Blog

Discernment Continues to Define 2026

Selective activity and three notable sales so far this year highlight how the right homes continue to connect with the right buyers in Emerald Bay.

 
Aerial coastline with hillside homes, rocky headlands, and a sandy beach beside blue ocean.
 

March 13, 2026

Good morning,

 

Today, Emerald Bay is not a momentum-driven market. It’s more about discernment, and that dynamic continues to hold steady. Activity is selective, and when a home sells, it’s usually because it fits exactly what a particular buyer has been waiting for. In 2026 so far, Emerald Bay has recorded three sales ranging from $6,850,000 to $17,000,000, which reflects the wide range of homes within the community and the continued demand when the right opportunity presents itself. 

 

Buyers today tend to take their time. They’re paying attention to things most important to them like view lines, architecture, privacy, and how the home sits within the community itself. Being close to the sand, quieter streets, and well-done renovations often matter more than whatever the broader market headlines are saying. 

 

Two of this year’s sales were pocket listings, and I feel fortunate to have represented the buyers in both of those transactions as well as one of the sellers. I’m incredibly grateful to work with so many loyal and amazing clients who continue to trust me with these opportunities. 

 

When the right home comes along, the right buyer tends to recognize it pretty quickly.

 

Information + Updates

Did You Know?

The next billionaires? A.I. startup AARU - with a valuation of $1 billion - was founded by three TEENAGERS in New York City! (WSJ)

 

Did You Know?

Not unlike the Russia-Ukraine war that started in 2022, the massive oil price spike we are experiencing has shown signs of retreating already. By June 2022, oil prices had spiked to over $122/barrel after global oil supplies were disrupted by the war. Today, oil is up to $91 from $60 in December, but down from closer to $100 a few days ago. These spikes are often transitory. America produces substantially more oil than we consume. We import some oil, mainly from Canada and Mexico, while exporting even more oil, mainly from Texas, but we buy hardly any oil from the Persian Gulf. (Business Insider)

 

Did You Know?

Are we in an “E-shape” Economy with three tiers of consumer behavior instead of two as in a K-shaped Economy? A middle group is distinguishing itself, and those people’s behavior is starting to show that they’re experiencing growing signs of strain. The top tier is spending and performing well. The bottom tier is taking on much more debt.....and those in the middle are behaving cautiously and nervously. (MSNBC)

 

Did You Know?

During the month of March, some parts of the United States will add over an hour-and-a-half of sun by the end of the month. (USA TODAY)

 

Did You Know?

The Government Accountability Office estimated in January that the government loses as much as $521 billion annually to fraud. Haywood Talcove, one of the US's top government fraud experts, suggests the fraud could be as high as $1 trillion a year or more. Which, if combined with the (legally) owed $600 billion-plus unpaid taxes per year, could pay down our national debt in 23 years?

 

Did You Know?

Are cities turning to tourists to pay for their city services and expenses?Barcelona, Spain, has nearly doubled its hotel guest tax, from $5-$9 to $10-$17 per person, per night — while holiday rentals rose from 12.5 euros per night, up from $7.24 to a maximum of $14.49. Even 'tax-free Dubai' adds taxes for tourists while 'tax-free' Florida Hotel taxes typically total between 12% -14% in the city of Miami, and up to 14% or higher in Miami Beach, a wee bit lower than Manhattan....but less than Los Angeles at 15.5%. In London there is no hotel tax.....just a mere 20% VAT! 

Incoming!

Communications satellite with solar panels above Earth’s cloud-covered surface.

A big NASA satellite crashed back to Earth on Wednesday morning (March 11) after nearly 14 years in orbit.

 

For Sale

Coastal Mediterranean-style homes beside the ocean, with palm trees and a curved street.

64 Emerald Bay

4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 3,588 SqFt

$13,500,000

 

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.

 

For Sale

Two-story stucco home with red tile roofs, an upper balcony, and landscaped front garden.

2 Emerald Bay

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,619 SqFt
$5,900,000

 

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 Off Market

Represented Buyer and Seller

Two-story beige home with a white double garage, balcony, and stone entry at dusk.

 

78 Emerald Bay | Laguna Beach

 

Loved representing both buyer and seller.

Closed

Covered patio with white lounge seating around a linear fire pit and an outdoor dining area.

Represented buyer: I loved finding the right spot for this special buyer…. #offmarketsale

For Lease

Coastal hillside homes overlooking the ocean, with terracotta roofs and a winding neighborhood road.

343 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

5 beds | 4 baths | 4,160 sqft

Summer Rental

Mediterranean-style coastal home with red tile roofs, landscaped frontage, and ocean in the distance.

839 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

5 beds | 5 baths | 4,851 sqft

Summer Rental

Ocean view framed by an open window, with palm trees and rooftops below.

45 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

4 beds | 3 baths | 2,221 sqft

Flexible Year Round Lease

Modern white multi-level home with black-framed windows and balconies at dusk.

322 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

6 beds | 7 baths | 5,493 sqft

 For Lease

Living room with vaulted ceiling, fireplace, and sliding glass doors to a patio.

153 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

3 beds | 3 baths | 2,135 sqft

 For Lease

Modern home patio with dark-framed doors, clipped hedges, and a reflecting pond.

435 Dahlia Ave, Corona del Mar

3 beds | 3 baths | 1,536 sqft

 For Lease

Vacant open-plan kitchen and living area with a breakfast bar and large glass doors.

435 Dahlia Ave, Unit 2, Corona del Mar

3 beds | 3 baths | 1,272 sqft

 Flexible Year Round Rental

Modern glass-fronted home entrance framed by a walkway and large agave plants.

809 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

4 beds | 5.25 baths | 4,200 sqft

Flexible Year Round Rental

Bright living room with white ceiling beams, French doors, and ocean views.

806 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

4 beds | 4 baths | 4,150 sqft

Just Listed

Living room with a stone fireplace, wall-mounted television, and exposed ceiling beams.

27 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

4 beds | 6 baths | 4,064 sqft

Emerald Bay Market Update

 

We have 9 homes currently on the market ranging from $5,900,000 - $44,995,000. We also have several off market opportunities. Call me for details.

 
Current Emerald Bay Listings
Current Emerald Bay Rentals
Contact me for Emerald Bay Pocket Listings
 
 
Maura Short’s real estate contact information beside her portrait.
 
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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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