Blog

Browse my latest blog posts to be in the know.

The Mansion From 'Scarface' is Now For Sale
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The Mansion From 'Scarface' is Now For Sale

February 25, 2024

One of the most iconic homes in Montecito is now on the market.

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Unique Ways To Improve Your Santa Barbara Home's Value
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Unique Ways To Improve Your Santa Barbara Home's Value

February 18, 2024

While traditional updates help, these other tips could give you a significant boost when selling your Santa Barbara home.

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Selling a Home In Santa Barbara During The Holidays
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Selling a Home In Santa Barbara During The Holidays

December 4, 2023

Are the Holidays a Good Time to List Your Home?

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The REAL Ways To Maximize Your Montecito Home Value
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The REAL Ways To Maximize Your Montecito Home Value

November 12, 2023

With so many tips & sites offering advice, here is some advice from a top selling Montecito Realtor

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Remodeling Your Bathrooms Can Help Sell Your Home
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Remodeling Your Bathrooms Can Help Sell Your Home

October 23, 2023

Upgrading Your Bathrooms Can Help You List & Sell For More Money

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Luxury Home Trends To Invest In
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Luxury Home Trends To Invest In

October 15, 2023

Find New Ways To Improve Your Home Value

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Can You Still Sell Your Montecito Home This Fall?
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Can You Still Sell Your Montecito Home This Fall?

September 24, 2023

With economic indicators being mixed, many are wondering when to sell.

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Investing in Real Estate in Santa Barbara
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Investing in Real Estate in Santa Barbara

September 8, 2023

Several Different Ways Can Help You Become an Investor

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Why Fall Is a Great Time To Buy a Home in Santa Barbara
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Why Fall Is a Great Time To Buy a Home in Santa Barbara

August 27, 2023

It May Be Different In Some Markets, But In Santa Barbara It's Time To Buy

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Buying a Second Home Or Investment Property?
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Buying a Second Home Or Investment Property?

August 3, 2023

Understand The Differences Before Making A Decision

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Why 2023 Is A Good Year To Buy a Home in Santa Barbara
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Why 2023 Is A Good Year To Buy a Home in Santa Barbara

July 2, 2023

California's Overall Housing Market Is Getting Buyer-Friendly!

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Should You Buy A Vacation Home?
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Should You Buy A Vacation Home?

June 11, 2023

Santa Barbara & Montecito homeowners might still want a getaway!

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Improvements That Pay Off
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Improvements That Pay Off

June 4, 2023

What Home Improvements Increase ROI When Selling Your Montecito Home?

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Buying a Home in Santa Barbara: Home Inspections
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Buying a Home in Santa Barbara: Home Inspections

May 29, 2023

What is a home inspection? Do you need one?

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Will Montecito See a Housing Market Downturn?
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Will Montecito See a Housing Market Downturn?

May 8, 2023

Data says no, despite what alarmists claim

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Increase The Value Of Your Santa Barbara Home
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Increase The Value Of Your Santa Barbara Home

April 23, 2023

How a HELOC Loan Used To Make Home Improvements Can Help

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How Commercial Real Estate Failure May Improve The Santa Barbara Housing Market
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How Commercial Real Estate Failure May Improve The Santa Barbara Housing Market

March 26, 2023

A Change In How We Work Is Creating Opportunities Where We Live

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Santa Barbara Real Estate: The Week in Review
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Santa Barbara Real Estate: The Week in Review

Maureen Mcdermut | March 26, 2023

The Week in Review

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Looking For Luxury Real Estate? Look No Further Than Montecito
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Looking For Luxury Real Estate? Look No Further Than Montecito

February 26, 2023

Picturesque settings and top rated schools make Montecito a top pick for luxury buyers.

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Why 2023 Will Be The Year To Buy A Home in Santa Barbara
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Why 2023 Will Be The Year To Buy A Home in Santa Barbara

February 8, 2023

Market trends indicate this will be a great year for home buyers.

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2023 Santa Barbara Real Estate Market Projections
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2023 Santa Barbara Real Estate Market Projections

December 27, 2022

What will the real estate market in Santa Barbara look like in 2023?

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The Details Matter When Selling Your Montecito Home
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The Details Matter When Selling Your Montecito Home

November 27, 2022

Selling Your Home Takes Attention To Detail In Every Step

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Are Home Inspections Necessary in Santa Barbara?
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Are Home Inspections Necessary in Santa Barbara?

