Money

Not all luxuries require money–but many or most do. Here we explore ways to both save and spend!

Is Florida’s Market Finally Stabilizing?

December 11, 2025
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Buyers in Florida and other states can start to breathe a sigh of relief. The huge price surges that occurred during Covid have finally cooled–and receded in many markets.  The real estate market is shifting toward balance rather than decline, with real estate prices–especially in Florida– expected to hover in a tight, stable range. Positive buyer activity now moves with mortgage-rate swings, creating short bursts of competition whenever rates ease…

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6 Common Factors That Impact Your Car Insurance Rate

A close-up view shows a small, white toy SUV sitting on a white surface with a pair of hands forming a cover over it.
July 22, 2025
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Have you ever wondered why your car insurance rate is what it is? It might feel like a random number, but there’s a lot of thought behind it. Understanding the factors that influence this can help you make more informed choices and potentially save some money. Here’s a closer look at the common factors that impact your car insurance rate. Driving History Your driving record is at the top of…

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5 Luxury Classic Cars That Are Good Investments

A rear view of a blue vintage convertible with white racing stripes, chrome accents, and round taillights parked on grass.
January 2, 2025
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Luxury classic cars combine timeless beauty, rarity, and strong market appeal, making them excellent investments for collectors. Many vehicles from the past hold sentimental value and financial potential, with certain models appreciating significantly over time. Luxury investors seeking a blend of passion and profit often look to cars that boast exceptional artisanship and iconic status. Learn what makes these five luxury classic cars worthwhile investments below. 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series…

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Luxury of Quick Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Remodel
October 9, 2019
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5 Awesome Kitchen Renovation Ideas to Design Your Dream Kitchen   Are you planning a kitchen remodel? If yes, you may know that it is a time-consuming process and may prove challenging if you are running short on ideas. Here are 5 practical ideas to inspire you to design your dream kitchen. You don’t have to shell out a lot of money for a kitchen renovation – all you need…

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Luxury Home Sales Hit by New Tax Laws?

Tax Laws and Luxury Home Sales
June 7, 2018
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by Roberta Murphy Realtors in California were groaning when the new tax laws hit this year. Luxury home sales were sure to crash and burn. You see, the new tax code puts a limit on how much one can deduct in state and local property taxes–as well as income or sales tax–up to a measly total of $10,000. So when new tax laws went into effect, high profile experts were…

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It’s a Buyers Market for Luxury Homes

Luxury Homes
March 19, 2018
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Now may be the time to grab one of those luxury homes you’ve been watching. The price of luxury homes varies from market to market. In some, it could be $700,000 and others over $2 million. In the San Diego luxury home market, we see luxury homes priced north of $2 million languishing on the market a little longer than ones priced below that number. On the other hand, that…

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Obamacare and Mortgages

Home Buyers
January 3, 2014
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by Roberta Murphy This blog is supposed to be about luxury, but lately I’ve been wondering about other things: Like, will health insurance costs become a consideration in qualifying for a mortgage or refinance? Currently, health care costs are not a real consideration when lenders are considering one’s ability to pay for a mortgage. Was this another unintended consequence of Obamacare and the Affordable Healthcare Act? We have several clients…

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