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Current Laguna Beach California Real Estate News, Information, Opinions and Update
October 27, 2009 - What Does Assembly Bill 957 Mean For California Buyers
Governor Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 957 into law on October 13, 2009.
Prior to this law, banks and lenders that took possession of homes after they went through the foreclosure process were requiring the buyers of those REO homes to use only the escrow companies with which they had contracts with, no matter who was paying for the service. In some instances, this meant that the buyers could have ended up paying more from an out of area provide than what was charged by a local company.
This bill allows buyers to choose which title and escrow company will represent them in the purchase of a California REO, real estate owned, or foreclosed property. The bill’s author, Assembly Member Cathleen Galgiani, and supporters believed that when banks, which are typically the sellers of the properties in a California REO transaction, required the buyers to use their choice of Title Company, escrow settlement, or other real estate service provider in the closing, this was an unethical and anti-competitive practice.
Federal law, through the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), already prohibits a seller of a residential property (1-4 units) from requiring the buyer to purchase title insurance from the company of the seller’s choosing. This new law expands that restriction to other companies that are involved in the closing process.
"Homebuyers should have every right to choose their title, escrow and real estate service providers based on price and quality of service," said Assembly Member Cathleen Galgiani. "AB 957 ensures that buyers can make marketplace choices that suit their own best interests, rather than getting forced to serve the financial interests of some international bank or other corporation."
The added benefit of Assembly Bill 957 to local companies is that they will now have an equal opportunity to capture some of this home foreclosure business. This in turn could stimulate jobs in some of the hardest hit areas of California where REO and foreclosed properties are most prominent.
“Local escrow companies, which can offer the best resources and service in the current housing crisis, are being shut out of the Bank Owned (foreclosed) housing market”, according to Galgiani. “Instead of local businesses assisting homeowners and expediting the transfer of foreclosed properties to purchasers, they're literally locked out of the market. Excluding local businesses from competition for services also eliminates local jobs that further harms the local economy and eliminates competition.”
This does not mean that the seller of an REO or foreclosed property cannot suggest who to use or that the buyer must refuse the suggestion. If both parties agree, then those companies can be used; however, the seller must now give a written notice informing the buyer of a REO or foreclosed property that the buyer is allowed to use a company of their choosing.
October 2, 2009 - Top 5 Reasons to Purchase a California Home Right Now
Affordability: Across the nation for various reasons, prices have declined. The counties that experienced the greatest increases in prices are now experiencing drops in prices which are starting to look like great buying opportunities.
Low Interest Rates: True, lending standards have tightened up; however, there are still loans to be made. Buyers are taking advantage of conforming and FHA loans where rates can still be found in the 5% interest range. With FHA financing available in the Orange County area, the increased loan limit of $729,750 is looking especially attractive. Even borrowers with a credit score as low as 580 can consider a home purchase in today’s market. It is best to talk to your lender or mortgage broker to get the most recent information on the loans available to you.
Government Incentives: Don’t miss out on this one. Many homeowners have claimed that it is the $8000 tax credit offered for 2009 that prompted them to take the step into home ownership. This tax credit expires December 1, 2009 so don’t wait if you want to qualify for this benefit.
Mortgage Protection Programs: For those that may be concerned with the viability of their employment, there could be a program to assist with your mortgage payment if you become unemployed. The California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) offers the Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program for first time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs. There has also been mention of some lenders that are offering similar programs so be sure to ask your loan specialist about this option. Also, another insurance program that has always been available is through disability insurance which applies if you become disabled. Be sure to check out all your insurance and “safety net” options so that you can weather out the storm of any unforeseen event.
Choosing to live the life you want in an area you choose: Do you love your neighborhood, your school district, your commute, your view, your community, the size and “feel” of your house? If you cannot answer with a strong “Yes!” to any of these questions, then now may be the perfect time to step up and live the life you’ve always dreamed of. For the coastal communities of Orange County and Laguna Beach, that means waking up to the smell of the ocean and cool ocean breezes; a year-long temperate climate; great restaurants, entertainment and schools; a short drive or walk to the beach to surf or sun. It’s a lifestyle choice…is it yours?
Current Laguna Beach California Real Estate News, Information, Opinions and Update
April 14,2009
I have a Laguna Beach homes for sale up date.