November 20, 2022

During inflationary times, many home buyers are looking to cut costs.

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Montecito Real Estate Still a Good Investment
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Montecito Real Estate Still a Good Investment

October 30, 2022

Ariana Grande Shows How Profit Can Be Earned

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Stage Your Santa Barbara Home To Sell For More
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Stage Your Santa Barbara Home To Sell For More

October 7, 2022

You Can Still Maximize Your Home's Sale Price

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How The Slavin House Hasn't Sold
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How The Slavin House Hasn't Sold

October 2, 2022

Famous Mid-Century Modern Home Won't Sell. Why?

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Real Estate News Looks Bleak-But Not In Montecito
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Real Estate News Looks Bleak-But Not In Montecito

September 9, 2022

The News Can Look Bad, Unless You're In a Luxury Home

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Recent News Highlights Need For Hiring a Montecito Realtor
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Recent News Highlights Need For Hiring a Montecito Realtor

August 14, 2022

Market fluctuations can create a real estate nightmare

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Should I Wait To Sell My Montecito Home?
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Should I Wait To Sell My Montecito Home?

July 8, 2022

Has the Seller's Market Officially Ended?

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Is It Too Late To Refinance My Home?
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Is It Too Late To Refinance My Home?

June 27, 2022

With Rising Interest Rates, Did You Miss The Refinancing Boat?

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Buying & Insuring a Home in Montecito
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Buying & Insuring a Home in Montecito

June 12, 2022

Wildfires & Mudslides Can Be A Factor, But Fear Not.

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What Is Going On With The Housing Market?
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What Is Going On With The Housing Market?

June 4, 2022

Changes Seem To Be Happening Quickly, So You Need To Be Prepared!

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Are We Heading For a Housing Market Downturn?
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Are We Heading For a Housing Market Downturn?

May 21, 2022

Experts Agree the Housing Market Is Changing, But What Does That Mean?

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How Will Rising Interest Rates Impact The Montecito Housing Market?
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How Will Rising Interest Rates Impact The Montecito Housing Market?

May 6, 2022

Will the Recent Rate Hike Impact Buying (or Selling) a Home in Montecito?

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Where Are Santa Barbara Home Prices Headed?
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Where Are Santa Barbara Home Prices Headed?

May 3, 2022

What Can You Expect When Buying or Selling a Home in Santa Barbara?

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How To Win A Bidding War In Montecito
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How To Win A Bidding War In Montecito

April 23, 2022

Creative Solutions May Help You Win

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20 Questions To Ask A Santa Barbara Realtor
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20 Questions To Ask A Santa Barbara Realtor

April 16, 2022

Ask These Questions Before Hiring Any Agent To Sell Your Home

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Should You Sell With an iBuyer in Montecito
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Should You Sell With an iBuyer in Montecito

April 9, 2022

Recent News Suggests Tech Might Not Be the Safest Way To Sell

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How to Avoid a Delayed Closing in Santa Barbara
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How to Avoid a Delayed Closing in Santa Barbara

April 2, 2022

There Are Many Things That Can Hold Up Your Closing

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Prep Your Home To Sell This Spring
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Prep Your Home To Sell This Spring

March 25, 2022

Santa Barbara Homes Are Hot Commodities, But You Want To Get The Most Money Possible

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Will The Montecito Housing Market Crash or Cool Off in 2022?
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Will The Montecito Housing Market Crash or Cool Off in 2022?

March 20, 2022

Buyer Demand is Still High, But Will That Change In 2022?

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The Differences in Contingent, Under Contract & Pending
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The Differences in Contingent, Under Contract & Pending

March 11, 2022

Learn More About Key Real Estate Terms

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Make Multifunctional Spaces Work For You
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Make Multifunctional Spaces Work For You

March 4, 2022

How We Live In Our Montecito Homes Has Changed

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Santa Barbara Housing Supply & Demand
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Santa Barbara Housing Supply & Demand

February 25, 2022

How They Affect Your Buying & Selling Goals

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Pros & Cons Of Selling Without a Montecito Realtor
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Pros & Cons Of Selling Without a Montecito Realtor

February 18, 2022

Exploring Whether You Need an Agent or Not

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Home Paint Trends For 2022
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Home Paint Trends For 2022

February 12, 2022

Paint Colors Buyers Want

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Scared To Sell Your Santa Barbara Home?
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Scared To Sell Your Santa Barbara Home?

