Photo Credit: Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

How has the luxury real estate market in Houston been performing so far in 2020?

Luxury homes have been selling well. In particular, the new construction market has performed very well lately.  While our market was affected by Hurricane Harvey, it seems to be recovering well. Luxury buyers are move-up buyers, and the market is strong for the homes that they are moving out of, too.

What are buyers looking for in their homes in Houston in 2020?

It depends on their price range. Mid-level buyers are choosing older homes that have been beautifully remodeled and are in a good school district. There is an in-between market of homes built in the 1990s–2000s that buyers also like to transform to a more current look. Buyers at a higher price point are attracted to new construction with a sleeker look and more modern finishes.  The emphasis on having a large yard seems to have diminished somewhat – although some yard space is desired, with room for a pool along with an outdoor living space and outdoor kitchen for entertaining. Dining rooms with glass-walled wine rooms like you might see in a restaurant are a popular trend.

Which has been a highlight sale for you so far in 2020? 

New construction in a close-in neighborhood within walking distance to shops and restaurants. The buyers moved from an older home on over 2 acres in a highly desirable school district to a close-in area where people utilize excellent private schools. It’s an amazing modern house with a room for a pool, a high-end outdoor living area, and, of course, a glass-enclosed wine room viewed from the dining room.

Are there any new restaurants or other spots in Houston you’ve been loving lately?

Houston has an ever-changing restaurant scene. Areas like City Centre are home to luxury hotels like Hotel Zaza, and the accompanying restaurants that go along with mixed retail and upscale housing development. People eat out a lot in Houston and we have a huge selection of every kind of food imaginable.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

It’s time for spring break. What is a fun activity in Houston?

Houstonians head to the beach for Spring Break. Or to the ski slopes. A large number of people here have second homes in Galveston as well as in Colorado. With two four-star airports within a 30-minute drive, Houston has easy access to air travel. Both airports are rated in the Top 10 in the world, and according to Skytrax, “Houston remains the only city in the Western Hemisphere with two 4-star rated airports. The only other cities in the world with two 4-star rated airports are Tokyo and Seoul.”

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Photo Credit: Ron Bird Photography

How has the luxury real estate market in your area been performing so far in 2020?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is performing really well in the $2-$3.5M segment with limited inventory and a lot of homes selling off-market before getting to MLS. The $5M+ market has been a little slow to start. As a second home market, home purchases are discretionary so buyers need to really see the property they love. Pebble Beach has been really strong for the past three years and the start to the year was a little quieter. But we’re seeing it pick back up.

Photo Credit: Ron Bird Photography

What are buyers looking for in their homes in Pebble Beach/Carmel in 2020?

People want finished homes that are move-in ready. Contemporary looks and current finishes. Coastal and airy hues and tones. Especially as a predominantly second-home market; buyers want homes that they can start enjoying right away. They don’t have the time or desire to take on a remodeling project that could take a couple of years. We are counseling sellers and working with them to get their homes as turn-key as possible. Nine out of 10 buyers don’t have the vision for seeing past sellers' personal items or envisioning how a home could be refreshed. We need to get homes ready that speak to buyers upon their first launch and debut.

Which has been a highlight sale for you so far in 2020?

We’re really just getting started with the year, and had a number of closings and a large number of homes in contract. Some fabulous properties. But our highlight thus far hasn’t been the largest sale, but more about how we’ve been able to help both sellers and buyers. One seller, we refreshed her home with Compass Concierge and had a quick sale that “changed her life." She was able to sell her property and move on to the next chapter of her life. We also have had a couple of young families move here from the Bay Area that made a conscious decision to improve their quality of life. Those are the really rewarding highlights thus far.

Photo Credit: Dana Bambace and Mark Peterson

Are there any new restaurants or other spots in your market you’ve been loving lately?

