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Momentum Is Steady and Selection Is Broader Than It’s Been in a While.

Buyers are active and discerning. For sellers, the wins are coming from thoughtful prep.

September 5, 2025

Good morning,

Momentum is steady and selection is broader than it’s been in a while. Buyers are active and discerning: homes that feel turnkey, photograph beautifully, and are priced with today’s expectations earn quick attention. Properties that need work or arrive without a clear story tend to sit until presentation and pricing align.

For sellers, the wins are coming from thoughtful prep—minor repairs handled up front, a tight disclosure package, and staging that highlights light, views, and usable outdoor space. Aim for right-sized pricing out of the gate rather than testing the ceiling. Quiet interest continues behind the scenes as well, so off-market conversations can be productive when handled strategically.

For buyers, preparation is the edge. Have underwriting squared away, be clear on remodel timelines and community approvals, and move quickly when a home matches your brief. There’s real value in properties that need cosmetic updates, especially when you plan with the right team.

If you want a read on where your specific home—or search criteria—fits in this moment, I’m happy to give you a precise, property-level update.

Information + Updates

Did You Know?

Emotional intelligence isn’t just about being good at expressing and reading emotions, it’s also about knowing when to talk about them.

The best opening move may be to talk about the specific behavior, not how you feel, making it clear you aren’t assuming that you have an accurate recall of what happened, and neither should the other person. Focus on specifics. Include details that the other person might not be aware of.
Assume you made an assumption and be curious to make room for another explanation.
Once you have more information, understanding and accurate, complete context, you may no longer feel the same emotions you wanted to lead with. Often feelings shift with better, more complete knowledge. (CNBC)

Did You Know?

50 million luxury consumers exited the luxury goods market between 2022 and 2024, many of them aspirational shoppers who felt left behind by skyrocketing prices. The average price of luxury goods in Europe rose roughly 52% since 2019, with brands often charging a mark-up of 8-12 times on the production cost of their goods. (BAIN)

Did You Know?

Our old status symbols are dead and luxury brands killed them. Luxury ate its own brand narrative about scarcity and it will take a lot to rebuild it. Even if items remained in short supply physically, the internet made things worse by giving us a cultural oversupply of brands. How can something be truly exclusive when you can see a million schmucks posting Birkins or Lambos at the click of a button?” - Eugene Healey

Did You Know?

The White House is considering declaring a National Housing Emergency and is exploring ways to standardize local building and zoning codes and decrease closing costs. (Bloomberg)

Did You Know?

As many in the US grapple with affordability - especially rising food prices - look out for ALDI, the German food market with prices similar and lower than Walmart via selling 90% private label products....Aldi plans to add more than 200 stores in the U.S. in 2025, making it America’s fastest-growing retailer this year after the two big dollar-store chains. ...and add more than 800 additional stores by the end of 2028. Housing affordability AND general cost of living affordability will be enormous draws everywhere. Cities and towns that deliver this will thrive.

Did You Know?

Global use of stablecoins has already risen to around $280 billion. (FT)

A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value relative to a reference asset, most commonly the US Dollar. The goal is to combine the benefits of digital currency (fast, global, 24/7 transactions) with the stability of traditional money.

Did You Know?

Between 2019 and 2023, the number of renter households with an income of $1 million or more grew from 4,500 to 13,700, an over 300% increase! (RentCafe)

The Ultimate Grit

And let the football season begin!

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Izyan "Zizou" Ahmad is currently 11 years old and is recognized as one of the top players in the Under-12 category in the USA. He is currently training at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy and has been selected to join Team BNP Paribas Mac 1, which supports young tennis talents. Zizou is also known for his previous encounter with Roger Federer, where he humorously asked why Federer was called the GOAT, which Federer humorously answered.

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True Billionaire Benevolence at Its Core

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Thinking of Selling?

3 Buyer Needs

Looking for a property in the lower new hill or lower old hill with limited steps into the main level living or an elevator….. under $10M. Buyer ready to go! Call for details.
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.

Off Market Opportunity

I have an off market listing in Temple Hills…… super special property with plans to expand the property….. call me for details.

For Sale | Price Improvement

64 Emerald Bay

4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 3,588 SqFt

$13,500,000

Nestled at the south end of Emerald Bay’s private beach, 64 Emerald Bay presents a rare opportunity to own in one of Laguna Beach’s most coveted locations. Just a stone’s throw from the sand, this 3,588-square-foot home offers dramatic whitewater views and a stunning coastal backdrop, all while maintaining a sense of privacy.

Featuring 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and a traditional layout ideal for comfortable living and entertaining, the home is rich in character brimming with potential to personalize or transform into a custom retreat. One of its most enchanting features? The constant, soothing sound of the ocean—a peaceful soundtrack to daily life, day and night.

Schedule Your Private Tour

For Sale

523 Emerald Bay

5 Bed | 5 Bath | 4,092 SqFt

$14,000,000

Welcome to 523 Emerald Bay—where coastal luxury meets panoramic perfection. Perched to capture uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and glowing sunsets that light up the sky all year round, this more than 4000 SF, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home offers a front-row seat to Southern California’s most breathtaking coastal scenery.

Inside, discover a stunning blend of contemporary elegance and refined coastal sophistication, all overlooking one of California’s most coveted beaches. The light-filled great room flows seamlessly onto expansive decks—perfect for entertaining or simply soaking in the view. A chef-worthy kitchen, spa-inspired baths, and generously sized bedrooms make everyday living feel like a retreat.

Schedule Your Private Tour