Has our nation lost the appreciation for the art of craftsmanship?  One could assume so by being one of the millions taking a trip to the do-it-yourself locations like Home Depot.  I grew up in a house built in 1898.  I also grew up being “dragged” to auctions and antique stores on the weekends.  But, today, I am extremely grateful for the valuable lessons those weekend excursions taught me.  Growing up in a house with walls that were 12″ thick, oak hardwood floors (yes real oak, no laminates), ornate brass and crystal chandeliers, and beveled and stained glass throughout.  They truly don’t make houses the way they used to.

I understand building homes is a business for profit, but it is the art of craftsmanship that this nation was literally built on.  All of our ancestors were immigrants to this country and they built everything we take for granted today from the creativeness and passion that their hands could make.   This isn’t a lament — or not merely a lament — for bygone times. It’s a social and cultural issue, as well as an economic one. The Home Depot approach to craftsmanship — simplify it, dumb it down, hire a contractor — is one signal that mastering tools and working with one’s hands is receding in America as a hobby, as a valued skill, as a cultural influence that shaped thinking and behavior in vast sections of the country.

“In an earlier generation, we lost our connection to the land, and now we are losing our connection to the machinery we depend on,” says Michael Hout, a sociologist at the University of California, Berkeley. “People who work with their hands,” he went on, “are doing things today that we call service jobs, in restaurants and laundries, or in medical technology and the like.”

That’s one explanation for the decline in traditional craftsmanship. Lack of interest is another. The big money is in fields like finance. Starting in the 1980s, skill in finance grew in stature, and, as depicted in the news media and the movies, became a more appealing source of income.

“Young people grow up without developing the skills to fix things around the house,” says Richard T. Curtin, director of the Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. “They know about computers, of course, but they don’t know how to build them.”

As for craftsmanship itself, the issue is how to preserve it as a valued skill in the general population. The sociologist Ruth Milkman, argues that American craftsmanship isn’t disappearing as quickly as some would argue — that it has instead shifted to immigrants. “Pride in craft, it is alive in the immigrant world,” she says.

So, with all of this to ponder, you will understand how elated and honored I was to have Monarch Estates and Homes be hired as the exclusive agent to represent the most recent creation of Poppy Properties in Pacific Palisades, CA.  A magnificent expression of craftsmanship in this Modern Belgian Country Home.  The beams are over 100 years old and reclaimed from Missouri, the rooftop is Pennsylvania Slate, the exterior woods for the gates and doors are reclaimed from old horse stables.  The walls are plastered and waxed, the curve of the staircase and the slope of the roof are architectural feats in and of themselves.  This home was built with pride and the care of detailed craftsmanship.

I am so happy to be working alongside a group of brilliant and mindful developers who put pride in the craft of their product.  Their homes will leave a lasting legacy, just like the home I grew up in, in Kentucky.  Craftsmanship is vital to our nations existence.  You have the power to vote with your dollar.  There is a difference and you have an opportunity to make a difference, if you choose to do so.

If you’d like to set up your own private showing of this Magnificent Belgian Country Home, click here. 

For those of us who call Malibu home, we know how special it is.  Larry Ellison has shown his love of Malibu by his investment in land and real estate.  Ellison, Oracle CEO, has staked his territorial claim on Carbon Beach, also known as “Billionaire Beach”.   While Pacific Coast Hwy may be at your front door, the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the crescent-shaped, Carbon Beach is at your back door.  Isn’t the saying, ‘back door guests are best’?  Definitely true in this case.

Larry Ellison has almost a dozen homes on the 1.5 mile stretch of Carbon Beach.  Additionally, he has renovated two commercial properties on PCH that are amazing examples of architectural beauty; definitely enhancing the Malibu landscape.  Plus, he’s just begun the process of renovating the beloved Casa Malibu.  That’s not counting the other properties he owns on the land side of Malibu in and near Serra Retreat. Also on the land side, Ellison has clearly put great care and attention to detail, in the work he’s done at the Malibu Racquet Club.

Ranked as the third-richest person nationwide by Forbes magazine, with a fortune estimated at $43 billion, Larry Ellison owns multiple estates in Northern California and several Lake Tahoe houses. His Rancho Mirage mansion sports a golf course. As most are aware, last year he bought most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai for more than $500 million.  Malibu is a small town and some fear the power of such wealth.  He’s proven he has a vested interest in the future of Malibu.  May be understandable in that with just his Carbon Beach residential purchases, he now owns 14% of the 70-home enclave, not including the commercial properties.

