|
February 27, 2026
Good morning,
Sixty days in the Emerald Bay real Estate market and - Three sales (2 on the market on one off market)
Each one was buyer-specific. The homes that sold simply checked the right boxes. Sellers sometimes wonder, “Why not mine?” The answer isn’t always price — it’s alignment.
Today’s Emerald Bay buyers are analytical. They understand sightlines, privacy, proximity to the sand, renovation quality, and micro-locations within the community. They’re comparing scarcity and replacement cost more than they’re reacting to minor rate shifts.
For sellers, discipline is everything. Presentation. Pricing precision. Clear positioning. The homes that are thoughtfully prepared and realistically valued are the ones generating real conversations.
Emerald Bay moves intentionally. It’s not volatile or dramatic — it’s selective.
And when the right property meets the right buyer, things happen.
|
|
|
Did You Know?
Why do some investors love crypto? You can instantly rebuy a crypto coin after selling it for a 20% loss. Because the IRS currently classifies cryptocurrency as property rather than securities, the wash-sale rule (which bans selling at a loss and rebuying within 30 days) does not apply. This allows you to claim the capital loss for tax purposes while maintaining your market position. The same applies to investment property.
Did You Know?
Hotels are becoming obsessed with (very profitable) wellness. Now, Mandarin Oriental Hotels has hired a GLOBAL WELLNESS AMBASSADOR, Olympic medalist Simone Biles. How cool is that!
Did You Know?
US consumers report losing over $12.5 billion to $12.7 billion per year to fraud and scams. The US states with the highest reported fraud rates and prosecutions per capita as of late 2024 and early 2025 are Georgia, Florida, Delaware, and Nevada. Real Estate Wire Fraud is a major, rapidly growing component, with one report stating it accounted for an estimated $500 million in losses in 2024, with median losses exceeding $70,000 per incident. Home Improvement Fraud cost homeowners a record $274 million in 2024. Mortgage Foreclosure Relief losses totaled $83 million in 2024. Overall, Business Email Compromise used in real estate to steal closing funds, caused over $2.77 billion in losses across industries in 2024. Fraudsters posing as property owners to sell homes they do not own increased significantly, with 19% of title companies reporting attempts in April 2024 alone. Mortgage Application Fraud Risk Index increased 8.3% nationwide year-over-year in Q2 2024. And these are just the REPORTED frauds!
Did You Know?
Are we tilting into a buyer's market? Nationally, there are now 47% more sellers than buyers, the highest such gap in over a decade. In Austin, the imbalance is as much as 128% more sellers than buyers. For the first time since the early 2000s, there are more homeowners with rates that are at 6% and above — 21% of all mortgages — compared to those with 3% and under, which now comprise 20%. Around 1.2 million homes are for sale: at the height of the pandemic, inventory bottomed out at 850,000, yet it remains well below the 2 million figure that was considered the norm before 2020. (NY TIMES)
Did You Know?
Bermuda is the most expensive place to live in the world in 2026, with prices 23.5% higher than New York City. The US is only 142nd on the list of global countries where the percentage of people live in the largest city, New York City.....around 7%. (Visual Capitalist)
Did You Know?
What is the largest retailer in New York? Not Saks or Whole Foods! Equinox.....1,3 million square feet! The global wellness market is expected to reach nearly $10 trillion by 2030, up from $6.8 trillion in 2024, according to estimates from the Global Wellness Institute. Equinox is owned by Related Companies, one of the US' largest real estate developers, and includes SoulCycle, Blink Fitness, and Equinox Hotels. Who wouldn’t have thunk?
|
|
|
Roughly a century ago, a string of owners tried to convince potential buyers that Lido Isle offered the perfect locale for a summer home.
For decades, almost no one bought it. Here's how the owners' tried.
|
The Cereal Toy That Cracked AT&T
|
|
|
How a $.05 toy broke AT&T and yes, guess who was involved in this… this will blow your mind.
|
|
We all remember Leo Cummins — especially during Covid.
|
|
Leo, You Are Dearly Missed
Leo briskly walked the beach and the streets of Emerald Bay in his wide-brim hat, pockets full of dog treats for every Emerald Bay pup. He would stop mid-stride, gently insist the dog sit properly, and then deliver the reward. It became part of the rhythm of our days. We all loved beautiful Leo.
Leo passed on October 13, 2025, at 93 years old.
One day he shared his travel journal with me — a treasure. If you have a quiet moment, I encourage you to take a look. Click below.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
439 Gloucester Drive | Costa Mesa
Add Just Sold off market using Compass Private Exclusive… so happy to create a quick deal for this amazing seller.
|
|
343 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach
5 beds | 4 baths | 4,160 sqft
|
|
|
Flexible Year Round Rental
|
|
839 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach
5 beds | 5 baths | 4,851 sqft
|
|
45 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach
4 beds | 3 baths | 2,221 sqft
|
|
|
Flexible Year Round Lease
|
|
322 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach
6 beds | 7 baths | 5,493 sqft
|
|
|
153 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach
3 beds | 3 baths | 2,135 sqft
|
|
|
3 beds | 3 baths | 1,272 sqft
|
|
|
Flexible Year Round Rental
|
|
809 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach
4 beds | 5.25 baths | 4,200 sqft
|
|
|
Flexible Year Round Rental
|
|
806 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach
4 beds | 4 baths | 4,150 sqft
|
27 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach
4 beds | 6 baths | 4,064 sqft
|
|
|
Emerald Bay Market Update
|
|
|
Two weeks ago, 9 Emerald Bay came on the market at $19M — a number that understandably feels big to many.
Some agents will tell you, “Price is everything.”But here’s the nuance: while price matters, many sales at this level are actually about box-checking.
The buyer of 9 Emerald Bay had been looking for nearly two years. His architect, builder, and agent were all involved in the search for the property — the one that aligned with his vision.
At this price point, many assume the home must be front and center on the water. Interestingly, that wasn’t what this buyer wanted. He preferred privacy over prominence. And in this case, price was not the determining factor.
It simply checked the boxes.
Congratulations to Rod Daley on representing this lovely Emerald Bay family in a meaningful transaction.
9 Emerald Bay closed this week at $17,000,000
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
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.
|
|
|
|
|
