by Roberta Murphy A couple of years ago we were buzzing about the possibility of Slumburbias–where Baby Boomers were abandoning cul de sacs, suburbs and the McMansions battled for a decade ago. Instead, they wanted something smaller, something in a walkable neighborhood, something that didn’t require 100 square feet devoted to lawn mowers, clippers and tools. They still long for the freedom to lock and go, the freedom to travel,…
Seeking New Orleans Bed and Breakfast or Inn
by Roberta Murphy We are making reservations now to attend the National Association of Realtors NAR NARDIGRAS, which will logically be held in New Orleans, November 4 through November 8. We are arriving a couple of days early to attend a two day Cyberprofessional meeting and will spend the balance of our time in unspecified meetings–but will additionally be taking photos and reviewing lodging, restaurants and local “catches.” Time will…
The Luxury of….Schools in Afghanistan
Luxury properties and lifestyles are of interest for many of us, but there are times when necessities are the greatest and most compelling luxury of all. And the kids in Afghanistan desperately need our help. Many schools throughout the country have been destroyed and teachers have been executed–resulting in a literacy rate that is one of the lowest in the world. Some American soldiers, cooperating with locals, are assisting in…
Most Expensive Cities in the World
by Roberta Murphy It’s interesting to study living costs in the most expensive cities in the world–at least as tabulated for 2009. According to Mercers, who tabulate these statistics for expatriate living, the 10 most expensive cities (based on housing, food, entertainment, clothing and transportation) are: 1. Tokyo 2. Osaka 3. Moscow 4. Geneva 5. Hong Kong 6. Zurich 7. Copenhagen 8. New York 9. Beijing 10. Singapore Mercer’s, in…
The Luxury of Speculation
The luxury of speculation is that it allows us to wonder and gossip about Wall Street and tech world takeovers–and covet the fortunes being made.
Louis Vuitton Tops Luxury Brands–Followed by Hermes, Gucci
Bloomberg reports that Louis Vuitton, with its monogrammed bags and luggage, handily outranks its luxury brand competitors for the fifth straight year. With a reported value of $19.8 billion, Vuitton ranks 29th worldwide for all industries–and more than twice the combined value of Hermes and Gucci combined. Even though the luxury sector of the market has experienced an overall decline of 3 percent in value, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Gucci and…
Sometimes a Luxury Home Just…Isn’t
Oh Dear… Yesterday, good friend and Sacramento real estate broker Gena Riede declined to take a $2 million listing in Whitney Oaks–located in Rocklin, just outside Sacramento. The home has magnificent views, is in a fine golf course neighborhood, and offers over 7000 square feet of potential living area. This was a listing appointment that Gena had prepared for in detail. She had reserved space here for an article about…
The Luxury of….No Human Slavery
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…
Venetian Plaster Transformation
by Roberta Murphy The Elegance of Venetian Plaster When first entering this newer San Diego luxury home, we were amazed by its wall and ceiling finishes. Walking slowly from room to room, one can run fingers over the cool burnished walls and the gray stone door arches. The touch is smooth and cool. Even the ceilings and dome gave the impression that we had indeed been transported to a Venetian…
Luxury Above La Costa
by Roberta Murphy At San Diego Previews, we deal with a number of people who are relocating to the San Diego area. They may be from from the East Coast, the desert, Bay area, Midwest or Europe, but all have pretty specific ideas about the lifestyle they anticipate in sunny Southern California. Many of these seekers are seasoned and affluent home buyers–ones who can be pretty specific about the features…
