Living the Monterey Peninsula lifestyle
Long walks along Carmel's scenic coastline... Playing golf at Pebble Beach's finest resorts... Enjoying fabulous sunsets at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove... Living in one of the most beautiful places in the world is a dream for many. Making this dream a reality is my business and a quality real estate experience is paramount. Buyers receive personalized service to find the perfect home of their dreams, sellers benefit from the finest representation specific to their property.
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Welcome to my website, a one-stop resource for buyers and sellers. Sellers, find out what your home is worth: Buyers, get local neighborhood info and real estate listings. Explore the local real estate and community information on my market report below or join my facebook page at www.facebook.com/LaurelJaquesCarmelPebbleBeachPacificGroveRealtor
REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY INFORMATION AND EVENTS BLOG
December 5, 2013 -- Community Events
What a wonderful weekend of holiday events we
have coming this weekend! First is Christmas in the Adobes, beginning
Friday, Dec 6th and continuing Saturday. Enjoy this signature event by strolling through the adobes decked out in their festive attire with music and holiday treats. Tickets are available at the Cooper Museum store on 525 Polk St. For more information here is the link: Christmas in the Adobes
Also coming this Sunday is the
Carmel Inns of Distinction Tour sponsored by the Carmel Heritage Society, where you have a chance to tour some
of "Carmel's most charming and historic inns." For more information, including where to get tickets, here is the link: Carmel Inns of Distinction
December 2, 2013 -- Community Events
Looking for something fun to do for the holidays? On Tues, Dec. 3 and Wed. Dec 4, Pacific Grove is sponsoring The "Christmas in the Inns", where 8 bed and breakfast inns are decked out in holiday splendor, with refreshments and entertainment. Some of the inns that are participating are the Seven Gables, Gosby House and Asilomar Conference Center. For a list of inns and more information see www.pacificgrove.org/events/community-events/christmas-at-the-inns/32
November 19, 2013 -- Market Update
Check out our beautiful new listing on Grand Ave in Pacific Grove-- 2bed 2 bath, 1568sf . Here is the link:
November 3, 2013 -- Market Update
Well, it certainly has been an exciting October, full of ups and downs! The government shutdown which lasted for over two weeks, held everyone's attention, waiting to see how much of an impact it would have on our economy. It has been a couple weeks since the shutdown has ended and a good opportunity to review the influence (if any) that it has had on our local real estate housing market. After reviewing the data prior to the shutdown, during the shutdown and after the shutdown, I am happy to report that it had very little impact on the real estate market at all. In all cities, of Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Carmel and Monterey, the activity prior to the shutdown remained level throughout the shutdown, and surprisingly, has remained the same after the shutdown also. Only Pebble Beach has had an uptick of sales activity after the shutdown ended. It was as if the Monterey Peninsula put on their blinders and kept plowing ahead. The data reviewed included new listings coming on the market, the number of listings going into escrow and the number of homes sold, during each period. This is great news... that the market remained stable and was not negatively impacted by the government shutdown. The only downside is that it did nothing for our low, low inventory of available homes!
October 25, 3013 -- Community Events
It's a weekend of music! The Monterey Rock
& Chocolate Festival at the fairgrounds, the Juillard String Quartet
at the Sunset Ceter, and the Cajun zydeco band, Tom Rigney &
Flambeau at PG's Performing Art Center. Something for everyone! Also a huge music alert -- classical music is back on our radio! For everyone who has been missing classical KRML (my hand is up), a LA based music station -- classical KMozart is on our air waves at 97.9 FM, also broadcasting online. Welcome, we are glad to have you!!
October 22, 2013 -- Market Update
Check out our new listing on Gibson Ave in Pacific Grove! 3 Bedrroms, 2 baths on an extra large street-to-alley lot...$719,000. See "our featured listings" on the sidebar for more info...
October 15, 2013 -- Market update
Now in day 15, I thought it would be a good time to review if the shutdown is affecting the local real estate market. Looking at the number of new listings, and the number of homes that went into escrow in the period since the government shutdown began -- Oct 1, comparing to the prior 15 day period. All markets appear to be stable: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach amd Monterey all had a similar number of new homes come on the market in both periods, only Pacific Grove had less. The number of homes that have gone into escrow since the shutdown has remained consistent with the prior period, only Pebble Beach has experienced a slowdown since Oct 1. In fact, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey has had even MORE properties go into escrow! Analysis = market is still strong on the Monterey Peninsula regardless of what is happening (or not happening) in Washington. Will that change soon?
