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        <title>Laguna Beach Real Estate Market Blog</title>
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        <description></description>
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            <guid>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/stop-renting-an-orange-county-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/stop-renting-an-orange-county-home.html</link>
            <author>Hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com (Hillary Caston)</author>
            <title>Stop Renting an Orange County Home!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Stop Renting an Orange County Home!


With interest rates and prices plunging to rock-bottom lows of under 4% for Laguna Beach real estate, there’s never been a better time to buy your own little castle by the seashore. Renting a home just doesn’t make financial sense anymore – not even for a second home. Buy that Laguna Beach vacation property. And stop donating to the ‘I Want to Make My Landlord Richer’ fund. Same holds true for young people. Parents, encourage your college grads to buy a property NOW and build wealth for their future. “But, Ms. Coastal Property Expert,” you object, “I’m fine with forking over rent for the privilege of living in a beautiful Laguna Beach home.”  And I’m telling you flat out, nay-nay! Don’t waste another dime renting an Orange County home!” Here’s why -- 


Rents For Orange County Homes Are Leaping Every Month


This is a familiar cry from beleaguered tenants in every corner of the county. Much of the price surge is being fueled by savvy investors. As they see it, a large chunk of the populace still doesn’t qualify for a mortgage. But even the credit-unworthy must live somewhere. So in swoop hordes of opportunity-hungry investors, snapping up blocks of homes earmarked for hefty rents. If you’re a tenant, make sure your wallet is stuffed good and fat. Because you’ll be paying more for a Laguna Beach home that’s not yours than one whose deed bears you name. Guaranteed.


And, if you have a few extra pennies jingling in your pockets, why not be one of those savvy investors? Imagine the thrill of buying your own block of choice Laguna Beach homes to rent at a healthy profit. Then, when the Orange County real estate market takes off (as I know it will in the next 36 months) you can sell that block for big bucks. Now I ask you, wouldn’t you rather be a landlord than a tenant?


To see what renting actually costs you, here’s a price comparison table provided by Kevin Budde of Prime Lending. It assumes an Orange County home valued at $450,000 with 10% down vs. the same property renting at $2,500/mo. As you can see, your actual after tax-monthly housing cost is $2,024 for an owned Orange county home vs. $2,500 for a rental. That’s a juicy savings of $476/mo or $5,712 per year. And over the course of a 30-year loan, you will have put an extra $171,360 in your pocket! Yeah, renting is a good idea. So is tossing a bag of thousand dollar bills into the San Onofre nuclear reactor. 


 But don’t just take my word for it. As a famous young girl who hobnobbed with wizards once discovered, “there’s no place like home.” Fortunately, you don’t need the latest in magical ruby slippers to own one of your own.  So would you rather be at the mercy of a landlord or the master of your own domain? If you opt for the later, the Coastal Property Experts are ready to make your every wish come true. Our team is on hand to answer any of your questions and help you discover the wealth of opportunities waiting for you in the Laguna Beach real estate and Orange County real estate markets.


Connect with us at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.  

Sunny Days and Smooth Sailing! ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:40:20 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/have-the-escrow-edge-buying-your-orange-county-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/have-the-escrow-edge-buying-your-orange-county-home.html</link>
            <author>Hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com (Hillary Caston)</author>
            <title>Have the Escrow Edge Buying Your Orange County Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Have the Escrow Edge Buying Your Orange County Home




You’ve put in hours of legwork, signed mountains of documents, wheeled and dealed ‘till the cows come home. And now you’re ready for the keys to your castle – a gorgeous piece of Laguna Beach real estate. But there’s still one more bridge to cross. It’s called escrow -- a very necessary phase, which no doubt you’ve heard of. Fortunately, going from escrow to an Orange County home can be a fairly smooth experience, especially when you know what to expect and have The Coastal Property Experts on board. As the best Laguna Beach real estate agents, we’ll help you sail into your Orange County home with an escrow edge. To get you started, we’ve prepared this very special --


