Although most client appointments are safe, sadly, in 2023, 75,000 Realtors reported being victims of a crime. National Association of Realtors (NAR) Realtor Safety Month is vital for real estate agents to learn how to stay safe and know which tools and resources can help protect them. Read on to learn more about Realtor Safety Month and some statistics, tools, and resources you can use to stay safe year-round.

What Is Realtor Safety Month?

Realtor Safety Month is an annual event in September created by the NAR in 2003 to educate Realtors and reduce incidents within the industry. Realtor member associations, brokerages, agents, and teams can access resources to promote safety awareness. Although September is Realtor Safety Month, you can implement the strategies year-round. Learn to develop your resiliency and communication skills to handle a crisis, should it occur, by understanding how to implement safety.

Realtor Safety Month Resources

Awareness is essential. So, I’ve compiled a list of Realtor Safety Month resources to use as a quick guide and learn more about staying safe. These resources provide education for Realtor associations, brokerages, teams, and agents. In addition to the month-long Realtor Safety events, NAR has provided a 30-day plan with materials that local Realtor associations can use to mitigate risks. 

The NAR 30-day plan includes the following:

• Social media Realtor safety tips on how and what to post throughout Safety Month
• Member email to keep their members informed with engaging and timely information
• A 30-day calendar with essential best practices for each day of the month
• A two-part Realtor safety webinar to understand risks and warning signs and avoid victimization

Here are some additional real estate agent safety resources:

• Use a real estate safety app for safe showings, lockboxes, sharing location information, and quickly finding your car.
• Learn how to protect yourself and your clients from common real estate scams.
• Check out The Close contributor, Tracey “The Safety Lady” Hawkins. Her website is chock full of safety information, tools, and resources to help you plan.
• Use this wire fraud email template from NAR.

The Importance of Realtor Safety Month + Stats to Prove It

Realtor safety is important—and we can prove it! Here are some interesting realtor safety statistics illuminating the enormity of real estate agents’ risks and challenges. Use these to begin your education on real estate agent safety.

Real Estate Agent Showings

Real estate agents must plan to stay safe in open houses and showings. Check out some of these realtor safety statistics for showings and open houses. 

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), real estate agents’ work schedules often include evenings and weekends. 
• NAR reports that 35% of Realtors who were surveyed met a new or prospective buyer or seller alone at a secluded location or property.
• In 2023, 85% showed a house alone, compared to 42% in 2022.
• NAR commercial real estate safety statistics show that the typical commercial real estate professional meets prospective clients whom they’ve never met before 59% of the time, either at their office or in a neutral location. 
• Also, 18% of commercial agents surveyed said they felt unsafe hosting a showing alone.

Realtor Cyberattacks & Deepfakes With AI

Deepfakes are when a perpetrator uses artificial intelligence (AI) to impersonate someone’s appearance or voice. They’ve been used in real estate to impersonate buyers, sellers, and agents to sell a house and pocket the money without the knowledge of the party who they’re impersonating.

Real estate agents deal with sensitive information regarding people’s finances, contracts, and legal matters. Due diligence is necessary when dealing with cyberattacks, identity theft, and deepfakes using AI to trick agents and consumers. Check out some of these realtor safety statistics on deepfakes and cybersafety. 

• In August 2023, MLS system provider Rapattoni was a victim of a cyberattack, causing outages across the US. Rapattoni covers 5% of real estate associations in the US, particularly those with under 10,000 members.
• There were 5.5 million reports to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2023 for identity theft, imposter scams, and credit bureau info furnishers and report users. $10.3 billion was lost to fraud.
• According to the Identity Fraud Report from Sumsub, deepfakes increased tenfold across all industries from 2022 to 2023, including a whopping surge of 1,740% in North America.
• According to Statista, phishing scams and personal data breaches were among the most reported cybercrimes in 2022. Over 300,000 people fell victim to phishing attacks. Data breaches were another area of fraud, costing US organizations over $9 million on average as of January 2023.

Construction & Renovation Sites

Realtors must be diligent when visiting construction sites and renovation projects since injuries can occur from falling objects or slipping. Check out these construction site stats.

