Coastal Real Estate and Lifestyles

When you think about “lifestyle”, do you also think of security?  Or is that something you take for granted?  It is woven into the services we provide for our clients.  You don’t have security when you rent…you already know your home is not yours. 

“Since home in a lot of ways means security for us, taking that away can be highly stressful for people”, according to San Mateo County area Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, Padma Ali, “mainly children.  They are not equipped to handle family stress surrounding a foreclosure.  Parents can play an important role in lessening the impact of losing their home.” 

As a parent, sometimes our own stress can take attention away from our children and we may miss important signs from them.  Padma offers these tips and suggestions if you or someone you know may be facing a move due to financial stress:

Children express stress in different ways. Some signs for parents to note…

1. Acting out at home or in school.
2. If your child is beginning to withdraw socially at home or school.
3. Grades dropping.

A few ways to help are…

1. Talk to your child. Don’t underestimate their intelligence to comprehend complex situations.  They will do better if they are kept in the loop.  Keep their age in consideration while talking to them about complex issues such as finances.
2. Reassure them that they are taken care of and that they don’t need to worry about money or their safety.

3. Get them help with school counselors or therapists to help them cope with the changes.

Our communities here on the San Mateo County Coastside are not seeing similar levels of foreclosure activity that is occurring in other parts of California and the Country.  However, our area is certainly not immune to homeowners facing financial challenges, and we are seeing some short sales and REO sales.  In my experience, I find children want to know that their family will still be together, even if they have to move - for whatever reason.

Related article:

Foreclosures take an emotional toll on many homeowners - USA Today

This is a very local and locally-loved event.  I certainly appreciated our own small town fireworks display more when it wasn’t there…funny how that happens.  The year I read in the Review that the fireworks weren’t going to happen because there wasn’t enough money in the coffer, in 2006, some of us (me!) may have taken for granted that the lights would magically appear in the sky each year on July 4th!  Last year the show was awesome!

I don’t know when it started, but now the local chapter of the American Legion organizes fundraisers each year to raise money for our local fireworks displays.  Here’s the local celebrations and fundraiser activities that I know about:

Friday July 4th, 2008:

• Ol’ Fashion Fourth of July Parade, historic downtown Main Street, Half Moon Bay, 12 noon

(this is a photo I took from a few years ago of one of the floats!  Notice the blue sky, which we’re treated to on some..not all..4ths.)

• Town picnic, American Legion Post 474, 470 Capistrano Rd., Princeton, 1 p.m.
• Fireworks, Princeton Harbor at Sunset . . . definitely ON this year according to Bob Resch, Chairman, ALCF, and Owner, Princeton Welding.

Saturday, July 5th, 2008:

American Legion’s Commitment to Coastside Fireworks

http://www.americanlegioncoastsidefireworks.org/

Tips for enjoying the fireworks on San Mateo County coast’s Princeton Harbor:

Walk to viewing distance if possible.  Parking along Highway 1 near Surfer’s Beach/El Granada is usually prohibited.  Bring flashlight, blankets or folding chairs, binoculars if you want, a neighbor or two.  Bring or wear layers…the ocean is right in front of you.  Remember to keep the pets in a safe and secure place.

The harbor view homeowners (mainly in lower El Granada, (El Granada) Highlands and Miramar) need only set up chairs on the deck or porch for the best seats.  If you find you must have one of these homes in the short or long term, you can do an area search of these neighborhoods. 

Sometimes the sky is clear and sometimes we’re watching the light show through the fog.  You might ask, why would you sit there in the cold and watch fireworks covered in fog??  You’d have to be a local to understand that one!

We don’t like to go to the doctor.  Twenty- and thirty-somethings especially don’t.  Of course you’re healthy, fit, invincible, able to scale mountains, right?  We certainly hope so, but a check up now and then establishes that valuable baseline that you may appreciate more later in life…trust me on that one.  Getting a financial baseline before buying your first home is equally important.  For many first time home buyers here, it could take a long time to save the money necessary to purchase a home on your own.  It is just darn expensive to live here in San Mateo County.

This may hurt a little:  get a financial diagnosis from an experienced mortgage professional who can explain your loan options to you.  Forget the ads that tout “Find Your Dream Home”.  You are not in that market!  The most important consideration in a fixer is how it’s built - “bones”, lot size, and location. 