EZ Escrow Survival Guide


1.     Invincible Instructions  – All parties to the sale must give specific instructions to an escrow officer. This neutral party ensures that the actions required by the instructions are performed as indicated. If the seller has promised full payment for termite work in section 1 of your contract, make sure you receive a Termite Clearance from a licensed termite company. The clearance should include a one-year warranty. And if a Request for Repairs stipulates that the seller is to repair the leaky pipe that’s on the verge of turning the kitchen into Lake Superior, verify the leak has been plugged and fixed. All escrow instructions must be properly executed before a single dime or foot on property can change hands. End of story. Word to the wise -- read these instructions like a hawk. They’re the guidance system of your entire escrow. If something confuses you, don’t be shy. Ask your knowledgeable escrow officer or the Coastal Property Experts.  They’ve got the answers and their fiduciary duty is to watch your back and backside.


2.     Fees Please – Fees can be fat, thin, or in between, depending on the price tag of the deal. Still, there are a number of fairly standard escrow fees that consistently come into play. These include lender fees, recording fees, title insurance policy premium, prepaid taxes, and escrow fees as well as HOA fees if you are buying in a planned community. Save the personal checks for your utility bill. Wire transfer is now the only method for escrow fees to close your transaction. And relax. You won’t be footing the whole bill alone. Typically, the parties involved agree to divide the fees 50/50 for escrow.


3.     In Closing – Alright. Everyone’s dutifully done his or her part. Instructions have been carried out to a tee. And all concerned have signed acres of paperwork verifying completed work and acknowledging what you, the buyer, are receiving from the seller. At this point, escrow will hand you a HUD 1 document for review. This itemizes all your costs, breaking them down into categories. This list includes all charges as well as credits due you. Now it’s time to bring the cash to the table .The escrow company collects the cash to cover all agreed-upon costs and close the deal.


4.     For Your Review – The “docs” have gone back to the lender for their review too. In today’s market lenders take their time as well as do second appraisals, verify you are still working at the same job as you were 45 days ago when this started. So be patient. Uncle Sam plays apart in this too.  Your money goes from the lender to title. Escrow authorizes the release of recording and after recording title pays off existing liens and taxes with the balance of funds going to disburse. Now it goes to the Orange County recording office and there can lay a problem. You will be waiting your turn till 10 little fingers graze your paperwork to issue a new deed of trust. You are almost there. Stop biting your fingers. Let your real estate agent bit hers. Here it comes listen…..


5.     Reaching the Finish Line – ‘Confirmed’ – This is the word from a higher power. It is the message you as the buyer long to receive. It means title is now in your name, and the Laguna Beach home is at long last officially and irrevocably yours. Now get in there and gaze at a few sunsets.


Naturally, you want your best shot at getting the all-important ‘confirmed’ signal. That’s why you want the best possible Orange County real estate agents in your corner during your home search. So make sure you get a professional who packs a powerful punch.


Connect with our team at 949.415-6786 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.  


Sunny Days and Smooth Sailing! 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:14:45 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/homebuyers-get-another-kick-in-the-fannie.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/homebuyers-get-another-kick-in-the-fannie.html</link>
            <author>Hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com (Hillary Caston)</author>
            <title>Homebuyers Get Another Kick in the Fannie</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Homebuyers Get Another Kick in the Fannie


I’m telling you, it’s the last thing we need right now. Just when the Laguna Beach real estate market is awakening from a slumber full of tossing and turning…Just when interest is heating up for all those bargain-priced Laguna Beach homes for sale. What happens? Homebuyers get another kick in the Fannie.   


What I’m ranting about is Washington’s latest sleight of hand illusion – the new ‘back door tax’ bundled into Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loans. At first glance, the additional .125% you’ll be paying for those loans looks like a drop in the bucket. Just a few pennies, right?  WARNING -- Don’t be fooled by the seemingly harmless amount. Here’s the real, behind-the-scenes story -- 


Let’s say you buy an Orange County home with a $500,000 mortgage. Thanks to the ‘miniscule’ back door tax, your monthly payments will rise by $36. A pittance, you say? A mere trifle? Well guess what – over the life of a 30-year loan, you will have paid $13, 220 extra to Uncle Sam! Still think it’s a trifle? 


