Trevor Noah

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

In December of 2020, Emmy winning comedian and television host Trevor Noah purchased an expansive estate in Los Angeles’s Bel Air neighborhood for $27.5 million. The South African entertainer acquired the impressive abode from architect Mark Rios who initially designed the property for himself in 2014. The home had previously been listed on the market in 2018 asking as much as $36 million. In 2020, the asking price was reduced to $32.5 million then lowered once more to $29.5 million.

Now, “The Daily Show” host is bidding farewell to his newly purchased residence for $29.75 million only 10 months after purchased. Although it is currently unknown as to why Noah is so quickly selling the home, he has been linked to several other properties across the country. In 2019, he purchased a nearby mansion at $20.5 million before flipping it for $21.7 million last year. Noah has also owned a $10 million penthouse in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen since 2017 and is currently renting a second residence in Tribeca for a reported $52,000 a month.

Noah’s former Bel Air abode spans a whopping 11,375 square feet with six bedrooms, eight full baths, and three half-baths. The expansive space evokes a Japanese inspired aesthetic and has been described as a “tranquil haven.” The interior floor plan features the living area with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and chef’s kitchen with bar seating, formal dining room, and den. The library, in particular, was fashioned after a room in Kyoto with the addition of heavy and dark timbers. Across the home, primary decorative elements consist of dark wood accents, light-filled spaces, and sweeping city views.

Upstairs, the master suite presents dual baths and spacious walk-in closets. The second floor also offers four additional ensuite bedrooms. Outside, the exterior space features a rooftop terrace, swimming pool, kitchen, and fire pit. Other luxe amenities of the Bel Air mansion include a gym, spa, office, screening room, motor court, and separate guest apartment.

Jonah Wilson with Hilton & Hyland holds the listing for this property.

For more on the latest in luxury real estate, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Bel Air Bid: Trevor Noah Lists $29.75 Million Mansion Less Than A Year After Purchase appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Elton John

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Highly acclaimed musical artist Elton John and his husband, filmmaker David Furnish, have acquired a sprawling real estate portfolio with properties across the globe. The couple owns various estates in the U.K., lavish homes in the south of France as well as in Venice, Italy. In the United States, they also own a mansion sized condo in Atlanta, Georgia but reportedly spend most of their time at an impressive two-house compound in Beverly Hills, California.

Now, John and Furnish are adding yet another property to their portfolio with a second Beverly Hills residence. This newfound abode is actually the property immediately neighboring to their longtime residence. The home was purchased from a family who has reportedly owned the house for decades before selling it to John and Furnish in an off market for $8.5 million.

Located in the coveted neighborhood of Trousdale Estates, John and Furnish’s newfound abode spans 5,343 square feet with five bedrooms and four bathrooms. Built in 1968, the single story home captures a midcentury modern feel yet has been modified over the years. The exterior walls have been painted a mustard yellow and the property is walled and gated for security. As this deal took place off the market, information regarding the interior layout remains largely unknown. However, the property does offer a near half acre of exterior landscape. Out back, the space presents a swimming pool, lush lawn, and spacious motor court for multiple cars.

The post Still Standing In Beverly Hills: Elton John Purchases His Next-Door Neighbor’s Home For $8.5 Million appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

East Coast charm is found in a quintessential Cape Cod among the trees in sought-after Manhattan Beach, California.

The Cape Cod-style in this Classic-Americana home is delightful; bright white siding and classic brick, trimmed in shutters and a commanding entrance via black painted front double-doors. Recently renovated, the sparklingly fresh abode is crisp and inviting with ample outdoor spaces.

Built on a corner lot in the highly desired tree section of Manhattan Beach, CA, the home is 3140 Sq Ft with four bedrooms and three baths. Hardwood floors run throughout the home with brilliant white molding, finely crafted millwork, and pale grey walls. Classic to the core.  

A nice traditional layout allows the rooms to blend seamlessly from one to another.  The large classic kitchen includes a Wolf Range, Sub Zero built-in refrigerator, Scottmans crushed ice machine and more. This room has been designed with an oversized island, Shaker-style cabinets, some with glass display windows, and a marble white tiled basketweave backsplash.  This space overlooks the open family room with a fireplace and french doors leading to the backyard on one side, and conveniently, the dining area to the other.