February 4, 2022

Common Fears of Homeowners in 2022

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Home Improvements That Earn Money
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Home Improvements That Earn Money

January 28, 2022

Understanding What Improvements Make You More Money vs. Those That Don't

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What Is My Santa Barbara Home Worth?
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What Is My Santa Barbara Home Worth?

January 21, 2022

Whether Selling or Refinancing, This is Probably Your First Question

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The Things You Need To Know Before Selling Your Home
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The Things You Need To Know Before Selling Your Home

January 14, 2022

Be Prepared For A Brand New Montecito Real Estate Market in 2022

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SOTHEBY'S BLOG

Inside a Sophisticated Presidio Heights Residence Inside a Sophisticated Presidio Heights Residence

Established in the early years of the 20th century, the prestigious enclave of Presidio Heights is renowned for its wide tree-lined streets and elegant, classically styled...

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New and Notable Luxury Homes for Sale Over $10 Million | January 2023 New and Notable Luxury Homes for Sale Over $10 Million | January 2023

From a mountaintop home in Bachelor Gulch, Colorado, to an elegant apartment in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, these are this month’s four featured notable properties for sal...

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No Membership Required: 4 Homes for a Healthy Lifestyle No Membership Required: 4 Homes for a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a regular wellness routine is easy when a top-tier fitness equipment, private pools, saunas, and sports courts are at home, just steps away.  Beverly Hills Vil...

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Luxury Real Estate Headlines: First Week in January, 2023 Luxury Real Estate Headlines: First Week in January, 2023

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles, and home. Luquillo, Puerto Rico | Puerto Rico Sotheby’s International Rea...

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2023 Luxury Outlook Report Explores the Resurgence of Cash Buyers, Real Estate in the Metaverse, and How Real Estate is Still King for Passing Wealth Between Generations 2023 Luxury Outlook Report Explores the Resurgence of Cash Buyers, Real Estate in the Metave...

We are pleased to launch the brand’s exclusive 2023 Luxury Outlook report, an in-depth exploration into high-end real estate markets across the globe. Following two years ...

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2023 Luxury Outlook Report 2023 Luxury Outlook Report

We are pleased to launch the brand’s exclusive 2023 Luxury Outlook report, an in-depth exploration into high-end real estate markets across the globe. Following two years ...

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Video of the Week: A Magnificent and Secluded Maui Estate Video of the Week: A Magnificent and Secluded Maui Estate

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this  week’s Video of the Week.  Lahaina, Hawaii | I...

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Inside a Sleek Palm Beach Aerie Inside a Sleek Palm Beach Aerie

Few things are more mesmerizing than the smooth azure ocean as it stretches toward the horizon on a gloriously warm and sunny day. This ±3,800-square-foot condominium—on t...

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Significant Sales: November 2022 Highlights Significant Sales: November 2022 Highlights

From a US$55M sale in The Bahamas to a US$40M sale in Colorado, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® global network in November. Vail, Co...

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Sipping in Style: 4 Well-Equipped Home Cocktail Bars Sipping in Style: 4 Well-Equipped Home Cocktail Bars

In elegant estates from East Coast to West, these distinctive, expertly appointed bars prove that the best spot for a festive nightcap is often home sweet home. California...

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Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Final Week in December, 2022 Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Final Week in December, 2022

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles, and home. Beverly Hills, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Be...

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Global Getaways: Mauritius Global Getaways: Mauritius

Mauritius Sotheby’s International Realty  Take a look at a destination with a thriving luxury rental market and hear directly from Timo Geldenhuys of Mauritius Sotheby’s I...

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Inside a Sophisticated Manhattan Loft Inside a Sophisticated Manhattan Loft

Remnants of classic street cobblestones and a striking redbrick façade hint at the provenance of the building that houses this sophisticated three-bedroom loft in SoHo. De...

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Stored, Poured, and Explored: How to Create a Sommelier’s Wine Cellar Stored, Poured, and Explored: How to Create a Sommelier’s Wine Cellar

Arthur Goodrich – Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage In the heart of the Calistoga Hills, set amid verdant vineyards yielding some of Napa Valley’s most...