There are 59 home for sale under $1,000,000
There are 132 homes for sale between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000
There are 58 homes for sale between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000
There are 38 homes for sale between $3,000,000 and $5,000,000
There are 44 homes for sale between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000
There are 26 homes over $10,000,000
Now what does this all mean? Laguna Beach real estate has a very high inventory of homes for sale. We have never had almost 60 homes under a million dollars in the last three years, in the same breath we have an enormous inventory of beachfront homes over $10,000,000. Is this a time to buy a Laguna Beach home? I believe if you want a steal for $650,000 or a cottage for $859,000 or even a Laguna Beach condo for $450,000 this is a great time to make a deal. I personally would wait for the middle prices to drop and the high end beachfront homes to follow. I would say in the next 3 to 6 months for them.
The reality is this, where can you live with a population of 24,000, 73 degree average weather, white water views and a community that thrives on comraderie and loyalty? It is Laguna Beach! Homes for sale in Laguna Beach are the best value for your dollar spent!
March 9, 2009
Important information about our housing industry.
The housing industry led our country into the current recession and housing must be stabilzed and "fixed" before the recession can end. Real estate led the market inot the recession and real estate will lead it out. An enormous amount of money is coming in from our government. They "get it." The torrent of money will lead to inflation and rising interest rates to combat the inflation. People who buy homes now will the the best possible prices for their purchases and then when inflation kicks in they will be paying off their 30 or 40 year mortgages with far cheaper dollars. Inflation is good for the people with "hard " assets such as real estate, especially, orange county real estate. If you leave money in soft assets such as money markets or CD inflation will eat away your spending power. Knowing this should make every possible home buyer want to buy a hard asset at the best possible price. Make sure you get a 15, 30 or 40 year fixed rate loan; then sit back and watch the value of your Laguna Beach home grow as you pay the loan down with cheaper dollars over time.
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Orange County Real Estate Report: A Stimulating Market February 22, 2009 Demand is surging and last week's newly revealed stimulus plans haven't even hit the Orange County real estate scene yet. Prior to diving into the numbers, let's decipher the impact of both stimulus plans on Orange County housing. This is just an initial overview, as more details will be revealed as these programs are officially launched. First, here is how the Economic Stimulus Plan for 2009 will affect housing: Tax Credit - $8,000 tax credit for anybody that purchases a home and has not owned a home in the prior three years. This credit is good for all purchases of primary residences from January 1st through the end of November, 2009. For example, if a couple has a tax obligation of $3,000, with the credit applied, they would instead receive a refund of $5,000. The tax credit begins to phase out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and individuals with income above $75,000. They also must live within the home for two years.
increase for high cost areas to last year's $729,750 level. The limit had dropped to $625,500 on December 31, 2009. As a result, this will return buyer activity to homes between $700,000 and $800,000. At this point in time the banks and lending institutions have not readjusted their products to reflect this new change. Here is how the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan will affect Orange County housing: Refinancing Loans - for homeowners with less than 20% equity, they can now refinance their loans. This is for all loans at or below the conventional loan limit. Remember, this now goes all the way up to $729,750 in Orange County, considered a high cost area. This program is not available for homeowners that owe 5% more than their homes are worth. Stability Initiative - this program is designed for homeowners who are struggling to afford their monthly mortgage obligations due to high mortgage payment to income ratios and cannot sell because prices have fallen too far. The program will reduce a homeowner's monthly obligation to levels (debt ratios) that are more sustainable. Homeowners that are still current on their mortgage can apply as well. This program is also aimed at loans at or below the conventional loan limit. The lender will be required to modify the loan down to a 38% mortgage debt to income ratio. Lenders will accomplish this by reducing the interest rate or the outstanding amount owed. The federal government will match the lender's reduction dollar-for-dollar down to a 31% debt to income ratio. After 5 years the rate could increase. There is a monthly incentive to stay in the home after it is modified , up to $1000 per year for 5 years. Low Mortgage Rates - the Treasury Department is doubling its pledge to invest money in Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae in an all out effort to keep interest rates at their current historically low levels and to maintain the proper flow of loans. In Orange County, we are already experiencing tremendous demand in the lower ranges. These