Blog

Momentum Isn’t Gone; It’s Simply More Deliberate.

The overarching theme: this is a market where strategy wins.

September 17, 2025

Good morning,

There’s activity on both buyer and seller sides, but decisions are more measured—buyers want certainty in what they’re choosing, and sellers who provide it are the ones seeing results.

Momentum isn’t gone; it’s simply more deliberate. Properties that align with lifestyle expectations—light, flow, and outdoor usability—capture immediate interest. Homes that lack clarity in how they’re positioned tend to linger until adjustments bring them in line with buyer expectations. Behind the scenes, quiet conversations continue, with private interest surfacing when there’s a strong match.

For those considering a move, the lesson is that the market is rewarding precision over ambition. Pricing, presentation, and timing matter more than ever. Buyers are doing their homework, and sellers who meet them with transparency and thoughtfulness are achieving cleaner outcomes.

The overarching theme: this is a market where strategy wins. Every detail, from preparation to positioning, can influence whether a property sparks momentum or drifts into the background.

Information + Updates

Did You Know?

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage dropped 12 basis points yesterday to 6.13%, the lowest level since late 2022. Today we should expect a drop in the FED rates and all eyes and ears will be on future guidance: are more drops imminent? (Mortgage News Daily)

Did You Know?

On this day 29 years ago Oprah launched her book club.....triggering a wave of book sales including 55 million copies of "Oprah editions" and over 22 million copies of special branded editions. Maybe at this time we should be reading more books than doom-scrolling, listening to the scandal-for-profit (paid for) individuals attempting to divide us daily?

Did You Know?

A new study about ChatGPT usage indicated faster growth in non-work-related usage than in work-related usage jumping to 73% from 53% a year ago. The chatbot is slowly becoming more universal across gender and national borders. The most use? Practical guidance, seeking information and writing. It's mostly being used for ADVICE, not TASKS. (CNBC)

Did You Know?

The Portuguese government has seen a 72% increase in golden visa approvals, with Americans making up the majority. Portugal’s golden visa program has raised more than $7.2 billion since it was created in 2012. (FORBES)

Did You Know?

BEEF-flation? Another example of how supply-demand drives pricing and profits: Cattle numbers have plunged since the late 1970's in the US....from about 125 million head of cattle to 1951 levels today under 900 million. The message? Producing less is often much more profitable. Who pays for this? The consumer, with much higher beef prices. Apply this to housing: will builders ever build more affordably priced homes if building more expensive ones takes the same or less effort and is much more profitable?

"Over the past several decades, we’ve abandoned that sacred order in favor of the breakneck pursuit of wealth, innovation, and power. In the process, we’ve become spiritually bankrupt grasping for meaning and roots even as we build skyscrapers to the heavens."

- Paul Kingsnorth, author, who addresses the subject of how in this age of abundance many are struggling with a lack of meaning.

A friend from my grade school sent this to me. I printed it out and look at it every day.

The paradox of life…

Learning something new makes you feel dumb, before it makes you wise.

Working out makes you feel weak, before it makes you strong.

Facing your fears makes you feel terrified, before it makes you brave.

In order to heal you have to suffer, and in order to have peace, you need chaos.

Because……..

Life disguises growth as failure, and progress as pain.

If it feels hard, it probably matters because…..BECOMING….is messy.

It breaks who you were, to make room for who you’re meant to be.

You don’t build strength by feeling powerful, you build it by showing up when you feel powerless.

So if you feel tired, uncertain and behind, you might just be in the middle of BECOMING, and that is exactly where you’re meant to be!

Please Join Me Today

Please Join Me in My Home

Please join me at my home on September 25th to support Sally’s Fund. Sally’s Fund was started by Emerald Bay Residents and provide rides to the frail throughout Laguna Beach. PLEASE come by and support our cause.

RSVP to Rachael Berger:

[email protected]

All Hands on Deck

Being the card playing lover, I got a kick out of that.

Watch Video

Those who Quietly Build, Heal, Invent, and Protect

History is filled with examples, and these ten extraordinary women prove that. They created solutions for real problems and made the world safer, often during times when conditions were far from equal.

Their impact is a powerful reminder: speaking up matters, but taking action speaks even louder!

Watch Video

For Sale

64 Emerald Bay

4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 3,588 SqFt

$13,500,000

Broker Preview Today from 10:00 - 1:00

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 | Price Improvement

523 Emerald Bay

5 Bed | 5 Bath | 4,092 SqFt

$12,750,000

Broker Preview Today from 10:00 - 1:00

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

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.