Meaning of the Season

 I love this cartoon!  It really hits home to think that the wise men had a scheduled meeting with Mary and Joseph so they could plot this master plan to promote shopping.  Hysterical!!

Hope it makes you laugh and regardless of your religious background, we are all given the gift of this season.  It’s a season of giving thanks and for giving of ourselves.

It’s a time of the year when we are all more focused on choosing to be kind and hopefully more forgiving of others.  (Remember that when someone grabs your parking spot at the mall!) 

In my recent Home and Lifestyle magazine, there’s an article about “presents versus presence“.  There are some great tips and helpful ideas to help you focus on the things that matter.  Click here to read more and I hope you enjoy it!

Wishing you the happiest and healthiest holiday season!

For more  great info and to receive this monthly magazine or information on real estate, give us a call:  310-317-6794 or email us at info@monarchestatesandhomes.com.  For more about us and our properties, visit www.monarchestatesandhomes.com.

What’s it Like to Own a Luxury Home?

 Living in a multi-million dollar mansion; is it really all about champagne wishes and caviar dreams? While living in a multimillion-dollar home has its perks, it’s also a lot of financial responsibility. Some new homeowners overlook the details and work required to own a luxury home. However, it’s often worth the upkeep.

Real luxury living is about the features, right? It’s also about the peace of mind and luxury of a hotel, but with the warmth and comfort of your own style…. and your own staff. 

 Amenities Included
For luxury homeowners, it’s all about amenities, and luxury living is all about privacy and security.

Homes are filled with fresh flowers and white-glove treatment is standard. It’s a stress-less lifestyle. Most homes offer mind-boggling views and are often a destination retreat in whichever location they call home.

Other amenities included in these luxury homes are spas with private massage rooms, swimming pools, wine cellars, and fitness rooms. Some even have their own bowling alleys and of course, a private screening room.  As for groceries, automobiles services and the likes the concierge service effortlessly delivers.

The Price of Luxury Living
Luxury homeowners often travel between homes depending on their needs,  spending anywhere from a week to a month on longer at various times throughout the year.    No matter which home they are occupying, all of their homes are regularly maintained. All things considered, owning a luxury home certainly has its perks. But keep in mind that the home price is just the beginning of what you should expect to pay.

Luxury living is not just about buying an expensive property, it’s a lifestyle that requires maintenance and responsibility.  Whether it’s a penthouse apartment with a terrace, an antique estate on 200 acres of lush green property or a waterfront mansion steps away from turquoise waters and velvety sand, homes require TLC to ensure the investment grows. 

Where is your dream home?

Tantalizing Treats for Turkey Day

The holidays are enveloped with
traditions.  While I LOVE the comfort of those dependable customs, I also thrive on a little dash of change thrown in to spice things up.

So, in that spirit, I wanted to share some recent recipes from my “Home and Lifestyle” issue.  Both recipes, Olive Crostini and the Best-Ever Easy Fall Salad, are simple and easy to make. Go organic if you can; the flavor will be that much better!

Since this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday comes with its share of stress, having these simple, fresh, alternatives will hopefully add some peace and joy to your holiday and won’t add to your waistline. 

You can find the recipes here.  Monarch Estates and Homes would like to wish you and your family and wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!  Enjoy!!

R u a Lover?

Or a Hater?  Seems like that word is “cool” to use lately.  There is even a show around Haters.  Not sure why we are giving so much attention to the negative?  Maybe we should explore that thought, because hopefully as the saying goes, “when you know better, you do better.”

Here’s the thing for me, having to wear glasses from age 3 until high school, I endured name calling like 4-eyes, etc.  They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, so true.  I tried out for cheerleader every year from middle school on and finally my junior year I made the Varsity team.  (A quick shout out to Mrs. Kay Bell in Mayfield, KY, great teacher and amazing mentor; xo “Ma Bell”.)  At our first practice, she asked me if things had changed since getting on the squad, my reply: Yep, the people who didn’t know my name before know my name now and want to be my friend. 

After moving to LA, I opened my spa in Malibu and in the first month the ex-wife of a famous producer walked in and told me that “her and her friends would be happy to tell me how to do my spa, if I was interested”.  As she paid for her treatment with her black AMEX card, I smiled and said, I thought she and her friends would do great on their own and booked her next appointment.  (Sorry, but I can’t inflect her condescending tone here, hopefully you get the drift.)

So, I get it when people talk about “haters”.  But seriously, is your glass half full or half empty?  Do you choose to look at the good or the bad?  Don’t get me wrong, I know life can pile a heap of “bleep” on you, but you still have the grace of making a better decision.  “Turn the other cheek” and other positive actions really do pay off. 

A quick tip to add some joy and unconditional love: adopt a pet or volunteer at a shelter; you’ll be amazed at how much love will fill your heart.  Here at Monarch Estates and Homes, we’re blessed to have a dog-friendly office, so we have the pleasure of these pups spreading their cheer every day. 