stimulus plans will ultimately help our local coastal real estate market further. How far reaching will play itself out over the coming months, but we are already seeing quite a bit of activity earlier this year compared to 2008. A bottom in pricing in the lower ranges may be right around the corner, which ultimately would increase confidence. Establishing a bottom in the lower ranges is essential in stopping the fall in ALL ranges. In no means will the flow of short sales and foreclosures stop; however, the levels will start to drop. With lower levels of distressed homes and higher demand, the market will improve. So how do the numbers look? In the past two weeks, demand, the number of new California Beach real estate pending sales within the prior month, increased by 148 homes to 2,891. Last year at this time there were 999 fewer pending sales, totaling 1,820. Two years ago there were 2,463 pending sales, 208 fewer than today. It will be interesting to see the affects of the stimulus plan on Orange County real estate demand over the next 60-days. The active California Beach real estate listing inventory has remained flat so far this year, decreasing by 19 homes over the past month, bringing the current total to 11,541. Last year the active inventory was 33% higher at 15,392 homes. Two years ago there were 653 additional homes on the market, totaling 12,194. The current expected market time dropped from 4.31 months two weeks ago to 4.09 months today. This is the lowest expected market time since April, 2006. Last year the expected market time was 8.46 months and dropping. It was dropping because demand was finally being restored after a major price depreciation due to a 6-month hiatus in buyer activity. Two year ago the expected market time was 4.59 months. Total Orange County real estate pending sales is at a much healthier level compared to the last two years. Currently, total pending sales is at 4,341, an increase of 322 pending sales in the past two weeks. In 2008, Orange County real estate did not reach the current level until June, the tail end of the Spring market. The difference this year, the Spring market has really just begun. Last year at this time, total pending sales totaled 2,333, 2,008 fewer than today. Two years ago it was at 3,391, 950 fewer compared to today.
sales in Orange County. Since the end of November, the total number of active distressed properties has dropped by 918 homes, a drop of 19%. The distressed inventory represents 42% of the total active inventory, dropping from 44% two weeks ago. 62% of all pending sales are either a short sale or a foreclosure, dropping from 61% two weeks ago. The expected market time for foreclosures dropped to its lowest level of the downturn, .99 months. That's correct; it stands at a little less than a month. Short sales dropped to its lowest level as well with an expected market time of 5.16 months. What about California Estate –Upper End homes? When the expected market time for a range falls above the 12 month mark, competition is so fierce and demand is so low that it is basically a deep buyer's market. A change of several pending sales can adjust the expected market time dramatically, since the number is so small to begin with. Over the past couple of weeks that was demonstrated in spades. The expected market time changed considerably as demand increased. However, it is still a deep buyer's market. For example, the expected market time for the $4 million plus market dropped from 60.0 months to 33.36 months. Laguna Beach homes, Newport Beach homes, Laguna Niguel real estate, and Dana Point real estate are all affected. What happened? Demand increased from 5 to 11 pending sales and the active inventory increased from 352 to 367 homes. So, demand is up, but it is still at a level where it is nothing to write home about. Demand for every range above $750,000, with the exception of the $1.5 million to $2 million range, increased. It would be great if this trend continued, but most of these homes are financed with jumbo loans, loans above $729,750. It is still extremely challenging to procure a jumbo loan and the rates are almost 2% higher than conventional rates. These loans are scrutinized so carefully because lenders cannot sell them off to investors, so they need to keep these loans on their balance sheets instead. The government is not going to touch this sector. Instead, the upper ranges will be restored when confidence in the financial system restores to Wall Street and the international investment community. Please call with any questions: Hillary Caston The Coastal Property Experts 949-922-8490 |
2/11/09 Foreclosures in Laguna Beach?
Yes, we are now experiencing foreclosures and short in Laguna Beach. I would never think I would see a Laguna Beach home with a view sell for $699,000! We were getting $1,000 per square foot for a home and now we are at $550, 000 a square. I thought we could escape the foreclosure market.
We have 21 Laguna Beach homes that have been confirmed foreclosures between June 1 and November 1. Yet, Laguna Beach real estate has been resilient.
Through our research we have confirmed 19 active listing that are either short sales or foreclosures in Laguna Beach. They are as follows:
533 Lombardy St. This is an approved short sale, in which the lender agrees to let the house be sold for less than what the seller owes on it. Details: about 1,150 square feet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, no view. Original price: $899,000. Current listing price: $799,000 to $849,000.
