luxury home Archives - Luxury Home Digest https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/tag/luxury-home/ Luxury Homes, Lifestyle and Travel Fri, 12 Sep 2025 20:39:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 4 Amazing Hardscaping Design Options for Luxury Homes https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2025/09/12/4-amazing-hardscaping-design-options-for-luxury-homes/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2025/09/12/4-amazing-hardscaping-design-options-for-luxury-homes/#respond Fri, 12 Sep 2025 20:38:22 +0000 https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=5639 Consider some of these amazing hardscaping design options for luxury homes to create unforgettable outdoor experiences with elevated personal style.

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A modern outdoor pool with turquoise-colored water, two lounge chairs on a wooden deck, and green plants nearby.

Luxury homeowners want outdoor spaces that look as curated and intentional as their interiors. Hardscaping provides the right foundation by merging natural elements with high-end structure to produce functional beauty.

Rather than settling for flat patios and standard layouts, visionary homeowners embrace bold designs that elevate their entire property. Whether you’re entertaining guests or finding personal escape, outdoor hardscape installations shape moments with elegance.

Elevated Designs

Elevation reshapes backyards with dynamic movement and visual depth. Options such as stone staircases that wind up a gentle slope, slides that sweep down into a warm pool, and waterfall-fed showers built into a hillside all create destination points that surprise and delight guests. Elevated entertainment designs are an amazing hardscaping design option for luxury homes because they introduce visual drama while maximizing space.

Tiered lounging platforms can separate spaces naturally while maintaining fluid transitions between levels. Instead of fencing, homeowners may use height differences to define entertainment zones, quiet nooks, or play areas. The result feels expansive without adding square footage, offering the illusion of multiple outdoor rooms stitched together seamlessly.

Fire and Water Features

Luxury landscapes often spotlight the duality of fire and water. Consider a sleek fire trough lining the edge of a black-tiled infinity pool or a flame-lit fountain cascading into a reflective basin that glows after sunset. A combined fire and water installation is an amazing hardscaping design option for luxury homes because it unifies elegance with functionality.

Fire and water elements expand utility beyond daylight hours. Guests stay longer when warm flames take over after dark, while flowing water brings calm during the heat of the day. Together, they transform an ordinary backyard into a sensory-rich destination made for relaxation, entertainment, and visual storytelling.

Outdoor Entertainment Hubs

Hardscaped entertaining zones elevate backyard hosting to a fine art. Built-in stone bars stocked with chilled drinks, chef-grade grill stations, and shaded dining terraces allow guests to move freely without returning indoors. Some homeowners may install sunken lounges with gas firepits at the center, creating a cozy amphitheater-style gathering space.

You can prepare full meals in a luxury outdoor kitchen. Pizza ovens, refrigeration drawers, and slab countertops transform meal prep into a high-end experience. Surrounding hardscape elements such as stone flooring, lighting, and heating systems support every moment from cocktail hour to late-night conversations.

Sculptural and Statement Elements

Some hardscaping serves as art. Oversized cut stone benches, laser-cut metal archways, and granite walls with built-in lighting showcase craftsmanship while functioning as seating or support. Designers often select polished basalt, honed limestone, or corten steel to create contrast against the softer elements of grass or water.

Statement pieces often anchor an entire layout. A freestanding tower, a vertical succulent wall, or a dry creek bed flowing under a stone bridge transforms a space into an architectural gallery.

Luxury hardscaping transforms outdoor spaces into lasting expressions of personality and taste. Design choices that use elevation, sensory contrast, and sculptural form create a unique outdoor destination.

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5 Tips for Choosing the Right Mirror for Your Space https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2025/09/05/5-tips-for-choosing-the-right-mirror-for-your-space/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2025/09/05/5-tips-for-choosing-the-right-mirror-for-your-space/#respond Fri, 05 Sep 2025 02:05:44 +0000 https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=5594 A mirror does more than reflect; it defines a room. These insider-approved tips make it easier to select the right one for balance, light, and style.

