.

Water is delivered by gravity to the home from a neaby spring, while roof water run-off is collected in a pond for gardening purposes.

Food refrigeration is provided by cooled air coming underground through the cool foundation.

Toilet? Compost appears to be the guiding word.

Heat? A woodburning stove works well, especially since local fuel is abundant. Additionally, the fireplace flue goes through a large stone and plaster hump that retains and slowly releases heat into the home.

The bedroom is in an upstairs loft area, which overlooks the room below. This gives the distinct feel of a tree house in the forest.

I wondered what knowledge, what skills and what tools were involved in creating this unusual home. According to the amateur architect, designer and builder Moabi, his primary tools were a chainsaw, hammer, and a 1 inch chisel. He claims to be neither a builder nor a carpenter, but that seems hard to believe.

More than anything, Moabi seems to be a man who respects the earth, has fun with its offerings, and has a wonderful eye for natural design. There must also be much of the tree-house-building boy still inside the man who has now built at least two of these earth-friendly homes.

Moabis Low Impact Woodland Home site proved to be a great diversion last night and one worth sharing today.

Enjoy!

You may also wish to read:

Ways to Shave Your Carbon Footprint