1363 Morningside Drive. Details: 1,943 square feet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, panoramic ocean views. Original price: $859,900. Current listing price: $859,900.
1420 Del Mar Ave. Details: about 2,640 square feet, four bedrooms, four bathrooms, ocean view. Original price: $1,055,000. Current listing price: $995,000.
887 Balboa Ave. Details: about 3,800 square feet, four bedrooms, four bathrooms, ocean view. Original price: $1,395,000. Current listing price: $1,290,000.
1730 Thurston Drive. Details: about 2,000 square feet, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, canyon view, ocean view. Original price: $1.4 million.
2938 Rounsevel Terrace. Details: about 2,700 square feet, three bedrooms, four bathrooms, ocean view. Original price: $2.65 million. Current listing price: $2.35 million.
In escrow
241 E. Nyes Place. Details: 883 square feet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, ocean view. Original price: $767,500.
888 Summit Drive. Details: about 1,600 square feet, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, ocean view, two-car garage. Original price: $849,900.
1053 Oro St. Details: 988 square feet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, no view. Original price: $620,800.
1053 Santa Ana St. Details: about 1,600 square feet, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, ocean view, canyon view, two-car garage. Original price: $697,775.
21701 Wesley St. Details: about 800 square feet, two bedrooms, one bathroom, ocean view. Original price: $476,900.
Sold
943 Tia Juana St. Details: about 1,600 square feet, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, ocean view. Original price: $784,900. Sold price: $750,000.
1005 Balboa Ave. Details: 1,258 square feet, two bedrooms, three bathrooms, ocean view. Original price: $794,105. Sold price: $795,000.
928 Tia Juana St. Details: 1,886 square feet, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, ocean view from master bedroom. Original price: $860,000. Sold price: $828,000.
374 Radcliffe Court. Details: about 1,500 square feet, two bedrooms, three bathrooms, ocean view. Original price: $969,900. Sold price: $960,000.
1601 Louise St. Details: 1,466 square feet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, ocean view. Original price: $1.19 million. Sold price: $965,000.
32039 Virginia Way. Details: about 2,650 square feet, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, ocean view. Original price: $1,349,000. Sold price: $1,300,000.
Foreclosures canceled or expired
709 Canyon View Drive. Details: four bedrooms, six bathrooms, panoramic ocean views, two-car garage. Original price: $4.25 million. Current listing price: $3.65 million.
1087 Flamingo Road. Details: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, ocean view, two-car garage. Original price: $1.3 million. Current listing price: $1.2 million.
2/1/09 Laguna Beach real estate, Dana Point real estate, Newport Beach real estate all for incredible rock bottom prices! This is an opportunity to buy in communities like Irvine Cove, Emerald Bay, Three Arch Bay in Laguna Beach. Or you can go to Dana Point and look in Ritz Cove or the Headlands or Niguel Shores and get phenomenal deals. If you like Newport Coast, go in Crystal Cove or Pelican Point and "steal" a home there and save millions.
Let the experience of the Coastal Property Experts help you make a real estate buy of a lifetime.
1/11/09 When is the Time to a Buy Laguna Beach Home? It is NOW!
Prices are down, affordability is up and interest rates are at an all time low. The housing market now has the attention of every person world wide. The Obama Administration has their eye on the ball to reverse the residential housing market, the easing of the financial market and definitely the high levels of unemployment.
With all this in mind buyers are taking advantage of the Laguna Beach real estate market as well as homes in Laguna Niguel, homes in Dana Point and homes in Newport Beach. The increase in demand due to short sales and foreclosures is enormous. We have an Orange County inventory of 14,944 homes on the market, last year at this time we had 11,284. We are shedding this inventory because of the Laguna Beach short sales and Laguna Beach foreclosures.
Where can you buy a Laguna Beach condo that sold for $1.1 last year and is now on the market for $599,000? When is the time to buy an Laguna Beach ocean front home or a Newport beachfront home? Now. You can buy that Laguna Beach home for 2 to 3 million dollars less. Where are you going to get that kind of savings for an ocean front home? I don't think North Carolina.
The Newport Beach real estate or even the Dana Point real estate is in the same declining position. Yet again I ask you when will you have the opportunity to buy a Laguna Beach beachfront home for under $10million dollars, maybe never.