Apparently, Washington has deleted the promised spending cuts from its to-do list. Instead, the government will subsidize its recent tax credit with the back door tax -- effectively wiping out all your gains. Nice.   


Don’t Expect Transparency 


You’ll have an easier time prying gold from a gumball than spotting the backdoor tax in your loan docs. You see, banks representing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bury the backdoor tax deep, deep into your interest rate. As of February 7, 2012, all lenders have factored this increased fee into their rate sheets. But just try finding it.


Shift the Burden


Remember, Fannie and Freddie loans cover amounts up to $729,000. Therefore, the people getting slammed by the backdoor tax are the recipients of these loans – the good old middle class. As usual, the affluent are off the hook. 


Quite naturally, both the Republicans and the Democrats deny responsibility for a tax measure that clearly boosts the cost of buying Laguna Beach real estate, or any other property in the United States. But it’s all just a smokescreen. Clearly, it’s time to stop deceiving the people. Shift a big chunk of the tax burden to the wealthy. Target big businesses such as British Petroleum, and slap all job exporters with a tax on work sent overseas. Hitting a newly-recovering housing market is pure economic folly, and a crushing blow to the middle class. 


What do you think about the recent back door tax? Good, bad, indifferent? I’d love to hear from you, so feel free to fire off your comments below. 


And, of course, The Coastal Property Experts will be delighted to answer any of your questions and help you discover the wealth of opportunities waiting for you in the Laguna Beach real estate and Orange County real estate markets.


Connect with our team at 949.415.6786 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.   


Sunny Days and Smooth Sailing!    
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:44:10 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/its-buy-time-big-time.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/its-buy-time-big-time.html</link>
            <author>Hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com (Hillary Caston)</author>
            <title>It’s Buy Time, Big Time!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
It’s Buy Time, Big Time!


The news zooms out of every conceivable media outlet -- houses are more affordable than ever! Homeownership once again is in reach! The bargains are booming! The Coastal Property Experts agree. So do some of you. Low prices and low interest rates have begun luring you savvy shoppers back. Congratulations! You’ve already begun reaping major rewards. But what about the rest of you?  Open your eyes. The skies are clearing in the Laguna Beach real estate market. It’s buy time, big time! 


The climate is sunnier than a summer day if you come to the table with the three golden keys: (1) down payment cash; (2) a steady income; and (3) good credit score. Nowadays, one of these essentials will get your foot comfortably in the door. All three practically shove the deed into your hands. 


Yes, there’s a giant, bright neon sign flashing over the Laguna Beach real estate market. And it reads: OPPORTUNITY. In today’s marketplace, you definitely can get more home for less money. Low selling prices are one big factor. The other is our historically low interest rates, which tremendously will restrict the flow of money from your pockets during your mortgage period. Currently, borrowed money will cost you just 4% if your credit is good. The benchmark of ‘good’ is a FICO score of 720. But like everything else, that can change.


And even if you’re credit score is less than supernatural, very few banks will give you the heave-ho these days. In fact, you still may be in the running for a good rate and a delicious deal. As they say, you never know unless you try. So stop stalling and politely inform your bank, ‘you want a Laguna Beach home and you want it now.” Then rub your rabbit’s foot. 


Another advantage to you as the buyer is that there are fewer of you prowling the market. And, as those with a basic economic education already can guess, fewer buyers translate to more power at the negotiation table. Ultimately, you’re packing more leverage in that little deal-making arsenal of yours. And serious sellers have no choice but to bend a little -- a lot more if their Laguna Beach home has been stuck in the mud for months and months.