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A green couch faces forward with a mirror behind it, set against white walls and gray parquet flooring with a brown rug.

A well-placed mirror can do more than reflect a pretty room; it can open up tight spaces, balance natural light, and add an intentional touch to any interior. From oversized hallway panels to subtle powder room accents, mirrors have the power to boldly enhance a space or quietly elevate it. Here are five tips for choosing the right mirror for your space.

1. Match the Mirror to the Purpose

Mirrors should serve a specific role, not just act as decorative filler. A bathroom vanity mirror, for example, needs to offer clarity and proportion. By contrast, a hallway or entryway mirror can afford to be bold and architectural, creating drama while visually expanding narrow areas.

Always ask: What is this mirror going to do for the space?

2. Frame Style Should Echo the Room

A mirror’s frame doesn’t need to match your fixtures exactly, but it should speak the same design language. Instead of focusing solely on color, think in terms of material, finish, and weight. A delicate vintage frame might look out of place next to a monolithic stone fireplace, whereas a simple metal frame or frameless design can offer just the right amount of contrast.

Ornate frames tend to work best in spaces with rich textures, layered fabrics, or traditional millwork, where they feel cohesive rather than overbearing.

3. Think in Layers

Mirrors shouldn’t always be a standalone feature. Layering mirrors with lighting, art, and furnishings can create depth and intention, especially in larger or more formally styled rooms. Picture a grand floor mirror flanked by sconces in a walk-in closet, or a pair of mirrored panels in a dining room reflecting candlelight.

This layered approach mirrors broader design trends, such as the resurgence of mixed materials, textured finishes, and warm-toned wood flooring.

4. Don’t Forget Wall Depth and Treatment

Wall surfaces influence how a mirror looks and how it’s perceived. Mounted on drywall, a mirror may feel flush and clean-lined. Against paneled wood or textured stone, however, a deeper or beveled design tends to offer better contrast.

On richly layered walls, ultra-thin mirrors may disappear altogether. Choosing one with enough presence keeps it from getting visually lost.

5. Be Strategic With Sunlight

Mirrors can enhance natural light, but careful placement is crucial. A mirror positioned opposite a window will brighten a room, but it can also intensify direct sunlight, bouncing rays onto nearby flooring. Over time, this added exposure can lead to fading or discoloration, especially with wood surfaces.

To avoid issues related to sun damage and hardwood floors, track how sunlight moves through the room at different times of day before committing to placement. Try propping the mirror up temporarily and checking for strong reflected light in midday or afternoon hours. Even a slight angle adjustment can help preserve your floors while still amplifying natural brightness.

Style That Reflects Intention

Mirrors shape the energy, proportions, and flow of a room, particularly in larger homes where design decisions are highly visible. These five tips for choosing the right mirror for your space will help you move beyond basic choices and into design that feels deliberate.

When you’re stuck between two sizes, choose the larger one. A mirror that’s slightly too big generally looks more refined than one that’s too small.

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Things You Need To Know Before Buying a Mountain Home https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2023/12/24/things-you-need-to-know-before-buying-a-mountain-home/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2023/12/24/things-you-need-to-know-before-buying-a-mountain-home/#respond Sun, 24 Dec 2023 19:41:38 +0000 https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=4376 Ready to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Read on to learn some key things you need to consider before buying that dream mountain home.

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Things You Need To Know Before Buying a Mountain Home

We once lived in the southern California  mountains of Big Bear Lake, and eventually owned two homes there. One was a smaller home on the slopes of Bear Mountain; the second a much larger home between Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. So many fond memories were built in thos mountain.

Escaping to the serenity of a mountain home can be a dream come true for many–as it was for us. Nestled amidst nature, these homes offer a unique blend of tranquility and adventure, presenting a lifestyle substantially different from the hustle and bustle of city living.

However, purchasing a mountain home involves careful consideration. To make an informed decision and ensure a smooth buying experience, you should explore what you need to know before buying a mountain home.

