Tina's Monterey Real Estate Blog

New In Quail Lodge

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 15:38:57 -0400

New Condo for sale in Carmel California's Quail Lodge. This is a wonderful 1500 sq. ft unit with two bedroom & two bathroom. You are just steps from the golf course.

Remodeled kitchen

living room with vaulted ceilings and cedar walls

List price of $865,000.

For additional information visit Carmel Homes For Sale or call Tina Carpenter 831.521.0231

How long does it really take to close an escrow?

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:30:08 -0500

People ask all the time "how is business?" Lately I have told them how busy I am; with multiple homes in escrow as well as plenty of listings.

Am I busy closing deals or am I busy spinning my wheels?

This week I have pondered this questions time and time again. Unless you have cash it might feel like you are spinning your wheels.

One of my escrows that should have closed last month is moving at such a snails pace and I want to scream.

What I realized is that I have not explained to my current clients (buyers but especially sellers) how the lending climate is effecting every deal. Buyers with even the best credit scores, great jobs and money in the bank are being scrutinized with a fine tooth comb.

Some examples of this are:

If unusual deposits have been made into an accounts there must be a paper tail showing where is came from.
If you are moving to a new area the bank wants you to show that your income will be the same or more than it currently is.

So what? some might ask...the banks should have done this years ago and we would not be in this mess.

What this really means is time. More time to get a full commitment and more time to fund a loan equalling an escrow closing.

Gone are the days of a 30 day escrow!!

3 Mountain Shadow Lane

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:53:54 -0500

This 2 bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bathroom townhome is located in Monterey's Skyline Forest. Featuring great ocean views.

One of only 20 units in this peaceful complex unit #3 is just over 2000 square feet and has been very well maintained. The unit needs some updating but is ready to move into now. Come enjoy the quite life in Monterey. To view more photos visit Monterey Condo's.

Quail Lodge & Quail Meadows Weekly Update for the week of 2/12/2010

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:45:23 -0500

There are currently 8 homes on the market in Quail & Quail Meadows.

Six total in Quail:

Valley Greens Circle has a total of 4 active:

7011 Valley Greens Circle listed for $2,521,680
7028 Valley Greens Circle listed for $1,875,000
7082 Valley Greens Circle listed for $1,495,000
7055 Valley Greens Circle listed for $1,295,000

And there a is 1 home on Lake Drive and 1 on River Place:

8074 Lake Drive listed at $1,995,000
8016 River Place listed at $1,295,000

Two homes active on the market in Quail Meadows:

5492 Quail Meadows Drive listed for $4,645,000
5461 Quail Meadows Drive listed for $2,995,000

There are currently 3 homes in Escrow in Quail & Quail Meadows.

Two total in Quail:

7030 Valley Knoll Drive due to close soon
8073 Lake Place due to close on 3/31

One in Quail Meadows:

5480 Quail Meadows Drive this home is due to close 3/2. for more information on this home visit Quail Homes

As always feel free to call me with any questions on Quail or Quail Meadows

Tina Carpenter

831.521.0231

Peaceful in Quail Meadows

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:28:40 -0500

Come and enjoy this quality single level three bedroom and three and one half bathroom property on 2.5 acres in the prestigious gated community of Quail Meadows.

This home includes a spacious living room,

separate dining room, custom kitchen with breakfast area,

den/office, laundry room and large master suite. Two fireplaces and vaulted ceilings with skylights. Backyard has a large covered patio with built-in gas BBQ, lawn terraced gardens and wooded grounds, ideal for indoor/outdoor living.