• The BLS reports 1,069 fatal injuries at construction sites in 2022 and 598 in the business and professional services sectors. 
• Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) reports that real estate agents face significant risks when touring construction sites or renovation projects, like injuries from slips, machinery, or falling objects. 

Car Accidents

Real estate agents spend a lot of time in their cars, so they must also be mindful of road safety when driving to appointments. Avoid talking on the phone and texting while driving. Also, pay attention. Distracted driving can happen when you are lost in thought. 

• In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 3,308 people were killed and around 289,310 people were injured in automobile crashes involving distracted drivers.
• According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 28% of distracted driver fatalities were between the ages of 21 and 64, so it is not just teenagers who can become distracted. However, it is more prevalent among younger people. 

Men Are Vulnerable Too

While most Realtors are women (66% according to NAR), men are also at risk of assault and other dangers in the field.

• The NAR Member Safety Residential Report showed that 14% of male real estate agents said they had an encounter in which they felt threatened and unsafe.
• Residential NAR members said that they follow personal safety plans with all clients. The planning is more common among females, with 73% reporting, but 59% of males also have a safety plan that they use with their clients.

Real Estate Safety Tips

Here are some real estate agent safety tips related to the above topics that you can immediately implement.

Safety Tips for Showings & Open Houses

• Take extra precautions in locations with fewer places. Also, don’t go alone into places that are dark and vacant.
• Park on the street instead of in the driveway, where someone else’s car can block yours and prevent your escape
• Swap your favorite high heels for flats, and wear practical clothing that will make fleeing danger easier.
• Don’t enter a home’s smallest spaces, such as basements and walk-in closets, which don’t have an egress point. Instead, let your clients explore these on their own. 

Cyberattacks & Deepfakes

• Use watermarks on documents and materials to guarantee authenticity.
• Use encrypted email and messaging accounts for secure messaging.
• Ask your brokerage to provide cybersecurity training.
• Trust but verify callers. Never share personal information over the phone, text, or email.

Construction Site Safety

• Wear a hard hat, safety goggles, and a reflective vest at construction sites.
• Dress for safety when showing a fixer-upper or new construction. This attire includes appropriate shoes, long pants, and nothing that could get caught onto something.
• Instruct buyers to dress appropriately when touring these sites.
• When showing raw land, wear long pants, and don’t wander off into unmarked areas. Pay attention to weather conditions before touring large parcels.
• Watch out for slick sidewalks and steps, and follow any posted warning signs.

Car Accident Safety Tips

• Set your phone to Do Not Disturb while driving. If you must take a call, find a safe place to pull over.
• Keep using hands-free or talk-to-text phone features to a minimum since it’s still easy to get distracted.
• Preview your route before traveling to a new location. Check for road work, inclement weather, and delays.
• Keep up with auto maintenance. You don’t want to get stranded!

Bringing It All Together

September is NAR Realtor Safety Awareness Month, but you should practice real estate agent safety throughout your career. Stay alert, be diligent, and use our articles and guides to stay safe. Do you have any unique strategies you’ve used to keep safe? Share in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

The post Realtor Safety Month: Resources for Agents & Teams appeared first on The Close.

In today’s real estate climate, agents need a personal brand more than ever. Rory Vaden said it best when he described personal branding as “the digitization of your reputation.” But how do you “digitize” the reputation you’ve built? When it comes to building your real estate brand, having experience and expertise doesn’t matter if people don’t even know you exist. Here’s the good news: I’m breaking down the exact steps you need to take to build a magnetic personal brand so you can stop chasing clients and start attracting them. 

What Is Real Estate Branding & What Makes a Great Brand?

Simply put, real estate branding is the consistent techniques and strategies professionals use to market their services, build authority in the real estate space, and attract clients. As a senior brand strategist at Sell It, Owner of Elevate Design Studios, and host of the podcast Not Nice. Clever, I’ve worked with hundreds of agents nationwide and beyond on building their personal brands. My mission is to help real estate agents learn how to leverage realtor branding to create a life and business they love.

Ever wondered what makes great branding? It’s the magic that compels you to grab Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes instead of the generic store brand. Why? Because Frosted Flakes are not just cereal, “they’re grrreat!” And who told you that? Tony the Tiger, your childhood companion.