If you can buy a Laguna Niguel home for $500,000 that was originally $899,000 you can finance it with only 3 % down and an interest rate in the 4% range. This is far cheaper than what you are paying rent for. On the other hand I negotiated a $18 million dollar Laguna Beach front home all the down to $14 million. Yes this is an enormous amount of cash, yet when the Orange County real estate market turns in 36 months and that beach front home is worth $17 million I would say that is an incredible return on your real estate investment money. Wouldn't you ?
We appreciate your continued use of our web site, www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com for all of your coastal property searches.We at the Coastal Property Experts are here to assist you in your purchases.
12/23/08
Now is the time to buy Laguna Beach real estate! This is how people make money. We call this Smart Money. You can buy a Laguna Beach home for $800,000 that would have cost you $1,200,000 last year. The coastal properties have been reduced by millions. You never know when the “bottom “is until the market has already moved up.
Loan money is available and the rates are phenomenal. Yes, you need to qualify and have good credit, or cash, those who buy now are using their Smart Money to make money. Please continue using our #1 web site, www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com for all of your real estate searches. The Coastal Property Experts are here to find you the best home at the most incredible price!
12/16/08
Orange County October Home Sales Climb to Highest Level of Year
Southern California home sales rose to the highest levels from September as buyers shook from the horrible financial and real estate news. People are stepping in now to buy homes that sold for $500,000 three months ago in Laguna Niguel and paying $300,000. This is a 67 month low and most of it is attributed to foreclosures, short sales and bank owned property.
Now news for Laguna Beach real estate. A real time market profile has shown Laguna Beach home sales have risen to a new medium price of $2,199,900 this week. Laguna Beach homes on the market are now 296 homes and have been for sale for 191 days.
The estate listings on the ocean side of the highway have hit a new high of $37,000,000 in Emerald Bay. I have personally seen 3 new estate homes not in the MLS all for over 15 million dollars. California real estate is certainly feeling the hit from the depressed real estate market, yet estate listings in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach real estate are reaching an all time high price tag. Cash is king and the homes for sale are out there.
Our area of expertise as your Laguna Beach realtor is negotiating. Please allow our team, the Coastal Property Experts , to help you find your new Laguna Beach home or a fabulous Laguna Beach Condo. We appreciate your continue use of our web site, www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com for all of your real estate needs.
12/07/08
What is going on in Laguna Beach real estate? Here are some current statistics that may pique your interest.
Laguna Beach homes currently active: 313
Laguna Beach homes between two million and five million dollars
active: 96
Laguna Beach homes over five million dollars active: 54
Laguna Beach homes under one million dollars active: 37
Now an important note about our Laguna Beach real estate is: homes are staying on the market for over 120 days. There are currently 151 Laguna Beach homes on the market for over 120 days. We have been telling you that in a great real estate market or a poor one, closing your escrow before the first of the year will always give the advantage to the buyer.
Now the good news is interest rates are coming down. You will still need to qualify, showing a job for two years and your stated and verifiable income, plus great FICO scores. The average down payment is 25% . The silver lining is you can purchase an incredible beachfront property for an average of 30% off!
We appreciate you using our web site, www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com your Coastal Property Experts for you Laguna Beach real estate search . We are here to help you find an incredible Laguna Beach home .
11/14/08
Laguna Beach real estate mid November inventory is low on the beach side of Pacific Coast Highway. In fact, there are only eleven condos on the market today in Laguna Beach. Again, we’re talking about the beach front or beach side of Highway 1 in Laguna Beach.
Most of you are inquiring about beach front and/or beach access homes and condos. It’s understandable in that there are only a finite number of properties along the ocean and who among us doesn’t want to hear the soothing sounds of the ocean, the waves crashing the sand. The ocean is calming, healing and there are a small number of homes available for you to buy that allow you that experience.
As for bargains, we’ve repeatedly written that the locals are buying properties almost as quickly as they are listed for sale. They know the value of coastal property, and they continue to trade up.
Many of you are waiting for the Laguna Beach real estate market to hit bottom, however, the risk is that your ocean front dream home is already sold!
Let’s look at some inventory statistics. The median price for the 11 condos is $1,950,000. The condos range in price from $1,545,000 at Blue Lagoon to $6,599,000 which is one of the 14 Villas in the Residences at the Montage.