This home is being offered for $2,495,000

For additional information please call Tina at 831.521.0231

On the Seventh Fairway at Quail Lodge

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:43:33 -0500

Upon entering the front courtyard you will feel you have arrived home. This 2600 sq. ft. home has lots of light, an unbelievable floor plan, Cathedral ceilings, views and sits on the Seventh fairway at Quail Lodge. Boasting three bedrooms and three bathrooms; including the master suite that has a fireplace as well as a sitting room and bathroom with his and her tub/showers, sinks and built-ins. The Large living room with fireplace and wet bar is complete with floor to ceiling windows that help you appreciate the views of the golf course and the mountains. Separate dining room and a sunroom with sliding door that gives you access the back patio and golf course. Kitchen with breakfast nook, laundry room and a two car garage make this home complete.

For more photos go to carmel homes for sale

About The Barnyard

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:52:57 -0500

The Barnyard

History- the Barnyard is a group old local barns that were put on one property to create a small town shopping center. Over the years there have been some wonderful locally owned shops and restaurants that include The Thurderbird Bookstore, Total Dog, Succulent Gardens, London Bridge Pub and Hudson’s. Most of these stores are no longer in business with the exception of Hudson’s; they have relocated to the Crossroads.

Today-The Barnyard is popular amongst tourists but there are many locals that frequent the shops and restaurants.

Restaurants-

1. Bahama Billy’s-With a great island flavor to thrill your palate. My favorites include their Mango Salad, Killer Meatloaf & the Skirt steak. You will love the bread while you are waiting for your food. BB’s also has some great specialty cocktails.

2. Robata’s-My favorite Japanese restaurant. It can be a bit cold in the winter but in the summer and fall eating on the patio is great. They have a very reasonable lunch menu that will fill you up. Some of my favorite sushi is their spider rolls, shiitake nut rolls and the Carmel Roll.

3. From Scratch-This restaurant has been around for a long time. It has a nice covered patio that you are more than welcome to bring your dog to. Local artwork is abundant on the walls and is for sale. In the winter time they have fabulous soups; the tomato basil is to die for. They do have wonderful breakfast specials as well; try the yummy French toast.

Shops-

1. Heidi’s-Great work shoes and now they have fun women’s shoe too. The staff is very knowledgeable and the owners are warm and inviting. If you see a sale sign you better hurry and run in before they are all gone.

2. Michael Sherman Jewelers’-Talk about beautiful one of a kind jewelry this is it. Everything is handcrafted and is the upmost quality.

3. Khaki’s-This upscale store is it when searching for men’s clothing. They carry only the world’s finest designers. Stop by and enjoy outstanding customer service.

Make sure that on your next visit that you have an empty stomach and a wallet full of cash to enjoy the shopping. You will be happy you did!

for more information on local places to visit go to Carmel, Ca Homes for Sale.

Where is the Monterey Condo market going in 2010

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:26:20 -0500

To predict the future we must first look to the past.

There were a total of Forty-three units that sold in Monterey in 2009.

$165,000-$250,000 = 12
$300,000-$400,000 = 13
$400,000-$500,000 = 6
$500,000-$600,000 = 8
$600,000-$800,000 = 4

As you can see the lower-end dominated the 2009 market place.

Currently there are 30 units on the market and 9 units in escrow.

$60,000-$250,000 = 11 Active 3 pending
$250,000-$400,000 = 14 Active 5 pending
$400,000-$500,000 = 3 Active
$500,000-$600,000 = 8 Active 1 pending
$600,000-$700,000 = 2 Active
Over 2 Millon = 1 Active

So what do these numbers show us.....the lower-end is still driving the market place. As the low-end's inventory slips away we will start seeing the middle range move more. I think the upper-end is going to take a while to start moving; possibly the end of 2010 but it may not really start moving until 2011.

I can't really predict the future (if only I had a crystal ball) but I do think that the market is steady and will remain stready in 2010.

Mountain Shadow Townhomes

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:58:46 -0500

Mountain Shadow Townhomes are located in Monterey's Skyline Forest a beautifully wooded area with ocean views. These twenty townhomes were built in 1973 by Henry Edwards on approximately 3.3 acres. Ten units were initially sold as "A" units at 1,950 sq. ft and ten units were sold as "B" units and are 1,650 sq. ft.; although many units have made some interior changes that have given them additional square footage. Additionally, each unit has a large two car garage.

