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Much Like the Broader Laguna Beach Market

Emerald Bay’s enduring appeal continues to support strong property values.

August 9, 2025

Good morning,

Emerald Bay’s luxury market remains steady, with prices holding consistent, much like the broader Laguna Beach market, even as sales activity has slowed. Several homes have come off the market waiting for more buyers to enter the market. While other areas are showing more noticeable shifts in pricing and activity, Emerald Bay’s enduring appeal continues to support strong property values.

Even with 4 homes coming off the market, there are currently more homes on the market here than in recent years, giving buyers a wider range of options to consider. For sellers, this means that although demand remains healthy—especially under the $10M price point—it’s essential to stand out through exceptional presentation, strategic pricing, and targeted marketing.

Across Laguna Beach and within Emerald Bay, homes are taking longer to sell as buyers move more cautiously. This has created a more balanced market—buyers benefit from increased choice, while sellers still enjoy the prestige and desirability that have long defined this community, even if the pool of buyers above $10M is smaller than in past years.

Information + Updates

Did You Know?

An executive order was signed yesterday that lays the groundwork to add alternative assets such as private equity, cryptocurrencies ....and real estate into 401(k)s. Earnings in a 401(k) grow tax-deferred (you don't pay taxes on the interest, dividends, or investment gains until you withdraw the money in retirement.) You may be in a lower tax bracket during retirement, so withdrawing the money then could lower your tax exposure. A Roth 401(k) allows contributions to be made with after-tax dollars whereby you don't get an upfront tax deduction, but your qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. (CNBC)

Did You Know?

Private investment firms of the ultra-rich once again dialed back their deal-making in July. Family offices made only 42 direct investments last month, down nearly 60% on an annual basis. While the drop in July was especially steep, uncertainty over tariffs has weighed on deal flow for months. Family office investors made 32% fewer direct investments in the first half of 2025. Will this pick up steam in the second half? (Fintix)

Did You Know?

Is an APPLE manufacturing entity coming to your neck of the woods? In 2021, Apple announced plans to spend $430 billion over 5 years, or $86 billion per year in the U.S. Yesterday they boosted that to $600 billion over 4 years, or $125 billion per year. (CNBC)

Did You Know?

Why do the wealthy love Montana (besides breathtaking vistas)? It's tax friendly...no local or state inheritance taxes and.....no sales tax either! How can it afford this? For every dollar Montana contributes in federal taxes, the state receives at least $1.40 back in federal funding.

Did You Know?

Investment banks benefit from volatility because it drives more trading activity and increases commissions. Consulting firms, by contrast, benefit from insecurity and major shifts in the marketplace. Will A.I. do what consultants are doing now?

Did You Know?

In 1967, Sweden switched from driving on the left to on the right in 10 minutes. It took 4 years of preparation.

Curious about Driverless cars? Check these stats:

Driverless Car Stats Are Showing Only More Growth

More than 1,400 driverless vehicles are currently in testing.
Over 3 billion miles have been logged using Tesla's autopilot feature.
Waymo drove over 20 million miles across 25 U.S. cities.
Apple logged more than 450,000 miles in California in one year.
Lyft and Aptiv deployed more than 100,000 commercial Robo-taxis in Las Vegas.
The global self-driving vehicles industry is currently expanding by 16% annually.
Sales of self-driving vehicles are projected to be 58 million units by 2030.
The global autonomous vehicle market is expected to reach nearly $450 million by 2035.
Check out this article for more detail.

Stepping Into a New Era

A view of the Birkenstock warehouse in Novato.

Iwan Baan

The Old Birkenstock Building Is Finally Getting a New Tenant

A Bay Area landmark is finally getting its next chapter: The Birkenstock building off Highway 101 in Novato, known for its mid-century design with gleaming white triangular peaks on its roof, is set to be transformed into a new art and design museum.

Just Tone, Touch, and Total Command

Mark Knopfler’s “Sultans of Swing” solo from A Night In London (1996) is pure guitar poetry.

Watch Video

Setting the Table

Table tennis is where it’s at!

Watch Video

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