From where we sit at Monarch Estates and Homes, Larry Ellison’s love of Malibu is much appreciated.  He has taken great care in the homes he’s purchased and the commercial properties have enhanced Malibu’s way of life!

Photo by Emily Ekman

One of my luxury real estate colleagues from the East Coast, Jack Cotton, recently posted a blog about luxury real estate lessons.  I found it so relevant that I wanted to re-post and add to his input.  I’ve been a Realtor since 1997 and have had the pleasure of working in multiple cities/states since that time.  Having done so, gives me a unique perspective of the luxury real estate business of which I am very grateful for.

I completely agree with Jack’s philosophy – when dealing with luxury clients, the only character traits that matters is integrity and honesty.  Here are the luxury real estate lessons that he posted:

• Luxury clients reached their station in life most often via their people skills

• They have great BS detectors
• Act accordingly in Luxury and in fact, all price ranges, in real estate:
  • Integrity
  • Honesty
  • Pretend your clients are looking over your shoulder when talking about them or their property.

I recently posted a blog/video that mentioned two properties that our company had been managing cumulatively for over 15 years that have sold.  The broker for the listing agent for those two properties called me because they were so upset that I was promoting that we were the ones that sold it. Clearly, I didn’t fall off a turnip truck yesterday – I never claimed that we sold or even listed the properties.  The truth, our clients properties sold; while our brokerage was not the listing agent on those properties, I assure you, Monarch played a key role in those properties selling and we have testimonials from both owners stating accordingly.  In addition to that, both buyers (new owners) for those properties have contacted us to use our services since their respective sales.  Definitely pays to know how to take care of luxury real estate properties beyond the transaction.

What is the point?  Integrity and Honesty are all that matter.  Because of what we do at Monarch Estates and Homes, we are very clear that our clients could be looking over our shoulders at everything we do, at any time.  We just had a call today with a client regarding a luxury listing in Pacific Palisades where we are not only selling the property, we are providing lifestyle concierge and estate management services as well.  We not only have to facilitate the real estate transaction, we have to understand the intricacies of the lifestyle services both the seller and buyer will require.  So, there’s no BS at Monarch Estates.  We are as transparent as it gets.

We don’t hide behind a corporate labyrinth  – we have built our company from the ground up, working for luxury clients that have zero tolerance for the “tap and dance” show that sometimes comes with luxury real estate.  We learned that luxury real estate lesson early on.  So, make sure you check your BS detector the next time you hire a luxury real estate agent.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Mothers Day is this Sunday.  It’s a day that’s really important for so many people to thank their mothers for being so great.  But when flowers, chocolates or a Michael Bublé CD just won’t cut it  - how about one (or all) of these incredible luxurious Mothers Day gifts this year?!  Here are our top three recommendations for ‘Ridiculously Generous Mothers Day Gifts’ for your lovely Mother this year.  Go on, spoil her rotten!

In At Number 3: 

Révive: Peau Magnifique Duo For Face And Eyes

Available at Harrods: Priced at: $1620

New skin, no trauma. Your skin is an amazing organ with a natural propensity to repair itself. When skin is traumatised, underlying reserve skin cells go into action to repair and renew as quickly as possible.  Inspired by this natural repair action, Dr. Brown creates Peau targeted treatments, with RES Technology and a breakthrough Bio-3 Cell Renewal Complex, to mimic this repair action without traumatising the skin.  This limited-edition collection features two Peau Magnifique Youth Recruiting treatments in a luxurious keepsake box.

Number 2: 

LOUIS ROEDERER: Cristal Methuselah 6000ml

Available at Selfridges: Priced at:  $11,150

With only ten allocated to the UK this is a very rare release of the highest quality champagne, presented in this luxury gift box, it is truly a drink to savor.

The Winner, Number 1: 

Hermès Vintage: Birkin Large Grained Leather Tote. 

Available at Harvey Nichols: Priced at:  $24,000

This Vintage Hermès blue grained leather tote has two top handles, designer stamp, feet at base, pouch with key, gold hardware, internal zip fastening and patch pockets and a padlock fastening straps at flap front.  A stunning bag and a real statement of luxury.