Next, get the treatment plan together with a local Realtor.  Realtors commonly have clients’ needs in mind when they tour new listings every Tuesday.  Sometimes great properties do not last long or are sold before they get onto the MLS.  He/she will ask you questions like…

• Commute considerations - distance, transportation, timing, etc.

• Lifestyle considerations - are you a surfer (ocean, that is), movie watcher, entertainer?  After all, you will need a break from working on the house from time to time!

• Finding the right fixer - how much of your free time can you spend improving your new home?  Every night - one day each weekend - once a month? 

Just as you hope to develop a partnership with your medical/health professional with the goal being your overall well-being, create a partnership with a Realtor with the long term goal being homeownership well-being.  Enjoy your journey toward homeownership health and happiness…and keep climbing mountains, or whatever you do to stay fit.

A mid-day walk along one of the wide lower El Granada avenues.

I had to capture this lovely scene as I was recently driving around town on a recent Tuesday morning Broker Tour of new listings.  Glad I had my camera for this one.

It brought back memories of when I was the parent of a preschooler - a few moons ago…  My daughter attended Marty’s Alameda Station in El Granada and even now, as a college student, has continued friendships from the buddies she made while at Marty’s.

 More about El Granada neighborhoods HERE.

Another post about an El Granada neighborhood:

Quiet neighborhoods reaps the benefits of P.O.S.T.

Coastside Preschool Directory 2008, by Coastside Mother’s Club

As you may already know, Harbor Village consists of the Oceano Hotel, the extended stay villas, a shopping area, a restaurant, and conference/special event facilities.  I met with Christian Diggs yesterday to get an update on the shops’ opening and other juicy tidbits since the last time I checked in.

The Oceano Hotel is now open - although you already know that if you’ve been reading my blog.  They’re already up to 30% capacity of the 95 suites with only a few weekends open under their belt.  The head chef is Bruce Mullins (locals will know him as the owner of 2 Fools Cafe when it was on Main).  Bruce manages the entire kitchen, catering, continental breakfasts, conference menus.

The restaurant will be separate and we still don’t know who will run it; it may offer a casual menu and feel on the first level and perhaps a more genteel dining experience on the upper level.

The Spa is still being built and will serve Hotel guests and day visitors as well.   I took a walk through the construction zone, it’s a pretty large space - plenty of room for all kinds of pampering.  Christian tells me that the spa consultants currently at work will incorporate the nautical theme into the design. 

There are five meeting rooms, the Oceano Ballroom for up to 350 (see photo with chandeliers), the Montara for up to 110, the Mirada for up to 70, and the Princeton Boardroom for up to 14.  The ballroom dance floor just went in.  If they can get Pride & Joy for one of the kickoff events, I’m there!

Since my mind is always going…yes, a problem at times, I couldn’t help but think of the great opportunities for local business building here.  A few ideas… If their marketing plan included introducing locals to what is available right under our noses, I can see win-win opportunities here.  Don’t we have Google, Yahoo, Siemens, and many corporate heads living the counterbalance to a high stress and fast paced business life right here? 

• Invite your out-of-town networking group to an overnight or a “business” day on the Coast with business sharing ideas combined with some local fun.  Realtors, think referrals.  Offer a client appreciation event to include a spa package or a local outing such as kayaking or a charter boat for whale watching (or Mavericks watching).

• Invite your employer to host a Holiday gathering or team-building event on the Coast.
• Host a company think tank to hash out issues, or brainstorm new ideas away from your every day setting.
• Host a 4th of July party in one of the rooms for private front row seats to our local fireworks show.

The shopping area tenants will get their keys in early April.  A grand opening is planned for some time in mid to late May.  What I know as of today is there will Toque Blanche, Savvy Skirts, a jewelry store, an oyster & wine bar, an ice cream shop, a hair & nail shop (separate from the spa), a novelty shop, a wine tasting room provided by a Sonoma County wine label, a deli, a juice bar, and a food shop (so far either sushi or panini-style sandwich shop).  Christian tells me that several business proposals are currently being reviewed for the final 4 spaces that remain.  I asked him what he’d like to see that is not currently in the proposal stack - he mentioned a kite/toy store, and a children’s clothing store.

