Carmel, CA

Clint Eastwood has certainly made an incredible impact on this world but perhaps one of his greatest achievements is not on the top of many lists. After living it last night it is on the top of mine and I thought it was well worth the tip of my hat.

Actor, producer, director, composer and even politician there is no way his contributions will ever be overlooked; The Outlaw Josey Wales was my father’s favorite but the list of films he made after his breakthrough role on Rawhide is stunning; A Fistful of Dollars, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, Dirty Harry, Magnum Force, The Dead Pool, Play Misty for Me, The Bridges of Madison County and even the funny stuff like Every Which Way but Loose. And that is just of few of them.

His passion for film is evident but there is a small strip of California coastline that Clint has an equal passion for. Carmel is an incredible village by the sea that I have had the pleasure of visiting a few times and am actually overlooking it’s beautiful coastline as I am writing my thoughts about what I experienced last night. Clint even served as the mayor of this wonderful spot and owns the Tehama Golf Club with previous ownership of the Hog’s Breath Inn.

My first trip to the Mission Ranch last night was truly memorable. The Ranch was once slated to be demolished and turned into a condo development which would have forever taken away the ability of anyone to enjoy the 22 acre parcel of splendor with it’s views of Point Lobos, Carmel River Beach and the amazing Pacific Ocean. Located just a few blocks south of Ocean Avenue the charm of this property is evident the minute you pull into the lot and see the layout of 31 hotel rooms located within various buildings spread out on the property. A stunning field full of sheep grazing adds to the beauty.

You see Clint was not going to let someone turn this amazing spot into a condo development so in 1986 he laid down a fistful of dollars and protected it. He then hired the best craftsmen to replicated the doors, moldings and hardware of the original buildings to create what you see today. If you ever make it to this part of the world it is well worth your time to stop by and enjoy it. The land was once home to one of the first dairies in California and thanks to Mr. Eastwood’s love and dedication to the area an experience you too can enjoy. Next time I make it out this way I will be staying there (I hear the Honeymoon Cottage is the best room in the house) but the Restaurant and Piano Bar are a must stop for any visitor to Carmel.

Not only was the food excellent (the bone-in prime rib was amazing) but the piano bar is the bomb. If you are a music lover (Clint is a well known audiophile and music is another one of his many passions) this place is heaven on earth and nightly the room is rocking and turns into it’s own version of Carmel has talent as various residents and visitors take their turn and I was stunned by some of the performances I saw last evening. On the top of my list was a rendition of At Last by an amazing singer who would have made Etta James proud or maybe even jealous. I am told Clint is a frequent visitor and stops by weekly so you just never know.

But take my word for it; if you ever are in this neck of the woods stop by and have an experience you will always cherish. If you happen to see Clint please thank him for me!

Why You Need An Interior Designer in Monterey County

We have all watched the fabulous re-do's on television. We have all bought furniture, carpeting, bedding, drapes, only to get it put all together and decide we did not like it. Or maybe you are tired of your surroundings, but don't know where to start. Interior design professionals like Pam Meyer help you to avoid costly mistakes.

Let me introduce you to Pam Meyer, ASID. If you want the highest quality for the best price, Pam can turn your home into a work of art without breaking the budget. Her studio is located in beautiful Carmel by the Sea in Monterey County.

When you want to sell your house, you hire a realtor....

if you need your plumbing repaired, you call a plumber...

when you need to freshen up the look of your home, hire an interior designer.

Many people think that hiring a designer in Monterey County is going to cost more money. This is simply not true. Pam has everything you need from furniture to custom bedding, draperies, home accessories...and she gets the highest quality for the best price. Hiring a professional actually saves you money...you will avoid costly mistakes. When we start a project, Tell Pam how much you want to spend on the project... she will do her magic and take your home to a level you never even dreamed possible. Just imagine coming home to a space every day that you love..having an environment that you are happy with....... will change your life.

People ask all the time "how is business?" Lately I have told them how busy I am; with multiple homes in escrow as well as plenty of listings.

Am I busy closing deals or am I busy spinning my wheels?

This week I have pondered this questions time and time again. Unless you have cash it might feel like you are spinning your wheels.

One of my escrows that should have closed last month is moving at such a snails pace and I want to scream.

What I realized is that I have not explained to my current clients (buyers but especially sellers) how the lending climate is effecting every deal. Buyers with even the best credit scores, great jobs and money in the bank are being scrutinized with a fine tooth comb.

Some examples of this are:

• If unusual deposits have been made into an accounts there must be a paper tail showing where is came from.
• If you are moving to a new area the bank wants you to show that your income will be the same or more than it currently is.

So what? some might ask...the banks should have done this years ago and we would not be in this mess.

What this really means is time. More time to get a full commitment and more time to fund a loan equalling an escrow closing.

Gone are the days of a 30 day escrow!!

The Barnyard

History- the Barnyard is a group old local barns that were put on one property to create a small town shopping center. Over the years there have been some wonderful locally owned shops and restaurants that include The Thurderbird Bookstore, Total Dog, Succulent Gardens, London Bridge Pub and Hudson’s. Most of these stores are no longer in business with the exception of Hudson’s; they have relocated to the Crossroads.

Today-The Barnyard is popular amongst tourists but there are many locals that frequent the shops and restaurants.

Restaurants-

1. Bahama Billy’s-With a great island flavor to thrill your palate. My favorites include their Mango Salad, Killer Meatloaf & the Skirt steak. You will love the bread while you are waiting for your food. BB’s also has some great specialty cocktails.

2. Robata’s-My favorite Japanese restaurant. It can be a bit cold in the winter but in the summer and fall eating on the patio is great. They have a very reasonable lunch menu that will fill you up. Some of my favorite sushi is their spider rolls, shiitake nut rolls and the Carmel Roll.

3. From Scratch-This restaurant has been around for a long time. It has a nice covered patio that you are more than welcome to bring your dog to. Local artwork is abundant on the walls and is for sale. In the winter time they have fabulous soups; the tomato basil is to die for. They do have wonderful breakfast specials as well; try the yummy French toast.

Shops-

1. Heidi’s-Great work shoes and now they have fun women’s shoe too. The staff is very knowledgeable and the owners are warm and inviting. If you see a sale sign you better hurry and run in before they are all gone.

2. Michael Sherman Jewelers’-Talk about beautiful one of a kind jewelry this is it. Everything is handcrafted and is the upmost quality.

3. Khaki’s-This upscale store is it when searching for men’s clothing. They carry only the world’s finest designers. Stop by and enjoy outstanding customer service.

Make sure that on your next visit that you have an empty stomach and a wallet full of cash to enjoy the shopping. You will be happy you did!

for more information on local places to visit go to Carmel, Ca Homes for Sale.

My first post of 2010 and what do you think it's about?

With 2009 in the past and a the fresh "New Year" I have made some plans for the first part of the year. I will be doing some traveling to some of my favorite places, Big Sur California is one of my favorites in the photo (above) just north of Monterey.

One of my second favorite places to visit is the "Red Woods" in Northern California photo (below), my "Giant Friends" have really missed Vegas Bob and they are waiting for my return.

I am getting at that age where I need more time away from the hustle and bustle of work & the city. Life is short and who wants to spend their whole lives working for "Uncle Sam" and not enjoying the wonders of the world.

Can you tell me who this person in standing in the middle of this tree?

Photographs by Robert Swetz - All rights reserved - 2010

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