Need help getting something luxurious for Mom on Mothers Day?  Just give our Monarch Concierge a call and they’ll take care of anything you need!

Photo by Emily Ekman

Time for a quick recap of the Malibu real estate report.  Numbers are steady for the month of April in Malibu.

Total numbers of homes sold for April is pretty much flat to last year, as is the Average Days on the Market.  Some good news to share in the Avg. Sale Price to List Price ratio compared to last year; it is up by 13%.

The Average Sold and List Price numbers are bit skewed from last year due to a $21 million dollar sale for one of our client’s properties in Point Dume.  The highest sale for this April was also from one of our clients on Malibu Road, that sold for just over $10 million.  Currently, there are 246 homes ready for you to move into today.  Prices range from $450,000 up to $54,000,000.   So, there’s plenty of choices for you to come and enjoy the Malibu way of life and that’s your wrap up for the Malibu real estate market update.

For more on Malibu real estate, visit Monarch Estates and Homes.  Want a detailed report on Malibu, Pacific Palisades or Beverly Hills?

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Sign up to receive a weekly update here: [contact-form]

Broker/Agent does not guarantee the accuracy of the square footage, lot size or other information concerning the conditions or features of the property provided by the seller or obtained from Public Records or other sources. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of all information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. Copyright © 2013 by Combined L.A./Westside MLS, Inc. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This information was provided by Laura Doughty, Broker at Monarch Estates and Homes, DRE# 01861790 (laura@monarchestatesandhomes.com).

The most exciting two minutes in sports is upon us – it’s Kentucky Derby time!!  Since I hail from Kentucky, this is a time when we Kentuckians shine!!

So, ladies grab your most impressive hats and gentleman pull out that seersucker suit, one of the biggest and most fashion-forward sporting events of the year is upon us. The Kentucky Derby takes place today and features an impressive 20-horse lineup. In its 139th year, the race is the longest continuously running sports event in the country and is the first race of the annual United States Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in New York. The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I Stakes race and is held every year at the famous Churchill Downs racetrack in the beautiful town of Lousiville, Kentucky.  It is the grand finale of the Kentucky Derby Festival that precedes the two weeks before the race. Visitors will be brimming with delight as they view the largest annual fireworks display in North America and other special derby events like a balloon race and the Pegasus Parade, which is one of the largest parades in the U.S.

The Kentucky Derby is well known for its rich history and tales of triumph. Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., who was the grandson of William Clark of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition, organized the first race in 1875.  Clark had traveled to England and Paris to see the running of what were then the two most famous thoroughbred horse races in the world, the Epsom Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris. Wanting to establish a quality racing facility in the states that could handle an American race of the same caliber, Clark returned to Kentucky and organized the Louisville Jockey Club, which later raised enough money to build Churchill Downs. On May 17, 1875, an estimated crowd of 10,000 people watched as a field of 15 three-year-old horses ran in the first Derby. A colt named Aristides, who was trained by future Hall of Famer Ansel Williamson, won the inaugural race and later rode to a second-place finish in the Belmont Stakes. The Kentucky Derby has since made household names out of some of its most memorable winners, like Secretariat, who in 1973 set the record for the fastest Derby ever ran in a record that still stands today.

Over its 139-year history, the Kentucky Derby known as America’s Race™ has amassed dozens of traditions that Churchill Downs’ employees, horsemen and millions of Derby fans worldwide hold dear.  Great traditions: Garland of Roses, The Infield, Derby Trophy,  and the Silks.

From the iconic Twin Spires that overlook the track’s famous homestretch to the potent mint juleps that infuse Derby Day with “spirit,” traditions are an important part of the Derby experience.  They are offering Mint Juleps this year for $1000 – Check this out!  Every year, the Kentucky Derby Nation of fans looks forward to observing these storied rituals leading up to the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.”

So, get ready to watch the most exciting sports event you’ll ever see in two minutes.  But, before you begin, there’s one last tradition that can’t be left out  . . .

In the world of sports, there is not a more moving moment than when the horses step onto the track for the Kentucky Derby post parade and the band strikes up “My Old Kentucky Home.”

