OC Realty Blog

Steps to the ocean, this San Clemente community has 4 plans and 1BR-3BR, single-level detached condos with ocean views.

Type of Housing:  Single Family Detached, with homes ranging in size from 1,064 SqFt up to 1,260 SqFt and 1 car attached and detached garages.

Number of Homes in this Retirement Community:  approximately 50

Year Built Range:  1964′ - 1967′

Security:  Not Gated

Association Dues Range (subject to change):  $230 to $255

Association Amenities:  Club House and Rec Facility and swimming Pool.  

General Location:  West of Hwy 5, and close to Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH) and Camino San Clemente, and just 0.2 miles from the beaches.

(Source: OCRealEstateBlog.com) 

There are numerous senior citizen residential ownership communities in south Orange County that offer a wide variety of styles, floor plan options and prices.  There is only one such retirement housing community in Laguna Niguel, called Monarch Summit II.  One of the desirable attributes is the community of Monarch Summit II is only 1 mile from the Pacific Ocean and sits on top of one of the highest hills in Laguna Niguel.  Therefore about half of the homes offer some type of distant or panoramic view, and some of the homes offer majestic Ocean Views along will temperate Ocean breezes.

Monarch Summit II is located at  at the top of Pacific Island Dr., and was developed in the early and mid 1970’s by builder Lan Ron.  This community encompasses of about 180 attached single family homes, and incorporates 3 distinct floor plans as follows: 

• Plan A - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,670 square feet
• Plan B - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,650 square feet
• Plan A - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,400 square feet

All of the above floor plans are single story and come with a fireplace, and 2 car garage.  Over the years, many of these homes have had some major renovations and many fine upgrades added to the homes. Monarch Summit II requires that at least one occupant is 55+ years of age or older. By the way, the community of Monarch Summit I was built around the same time by the same builder, but this community is not 55+ restricted.

The Home Owners Association (HOA) for Monarch Summit II is well managed and includes;   Club House and Recreational Facility, swimming pool, spa.  The monthly dues are reasonable at around the low $200 per month level at the time of this writing (subject to change), and include:  Property Insurance, Earthquake Insurance, Landscape Maintenance, Pool and Spa maintenance, Trash service, exterior stucco maintenance.

If you are 55+ and are planning on downsizing and purchasing in the future, make sure you take advantage of transferring your existing tax base by using Prop 60 or 90  if they apply to you.

(Source: OCRealEstateBlog.com)

(Part 5 of a 5-Part Series): 

This is the tough part.  Where do you begin if your current home is packed full of years of accumulation?  How do I decide what stays and what goes?  Here’s a simple checklist to help you in this process……and remember, it’s never too early to begin planning. Start by space planning to determine what will fit in the new home, whether it’s Senior Housing or Residential Housing.  Sorting through your belongings:

•  Start in rooms that will be easier (ie: not being used). 
•  Take it a room at a time = less overwhelmed. 
•  Start with larger items to decide how much space you need. 
•  Save the family photos & treasures for last. 
•  Call a family meeting to distribute personal belongings and share your memories about each item before giving it away. 
•  Determine what to keep, what goes to family & friends, what to donate, what to trash and what to sell (it’s OK to re-gift). 
•  When in doubt, throw it out.  If you can’t bear to lose the memory of an item, take a picture of it before you let it go. 
•  Keep a list and mark all items. 

What does go, arrange for an auction (including E-Bay), Garage Sale or Estate Sale.  

Have a moving party and share the favorite memories of your home. 

Pass on the history of your home to the new owner to keep the memories alive.

(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.

(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.

(Part 2 of a 5-part Series): 

There are many good housing options for Active 55+ Adults, from apartments, to condos, to Co-Op’s, to attached and detached homes.  The focus for the housing selection should be a place that is smaller, lower maintenance, less costly and opportunities for recreational activities.  In addition, you should consider these key factors: 

• Research various community floor plans, amenities, activities. 
• Consider easy living designs – one-level housing, no steps, wide doors & hallways. 
• What features do you need - # Bedrooms, #baths, square feet, senior community. 
• Decide what type of housing is best for you, single family residence or condo/townhome. 
• Is the home located near stores, shopping, recreation activities, family, health care. 
• Do you need a warm, dry climate for health reasons? 

Really give some thought as to where you want to move.  You should also make your selection carefully, as this could be the home you retire in.

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.

Part 1 of a 5-Part Series 

Have you decided to replace your family home with a smaller residence?  Having trouble deciding whether to stay or go?  Don’t let the downsizing process and physical move overwhelm you or prevent you from making the move.  One of the first things you need to do is prepare yourself mentally for the move.  Then, you should be actively involved in the process, keep an open mind and focus on the reason why you are moving.  Once that is accomplished, next consider these key steps in making your move: 

• Determine your location, housing options & features.

• Meet with your financial planner to review your financial plans and discuss what you can do to reduce your tax burden.

• Get your family involved to support you and help you make decisions for your next move.

• Prepare to move by planning on what stays & what goes and how much space you need. 

Now that you’ve decided what you want to do, where you want to go, and cleared out your personal belongings, you can create your new lifestyle.  A great resource to help guide you through the downsizing process is to use the experience and knowledge of a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES).  Realtors with this designation have demonstrated the knowledge and expertise to counsel senior clients through the major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling a family home.  They can also refer you to their team of professionals, such as a C.P.A., estate planner, or attorney to assist    you with all your needs.  To find a SRES near you, visit www.seniorsrealestate.com. 

If you plan your move well, you should be comfortable about your decision.  Then, after you buy your new home………congratulate yourself.  You have successfully downsized your life to allow the time, freedom and flexibility for new pursuits!

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.