You’ve watched him on TV, sharing breakfast moments with kids ready to tackle the day. He’s dominated billboards off local highways, and when you spot him on the cereal aisle, it’s like seeing an old friend. What’s the appeal of Tony? He’s not just any tiger; he’s 6’3″ of authority and approachability, a figure both kids and the young at heart can respect and admire. Even though those generic Sugary Flakes might taste just as good, there’s a trust factor with Tony that keeps us loyal.

So what does this teach us? If you want to build a loyal following, you have to create a magnetic brand.  

Elements of a Magnetic Real Estate Brand + Examples

It’s easy to think of a real estate brand as a logo or catchy tagline. While those elements may be part of your brand, they are definitely not in and of themselves your brand. There are five key elements that every real estate brand needs. Below, I’ve shared each aspect along with real estate branding examples. Use the guiding questions and the examples to begin to craft your personal brand.

You might be surprised at how much you already know about your real estate branding that you aren’t leveraging yet. While you may know these things about your brand, the bigger question is, are you sharing this with your audience in a meaningful way?

Let’s dive in. 

Element 1: Your Brand Story

How did you get here? What transformation happened that has led you to this place? Why should people trust you?

Think back to before you went into real estate and reflect on the journey it took for you to get here. Maybe you were in a whole other industry, or you were drawn to real estate right out of high school. Name the reasons you entered this industry and the skills you learned before becoming a real estate agent. All these things brought you to this point, so add them to your brand story. People love to hear stories—don’t be afraid to tell them yours!  

Example of a Great Brand Story

Ryan Serhant exemplifies the power of a compelling brand story. Whether you’ve followed his journey on Million Dollar Listing, dove into his insightful books like “Brand It Like Serhant,” or stumbled upon him while scrolling through Instagram, his story captivates. It’s the classic “from rags to riches” tale, resonating with many, yet remaining aspirational. Consistently sharing where he’s been AND where he’s going instills hope and motivation in his audience, ensuring his brand remains unforgettable, leaving the audience thinking: “If he can do it, I could do it too.”

Serhant and Inman (Source: @ryanserhant)

Serhant representing his brand (Source: Facebook)

Book branding with fun real estate headshot (Source: Amazon)

Element 2: Your Brand Values

What do you stand for? What do you believe? How do you serve your clients? 

Your core brand values are the business beliefs you hold near and dear to your heart and wish to instill in all your clients. Think about your brand values as the integrity and backbone of your business—things like transparency, teamwork, expertise, diversity, and quality service—the qualities you would want in a real estate agent. Write them down and prioritize the values that are most important to you. 

Example of Great Brand Values

Glennda Baker, Realtor extraordinaire in Atlanta, Georgia, has built an incredible personal brand rooted in her values. Her content feels effortless to the viewer because it’s rooted in radical authenticity. Her ability to tell stories that draw you in, lean into vulnerability (have you listened to Glitter and Gay?!?), and show off her real estate prowess while maintaining her flavor of southern charm is captivating. Her brand calls in the right people for her and repels the rest. And just in case there’s any confusion … she’s been doing this since “Jesus was a baby.” 

Glitter and Gay podcast (Source: @glenndabaker)

Helping clients move (Source: Facebook)

Relationship marketing podcast (Source: ReminderMedia)

Element 3: Your Brand Attitude

Is your realtor branding humorous or proper? Playful or Zen? What’s the overall vibe? 

If you’re unsure about your overall vibe, here are two things you can do. 

• Send a text to six people, including two friends, two colleagues, and two past clients. Ask them to describe you in three words. See if there are any themes that you can lean into. And if you don’t like the words they chose, decide to show up differently and choose the words that resonate with who you are becoming. 
• Write a list of things you’re not. Sometimes, it’s helpful to work backward. I’d likely write that I’m not stuffy or proper. Knowing what I’m not can help me hone in on what I am.

Example of a Great Brand Attitude 

Shawn King, the witty Realtor from Toronto, is known for his humorous and satirical approach to real estate content. With his innovative editing style and comedic skits, he effortlessly connects with his audience, making himself instantly approachable. Shawn’s content is not just hilarious but also remarkably relatable. He possesses a knack for transforming what could easily be seen as mundane real estate topics into captivating and engaging content. With each post, he keeps his audience on their toes, leaving them eagerly anticipating his next creative twist.

