January 2009 RSS Feed

Schools are important to San Clemente real estate...even if you don't have kids! The quality of our schools help determine our San Clemente real estate property values. This is why it is important to attend the town hall forum, Is it Really ALL About the Kids?, being held Monday, February 2 , 7PM, at San Clemente High School.

The forum is sponsored by the San Clemente "Family of PTAs" and will address such issues as: the education budget and funding; transportation; parks and recreation activities; joint-use of the Performing Arts Center, community programs and parent education programs (Red Ribbon Week.)

See the event flyer.

Learn more about San Clemente real estate and schools by visiting, homesintalega.com.

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Offered in one of the most desirable and premier communities in San Clemente is a Queen Ann Seaside style highly upgraded home. You'll need to experience the location that this home offers for a leisurely walk to your private, gated beach access. Other community amenties include a community Pool and Spa, tennis and basketball courts and a fully appointed clubhouse. Close to world-class surfing at Trestles, you can also enjoy surfside volleyball courts, firepits, swings and kayaking. Living in Cyprus Cove may be the special place that you have been looking for!

Complete detail about this charming, updated custom home located within the guard-gated highly sought after ocean front, bluff top community of Cyprus Cove can be viewed at Cyprus Cove Home.com.

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OK, it's not real estate, but we don't want to miss out on an opportunity to congratulate San Clemente resident, Kai Kalama. Kai auditioned for American Idol in San Francisco on January 20. The 26 year-old musician was given the nod to advance to the Hollywood competition.

Good luck Kai!! All San Clemente will be routing for you!!

With Oscar nominations out this week, it seemed appropriate to look at the Stars of Orange County real estate in 2008 as reported by the OC Register. 

Nickolas Cage's home in Newport sold for $35 million.

 

 

 

 

 Beachfront home in Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach sold for $34.5 million. 


Corona Del Mar home sells for $27 million. A record high for an OC home off the water.

Coto de Caza Mansion sold for $19 million.

If you want to learn more about Orange County real estate, please contact us at 949-481-3739, or visit GuideToLocalRealEstate.

To begin searching for Orange County real estate & homes for sale, please use our Orange County MLS search.

The upcoming presidential transition comes at a time of great challenges within the housing industry and the economy at large. Consequently, many are wondering what a Barack Obama presidency will mean for real estate and housing issues.

NAR analysts say Realtors® can expect the Obama administration and the new Democratic-controlled Congress to focus on regulatory reform of the financial services industry, with potential changes to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

This fall, Obama responded to Realtor® Magazine’s questions about the mortgage crisis, sustainable development, housing affordability and other topics. Read the interview below...

What’s the most important action the federal government can take to ease the mortgage crisis and prevent a…

Now May Be The Time To Buy Orange County Real Estate

We've heard nothing but bad news about Orange County real estate for months now. It has gotten to the point that I don't even want to pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV for all the negative reporting.

But, it looks like we are finally turning a corner with news articles in the NYTimes, Business Week, NY Daily News, NPR, and the Washington Post all running articles that now may be the time to think about buying a home.

Prices are down making homes more affordable than they have been since 1999 and interest rates are close to 5% for a 30 year mortgage.

Learn more about buying Orange County real estate by visiting GuideToLocalRealEstate.com.

Search all Orange County real estate and homes for…

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit: How It Works

The first-time homebuyer tax credit passed last fall is an enigma to many. Like so much of our legislation, the bill is confusing. Below is an explanation provided by the National Association of Realtors:

The definition of first-time homebuyer is generous. To get the credit, the homebuyer cannot have owned a home in the previous three years. The home must be a principal residence and purchased between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009.

The credit is equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $7,500. Single taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income up to $75,000 and couples with MAGI up to $150,000 will qualify for full credit. Singles with MAGI up to $95,000 and couples with MAGI up to $170,000…

5 Tips for Orange County Home Buyers

2009 will be a good year for Orange County home buyers. Lower prices, near record low interest rates and high inventories are all working in the favor of Orange County home buyers. Those home buyers making good long term financial decisions will reap the benefits of the currently soft market for years to come. Here are 5 home buying tips for 2009.

1. Think long-term We may see soft prices for in the short-term, but real estate like other markets, is cyclical. Over the long haul, the market will bounce back and prices will rise.

2. Think local Real estate is local. Ignore national headlines and listen to your local real estate expert. The real estate market in Columbus OH is not the same as the real estate market…

Orange County Real Estate: Homesellers Must Price It Right

We're in the midst of a challenging Orange County real estate market in many areas. However, soft markets can provide opportunities for some home sellers. The trick is to price your home right for today's market.

The most difficult reality for most sellers to face is that prices in their neighborhood may have dropped during the last year or two. Some sellers will find that it may not make sense to sell if the probable sale price is too low.

If you have the luxury of waiting for a better market, stay put for now. Be sure to check with a knowledgeable real estate agent before you make a decision to move forward -- one who knows the local market well.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: It is an advantageous time for…

10 Predictions For 2009 Affecting San Clemente Real Estate

Many in the real estate community are relieved that tumultuous 2008 has come to a close. But what is in store for 2009? Real estate in 2009 will most likely continue to be a year of change and adjustment. Read the Top 10 Predictions for 2009 according to HGTV's FrontDoor.com:

• Sellers will continue to face falling home values in the new year because they’ll be competing with banks and builders who are slashing prices to sell off the still-huge inventory of foreclosures and new homes.
• The Obama administration will act on its plan to crack down on abusive lending practices.
• Mortgage holders in danger of losing their homes will receive more assistance from a variety of programs…