I have to admit I’m looking forward to having wine tasting within walking distance!

We decided to get some exercise between storms, with Monte (the pup) of course, around the Harbor.   Enjoyed the crisp morning with…quiet boats…other walkers, both human and canine…and a few seagulls and kite surfers…  it was fabulous.  All pics taken this morning around 8:30 a.m. on our walk.

During the 19 years that I’ve lived in El Granada, Pillar Point Harbor and the Princeton area has grown along with the rest of the coastside.  Coastal Lifestyles Health & Fitness Center moved in…The HMB Brewing Co. moved in…Mezza Luna moved in…Mavericks was “discovered”…  All these events have been adding height - and weight - to Princeton for many years.  It’s latest notch on the yardstick is the new Oceano Hotel and Harbor Village.  The Hotel is now open and Harbor Village is now scheduled to open April 1, 2008.

As I’m waiting for my friend near Cafe Classique yesterday morning, I decided to take a photo of the long-awaited development across the street.  We grab a corner table on the sun-drenched patio to catch up with a warm cup of coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls (half each of course - and to die for!).  Totally worth it but Must-Walk-Off.  Neither of us had been through Harbor Village so we decided to stroll over there to see what’s up.  We stumbled upon Christian Diggs, the Harbor Village Leasing Consultant, who was so gracious to show us around in spite of his busy day.

This place is going to be stunning.  I’m well aware of the mixed feelings of many locals; however, after my visit yesterday I’m pleasantly surprised and believe it will be an asset to our community.  It’s like its own little resort village with luxury hotel, a spa that will be run by Aveda, banquet room, workout room with enormous skylights flooding the room with natural light, richly appointed conference rooms, comfortable residence suites offering a 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom home-away-from-home or loft apartment.  There will also be a restaurant, shops & boutiques including a golf shop, a deli, a kitchen shop, a surf-wear/resort-style boutique, and a few yet still in negotiations….  Also planned is a wedding garden, and future tennis courts.

So with the roar of high-gear construction going on in the background, Christian pointed out some of the fabulous details that made me wish I was part of the extended KN family!  There are too many to mention, but one that stood out in my mind was the zippered bed topper which is laundered after each guest.

This development has the luxury of the Ritz but with a more “casually elegant” feel.  I really hope that tapping into the well known local talent is part of the long term marketing plan.  Development is always a mixed blessing - especially in a community like the Coastside and in my own backyard (well, my front yard)… Sure, traffic will increase, but so will jobs and revenues…and, I suspect, home values.  Here are a few photos from my tour with Christian yesterday.  When I have more time, I’ll try to post a few more on a separate photos page.

Additional articles in recent months:

A Grand Opening, 30 years in waiting, Oakland Tribune, 8/29/07

Harbor Village prepares for October opening, HMB Review, 9/5/07

Inside Coastal Real Estate & Lifestyles’ “Coastside” page:  Fun Visitor Resources

A day in Half Moon Bay doesn’t get any better…well, except when we have this weather with less people :)  Everybody was out enjoying the weather and local vibe!

Thursday night…Mavericks contest announced.  Friday morning…call from my college student daughter saying “we’re coming home and we’ll there later today.  Yes, that was “we”.  OK, how many?? 3 more kids - easy.  Friday afternoon…call from same child “we’re not going to make it because of a party being planned for her 19th birthday Saturday night.  Later Friday afternoon…call from, guess who, “we’re coming home after all!” 3 kids from Oregon who have never seen Mavericks, one of them does extreme sports himself, and of course, my “other” children, said daughter’s friends.  OK, this will be a really busy and fun weekend!

They all arrive Friday night we find every spare sleeping bag, blanket and pillow we can;  I think heads to pillows was late but were very quiet (this group can come back!).  Parents get up at 6:30 to start a breakfast for 7 or 8 college kids (i.e. tons of food).  We send them off with full stomachs and bottles of water.  We’re close enough to Mavericks that they walked.

After putting the house back together (the kids were actually quite neat) we headed to the bluffs ourselves to take a walk and catch a glimpse of waves if we could.  We certainly were not alone but it wasn’t too bad and the views were spectacular!!  After two more walks that day just to be outside, and of course to keep the pup happy, I was completely energized and relaxed.  (I must admit that my new bodywork regime from rehab/massage professional extraordinaire, Scott King of StudioEight-18 in Moss Beach has been paying off since the lower calf injury several months ago!)

