You have just described a property that would be well suited for a vineyard. It only makes sense therefore to look in an area where there are established vineyards and wineries. Think about it, vineyards need sun, a temperate climate and room to grow. They also need a good supply of water, which is a precious commodity in this area. So, doesn’t make sense to start your search in an area that is home to the rolling, bucolic grape growing zone of the county.

Unlike artichokes, brussel sprouts and broccoli that can grow in the foggy lowlands, grapes need sun and warmth to thrive and ripen. So it is with many of us who are looking for that special place to come home to each night after dealing with the daily stress of making a living. Carmel Valley is just such a place. The Valley is home to many fine wineries and vineyards that enjoy the temperate climate and sunny days and warm evenings. Even those thin skinned grapes such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, thrive here in the Valley thanks to the abundant sun and lack of fog

So next time you partake of your favorite wine, be it red, white or pink, think of the conditions that it took to grow the grapes that went into the wine and you will agree that grapes do make good neighbors!

We at Carmel Realty Co are experts in finding our clients their place in the sun, so please give us a call.

Hyperbole aside the lower end of the market appears to have stopped falling as compared to 3 to 4 years ago. The upper end, however, is still looking for a place to settle. Much of this is dependent upon the availablilty of financing. The “Jumbo” loan ( over$729,750.00) is on the endangered species list. To obtain one of these you must have excellent credit and the property you are purchasing must fit neatly into all of the financial institutions underwriting criterea, otherwise as they say in New Jersey “Fuggetaboutit”.

The major redeeming aspect of this is if you are forced to sell your property for much less than you feel it is worth, the money you net will be worth more in terms of a replacement property in todays market. You are essentially “trading dollars”. If , however’ you sell today and want to bank your money and buy a replcement property say 2 to 3 years from now, you will probably lose ground.

This spring will be a good indicator of where our market is heading. Last year at this time sales were beginning to pick up and continued to do so until July when the market ground to a halt. It was as if the buyers out there suddenly stopped and looked around and thought, “Gee, the recovery isn’t moving as fast as I thought it was”. Even if we do see a substantial increase in sales this spring don’t look for a big upswing in home prices. There is still alot of inventory out there that will serve to keep the prices steady.

Now, for those of you, like myself, who are digging through the pile of horse manure looking for the pony, there are aspects of this market to be optimistic about. Properties are more affordable than they have been in 10 years, interest rates, if you can get a loan, are at historic lows and there is a large inventory of great properties to choose from. If you are having trouble finding financing there are many ways to structure a real estate transaction that can save you from the dreaded experience of the underwriting gauntlet. To accomplish this you will need to find an experienced real estate agent/broker who has the background and experience to guide you through this. You need look no farther than Carmel Realty Co to find an experienced elevator operator. We will get you to the right floor!

We have just listed a property at 300 Carmel Valley Rd that is a classic horse property. It was actually the carriage house and stables for the Vanderbuilt family, circa 1900 to 1920 that has been converted into a very cool home complete with pool and summer party house with a full kitchen, bar b que, fireplace and bar. It’s like stepping back in time when you walk the grounds of this property. There are 8 stalls, a washing station and even a whirlpool for therapy. If you are a horse person, beginning rider or even an experienced equestrian, Carmel Valley should be a definate stop on your itinerary.

If this property doesn’t want to make you strap on your spurs then there are several other fine facilities currently offered for sale right now. From large boarding operations to single family homes with facilities for one or two horses Carmel Valley is the ideal location to indulge all of your equestrian wants and needs.

Come and enjoy the sun, the wine, the food, the lifestyle and and the equestrian landscape before this place gets discovered and becomes more expensive.

It’s not only that I am surrounded by unlimited sources of organic produce (Earthbound Farms, Village Market, my own organic garden) but also the excellent restaurants surrounding me and surprising plethora of good wineries.

Food wise, there is Wills Fargo, which has been around since the glaciers receded and still captures the timeless feeling of the valley; The Corkscrew, which is fairly modest on the outside but is consistently excellent in its cuisine; Café Rustica , which offers a great ambiance as well savory dishes from a creative menu; the Village Bistro which does an excellent job on breakfast, lunch and dinner; the Village Fish House which scratches the seafood itch as well as the raw oyster dept; and if you want to travel down valley there is Marinus and Wickets at Bernardus Lodge or you can dine south of the border style at Baja Cantina, upscale at the Covey at Quail Lodge or try the new digs at Carmel Valley Ranch which has just undergone an incredible metamorphosis.

These are all great alternatives to cooking after a long day but I still prefer my patio on a 70 degree evening eating bruschetta made from home grown heirloom tomatoes and basil with a nice glass of blush wine from Georis.

Speaking of wine, which I love to speak of, many of you would be surprised at the number of good wineries located in Carmel Valley. Probably one of the most familiar is Bernardus Winery which is located in Carmel Valley village. The grapes for their chardonnay are grown along Carmel Valley Rd directly in front of the well know Bernardus Lodge. Another well know label is Georis Wines which make an interesting and well finished line of wines. There are many more wineries that offer an excellent and great selection of varietals. Among these waiting to be discovered are: Joullian, Heller Estate, Chateau Sinnet, Boekenoogan, Galante’, Boete’, Joyce, Parsonage, Talbott, Chateau Julien and Silvestri. Many of these wineries have tasting rooms open to the general public however some you will have to go online and contact the winery to make an appointment.

For more information about restaurants, wineries and available properties that will open doors to the Carmel Valley lifestyle please visit us at Carmel Realty, 4 E Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA or call me at 831 247-6642 or 831 622-1000.

Bon Apetite’