Don't be a statistic: Short Sale help is available

Finding hope can be hard when you feel like you are facing a foreclosure situation. Remember that you can take action that may help you avoid the foreclosure route. There are many options available that can help you determine if a process like a short sale is your best solution.

Get started in finding the right solution for you. We look at your personal situation and help you determine your options. Find out more about short sale information and assistance at what is a short sale now to learn about how a short sale may be your way to avoid foreclosure.

By missing just one mortgage payment by only a day, you may be in the foreclosure process. Acting quickly will help you prevent your home from undergoing foreclosure. Statistics indicate that homeowners who do not quickly indicate contact with their lender when their loan is in default will be placed into the foreclosure process. View typical foreclosure timelines to learn more about the typical timeline of a foreclosure.

Considering a short sale? Contact Short Sale and Foreclosure resource certified Orange County short sale realtors.

Housing Affordability In Orange County Increases

Twenty-four percent of Orange County households can afford a typical starter home with a 10% down payment, an adjustable rate mortgage and a minimum income of $118,900, according to the California Association of Realtors. Affordability is based on 2006 fourth quarter figures and is the highest percentage since the fall of 2005.

Whereas, this is good news for Orange County home buyers, O.C. is the third least affordable market in the country, behind Los Angeles and Salinas. Full story...

Are you thinking of buying a home in Orange County? Visit GuideToLocalRealEstate.com to view all real estate listings. Or for more personalized service, give us a call, 949-285-3739.

Housing Affordability In Orange County Increases

Twenty-four percent of Orange County households can afford a typical starter home with a 10% down payment, an adjustable rate mortgage and a minimum income of $118,900, according to the California Association of Realtors. Affordability is based on 2006 fourth quarter figures and is the highest percentage since the fall of 2005.

Whereas, this is good news for Orange County home buyers, O.C. is the third least affordable market in the country, behind Los Angeles and Salinas. Full story...

Are you thinking of buying a home in Orange County? Visit GuideToLocalRealEstate.com to view all real estate listings. Or for more personalized service, give us a call, 949-285-3739.

Housing Affordability In Orange County Increases

Twenty-four percent of Orange County households can afford a typical starter home with a 10% down payment, an adjustable rate mortgage and a minimum income of $118,900, according to the California Association of Realtors. Affordability is based on 2006 fourth quarter figures and is the highest percentage since the fall of 2005.

Whereas, this is good news for Orange County home buyers, O.C. is the third least affordable market in the country, behind Los Angeles and Salinas. Full story...

Are you thinking of buying a home in Orange County? Visit GuideToLocalRealEstate.com to view all real estate listings. Or for more personalized service, give us a call, 949-285-3739.

The San Clemente Real Estate Podcast

The February edition of the San Clemente Real Estate Podcast covers recent activity in the Orange County real estate market.

We will also share the 5 most important factors to selling, as well as, talk about pre-existing homes vs. new construction.

Featured special guest is Terri Murphy of US Learning.

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Don't hesitate to give us a call, 949-285-3739, with any questions you might have after listening.

Happy listening!

2006 State Of The Market Housing Report

The California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) 2006 Housing Report was just released documenting CA home sales fell last year after four years of impressive gains, the
share of first-time buyers was the second lowest on record and price appreciation slowed.

Additional findings:

* sales of existing single-family homes decreased 23 percent
* price appreciation slowed dramatically as the year progressed.
* buyers using a second mortgage climbed from 38 percent in 2005 to 43 percent in 2006

Interested in buying Orange County real estate. Visit GuideToLocalRealEstate.com to view all real estate listings or contact us, 949-285-3739, for professional representation.

San Clemente Real Estate Podcast

The latest edition of the San Clemente Real Estate Podcast is now available. In this month's Podcast we share insightful tips for protecting your property investment and walk you through the key steps of our annual insurance check-up. We also discuss Orange County market trends.

Listen and enjoy!

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6% Contributions Allowed

Buyers have gained more buying power with recent changes 100% financing guidelines.

The 80/20 and 75/25 Conforming Fixed-Rate loans now allow interested party contributions up to 6% of the lesser of the sales price or appraised value. Previously, contributions were capped at 3 percent.

Now it’s easier to get into the new home you deserve!

Give us a call or visit our website if you are thinking of buying an Orange County home or would like more information about financing options.

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.

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.

The San Clemente Real Estate Podcast

The latest edition of the San Clemente Real Estate Podcast looks at the Orange County real estate market activity, along with a discussion about mold inspections and air quality. Our guest speaker is Terri Murphy of US Learning. Enjoy!

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.