Spicy real estate tips (Source: @sha.king)

Shawn King and The Close collaboration (Source: YouTube)

Funny Instagram post (Source: Instagram)

Element 4: Your Unique Value Proposition

Why should people choose you over your competition? What makes you better? 

This element requires you to take a good, hard look at yourself and your competitors. Other realtors can assist clients with buying and selling a property, so you need to decide what makes you unique from the other real estate agents out there. Your unique value proposition (USP) ties into your values. For example, if you value expertise, your USP could impart real estate education to your clients throughout the transaction. 

Example of a Great Unique Value Proposition

Meet Marie Keaney, a SoCal Realtor with a unique twist. Formerly a teacher, Marie’s passion for education shines through in her work. That’s why she’s launched the innovative Teacher Give Back Program. When you choose to work with Marie, she donates to the teacher of her client’s choice. It’s a heartwarming initiative she showcases regularly on social media, sharing touching stories of the teachers impacted. Marie’s blend of real estate expertise and philanthropy is the defining factor that sets her real estate agent branding apart.

Teacher Give Back in action (Source: @homesbymarie)

Marie meeting up with a former student (Source: Facebook)

Client advice (Source: LinkedIn)

Element 5: Your Brand Look & Feel

What colors and fonts will you use? Is your logo modern and minimal or in your face? 

While it’s tempting to pick your favorite color and fonts, it’s necessary to think outside the box to choose a color and font that will stand out visually and against competitors. Once you’ve decided on your business name, test multiple color and font options on real estate brand marketing materials to see which are visually appealing (especially from a distance). Print out competitor materials and place them next to yours to have friends and family pick the most standout look and feel to ensure it’s yours—if not, change it up! 

Example of a Great Brand Look & Feel 

Paige Fingerhut Charnick, the broker-owner of Beach Equities in Long Beach, CA, recognized the importance of aligning her brokerage’s visual identity with its exceptional service. Established in 1972, the brokerage underwent a logo refresh in 2014, but Paige understood it was time for a fresh update. She realized that as her brand messaging evolved, so should its appearance. 

Drawing inspiration from the California coastline, Paige worked with Elevate Design Studios to curate a color palette that captures the region’s essence. With a keen eye on honoring the professional legacy of the brand, they carefully selected fonts that exude sophistication. Introducing a sun icon infused the brand with a renewed sense of vitality and energy. This transformation highlights the vital role of a visually compelling identity in ushering in a new era of an established real estate brand.

How to Build a Brand With the 3C Method

Knowing each of the elements of a real estate brand is helpful, but how do you go deeper? After working with hundreds of agents nationwide and beyond, I’ve found that you have two choices: You can build your personal brand with intention, or consumers will assign one for you. 

If you’re anything like me, you would like to be in control of your future, which means you need to control your real estate branding. But where do you start? I’ve created the 3C Method to Magnetic Personal Branding to build your real estate brand, and I’m breaking it down for you here. 

Before you build that website, hire a logo designer, host that next event, or write your brand story, sit down and think through the 3C Method outlined below. This is the not-so-sexy part of branding that is absolutely crucial to building a brand that actually connects.

Clients

Building your real estate brand begins with defining your target audience and intimately knowing their problems. When you’re clear about your niche audience, you can make informed decisions on how to curate your brand. 

Ask yourself these questions to clarify the clients you want to work with.

For instance, if you find that your passion and realtor branding resonates best with millennial first-time homebuyers, dig into that niche. Know about their fears of not being able to afford to purchase a home or save for a down payment and lean into that. 

Hone in on your experience working with these individuals and answer your client’s questions before they even ask them with content that demonstrates you understand their struggles. Share stories of past clients like them. All of these things are possible when you know who you’re talking to and understand what you bring to the table.

Content & Collateral

Sharing content that documents the work you’re already doing will amplify your brand. Consistent content and marketing ideas accelerate the trust-building process with your audience and build brand awareness. Use content to share your unique approach and perspective and to craft the narrative of who you are and how you can help. 

What type of Content will you create? 