And, of course, there’s the well-known overstock of Orange County distress sales. Experts claim the flood of foreclosures and shorts sales will be with us for some time, primarily because of bank delays. Lending institutions are bursting at the seams with delinquent properties that have been sitting in their stock room for years. And they’re ready to blow them out big time. But don’t be the last in line.  


So there you have it. Great deals, rock-bottom prices, historically low interest rates, limited demand, and oversupply all equal one inescapable conclusion – its buy time, big time for Orange County real estate!


Contact The Coastal Property Experts today. Our team will be delighted to answer any of your questions and help you discover the wealth of opportunities waiting for you in the Orange County real estate market.

Connect with our team at 949.415.6786 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.    ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:18:29 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/laguna-beach-home-prices-will-jump.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/laguna-beach-home-prices-will-jump.html</link>
            <author>Hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com (Hillary Caston)</author>
            <title>Laguna Beach Home Prices Will Jump</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Laguna Beach Home Prices Will Jump


Laguna Beach home prices will jump 5% in the next 90 days predicts Hillary Caston with The Coastal Property Experts. 


I’ve already clued you in with my predictions. I know they’re accurate because I’m still getting the signals everywhere I go -- from grocery stores to cocktail parties. People are buzzing big about real estate and how the market is hugging rock bottom. Sales of Laguna Beach homes are gathering steam. No question about it -- the real estate market’s on the move again! In fact, home prices will jump 5% in the next 90 days. 


Even experts at places like Forbes and Zillow are echoing my sunny outlook, which says now is the time to buy. The news is out, folks. So the question is --


Where Does That Leave You?


Basically, you have two choices. You can wait another six months to prove that this humble realtor and the experts are full of hot air, while prices and interest rates creep up right under your noses. 


OR


You can launch an aggressive search for bargain-priced Orange County real estate right now. Then watch your choice property appreciate as you applaud your decision to buy at the bottom.


I’m aware that a number of you have been doing your share of fence-sitting for the last 4 years. In fact, I know many of you personally, through direct contact and/or phone conversations.  Understandably, you’ve been waiting for the go signal, that grand moment when prices at long last smack the bottom. And I’m telling you loud and clear, folks, the checkered flag has dropped. Shift into high gear and grab that honey of a Laguna Beach property you’ve been eyeing. Or you’ll be left in the dust, stuck in the same-old-same-old.


Eye-Opening Facts


Last year, existing U.S. home sales were up by 1%. Sure, it’s not a staggering jump, but at least it’s a move in the right direction, right? Just look at what’s happening in our own backyard. Right now, Laguna Beach properties priced under a million are pulling in three or four offers per sale. In fact, these homes are getting bid up $40,000, $50,000, even $100,000 over asking price. Currently in escrow are 26 fabulous Laguna Beach properties priced below a million. Five zoomed into escrow in fewer than two weeks. You just didn’t see anything like this a year ago. It’s phenomenal!


Currently, mortgage rates are lingering in the under 4% range. If you wait for the inevitable rate increase, you’ll pay the price. Even a quarter % uptick will boost your mortgage payment into ‘ouch’ territory. 


Visit the The Coastal Property Experts now to launch your ultra-simple, blazing fast home search. Our expert team will be right there at your side to help you take advantage of the current market opportunities. But don’t wait another second. I’m telling you, home prices are poised to jump 5% within the next 90 days.  


Connect with our team today. And start living your dream.


949.415.6786


 hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.
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            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:57:57 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/shatter-the-home-loan-myth.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/shatter-the-home-loan-myth.html</link>
            <author>Hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com (Hillary Caston)</author>
            <title>Shatter the Home Loan Myth</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

Shatter the Home Loan Myth


You yearn to buy a Laguna Beach home, but you’re stymied by a dread of the “home loan myth.” You don’t dare contact the bank – they’ll only reject you. Like hundreds of people, you believe a home loan is impossible without a mind-boggling down payment AND a stratospheric credit score. No doubt about it. This widespread belief is hampering the housing market in a big way. Well, it’s high time to shatter the home loan myth once and for all – you don’t need a small fortune or a soaring FICO to get a loan for an Orange County home. That’s yesterday’s news. Truth be told, banks are writing more and more home loans every day for ordinary folks.


