OC Realty Blog

Orange County Home Prices & Sales (source DataQuick):

For the 22 business days ending April 11, sales for all types of Orange County home sales decreased 25.6 percent. The median sales price increased 0.8 percent. The median is where half the homes sold for more and half for less. Types of homes selling, as well as home value changes, cause the median to change.

Although sales were down, prices still remain on the upside.  The featured city this week:

Dana Point Real Estate (Zip 92629)

• Median Sales Price = $790,000  (up 1.9%)
• Number of Homes Sold = 42  (down 4.5%)

For a complete city list of Orange County Real Estate , click on the below link.

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/money/housing/article_1672826.php

Pricing Your Property:

Determinng price is one of the most critical steps in preparing your home for sale.  A well priced home often sells quickly once it is put on the market.

When your home is priced right from the outset, you maximize your opportunity of reaching the most qualified buyers and obtaining top dollar.

Pricing your home correctly:

• Can save you thousands of dollars on your family’s largest investment.
• Reduces risk because overpriced homes may eliminate some buyers if it is out of their price range.
• Optimizes traffic during the first peak weeks on the market.
• Ensures that other agents will show the home.
• Is good when it comes time to appraise.  Your home must appraise at the selling price for the buyer to get financing.

When I see your home and prepare a more complete and thorough market evaluation, I will use my knowledge of recent home sales and your neighborhood to help you price your home correctly. 

If you live in the Orange County California area, just give me a call or email for your FREE Home Valuation.  When you price your home for the current market conditions, it well sell in a reasonable amount of time and interest those buying real estate.

What type of home are you looking for?  There are so many choices that it is important to have an idea of what you want and need before you begin looking.  Consider making a checklist of amenities that are essential and those you would like to have in your new home. 

The list below may help you clarify your thinking on what is important to you when you are ready to purchase.

* What neighborhood(s) would you like to live in?
* What price range do you have in mind?
* What type of home interests you? (one-story, two-story, condo, etc.)
* Do you want a new home or a fixer?
* Are schools a factor?
* Do you need to be close to public transportation?
* How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? 
* What other interior features are important to you? (separate family room, formal dining room, home office, main floor bedroom, etc.)
* What about exterior features (lot size, patio, pool/spa, view, or waterfront)?
* Are there any special features you are looking for in a home (gated community, senior community, garage space, wheelchair access, etc.)?

When you are ready to start your search, I will be happy to help you find a home that suits your lifestyle.  My goal is to make this a fun and enjoyable experience.

Please feel free to call or email me when you are ready to start looking. I welcome the opportunity to help you find your next home in South Orange County California.

I should say that “working with a mortgage broker” is the first way!  When you let them help you find the loan that’s right for you, you truly are taking advantage of some of the area’s best technology and expertise to get you a loan decision and funding on your loan quickly.

But here are five “other” ways you can speed up the process of getting a mortgage loan:

(Part 4 of a 5-Part Series): 

Whatever the size of your family, be it small or large, you should get them involved in the move and the downsizing process.  You need to have the full support of your children and other family members in order for a smooth transition into the next stage of your life.  You should communicate your wishes and desires, and engage your family to help you through this process, such as:

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• The transferring of non-titled property. 

• Getting agreement on who gets what belongings.

• Helping you with the moving process.

• Assisting with determining location & features of the new home.

• Offering guidance about available resources.

• Providing emotional support & helping overcome any fears.

By getting your family involved, they can help you achieve your goals, as well as help you subside any regrets, sorrow or stress you may have.  But most important, they will be able to share in the memories and family history as you sort through the household belongings.

Orange County Home Prices & Sales (source DataQuick):

For the 22 business days ending April 6, sales for all types of Orange County home sales decreased 23.7 percent. The median sales price increased 3.1 percent. The median is where half the homes sold for more and half for less. Types of homes selling, as well as home value changes, cause the median to change.

Although sales were down, prices still remain on the upside.  The featured city this week:

Laguna Niguel Real Estate (Zip 92677)

• Median Sales Price = $740,000  (up 24.5%)
• Number of Homes Sold = 107  (down 34.8%)

For a complete city list of Orange County Real Estate, click on the below link.

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/money/housing/article_1664751.php

Most real estate lenders require you to pay a portion of your own funds–the down payment–toward the purchase of a home. Saving for a down payment can be one of the most challenging steps in buying a home.Your down payment plus your pre-approved loan amount will determine how much home you can afford. A down payment can come from many places: savings, investments such as stocks and bonds, gifts from relatives, company bonuses, equity in other assets, and life insurance policies, to name a few. Then again, there may be home mortgage alternatives that do not require a down payment.  With good credit, you can still obtain a 100% loan option (visit my mortgage broker at www.ocloanteam.com).

• Laguna Niguel Real Estate
• San Clemente Real Estate
• Laguna Beach Real Estate
• Newport Beach Real Estate

Whether you’re selling real estate in South Orange County California or anywhere in the nation, one of the top five factors that make your home sell is Curb Appeal! 

Most of us know it when we see it -– the house in the neighborhood that catches your attention each time you drive past it. The owners obviously care about their home and it shows in the details that are noticeable even to someone passing by in a car. Yes, this house has curb appeal, and if you’re going to place your home on the market, you’ll want to create curb appeal too. And if you’re buying a home, most often you look for curb appeal, otherwise you may not even bother to look inside!Great curb appeal is created through details, especially the walkway, lighting and landscaping. If it seems like it would be difficult to approach your home, make it more welcoming by keeping your walkways clean and clutter-free. Trim back the overhanging trees or bushes.

If you’re thinking of selling your home and would like additional tips on creating curb appeal, don’t hesitate to call or email me.

Identify your property price range and strengthen your bargaining power by understanding the difference between these two tools. 

While a pre-qualification provides you and with a “ballpark” estimate of your power, it’s only as good as the information provided.  A pre-approval is backed by verification of your income, credit, and asset information.  It allows you to know what homes you can truly afford and greatly strengthens your negotiating power, especially in multiple offer situations. 

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When you’re ready to write up that purchase offer, most sellers today require a pre-approval letter from your lender be submitted with the offer so they know they are receiving an offer from a qualified buyer.  If there happens to be multiple offers, you stand a stronger chance of getting the home if you have the pre-approval letter and the other party does not.

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If you’re a real estate buyer in the South Orange County areas of Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Beach, Corona Del Mar or Newport Beach, call or email me for more information on the pre-approval process.

(Part 3 of a 5-Part Series): 

If you don’t have one already, you should meet with a financial planner to determine the best course of action to plan your future investment portfolio.  In addition, a meeting with your tax accountant is beneficial in identifying ways to reduce your tax burden.  They can also give you advice on which files and records you can discard in preparation for the move.  When reviewing your financial plans, consider these key points: 

• Is it time to cash in on your stocks, mutual funds, bonds, etc? 
• Examine your portfolio mix to see if it’s at the right risk level for you. 
• Do you need to rollover a 401K, take distribution or setup a SEPP account? 
• Review your need to setup an emergency fund in a passbook savings or CD account. 
• Protect your home equity by:  

§         Transferring your existing tax base under Prop 60 & 90 (California only)

 §         Excluding capital gain tax under IRC 121 §         Deferring capital gain tax by doing an IRC 1031 like-kind exchange on your investment property. 

I can’t stress enough how important it is to do this financial review.  You want to make sure you have solid plans to take care of your needs after retirement.

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If you need help with your move in the South Orange County California areas of Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Corona Del Mar or Newport Beach, please contact me to help you with your transition as I am a qualified Senior Real Estate Specialist.