October 11, 2013 --Community Events
Celebrate the 5th year of the Carmel Art and Film Festival this weekend, with over 100 films, lectures, forums, interviews and parties. Held at various venues throughout Carmel and Pacific Grove, films include Sundance and Cannes Film Festival winners. For more info: www.carmelartfilm.com
October 8, 2013-- Market Overview
Lots of talk about the government shutdown and how it is affecting the housing market. Lenders are having difficulty confirming buyer's tax returns with the IRS, Social Security numbers and employment verification for federal employees, this is translating into longer escrow periods and a lot of uncertainty. Locally, the market activity has taken a little slowdown since the shutdown began due to buyer's lack of confidence about how the market is being affected. It doesn't help that there are rumors that "no loans will close now" , and "only cash deals now" which is erroneous. Some lenders are making moves to overcome the issues involved with the shutdown and are taking steps to assure buyers that their loans will fund and close.
October 4, 2013 -- Community Events
The Robinson Jeffers Fall Festival includes the Sunset Celebration in the Tor House Gardens today from 5-7. Enjoy fine wine, food and poetry reads under the clear blue skies! More events are scheduled in Carmel including The Carmel River Beach Poetry Walk on Saturday. For more info see www.torhouse.org
September 27, 2013 -- Community Events
Artists throughout Monterey County are opening their studios to the public this weekend, who will have an opportunity to get a rare glimpse into the work spaces of local painters, sculptors, jeweler, potters and photographers. This self guided tour is throughout the cities of Monterey, Paific Grove, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Carmel Valley and Seaside. See www.montereystudiotou.com for more information. Sept 28 -29, 2013.
September 24, 2013 -- Market Update
Market activity appears to be slowing down in September with some areas showing a greater slow down than others. Pacific Grove and Monterey continue to lead the pack with the greatest activity. Pacific Grove has 21% of listings entering into escrow this month, Monterey is at 19%. Carmel and Pebble Beach are experiencing a greater slowing of activity, Carmel has slowed significantly with only 5% of listings entering into contract this month. Pebble Beach is at 10%, which is more typical for the Pebble Beach market. Activity continues to be strongest in the lower price ranges.
September 10, 2013 -- Market Overview
Many people are asking if the increase of interest rates has had an impact on slowing the buyer demand for homes. Now that we are a couple months down the road from the rate jump in June (reportedly jumping 1.5% in a matter of 4-6 weeks) we have some data to see just how much the interest rate jump affected the pending home sales. As is typical in this area, the results vary from city to city.
In Pacific Grove from March/April, the properties entering into escrow stayed level at 17 per month, then dropped in May to 12 and June to 10 as rates increased. It is apparent that the rates had a significant effect on the market with this 40% decline in activity! After the low of 10 sales in June, the pending sales increased in July to 15, and in August to 19, showing a strong rebound in sales. The markets in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach and Monterey show the same swing in pending sales activity (Monterey less than the others). In Carmel, March and April held at 15 listings going into escrow, dropping to 11 in May, 10 in June-- a 33% decline in activity. July sales increased to 14, once again rebounding back. Pebble Beach continues to have lower overall sales activity than neighboring cities, dropping from 10 sales in April, to 7 in May, and 6 in June, rebounding to 14 in July. Monterey has changed from 14 pending sales in April, 17 in May, down to 9 in June, also rebounding to 13 in July and 18 in August. Though the rates have dropped again slightly, they are certainly not at the level seen in the earlier part of this year. What other motivation would explain the rebound in buyer activity? Could it be that buyer sentiment is reflecting the feeling that rates are on their way up again, and now, having experienced a taste of this reality, they are ready to buy before the rates go higher? This is an interesting point of view that will reveal itself in the months to come....