Enjoying a sunset by the firepits at Spanish Bay with the bagpiper is always a great way to wrap up a day and kick off the evening. There are so many great restaurants depending on your cravings. We’re pretty excited about a couple of market/ restaurants still being built out that showcase our region’s farm-fresh leadership for the country. Roughly 70 percent of the country’s leafy greens are grown here. We’re fortunate to have farmers’ markets seven days a week and a bounty of fresh seafood for chefs to always create seasonal menus.

Photo Credit: Dana Bambace and Mark Peterson

It’s time for spring break. What is a fun activity in your market?

We’re all about getting outside and all of the recreational opportunities. Getting out for a hike or stroll on the beach is always available. But with a little more time, we love heading down the coast towards Big Sur. The mountains are lush and green and the sand on the beaches is crystal white. After a hike, it's always fun to wrap up with a snack or drink at Nepenthe Restaurant.

Photo Credit: Dana Bambace and Mark Peterson

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Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com

How has the luxury real estate market in your market been performing so far in 2020?

Residential sales Jan 2020 vs. Jan 2019:

• 22 sales vs. 21
• +$96M sales volume vs. +$53.5M: 79% increase
• average sale price +$4.37M vs. +$2.5M: 71% increase.

Condo sales Jan 2020 vs. Jan 2019:

• 29 sales vs. 18: 61% increase
• +$47.4M sales volume vs. +$15.5M: 204% increase
• average sale price +$1.6M vs. +$865,000: 88% increase

What are buyers looking for in their homes in your market in 2020?

New construction and renovated homes

Which has been a highlight sale for you so far in 2020?

The highlight of our 2020 has been the closing of 113 Atlantic Avenue, Palm Beach – representing the Buyer of this new Mediterranean construction on the ocean block, in-town home. Convenient location on large lot. 

301 Indian Road: represented the Seller of this land sale on the northernmost edge of Palm Beach Island, the perfect opportunity to build a dream home!

Are there any new restaurants or other spots in your market you’ve been loving lately?

Yes, Palm Beach has more restaurants opening this year than any year in the past. LoLa 41 from Nantucket, Almond from Bridgehampton, Shifty’s from NYC, and a new location for Italian dining, Trevini.

It’s time for spring break. What is a fun activity in your market?

One of Palm Beach’s best activities is going to the beach. Lucky for us, we can go to the beach at any time of the year! We find that spring breakers love the beach too! With our influx in population from 10,000 to +30,000 in season, the beach is a hot spot, along with delicious al fresco dining and the beautiful Vias of Worth Avenue. 

Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com

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How has the luxury real estate market in New Mexico been performing so far in 2020?

It has been excellent so far. There is a severe lack of inventory at the moment, so many buyers are waiting for a good home to come up or are deciding to build instead. There has been a very strong demand. Right now, I have many just waiting for the ideal home. Hopefully, we'll be seeing new homes coming on the market soon and will have more inventory as spring approaches.

What are buyers looking for in their homes in New Mexico in 2020? 

A mix of Santa Fe style and contemporary – updated, clean lines, open. Light and bright, and one level with no steps or stairs.

Which has been a highlight sale for you so far in 2020? 

One I have closing next week, which is listed at 2.95M – very centrally located with a pool and a view. 1243 Upper Canyon: https://santaferealestateproperty.com/listing/201901720/

Photo Credit: Sotheby's International Realty

Are there any new restaurants or other spots in New Mexico you’ve been loving lately? 

Sassella is a fairly recent addition to the restaurant scene, it's next door to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Wonderful Italian food from the owners of Sazón, another favorite here. Love the old stand-bys as well: The Compound, and as always my favorite go-to, Geronimo.

It’s time for spring break. What is a fun activity in New Mexico? 

We've had an excellent ski season with a new storm that just came through this past weekend, so skiing is definitely something Spring Break visitors can enjoy. Our Restaurant Week is happening right now until March 1st and that is a popular event, with many restaurants in town creating special prix fixe menus. Some Arts + Culture picks would be concerts, lectures and performances at the Lensic, and of course our fabulous museums. The NM Museum of Art has a show running right now with works from the British Museum: Michelangelo, Tiepolo, and many others.

Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com

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