The ATT is in full swing and we are heading into the weekend with some positive weather news. My Iphone shows a temperature of 56 on Saturday and Sunday calls for 61 and sunny. I was working ticket sales this morning and it is clear that cloudy weather does not seem to deter the spectators.When you love golf, I guess it just doesn't matter! Parking is at CSUMB again this year and buses are shuttling everyone to the tournament. Remember to read the rules about what you can bring in (bags, backpacks etc)...they are very strict this year!
MARKET STATISTICS
Here’s the summary of Monterey Peninsula real estate activity reported on MLS for the past seven days:
New listings – 58
Off Market - 10
New escrows – 54
Closed sales – 32
Largest sale - $1.825M in Pacific Grove
Inventory – 444
Price reductions – 3
Listings and new escrows surged this week but closings were relatively slow. Inventory is up 8% over the same time last year. Our largest sale this week was in Pacific Grove. It was on 12th St and here is the description: Resting on the ocean side of Lighthouse Ave, this stunning Victorian remodel and new addition is the best Pacific Grove has to offer. Just a block to the beach, this 2,158 SF 3 bed 2 bath premier residence is the perfect blend of elegance and functionality. This home features an innovative open floor plan custom designed by award-winning Pat Edinger. With hardwood floors, high ceilings, new electrical, plumbing, mechanical, Viking appliances, Jeld-Wen windows, and peaks of the ocean from all over the home, this is one of the finest homes in Pacific Grove.
NATIONAL REAL ESTATE NEWS:
The 12 Best Places to Call Home in 2017
DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2017
Austin, Texas, is the best place to live in the U.S. in 2017, according to the latest findings from U.S. News & World Report’s annual best places to live rankings. Publication researchers analyzed the 100 most populous metro areas to find the places that have the best value, strongest job markets, and highest quality of life.These cities ranked at the top of U.S. News & World Report’s list:
Austin, Texas
Denver, Colo
San Jose, Calif.
Washington, D.C.
Fayetteville, Ark.
Seattle, WA
Raleigh & Durham, N.C.
Boston, MA
Des Moines, Iowa
Salt Lake City, Utah
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Boise, Idaho
Source: “100 Best Places to Live in the USA,” U.S. News & World Report (2017)6 Top
Landscaping Trends for 2017
DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2017
Smart technology, thoughtful -- yet simplistic -- design, and sustainability are the keywords when it comes to landscapes today.“Savvy homeowners are seeking smart landscape solutions, which means we’re finding new ways to adapt to environmental elements, making continued advances in technology and taking outdoor living to the next level,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs at the National Association of Landscape Professionals. “At the same time, a return to simple plantings reflects that although innovation in landscaping continues to accelerate, savoring the effortless beauty of the outdoors remains a top priority.”The National Association of Landscape Professionals released their list of the top trends to watch in landscapes this year:
1. Incorporating a variety of greenery. Greenery isn’t just Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2017 but the color is adding pop to exteriors too. “Combining greenery of various textures and shades, such as a formal hedge of green velvet boxwood, a border of green lilyturf, and dense Boston ivy-covered trellises, is just as impactful as a garden filled with a rainbow of colorful flowers,” NALP notes.
2. Infusing “hygge.” Hygge is a Danish concept that is centered on creating an atmosphere of coziness and embracing the simple pleasures of life. “Decorating with light, arranging seating for close-knit conversations, planting aromatic flowers, and adding water features to encourage mindfulness are a few ways to integrate hygge into landscapes, and to find more enjoyment and fulfillment in outdoor spaces,” NALP notes.
3. Cooking up tech-centered outdoor kitchens. More homeowners are adding exterior kitchens, but they’re going beyond your basic grilling station and dining set. Outdoor kitchens are now including smart home technology, such as built-in consoles on refrigerator doors, mobile app-controlled LED lighting, and ovens integrated with Wi-Fi.
4. Combining materials. More landscapes are interweaving several forms of hardscape materials, such as pebble paths with stone planters or wooden decks with iron gates and railings. The pairings of different materials are creating a less formal look to landscapes, NALP notes.
5. Adding pollinator gardens. “Increased attention on the importance of pollinators to our ecosystem has inspired homeowners to develop gardens that specifically attract vital honeybees, hummingbirds, and butterflies,” NALP notes. “More homeowners are asking landscape professionals how to select native plantings that are abundant, year-round nectar sources throughout their yards, and the best ways to maintain these natural havens.”
6. Creating smart lawns. Landscape professionals have made advancements in developing cultivated grass varieties, called cultivars, that are known as being a form of smart grass. “They can better withstand the elements while still delivering an aesthetically beautiful and healthy lawn, making them especially desirable in drought-prone areas,” NALP notes.
Source: National Association of Landscape Professionals
I welcome your feedback and I hope you find the information helpful.
Have a great weekend
Debora