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Strategic Moves Define Emerald Bay’s Next Phase

Activity is rising, but precision—not speed—is driving results in this more intentional market.

November 2, 2025

Good morning,

The Emerald Bay market is moving into a more thoughtful phase. Interestingly, even though this time of year usually slows down, I’m seeing more activity than expected from both buyers and sellers.

Today’s buyers aren’t just reacting to what’s listed—they’re thinking carefully about design, long-term value, and how a home fits their lifestyle. It’s a more intentional market, not an impulsive one.

Across Laguna Beach, there’s a clear difference between homes that are well-prepared and well-presented versus those that just hit the market. In Emerald Bay, where every home already has great architecture and location, what really makes the difference is how the story of the home is told—its feel, its setting, and the lifestyle it offers.

In short, Emerald Bay is about balance right now. Buyers are patient and selective, and sellers will soon see more competition as new listings appear. The takeaway? In this market, small details and smart strategy make all the difference.

Information + Updates

Did You Know?

Natural gas prices are over 50% higher than a year ago...and 2015: remember when we were told natural gas was better - and cheaper - than electricity for cooking? They forgot to mention that natural gas drives about 43% of electricity....and the tech sector is in need of that electricity and has the money to pay for it! (your money, perhaps?) The US also exports over 10% of its natural gas production.... Natural gas production grew over 13.5% between 2019 and 2024.

Did You Know?

Mortgage rates rose to 6.27% right after Fed Chief Powell's comments on Wednesday and rose further to 6.33% on Oct. 30……

Did You Know?

A Goldman Sachs survey of nearly 300 companies found that 2 years ago, 17% of CEOs had private security. As of 2025, that number had risen to 27%..... PS: This cost is always passed on to the consumer! It’s not just corporate protection — demand for residential security rose 20% last year.

Did You Know?

The rankings for America’s safest and wealthiest retirement towns have arrived from GO BANKING RATES, and surprisingly, no Florida locations made it into the top 30. 12 of the 30 - 40% - were in California, the most of any state in the US. Only cities where at least 25% of the population was age 65 or more were included. Rich retirees are worth more now than ever and spending more too...which boosts local sales tax revenues too...

Did You Know?

Boosters of geothermal energy say that thanks to a combination of new technologies and generous tax incentives, it is finally ready to compete with all green energy methods on cost and reliability. Geothermal energy is the only low-carbon, renewable energy source that has bi-partisan support. A new type of geothermal power gets around the problems of previous generations of the tech doesn’t require water to be naturally present beneath the surface, and instead uses local supplies of nonpotable surface water, pumped deep underground, to extract earth’s heat and bring it back to the surface, where it can be used to generate power. (WSJ)

Did You Know?

GAS-flation? The cost of building natural-gas power plants has climbed from less than $1,000 per kilowatt to $3,000 per kilowatt mostly due to the demands from tech.

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“We have now achieved what is called the virtual cycle. The AIs get better. More people use it. More people use it, it makes more profit, creates more factories, which allows us to create even better AIs, which allows more people to use it. The virtual cycle of AI has been designed, and this is ... the reason why you’re seeing the world’s capex going so fast.”

–– Nvidia CEO, Jensen Huang

The Beatles’ AI Assisted Encore

The Beatles Have a “New” Song in 2025

“Now and Then” — created using AI-assisted voice isolation of John Lennon — became the band’s first #1 in 50 years. It’s haunting, nostalgic, and worth a listen.

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Play Ball

Fun Facts About Baseball

Oldest Ballpark Still in Use: Boston’s Fenway Park opened in 1912 — the same week the Titanic sank.

Most Expensive Player Ever Signed: Shohei Ohtani’s deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers is worth $700 million, making it the largest contract in sports history.

MLB’s Longest Game: In 1984, the Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers played for 8 hours and 6 minutes— 25 innings!

First Night Game: The Cincinnati Reds hosted the first MLB night game in 1935, drawing 20,422 fans under the lights.

Dodgers’ Name Origin: “Dodgers” comes from “trolley-dodgers” — Brooklyn fans who literally had to dodge streetcars to get to Ebbets Field.

Blue Jays’ Uniqueness: The Toronto Blue Jays are the only MLB team based outside the U.S. — their home park, Rogers Centre, was the first stadium with a retractable roof (1989).

Fastest Pitch Recorded: In 2010, Aroldis Chapman threw a pitch clocked at 105.8 mph — still the record.

Baseball in Space: In 1971, astronaut Alan Shepard hit a baseball on the moon with a makeshift club. (He said it went “miles and miles.”)

Shortest Player Ever: Eddie Gaedel, just 3’7” tall, had one at-bat in 1951 — and walked, of course.

Pop Culture Fun: The song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” has been sung in the 7th-inning stretch since 1934.

Baseballs Don’t Last Long: Each MLB ball is used for only 5–7 pitches before it’s replaced.

Flair Meets Fire

Two young stars lighting up the court with fearless tennis — flair, fire, and pure joy. Shelton’s explosive energy meets Musetti’s effortless style, and the result? Absolute entertainment.

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For Sale

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 | Price Improvement

523 Emerald Bay

5 Bed | 5 Bath | 4,092 SqFt

$12,750,000

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.

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Off Market Property

I have an Emerald Bay off market sale, call me for details.

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.