With the Thanksgiving holiday, Christmas and Hanukah celebration ahead of us, let’s start talking about love.  Who cares about haters anyway, their life has to be bad or else why would they look elsewhere to inflict their misery?  There’s NOT that many bad people on this earth, just a lot of sad, hurt people.  Hopefully you’ll remember that the next time, some “hater” has something to say. 

Why give them anymore of your energy rather, how about a little love?  What do you think?

“Behind every amazing person is a pack of haters helping them shine.”  So SHINE!

Find your Celebrity Style

There are some star power homes available right now in Malibu.  There are currently 64 beach homes for sale in Malibu, ranging from $6,450,000 to $75,000,000.  From one end of Malibu to the other, all 27 miles, there’s one ready for you to move in to – just in time for the holidays. 

Take a tour of these celebrity homes with their own unique style. See which one will make you feel famous?

Let’s start with the “heartstopper” – Brad Pitt.  While we can all agree on the eye-candy factor, he’s also known for his amazing detail and love of architecture and he did an extraordinary job with this property. 

Brad’s Malibu beach pad is on the market for $13,750,000; it has 4 bedrooms and 4 baths on 1.26 acres.  The coastline views from this architectural mid century home located on the Encinal Bluffs in Malibu are breathtaking.  For more detailed views of this great property – http://bit.ly/uddeSw  Listed by Coldwell Banker

Moving on “in town” a bit to gorgeous Broad Beach.  Goldie Hawn’s exotic Zen-style residence transcends time and transports you to other worldly places.  Available for $14,749,000; with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths.  Relax in the courtyard complete with calming fountains and lush landscaping that opens to the living space overlooking an expansive oceanfront patio.  You have to experience this with your own eyes to fully enjoy the view – http://bit.ly/vTl3o8  Listed by Coldwell Banker

While Malibu is known for celebrity hideaways, there is no place more legendary than Malibu Colony.  This 24 hour guard-gated community is in the heart of Malibu and is home to many famous faces, including Jim Carrey.

Take a peek at his California Contemporary style home with 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths listed for $14,995,000.  Sun-drenched and spacious, the living area has a seamless flow leading to the expansive deck and sandy beaches.  Take a peek inside and see if this gem fills your dreams – http://bit.ly/t7DupX  Listed by Sotheby’s International

Located on exclusive, sandy La Costa beach, you’ll find a European villa withno detail overlooked.  Home to celebrity couple, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, this 5 bedroom, 5 bath home is a bargain at $9,450,000.  Offering oceanfront bedrooms which lead out to the terrace with Jacuzzi and mesmerizing ocean views.  Exceptional quality and detail throughout; see for yourself – http://bit.ly/sCASrL  Listed by Sotheby’s International

For these and other great luxury homes, we can help you find one that’s fits your style perfectly.  Happy House Hunting!

Exotic Electra: Cars of the future, today

Today, time is speeding by faster than we can blink an eye. Since time is moving fast, why not check out some of the fastest new exotic electric cars. It is amazing car companies are finally thinking outside the box.  Thinking outside the box opens us to a child’s endless imagination for design and concept. My respect and admiration goes to the engineers that put the design on paper, the artist that draw the concept and the clay artist that mold the concept by hand; what a fantastic feat.  We’ll look at two upcoming concept cars.

  First, let’s look at the new BMW i8 concept. Here we have a vehicle that will break the mold for the future. The i8 has an all carbon fiber body called the “Life Module” that becomes the hub for all body panels to attach to. Also another striking new technology is the laser headlights. They are safe to look at, brighter, and have lower energy consumption than LED’s. Check out the BMW i8 future car: http://bit.ly/npjiHy

Another concept contender for the electric exotics is the Audi e-tron. Audi engineers have developed every part specifically for the e-tron and electric consumption. Audi calls this the “Holistic Approach” to electric car manufacturing. Another cool technology feature is the “MMI” touch sensitive display and steering wheel functions. This is the same technology that our new smart phones have. See more of the Audi e-tron: http://bit.ly/hrma6F

With all this technology also comes the expected “meat and potatoes” horsepower and driving range: The BMW i8: 220HP, 0-62mph in 5 seconds, 94mpg imp or 20 miles on all-electric mode and a top speed of 155mph.  Audi e-tron: 313HP, 0-62mph in 4.8sec, driving range of 154miles and a top speed of 124mph.

Who will be the first to garage these primo exotics?

Got Insurance?

  Quick Tip on Taking Care of Business . . .

  Title Insurance, while this may not be a “glamorous” subject, it is a necessary one.  When you’re engaged in a real estate transaction, title insurance is crucial.  When you’re buying using a loan, your lender will require it.  If you’re buying all cash, please invest in a policy.

While the details of title insurance can create a whole new glossary of terms for you to understand, it IS worthwhile.  When it comes to making sure your property is “free and clear”, these 3 areas on the Preliminary Title Report are essential to review:

Joint Use Matters – this affects driveways, easements and party walls and any agreement in place.
Extended Coverage Matters – if a physical inspection of the property discloses encroachments or other matters, this must be addressed before you close.
Legal Description - this should always be compared to the purchase and sale agreement to ensure you are being conveyed the property you are buying.

