Consumer Confidence Grows

Consumer confidence grew in December according to the Consumer Confidence Index, which increased from 105.3 in November to 109.0 in December. While it is too early to tell, consumer's upbeat attitude and may be a signal that the increase in housing slump across the country is coming to an end.

Orange County prices have continued to rise in 2006, even though the number of sales fell compared to 2005, making this a great time to buy or sell Orange County real estate. Get all the tools you'll need to act effectively within the Orange County real estate market at our newest website, GuideToLocalRealEstate.com.

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 Home Sales Coasting Into 2007?

Existing home sales are expected to coast into 2007 at roughly the same level as 2006, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Even though exisitng home sales are expected to fall 8.6 percent this year, 2006 remains third-best year on record. Is this is what is happening in Orange County? Figures show home sales to be down across the board compared to 2005. Some home prices are up and some are down.

October figures for Dana Point show the number of new listings remained relatively the same compared to October 2005. Sold listings were down 30 percent during the same time period and market times increased 8 days or 14 percent. The average sales price, on the other hand, decreased $272,739 or 19 percent.


New listings in Laguna Beach increased by 5 percent in October, while the number of homes that sold dropped by 20 percent. Market times increased by 73 days or 155 percent. During this same time frame, the average sales price increased less than 1 percent. This small increase follows a 96 percent increase in prices in September.


Laguna Niguel reported 26 more new listings realtively than 2005, a 27 percent increase. Market times were up by 67 percent as sales dropped 22 percent. Sales prices in Laguna Niguel decreased by 14 percent or $121,367.

Mission Viejo continued to appeciate by 6 percent even though sales decreased by 22 percent and market times increased by 72 percent. The number of new listings increased by 6 percent.

San Clemente sales prices experienced an increase in October...up $101,335 or 11 percent from a year ago. The number of new listings was down by 20 percent, while sales dropped 29 percent. Meanwhile, the average market time increased 32 days or 62 percent.

San Juan Capistrano's average sales price was 4 percent lower this October compared to October 2005. New listings were also lower by 3 percent. Market times increased 19 days or 32 percent and sales were down 4 percent.

Buyers will want to have the expertise, knowledge and experience of a professional who is familiar with all Orange County communities so as not to overpay for a home. We have the credentials needed by today's savvy buyers, so give us a call or send us an email. We are here to help!

Also, visit EmailHome.info for a free, automated email home search. You will receive email notification of homes matching your criteria as they hit the market.

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

Home prices level off

A growing number of sellers are keeping their homes, or renting them out resulting in fewer homes on the market...one of the signs the housing market is moderating. Other signs include a leveling off in home prices and smaller drop in sales. The median price of an Orange County home is down just $1000.00 from September, yet up 3.1% from the same period last year, according to Data Quick Information Systems Read more...

Visit our website to view all Orange County real estate listings, get the current market value of your home and more.

Should You Try to Sell Your Home During the Holiday Season?

A common misconception is that trying to sell a home during the holidays is a bad idea. If you are serious about selling, it can be an excellent time to list. During the holidays buyers are more serious. They have a different motivation like using vacation time to search for property. They're doing that because they have to buy, rather than want to buy. Remember Thanksgiving and Christmas is one day a piece not two months.

10 reasons why you should list your home during the holidays

1. Most November and December buyers are particularly serious and very likely facing some sort of deadline.
2. January is the biggest transfer month of the year and job transferee’s use the holidays to house hunt.
3. Many people want to buy before the end of the year for financial and tax reasons. Investors usually want to close escrow by year-end for tax purposes.
4. Most sellers wait until spring or summer to list their home. This means that during the winter months your property will have far less competition versus any other time of the year.
5. Homes show well when decorated for the holidays creating a sense of family and people are much more emotionally drawn to the house, emotion sells.
6. Many people take vacation around the holidays allowing more time to look for a home.
7. Remodeling, decorating, appliance installation and other services are more available and at less of a premium.
8. There is plenty of mortgage money available for buyers.
9. Lenders aren't as busy and can process loans faster.
10. Showings will be fewer and less intrusive, but more likely to be fruitful with motivated, qualified buyers.

Visit our website to view all Orange County real estate listings, get the current market value of your home and more.

Orange County Real Estate Prices On The Rise

Home sales appear to be bottoming out with lower home prices attracting buyers in many areas of the country, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Buyers are not being brought into the Orange County housing market due to lower prices, however. September sales statistics indicate prices are continuing to climb.

September figures for Dana Point show the number of new listings decreased by 7 percent compared to September 2005. Sold listings were, also, down 65 percent during the same time period and market times increased 25 days or 40 percent. The average sales price, on the other hand, increased $227,383 or 21 percent.

New listings in Laguna Beach, also, decreased by 20 percent in September, while the number of homes that sold dropped by 16 percent. Market times increased by 10 days or 16 percent. During this same time frame, the average sales price increased 96 percent or $1,685,099. This 96 percent jump in prices is most likely due to an unusual property selling and thus skewing the figures.

Laguna Niguel reported similar numbers with the number of new listings relatively unchanged compared to last year. Market times were up by 69 percent as sales dropped 22 percent. Sales prices in Laguna Niguel increased, however, by 5 percent or $43,001.

Mission Viejo continued to appreciate by 12 percent even though sales decreased by 25 percent and market times increased by 89 percent. The number of new listings increased by 11 percent.

San Clemente sales prices also saw an increase...up $14,883 or 2 percent from a year ago. the number of new listings remained the same as sales dropped 42 percent. Meanwhile, the average market time increased 38 days or 73 percent.

San Juan Capistrano's average sales price was 3 percent higher this September compared to September 2005. New listings increased 11 percent. Market times increased 27 days or 59 percent and sales were down 42 percent.

This is a great time to buy a home in. Interest rates remain less than 6.5 percent and there are more homes to choose from.

If you are thinking of buying a home, visit EmailHome.info for a free, automated email home search. You will receive email notification of homes matching your criteria as they hit the market.

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

First Pumpkin Patch For Irvine Park

Time is running out to visit the Irvine Park Railroad's first ever Pumpkin Patch. Take a train ride around the pumpkin patch, which is complete with haystacks, cornstalks, antique tractors and wagons, picture stands, and so much more. There is plenty for kids including a special pumpkin bounce house as well as a hay maze. In addition, there is face painting every weekend and fresh popped popcorn and cotton candy. Also, be sure to visit us on the last Saturday in October for the special costume contest and costume parade. Details...

After a fun day with the kids, when you thoughts drift to buying orange county real estate, visit EmailHome.info for a free automated email home search of all orange county real estate listings.

San Clemente Real Estate Podcast

Join us for the San Clemente Real Estate Podcast. This month we cover the San Clemente and Orange County real estate market activity, as well as, the advantages and disadvantages for buyers who stretch their finances to get the most from their next home purchase.

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Visit our website to view all Orange County real estate listings, get the current market value of your home and more.