Consider Proximity and Convenience

Living in a secluded environment may be appealing, but it’s important to ensure you will still have easy access to healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and other necessities. Look for homes within a reasonable distance of town centers or daily conveniences. At the very least, seek out places offering reliable transportation options to nearby towns.

Additionally, remember that some mountain roads can be tricky to navigate, especially in winter. Ensure the property you select has well-maintained roads and, if necessary, services for snow removal.

Evaluate Travel and Commute

The most important thing you need to know before buying a mountain home is what your daily travel and commute will look like. Mountainous regions often require more time for travel due to winding roads and potentially hazardous conditions, particularly in winter.

If the home is particularly remote, a potentially quick trip could quickly turn into a long, arduous journey. Balancing the allure of a secluded mountain home with the practicalities of your everyday needs is a key part of making a successful purchase.

Think About Hidden Additional Costs

Be prepared to deal with hidden costs that may not be immediately obvious. These can range from higher utility bills to heating demands in winter or increased maintenance costs for problems like weather-related wear and tear or wildlife intrusions.

For example, if you ever need to replace the window in your mountain home for a remodel, you’ll have to fork out the cash for high-quality windows that can withstand the weather and pressure conditions. Furthermore, some communities have homeowner association (HOA) fees that cover shared services like road maintenance and snow removal. These fees can add up over time, so it’s crucial that you factor them into your budget.

Inspect the Home’s Structure

Mountain homes are often subject to extreme weather conditions, from heavy snowfall to high winds, affecting the building’s stability. Look for any signs of structural damage throughout the property, such as cracks in the walls, sagging floors, or doors and windows that don’t close properly, as these indicate serious underlying issues.

Additionally, pay close attention to the roof, as it is one of the most critical parts of a home facing mountain weather. Ensure the roof is in good condition, properly insulated, and has an appropriate pitch for shedding snow. If possible, hire a local home inspector who’s familiar with the specific challenges of mountain homes and have them perform a comprehensive examination.

Understand the Lifestyle

The mountains offer a slower pace of life, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and fishing. However, they also bring challenges like potential isolation, limited nightlife, and occasional inconveniences like power outages or closed roads. Interactions with local wildlife can be thrilling and challenging, as animals like deer or bears can wander into your property.

If you relish solitude and the outdoors, the mountain lifestyle may be perfect. Before buying a mountain home, spend some time in the area to understand if the lifestyle suits you.

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6 Ways To Repurpose Your Garage for an Efficient Space https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2023/12/15/6-ways-to-repurpose-your-garage-for-an-efficient-space/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2023/12/15/6-ways-to-repurpose-your-garage-for-an-efficient-space/#respond Fri, 15 Dec 2023 23:45:19 +0000 https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=4325 Is your garage poorly designed and cluttered with junk? Here are the six ways you can repurpose the garage into an efficient space you’ll adore.

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6 Ways To Repurpose Your Garage for an Efficient Space

The garage isn’t solely for storing cars and forgotten items. It should be a calculated area that increases the value of your household. If your garage seems to lack function, read on. Here are some ways to repurpose your garage into an efficient space.

Ultimate Mechanic Workshop

If you have a deep passion for tinkering with cars, bikes, and other mechanical projects, consider transforming your garage into the ultimate mechanic’s workshop. Start by installing a top-of-the-line workbench with sturdy drawers and a spacious countertop for all your tools and equipment. Add ample storage options, such as wall-mounted cabinets and shelving units.

Then, apply a durable and protective floor coating that guards against oil spills, grease stains, and other potential damage. A well-equipped workshop will be the perfect haven to indulge in your mechanical passions and bring your projects to life.

Inviting Guest Space

Transform your garage into a beautiful, welcoming guest space for family and friends. This additional living area can feature a cozy bedroom, a bathroom that’s complete with luxury amenities, and a quaint sitting area. Guests can enjoy the privacy this secluded garage makeover provides.