The large master suite has a generous-sized sleeping area, a tucked-away office and a classic seating area with a fireplace, much like a den or library.   Natural light flows freely in this space, and there is even a large private sun deck off this “suite retreat” that overlooks the backyard. Also included in the master suite is a nice sized walk-in closet and a master bath with a mix of marble and white tile, oversized spa tub, generous-sized shower and a make-up vanity.  A great place to escape.

The property includes a private backyard with a totally enclosed private yard and a patio with an outdoor living room that features a full extension retractable awning as well as a cooking center equipped with a built-in barbeque and burners.  

The laundry room is to be envied with its large capacity for storage, countertop space and not one but two washers and two dryers.   

Direct access to the large side-by-side 3-car garage makes it too easy for loading and unloading items for the home.  In addition, the tall ceilings allow for amazing storage in this generous-sized space.

Location IS everything and this home gets another “A” for checking this box.  Quiet street with little through traffic and near excellent schools (both the MBUSD Schools and the private American Martyrs School).  It is also a short walk to the Green Belt and walkable to downtown Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Village, and the beach.  

An opportunity to own a classic landmark home can only come available a few times in one's lifetime … don't let this one slip away!

Address: 3012 N. Poinsettia, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Price: $2,995,000

For more information, please contact Cindy Shearin at 310-200-8318 or cindy@theshearingroup.com

Cindy Shearin is the exclusive agent representing the Manhattan Beach/Redondo Beach, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: The Shearin Group

Photo Credit: The Shearin Group

Photo Credit: The Shearin Group

Photo Credit: The Shearin Group

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Photo Credit: Sergii Dolgyi

JUST SOLD! 832 Cedar Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405 for $2,150,000! I am so excited for my beautiful seller on her closing! She found me through Instagram, we met and it was magic! The house was previously listed for four months, but we got it in escrow within 24 hours of the first showing and closed at $2,150,000 ($52,000 over asking!). I love these success stories because it shows the power of the first impression! We painted the inside of the house, staged it, and ta-da... amazing results! Now she gets to move to New York City and the darling new buyer gets to call 832 Cedar his home. By the way, he grew up on Cedar Street, just a few blocks away, so this is definitely a love fest all around!

For more information, please contact Shelton Wilder at 310-997-7059 or shelton@sheltonwilder.com

Follow Shelton Wilder on Instagram, @sheltonwilderestates.

Shelton Wilder represents the Santa Monica, California luxury real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. Her DRE number is 01979656. To learn more about Shelton Wilder and #WilderPossibilities, visit her website here.

The post Shelton Wilder Sells Santa Monica Home On Cedar Street In 24 Hours appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

OVERVIEW

There is magic abound. After all, this is Montecito, one of the most prestigious communities in the world. It’s Birnam Wood, a gated and guarded sanctuary cherished as the community’s premier private enclave. It’s a spectacular new residence overlooking the enclave’s world-class golf course. The French country-style Montecito home in Birnam Wood, bordering the 12^th fairway and green, is a special abode where quality craftsmanship and the finest materials – both old and new – have been brought together.

The home, completed in 2019, is the result of a significant collaboration. Noted architect Robert Senn AIA, gifted designer Michael Hurst, accomplished landscape architect Kris Kimpel, and visionary builder Becker Studios have created a showcase of relaxed luxury.

A hand-laid cobblestone driveway, antique French fountain, welcoming portico, emerald lawn and massive oak introduce the over 4,000 sq. ft. single-level residence. Within, there are antique French and Italian doors and exposed wood beams, wide-plank French oak floors, and, under the towering vaulted ceiling of the Great Room, a fireplace – one of four in the home -- is embraced by its substantial hand-carved antique French limestone surround.

Throughout the French country-style Montecito home, Old World French country elegance is complemented and tastefully juxtaposed with 21st-century conveniences and décor. Modern features include custom lighting and cabinetry, Perrin and Rowe bathroom fixtures, state-of-the-art kitchen appliances and security alarm, whole-house Sonos, dual-zone heating and air conditioning and a spacious 3-car garage.

