Have you ever thought about how much money you would have saved down the road if you would have invested in a sustainable home design? Imagine your electricity bill being almost non-existent or not having to use your heater or air conditioner to make your home comfortable during those hot and cold months. All of this can be accomplished by using sustainable design to build or upgrade your home.  Sustainable design is a concept that is taking off in the U.S. and numerous people are beginning to see the many benefits that it has for their future.

That being said, I am happy to announce that the Central Coast Homes Magazine has teamed up with Grandberry Financial and PasoRobles.com to introduce to you the inaugural Central Coast Luxury Sustainable Home Competition. For this competition we are asking for people to come forward who might be interested in either having their home built or upgraded in a sustainable manner by using their lend-able equity to fund this process.

The mission of this competition is to provide a vehicle for the client to build with “sustainability” as the cornerstone of the design process. Sustainable design is a design philosophy incorporating architectural design and product selection that contributes to social well-being, makes sound economic sense, and has negligible impact on the environment while at the same time creating a lasting very unique sense of style and consciousness. It also incorporates the idea of utilizing existing, proven design concepts and product technology.

Grandberry Financial wants to make sure that they deliver a service and product that has sound long term investment and pay back potential while at all times helping the environment with a design criteria that reflects your tastes, choices and ultimate peace of mind.

Great home design should enhance the value of each environment, make optimal use of space, elicit an environmentally sustainable mindset, and use less energy with existing technology and design philosophy than currently used today.

That is precisely the reason we are putting on the Central Coast Luxury Sustainable Home Competition. Each qualified candidate will also receive a Paso Robles vacation package offered to you by PasoRobles.com. You can access more information on the Central Coast Luxury Sustainable Home Competition by visiting the following website http://www.reenergizeca.com/ or by contacting Brian Braithwaite from Grandberry Financial at 714-975-0104.

Elegant & Charming French Country Style Home on the Upper West Side

Custom built in the mid 1950s, this single level home was designed by Carmel architect George Willox on over 1/3 of an acre. It has been beautifully updated through the years in keeping with its original vision. Amenities include magnificent quarter sawn oak floors with walnut inlay, built in bookcases in several rooms, beautiful gardens, a circular drive, two fireplaces, radiant heating, and a lavish master bathroom. The spacious and tastefully updated kitchen, as well as the views of the open and lush back yard from the dining and living areas make entertaining a pleasure.  The lawn and carefully designed landscape lend themselves to a sense of calm. All of this in one of the premier locations of Santa Cruz. $1,315,000

3 BR, 2.5 BA, 2641 +/- sq. ft. – More: www.1220Laurent.info .

Call Michael McDonald at 831-331-3183 / www.MMcDRealtor.com

Presented by Carmel Realty Company and listed by Shelly Mitchell Lynch and Peter Butler, this luxurious 5 bedroom, 4+ bath features just over 5200 sq. ft. of living space on 18.5 acres in Carmel Valley. As the cover showcase property for the latest issue of Homes Magazine (Vol 15-Issue 2) 24 Potrero Trail is a beautiful new home located inside the gates of the Santa Lucia Preserve. Enjoy all the amenities of both this custom built property and The Preserve as well as the privacy that this lifestyle affords. Offered at $7,500,000.

For more information, pick up a copy of the latest issue of Homes Magazine or browse the Monterey Peninsula issue online at www.homesmagazine.com. You can also tour this property online at www.24potrerotrail.com

Contact Alex Johnson at 831-234-5754 / surfer@got.net / www.HomesInSantaCruz.com

Infinite Panoramic Ocean Views ~$1,999,000 / www.bestocnview.com
Located on a 10 acre hilltop just minutes from the hustle and bustle of town yet worlds away. This lifestyle sanctuary awaits the lucky new owner with a newly constructed pebble tech infinity pool, pizza oven and wrap around deck. Built in 1991 with 3,312 sq ft. of living space this home has 8 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths. The first floor has a nice family room with wet bar, 5 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. On the second floor a large great room with cozy fireplace and soaring ceilings welcomes you, 3 bedrooms including the ocean view master suite, guest bath and ocean view kitchen round out the top floor. Walking out to the huge ocean view deck to experience this unique micro-climate you are struck by the expansive ocean views and curve of the Monterey Bay, on a clear day you can see forever!!!

BRAND NEW HOME
This very sharp 3BR/2BA, Single Story home has beautiful, quality finish work.  The Lot is over 12,000 sq.ft. mostly flat and just a short walk to town.

Contact Randy Ziganti at 831-345-7449 / randy.ziganti@gmail.com

13155azalea.info

DRE#00972256

Some of the special features include:
· HardiePlank Lap Siding       · Tempered Double Pane Windows
· 40 yr Presidential Roof        · Radiant Barrier Plywood Roof Sheeting
· On Demand Water Heater   · Bryant 80% Efficiency F/A Heater
· Oak Hardwood flooring        · Custom Granite Counters
· Stainless Steel Appliances · Travertine Bathrooms
· Large Finished Attic Storage
List Price:  $498,000

Contact Victoria Fendorf at 831-206-1354 or www.VictoriaFendorf.com

Interior comprised of the finest architectural details.

Expansive coastline, Wharf & Boardwalk views all from sitting in your living area.

Outdoor shower, private backyard area, detached garage with living/office room, make you feel in the lap of luxury.