This just scratches the surface of Title Insurance, but when in doubt ask for help, get a new survey done, do whatever you have to before your closing date.  You always have recourse, but doing your due diligence in the beginning WILL bring you peace of mind.  You can walk through the threshold of your new home and ENJOY!!

The Centerpiece for Holiday Dinners

The year is coming to a close and the holidays are here.  I love that we end and begin our years surrounded by celebration, friends and family. 

For some it’s a very casual affair and others very formal.  Whichever is your experience, there’s one theme in common – the dining room. 

While some may not have a “formal” dining room these days, there is still the dining table that we surround in order to partake of the festivities.  It’s a place where laughter and good food are shared.  In my recent “Home and Lifestyle” magazine, we shared an article around the versatile design this room can have. 

I thought I’d share that article for some timely inspiration for this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.  It will help you create a dining room that works for you.  Take a peek and we hope you create a holiday season to remember.  Happy Thanksgiving!!

A Style All Your Own

The definition of STYLE – a particular kind, sort, or type, as
with reference to form, appearance, or character. 

The word style brings about so many images and feelings; the definition doesn’t do it justice.  Having grown up in a home built in 1898, I’ve always been fascinated with architecture and the effect that lines and texture can have on a building and ones experience of it.  Style evokes an emotion that survives the thing or person that creates it.  Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis is a perfect example of the impact that style can have on us all.

In my recent Your Home and Lifestyle issue, we touched on discovering your own style.  Here’s a link to the full article: http://bit.ly/uRRWvB.   Knowing your own style makes finding and creating a “home” so much easier and most importantly FUN! 

Let Monarch Estates and Homes help you discover your favorite home that’s just your style.  For all your luxury real estate needs, one call and we can handle it all: Real Estate, Lifestyle Concierge, and Estate Management.  Serving Malibu, Pacific Palisades and Beverly Hills since 1998. 

310-317-6794
www.monarchestatesandhomes.com     
info@monarchestatesandhomes.com

Monarch Report: Recap of 3rd Qtr Numbers

Can you believe we are less than 12 weeks away to the end of this year?!?!  Summer is officially over and Fall has arrived.  It’s football time (my fav), the kids are back in school and we’ve settled back into our routines.  Now we’re gearing up for the holiday season - it goes by so fast.

Summer is said to be the prime selling season.  So, we’ve recapped the numbers.  The market areas Monarch Estates and Homes serves boast some pretty strong numbers and some of the highest real estate sales in the country. 

While still dealing with the complexities of these economic times, some basic rules still apply.  As we all know - it’s ”location, location, location”.  Well, we’ve got that covered here in our market.  We also know that whether it’s a buyers market or sellers market, it’s also about PRICE.  This market and the months moving forward, the story is and will remain ALL ABOUT PRICE. 

This buyers market reflects the importance of price.  Covering Malibu, Pacific Palisades and Beverly Hills; here are the numbers:

AREA	SOLD	DOM	LP/SP		ACTIVE	DOM
Malibu – Beach	8	128	88%		99	169
Malibu – Land	37	159	87%		206	203
Pac. Palisades	66	54	95%		121	94
Beverly Hills	37	91	92%		98	107

These numbers are provided from MLS from July 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011.  (DOM = Avg. Days on the Market, LP/SP = List Price to Sales Price %, ACTIVE = Homes currently listed for sale)

 
So, with Malibu being our primary market focus, my concern is with the facts of these numbers.  We have more inventory and more days on the market than our two comparable markets.   According to the National Assoc. of Realtors, a healthy market has 6 months of inventory.  Based on the data, Malibu is still sitting on 2 years of inventory.  

What’s exciting is, in spite of the negative, homes ARE still selling and when looking at the Beverly Hills and Pacific Palisades market, they are holding their own and their market is healthy and for the Palisades, you can venture to say, it’s a thriving market. 

The final barometer check on our market comes from looking at the LP/SP number (List Price to Sales Price %).  In Malibu, if you think you should list your home for $2 million today, based on the past quarter, you should be prepared to take $250,000 LESS from day one.    In contrast, the Palisades and Beverly Hills market are at a very healthy 95% and 92% respectively.  That’s an expected negotiation amount in a buyers market.

One last number to note – of the 45 homes sold in Malibu, 51% of those homes were sold by an agent outside of Malibu, compared to Pacific Palisades and Beverly Hills where less than 10% of the homes sold were sold by agents outside of their area.  That number is up 6% and continues to grow. 

At Monarch Estates and Homes, we are a full service real estate company.  Founded on service, since 1998, offering Real Estate, Lifestyle Concierge and Estate Managment services.  If you would like more details about these numbers or the real estate market in the Malibu, Pacific Palisades or Beverly Hills market, call us at 310-317-6794 or email us at info@monarchestatesandhomes.com.  On your mobile phone? go here: http://bit.ly/ods6Sl