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A Thoughtful Look at Today’s Emerald Bay Market

What changing buyer behavior may mean for your home’s value.

September 5, 2026

Good morning,


When you live in Emerald Bay, you don’t need to be told what makes our community special. What matters is understanding what’s happening in our market, how buyers are responding, and what that may mean for your home.


Today’s market is more thoughtful and selective. Buyers are taking their time, comparing opportunities, and paying closer attention to value. Exceptional homes still attract interest, but thoughtful pricing, strong presentation, and consistent exposure have become increasingly important.


In Emerald Bay, every property needs to be considered individually. Location, views, condition, architecture, privacy, and the way a home lives can all influence value, which is why the latest sale or a simple price-per-square-foot comparison rarely tells the entire story.


Whether you’re considering selling or simply curious about where your home stands in today’s market, I’m always happy to share what I’m seeing and have a candid conversation about what it could mean for you.

Information + Updates

Did You Know?

US dollars are made not from paper, but instead from a fiber blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen.


Did You Know?

New York Federal Reserve President John Williams said Wednesday that the recent surge in Treasury yields is the product of a strong economy, not market dysfunction. What’s driving it, in large part, is a really strong U.S. economy and a strong economic outlook fueled by big investments in AI and data centers, and technology in general. He believes it’s not really about financial conditions affecting the economy. It’s more about the economy affecting financial conditions.(CNBC)


Did You Know?

The Farm is having a moment, besides the farm-to-table dining trend that keeps going strong: Farm-themed hotels are popping up around the globe, mostly influenced by the originals Blackberry Farm, Babbington House and Babylonstoren, although versions of this existed for decades in France and Italy. The modern farmhouse style in the U.S. delivers a style transitioning away from stark, mass-produced cookie-cutter aesthetics toward a warmer, more authentic "organic modern" and cottage-fusion design…..


Did You Know?

Over 1,000 residential rebuilds have started in the Pacific Palisades......35 primary residences have received a CO. Building a custom luxury home typically takes 18 to 36 months from the initial design concept to final move-in. The physical construction phase alone generally requires 12 to 24 months, while the pre-planning, architectural design, engineering, and local permitting phases add another 6 to 12 months before groundbreaking


Did You Know?

Where is the US economy heading? Here is one opinion from UBS: 

  • Inflation is indeed structurally moderating and will allow Warsh to keep rates steady into 2027 with the next move being a cut (or two), not a hike.
  • The job market remains sanguine, allowing The Fed/Warsh to continue the focus on the other half of their dual mandate, managing inflation.
  • Earnings and Economic growth remain resilient and supporting of current market multiples (or how much investors are willing to pay on forward earnings).
  • Consumers remain resilient- Data from retail sales to savings balances to interest payments as a % of disposable income remain strong (and in some cases are getting stronger).


Did You Know?

Profits are booming at the US’s biggest companies: their leaders say that likely won’t change soon. From Target and J.M. Smucker to farm-equipment maker Deere, companies spanning the breadth of the U.S. economy are ringing up heftier sales and earnings. In recent days, many have raised financial outlooks for the year, citing robust sales as just one of the reasons. Are these higher prices and profits - because-you-can - fueling inflation? (WSJ)

Founding Fathers

Our Founding Fathers and the Renown Architect That Created Emerald Bay


Henry Sabin Palmer was a Pasadena-based architect who became one of our community's founding design authorities. In 1929, when Emerald Bay was first subdivided and established as a private beach community, an architectural and art commission was formed to oversee its look and feel, and Henry Palmer Sabin was one of its five original members. 


Sabin was the driving force behind Emerald Bay's signature look. He championed the Italian Mediterranean Revival style that still defines much of the community's early architecture, and pushed that aesthetic through the review process for years.


He designed his own home as a showcase. His residence at 10 Emerald Bay, built in 1933, was done in a Monterey Revival style with beach-cottage touches, and it won second prize in a Home Beautiful design competition.

He was prolific with the community's early cottages. Beyond his own house, Sabin designed a number of the vernacular beach cottages that filled out Emerald Bay through the 1930s and into the late 1940s.



He eventually led the whole community. In April 1941, after homeowners wrested control of the development away from its original Boston investor backer, Henry I. Harriman, Sabin was named president of the restructured Emerald Bay Corporation.


There are only a few of these special properties left in the bay and guess what… You too could own one of these special properties….. Our 2 Emerald Bay is available…... 😉

Drop of Life Gala

Drop of Life Gala 2026

An Evening of Collective Action to Let Futures Flow


Saturday, September 12

Irvine, CA

5:30 PM


Please check out this amazing charity event with a neighbor of ours, Lindsay Pluimer, such a great cause and thank you Lindsay for all that you do!


For millions across East Africa, the water crisis means interrupted dreams: an empty desk, an unfinished notebook, a future paused by the search for water.


This year, With My Own Two Hands proudly celebrates 15 years of creating a more equitable world through clean water and agriculture.

Teamwork At Its Best!

Back-to-back saves and a brilliant block.

US Open

Alexandra and Iva giving it everything.

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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