Indoor Playground for Kids

When the weather gets cold, the playground outside doesn’t seem as appealing. Bring the fun inside with an indoor playground full of your kids’ favorite activities.

Start with a cushioned floor that will support any falls. Then, add fun amenities. You can incorporate plenty of storage, plush cushions to jump around on, or a cozy swing.

Take advantage of the vertical space by adding ladders, a short climbing wall, stairs, and different levels for your kids to explore. Your children may also love the addition of a slide for easy access to the ground level.

Personal At-Home Gym

Fitness enthusiasts can bid farewell to gym memberships and embrace a bespoke workout studio that brings the epitome of personalized fitness to the comfort of their own homes. Build an at-home gym in the garage with an array of cutting-edge equipment thoughtfully chosen to elevate your workout experience.

Select from an assortment of stylish flooring options. Then, elevate the ambiance further with a tailor-made sound system to savor your favorite songs as you exercise in your exclusive workout space.

Art Studio

Is there an art form you’ve always wanted to try but have never had the space to store the equipment? Or perhaps you love to create, but the house doesn’t supply you with the room you need to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Creative minds can let their imagination soar in their very own art studio. Storage for supplies, ample workspace, and a soundproofed area for peaceful concentration will make your garage the perfect creative oasis.

Bonus Living Space

Transform your garage into a captivating living space, perfect for stylish entertainment. Envision a cozy lounge area adorned with a luxurious sofa and a sleek entertainment system. The modern finishes infuse an air of elegance and sophistication.

Whether you’re hosting a movie night with friends or relishing in a cocktail hour, your garage-turned-luxurious den is bound to become the talk of the town. Embrace the endless possibilities of this exquisite haven.

These ways to repurpose the room will spark inspiration and guarantee the garage is an efficient space. What luxurious design do you have in mind?

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Luxury Home Sales Hit by New Tax Laws? https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2018/06/07/luxury-home-sales-new-tax-laws/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2018/06/07/luxury-home-sales-new-tax-laws/#respond Thu, 07 Jun 2018 21:48:19 +0000 http://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=2754 by Roberta Murphy Realtors in California were groaning when the new tax laws hit this year. Luxury home sales were sure to crash and burn. You see, the new tax code puts a limit on how much one can deduct in state and local property taxes–as well as income or sales tax–up to a measly total of $10,000. So when new tax laws went into effect, high profile experts were...

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Tax Laws and Luxury Home Sales

by Roberta Murphy

Realtors in California were groaning when the new tax laws hit this year. Luxury home sales were sure to crash and burn.

You see, the new tax code puts a limit on how much one can deduct in state and local property taxes–as well as income or sales tax–up to a measly total of $10,000. So when new tax laws went into effect, high profile experts were predicting an ugly impact on luxury home sales. Here are just a few of the predictions:

Capital Economics:

“The impact on expensive homes could be detrimental, with a limit on the MID raising taxes for those that itemize.”

Mark Zandi of Moody’s Analytics:

“The impact on house prices is much greater for higher-priced homes, especially in parts of the country where incomes are higher and there are thus a disproportionate number of itemizers, and where homeowners have big mortgages and property tax bills.”

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) predicted price declines in “high cost, higher tax areas” because of the tax changes. They forecasted a depreciation of 6.2% in New Jersey and 4.8% in Washington D.C. and New York. California luxury home sales would fare no better.

So, what really happened?

It appears the luxury home market may have been written off a little too soon. Of course, these are national figures, where in some locales a true luxury home can be had for less than 500,000. And in coastal California, you might find luxury homes starting at $2 million. Real estate pricing is always local. Regardless, here we present some interesting national figures:

1. According to NAR’s latest Existing Home Sales Report, here is the percent change in sales from last year:

  • Homes sales between $500,000 – $750,000 are up 11.9%
  • Homes sales between $750,000 – $1M are up 16.8%
  • Homes sales over $1,000,000 are up 26.7%

2. In a report from Trulia, it was revealed that searches for “premium” homes as a percentage of all searches increased from 38.4% in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 41.4% in the first quarter of 2018.