• IG Reels/Stories
• YouTube videos
• Podcast episodes
• TikTok videos
• Facebook posts
• LinkedIn articles
• Email newsletters

Collateral Examples 

• Booklets/Brochures
• Buyer’s Guide/Seller’s Guide
• Listing checklist
• Presentations
• Flyers

Suppose your niche is working with individuals searching for 55-plus communities. In that case, you might lean more toward creating collateral like flyers and postcards than posting on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, as only 6.3% of TikTok users are 55-plus years of age. However, direct mail in this demographic shows that 50% of Boomers prefer direct mail. Once you know your first C (clients), tailoring your next C (content and collateral) becomes much easier. 

Collaborations & Features

Growing your audience is key to building your brand. The fastest way to grow is by collaborating with brands with similar audiences and values. Seek out opportunities to collaborate and be featured within the industry and beyond. 

How will you collaborate? Who will you collaborate with?

• Going live with others
• Podcast features
• Cross-marketing email campaigns
• Event collaborations
• Fundraiser collaborations
• Reel collaboration

Where will you be featured?

• Local news
• Online publications
• Print publications
• Blog posts

Real Estate Branding Tips

In today’s digital age, your online reputation is more crucial than ever. It’s not just about what people say about you in your community—it’s also about how you’re perceived online. Your digital footprint can make or break your real estate brand. That’s why managing and cultivating your online reputation is essential. 

Here are some additional tips you should use: 

• Gather your brand basics like your real estate bio, headshots, business cards, and slogan.
• Claim your profiles on relevant platforms like Google My Business, Zillow, and social media channels. 
• Ensure your contact information is accurate and up to date.
• Regularly engage with your audience by responding to reviews, comments, and messages. 
• Consistently share valuable content and showcase your expertise online to enhance credibility and shape your brand’s perception. 
• Include your real estate agent branding ideas in a well-thought-out real estate marketing plan and budget for these items.
• (If you feel comfortable) Post personal photos or videos to accentuate your brand and show yourself outside of real estate.

Branded collateral (Source: Candice Carcioppolo)

Branded business cards (Source: Candice Carcioppolo)

Branded stationery collection (Source: Candice Carcioppolo)

By digitizing your reputation, you build trust and create a solid online presence that attracts clients and sets you apart from the competition.

Bringing It All Together

Reflection and direction are the name of the game when it comes to intentionally building your real estate brand. Remember, it’s not just about creating a logo or crafting clever slogans. It’s truly about authentically communicating who you are, what you stand for, and how you serve your community. 

When you harness the power of the 3C Method to Magnetic Personal branding—clarifying your target audience, creating compelling content, and seeking strategic collaborations—you’re not just creating a brand, you’re crafting an experience that will set you apart in today’s market. So, go ahead, dive deep into your brand story, infuse it with your values, and let your unique perspective shine through.

The post Real Estate Branding: The Complete Guide for Agents appeared first on The Close.

This 9,625 SF San Francisco home in Pacific Heights is represented by Max Armour of Compass.

2830 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco
6 BED | 6 BATH | 2 HBA | Offered at $35,000,000

Built in 1910, 2830 Pacific Avenue has been fully restored and modernized to capture the original integrity of the home’s Georgian Colonial architecture while ushering it into the 21st-century. The current owners honored the home’s past while creating their version of a private family oasis in the heart of San Francisco’s captivating Pacific Heights.

An elegant and peaceful refuge nestled within a vibrant city, the renowned Pacific Heights district runs alongside infamous hills that rise from the Marina and run along an east-west ridge between the Presidio and Van Ness Avenue and encompass the most iconic views of the Bay. This sophisticated enclave is home to some of the city’s stunning architecture styles, record breaking homes along Billionaire’s Row, world-renowned Michelin Star restaurants, and borders the serene natural beauty of Presidio National Park. 

Sparing no expense, this elegant 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom, and 2 half-bathroom residence was restored using only the highest quality craftsmanship and millwork. From the marble front steps past the columned entry to the grand staircase, to the soaring ceilings, oversized windows, and elongated sight lines, the home’s unparalleled scale and elegant symmetry capture the essence of a well lived life.

Abundant natural light, garden outlooks, and unobstructed views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge give 2830 Pacific Avenue a sense of calmness and offers a tranquil, private reprieve from the dynamic city just outside your front door. 

