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Happy New Year!

Understanding the Past So We Can Prepare for the Future

Understanding the Past So We Can Prepare for the Future

As we step into the New Year, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the trust, conversations, and relationships that made the past year so meaningful. As this challenging year comes to a close, I’m being very intentional and thoughtful as I prepare for the year ahead. (See the Chinese Calendar section below).

Real estate is never just about homes — it’s about timing, intention, and the people we meet along the way. This past year was a reminder that thoughtful strategy, local insight, and steady guidance matter more than ever, and I’m grateful to work with clients who value clarity, preparation, and long-term perspective.

As the year ahead unfolds, whether it brings a move, a milestone, or simply the comfort of knowing you’re well-positioned, please know I’m always here as a resource — to offer insight, answer questions, or help you think through what’s next, whenever the time feels right.

Wishing you a healthy, successful, and inspiring New Year filled with new opportunities and continued peace of mind.

“Doing the right thing doesn’t always bring immediate applause, but it quietly builds a life of trust, peace, and integrity—and those rewards are immeasurable.”

Love, Maura

Wisdom, Transformation, Intuition, and Rebirth

In Chinese Calendar

2025 The Year of the Snake

was never meant to be comfortable.

In traditional symbolism,

the Snake is about shedding.

Old skins. Old stories.

Old attachments that no longer fit.

Tracks, doesn't it?

This year asked many of us to let go.

Sometimes without clarity.

Sometimes without closure.

Relationships shifted. Truths surfaced.

Things ended before we felt ready. -

And now we're approaching 2026

The Year of the Horse.

Traditionally, the Horse represents movement, strength, and forward momentum.

Not frantic rushing - but purposeful motion.

Freedom paired with direction

Which means how we close this year matters.

What you release now doesn't come with you.

What you resolve now doesn't need to be dragged forw

What you honor, forgive, and lay down makes space for what's meant to run free.

We're not carrying old energy into a new season.

A Thoughtful New Year Reset

I thought I would share with you the New Year reset I am currently working on:

A 7-Day New Year Reset

Begin the year with clarity, intention, and momentum

Day 1 – The Year Audit

(Review the past year honestly)

Take a clear look back before moving forward.

What were the biggest wins?
What were the biggest lessons (including failures)?
What consistently drained your energy?

No sugarcoating—just clarity.

This reflection shows what’s worth repeating and what no longer belongs in the year ahead.

Day 2 – The Completion List

(Close open loops)

Unfinished tasks quietly drain mental energy.

Make a list of:

Projects that need finishing
Conversations that need to happen
Purchases that need to be made
Decisions that need to be closed

Finish what can be finished.

Archive what can’t.

Start the year lighter and more focused.

Day 3 – The Relationship Reset

(Refine your connections)

Relationships shape your reality.

Reach out to 5 people who truly mattered to you
Have one honest conversation you’ve been avoiding
Release one relationship or dynamic that no longer serves you
Schedule meaningful time with loved ones early in the year

Enter the new year with the right people close.

Day 4 – The Health Check

(Set the foundation)

Before the year gains momentum:

Schedule a physical or dental appointment
Stock your kitchen with nourishing food
Set up your workout space or gym membership
Prioritize a full night of rest

Small actions now create consistency later.

Day 5 – The Money Reality

(Financial clarity without judgment)

Look at the numbers honestly.

What was actually earned?
What was actually spent?
Where did money quietly leak?
What are realistic financial goals for this year?

No shame—just information.

You can’t improve what you don’t measure.

Day 6 – Digital Environment Reset

(Curate what you consume)

Your inputs shape your thinking.

Unfollow what distracts or drains you
Follow voices that sharpen your focus
Fill your feed with people who inspire growth

Protect your attention—it’s one of your most valuable assets.

Day 7 – The Year Blueprint

(Design the year ahead)

Choose three meaningful goals (not thirty)
Break them into quarterly milestones
Identify the first action for each
Schedule key January priorities
Set up simple tracking systems

Two hours of planning saves months of wandering.

Would you share with me some of your goals?

Emerald Bay Sales in 2025

Living in Emerald Bay, you start to feel the market long before you see the numbers. Over the past few years, that rhythm has definitely shifted — and now it’s finding its footing again.

In 2023, there was still a lot of post-pandemic momentum. Homes were selling because buyers didn’t want to miss their opportunity to be here. Decisions were made quickly, and pricing was often driven by emotion as much as logic.

By 2024, things naturally slowed. Fewer homes changed hands, but it wasn’t because the bay lost its appeal — it was more about buyers becoming thoughtful and sellers taking a step back. The homes that sold were priced realistically, and the rest waited.

What’s been encouraging to see in 2025 is that activity has picked up again, especially in the third quarter.. So far, nine homes have sold, and they represent a real mix — from smaller legacy cottages to larger estate properties. That balance tells an important story: this isn’t a stalled market, it’s a functioning one.

From inside the community, it feels like buyers are back — but they’re paying attention. Many understand the nuances of the bay. They care about orientation, light, views, and how a home lives day to day. When a property is priced thoughtfully and tells its story clearly, buyers are stepping up.

2023 was driven by momentum (11 Sales).

Elevated pricing driven by scarcity and emotional demand
Buyers willing to stretch on both cottages and larger homes
Broader tolerance for condition and future redevelopment

2024 was a pause to reset expectations (5 Sales).

Fewer trades, but prices held surprisingly firm
Sellers who sold were realistic and market-aware
Less dispersion between high and low sale prices

2025 feels balanced, active, and real (9 Sales).

Clear price discovery year
Buyers re-engaged, but selectively
Homes that traded were correctly priced, not aspirational

Key Insight:

Emerald Bay did not experience a pricing collapse — instead, it experienced a reset in expectations.

Emerald Bay Homes Currently on the Market

307 Emerald Bay — $7,495,000
32 Emerald Bay — $9,250,000
928 Emerald Bay — $10,500,000
64 Emerald Bay — $13,500,000
74 Emerald Bay — $17,995,000
145 Emerald Bay — $24,995,000

Coming Soon

2 Emerald bay Coming Soon — Represented by Maura Short
9 Emerald Bay — Represented by Rod Daley

Just sold 523 Emerald Bay — Represented Buyer and Seller

In Escrow — 704 Emerald Bay (Representing Buyer)

For Sale

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.

Just Sold

523 Emerald Bay

5 Bed | 5 Bath | 4,092 SqFt

Absolutely loved representing this LONG time Emerald Bay Family selling their family home to a new Emerald Bay family looking to place their roots in Emerald Bay.

Coming Soon

2 Emerald Bay

3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,619 SqFt

Thinking of Selling?

2 Buyer Needs

Looking for a remodel (not HUGE remodel) on either hill will a view under $8M.
Large street to street ‘fixer’ property, looking for off market and there is no price constraint.