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A Fall Market Perspective from Maura Short

What today’s selective buyers and thoughtful pricing mean for your Emerald Bay home.

September 18, 2026

Good morning,


As we move into fall, I’m seeing a market that continues to reward patience, preparation, and a clear understanding of value. Buyers remain interested, but they are being selective and taking the time to find the right home rather than feeling pressured to make a quick decision.


I’m also seeing that the homes generating the strongest response are those that are positioned thoughtfully from the start. Pricing matters, but so do presentation, condition, privacy, views, and the overall experience a property offers. In a community where no two homes are truly alike, I believe those details are far more meaningful than a broad market statistic or price-per-square-foot comparison.


I stay closely connected to both the activity we see publicly and the conversations happening privately. That perspective allows me to look beyond the numbers and provide a more complete picture of where your home may stand today.


If you’re curious about your property’s current value or what I’m seeing from buyers, I’m always happy to have a personal and candid conversation.

Information + Updates

Did You Know?

Are we in a FLIP-PHONE economy, perhaps? The new APPLE flip-phone is almost twice the size of a regular i-phone.....and twice the price....or triple the price of a mini-i-pad....but a foldable mini i-pad does fit in your pocket…. (Megan suggested this for my newsletter)


Did You Know?

The number of Americans 65 and older today is double what it was in 1990......61 million.


Did You Know?

The U.S. generated 26.9 billion visits to AI tool websites in 2025, or 21.4% of the global total, more than India, Brazil, and Germany combined. India ranks second with 12.0 billion visits and Brazil third with 7.0 billion, ahead of every European country....however, 31.3% of working-age adults in the US are using AI regularly compared with 70.1% in the UAE.


Did You Know?

WAYMO has over 4,000 driverless cars on the road....and employs around 2,700 workers.


Did You Know?

SWS? Yup, Sudden wealth syndrome is a non-clinical psychological condition and identity crisis that describes the emotional and mental stress people experience after an unexpected, rapid increase in wealth. Coined by psychologist Dr. Stephen Goldbart, the term highlights how a sudden financial windfall—such as winning the lottery, receiving a massive inheritance, selling a startup, or hitting it big with cryptocurrency—can overwhelm a person's coping mechanisms. Common Symptoms include Isolation and Paranoia, Guilt and Shame, Decision Paralysis, Reckless or Defensive Behaviors, and Physical Stress. The best solution? Buy a beautiful home!


Did You Know?

There is no forecast that predicts a 3% mortgage rate in the next 5 years. However, who saw such low home loan rates on the horizon in 2007 when rates were about where they are now? Things like the Great Recession and a global pandemic are rarely on the radar, and such drastic events are what it takes to move mortgage rates into the cellar. (YAHOO)


Did You Know?

Why do some states have more data centers than others, besides electricity and water supply and land? Ohio’s effective tax rate on data centers was 1.2% as of the end of 2025, the lowest of 15 states analyzed by the Quantitative Economics and Statistics team at accounting firm EY. California, at the other end of the scale, had an effective tax rate of 16.9%.

Amazing Moments at the US Open

These are the moments that remind us why we love sports. There can only be one winner, but both players leave everything they have on the court. The competition may be intense, but at the end of the day, there is still respect between two athletes who understand exactly what the other has just gone through.

Golf …. Wait Whatttttt

From pond to pin! Jon Rahm skips to a hole-in-one on No. 16 on Tuesday at the Masters.

Respect + Grace

After a fierce four hour battle at the U.S. Open final, Sascha Zverev and Ben Shelton met at the net and hugged it out. But what moved me happened next. Both men are coached by their fathers, and each went over to the other’s father to offer a hug and congratulations.

Price Improvement

 $5.295M

2 Emerald Bay

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,619 SqFt

$5,295,000



Now let’s talk about architectural integrity!


This romantic 1930s California Spanish–style residence, designed by renowned architect Henry Palmer Sabin, is truly a work of art. Lovingly maintained and thoughtfully enhanced, it captures the timeless character and craftsmanship of the era while introducing tasteful modern updates.


Located on the highly coveted Oceanside of Emerald Bay, this three-bedroom, three-bath home offers the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary livability. New double paned windows flood the interiors with natural light, accentuating the rich architectural details throughout.

Just Sold

64 Emerald Bay

4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 3,588 SqFt


A stones throw to the coveted South end Emerald Bay’s exquisite beach, 64 Emerald Bay presents a rare opportunity to own in one of the most sought-after locations within this iconic, Laguna Beach community. Ideally positioned near the quiet southernmost edge of the bay, this approximately 3,588 square foot home enjoys dramatic whitewater views—where waves crash against the rocky shoreline, delivering a breathtaking coastal backdrop.

Off Market Listings

If you are a buyer looking for oceanside properties, call me for details.

12 Month Lease

839 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

4 beds | 5 baths | 4,851 sqft

12 Month Lease

517 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

4 beds | 5 baths | 4,327 sqft

Short Term Lease

343 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

5 beds | 4 baths | 4,160 sqft

 Winter Rental

1004 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

5 beds | 5 baths | 2,905 sqft

Short Term Lease

809 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

4 beds | 5.25 baths | 4,200 sqft

Short Term Lease

27 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

4 beds | 6 baths | 4,064 sqft

Short Term Lease

45 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

4 beds | 3 baths | 2,221 sqft

Emerald Bay Market Update

We currently have 4 homes active on the market, ranging from $5,295,000 to $36,500,000, offering a wide spectrum of opportunities within the community, not to mention my off market opportunities.

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Work With Maura

Maura Short is known for her strong work ethic, broad industry know-how, and passion for architecture, in addition to her extensive network, confidentiality, and moral code. Combined with her wide-ranging local expertise, all of these assets result in favorable outcomes for both buyers and sellers under her care.
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