July 23, 2013-- Community Events
Tomorrow starts our annual Feast of Lanterns celebration, culminating with the pageant on Saturday. Why not celebrate with dinner at the newly opened Beach House Restaurant on Lover's Point or a dip in the newly refurbished (and heated) Children's Pool? Here is the link: www.feast-of-lanterns.org
July 17, 2013--Market overview
As we have finished the first half of the year, this is a good opportunity to review the changes we have seen in the local real estate market since the beginning of 2013. Buyer activity has continued to remain strong throughout the year, even as interest rates begin to creep up. The available homes for sale are still in under supply, though inventory is increasing slightly, particularly in the upper price ranges. And for the question that is most important in everyone's minds...what is happening with home values? In our local markets, many cities have seen increases of value, but it is uneven across the board. Through analysis of closed sales, Carmel-by-the-Sea leads the pack with the greatest increase in value at 19% in 2013. (The sales are compared June 2012 to June 2013). Pacific Grove is next at an 9% increase since the beginning of the year, followed by Monterey at 2%. The surprising statistic finds that Pebble Beach has remained level with neither an increase nor decrease in value. Though there have been some pretty high profile sales in Pebble Beach this year, there have also been some pretty steep discounts in the list price to sales price ratio. What will the remainder of 2013 bring? Stay tuned!
July 12, 2013-- Local events
Tomorrow begins the Carmel Bach Festival, a local event started in 1935. Originally started as a four day concert event, it has now grown to a two week celebration of concerts, recitals, master classes and lectures. "The Festival’s mission is to celebrate the works, inspiration and ongoing influence of Johann Sebastian Bach worldwide by immersing audiences in a festival experience integrating music, education and ideas." Check this link for more info and tickets: http://www.bachfestival.org/
April 12, 2013-- Local events
This weekend is the "Good Old Days" event in Pacific Grove with lots of food, music and fun, including the most amazing quilt show you have ever seen! Here is more info:
http://www.pacificgrove.org/cwt/External/WCPages/WCEvents/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=198
February 1, 2013 -- Local events
Next week begins the annual AT & T Golf
Tournament in Pebble Beach. From Feb 4-10, this event features a week
of golf by pros and celebrities on some of the most beautiful courses in
the world. All right here in our own backyard! Here is the link:
http://www.attpbgolf.com/
December 31, 2012--Market overview
Happy New Year! For the start of the new year, it is a good time to review the old. 2012 was an interesting year in real estate. The year began unceremoniously, the market sleeping in the doldrums with low activity and modest demand. In early spring, the market woke up with a start. Interest rates dipped below 4% and buyers that had been waiting on the sidelines, decided that it was a good time to buy. Increasingly optimistic news on the economy motivated many that it was now time to buy, and the momentum gained quickly. Many buyers entered in, but the number of available homes did not increase, creating an undersupply of inventory. Few bank owned properties came on the market and short sale transactions were still encountering obstacles to a successful close of escrow that buyers found discouraging. The result was a lack of inventory and high demand. Those market conditions led to multiple offers resulting in sales over list price, and increasing values. This condition accelerated into the summer months and throughout the fall season. We are now seeing an appreciation of values in some markets, particularly in the lower price ranges. The upper ranges of value (over $1M) still struggle with higher inventory and lower demand, as interest rates are less of a inflential factor due to the lack of available jumbo financing. Winter is here and inventory is at a low in communities with predominant values under $1M: only 36 listings in Pacific Grove, and 24 in Monterey, while in the communities with predominant values over $1M the inventory is much higher: 86 homes in Carmel and 55 in Pebble Beach. As the year ends, we are looking to see how the current economic conditions will influence the year ahead, and whether we can look for this trend to continue. Stay tuned!
October 4, 2012 - Local Events
Come to Pacific Grove this weekend for the
annual Historic Homes Tour on Sunday October 7. Here is the link for
more info and tickets:
http://www.pacificgroveheritage.org/
September 20, 2012 -- Local Events
Music lovers are congregating in Monterey this weekend. Beginning
Friday, and running through the weekend, is the 55th Annual Monterey
Jazz Festival, the world's longest running Jazz Festival. This is a very
popular event and attracts many jazz fans from around the country. See
here for more info:
http://www.montereyjazzfestival.org/2012/
September 19, 2012 -- Pacific Grove
The most southern part of Pacific Grove is called the Del Monte Park area. This area, as well as the adjacent neighborhood of Forest Hill, are situated along the Pebble Beach boundaries to the west and the Monterey boundaries to the east.
