Though I live in palmy, balmy coastal San Diego County, my south-facing office windows at the Carlsbad Forum occasionally melt candles and ignite otherwise cool tempers. These floor-to-ceiling shaded and plant-screened windows were just tinted—in a last-ditch effort to avoid black-out draperies and one very grumpy Realtor and writer.
That may explain an unusual and abiding interest in window technology. And there must be a Murphy’s Law somewhere about the best solution to a problem arriving two days after implementation of an inferior one.
In this case, I just discovered “switchable” mirror windows that make regular-looking windows disappear by turning into mirrors. It appeared to be a dream-come-true for energy conservation, privacy and those who are otherwise destined to sit by windows that magnify the sun’s heat.
On cooler days and evening, I treasure the hillside and verdant views—and the warmth that
comes through the windows. On hot days, I would welcome a windowless cellar. The idea of windows that can quickly and easily change to reflective mirrors should excite us all—especially now that we are all seeking ways to lessen our dependence on petroleum fuels.
Clever Japanese scientists Kazuki Yoshimura and Shanhu Bao have recently developed this new technology utilizing and manipulating, among other things, a magical mix of gases between two panes of glass. Smart home builders should take note!
Clever and timely reporting by Lisa Zyga and PhysOrg.com brought this whiz bang technology to my attention. For further reading, go to:
Finally, I have yet to meet a client whose ears didn’t perk up at the mention of… real estate gossip.
Last summer we sold a lovely $1.8 million Carlsbad, CA home to an out of area partnership. One partner lived in Los Angeles, and the other in New York. It was to be their retreat in paradise, and a place to meet potential clients.
For example, I didn’t consider luxury home insurance to be that interesting or that blogworthy until I 
Realtors and public alike are fascinated by record-setting news, and most of us are curious to know about the most expensive home sold in the last year.
Last month, there was lots of buzz about hefty year-end bonuses being paid to Wall Street performers. Many were wondering how these flush folk would spend the largesse. Would it go for bonds, or bling or luxury real estate? The latter would seem a likely and comfy target.
This isn't a reference to catty back-biting that might center on flings, blings or lifts. Rather, it is the very specific, professional and constructive whispering that goes on between real estate agents who trust one another. It is information savvy buyers crave--and not only in the San Diego real estate market.
In fact, we are now considering the use of Non-Discolosure Agreements (NDA's) in our real estate practice. This unpublished information might be viewed as proprietary, and certain sellers wish to protect their privacy as much as possible. If buyers wish to be privy to such information, there should be no problem in abiding by the agreement which will also likely include Buyer-Broker provisions.