Dues include water, garbage, sewer, storm drains, insurance, ground maintenance, street lights, minor maintenance for the private road and major project reserves. Roofs, siding and deck repairs are the responsibility of each individual property owners.

For the only unit currently on the market go to Mountain Shadow.

Hacienda Carmel Second Quarter Market Update

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:56:16 -0500

Hacienda’s prices have dropped drastically over the last year and a half but the units are selling. In the first quarter only one unit sold but since then there has been fifteen sales.

There are currently nine units on the market, with three of those in escrow.

Below are the units that are active:

Unit # Beds Baths Sq. Ft. List Price Original Price Days on Market

70 2 2 960 $495,000 $495,000 151

41 1 1 650 $349,900 $349,900 365

188 2 2 980 $289,000 $318,500 326

64 2 2 948 $257,000 $257,000 24

120 2 1 850 $229,900 $229,900 1

57 1 1 655 $205,000 $259,000 361

Below are the units that are pending:

Unit # Beds Baths Sq. Ft. List Price Original Price Days on Market

170 2 2 950 $290,000 $399,000 395

22 1 1 650 $215,000 $215,000 21

175 1 1 625 $205,000 $259,000 200

Below are the units that have sold in 2009:

Unit# Beds Baths Sq. Ft. Sales Price Original Price Sale Date Days on Market

165 2 2 1165 $381,000 $389,500 3/18/09 638

178 2 2 1100 $372,500 $385,000 7/29/09 41

26 2 2 1100 $372,500 $380,000 4/21/09 23

206 2 2 1180 $370,000 $380,000 9/16/09 191

189 2 2 1100 $350,000 $359,000 10/9/09 4

155 2 2 1310 $350,000 $350,000 4/14/09 301

144 2 2 950 $275,000 $325,000 4/23/09 726

125 2 2 950 $290,000 $299,000 8/26/09 53

157 2 2 1100 $290,000 $299,000 9/1/09 45

241 2 2 948 $290,000 $299,000 6/12/09 283

259 2 2 950 $300,000 $295,000 9/29/09 124

14 1 1 625 $235,000 $275,000 1/29/09 27

86 2 1 $247,000 $249,000 4/7/09 163

255 1 1 625 $230,000 $249,000 7/21/09 58

174 S 1 515 $190,000 $195,000 4/30/09 39

68 S 1 515 $179,000 $179,000 4/9/09 111

What makes one unit sell while others sit on the market for a year or more? It is simple, Price.

The units that are priced correctly when they go on the market are selling in the first three months; otherwise the sellers chase the market down with price reduction after price reduction.

If you would like additional information on the Real Estate market in Hacienda Carmel or any of the unit that are currently on the market please feel free to contact me.

Tina Carpenter 831.521.0231 www.mymontereybayhomes.com

Quail Lodge and Quail Meadows Third Quarter Update

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:26:41 -0400

Here is our 2009 third quarter update for the Quail Lodge and Quail Meadows real estate market. Since our last update there have been three new sales.

The third quarter marketplace results are:

-Eight properties have sold thus far in 2009

7020 Valley Greens Drive #2- Sale price $604,000

7020 Valley Greens Drive#16- Sale price $775,000

8014 River Place- Sale price $965,000

8036 Poplar Lane- Sale price $995,000 (private sale not on multiple listing service)

8070 Lake Place- Sale price $1,075,000

8001 River Place- Sale price $1,200,000

7036 Valley Greens Circle- Sale price $2,398,000

5472 Quail Way- Sale price $4,100,000

-Presently there are six homes and one condominium on the market in Quail Lodge and Quail Meadows

5492 Quail Meadows Dr.- List price $4,695,000

7011 Valley Greens Circle- List price $2,521,680

8074 Lake Place- List price $2,250,000

8069 Lake Place- List price $1,499,000

7068 Valley Greens Circle- List price $1,439,000

7086 Valley Greens Circle- List price $1,095,-000

7020 Valley Greens Dr.#10 List price $615,000

-There are currently two homes in escrow

8073 Lake Place and 8008 River Place

New Listing at 120 Hacienda Carmel

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:50:36 -0400

Here is my new listing at 120 Hacienda Carmel........

