by Roberta Murphy Gossip: It is a loaded word that alternately intrigues and informs, delights and dismays. Last weeks blog on real estate gossip, for example, raised the hackles of a few agents and the interest (and some concurrence) of others. As for me, Ive enjoyed the diversion and have paid much closer attention to the frequency with which it occurs in my own professional life as a San Diego…
by Roberta Murphy Last summer we sold a lovely $1.8 million Carlsbad, CA home to an out of area partnership. One partner lived in Los Angeles, and the other in New York. It was to be their La Costa retreat in paradise, and a place to meet potential clients. In two short months, this paradise has turned into a real estate nightmare that could rival that 1990 Melanie Griffiths film, Pacific…
by Roberta Murphy Realtors and public alike are fascinated by record-setting news, and most of us are curious to know about the most expensive home sold in the last year. In San Diego County, the winner of record would be a stunning 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath Del Mar oceanfront beauty sold by Jennifer Moores to Marsha Naify for $18 million. The ultra-luxury real estate market in San Diego is a…
by Roberta Murphy It is with blushing embarrassment that I admit to still listening to a vintage Sony Jukebox which holds 100 CD’s, and that I bought my own personal i-POD less than two years ago. (Are these confessions allowed in a luxury home blog?) There is hope, though, for audinosaurs such as this writer. A couple of week’s ago The Tomato’s Jim Cronin suggested I take a look at the Sonos Digital Music System. He…
by Roberta Murphy Real estate gossip can be golden. This isnt a reference to catty back-biting that might center on flings, blings or lifts. Rather, it is the very specific, professional and constructive whispering that goes on between real estate agents who trust one another. It is information savvy buyers crave. And this phenomena is not peculiar to the San Diego real estate market. This unpublished information shared between professionals…
by Roberta Murphy I recall a blustery night in the mountains at Big Bear Lake, when we spent a long evening in our kindly neighbors wine cellar. Rare for Southern California, it was located underground. The comfortable cellar had gorgeous stone walls, comfortable seating and a magnificent mahogany bar. Stacked and buried within this deep paradise were thousands of bottled wines. A few bottles were ordinary, many were extraordinary and…
An eye and cork-popping kitchen needs lots of space for chilling out–and intuitive appliance manufacturers are producing ahead of the curve. The latest refrigerators are wired and interactive, where the cook can watch a cooking show, or refrigerated storage drawers can be switched from fridge to freezer with the flip of a switch. The options are exciting, but the first step in deciding which refrigeration system to choose begins with…
by Roberta Murphy People are always wonder what’s in and what’s out in home decor. Paint colors may change yearly, but key ins and outs center on how we live our lives. What’s in and what’s out for home building, home improvements and home decor? What are today’s pickier homebuyers seeking? What are Realtors and decorators and savvy home remodelers suggesting to their clients? WHATS IN: Natural flooring: Think (certain)…
In December, there was lots of buzz about hefty year-end bonuses being paid to Wall Street performers. Many were wondering how these flush folk would spend the largesse. Would it go for bonds, or bling or luxury real estate? The latter would seem a likely and comfy target. Even though home sales slowed down overall during 2006, the ultra-luxe end of the market has flourished. Luxury home sales at $5…
by Roberta Murphy We have held an annual New Years Eve Party for years. It started when we lived near the ski slopes at Big Bear Lake, and continued when we moved to the San Diego area.. Mountain friends still come, as do friends from the coast. It is a casual affair and warm reunion. The menu this year will be various appetizers, French Quarter Seafood Gumbo, fresh green salad…