In any extraordinary dwelling, location, design, architecture, amenities, workmanship and materials must combine to create one essential intangible: ambiance. Here, in this French country-style Montecito home, casual sophistication is enhanced by an air of spaciousness and light thanks to numerous oversize windows and French doors, lofty vaulted ceilings, an open floorplan and easy flow of indoor and outdoor.

GREAT ROOM | VERANDA

The space is vast yet somehow intimate; defined by its soaring vaulted ceiling punctuated by nearly century-old hand-hewn beams. This is the Great Room: an impressive space for relaxing and dining with friends and family. There are the wide planks of its richly stained French oak floor, and clean white walls beckoning a display of art or simply the soft glow of Montecito sunlight.

Sunlight, twilight, moonlight. All are welcomed through three sets of oversize French doors, and multi-pane and dormer windows. Anchoring the space, a dramatic fireplace, its prominence bestowed by a hand-carved antique French limestone surround flanked by a pair of striking wrought-iron sconces.

Beyond, through those French doors, an expansive veranda awaits and overlooks lush landscaping and the adjacent fairway of the Birnam Wood Golf Club. Intimate seating areas and a stone fireplace make this a perfect place for evening repasts and conviviality.

CULINARY CENTER

The heart of any well-loved home is its culinary center. It’s a place where family and guests can find nourishment of body and soul. That’s true of this exceptional abode’s culinary center as well. Spacious enough for small gatherings, it combines a large gourmet kitchen with an inviting sitting area. A warming fireplace with its roomy curved hearth provides cozy comfort on cool Montecito evenings. French doors open to a small terrace and steps to a large entertaining or play area under a towering oak.

The kitchen is a chef’s or caterer’s dream with its top-of-the-line Wolf and Sub-zero appliances, and a versatile double-wide center island. There’s an abundance of custom cabinetry, Crema limestone countertops, hand-painted tile backsplashes and ROHL fixtures.  

MASTER SUITE | GUEST ROOMS

A touch of elegance and a dash of practicality are expertly united in this serene sanctuary. Under a beautiful chandelier and delicate tray ceiling, the master bedroom basks in the glow of its imported carved limestone fireplace and the radiance bestowed by a large bay window. Underfoot, the wide plank French oak floor provides that dash of practicality. Luxury prevails in the en suite bath.

There is a dramatic glassed-in shower, and a generous soaking tub placed to maximize the lovely view through a triptych of multi-pane windows. Custom cabinetry embraces dual sinks and hosts Calacatta marble countertops. Fixtures are by Perrin and Rowe. Nearby, a room-size walk-in closet awaits.

Two guestrooms have baths en suite, and offer enchanting views and utmost comfort for even the most discerning guests or family. A garden view office or den provides a private entrance and bath. Its convenience to all common areas makes it an excellent option as a fourth bedroom suite if desired.

GROUNDS | COMMUNITY AMENITIES

To own a home in Birnam Wood, set amidst towering oaks, a verdant lawn and impeccable landscaping, is certainly a privilege. Indeed, there are few settings more picturesque than this coveted spot neighboring the acclaimed links at the world-class Birnam Wood Golf Club.

Though seemingly far from the madding crowd, this fabulous residence is comfortably close to nearly endless shopping, services, and recreational and cultural opportunities. Montecito’s charming Upper Village, perhaps two minutes by car beyond the Birnam Wood gates, hosts shops, fine and family dining, and practical services. Hiking, biking, swimming, surfing and sailing await within minutes.

The Santa Barbara Airport accommodates commercial and personal aircraft, while the Los Angeles International Airport is a mere 90-minute commute. World-class resorts and spas such as the San Ysidro Ranch and Four Seasons Santa Barbara Biltmore are nearby as well.