I did not get to the ceremonies because I had work to do - contract negotiations (always a good thing), and open house prep.  I don’t even care who won…to me they are all winners to be able to so beautifully work in harmony with mother nature.  She is not to be messed with as we have learned…

I have an ocean view when I drive to the grocery store in Half Moon Bay. You may think - “so what?” Well, I agree… I certainly didn’t think it was important to me either. We all know the phenomenon of not appreciating what is right under our noses until it is no longer there. That’s my point - how do you put a price tag or a value on something like glancing at the waves or the mountains on a boring milk run? It’s a lifestyle that once you experience is hard to go back.

It wasn’t until I moved away from here and into real suburbia that I realized how unusual that was. At first the kids loved the idea of a movie theater five minutes away and a myriad of fast food stops within a one minute drive. Fortunately, we moved back and we were limited from being constantly drawn in by the ever-present consumerism.

If I want to stop at the beach on my way to an appointment, I can do that. If I find the time to catch up with a friend, we will sometimes take a short walk on the beach or a nearby trail. It’s amazing how refreshing this can be.

When the kids want to go to the beach it’s five minutes away. And we have taken short outings to the beach for years because it doesn’t have to be an all day affair when you live here. Grab a hat, blanket, book (or iPod these days) and you’re good to go.

What about going to an elementary school where one side of the playground is direct ocean views, another side is beautiful mountains, and the third view (across the street) is alpacas, yes alpacas? No wonder many local kids grow up happy, healthy and ready to take on the world - mine are right there along with the rest of their friends finding their way outside of the Half Moon Bay nest.

On the especially warm days when it would be 100+ degrees over the hill and 72-75 here, the well known beaches can sometimes be packed. It is always fun to know the back-road shortcuts thus avoiding Highway 1 heading into town. Especially when you need milk.

I don’t always have to go into Half Moon Bay to get milk. There are a couple of small markets close by within a mile for those emergency trips. The views for that short trip are spectacular as well.

Winter on the Coastside is a close rival to Fall!  The weather cooperates (for the most part) and is even spectacular on some days.  Coming off the heals of the Fall season, which our area thrives on, Winter does not disappoint.  Start or continue a tradition with one or more of these events.  I’ve also added in a bit of personal perspective.  Also, click on the “View Larger Map” below to see the locations of each event marked.

Check back.  Events, dates & times may be updated.
(**) Tickets required
(*) Drop by

 11/30/07 New Addition: 
Napping House Studio - Creative Decorative Pillows.  These are labors of love, many are not yet online, some sell before ever presented to the public.  Many designs; Holiday designs are selling out fast.  If you see one online, order, or call for details, 650-726-9545.  Local resident and friend Beverly has that gifted artist “eye” and is a detail nut (so we relate!).

** The Johnston Holiday House - Saturday, 11/3 and 11/10, and Sunday, 11/4 and 11/11
The historic Johnston House will be festively decorated and filled with fine crafts along the theme of “Joy to the World” at the annual annual holiday festivity, with a special holiday tea from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is $10 per person.  Organizers request no children please.  Tickets available at our office, Coldwell Banker, Half Moon Bay, and numerous locations around town.  Contact 726-0329.
Location:  South of Town
The Johnston family was HMB’s first families, settling on 1100 acres just south of downtown in the late nineteenth century.  When family members could no longer care for the property it went into disrepair.  A new organization was formed in the 70’s called the Spanishtown Historical Society.  With their vision and support this classic home was brought back to life and is now open periodically for all to enjoy while taking in a bit of history. 

* Ladies Night at Main Street Goldworks – Thursday, 11/15/07, 5:30-8:30 p.m. 
Local women know this is the place to be.  Last year was the first  and it must have been such a hit that they are doing it again this year, called it the “2nd annual”.
Location:  Downtown Half Moon Bay
Many “downtowns” have their local jeweler.  You may think they are all the same, they are not.  Husbands, dads, boyfriends, engaged couples, and more come to this store from far reaching places.  I’ve spoken to these people myself.  My husband, a customer also (luv you sweetie!) is pretty darn picky about the gems he buys and Jay’s work and selections are a winner.  He also does custom work.

