Orange County Housing Market Expected to Rise in 2007

"After bottoming in the fourth quarter of 2006, existing-home sales are expected to rise through 2007 and into 2008, while new home sales should turnaround by summer, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors." Orange County real estate markets are falling in line with the latest NAR forecast.

December figures for Dana Point show the number of new listings increased 4 percent compared to December 2005. Sold listings were down 23 percent during the same time period and market times increased 25 days or 60 percent. The average sales price decreased by $32,751 or 21 percent.

New listings in Laguna Beach increased by 7 percent in December, while the number of homes that sold dropped by 8 percent. Market times increased by 5 days or 9 percent. During this same time frame, the average sales price increased 46 percent.

Laguna Niguel reported less new listings in December 2006 compared to December 2005, a 4 percent decrease. Market times were up by 95 percent as sales dropped 18 percent. Sales prices in Laguna Niguel showed a strong gain of 19 percent with the average sales price of $1,804,434.

Mission Viejo continued to appreciate by 3 percent to $733,425, even though sales decreased by 22 percent and market times increased by 58 percent. The number of new listings decreased by 13 percent.

San Clemente sales prices experienced a slight decrease in December...down one percent from a year ago. The number of new listings was up by 11 percent, while sales dropped 42 percent. Meanwhile, the average market time increased 42 days or 93 percent.

San Juan Capistrano's average sales price soared 93 percent this December compared to December 2005. New listings were lower by 20 percent. Market times increased 27 days or 44 percent and sales were down 44 percent.

As you can see, the market is in transition with notable differences among our Orange County communities. Sellers will want the knowledge and expertise of experienced professionals to assist with the sale of their homes. Professionals who are experts in pricing and marketing and can assist you with expert advice leading to a successful sale...putting the most money in your pocket.

Wondering what prices are doing in your neighborhood? Visit EmailHouseValue.info. A market evaluation will be emailed to you.

All stats are compiled from the Southern California Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

California Protects Your Privacy

Privacy Journal's list of 10 best states ranks California as #1 with the toughest privacy laws in the country. What does California do that other states don't?

1. Federal regulations require an 'opt-out' option giving consumers the ability to 'opt-out' of having companies share or sell their personal information. California puts the burden on the companies, requiring them to get the consumers permission to sell or share information.

2. Identity-theft victims can put a 'fraud alert' notification on their credit report, notifying potential lenders that someone may be illegally applying for credit in their names. California goes a step further and allows residents to “freeze” their credit reports -- essentially preventing lenders from accessing the files and granting credit.

3. Businesses in California are restricted in how they can use social security numbers. Businesses cannot post or display social security numbers, print them on ID cards, print them on materials mailed to customers, require them to be transmitted over the internet, or require them to be used to log into an internet site.

4. Businesses are required to shred all records containing personal information.

5. Businesses are required to alert their California customers if hackers or employees steal information that could be used for identity theft.

6. California has added privacy rights to its state constitution.

California is pro-active in the privacy protection it offer its residents, adding to our quality of life and ultimately helping to maintain our real estate values. Are you thinking of buying a home in Orange County? Real estate prices here have continued to appreciate in 2006 making it a great time to buy or sell. Visit EmailHome.info to receive a daily list of new homes for sale as they hit the market.

Orange County Housing Report - December 2006

David Lereah, National Association of Realtors chief economist, said a fairly steady pace of home sales can be expected for the next two months. "It's important to focus on where the housing market is now - it appears to be stabilizing, and comparisons with an unsustainable boom mask the fact that home sales remain historically high - they'll stay that way through 2007." he said. "In addition, a temporary correction in prices distracts from the fact that it is primarily the number of homes sales that affects the economy, and the number for this year will be the third highest on record." How do local home sales stack up to this prediction?

November figures for Dana Point show the number of new listings dropped 22 percent compared to November 2005. Sold listings were down 93 percent during the same time period and market times increased 11 days or 20 percent. The average sales price, also, increased by $138,099 or 14 percent.


New listings in Laguna Beach decreased by 28 percent in November, while the number of homes that sold dropped by 47 percent. Market times increased by 41 days or 79 percent. During this same time frame, the average sales price increased 24 percent.

Laguna Niguel reported 26 less new listings than November 2005, a 15 percent decrease. Market times were up by 47 percent as sales dropped 32 percent. Sales prices in Laguna Niguel showed a strong gain of 10 percent with the average sales price of $801,730.

Mission Viejo continued to appeciate by 5 percent to $761,5127, even though sales decreased by 1 percent and market times increased by 42 percent. The number of new listings decreased by 8 percent.

San Clemente sales prices experienced an increase in November...up $200,978 or 21 percent from a year ago. The number of new listings was down by 7 percent, while sales dropped 25 percent. Meanwhile, the average market time increased 52 days or 116 percent.

San Juan Capistrano's average sales price was 2 percent lower this November compared to November 2005. New listings were also lower by 27 percent. Market times increased 35 days or 70 percent and sales were down 38 percent.

With the market in transition, sellers will want the knowledge and expertise of experienced professionals to assist with the sale of their homes. Professionals who are on top of the market in each community and can give expert advice leading to a successful sale...putting the most money in your pocket.

Wondering what the current value of your home is? Visit EmailHouseValue.info and your home valuation will be emailed to you.

All stats are compiled from the Southern California Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Orange County Ranked 4th Healthiest Place to Live

SELF.com's survey of 100 of the largest U.S. metro areas reveals the fittest, healthiest and happiest places to live for women. Orange County ranked 4 among the 100 metro regions surveyed.

On the plus side: Orange County ranked among the five lowest smoking rates on the list and is in the top 10 for healthy eating habits and exercise rates.

On the negative side: Orange County was among the areas with the highest number of toxic sites and above-average drinking rates, and scored in bottom fifth of list for air quality.