Address: 2049 Boundary Drive

Price: $6,275,000

For more information, please contact Cristal Clarke at (805) 886-9378 or cristal@montecito-estate.com

Cristal Clarke is the exclusive agent representing the Montecito, CA real estate market as member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Berkshire Hathaway

Photo Credit: Berkshire Hathaway

Photo Credit: Berkshire Hathaway

The post Cristal Clarke Presents A Magical Montecito Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Reflecting the fine craftsmanship of Nicholson Companies, luxury home builder, a distinguished textual entry lures with controlled delicate lighting, tranquil sounds of water, and rough-hewn grooves of Texas limestone, complimented with verdant soft foliage. A glass-enclosed wine wall is received upon entry adjacent to walnut-paneled walls, with a pattern that is gently continuous, flowing with a calm movement across the wall. Honed earl grey limestone is diligently intermingled with custom stained white oak hardwood flooring, anchoring natural light that streams from above. Culinary kitchen creates sophisticated clean lines with a backsplash of stone, Wolf E-Series Transitional appliances, Zimbabwe rift granite waterfall island, and soft walnut cabinetry. Formal dining for eight effortlessly fuses the kitchen to a refined living space punctuated by the duo-stone fireplace, which borders the pool, spa and Catalina Island views. Beyond the floor to ceiling Fleetwood glass and steel pocketing doors, the Pacific Ocean hovers in the distance, unfolding with particular drama, endlessly flowing from one side of the single-level residence to the other. The generous master suite attains relaxed warmth from the delicate inlay lights above to the metal-framed fireplace below. A striking master bathroom lets natural light dance off the floor to ceiling quartz walls, stand-alone tub, and metal detail work. This new custom home fuses a collaborative effort with Toblesky Green Architects, Geoff Sumich Design, and interiors designed by Lisa McDennon.

Address: 2615 Blue Water Drive, Corona del Mar, CA 92625

Price: $6,995,000

For more information, please contact Timothy Norman Tamura at 949-673-­0789 or timothy@valiaoc.com

Timothy Norman Tamura is the exclusive agent representing the Corona del Mar, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listings here.

Photo Credit: Valia Properties

Photo Credit: Valia Properties

Photo Credit: Valia Properties

The post Timothy Tamura Presents A Fine Corona Del Mar Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo by Austin Distel

Nevermind the dog days of summer. The U.S. Federal Reserve has moved the domestic and global markets in big ways: It has cut federal interest rates, also known as the federal funds rate, for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis, following a steady stream of rate hikes since 2015. The move would have a trickledown effect that may help “entry-level” luxury buyers and savvy real estate investors, or may encourage more foreign purchasers to look to the U.S.

The federal funds rate is the rate at which banks with balances held at the Federal Reserve, the country’s central bank, can borrow from one another on an overnight basis. While there isn’t a direct correlation between mortgage interest rates and the Fed’s funds rate, which is what’s widely anticipated to be cut at the end of the month, U.S. housing markets stand to feel the impact in a few key ways, especially in the lower segments of the market where first-time and millennial buyers have struggled to get a foot in the door.

Mortgage rates do loosely follow the 10-year Treasury bond rate, which is tied to the Fed’s funds rate, explained Melissa Cohn, a New York City-based broker who is executive vice president of the Private Client Group at Family First Funding LLC. “That really defines where mortgage rates go, so when the bond yields go up, mortgage rates go up,” Ms. Cohn said, and likewise if they go down.

Photo by Breno Assis

Any ripple effect on the housing market will take weeks—if not months—to become evident, and the highest tier of the luxury home market won’t be hugely impacted unless the rate change is half a percent or higher, she said. In interviews with economics, finance and real estate experts in mid-July, this was a common refrain. "There's been so much credit out there, especially on the luxury market side and in the commercial markets, for so long, that I don't think that a drop in interest rates is going to have much impact on either (of those markets)," said Andrea Heuson, professor of finance at the University of Miami Business School. "Just because anybody who wanted to borrow has been able to borrow."

On the other hand, if the Fed cuts rates multiple times in the coming months, as some are speculating, Ms. Cohn said mortgage rates could drop “substantially” and “that is great news for the luxury market.” “Lower rates means lower monthly payments and that will increase the amount that buyers can spend in the luxury market,” she said.

