Category Archives: Holidays

Community Events, Holidays

WE HONOR OUR VETERANS ON THIS SPECIAL DAY!

On this Veterans Day it’s our privilege and duty to take a moment to honor the brave men and women who have selflessly served our nation. Most of us have friends and family members who have served our nation in the armed forces and know what a hardship it sometimes is for those they hold dear. Veterans Day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made by our veterans to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear.                    

How can we show our gratitude? Here are some ideas:

  • Express our thanks: Take a moment to personally thank any veterans you know. Your heartfelt appreciation means the world to them. If you are reading this and are a veteran yourself, Thank you for your service, and I mean that with all my heart.
  • Support veteran’s causes. We have the Veteran’s Transition Center here locally in Marina. Your contributions can make a significant difference in their lives.
  • Take the time to listen to their stories. Their insights and perspectives can be enlightening and inspiring. Growing up I heard stories about World War II from my uncles; one who drove a tank through Europe and Africa and the other who served on a battle ship in the Pacific arena. Fascinating stories of what it was like to be in battle. Personally, long ago I was a Pan Am flight attendant flying soldiers to and from Viet Nam while they escaped the battles briefly on R&R. Amazing and brave men and women – an experience I will never forget.

  • Purchase a wreath (s) to be laid on our veteran’s graves at the California Central Coast Veteran’s Cemetery December 14th. A service organization I belong to (Colonial Dames, NSCDA-CA, Monterey Peninsula Committee)  is sponsoring wreaths through Wreaths Across America (a national non-profit organization) so every grave in our local veteran’s cemetery will have a wreath for the holidays. Please help us with this endeavor by going to this web site and purchasing a wreath. It will be laid on a veteran’s grave here locally 12/14. Thank you for helping!
  • http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/CA0821
Susan laying a wreath on a Veteran’s Grave in 2023.

To our friends and colleagues who are veterans, we extend our deepest gratitude for your service and sacrifice. Your dedication to our country and your exemplary values continue to inspire us daily.

As we observe Veterans Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to a culture of respect, gratitude, and support for our veterans. Together, we can ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

As a special treat I hope you’ll watch this short video about one of our veteran heroes from World War II.

 

Click here. The Iron Maiden Story

Experience one of the last World War II veterans recount the iconic B-17 bomber’s story in this powerful 10-minute mini-doc.

Take the Oath Foundation – Mark Lawson, Producer

Production Company, House of 8 Media

Location – Carmel, CA

Director/Director of Photography, Mike Buffo

Editor, Jules Hart

Let me know how you decided to honor our Veterans this special day!

 

Carmel Lifestyle, Holidays

Holiday Events in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Smuin Christmas Ballet

It’s beginning to look a lot like Holiday Time in Carmel!  

The village is dressed in glitter and lights and the famous Tree Lighting on Ocean Avenue has already happened. But have no fear that you’ve missed all the holiday celebrations – one of Carmel’s most anticipated events is happening this weekend! Every year San Francisco’s Smuin Ballet graces the Sunset Center with their “fiercely festive”  Christmas Ballet. It’s been a favorite of mine (and yes, my husband’s too!) for years. We never miss a performance.

Smuin Ballet in white

The 2022 edition of the Christmas Ballet returns December 9th and 10th with an evening performance Friday night and a matinee on Saturday. The Smuin ensemble will thrill and delight with a dazzling program of ballet, contemporary, character, Broadway jazz, and tap.

So, let’s ring in the holidays with Smuin’s “The Christmas Ballet“. Every performance is brimming with “sublime classical ballet set to carols and show-stopping contemporary works” danced to pop music favorites. The choreography is by Michael Smuin as well as inventive premieres by up-and-coming dance-makers. Every year new dances are added as well as bringing back old favorites. It will certainly be a treat for all ages. My husband and I usually go to the matinee which I love. I not only get to enjoy the ballet, but get to see all the excited faces of future ballerinas in the audience. Usually little girls about 8 years old in their pretty dresses and tutus.

Smuin Ballet

See you there for a “yuletide spectacular” that’s been called “sheer joy”!

White Christmas

 

 

Smuin Ballet

Holidays, Homes for Sale, Purchasing a home

It’s May Day in Carmel ~ Happy Mother’s Day!

                                                                 Happy Mother’s Day!

Floral Design by Fionna Floral in Pacific Grove

 Call Sarah and Jenny at Fionna Floral for your Mother’s Day flowers 831-275-5434

Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate mothers.  If you’re a mother yourself, best wishes for a very special day!  It’s also a time to celebrate and pay tribute to our own mothers.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

Real Estate Market Report

At the end of the first quarter we always look back to see how the real estate market compares with the year before.  After a record breaking year in 2021 the real estate sales activity continued to deliver strong results.  The strong demand continued to drive sales prices up.  Click on link below for our Q1 Market Report

Our First Quarter Real Estate Market Report Q1

In our Carmel and Carmel Point market the average sales price was over $3.2 million which was similar to our 2021 market.  Currently the inventory continues to be at an all time low with only 11 listings available and 6 under contract. Since January 1st, 47 have sold, 3 of which are condos (through April 27th).

Carmel-by-the-Sea’s white sand beach

The Pebble Beach market was unlike any we have seen before Q1.  Total dollar value was up 40% from Q4 2021 due to several higher priced homes.  The number of sales was down with only 25 sales.  I guess I should consider myself lucky to have sold one of them!  Congratulations to Dean and Helen!

Sold! 1044 Lost Barranca, Pebble Beach ~ Multiple offers over asking!

The Country Club West area of Pebble Beach continues to be one of the most popular areas in Pebble Beach.  Most sales attract multiple buyers and sell for over the list price.  My listing at 1044 Lost Barranca which just sold was true to form.  I received multiple offers from buyers and we negotiated a price quite a bit over asking for very happy sellers.

In the multiple offer market it is very important for a seller to be represented by a savvy realtor who understands and is experienced in negotiating in this challenging multiple offer real estate market place.  Thinking of selling?  Call me and let’s discuss how I can help you negotiate the highest possible price for your property.

Just Sold!

23675 Determine Lane, Monterey. Sold with multiple offers! Offered at $1,995,000

Congratulations to John and Eileen who I was able to assist in selling their home for a great price with multiple offers AND referred them to a great realtor in Thousand Oaks where they relocated.  They were able to move from one beautiful home directly into their next!  Who says that can’t be done in this. market?

From a buyer’s stand point it’s also very important to work with a savvy negotiator, because it means whether or not you beat out your competition and get your home.  Call me and let’s discuss how I can help you buy your home at the best possible price.

Receiving the Award of Excellence in Real Estate from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce

I was very honored to receive the Award of Excellence in Real Estate from the Carmel Chamber of Commerce at the end of 2021.  I am so grateful for such a wonderful honor.

Parkbench.com/Carmel-Ca

Visit my new community web site at www.parkbench.com to keep up on what’s going on in the communities of Carmel, Pebble Beach, and Pacific Grove.  I’m interviewing business owners and other community members so check it out to learn more about our locals.

Interview with Emily and Babz, co-owners of Tessuti Zoo                        in Pacific Grove

Spring is Bursting out all over!!

 Let’s get out and enjoy this glorious place and the fabulous weather!

Pink carpet on display now in Pacific Grove!
Baby Harbor seal pups announcing spring time!