3. And according to an article from Bloomberg:

“Median home values nationally rose 8 percent in March compared with a year earlier, while neighborhoods of San Francisco and San Jose, California, have increased more than 25 percent.

Prices in affluent areas in Delaware and New York, such as the Hamptons, also surged more than 20 percent.”

And finally….

Aaron Terrazas, Zillow’s Senior Economist, probably summed up the luxury real estate market best:

“We are seeing the opposite of what was expected. We have certainly not seen the doomsday predictions play out.”

And isn’t that kind of a truism in life? When everything seems certain, life often delivers the unexpected. And so it is with tax laws.

You may also be interested in reading:

A Buyers’ Market for Luxury Homes?

Make Your Home Look More Luxurious Without Breaking the Bank

The Luxury of a $500,000 Closet

 

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Most Expensive Rental in the U.S. https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2013/03/10/most-expensive-rental/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2013/03/10/most-expensive-rental/#comments Sun, 10 Mar 2013 15:15:47 +0000 http://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/?p=1165 by Roberta Murphy–At $600,000 per month, the Beverly Mansion in Beverly Hills, is most likely contender for most expensive luxury rental in the nation.  And it’s got an interesting history as well. It was in the Beverly Mansion that the infamous horse-head-in-bed scene was filmed for The Godfather. John F. Kennedy and his bride honeymooned in the Beverly Mansion. Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston filmed scenes for The Bodyguard here. Marion...

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Beverly House is most expensive rental in U.S
Beverly House

by Roberta Murphy–At $600,000 per month, the Beverly Mansion in Beverly Hills, is most likely contender for most expensive luxury rental in the nation.  And it’s got an interesting history as well.

  • It was in the Beverly Mansion that the infamous horse-head-in-bed scene was filmed for The Godfather.
  • John F. Kennedy and his bride honeymooned in the Beverly Mansion.
  • Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston filmed scenes for The Bodyguard here.
  • Marion Barries bought the manse for William Randolph Hearst in 1946 and it was at the Beverly Mansion that he spent the rest of his days.

With 50,000 square feet, the estate has 17 bedrooms, 29 bathrooms, a 50-foot entry hall with loggia, and museum-quality ceilings that soar 22 feet in the living area.  The dining room is elegant, but the outdoor terrace will easily seat 400 for al fresco dining.

As might beexpected on this 3.7 acre estate, there are massage rooms, gym, lighted tennis court, staff offices and quarters, art-deco night club, wine cellar, billiard room, commercial kithen and so much more.

The Beverly Mansion is also offered for sale at $115,000,000. and private showings might be arranged courtesy of Hilton and Hyland. For additional information, contact Roberta Murphy at 877-818-8197 or email Roberta@SanDiegoPreviews.com

 

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Glowing Rocks for Luxury Homes https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2012/12/07/glowing-rocks-for-luxury-homes/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2012/12/07/glowing-rocks-for-luxury-homes/#comments Fri, 07 Dec 2012 07:51:24 +0000 http://luxuryhomedigest.com/2007/06/18/luxe-rocks-for-luxury-homes/ by Roberta Murphy Leave it to Italian designers to create the ultimate in luxury rocks for sexy lightscaping around the home. These remarkable lighted rocks by Oluce look as if they might have been swiped from the lawn of a distant planet. In reality, though, they were created by Italian designers Marta Laudani and Marco Romanelli with Massimo Noceto. Made from weather-tested polyethelene, these lighted Oluce stones glow with the...

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by Roberta Murphy

Oluce Luxe Rocks

Leave it to Italian designers to create the ultimate in luxury rocks for sexy lightscaping around the home.