Some experts said whether it’s ultimately one rate cut or many, for people shopping around for homes at the low end of the luxury market—properties priced at $2 million or less—even a slight downtick in mortgage interest rates could be just the push they need to sign on the dotted line. “Anybody buying in a lower price range really gets affected in the best way,” said Tami Pardee, a Los Angeles-based real estate agent who is founder and CEO of the Halton Pardee brokerage. “We're excited ( about the rate cut) because once that happens we usually get an uptick in those buyers for sure.”Based on a review of current listings, her firm focuses on properties throughout Southern California that range from roughly $950,000 to $6 million, with many priced between $1 million to $2 million.

Photo by Francesca Tosolini

In this segment of the market, Ms. Pardee typically encourages clients to consider 10-year mortgages to allow for appreciation to build; 3 to 5 years is too short, she said. Buyers like the safety and security of locking in a low rate and knowing exactly what they'll owe over the term.

Another consideration when deciding to take out a mortgage or simply buy with cash, as many luxury homebuyers do, is the federal tax law changes that went into effect at the beginning of 2018. Buyers may now deduct mortgage interest on the first $750,000 of indebtedness for recent home purchases, down from the $1 million cap on mortgages taken out before Dec. 16, 2017. In addition, the law now restricts to $10,000 the amount of state and local taxes paid on a property that homeowners can deduct from their federal tax bill, which was unwelcome news to homeowners in high-tax states like New York and California.

Florida, which has no state income tax, has become more popular among Northeast second-home buyers since these changes went into effect. The thinking is that with homes priced at $1 million to $2 million, Florida’s tax advantage combined with low interest rates could help balance out the federal restrictions.
“Having a lower interest rate (on a mortgage) with the tax advantage is a net positive, so I think we'll continue to see that in terms of being a stimulus for luxury housing in Florida,” said Noah Breakstone, CEO of BTI Partners, a Florida firm that is about to start construction on Marina Pointe, a waterfront development in Tampa, Florida, with units ranging from $700,000 to $2 million.

Photo by iAlicante Mediterranean Homes

As low interest rates have held steady over the last few years, a subset of very astute high-net-worth buyers are increasingly experimenting with leveraging, or the use of borrowed money to build potential returns from an investment over time.“At 3%, money is really, really cheap,” Ms. Pardee said, referring to recent average mortgage rates. Homebuyers “can usually make 5% to 10% doing something else,” like putting their cash into bonds or stocks, rather than paying all-cash for a new home.
(The average for a 30-year fixed-rate home mortgage was 3.81% as of July 18, Freddie Mac reported. And 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 3.23%.)Mr. Breakstone said he’s seen domestic buyers leveraging their assets for some time, but if interest rates drop further, more people could jump into the game.

“If they invest in tax-free municipal bonds, they could earn 4.5%, and the cost of their mortgage was 3.5%, net on net they have no mortgage cost, for a highly secure investment,” he said. “I think you’re going to see those types of tradeoffs as interest rates compress.”More recently, he’s seeing international buyers beginning to use this strategy, too, in the U.S., even though foreigners are required to pay higher mortgage interest rates (typically 5.5% to 6%) and make larger down payments (usually 35% to 50%) than domestic buyers.

Often the leveraging strategy involves refinancing a property or taking out a home equity loan against a property’s value, producing cash that can be used as a down payment toward another home. For example, a New York City-based client of Ms. Cohn’s is selling a $15 million apartment and buying another $13 million apartment; she said she helped him get 70% financing as a cash-out on his current apartment and 75% financing for his new purchase.

Photo by Douglas Sheppard

"He effectively was able to bridge all of the down payment he needed for the new apartment, so he didn't have to take any cash out of the market," she said. "(With) stock markets at record highs, people want to be able to utilize the equity that they have in real estate versus having to take money out of the market and miss out on any future gains."Ms. Cohn said she expects to see home equity rates get cheaper at the end of the month because unlike mortgage rates, they are more directly aligned with the Fed’s interest rates. That will further incentivize these types of buyers to continue leveraging their property investments, she suggested. A ‘For Sale’ Sign on U.S. Assets

Another possible outcome of the Fed’s rate drop is that it could weaken the U.S. dollar and therefore make property look cheaper to investors with foreign currency, according to Ms. Heuson.
“It's like we put something for sale,” she said. “If the dollar drops by 5%, you can put out a sign that says 5% off, for somebody who has foreign currency to spend.”

International buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines in overheated markets like South Florida, Seattle and San Francisco could be encouraged to return—and even take out a mortgage despite it being more complicated and slightly more expensive to do so as a foreigner, as Mr. Breakstone pointed out.
Secondary home markets may also look more appealing compared to major metros like Boston, Seattle and San Francisco, where there’s an influx of foreign investment, and where prices have climbed to historic highs in recent years.

If the rate change does not come when the Fed board meets July 30-31, markets could temporarily get a little messy, Ms. Heuson said, since those expectations have already been “priced into everything.” The next opportunity for a rate change is in September.

The post Danielle Short On How The Fed Rate Could Be Good For Some Luxury Market Sectors appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The interior features impeccably crafted columns, vaulted ceilings, skylights, parquet floors, and exquisite cabinetry, with French doors opening onto gorgeous grounds.

There are two kitchens—one on each level—with quality appliances and generous storage. Highlighted by a fireplace and French doors to a secluded patio, the master suite has a luxurious bath rich in cultured marble, where a bay window offers serene garden and canyon views.

On the lower level is an entertainment room, fitness space, sauna, wine room, and a guest suite with private entrance. An elevator serves all three levels.

With formal gardens befitting the estate’s grandeur, the ample outdoor leisure areas include a stone patio with pool and wraparound terrace as well as a rooftop view deck for cocktails or casual barbecues.

Address: 11222 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Price: $7,995,000

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 5

View the listing here.

For more information, contact Joyce Rey at 310-285-7529 or joyce@joycerey.com.

Joyce Rey is the exclusive agent representing the Beverly Hills, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listing here.

Images courtesy of Joyce Rey

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Epitome of elite, this residence features walnut floors, marble accents, distinguished wainscoting and onyx fireplaces. The ultimate chef’s kitchen includes an expansive center island with a stunning African wood countertop, top-of-the-line appliances and chic dining area accented by a baccarat chandelier.

The sprawling grounds feature a guesthouse with an expansive balcony, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, built-in barbecue sport court, herb and vegetable garden, fruit trees and manicured rose bushes.

Spectacular views of the famous Jack Nicklaus golf course and shimmering lake evoke a relaxing & charming lifestyle, creating the ultimate oasis.

Address: 224 W Stafford Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361

Price: $10,750,000

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 5 full + 2 half

View the listing here.

For more information, contact Nicole Van Parys at 805-795-1880 or nicole.vanparys@evusa.com

Nicole Van Parys is the exclusive agent representing the Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all the listings here. 

Images courtesy of Nicole Van Parys

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There are a few traits that define great real estate agents. The first is experience in home buying and your local real estate market. The second is having the patience to stick through the process of searching for the right home and having determination to fight to get you the home you want. Lastly, great real estate agents have the creativity to think outside the box and find homes that may not look like a great fit on paper, but will work for your wants and needs.

Experience In Home Buying and the Local Market

When you are conducting your search in a specific housing market, it’s important that your real estate agent has experience in the area. Generally speaking, real estate agents with a lot of experience are most likely also good real estate agents. As a commission-based business, most professionals leave the real estate industry because they do not make enough sales. While years of experience do not necessarily guarantee a successful real estate agent, it’s an encouraging sign.

Another reason to look for a high-end real estate agent with experience is that he or she is less likely to make mistakes. Realtors do much of their professional training on the job. An agent with years of experience has had the chance to learn from mistakes made; you cannot afford to be the test subject when you are making such a substantial investment. The more experience an agent has accrued, the more likely they are to have a strong knowledge base to bring to the homebuying search.

While professional experience is a very important factor in selecting a high-end real estate agent, so is local experience. There are resources online that provide information about specific regions, cities, even communities, but they are not as reliable as a professional that has spent years in the area buying and selling homes.