* Night of Lights - 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday, November 30, 2007, 7 p.m. Parade of Lights,  Downtown Main Street, HMB.  Hosted by Downtown Business Association.  Downtown shops stay open late for holiday shoppers and entertainment fills the streets, including horse and buggy rides, street performers, carolers, a parade, and more.
Location:  Downtown Half Moon Bay
What can I say, it’s midwest charm without the snow.  Having lived in the midwest, I know this and have never appreciated our weather more than since I’ve been back.  A great family outing to window shop, sip hot chocolate, and listen to carolers.  You don’t even have to spend any $$, but the store owners would love it if you do.  If you want a very un-mall-like shopping experience, with many one of a kind and unique gift ideas, shop downtown HMB.

* Ritz Carlton Annual Gingerbread House Contest
Entries taken:  Nov. 30-Dec.3 (650-726-7296 to enter the contest);  Dec 4-9 viewing and voting; Dec 9 at Tree Lighting, winner announced by CBS 5 “Eye on the Bay” Host Liam Mayclem.
Location:  South of Town
The Ritz opened in HMB in 2003.  I would say, with some melancholy, that our area has been discovered since then.  Many locals enjoy events here as well as out of town visitors.  It’s a great place to get that “city feel” without going to the City.

** Ritzy Trees, a Holiday Fundraiser to be held at Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay.  Tuesday, 11/27/07 – 6:30-9:00  $75 a ticket to Benefit Coastside Family Medical Center and Boys & Girls Club of the Coastside.  A ”Ritzy” sit down dinner for great local causes.  Tickets available at Coldwell Banker, Half Moon Bay, until gone.
Location:  South of Town
The Coastside Family Health Center has changed owners over the years.  Locals have fought to keep it up and running as our only convenient “major” healthcare facility.  The Boys & Girls Club relies on our funding to offer its programs.  David Cline, a well established local Realtor (also at CB) heads the Board.  He and fellow board members work tirelessly for the boys and girl of this community and continually work to find a permanent home for the kids.

Local Artists “Trunk” Show, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8th & 9th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Cidar and treats!
* Julie B designs – original jewelry by long time talented local artisan.  Her work is also available at Personal FX on Main.
I’ve known Julie since our kids were in Elementary School at Farallone View together.  She would always wear fabulous jewelry, even when coming to pick up the kids from school!  Little did I know then that she made jewelry for friends.  Years later, I attended a small gathering of local artists and noticed her beautiful work on display.  I now save my pennies to buy one of her pieces at this time of year.  She can also do custom work.  Her husband is well known photographer, Robert Buelteman.
* Pottery by Nancy Quickert - stunning one-of-a-kind pieces.  Nancy is a talented artist as well as a teacher who has been sharing her unique work with locals and patrons in the know for probably longer than the 15 years I have known her!  Nancy is one of those special people who is always creating, always giving, and is a true gift in our community.  You must see her work.
* Fiber Arts by Leslie Greenberg - Leslie’s work will also be for sale at the Clay House event.
Location:  The Clay House, 750 Drake Street, Montara
Warning:  The items for sale at this event will not resemble anything you may find at a Mall.
Note:  If you have a local event, make a comment if you wish to be included or contact me offline.

* December Shopping Night, December 20th.  Downtown Half Moon Bay Main Street.
Stores are open until late again for last minute shopping.
Location:  Downtown Half Moon Bay

* Maverick’s Surf Contest– Winter date TBD with approx. 24 hours notice.  The media will know as soon as the event is announced.  While usually an annual event, it did not take place last year.  It is scheduled to happen this year per this local report.  Surfers from around the world come to our little community to await the word from contest officials that the wave action has created the perfect storm for the mother of all surf contests.
Location:  El Granada/Princeton
The event used to happen with many a local simply going about our business.  Over time, more and more people came to see these mammoth waves and the brave and talented men who fearlessly ride them.  Two years ago, the high school all but shut down because of so many “illnesses” that day…(my children included!).

View Larger Map
Click on Larger Map link for interactive local detail.

Where else can you find this unique combination of small town charm, location, character and weather? 

The Coastside - Visited by Many, Home to a Lucky Few.