These remarkable lighted rocks by Oluce look as if they might have been swiped from the lawn of a distant planet. In reality, though, they were created by Italian designers Marta Laudani and Marco Romanelli with Massimo Noceto. Made from weather-tested polyethelene, these lighted Oluce stones glow with the aid of a screw-in fluorescent bulb.

Dont expect to find these luxe rocks in your local hardware or lighting store though. They are available by special order and then only in large quantities–whatever that means. Current prices for the rocks generally run in the $500+ range, while the glowing Oluce table lamp runs over $1700 on Amazon.

I hope to see some of these luminous beauties in San Diego’s luxury homes before too long. They would look lovely sitting on a table or other surface providing soft and romantic accent lighting.

For additional information, you may call ylighting at 866.428.9289 (This is an unpaid, unexpected and unsolicited commercial)

I wonder if these lighted rocks would attract bugs???

Other fun and imaginative luxuries for the luxury home:

D. Porthault Sheets and Linens

The Luxury Blingdex

The Intuitive Luxury Home

As well as other recent luxury reads:

The Snoring Room
The Self Service Spa (Do it at home?)
Long-Lasting Roses
Induction-Cooktop for the Luxury Kitchen
Ultimate Phone for the Luxury Bath
How to Hide the Bedroom TV
Switchable Mirror Glass Windows
SONOS: The Ultimate Sound System
Haute Refrigerators for Cool Kitchens?
The Overflowing Infinity Tub
Wine Storage for Oenophiles
The Illuminated Bathtub

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Luxury Homes: From Russia with Love https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2008/10/01/luxury-homes-to-ruia-with-love/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2008/10/01/luxury-homes-to-ruia-with-love/#comments Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:57:21 +0000 http://luxuryhomedigest.com/2008/10/01/luxury-homes-to-ruia-with-love/ by Roberta Murphy There’s no doubt that uber-wealthy Russians love luxurious homes–and are willing to pay billions of roubles for well-placed mansions, townhomes and luxurious estates. In Moscow, where luxury buyers are enriched by petrodollars and enthused by strong consumer confidence, a young and wealthy businessman recently paid 2.5 billion roubles ($99 million) for a Moscow town home near the Kremlin. Setting a new Moscow record, this seven-story apartment boasts...

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by Roberta Murphy

There’s no doubt that uber-wealthy Russians love luxurious homes–and are willing to pay billions of roubles for well-placed mansions, townhomes and luxurious estates.

In Moscow, where luxury buyers are enriched by petrodollars and enthused by strong consumer confidence, a young and wealthy businessman recently paid 2.5 billion roubles ($99 million) for a Moscow town home near the Kremlin. Setting a new Moscow record, this seven-story apartment boasts 1300 square meters of undisclosed luxury and sits near the Kursk railway station.
Russian luxury home buyers, though, invest without borders.

Donald Trump’s Palm Beach estate, was originally listed at $125 million, but Dmitry Rybolovlev, one of Russia’s wealthiest businessmen, closed on the estate at $95 million. Forbes, by the way, pegs Ryobovlev at #59 with an approximate net worth of $12.8 billion on its list of world billionaires. The fate of Trump’s former mansion? It is reported that Dmitry Rybolovlev intends to tear it down and build another.

Another Russian waterfront buy recently occurred on Britain’s ultra-exclusive Sandbanks Peninsula. There, an unnamed Russian businessman paid almost $9 million for a 5-year-old Sandbanks mansion that he, too, intends to tear down. Replacing the existing home will be an ultra-contemporary glass-fronted home–with a helipad on the beach.

Sandbanks, by the way, is listed as the fourth most expensive place in the world for real estate.

I can’t help but wonder if any of these Russian real estate investors might be interested in some of San Diego’s prime real estate. There is an exquisite Del Mar estate on 5.5 acres pf oceanfront property priced at just $76 million–or 1,952,363,937.376 Russian Roubles.

And of course, if an investor should be interested in this wonderful investment opportunity, or any others for that matter, please feel free to give me a call at either 877-818-8197 or 760-402-9101.