Watch the video tour here.
Learn more at www.2830pacificavenue.com

About Max Armour

In Max’s two decades of experience, he’s built a reputation as an agent who delivers value in every transaction by giving each client everything he has. His professionalism, work ethic, and drive have led to him being consistently ranked in the top 1% of San Francisco real estate agents for over a decade. Instilled with youthful energy and unrelenting dedication, he’s a sought-after agent and expert at garnering exposure in San Francisco’s highly-competitive market, with over $1.5 billion in sales for clients in his career.

Max blends an innovative approach—constantly evolving and utilizing the latest trends in real estate—with a focus on truly understanding each client’s unique priorities. Whether you’re buying or selling, he understands that in a time of transition, you need someone who will exercise discretion, while turning over every stone to ensure your success.

As a Russian Hill native and Northside expert, Max has unparalleled understanding of the city’s niched neighborhoods and nuanced microclimates. He enlists his extensive network of relationships and deep knowledge of every neighborhood, street, and house in the area to stay ahead of the game and deliver value for his clients.

Listed by Max Armour
415.290.6058
max.armour@compass.com
DRE 01446122

The post Historic Home Allures in San Francisco’s Iconic Gold Coast first appeared on California Real Estate Blog.

Set upon almost an acre of park-like land in the Pacific Palisades, this newly-constructed estate evokes grand, traditional charm, coupled with contemporary flair, and an unmatched indoor-outdoor California living experience.

Envisioned by the city’s premier luxury development group, Palisades Development Company, this masterpiece offers elevated design sensibility and high-end amenities in an unparalleled ocean view setting. A long private driveway leads to your deluxe motor court and elevated glass front door, welcoming you to the ultimate entertainment compound.

Open, sun drenched living spaces, ground-to-ceiling doors, french oak floors, and imported designer finishes encompass a purposeful layout with 11-foot ceilings throughout.

A state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen with an attached butlers pantry, a designer office, temperature-controlled wine cellar, cabana, and wellness studio equipped with an infrared sauna and steam shower, sums up the main level and allows a seamless flow to the outside oasis from any room.

Upstairs, an elegant primary suite showcases vaulted ceilings, a balcony, fireplace, two expansive closets, spa baths, and panoramic ocean views.

In total, 7 bedrooms, 12 baths, and all of today’s necessities such as an elevator, two sets of laundry units, a four-car garage, an impressive lower level with an oversize theater, gym, and extra guest quarters complete this masterfully crafted home. Enjoy multi-leveled deck space, a heated pool, a sprawling hillside, containing a variety of trees, producing seasonal vegetables, fruits, and herbs, al fresco dining, and a lounge area with an outdoor fireplace as the sun sets.

Truly a one-of-a-kind property in a highly desired location close to hiking, shopping, beach living, and all the Palisades community has to offer. 15975 Alcima Avenue, Pacific Palisades is listed at $25,995,000 by Aaron Kirman.

The post Cape-Cod Style Estate Stuns in Pacific Palisades  first appeared on California Real Estate Blog.

The crown jewel of San Francisco’s skyline, 999 Green Street’s spectacular penthouse apartments afford panoramic views from The Summit’s glass-encased tower.

Designed by famed developer, Joseph Eichler, and owned by San Francisco’s most beloved couple George Shultz and Charlotte Maillard Shultz, both North and South-facing penthouses evoke a statement-making sense of grandeur with floor-to-ceiling glass and grand staircases that link two lavish levels.

Sold together or separately, these one-of-a-kind penthouses have come to the market just twice since inception in 1973.

Set within a full-service, luxury skyrise with 24-hour doorman, and located in prime Russian Hill near hip cafes and eateries, penthouse living includes deeded parking and extra storage.

Thoughtfully designed with shared common areas, including two connecting hallways and on-floor storage, both North and South towers have the capacity to operate independently or together as one.

999 Green Street, Unit 3201 and 999 Green Street, Unit 3202 in San Francisco are represented by Compass agents Max Armour and Karen Mendelsohn Gould.

The post The Green Street Penthouses: The Crown Jewel of San Francisco’s Skyline first appeared on California Real Estate Blog.