For those of you who wish to buy an ocean front home or residence close to the ocean, you have your choice of 40 homes ranging in price from $1,795,000 to $23,500,000. Again, we are referring to Laguna Beach real estate that is on the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway also known as Highway 1. Median price for the homes close to the ocean is $12,247,500.
Start looking now! Don’t miss out on owning your ocean front, beach, or beach access property. Laguna Beach real estate is highly desirable, call us today and schedule an appointment. We’ll show you your dream home and help you get the best price for it!
News from Previous Weeks
10/24/08
Happy Halloween from Laguna Beach! Laguna Beach Real Estate sales are in the fourth quarter! What does that mean to you? Simply stated, it means that homes and condos in the beach and beach front market are more affordable. Across the country, buyers have responded to the improved housing affordability and the statistics reflect the trend. First of all, according to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales increased last month. They rose 5.5% over August sales and are up 1.4% over September 2007. In Laguna Beach, September sales rose 6% over last year. September inventory for beach and beach front properties is up 14%. Sales in Dana Point are even higher! September sales for beach properties in Dana Point are up 46% over last September. In fact, the statistics hold throughout the Orange County coastal area. Sales are up over the same time period last year. As for inventory for the Laguna Beach real estate market, it’s up, too. The Laguna Beach real estate market has 14% more homes for sale than last year. Dana Point homes sales have resulted in fewer homes for prospective buyers although there are some wonderful homes and buys in the area. No surprise that more sales create less inventory. Call us today to find out the best way to become a home owner in Laguna Beach or the surrounding area. The Coastal Property Experts can help you find your dream home!
October is here and the Laguna Beach real estate market is beginning to reflect 4th quarter pricing! Ocean front and beach homes in Laguna Beach are priced to sell. Several gorgeous beach homes were on preview this week. We saw an award winning home in Emerald Bay that had spectacular ocean views. It is perched high on the bay and has all of the amenities including a gourmet kitchen and media room. Imagine panoramic views and elegance in a modern contemporary setting and you are imagining this home! It’s priced around $5,000,000 and has location, location, location and views, views, views! Do you want to hear the sound of the ocean 24/7? How about buying a two bedroom two bathroom beach condominium that has private stairs to the sand? That’s right, your own private stairs to the ocean sand! This ocean condo is under $2 million and is in the coveted Laguna Village. Walk to restaurants after lounging in the sun all day. This represents beach life at its best. Is a beach cottage more to your liking? Next to Tablerock Beach is a wonderful home with a fireplace and a pool. Its ocean views are amazing. With an entertainer’s backyard and an updated kitchen with granite countertops and Sub-Zero appliances, you’ll forget to walk to the nearby restaurants. Staying at your beach cottage will be just fine! This fabulous beach home is listed at just under $2.2 million. Call us about today about available Laguna Beach properties.
9/26/08
PRUDENTIAL’S HILLARY CASTON SELLS ALISO VIEJO HOME
IN JUST SIX DAYS WITH SIX OFFERS
Orange County’s residential real estate market continues to thrive with multiple offers on properties, many selling over the asking price. A recent example of this trend is the sale of a single-family home in Aliso Viejo which was sold by listing agent Hillary Caston of Prudential California Realty in just six days with six offers!
Even though the home was priced at market value, the buyer, who put in one of the six offers which were all competitive, reportedly paid $15,000 over the list price, with a 30-day escrow that closed in August. Caston, a 10-year veteran of the industry, provided the seller with complimentary “staging” to bring out the home’s attributes prior to the open house which attracted some 80 potential buyers. As one of Orange County’s most respected Realtors, she has earned a reputation for her exceptional customer service and commitment to making each transaction a rewarding experience for her clientele.
Passionate about helping her clients attain their real estate goals, Caston is known for her tenacity and “no-nonsense” negotiating skills which have been honed through years of experience as a successful entrepreneur in the retail and wholesale industries. One of the strongest testaments to the high caliber of service she provides is that her clients maintain relationships with her long after the close of escrow. A consistent top producer, she has achieved the Chairman’s Circle Diamond Level which is the company’s highest sales award.
