Tina's Monterey Real Estate Blog

As the New Monterey market sales cycle accelerates into the summer season, average sales prices have increased from $483,000 in the first quarter to $625,000 in the second.

The New Monterey marketplace second quarter 2008:

            -In the second quarter 4 homes sold compared with 3 home sales the first quarter.

            -7 homes are currently in escrow compared with 3 in the first quarter.

            -18 homes are currently for sale compared with 12 in the first quarter.

The following homes have sold in 2008: 

            Address                     Sales Price

            1400 Hoffman           $760,000

            799 Lyndon St.          $675,000

            640 Alice St.              $667,000

            837 Terry St.             $580,000

            610 Taylor St.            $579,000

            589 Newton St.         $465,000

            624 Terry St.             $425,000

Remember, the current market responds to logical pricing; we are seeing homes that are priced right taking approximately 4 months to sell.

The answer is Yes!!!!

Looking at statistics can be tricky. We cannot always take them at face value, especially when looking at median home prices. The big numbers don’t always show you the entire picture. Every area is different. Yes, the overall market has gone down but there are sub areas (neighborhoods) that are still forging forward.

Monterey Counties Median Sales Price for June 2008

*Data provided by DQ News

So what is the good news? 

       1.    There are two cities on the Monterey Peninsula that the median price has gone up, Carmel Valley and Pebble Beach.

<!-   2.      Even in cities that the prices have gone down there are neighborhoods in those cities where the market is strong and prices have stayed the same or climbed slightly.

<!-   3.      It is a buyer’s market. There are buyers and they are buying. Today’s buyers want a perceived value so they will wait around until they find it.

       4.      Bank owned properties are selling. The quicker the homes that have been foreclosed on sell, the quicker the market will bottom out and slowly start climbing back up.

The numbers do show that sales prices have come down but they also show there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Yesterday, I took the day off and went to The Spa in Pebble Beach.This is the best way to pamper yourself; really there is just nothing else like it. The faculties are phenomenal and include separate his and her areas with hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas & inhalation rooms plus the co-ed area, conservatory with new oval room that is heated by the gas log fire pit. Staffing is exceptional.From the moment you walk in the door tranquility will embrace you.

Here are five things to make your day amazing:

1. Check schedules-make sure there is not a big function going on in Pebble Beach. Mid-week and Sundays seem to be the least crowded.
2. Arrive early- make a day of it; the price of your treatment includes use of all the facilities.
3. Order lunch when you arrive- request your lunch at a specific time and have it served in the conservatory on a cool day or out by the pool when the sun is shining. The fruit platter is to die for!!!
4. Afternoon tea or coffee-you can ask for a cup of tea or coffee at no charge and if you are really nice you will even be offered a swanky piece of chocolate.
5. When getting a massage ask for-James if you like a deep tissue massage or Tisa if you like to fall asleep.

For more information or to book your getaway visit www.pebblebeach.com

• 1. Sense of community- This community has 300 units that are filled with peoples, people. Friendly faces are everywhere.

• 2. Association takes care of it all Yours dues include your electricity, gas, water, trash and all outside building maintenance (termite work and roof). It also includes your furnace and water heater.

• 3. Amenities/Activities- Amenities abound; walking trail, pool, workout room, putting green, restaurant, library and clubhouse. There are many clubs including the garden club, the men’s club, bridge and more. Something for everyone. Oh, I almost forgot the doctor and hairdresser!

• 4. Animal Friendly- Yes! You can keep your dogs or cats. You know Carmel…we love our animals.

• 5. Sunny- Most importantly it is sunny most of the time. Even when that pesky coastal fog rolls in Hacienda is one of the first places to see our precious sun.

Hacienda Carmel is a community for people over the age of 55. It offers an enjoyable solution for those wanting to “down space”. Visit their website at www.haciendacarmel.us