$1.5BN OF THE WORLD’S BEST HOMES

INTERVIEW | BILL DOLBY
Bill Dolby, Villa
www.billdolbyrealestate.com
Bill Dolby
Bill Dolby of Villa is a veteran of the Californian real estate market.
Brought up in the Emerald Bay area he has extensive hands-on
knowledge of the property market here and also represents one
of the finest waterfront homes currently for sale in California
Can you describe the activity levels at the top end of
the market in Emerald Bay (for 2014)
The market continues to be quite active in the private
beach community in Emerald Bay. The available inventory
is in the normal range relative to historic data. The sales
pace is on par with 2013 to date within the community.
Are price levels at the top of the market above prerecession
levels yet
Various properties in Emerald Bay that have sold are
approaching the pre-recession price points.
Are your Ultra Prime ($10m+) sales driven mainly by
domestic buyers or are foreign buyers influencing the
market
The majority of sales are domestic buyers within Emerald
Bay.
How much of an influence does the 'safe-haven' factor
have on the property market there
The property is 156 Emerald Bay on the oceanfront
of the Emerald Bay beach. It has been owned by the
same family for 5 generations. The property has its
own private beach cabana (pictured below) on the
sand which is unique along the southern California
Coast. It is one of the finest oceanfront properties offered
on the water in Southern California. The price is
$34,000,000.
How has the marketing of properties at the top end
of the market changed over the course of your career
and how much of an impact has the internet and social
media had on what is still a very personal business
The internet is a very powerful tool and is extremely
effective in the arena of real estate marketing today.
The outreach is worldwide and when effectively used
is a valuable tool for marketing high value properties.
Once engaged with potential buyers, personal
knowledge of the relevant real estate in the area and
relationship building is still the most important part of
the process
I think buyers have seen the historic statistics that indicate
very “safe harbor” real estate placement of monies
so they are very confident in the area to invest and live.
How much has the top end of the market changed since
you've been a realtor
Prices have gone up significantly in the 25+ years
I have been in the business. The buyers are far more
affluent from the days of the beach community being
an upper income working class neighborhood.
Could you tell us a little more about your most interesting
[and expensive] listing.
54 Feb 2015