HT:
Moscow super-rich pour millions into luxury homes | Oddly Enough | Reuters

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7 Bargaining Tips for Luxury Home Buyers https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2008/08/11/7-bargaining-secrets/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2008/08/11/7-bargaining-secrets/#comments Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:04:35 +0000 http://luxuryhomedigest.com/2008/08/11/7-bargaining-secrets-for-luxury-home-buyers/ by Roberta Murphy Good Bargaining Tips for the Luxury Home Buyer If this is the worst real estate market (for sellers) in recent history, then surely it creates some of the best luxury bargains of a lifetime as well. We are seeing smart money aggressively buying in our San Diego real estate market, and hear reports of the same elsewhere. The properties are being bought as fix-and-flippers or are being...

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by Roberta Murphy

luxury home bargaining tips

Good Bargaining Tips for the Luxury Home Buyer

If this is the worst real estate market (for sellers) in recent history, then surely it creates some of the best luxury bargains of a lifetime as well.

We are seeing smart money aggressively buying in our San Diego real estate market, and hear reports of the same elsewhere. The properties are being bought as fix-and-flippers or are being held as longer term rentals.

We receive inquiries about these homes almost daily; but more recently, we are being consulted about bargaining tips for buying luxury homes at bargain prices. These buyers may not have to sell their existing home to buy another, or are open to exchange possibilities.

Below are 7 bargaining secrets we use to help our luxury home buyers (and others) get some of the best luxury bargains on the market.

  1. Study Market Time: Luxury homes in general may take longer to sell because of pricing, custom features and a more limited pool of buyers. But that doesn’t mean sellers are any less motivated to move on with their lives. At one time, we thought little of $million-plus homes sitting on the market for 90 days or more. These days, we seek buying opportunities if a home has been on the market over 60 days and are seeing some heavy price discounting if days on market goes over 90 days.
  2. Check Tax Records and other Sources: Is there more debt on the home than what it is worth? Has a Notice of Default been filed that would indicate a looming foreclosure? If so and if this is a home of interest for our buyer, we submit an offer contingent on the successful negotiation of a short sale (where the lender sells the property for less than what is owed). In this case, either we or professional negotiators deal with the lender(s) to reach the best possible price for our buyer.
  3. Did Owners Pay Cash or Have They Owned Their Home for Longer than 10 Years? These sellers may be in a position to sell at a discount or may be motivated to do so due to life transitions or other investment opportunities. They may also be open to owner-financing for all or part of the home mortgage.
  4. Are You Open to Remodeling? Homes sold in as-is condition are more likely than others to sell at a substantial discount. Owners, especially when the home has been on the market for some time, are often overwhelmed with the thought of remodeling and updating–and fearful that their decor choices will not suit potential buyers. Especially in the uber luxury home market, older or outdated homes are sometimes sold at land value.
  5. Foreclosoure Sales: The f-word (foreclosure) is occurring even in the luxury home market. Highly leveraged homes purchased in the last few years are more frequently ending up on the courthouse steps. Foreclosure purchases, which require cash and carry no disclosures or guarantees, offer both great potential for profit–and dire dangers for the uninformed. Bidding should be non-emotional and it is best to have a professional bidding for you–but only after thorough-as-possible research has been done regarding the home’s condition, its history and resale potential. Cracked slabs, structural defects and boundary line encroachments are unwelcome surprises.
  6. Home Exchanges: This is a rather novel strategy for those trying to sell their luxury home in a bloody market. Life transitions encourage luxury homeowners to make moves. Empty-nesters may wish to relocate from their large estate to something equally posh but far less demanding in upkeep. Others may have expanding families that crave acreage, pools, tennis courts or equestrian facilities. In the Southern California market, Owner-Broker Bob Dyson and Villa Sotheby’s International Realty have set up a property exchange platform that allows homeowners to directly exchange properties and ownership. It is a tactic that helps to support neighborhood values and removes many of the pressures involved in having a home on the market for an extended period of time.
  7. If the property you want is listed, have your agent check the other real estate agent’s listing history. If that agent tends to have listings on the market for a long time, you may wish to lower your offer. On the other hand, if the agent prices properties aggressively and has short “days on market,” you may consider coming in near to or at list price. You will likely find the listing is already priced at or below market to attract multiple offers. This bargaining tip is crucial!