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Straight from the Hearth: 4 Homes with Cozy Fireplaces Straight from the Hearth: 4 Homes with Cozy Fireplaces

Each of these four eye-catching fireplaces—one an ornate mantel carved from stone, another a sleek contemporary piece clad in dazzling black tile—contribute warmth and sty...

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Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Fourth Week in December, 2022 Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Fourth Week in December, 2022

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles, and home. Bedford, New York | Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty...

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Mood Board | Home Decor Trends for Festive Celebrations Mood Board | Home Decor Trends for Festive Celebrations

No matter how you celebrate the season, decorating makes the winter unlike any other time of year. Festive decor welcomes loved ones, as friends and families gather togeth...

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Video of the Week: A Luxurious Mountain Home in Ordino, Andorra Video of the Week: A Luxurious Mountain Home in Ordino, Andorra

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this  week’s Video of the Week.  Chicago, Illinois | ...

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Inside a Cape Cod Coastal Retreat Inside a Cape Cod Coastal Retreat

Life on Cape Cod affords seemingly endless activities and allures—from clam bakes and coastal bonfires to chasing bass and blues from private boats and piers. The distinct...

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Life of Luxury | Home for the Holidays in Amsterdam Life of Luxury | Home for the Holidays in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Sotheby’s International Realty To be in Amsterdam during the holidays is a special gift. It embodies the nostalgia of picture-perfect towns sculpted inside of a ...

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Lighten Up: 5 Homes with Striking Light Fixtures Lighten Up: 5 Homes with Striking Light Fixtures

Whether they illuminate a traditional townhouse in Southampton or a chic contemporary residence in Southern California, distinctive light fixtures make each of these homes...

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Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third week in December 2022 Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third week in December 2022

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles, and home. Hudson, New York | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty ...

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Video of the Week: A Magnificent Estate in McLean, Virginia Video of the Week: A Magnificent Estate in McLean, Virginia

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this  week’s Video of the Week.  Chicago, Illinois | M...

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Sotheby’s International Realty Expands in Washington Sotheby’s International Realty Expands in Washington

Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the opening of Vashon Island Sotheby’s International Realty, signifying the brand’s continued expansion in the United States...

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Inside a Contemporary Tour de Force in Los Angeles Inside a Contemporary Tour de Force in Los Angeles

The list of accolades for Monika Haefelfinger and Scott Utterstrom’s firm XTEN Architecture runs into the dozens. The acclaimed international company based in Los Angeles ...

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New Development Spotlight: Marble Palace in Helsinki, Finland New Development Spotlight: Marble Palace in Helsinki, Finland

Showcasing the height of new luxury construction in some of the world’s most sought-after locations, let’s explore an exclusive new development from our worldwide network....

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Soak in these Four Homes with Relaxing Tubs Soak in these Four Homes with Relaxing Tubs

From Sag Harbor to Southern California, these exceptional homes feature tubs that transform luxurious baths into peaceful personal spas designed for warm, luxurious escape...

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Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Second Week in December 2022 Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Second Week in December 2022

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles, and home. Crawford, Colorado | LIV Sotheby’s International Realty The pro...

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Enhance Your Well-being With the Latest Biohacking Tools Enhance Your Well-being With the Latest Biohacking Tools

Theodora Kaufmann – Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty Throughout history, people have feverishly pursued perpetual youth, health, and beauty—and today, it looks as thoug...

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Video of the Week: World-Class Design in Chicago, Illinois Video of the Week: World-Class Design in Chicago, Illinois

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this  week’s Video of the Week.  Chicago, Illinois | Tim Salm...

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Inside a Modern Palm Beach Manor Inside a Modern Palm Beach Manor

By the time renowned architect Addison Mizner arrived in Palm Beach in 1918, he had spent time in Guatemala and southern Europe, where he acquired a knowledge of and love ...

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New and Notable Luxury Homes for Sale Over $10 Million | December 2022 New and Notable Luxury Homes for Sale Over $10 Million | December 2022

From a waterfront home in Miami, Florida, to a grand hacienda in Sevilla, Spain, these are this month’s four featured notable properties for sale over $10 million. Newport,...

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Rising to the Occasion: 5 Homes with Striking Staircases Rising to the Occasion: 5 Homes with Striking Staircases

From Connecticut to California, these homes are anchored by dramatic staircases—elegantly ornate and crisply contemporary—that provide glamorous introductions and serve as...