This home is a special place to be; located in one of Santa Cruz’s most coveted spots.  Homes in this neighborhood rarely come to market and living here you will find it’s more than just a home but a Lifestyle.

Features & Amenities:
Built in 2007
Over 2,600 sq.ft. living space on 5,401 sq.ft. lot
3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms
Freshly landscaped
Reverse floor plan

Two excellent surf spots are right outside the door – Cowell’s and the famous Streamers Lane.

Annie Marie Sorcenelli showcases Corralitos property in the September issue of Santa Cruz Homes Magazine.

Contact Anne Marie at 831-227-4567 / annemarie@sorcenelli.com / www.Sorcenelli.com

REDUCED!!! Almost 3000 sq.’ of custom home designed by Pat Miller to take advantage of spectacular Corralitos valley views to peeks of Monterey Bay. Beautiful flow from the front doors thru the living room, dining room w/gorgeous antique stained glass, eat-in kitchen with a large center island & family room complete with fireplace & wet bar w/wonderful indoor/outdoor feel. Master bedroom suite opens onto the wrap-around deck & spa. Great separation of Master suite to the rest of the bedrooms upstairs. Loft office could be 4th bedroom and there is an additional space beyond bedrooms which could be playroom or additional bedroom or artist’s studio or additional bath plus. There is a fabulous laundry room complete with built in ironing board and laundry pass through from the master bedroom closet. The 2 car garage has a huge workshop included in almost 700 sq.’ Just 15 min. from Highway 1. This home has been lovingly maintained and filled with glorious light. Imagine living at the top of the hill, enjoying the privacy yet less than 5 min. away from Corralitos market. Shows beautifully!!!.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The La Selva Lifestyles – www.163Crest.com

Contact Chuck Lynn at 831-247-4577 • clynn@lsre.net • www.SoldOnSantaCruz.com

At first view, this is obviously a home of substance. Driving up past the colorful landscaping, there’s so much to take in… A portico entry, cathedral windows in a two-story tower and huge bay windows looking out on an expanse of the bay that will take your breath away. Stepping through the custom front door, you realize that every room supports a first impression of superior building materials as well as craftsmanship you don’t often see in today’s homes.

Of course, in a home of this quality you’d expect cherry wood cabinets, slab granite and travertine countertops, slate and hardwood floors they’re all there. But it’s the unexpected details that make this home rise to the top. Hand crafted/pounded copper fireplace, unique slate/cherry wood design floor in the living room, transom windows, custom bronze hardware, artist’s shed, finished basement and a panoramic view from the “crow’s nest” hot tub. Whether you love walking to the beach or just enjoying the views from one of the many patios, this home is an opportunity to live the La Selva Lifestyle.

Call Victoria Fendorf  at 831-206-1354 or contact her at www.VictoriaFendorf.com about this beautiful home located near the beach and Boardwalk in Santa Cruz.

115 Monterey Street, Santa Cruz / This home is a special place to be, located in one of Santa Cruz’s most coveted spots. Homes in this neighborhood rarely come to market and lviing here you will find it’s more than just a home but a lifestyle. Features & Amenities: Built in 2007, Over 2600 sf living space on 5401 sf lot, 3BR, 3.5BA, Freshly landscaped and reverse floor plan.

(DRE#01475936)

State Real Estate Market Update | California

According to an article in the June26th edition of The Wall Street Journal (Home Prices Rise in California Again, Stu Woo, 6/26/09, A4), California’s median price for an existing single-family house rose for the third straight month, a sign that the state’s battered real-estate market may be bottoming out.

Information released Thursday by the California Association of Realtors, the median sales price rose to $267,570 in May for a California home, up 4.2% from April. The inventory of unsold houses continued to drop, down to a 4.2 months’ supply in May compared with 4.6 months in April and 8.7 months in May 2008. Prices were still well below their year-ago levels, down 30.4% compared with May 2008.

According to the article, economists believe this is may be a positive trend. “Housing prices soared (in California) during the boom, and their plummet during the market’s collapse resulted in massive foreclosures and fueled the recession. Economists say the state’s housing market will lag behind the nation’s in recovering, so any indication of improvement in California bodes well for the rest of the U.S.”

Of course, this good news was tempered by California’s continuing budget crisis which could still have a negative impact on the overall real estate market . . . only time will tell. To read the full article, browse the Wall Street Journal Real Estate section online

CAR also reported that also 556,590 houses were sold in California in May, up 35.2% from a year earlier. 

Local Market Update | Monterey County 

According the the Monterey County Association of REALTORS(R), this reduction in housing prices has allowed homes to become more afffordable for more people. Combine that with low interest rates and, according to Bill Graham of First Priority Financial, “This is a great opportunity got homeowners wishing to refinance at a lower rate, if they have at least 20% equity in the property.”

Recent property sales in Monterey County contiue to show an uptick in the number of home sales, with Salinas still accounting for the largest number, according to statistics published in the Monterey County Herald Real Estate Guide on June 20th. According to these figures, the most expensive home to sell in the past month was in Carmel Valley for $1.1 million. However, the city of Monterey had the highest average sales price of just over $623,000. The average sale price in the County during this period was just under $366,000. Overall, 131 sales were recorded with 57% of those sales occurring in Salinas.