by Roberta Murphy It was a developers mistake that should have never happened. Sometime around 1970, the developers of the original La Costa Resort and Spa allowed for the construction and sale of two 48 unit condominium buildings inside what would eventually come to be known as œthe gates of La Costa. These two buildings are the first to be seen by anyone approaching the resort from its main entrance….
by Roberta Murphy According to the latest from Dataquick, a record number of foreclosure notices have been sent to California homeowners during this past quarter, setting a new ten-year record. Why? Dataquick reports that œflat appreciation, slow sales, and post teaser-rate mortgage resets have contributed to these financial casualties. The San Diego Union Tribune reports that San Diego County endured 1,182 foreclosures from January through March, 2007 -or almost eight…
by Roberta Murphy Peering into the future, it is nice to imagine a home that is smart in every sense–and inviting to all. Sunset Magazine and Popular Science recently team-conceived the Idea House, the House of Innovation , in Alamo, California. This intelligent $5 + million smart home provides a trajectory of design and technologies that will end up in homes of tomorrow. It is loaded with sustainable materials and…
by Roberta Murphy Todays real estate market is different for all, including luxury home sellers, their agents and home buyers. Though multiple offers have returned on a selected basis in the San Diego and Manhatttan real estate markets (well-priced, well-located and well-appointed homes), it is still a buyers market. And with many buyers returning to these markets, sellers and their agents need to be wary of certain types of…
by Roberta Murphy Its no secret that I am a fan of the Chopra Center and of the La Costa Resort and Spa or that I am a Realtor living in this coastal Carlsbad paradise. I have a special affection for the old Rancho La Costa and for the legendary homes surrounding the La Costa golf course. And we just obtained a listing for a very special La Costa property….
by Roberta Murphy San Diego Vacancy Rates the Highest Since ˜95 headlines the San Diego Union Tribune. Those are words that should should send shivers down the spine of San Diego real estate investors, homeowners, home sellers, and potential home buyers throughout the county. But smart home buyers and savvy real estate investors should know by now to read between the lines and below the headlines. If we take the…
A San Diego Golfer’s Dream Once upon a time, a renowned San Diego golf teaching pro decided to create his very own practice course. The setting had to be bucolic and a magnet for native birds, wildlife and outrageous sunset views. The home was to be a custom one–a sprawling single story full of gentle archways and warm, inviting hues. The climate could be nothing other than perfection: San Diego…
by Roberta Murphy The Luxury Blog Directory (or L-List), started by the inimitable Paul Johnson, continues to grow and re-seed itself in separate locations. I have tried to pull the listings together once again. This time, to make sure all are included, it might be wise to make sure your luxury blog is included below and if its not, add it (as long as it is luxury-oriented). And if there…
by Roberta Murphy I just returned from a meeting of top real estate agents in North County San Diego. There was much discussion about what is selling and what is not. Aside from market issues (luxury home market is strong here and multiple offers are not uncommon for buffed homes in the $1.5 million and up range), the issue of home presentation and staging was at the very top of…
by Roberta Murphy What if there were a wood treatment that not only disgusted termites, but repelled mold and fungus as well? This dream is now a reality at least for those fortunate custom home builders and remodelers who are able to demand their choice in wood. Though it makes for colorful framing (think Smurf blue), Bluwood has captured the interest of homeowners who wish to avoid the hazards of…