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Luxury Real Estate Headlines: First Week in December 2022 Luxury Real Estate Headlines: First Week in December 2022

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles, and home. San Francisco, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Sa...

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Why Costa Rica is a Hub for Sustainable Home Design Why Costa Rica is a Hub for Sustainable Home Design

Brian Neal – Costa Rica Sotheby’s International Realty Costa Rica has never been afraid to buck convention. In 1948, the tiny Latin American country retired its military so...

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Video of the Week: Omaru Bay Retreat in Orapiu, New Zealand Video of the Week: Omaru Bay Retreat in Orapiu, New Zealand

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this  week’s Video of the Week.  Orapiu, New Zealand | Pene Mi...

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Inside a Light-Filled Aerie in Tribeca Inside a Light-Filled Aerie in Tribeca

Once one of Manhattan’s bustling industrial districts, today the Tribeca neighborhood is a dynamic cultural center and prized residential destination—a nexus of painstakin...

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Significant Sales: October 2022 Highlights Significant Sales: October 2022 Highlights

From a US$28.5M sale in Makena, Hawaii to a SG$18.5M sale in Singapore, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® global network in October. S...

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High-End Hospitality: 4 Estates with Welcoming Guesthouses High-End Hospitality: 4 Estates with Welcoming Guesthouses

One of the benefits of owning an expansive estate is being able to offer visitors their own truly private quarters. From Sagaponack to Sonoma, these guesthouses are seclud...

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Luxury Real Estate headlines: Fourth Week in November 2022 Luxury Real Estate headlines: Fourth Week in November 2022

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles, and home. Mykonos, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty The oce...

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Life of Luxury | Miami Beach Opens a Doorway of Discovery Life of Luxury | Miami Beach Opens a Doorway of Discovery

Charles Andrews – ONE Sotheby’s International Realty It’s no exaggeration to say that Miami Beach is a marvel—a marvel of nature, culture, engineering and ingenuity. Barri...

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Sotheby’s International Realty Opens First Office in Kazakhstan Sotheby’s International Realty Opens First Office in Kazakhstan

Photo Credit:Alexander Serzhantov Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the opening of Kazakhstan Sotheby’s International Realty, signifying the brand’s continued...

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Inside Santa Fe’s Vida Encantada Inside Santa Fe’s Vida Encantada

North of Santa Fe, where the Sangre de Cristo Mountains begin to roll toward the historic downtown, an incomparable estate stretches gracefully across a 3.7-acre hilltop a...

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New Development Spotlight: 1661 Tanglewood New Development Spotlight: 1661 Tanglewood

Showcasing the height of new luxury construction in some of the world’s most sought-after locations, let’s explore an exclusive new development from our worldwide network....

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A Feast for the Eyes: 4 Inviting Dining Rooms A Feast for the Eyes: 4 Inviting Dining Rooms

Whether it’s the setting for a festive formal fête or a casual weeknight meal, the dining room is a key space in every modern home. From Fifth Avenue to the hills above th...

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Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third Week in November 2022 Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third Week in November 2022

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles, and home. Park City, Utah | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty The pro...

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Meet Space | These Luxury Homes are Great for Gathering, Online and Offline Meet Space | These Luxury Homes are Great for Gathering, Online and Offline

Some techno-futurists predict that we may one day spend most of our time connected to a “metaverse,” or upload our minds to the cloud to achieve a sort of digital immortal...

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Video of the Week: A Stunning Hilltop Home in Los Angeles, California Video of the Week: A Stunning Hilltop Home in Los Angeles, California

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this  week’s Video of the Week.  Los Angeles, California | The ...

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Inside a Houston Haven Inside a Houston Haven

In the heart of Houston’s Inner Loop, the landmark neighborhood of River Oaks is a lush, leafy enclave and one of Houston’s most exclusive, revered for its stalwart oak tr...

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Look to the Stars: 3 Homes for Stargazing Look to the Stars: 3 Homes for Stargazing

Since the dawn of time, humans have looked to the night skies in search of something bigger than ourselves. We have sought out direction, greater meaning, and contemplated...

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WORK WITH Maureen

Maureen has been around the industry for a lifetime. Her business is based on the core values and ethics taught to her at a very young age: integrity, honesty, and great communication.

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