From the C.A.R. website, “Home sales increased 43.4 percent in July in California compared with the same period a year ago, while the median price of an existing home fell 40.3 percent, California Association of REALTORS reported Monday.” Yeah homes sales are up from last year! “Sales improved significantly in July 2008 and remained above the 400,000 level for the third consecutive month,” said C.A.R. President William E. Brown. “Deeply-discounted, distressed sales... Read the rest of this entry »
How do you re-coup your $32,000,000 investment in a home that sits on the Pebble Beach golf course? You can rent it for $100,000 a week during the U.S. Open in 2010. You can rent out your home. Monterey Bay Property Management is looking for Pebble Beach homeowners that are willing to put all their personal belongings into storage, shine up their homes and move out for a couple weeks for these projected returns….On the golf course: $100,000, Within walking distance: $50,000, Inside Pebble... Read the rest of this entry »
From the Monterey Herald, August 20, 2008 “Home sales in Monterey County continue to rise, while the median price of sales continues its downward trend, according to a real estate research firm. Compared to July 2007, the number of sales for new and resale properties, including single-family detached residences and condominiums, was up 53.5 percent. There were 327 properties in the county sold in July, up from 317 in June and 213 in July 2007, according to San Diego-based MDA DataQuick. The... Read the rest of this entry »
To add to my list of “California” experiences (a week long workshop at Esalen, developing a “green” residential building program, practicing Pilates and Gyrokinesis are some of my other “California” experiences), I’m going to Burning Man. Fortunately, I’m going with a group of experienced “Burners” who are generously sharing their knowledge. Even more exciting is that our group of Burners are building a theme camp, Andy’s Wonder Factory.... Read the rest of this entry »
Our cute and historically designated office on 17th Street attracts the most interesting “walk-ins.” The Jones Group Yesterday, Bernt Wahl ventured up our front porch stairs to ask about neighborhood names. I wasn’t quite sure what he was asking until he explained that he has developed G.I.S search software to define neighborhoods and provide demographic information. As Former CEO of DataHunt.com to provide information solutions to business. Now has Factle Maps We had a great... Read the rest of this entry »
We are inundated with cars of ages and makes. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has been ramping up around The Lodge and the Equestrian Center for 2 weeks. The multiple “horse power” vehicles have squeezed out the single “horse power” people from our rings at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center. We are relegated to 2 small rings in the back. Blackhawk Auction cars The Gooding Auction tents span a couple of acres, the Blackhawk tent and display area occupies all... Read the rest of this entry »
Last time that I was excited about the Olympics was the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary. ‘Cause I was working for ABC Sports PR, so I was being paid to be excited. Though working at ABC Sports that year was one of the best years. We promoted the 1987 World Series, Super Bowl XXII and the Winter Olympics, all in just 6 months. That was the last great year of ABC Sports and quite a learning experience for me. I can’t contain my curiosity for the Beijing Olympics. Today is the day for the... Read the rest of this entry »
I just read that the LA Times Real Estate Section is finished. The editorial portion of the section has been cut. With the decrease in Real Estate ad revenue, (most of us have cut back on our ad budgets this year) combined with eyeballs going to the web for information, the Times didn’t see the section as profitable. Just a few months ago, our local paper, the Monterey County Herald changed the format of the Real Estate Guide (published Saturdays) to include some “editorial”... Read the rest of this entry »
Trulia.com and Realtor.com come out on top in this review from the LA Times of home search websites. Good to know that the money spent for REALTOR.com is worthwhile. My company pays for enhanced listing service: multiple photos, expanded description, video links. I’ve been looking to expand my presence at Trulia. My older listings have been posted to Trulia through Postlets.com and my newer listings through The Real Estate Book but I don’t get any direct branding. The monthly fee... Read the rest of this entry »
When I see an outstanding image of an architecturally interest building, something hitches in my core. I don’t know what it is about great architectural photography that draws me in. When I saw the John Lautner’s image of his creation Marbrisa on The Moment blog , it took my breath away. I know that I’m not a “closet” architect. But an image that accentuates the unusual angles of a structure pleases me. There is an exhibit of Lautner’s work at the Armand... Read the rest of this entry »