Entrepreneurship – can it be taught or not?  Both my parents are entrepreneurs and I definitely caught the bug at an early age.  I find this topic of whether you can teach entrepreneurship or not very interesting.   In a recent CNBC conversation, this topic was addressed with the power of a whole lot of money behind it – to the tune of $100 Million.  Here’s the article:

Entrepreneurs have always been a different breed. They see things differently—from risk and markets to work (which is constant) and conventional wisdom (which is best ignored).

But the question is: can the ability to be an entrepreneur or an economic disrupter be taught?

Ronald Perelman is betting that it can. The billionaire CEO and chairman of MacAndrews & Forbes announced on CNBC Thursday that he’s giving $100 million to the Columbia Business School to create a new facility aimed at creating the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

In an interview, Perelman said he believes that economic disrupters and entrepreneurs can be taught—up to a point.

“I think you can teach disruption,” he said. “I think you can give a student the tools for which to be disruptive, to think disruptive innovation. Some things are gut instinct. Entrepreneurship is one of those things. Fashion sense is. Music is one of those. You either have it or you don’t—not that it’s so great to have it.”

Glenn Hubbard, dean of the Columbia Business School, is more confident about the ability to teach entrepreneurs and leaders.

“This is a subject that can be taught,” he said. “And we’re working with students on it.” He added that the $100 million gift will “make it a reality for us.”

As to how the success of teaching entrepreneurs will be measured over time, Hubbard said they will track graduates and entrepreneurs to monitor the success.

He joked: “We will measure it. And Ronald will hold our feet to the fire.”

I look forward to their determination on this subject of entrepreneurship.  When it comes to luxury real estate, agents are required to take a test and they become licensed agents in their perspective states.  You can make the assumption that there is some level of entrepreneurial mindset for an agent to take that leap into the world of creating your own business.  The missing link is that in acquiring a real estate license, one is not schooled in the lessons of running a business.  Just as with any entrepreneurial undertaking, there is always the risk and the unknown that is a constant balancing act with forging ahead and becoming successful.

For me, entrepreneurship is something we all have within us.  Some just chose not to ignite that flame and that is their choice.  Those are the ones that help make it possible for the entrepreneurs to get things done.  Another question to consider is while you may have an entrepreneurship mindset, do you have the skill set to be successful?

Start your engines and get ready to explore the most expensive luxury garages in the world.  These luxury garages are quite amazing and have amenities from flat screen TVs to even having a custom bar for entertaining so you can keep a close eye on your prize car collection even while you have guests over!  Alright, jump in the car and let’s check out some luxury garages.   

The first garage that caught my eye is in Alexander City, AL and is owned by Tim Wellborn.  The cost of his 14,400 square foot, two-story luxury garage was $1,000,000.  This price tag is actually higher than the cost of their home!  The garage holds 12 cars upstairs and 6 cars downstairs.   The structure’s walls are made of New Orleans brick and it has an 8-seater entertainment theater along with a Cuban Mahogany bar.  

For the next stop on our tour of luxury garages, we head to Paradise Valley, AZ to Craig Jacksons home.  The garage for this $24,900,000 estate can hold up to 20 cars.  Now that’s great storage space!  This garage has a $400,000 show room, ‘50s inspired checkered floors, vintage gas pumps, and art deco columns and lighting.  That’s a luxury garage that I would want to have a sock hop in!

Our last luxury garage was featured on HGTV’s Million Dollar Rooms and cost the owner about $6,000,000!  The unique feature that contributed to the large price tag is the garage has a hydraulic elevator that allows access to the garage’s lower portion.  Each time the elevator is used it costs $25 in electricity.  Yikes!

Luxury garages or luxury homes, at Monarch Estates and Homes, we not only facilitate any real estate transaction but also provide estate management and lifestyle concierge services…including consulting on your next luxury garage project. 

When you think of items in your home, you probably don’t consider accessorizing your bathroom with the most expensive toilet.  Obviously, the bathroom is a very sacred place in the home and the main attraction of this room is the toilet.  In doing research on the most expensive toilet in the world, the term “throne” is an understatement for these luxurious fixtures.  However, before I reveal this king of all expensive toilets; let’s look at some of the runner-ups.