Before there was a Sea Cliff neighborhood, there was One 25th. Featured in Wall Street Journal, this proud and welcoming Italianate-Victorian home stood alone on the bluffs of the area’s now-famous cliffs offering respite and privacy for the San Francisco family that built it. Grand scale and updated amenities in the home’s many inviting spaces bring modern livability even as the irrepressible charm of countless original Old World details calls to the past. Spectacular Golden Gate Bridge views light up many of the home’s rooms making this a truly one-of-a-kind property with stature and prominence rarely seen on the market.    

The main level’s tall ceilings and ultra-wide towering doors, custom-built fireplaces with massive surrounds, and dark-wood parquet floors and trim bring an inviting elegance that makes any room the perfect place to relax with family or guests. The scale and volume of these spaces is something you don’t often find today and is evident the minute you step from the dramatic foyer into the living room, where large picture windows boasting jaw-dropping Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headland, and ocean views command your attention.

Any family will find numerous cozy spaces and alcoves to appreciate together and enjoy the modern-day amenities, such as an integrated sound system, keyless entry and video security system for peace of mind, and luxuriously updated kitchen and baths for everyday living.

This level also enjoys a well-maintained, sunlit south-facing courtyard that the U-shaped home embraces, with many rooms offering overlooks or outlets to the private, lush area. On the other side of the property, a generous terrace and deck beckon with more dramatic views, gentle ocean sounds, and a wooden stairway leading to a ground-level deck and secure access to venerable Baker Beach.

Upstairs, a tasteful primary suite and a thoughtful dressing room/office, with more turn-of-the-century details and hand-crafted moldings, boast epic Golden Gate Bridge views from every window. A walk-in closet and two more primary baths with dramatic ocean views make the suite even more inviting. Three more bedrooms, all with updated en suite baths, two with Juliet balconies, and one with a sunny terrace overlooking the courtyard, complete the level.

A pent-level offers a generous activity room perfect for family night, another guest suite, and two sunny walkout terraces that provide a great place to take in the crisp ocean air and enjoy dramatic unobstructed Golden Gate Bridge views.  

The 8,495-square-foot residence sits at the end of a cul-de-sac and offers an impossible-to-find presence and legacy in the heart of the enviable Sea Cliff neighborhood. The esteemed family that built this house in 1908 was inspired to do so after the 1906 earthquake and fire, finding the bluffs of Sea Cliff the perfect place to regroup and continue to write their prominent San Francisco legacy. The family’s daughter, Phoebe Hearst Brown, was only 4 years old when the home was built and remembers “nothing else there but sand dunes, lupine, and rabbits.”

One 25th Avenue, San Francisco is listed at $39,000,000 by Compass agent Neal Ward.

The post Home of the Week: Historic Sea Cliff Italianate-Victorian first appeared on California Real Estate Blog.

Designed by leading Atherton architect of Pacific Peninsula Group, this one-of-a-kind estate is Menlo Park’s most expensive listing to date.

Listed at $26,499,000 by Compass Menlo Park agent Judy Citron, 1340 Arbor Road is a three-story masterpiece reimagined by renowned Pacific Peninsula Architecture. A second parcel located at the front entrance, priced separately, offers the opportunity to develop an additional home or create a family compound. When combined, the 2+ acre property would amount to Menlo Park’s largest residential lot.

A fully circular driveway sets the stage for chic sophistication throughout the property, including light and bright interiors complemented by matte-finished white oak floors. Architectural details include exceptional millwork, detailed ceilings, and layers of crown and wall moldings.

The open kitchen/family room is a triumph of design ready for everyday living, brightened by four skylights in the towering ceiling and French doors opening to the grounds on three sides. The kitchen features Calacatta Lincoln marble counters, including an island with seating, plus a suite of Wolf, Miele, and Sub-Zero appliances. A large casual dining area with built-in desk center is set to one side while a fully customized mud room on the opposite side offers exceptional functionality and secondary access to the lower level. 

The layout features five en-suite bedrooms including one downstairs. The primary suite is located upstairs – an exceptional retreat with sitting room, couture closet, and spa-inspired bath. Three additional bedroom suites are just down the hall. 