The facts speak for themselves. In both Orange and L.A. counties, a 3.5% down payment will get you a Orange County home loan of $729,750. This translates to a purchase price of $756,000, with a required down payment of $26, 500.  And get this. A credit score of 640 is generally all it takes to get you in the door.


Now, I’m not saying it’s the loan fest that rocked the market about five years ago. Lenders still are looking more carefully before they leap. However, the pendulum definitely has swung back a certain distance. Thankfully, common sense once again has returned to the mortgage mix.


Just look at what’s happening with down payments. They’re shrinking. That’s right. Required amounts haven’t been this low in years -- even on the beefier loans. Thanks to our improving economy, there’s also a wonderful new optimism reflected in the less stringent underwriting process many banks have adopted. Borrowers no longer have to jump through hoops.


Naturally, the bigger the chunk those borrowers put down, the greater the loan amount can be. For instance, a 10% down payment can secure a loan of up to $875,000, while 20% up front will connect you with as much as $2 million. 


To make life easier, be sure to get preapproved for a loan before you embark on your home hunt. Believe me, it’s a lot easier to work out the details prior to escrow.


So get over your ‘loanaphobia’. There’s no reason for it. If you can afford the mortgage payments and can provide proof of income, there’s a good chance you’ll get approved for the Laguna Beach home of your dreams.


Now that you know there’s nothing to fear, don’t wait a second longer. Contact The Coastal Property Experts today. Our team will be delighted to answer any of your questions and help you discover the wealth of opportunities waiting for you in the Orange County real estate market.


Connect with our team at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.


Until next time, Sunny Days and Smooth Sailing!
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            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:59:09 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/an-extra-mortgage-payment-puts-profits-in-your-pockets.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/an-extra-mortgage-payment-puts-profits-in-your-pockets.html</link>
            <author>Hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com (Hillary Caston)</author>
            <title>An Extra Mortgage Payment Puts Profits in Your Pockets</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
 


An Extra Mortgage Payment Puts Profits in Your Pockets


Want to put thousands of extra dollars in your pockets? Simple. Make just one extra mortgage payment each year for your Laguna Beach home. Then start planning your now-affordable dream vacation to Europe! It all boils down to simple math. An extra mortgage payment decreases the length of your mortgage and therefore lowers the amount of interest paid during the loan term. End of story. 


Real Life Example


A 30-year loan of $500,000 at 5% gives you a monthly payment of about $2,684. Just one extra mortgage payment each year enables you to pay off the loan 3 years and 7 months early. Total interest savings on your Orange County property: a staggering $81,746! Now I ask you, could you use an extra eighty-one grand?


EZ Payment Plan   


What if you don’t have the funds to plunk down an entire payment? No problem. You always can go with the ez payment plan – simply divide the one large payment into 12 manageable monthly installments. You’re still reaping tremendous benefits, only you’re getting them in smaller servings. 


Timely Strategy


I can assure you, an extra mortgage payment for your home will have an even deeper impact on your wallet in the near future. As I pointed out in a previous article, a number of telltale signs indicate that home prices and therefore interest rates will be creeping upward very soon. I’m expecting prices to rise about10% above the record-breaking lows we saw in ‘2011.  The jump will affect a wide range of coastal properties, including Laguna Beach homes, Newport Beach homes, Laguna Niguel homes, and Dana Point homes.  I’m telling you, it will happen. According to my calculations, the climb begins in 90 days.  


Think Before You Pay


STOP! Don’t dash down to the bank hauling your extra payment just yet. You’ll first want to take stock of your personal situation. After all, you might discover better ways to utilize those greenbacks. For instance, re-channeling that money to pay off your highest interest loans first. Think about the mega-interest credit card debt that’s devouring your funds. It could be smarter to hammer down that debt first. You’ll have to do the math. You may also want to postpone making any extra payments until you’ve fully funded all your matching retirement accounts. Again, you’ll want to look at your situation to determine the best move.