Caston, who holds a degree in education and psychology from Arizona State University, has inspired children as a language arts teacher and still enjoys recounting the wonderful relationships she kindled with her students. She later launched two successful companies, giving her invaluable skills that have enhanced her ability to attain maximum results for her clients.
In an effort to give back to her community, Caston makes time to volunteer for charitable causes. Among her efforts, she has been instrumental in raising funds for the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles.
Backed by the tremendous resources of Prudential California Realty, Hillary Caston has formed a business team that takes pride in offering an unparalleled level of service in today’s marketplace. She can be reached by calling (949) 922-8490.
09/19/08
Laguna Beach is one of the most spectacular places in Southern California. Let’s correct that, Laguna Beach is one of the most spectacular places in California! It’s an artist’s community with a storied past that stretches seven miles along the beautiful Pacific Coast. Today is especially gorgeous with sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, soft sand, and the sound of the surf. We are truly blessed to be living and working in Laguna Beach. Jim Vermilya, the manager of two Prudential California Realty offices (including this one) sums it up this way, “There’s some neat stuff going on in our beach communities.” He describes Laguna Beach as a quaint town known for its lifestyle and its fine restaurants where you can see whales, porpoises and pelicans as you dine. Can you imagine the beauty of it all? Vermilya said, “We have a thriving second home market here and the good news is you don’t have to fly to get here. Laguna Beach is the perfect place for a “staycation”. You can enjoy the shopping, incredible weather and the beaches.” Do you want to take advantage of Laguna Beach’s endless summer? Well, we have numerous communities that are suitable for both permanent residences and vacation homes and prices start from around $1 million. Jim Vermilya lives in South Laguna in Three Arch Bay which is a small gated community with a private beach. We wrote about Three Arch Bay earlier this year. Vermilya said, “I call it “Mr. Rogers’s Neighborhood”, it is very friendly, and we have a nice variety of people.” In North Laguna Beach there is an inclusive community of a little over 500 single family residences. Emerald Bay was founded in the late 1920’s and is named for the emerald color of its ocean cove. Across from us is the fabulous Montage Resort and Spa. Between the Montage and Lagunita is the Blue Lagoon community on the sand. You can buy a condominium and walk to Victoria Beach. Paradise awaits. In the city of Dana Point just south of Laguna Beach, you can buy your dream custom ocean front home in the Strand at Headlands. Prices at the Headlands range from $5 to $11 million. Laguna Beach is a destination with over 20 city parks and numerous coves and beaches. Visit us today and own your own coastal jewel before year’s end.
Well, it’s Labor Day weekend and Laguna Beach is packed with visitors taking advantage of one last fling with summer! Many of them are also looking at beach and especially beachfront homes while in Laguna basking in the experience.
July homes sales for Laguna Beach showed an increase in median sales price by 8.4%. That’s right Selling Prices are UP 8.4 %. Sellers are waiting longer to sell but are getting higher prices in the Laguna Beach real estate market.
Laguna Niguel boasts an increase of 12.7% increase in July sales volume from last year.
All of us want a deal and some of us are trying to find it on line which may be the very reason you are reading this article! That’s why I’m including a link for an article by Marc Davison (The Davison Files) published on Inman News. It’s a candid and amusing article about searching for your home entitled “Rethink real estate search.”
http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/marcdavison/rethink-real-estate-search
Let us assist you in finding that perfect beach or ocean front home at the perfect price in the Laguna Beach real estate market. There are also many gorgeous homes on the market in the Dana Point, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel and Orange County Coastal area. Call us today to learn more.
08/11/08
Is the Coast Feeling the Crunch?
An Economic Outlook on the
by Kanna Beckwith
When people think of Orange County, it’s not just Disneyland that takes all the glory. As millions of visitors from around the world head to
Realizing the American Dream
“Living by the beach represents a huge part of the American Dream. Everyone wants to be here,” says Rory Siems, realtor for Prudential California Realty. And the numbers prove it: in the 2000 census, there were 70,032 people residing in
What attracts people to the area? For homebuyers, the key selling point is location. “The coastal area is where everyone wants to be. There is a lot of reassurance for people looking to buy,” says Siems. “Tourism really drives it. People from out-of-town get hooked on the character of the town, and there’s a huge demand for a second home.” Robert Pfeif, broker associate for Pfeif Residential Group, agrees. “Supply and demand for real estate here in
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