What's New?

* The White House is shifting its focus on lowering Fed rates to lowering yields on the 10-year Treasury which directly impacts mortgage rates but nobody controls the Treasury yield: it’s set by one of the world’s biggest and most liquid markets. In the years before the Global Financial Crisis, Alan Greenspan’s Fed famously tried to push up the 10-year yield and couldn’t. To keep yields down, central banks and governments can buy industrial quantities of bonds, the dreaded quantitative easing, a policy that amplified inequality to excruciating levels and that nobody wants to repeat. Universally economists and industry leaders believe tax cuts mean higher deficits and higher yields to finance them, while tariffs will raise inflation. The 10-year has dipped from a high in January of almost 4.8% to below 4.45%. (Bloomberg)

*  In 2024, the U.S. Mint spent 3.69 cents to manufacture each penny (made of copper plated zinc since 1982). The cost of each penny has run above its face value for a 19th straight fiscal year. Each five-cent piece/nickel costs the Mint 13.78 cents to make. HUH??? Caity Weaver of the NEW YORK TIMES wrote a fascinating story on the subject last year.  48 years ago, in letters to Congress, William E. Simon, then the Treasury secretary, begged lawmakers to “give serious consideration” to abandoning 1-cent coins as soon as possible. As of 2024, the estimated value of all US pennies in circulation is a quarter trillion dollars, equivalent to over $700 in pennies for each person in the US.

* SENIOR-FLATION? By 2030, the U.S. population 80 years and older is expected to increase by more than 4 million people to 18.8 million. By 80, a growing number of people conclude that they can no longer live comfortably or safely at home and seek a senior facility. Development of senior housing nearly ground to a halt during the pandemic and hasn’t picked up much. More than 560,000 new units are needed to meet all the demand by 2030, but only 191,000 will be added at current development rates. Expect shortages in senior housing/assisted living - and higher costs as demand outstrips supply - and maybe lots of new inventory of senior's current homes (needing renovation)? (WSJ)

If you are thinking of listing your home the time is NOW to still catch the early spring market. Let's connect and get things moving!

Julie

Featured Properties

COMING SOON!

500 Quivira Court

Danville, CA 94526

5 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,696 Sq Ft | $2,450,000 | Julie Whitmer

Welcome to this stunningly renovated home in the highly desirable Diablo West community! Where California Santa Barbara Style meets Danville. Perfectly designed for modern living, this property offers exceptional comfort, style, and convenience. Walk into the inviting living room with vaulted ceilings, a custom marble fireplace, and all-new windows that flood the home with natural light. Chef’s Kitchen featuring a sleek waterfall quartz island, GE appliances, custom built range hood, a large Kohler commercial sink, and a contemporary open design. White Oak engineered hardwood floors, new interior doors, casing, trim and baseboard, new iron front door, smooth, flat-textured walls, and all new lighting. Luxurious primary suite with large walk-in shower, added windows, and custom walk-in closet. Ultimate outdoor living with built-in gas BBQ, synthetic lawn, fruit trees, veggie garden, a built-in BBQ, and breathtaking views of the Las Trampas hills. Ample space for play, entertaining and dining, or relaxing. Located just steps from the Diablo West HOA amenities, enjoy exclusive access to a pool, tennis courts, and community events. Walk to downtown Danville and very convenient freeway/commute access.

410 Namalu Place

Lahaina, HI 96761

4 Bed | 5 Baths | 4,794 Sq Ft | $15,750,000 | Compass Listing

Experience the pinnacle of luxury living in this stunning estate, perfectly positioned on the 14th hole of the celebrated Kapalua Plantation Golf Course, famed for hosting the Sentry Tournament of Champions. This architectural gem offers a masterfully designed main residence featuring a single level with four sophisticated bedrooms, four and a half baths, alongside an enchanting ohana comprising two bedrooms and two baths. Each space within this grand estate boasts breathtaking views of Honolua Bay and Molokai, setting the stage for an unrivaled living experience. Enter through the majestic Mahogany doors into a spacious great room that embodies the essence of island elegance, marrying the indoors with the natural splendor outside. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the kitchen, outfitted with top-tier appliances, including a Wolf gas range and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. The master suite stands as a testament to refined living, complete with a walk-in closet and elegant built-in dressers. Outside, the estate unfolds as a haven for relaxation or entertainment, featuring a BBQ area, spa, and heated infinity pool, all set against the stunning backdrop of Honolua Bay. Add a touch of fun with your private bocce ball court. Situated mere minutes from the Kapalua Plantation House restaurant and benefit from complimentary shuttle service, this estate offers both exclusivity and convenience. More than just a home, it's a portal to a coveted Maui lifestyle, where every vista captures the essence of luxury island living.

252 Twilight Bluff

Newport Coast, CA 92657

3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 4,020 Sq Ft | $11,800,000 | Compass Listing

Situated on an over-sized, secluded corner estate lot with a long front drive, this warm and inviting Crystal Cove home has much to offer, including 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, a 3rd story loft/office tower, detached casita, flexible bonus room and rare 4-car garage. Either from inside the home or out by the glass tiled infinity edge pool, this property enjoys spectacular ocean, Catalina and sunset views. Crystal Cove is a private, guard gated and patrolled community with much to offer its residents and guests, including the 2.5 acre Canyon Club for swimming, tennis, basketball, entertaining and meetings. In addition, there are 4 parks, several green belts and numerous hiking trails. Conveniently located just outside of the community gates, the Crystal Cove Promenade offers many casual and upscale options for dining and shopping, and is within easy walking distance from the property. Crystal Cove State Beach sits just across Pacific Coast Hwy.