Consult a Qualified Professional


If you opt to go the extra payment route, be sure to consult your lending institution first. The professionals there will show you how to make the payment and maximize your benefits. 


If you’d like to learn more about the advantages or the process of extra mortgage payments, the Coastal Property Experts will be delighted to answer any of your questions.  And, of course, we’re always on hand to help you discover the wealth of opportunities waiting for you in the Orange County real estate market.


Connect with our team at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.


Until next time, Sunny Days and Smooth Sailing!
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            <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:09:27 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/hillary-castons-2012-real-estate-predictions.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/hillary-castons-2012-real-estate-predictions.html</link>
            <author>Hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com (Hillary Caston)</author>
            <title>Hillary Caston’s 2012 Real Estate Predictions</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Whew!  Another year has flown by at supersonic speed. And that means The Coastal Property Experts are going out on a limb once again. That’s right. It’s time for Hillary Caston’s 2012 Real Estate Predictions. OK, I’m gazing deep into my crystal ball.  Here’s what I see…


Price Jump -- Without question, home prices in the Laguna Beach area will jump 10% from the all-time lows of ‘2011.  This applies not only to Laguna Beach homes, but to Newport Beach homes, Laguna Niguel homes, Dana Point homes.  


You’ve Got Three Months -- Be looking for the climb to start in about 90 days. Yes, yes, I know more distress inventory will pour into the market. But those homes will blend into the mix of escalating properties -- without diluting rising prices.


I Can Hear Your Skeptical Cry


“What gives Hillary the gall to make such outlandish predictions?” Well, it’s like this. I waltzed into real estate from Arizona 15 yrs. ago, just when the biz was emerging from its previous slump. Within 24 months of my start date, I learned that it’s not about what you see but what you hear. And you know what -- I’m hearing it all over again, loud and clear. Here are some examples.




I was getting my nails done when I start kibitzing with another woman. In mid-polish, she announces, “I can feel the real estate market coming back. Four homes on my street, Cerritos, have sold in the last seven months. And that’s a small street.”  I’m telling you, this woman was getting me pumped up about the market -- and she’s not even a real estate agent! Yeah, there’s a definite buzz in the air.


Next, I’m prowling the supermarket for choice veggies when a woman hits a nearby woman with this newsflash: “A home on my street sold just three days after it went on the market -- with 13 offers on it. And it was snapped up for way over asking price. This is crazy. I’m telling my husband it’s time to buy. We may never see the bottom again.”


Then I was in a Newport Beach restaurant enjoying my usual fare. At the next table were two couples discussing somebody who ‘stole’ a Newport Beach home for one third of its 2005 sales price.


Ken, a new client from Georgia, was telling me that the market down south is starting to move. I’m taking him home shopping on Friday.


Whoah, you wouldn’t believe the number of people flocking to thecoastalpropertyexperts.com, checking out Laguna Beach homes for sale and Newport Beach homes for sale. The visitors included 12 people from England, apparently eager to hang their hats beneath our sunny skies.




Obviously, the power of conversation drives people to buy. This is exactly what happened in 2001. And it’s happening now. Trust me. Nobody wants to be left behind.


Are you ready to be proactive and take advantage of this emerging trend? Then contact Coastal Property Experts. We’ll help you discover the wealth of opportunities waiting for you in the Orange County real estate market.


You can connect with our team at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.


Until next time, Sunny Days and Smooth Sailing!


 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:39:12 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/price-hikes-coming-for-your-laguna-beach-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/blog/price-hikes-coming-for-your-laguna-beach-home.html</link>
            <author>Hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com (Hillary Caston)</author>
            <title>Price Hikes Coming For Your Laguna Beach Home?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Price Hikes Coming For Your Laguna Beach Home?