If you are interested in a very technologically advanced expensive toilet, your best bet will probably be the Toto Neorest 600.  This toilet opens/closes as you approach and leave it, has built-in air refreshing system, adjustable heated seat, hands-free automatic flushing, remote control and warm air dryer among other fabulous features.   What a smart toilet! This toilet will cost you about $5,000.  The company has other less expensive options as well, which start around $600 and up.

The next most expensive toilet is in a cave in Shanghai, China…literally! The Moon River Art Park constructed this man made cave and the grotto style bathroom that houses this famously expensive toilet.  The artistic potty costs them $750,00.  When the park opened in 2005, visitors waited up to 2 hours in line to be able to use this expensive toilet.  Quick, somebody get this toilet a publicist!

Now, for the most expensive toilet in the world.  Drum roll please, it is the solid gold toilet at Hang Fung Jeweler’s in Hong Kong.  This 24-karat golden masterpiece is located in their showroom’s restroom and cost around $5,000,000!  The Jeweler made the toilet when the rate for gold was $200 per ounce.   The company was very tempted to melt the expensive toilet down in 2008, because the gold rate had reached almost $1,000 per ounce but chose to melt down other fixtures in the golden restroom instead.

At Monarch Estates and Homes, we not only facilitate any real estate transaction but also provide estate management and lifestyle concierge services. While you may not be in the market for the most expensive toilet, we can help you in finding your next luxury toilet!

Real Estate Agents get a bad rap from clients for not answering or returning phone calls.  Sounds like a simple task, yes.  Unfortunately, just like in any business, there will always be agents who do not return phone calls and moreover, don’t show up to a scheduled property showing. In the competitive market of luxury real estate, having an agent that does not respond in a timely manner can cost the seller, the buyer and clearly the real estate agent.  How many “ringy-dingies” does a real estate agent need?

I’m a Southern girl who was raised from the time I was able to answer the phone, to answer it properly (Seriously – Hello, this is the Doughty residence, may I ask who’s calling?).  Having been in sales most of my life, answering calls is like depositing money into your bank account.  So, this concept of a real estate agent not answering phone calls or showing up on a scheduled property viewing is outside my realm of understanding.

Granted, we are in the age of technology and people have lost some manners and bring their phones everywhere and talk everywhere.  But, again, being a Southern girl, I will not answer a call when I am with another client.  BUT I WILL return that call within the hour or I will text another team member to follow up until I can speak with them personally.  Clients of the Monarch Team love that when they list their home with us, they know that buyers calling off of the sign, no matter what time, will have an answer within an hour. Buyers love that if they find their dream home while searching on our website, they wont miss out on the opportunity to write an offer because an agent took too long to get back to them.

Below are some of the most common reasons agents fail in returning phone calls and how the Monarch Team has been able to find solutions to keep our clients informed at all times:

1. The consumer is calling a number on a for-sale sign, thinking that it’s an agent’s number. It’s really the number for the front desk, and the receptionist is at lunch. Or the receptionist is a voice mailbox. Some real estate companies don’t let agents put their own number on the sign — probably for fear the agent won’t answer the phone, and a lead will be lost.

Solution: The Monarch Team has their own dedicated number for all sign calls, and all calls in general. We have dedicated lines for each agent, and if they are not in the office, the call is forwarded directly to their cell phone.

2. The phone number displayed with the property on the Internet is a general number for the office. After being put on hold, the caller gets an agent who just got her license last week, and who knows nothing about the property. This is only slightly better — and sometimes worse — than not getting the call answered at all. But this certainly isn’t unique to the real estate industry.

Solution: All calls are answered by a Monarch Team member and team members are up to date and have toured all of the listings the team has.

3. The buyer was sitting in front of the house and called the agent. The agent was out with buyers showing them a house and did not pick up the phone so the buyer drove away.

Solution: During business hours the Monarch Team has a full-time licensed agent able to handle sign calls. They know about all listings and a buyer will always get an answer from the Monarch Team.

We talk to agents all the time and we will be the first to admit there is a problem in the real estate industry, there are many agents not returning phone calls in a timely manner. Its important to us that you feel confident your call and buyers calling about your property, will get the attention they deserve and will not be forgotten.

Have you ever had a problem with an agent not returning a phone call? Let us know.

And for a a fun trip down memory lane . . . Here’s Ms. “Ringy-Dingy” herself – Lily Tomlin.  Enjoy!!