Fun In The Sun

Within the sunny retirement community of Hacienda Carmel sits this wonderfully freshly painted two bedroom, one bathroom condominium, with a beautiful south facing patio to enjoy those cheerfully sunny mornings and afternoons. Located in just the right spot; close to the clubhouse and with easy access in and out of Hacienda. Come and make memories with all your friends at the newly remodeled clubhouse, pool or in the gym.

Priced just right at $229,900 For additional information visit Carmel Homes

Forever Sunsets, Sand & Surf

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:27:36 -0400

Come enjoy Carmel's sunsets, sand and surf from this extraordinary street to street Scenic property.

Breathtaking panoramic views from Pebble Beach's famed golf course to the crashing waves on rocky Carmel point. Built just 8 years ago and designed by Gene Takagawa lifelong Monterey Peninsula architect.

This three bedroom, two and a half bathroom home is the prefect property.With a large gourmet kitchen.

Master suite on the main floor and a living room with lovely deck to enjoy those sweeping views.

There is a functional family room that is placed between the two guest rooms downstairs that includes wet bar, fireplace and french doors opening to the back patio and just steps to the beautiful white sandy beaches of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Features

Electric Privacy Gates
Security System
Two car garage
Air conditioning
Granite counters
Wolf range
Subzero refrigerator
Wine refrigerator
2 dishwashers
Master on the main level
Fireplaces in the master, living room & family room

For additional information visit Carmel-by-the-Sea properties.

Our Water, Our Lives

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:02:34 -0400

Yesterday I spent the day being an activist. I boarded a bus and took the long journey to Sacramento to attend the California State Water Board Meeting.

Why you might ask......

Well if the CSWB had their way the Cal-Am water customers on the Monterey Peninsula would be limited to 50 gallons of water per day per person.

Let me put that into perspective for you.

The average person in Sacramento uses over 230 gallons of water per day!!!!!

The average Monterey Peninsula resident uses just 70 gallons of water per day!!!!

So why punish us for our good behavior. It is simple...Cal-Am has illegally been pumping more water from the Carmel River to supply Monterey Peninsula residence than allowed for over 15 years. They have tried but have been unable to find a solution. A new sources of water is harder to come by than you would think.

First there was the new dam-but the voters said "NO".
Then there was the de-sal plant at Moss Landing but many groups said "NO"

So why did we think that we could change this boards mind. Because we have found a new water source.

A new de-sal plant in Marina. It seems as though most people agree this is our answer. This plant would not pump water directly from the ocean like the Moss Landing project. There will be diagonally drilled wells for the water intake. This is not as harmful to the environment. Another great thing about this project is that it will be powered by methane gas from the local landfill. Ahh....Sustainability.

I know by now you are asking what happened. You could say we all won for now.

The California State Water Board passed the following:

The immediate reduction of water goes into effect now. This is only about 3 gallons per person per day. With the major reduction going into effect October 1, 2011.
The cut off date for new water starts today October 21, 2009.
Pebble Beach will still be able to use their water entitlements until 2016 when a new water source should already be in place.

So I guess I will be on another but in October 2011 unless we have our new de-sal plant up and running.

Monterey Peninsula Residence Lets Keep our fingers crossed.

Remember it is Our Water & Our Lives!

Keep on Conserving.

Quail Lodge Condo now $615,000

Tina Carpenter (Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:06:11 -0400

This comfortable two bedroom, two bathroom condominium at the famed Quail Lodge has just been lowered to $615,000.

The perfect part-time getaway or full-time residence.

For more photos and additional information visit Quail Lodge Real Estate.