September 10, 2012-- Pacific Grove
On the other side of Forest Ave across from Candy Cane Lane is the Spazier Subdivision and Hillcrest Neighborhoods. Values are similar to Candy Cane Lane , though examples of Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture are more prevalent. Here is my new listing on Spazier Ave.
August 17, 2012-- Pacific Grove
From Central Pacific Grove, moving up the hill, is the "Candy Cane Lane" neighborhood, bounded by Hillcrest Ave on the south and David Ave to the north, east of Forest Ave. Since this area was developed later, mostly in the 1940's/1950's, the lot sizes are larger, mostly in the 6000-7000sf range. The larger lot sizes bring larger home sizes, some over 2000sf. Many families enjoy this area with the larger home sizes, close proximity to all the local schools, and of course the festive holiday displays seen in the neighborhood during the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Hence the name "Candy Cane Lane".
August 13, 2012 -- Local Events
This week is one of the Peninsula's largest events--The Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach. It is the finale of a weeklong festival of classic cars including the Concorso Italiano, the Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca and the Gooding classic car auction. The yearly event starts Wed Aug 15 and runs through Sunday with the judging on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links. Certainly not to be missed! Here is the link to the events: www.pebblebeachconcours.net
August 7, 2012 -- Pacific Grove
One border of Central Pacific Grove is Washington Park, well known to dog lovers as a great place to let the dogs explore the wooded area off the leash. Central PG also hosts the Community Center, a neighborhood treasure with a play park for kids and recently refurbished tennis courts. Both elementary schools are located in this area, plus the high school and middle school. The home values range from $300K for a small fixer upper to $1.2+ for a large remodeled home. There a few apartments and duplexes sprinkled throughout the area. Market activity is presently strong, the schools are well recognized and this is a target neighborhood for families. Average days on market for listings in this area are running about 30 days.
July 27, 2012-- Pacific Grove
The next neighborhood on our tour is the Central Pacific Grove area. Located between Pine Ave and Sinex Ave, this area hosts a wide variety of styles of homes, representative of the periods from the 1920’s to the 1950’s when this area was primarily developed. Some of the unique styles for which Pacific Grove is well known are Craftsman style homes, Mediterranean bungalows, English style cottages and Victorian eclectic styles. These charming homes are inviting to see and pleasant way to spend an afternoon strolling among the streets. The interior of many of these homes, and homes in the adjoining Retreat Area can be viewed during the annual Pacific Grove Historic Home tour held in October.
July 25, 2012--Pacific Grove events
This week is the annual Feast of Lanterns event. Started in 1905 as part
of the Chautauqua Assembly, the event has grown to cover several days
of activities, including an art show, feast of salads, pet parade, and
boat parade featuring the Royal Court. Find out more about this popular
local event:
http://www.feast-of-lanterns.org/calendar.html
July 10,2012-- Pacific Grove
Ever hear of the Asilomar ghost? Reportedly the ghost has appeared in
the chapel at Asilomar on the conference grounds. Hear this story and
others in tours given by the State Parks Dept. The guide will share
stories and information about the
architecture of Asilomar, with tours of the buildings and the grounds.
Other tours are available including boardwalk/sea life tours and
dunes/ecosystem tours. Here is the link for more info:
http://www.visitasilomar.com/activities/interpretation-education.aspx
July 8, 2012--Pacific Grove
The Asilomar neighborhood in Pacific Grove was named in recognition of the Asilomar Conference Center located in this area, among the dunes of the
Asilomar State Beach.
Constructed in 1913 (originally built for the YWCA as a leadership
camp), the architect Julia Morgan designed and
built 16 of the structures, 13 of which are still standing. Considered
the largest collection of Arts and Craft's style architecture in one
location, their designs typifies the Arts and Crafts movement with an
emphasis on the use of local, natural materials and quality workmanship
designed in harmony with the environment. For more information on
Asilomar's architecture see
http://www.visitasilomar.com/discover/asilomar-architecture-.aspx
July 4, 2012-- Local Events
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Monterey is sponsoring it's first ever 4th of July laser light show event this evening, the result of a public-private partnership sponsored by the Monterey Bay Symphony. With tightening city budgets, the firework shows are no longer seen in the city on the 4th and the trend toward laser light shows as an alternative has now found it's way to Monterey. This patriotic concert will be choreographed with a laser light show and is bound to fill up fast with only 3000 seats. It is recommended to get there early, the gates open at 6pm for picnicing, with the concert beginning at 8pm. I have been to laser shows coupled with symphony music in other cities and they are really something to experience!
