Luxury Apartments in the Suburbs?

August 14, 2012

by Roberta Murphy Construction of new luxury homes has been at a near-standstill for the last five years, but might we be seeing a resurgence of luxury apartment building in the most unlikely place: The suburbs? In the past year, we have watched and quietly commented on the construction of what appeared to be upscale condominiums in La Costa, located in south Carlsbad and just north of San Diego proper….

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Where to FInd Luxury Homes Under $1 Million?

June 30, 2012

Where to Find Luxury Homes Under $1 Million? How far can $1 million go in today’s real estate market? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for and WHERE you’re looking. And now could be a better time than ever to shop for a luxury home. The price range of $1 million market is where affordability and luxury living meet. There are places where your $1 million can give you…

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The Luxury of…SNOW!

by Roberta Murphy Readers and friends, just for fun type the words LET IT SNOW into Google and enjoy the fun. And be sure to stick around long enough to get “frosted!” I live in the coastal San Diego area and miss the magic of snowflakes. This doesn’t take the place of that magic, but I love the creativity (even if there are a few nagging doubts about Google “getting”…

December 17, 2011
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Luxury Holiday Villas

We welcome guest writers from time to time, and today Nisha Sharma shares her expertise in another type of luxury travel: Luxury villas around the world that might be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.  This is perfect for families, groups or simply those who treasure their privacy. Luxury Holiday Villas Around the World Luxury holiday villas offer unique access to some of the most beautiful sights in…

December 2, 2011
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Luxury Retailers Uneasy with Wall Street?

by Roberta Murphy They say you can never be too thin or too rich, but belt-tightening is sending a cold chill through Wall Street that could well spread to Main Street and beyond, according to various reports. Luxury stocks may be taking a hit, but the recession hits home hardest for employees facing layoffs at Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase and many other financial institutions that occupy…

November 1, 2011
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The Luxury of….No Human Slavery

Jeff and Rocky Turner fight human slavery
January 11, 2010

Jeff and Rocky Turner Jeff and Racquel Turner are two favorite people of mine. Not because Racquel has a heart as wide and deep as the Mississippi River –or because Jeff so unselfishly shares his technological expertise with so many. Rather, they both hold out a helping hand to people and causes that can use a lift. A few years ago, Rocky realized that orphaned girls in Africa were missing…

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Most Luxurious Home in Lake Tahoe

March 7, 2008

by Roberta Murphy Thompson 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…

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21st Century Clocks

World Clock
November 30, 2007

by Roberta Murphy Thompson This futuristic clock doesn’t necessarily belong in the luxury home discussion, but it certainly provides some interesting global details: Abortions are far more prevalent than marriages. There are more divorces than HIV infections. Bicycle production still far exceeds auto production. Bicycle production also outpasses the manufacture of computers. Respiratory disease is far more prevalent than STD/HIV and AIDS. Suicides are more common than violent deaths. And…

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Street and Neighborhood Gossip….

Real estate gossip can actually help buyers choose best home and neighborhood.
March 29, 2007

by Roberta Murphy Well, sort of. Web 2.0 and interconnectivity has drilled down to a new level of local, with the online premier of Street Advisor this week. This fun site allows residents to rate and write about the streets on which they live. The reviewer can rate the livability of the street, the neighbors, convenience to shopping, medical care, schools and restaurants and more. But is it really gossip?…

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