What's New

* These are the 10 hottest markets of January, 2025 according to Realtor.com:

1. Manchester-Nashua, New Hampshire

2.  Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, Connecticut

3.  Kenosha, Wisconsin

4.  Norwich-New London, Connecticut

5.  Worcester, Massachusetts

6.  Concord, New Hampshire

7.  Rockford, Illinois

8.  Lancaster, Pennsylvania

9.  Providence-Warwick, Rhode Island

10. Rochester, New York

* Merrill Lynch’s richest clients borrow against a wide range of assets from securities to fine art. These custom loans increased 13% year-over-year in 2024 with customers taking more and bigger loans. Custom loans are limited to clients with at least $5 - $10 million in investment assets and a net worth of at least $25 million. Doing so may be cheaper - even at higher rates - preventing the sale of assets that could trigger costly capital gains taxes. (CNBC)

* 2024 profits at Hermes were up close to 7% over 2023, an increase in profits more than double the rate of inflation. That's probably the best barometer of the rate of LUXE-flation fueled by the supply of disposable capital gained from massive wealth growth in equities, higher returns on cash and lowered tax rates. (WSJ)

* Here are some KITCHEN design trends worth noting: Big, functional vent hoods that blend in....Exposed beams and visible means of support... Earthy Neutral colors.... Fabric Panels on cabinets.... Long sculptural Island lighting.... Wooden hardware....Gleaming bistro racks for storage.... Chic, Camouflaged storage....Impervious stone: a revolution against boldly patterned or Calacatta marble? (WSJ)

* 30% of adults said they have more emergency savings now compared to one year ago. (CNBC)

If you are thinking of listing your home the time is NOW to still catch the early spring market. I look forward to hearing from you so we can get things moving!

Julie

Featured Properties

6568 La Valle Plateada

Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

5 Bed | 6 Bath | 7,300 Sq Ft | $7,395,000 | Compass Listing

Experience unparalleled luxury in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe's coveted Covenant. This masterfully designed estate seamlessly combines timeless California elegance with modern sophistication, offering 8,363 square feet of meticulously curated living space. Nestled amidst a lush, fragrant orange grove, the single-level main residence boasts four en-suite bedrooms, exuding charm and comfort at every turn. A separate 1,400-square-foot guest house with a private one-bedroom suite provides a serene retreat for visitors, ensuring their stay is as exceptional as the home itself. Step outside to your private oasis: an expansive patio, rolling grassy lawns, a covered loggia, and a resort-style pool with a serene water feature. Here, breathtaking mountain and sunset views provide an ever-changing backdrop of natural beauty. Set on over 4.14 acres of prime land, this estate offers boundless opportunities for equestrian enthusiasts, with ample space to create your dream stables and riding facilities. The manicured gardens and tranquil surroundings further enhance the sense of serenity and seclusion. More than just a residence, this estate is a sanctuary of sophisticated living, where luxurious comfort meets effortless style.

2008 Vallejo Street

San Francisco, CA 94123

5 Bed | 7 Baths | 5,840 Sq Ft | $9,995,000 | Compass Listing

Experience a breathtaking Pacific Heights studs-out remodeled masterpiece where luxury and sophistication converge to offer the ultimate living experience, with soaring ceilings and outdoor space on every level. The formal living room with grand fireplace is designed for intimate gatherings or entertaining. The state-of-the-art kitchen showcases an extra-long island, three Gaggenau ovens & Thermador appliances, honed marble countertops, breakfast nook with deck, and a seamless flow into the family room and formal dining area w/ statement wet bar & Gaggenau wine tower. The bedroom level offers 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, all on one level. The stunning primary suite showcases water views, multiple decks, and a stylish bathroom with soaking tub, custom marble dual vanity, & elegant walk-in shower w/ views. The penthouse level is the pinnacle of luxury, with expansive views of the bay and GG Bridge, a living/media room, home office space, and a wet bar with Gaggenau espresso machine and wine fridge. The massive roof deck and landscaped backyard are perfect for hosting memorable gatherings. This home is complete with a 4-car garage, wine cellar, a second living room with guest suite on the lower level, four washers/dryers, radiant heat, and elevator access to all levels.

2551 White Stallion Road

Westlake Village, CA 91361

9 Bed | 11 Bath | 14,839 Sq Ft | $30,000,000 | Compass Listing

Welcome to The Quincy, an extraordinary estate that redefines contemporary luxury. Perched on a prominent hilltop within 20 acres of pristine land in the exclusive gated enclave of White Stallion Estates, this remarkable single-story residence spans approximately 15,000 square feet of cutting-edge design and unparalleled elegance. Offering stunning 360-degree vistas that encompass the Conejo Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains, the Pacific Ocean with the breathtaking Channel Islands, and the captivating beauty of Hidden Valley. This property is a private sanctuary where sophistication and natural beauty seamlessly come together. Every detail of the home has been thoughtfully designed to offer a lifestyle of Luxury, style and ease. The main residence boasts soaring 20-foot ceilings, a custom wine display, and seamless glass pocket doors that effortlessly blur the line between indoor and outdoor living, inviting the surrounding vistas into every room. A two-bedroom guest house offers ultimate privacy and comfort for visitors, while resort-style amenities elevate the experience. Enjoy dual zero-edge entry pools, an infinity-edge pool and spa, and an outdoor living room with a full kitchen and fireplace providing endless opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. This architectural masterpiece also features a state-of-the-art theater, multiple home offices, an attached and detached garage with space for eight vehicles, and an indoor-outdoor gym complete with a cold plunge and sauna. The double-gated entrance, complemented by a serene lake, ensures unmatched privacy and exclusivity.