June 30, 2012 -- Pacific Grove
Pre- Rec Trail Lovers Point, 1974. Yes, those are really train tracks!
June 29, 2012 -- Pacific Grove
Here is the link to some more information on the Del Monte Express + photos:
June 28, 2012 -- Pacific Grove
Unknown to many people is the fact that the Southern Pacific Railroad ran through this area until 1970. The line was called the "Del Monte Express" and ran along the coast (where the rec trail is now) and brought San Francisco tourists to the Del Monte Hotel and on to Pacific Grove beginning in the 1880's. The track in this area ran behind Crocker Ave to Sunset. The track is now gone in the area and the area where the track lay behind Crocker is a right-of-way and walking path that offers a convenient and tranquil walk through the area.
June 24, 2012 -- Pacific Grove
June 18, 2012 -- Pacific Grove
Here is a new listing in the area, a 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1890sf home across from Washington Park...$819,000. And an update: our new listing at 955 Crest for $649,000 in the Beach Tract went into escrow in one day! Market activity is very strong in that area!
June 14, 2012-- Pacific Grove
Did you know that Pacific Grove has the highest number of historic homes per capita in the country? (yes country!) And a great many of these homes are in the Pacific Grove Retreat area, the first area developed in the city in the 1880's. Many of these homes have been lovingly restored and still exist on the original "tent sites". The retreat area borders the Monterey Bay just north of the downtown area, around Lover's Point. Home values are relatively modest compared with other nearby beach communities. Small one bedroom homes start around $400K (need restoration) to $1M for larger, remodeled homes. This home is one of our recent sales in the neighborhood.
June 9, 2012--Local Events
Relatively unknown, even among locals, is the summers series "Films in
the Forest". Each week during the summer on Tuesday nights, the Outdoor
Forest theatre in Carmel shows a movie in the their outdoor
amphitheatre. Bring a picnic dinner and
enjoy a movie among the stars, the pines trees, with a roaring fire to
warm you! Last week Wells Fargo Home Mortgage hosted "play Misty for
Me". It was great to see that classic again with all the Carmel
settings! Tonight "Hugo" is being shown at sunset.
http://www.foresttheaterguild.org/?page_id=8
June 7, 2012-- Pacific Grove
The Pacific Grove "Beach Tract" (also known as Fairway homes) is the first area we'll visit in the Pacific Grove tour and is typically where home buyers start their home search. The Beach Tract is west of downtown Pacific Grove and east and north of Pebble Beach. The area was developed in the late 1940's around the Pacific Grove Golf Course and many of the original homes still remain. As these homes are just a short walk from the bay (some have bay views) and are situated on lots larger than in the nearby Lover's Point area, home buyers who have been looking in Carmel and are discouraged by the prices, often find their home in the Beach Tract. Prices range from the $600Ks and up. Homes along the bay are $1M+. Here is our recent sale on Shell Ave in the Beach Tract for $1,150,000.
June 6, 2012-- Pacific Grove
Per Wikipedia: In November 1879, after the summer campers returned home, Robert Louis Stevenson wandered into the deserted campgrounds: "I have never been in any place so stinky. Indeed, it was not so much like a deserted town as like a scene upon the stage by daylight, and with no one having any fun." Ha, wonder what he would stay now?-- That house is how much?!!
June 5, 2012-- Pacific Grove
First a little history about Pacific Grove (locals--please humor me!)
Referred to as "The Last Hometown" Pacific Grove was originally founded
in the 1870's as a Methodist summer retreat area for visitors to enjoy
the fresh air and fragrant pines. In the
beginning, the visitors put up tents on small plots of land, which
would later become known as "tent sites". These tents sites are located
in the Lover's Point area and are typically 30 x 60 ft lots. Later, in
the 1880s, small summer homes were built on these "tent sites". Some of
the original tent houses still exist, and recently one was found to
have the original tent still in the attic!
http://www.pacificgroveheritage.org/print-archives/photos/architectural-heritage/
For more archived real estate information click here
Laurel Jaques ~ The Jones Group Coast and Country Real Estate ~ 216 17th St Pacific Grove, CA
(831) 915-1185