The unfinished lower level, with towering ceilings and numerous windows, offers more than 2,400 square feet which may be used for recreation, a theater, and fitness – or whatever your lifestyle choices may be.Additional amenities include multi-zoned air conditioning, Nest thermostats, a distributed sound system, and programmable lighting. Outside, the level grounds are an enchanting, park-like setting with the opportunity to add recreational amenities.

Set in a premier location in Menlo Park, just two blocks from downtown conveniences on Santa Cruz Avenue and close to excellent Menlo Park public and private schools, 1340 Arbor Road is an unforgettable property that captures the ambiance of an Atherton estate.

The post This Architectural Masterpiece is Menlo Park’s Most Expensive Listing first appeared on California Real Estate Blog.

Perfectly sited among the rolling hills of Central Portola Valley, this timeless contemporary estate was custom built with exceptional attention to detail and material selection.

Beautifully patinated Italian metal doors open to extend the living space outside, with a sweeping loggia overlooking the pool on one side, and a central courtyard with a majestic heritage Oak tree on the other.

The great room, crowned by 20-foot exposed beam ceilings, features an open concept living room, dining area, and chef’s kitchen with expansive island and LaCanche range.

The primary suite offers a luxurious bathroom with a soaking tub and direct access to a private rose garden and spa.

Set back from the main property, the guest house offers a luxurious space for visitors or additional flexible living space with a full kitchen and bathroom.

380 Cervantes Road, Portola Valley is listed at $10,500,000 by The reSolve Group.

The post Contemporary Portola Valley Estate first appeared on California Real Estate Blog.

Situated on a spectacular hilltop overlooking the Ross Valley and Mt. Tamalpais is Quail Hill, a private 14+ acre enclave of unparalleled beauty, privacy and security.

A hybrid of both Mid-Century and contemporary Japanese architecture, the home has a clean and minimalistic design. A naturally flat building site allows for the multi-wing 11,565 square foot home with six bedroom suites to be sited on single-level living cantilevering out into the native oak landscape.

The landscaping, designed by Nagao Sakuri, is integral to the overall design of the home, with countless moments, interruptions, controlled outlooks, and multi-season plantings.

Thirteen-foot high ceilings and impeccable scale create rooms that are comfortable and infinitely livable with expansive walls of glass all around that take advantage of the sweeping views and wide panoramas.

Quail Hill offers the unique opportunity to acquire one of the largest and most private properties in Marin County. Adjacent parcels are available.

21 Canyon Road, Ross is listed at $29 million by Compass agent Neal Ward.

The post Japanese-Inspired Mid-Century Featured in Architectural Digest first appeared on California Real Estate Blog.

This peaceful gated estate home has an exceptional floor plan including four attached bedrooms with Pacific Ocean, Maui, sunset and Kohala Mountain views.

This property is located on a private cul-de-sac with an attached three car garage, extremely close to resort amenities.

The 12-foot entry doors open to the foyer and great room which offer golf course and ocean views. The gourmet kitchen has ample counter space, a large island with prep sink and breakfast bar.

Appliances include a Wolf six-burner range, double door refrigerator, under-counter Sub-Zero wine cooler, and built-in microwave. The outdoor kitchen includes a built-in grill with hood, sink and under-counter fridge.

The primary bedroom wing includes a private study and bathroom with a massive outdoor shower. The junior suite features double sliding doors opening to views and a private lanai steps away from the spa.

The third bedroom suite features three bunk beds with a private living room and can sleep up to nine guests. This suite includes a soaking tub and walk-in shower. The fourth bedroom suite features double sliding doors opening to tranquil garden views.

The entertainment room is a generous space for movies, sports, fitness, a second office or 5th bedroom. Granite countertops, travertine flooring, and mahogany cabinetry is found throughout the home. The high plate height and tall doors accentuate the volume and spaces.

An enormous infinity edge pool and spa are decorated with fire pots and overlooks the 5th hole of Hualalai’s Jack Nicklaus-signature golf course.

72-103 Pohinahina Place, Kailua-Kona, HI is listed at $11,500,000 by Hawaii agents Tony L. Pinckert + Tom Loratta.

The post Luxurious Island Resort: Ka’ulu Estates first appeared on California Real Estate Blog.