Patience to Stick with the Search and Buying Process

Patience may not seem like the most obvious quality in a high-end real estate agent, but it’s very important. The process of finding and purchasing the right home can be a long journey with many ups and downs. To make the right decision you need to do your due diligence, which can take time. When vetting a potential realtor inquire how they handled drawn-out searches in the past.

Because purchasing luxury real estate is such a large financial investment, you need to be sure you are working with an agent that demonstrates patience during the process. If your realtor is putting pressure on you to make a rapid decision when you are not ready, it will lead to unsatisfactory results. When choosing between high-end real estate agents, be sure to ask each what their plan would be for a longer-than-expected search and buying process.

Related to the realtor’s patience is their determination to succeed for you. Your real estate agent should be willing to put in the time and fight hard, even after a long, drawn-out search process, to get you the property you want.

Creativity and Willingness to Think Outside the Box

The third quality to look for in a high-end real estate agent is an ability to think outside the box. Oftentimes markets with a high degree of competition from fellow buyers make it difficult to find a home that meets all your needs. When vetting a realtor, ask how he or she would approach finding properties that may not seem like a good fit on paper but can adequately meet your needs.

If there is a lack of suitable homes in your preferred market, you need a realtor with the experience to know if similar markets can meet your needs. On the other hand, the real estate agent should also understand which homes available in your market can still work for you despite not meeting every requirement.

For this creative approach to be effective, your agent needs to have experience in the local market and have demonstrable patience. An experienced agent has the professional relationships as well as the knowledge of the properties that can help locate off market opportunities.

Joyce Rey is the exclusive agent representing the Beverly Hills real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View her profile or contact her here.

Images courtesy of Joyce Rey

The post Joyce Rey: Three Things To Look For In Your High-End Real Estate Agent appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The entry-level master suite offers great separation from the 2 bedrooms situated upstairs with the living areas.

Open to the family room, the cook’s kitchen offers lots of counter space to create your culinary masterpieces, stainless steel appliances, and a large breakfast bar perfect for entertaining.

Tranquil outdoor spaces include a spacious deck to watch the sunset, a large grassy front yard, as well as an expansive outdoor living room with heaters surrounded by beautiful landscaping.

Situated in a prime Olde Del Mar location where you will enjoy an easy stroll to the beach, parks, and a wide variety of shops and eateries in The Village.

Address: 555 Zuni Drive, Del Mar, CA 92014

Price: $3,950,000

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 4

View the listing here. 

For more information, contact Maxine and Marti Gellens at 858-353-1515 or maxine@gellens.com.

Maxine and Marti Gellens are the exclusive agents representing the La Jolla, California real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

Images courtesy of Maxine and Marti Gellens

The post Stunning Del Mar Home Offers Serenity and Luxury appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Located four homes from the Southwestern tip of Linda Isle, the property features spectacular unobstructed vistas of Newport Harbor’s main turning basin; from this location you have front-row seats to morning crew workouts, all of the harbor’s activities, sailing regattas and breathtaking evening sunsets.

This Regency Style home features over 5,400sq. ft. of living space, stunning paneling and mouldings, nicely proportioned rooms and high ceilings, six fireplaces, an elevator, a large living room with a fireplace, an elegant bar, family room with a fireplace and bookshelves, a formal dining room and a handsome den.

Upstairs there are four bedroom suites highlighted by two waterfront masters with fireplaces and big baths. The home has 50’ of waterfront with one of the largest deep water private docks in the harbor and can accommodate a boat up to 79’ and several side-ties.

Linda Isle is a private 24-hour guard gated island of 107 waterfront homes and features a private tennis court, beach club, and kids play area. Opportunities abound, you may live in the home as-is, remodel or redevelop the property to create the home of your dreams.

Address: 38 Linda Isle, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Price: $11,500,000

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 6

View the listing here. 

For more information, contact Steve High and Evan Corkett at 949-874-4724 / 949-285-1055 or shigh@villarealestate.com / ecorkett@villarealestate.com.

Steve High and Evan Corkett are the exclusive agents representing the Newport Beach, California real estate market as members of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

Images courtesy of Steve High and Evan Corkett

The post Regency Style Bayfront Residence with Unobstructed Newport Harbor Vistas appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.