I’ve been saying it all along. Grab a deal on Laguna Beach real estate while you can. Sooner or later the market will bottom out. Then things will start heating up again. Unfortunately, you won’t know it until the market zooms past, leaving you in the dust. Sure enough, banks are doing their part to crank up the heat. If the current lending trend is any indicator, you may very well see price hikes coming for your Laguna Beach home …sooner than you think.   


Here’s how the financial winds are blowing. According to a recent USA today article, banks are making more and more business loans.  The bullish attitude stems from our improving economy and a drop in unemployment claims. It’s only a matter of time before banks loosen up with mortgage money, allowing more people to buy homes. Sellers no doubt will respond to the expected buying frenzy with price hikes.


I’m not saying the bargains will vanish from the Laguna Beach marketplace overnight. Plenty of juicy deals are still waiting to be snapped up. I’m just pointing out that buyers must face reality. As the number of people getting mortgage loans rises, so will the demand for homes. And, according to the immutable laws of economics, that means rising prices.


Case in point – I just emerged from a bidding war with 13 other agents over a Laguna Beach fixer. Sure, it had an ocean view that would make your jaw drop. But it needed a total remodel. Guess the buyers didn’t notice. Because this diamond-in-the-rough flew off the shelf for an astounding $125,000 over asking price. All cash! I can feel it in the air. There’s a real drive to buy again.


How far and how fast prices will rise is anyone’s guess. But one thing is for sure. The longer you delay, the higher the prices will be. Do you really want to wait until you’ve lost a small fortune?  Far better to get in on the ground floor while there’s still an open doorway.


Are you ready to discover all the amazing bargains? Our team will give you the inside track on Laguna Beach homes for sale. As the area’s premier Coastal Property Experts, we’ll answer all of your questions and help you discover the wealth of opportunities waiting for you in the Orange County real estate market.


Feel free to connect with our team at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.


Until next time, Sunny Days and Smooth Sailing!


 


 


 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 28 Dec 2011 07:02:03 -0800</pubDate>
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            <author>Hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com (Hillary Caston)</author>
            <title>Green is Gold for your Laguna Beach Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Green is Gold for your Laguna Beach Home


Making your Laguna Beach home environmentally-friendly doesn’t have to be a major, time-consuming project. In fact, green is gold. That’s because in most cases, going green is easy, earth-friendly, and economical. Here are a few simple steps that will put the green in your Orange County home …and keep the green in your wallet.Clean Green – Scrub and wipe with environment-safe cleaning products.  If you really want to stretch your dollars, try baking soda, vinegar, and lemon.  Out With the Lights – Flicking off the light switch when you’re out of the room means less energy usage, less pollutants from the local power company, and less money out of your pocket.Fill the Cracks – When warm air escapes through these openings, cash escapes from your wallet. Prevent the energy loss by caulking cracks like your budget depends on it. Because it does.Opt for a Laptop – These little wonders consume considerably less energy than their desktop counterparts.  And they make great space savers.Disconnect – Even when appliances are taking a siesta, they’re still nibbling away on power.  It’s a good idea to unplug when appliances are not use.Get Free and Clear – With your laundry detergent, that is. Rivers, lakes, and oceans generally don’t respond well to toxic chemicals.Use Star Power – Look for labels such as Energy Star to save cash and kilowatts. Energy efficient appliances are far easier on power consumption than the conventional breed.Be Cold – Do your laundry in cold water -- with free and clear detergent, of course. This is yet another major energy-saving move.Recycle - Wouldn’t a recycle bin look great in that extra space you have in your garage. A bin also makes a wonderful place to put your unwanted metal, glass, paper, cardboard, and plastic.


If you’d like to learn more about going green, our team is available to answer any of your questions. And, of course, if you’re ready to discover the wealth of opportunities here in the Laguna Beach Real Estate market, we’re ready to help.


 Feel free to connect with our team at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.


Until next time, Sunny Days and Smooth Sailing!


 
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            <pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:13:11 -0800</pubDate>
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