A combination of patience, perseverance and the ability to move quickly will serve all astute buyers of real estate these days, but the greatest potential of all may lie in the luxury real estate market where replacement value could far exceed the purchase price. Follow these bargaining tips and let us know how you succeed!

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Rooms and More Rooms in Luxury Homes https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2007/12/17/luxury-rooms/ https://www.luxuryhomedigest.com/2007/12/17/luxury-rooms/#comments Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:12:28 +0000 http://luxuryhomedigest.com/2007/12/17/rooms-and-more-rooms-in-luxury-homes/ by Roberta Murphy What kinds of rooms might go into a luxury home? The possibilities are as varied as lifestyles. I recall a luxurious mansion in Houston’s lovely River Oaks that had, in addition to every other conceivable room, a luggage room. It was a sensible space that accommodated the traveling owner’s large collection of leather suitcases, trunks and garment bags. When a trip was planned, the butler would retrieve...

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by Roberta Murphy

Rooms for Outdoor entertainingWhat kinds of rooms might go into a luxury home? The possibilities are as varied as lifestyles.

I recall a luxurious mansion in Houston’s lovely River Oaks that had, in addition to every other conceivable room, a luggage room. It was a sensible space that accommodated the traveling owner’s large collection of leather suitcases, trunks and garment bags. When a trip was planned, the butler would retrieve the appropriate luggage and assist with the packing.

When expense and space are not restrictive issues, the floor plan of a luxury home can truly reflect the lifestyle of its owner.

Wine tasting room
Wine Tasting Room

Some of the more common possibilities might include:

  • A large morning room off the kitchen for casual family dining. This is simply an expansion of the traditional breakfast room.
  • Large formal dining rooms still prevail and are a must for indoor formal entertaining.
  • A butler’s pantry between the kitchen and formal dining area that may be equipped with china cabinets, lined flatware drawers, crystal storage and wine refrigeration.
  • An oversized and well-organized pantry in the kitchen that has room for a freezer.
  • A master closet that invites relaxation.
  • A temperature-controlled wine room that might even accommodate a tasting table or two.
  • A game room that might hold a pool table, arcade games and even a karaoke stage.
  • A high-ceilinged music room for the grand piano and other musical enjoyment.
  • Forget strip closets. Luxury homes demand oversized and highly organized walk-in dressing rooms.
  • Personal gyms are a common requirement in luxury homes. They are typically located off the master bedroom or near outdoor amenities.
  • The plush home theater with cushy seats, popcorn machine and huge screen have become very popular.
  • A home library offers a quiet room for books, reading and reflection.
  • A conservatory provides a glass-walled transition between the luxury residence and its natural surroundings–and is a lovely spot for casual entertaining.
  • A sunroom may be located anywhere in the home, but provides a casual place to enjoy sunshine and views.
  • Home offices are often a requirement for busy owners and their staff.
  • Outdoor living rooms and areas are treasured in warmer climates. See photo above.
  • A large laundry and project room may have multiple washers and dryers, a steam closet, and cabinets for project storage. It should also have space for a large, multi-purpose table.
  • A snoring room off the master bedroom. Enough said….

Common to luxury homes in San Diego are loggias and fully-equipped outdoor kitchens, which allow for year round outdoor dining and entertaining. It is also not uncommon to find poolside cabanas, dressing rooms and steam rooms. In mountain communities, luxury chalets will likely have mud rooms and ski lockers.

As suggested earlier, it is the lifestyle and taste of the affluent that will ultimately determine the configuration of their luxury homes.

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