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        <title>South Orange County Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/</link>
        <description>All information relevant to your decision of buying or selling a home in Orange County,CA. We post events happening in the cities that might be of interest, as well as links to see what's available for sale, listed on the mls right now.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/new-san-clemente-sports-park-set-to-open-february-25th.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/new-san-clemente-sports-park-set-to-open-february-25th.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic - Broker)</author>
            <title>New San Clemente Sports Park set to open February 25th!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The highly anticipated opening of the new Sports Park in San Clemente, recently named Vista Hermosa Park, has been set to this coming February 25th.


This new $33 million Sports Park had an earlier announced date that had to be reset due to delays completing an aquatics center and slower-than-expected maturing of the grass on baseball fields.


The opening events are set for this Saturday February 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., including a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m.


The park includes three baseball fields, two soccer fields, a multipurpose field, a football field and an aquatics center with a 50-meter competition pool and a 25-meter recreational pool. All the facilities are lighted for evening use.


For our real estate matters, these are great news for residents or buyers looking for homes in Talega and surrounding areas like Rancho San Clemente, Marblehead and Forster Ranch, as this is a huge sports complex like no other in the area.


Here's some links for the areas nearby and what the real estate options are like:




San Clemente Real Estate


Forster Ranch Homes and Condos


Talega Homes




 


 
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            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:59:44 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-festival-of-whales-parade-this-march-3rd.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-festival-of-whales-parade-this-march-3rd.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic - Broker)</author>
            <title>Dana Point Festival of Whales Parade this March 3rd!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Once again, and a tradition for over forty years, the Dana Point Festival of Whales and Parade is about to begin!


The much anticipated Parade is going to take place this coming Saturday March 3rd, starting at 10:00 am along Pacific Coast Highway, starting at Selva Road and finishing at Golden Lantern St. The Parade usually has giant floats, ballons, marching bands, and different schools representations,art exhibits, environmental activities , crafts, kids activities and food!  Of course there's also whale watching excursions, or viewings from the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Center.


That same day, there's going to be a free showing of the movie 'A Dolphin Tale', at 6:30pm, on the grass area in Baby Beach. Free popcorn, hot beverages and snacks will be available.


Also, and this is extremely cool, there's different concerts on land and water, with a special one at Baby Beach on Sunday March 11th, the 'Whale of a Concert'. This concert is free, with bands performing on the water on a special floating stage. People bring their chairs, beach towels and dance to the music, with the opportunity to purchase different BBQ foods and drinks. Bands performing include "Tijuana Dogs',  'Lights-Journey Tribute'and the 'Chicago Tribute Academy'.


All of the activities are presented by the City of Dana Point in collaboration with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the Dana Point Harbor Association and other local sponsors.


And if you feel like you would like to see some homes, we are ready to help you! Come, enjoy the festival, and then let's look at the homes in Dana Point available for sale.


Here's an extract from the official Dana Point Festival of Whales website:



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            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:16:46 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-news-clean-up-your-beach-event.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-news-clean-up-your-beach-event.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic - Broker)</author>
            <title>Dana Point Real Estate News: adopt a beach cleanup event and more</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As the weekend aproaches,sometimes as parents, we wonder what to do that could be educational and fun.


Well, this coming Saturday the 11th, the annual cleanup event at Doheny Beach is taking place, from 9am to noon. There has been some winter rains and runoff that needs some serious cleanup, and what a better way to show our kids how to take care of our beaches by helping a little.


Bring your gloves and join us to get Doheny back in shape so we can all enjoy it ! Plus, who doesn't want to be at the beach with this beautiful weather? BTW, it's supposed to be in the high sixty's low seventy's, and sunny all day on Saturday!.


All beach cleanups meet at the lifeguard headquarters (adjacent to the mouth of San Juan Creek).


Did I also mentioned that Dana Point joined Laguna Beach and became the first cities in Orange County to vote to ban plastic bags, passing similar ordinances Tuesday night to prohibit businesses from providing single-use plastic bags to customers?


Hopefully all of these efforts would help have a cleaner Dana Point.


Also, Dana Point busy calendar year is set with various special events coming up:


1.March 3-4, and 10-11 Festival of Whales, with the celebration being kicked off as a tradition by the Whales Parade on March 3rd, along Pacific Coast Highway.


2. April 20-21 California Wine Festival, a one of a kind wine tasting experience. The event kicks off at the Dana Point Yacht Club April 20th, and the Festival takes place on April 21st at Doheny State Beach. Sun, sea and music, plus the obvious wine and food tasting.


3. May 6 Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling, an event that raises money for local charities.


Not a bad idea to look for homes in Dana Point and enjoy all of these events as part of the community.
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            <pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:54:30 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/orange-countys-inland-homes-selling-faster-than-those-in-coastal-communities.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/orange-countys-inland-homes-selling-faster-than-those-in-coastal-communities.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic - Broker)</author>
            <title>Orange County's inland homes selling faster than those in coastal communities</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ladera Ranch. Lake Forest. Rancho Santa Margarita - all of them all of a sudden are selling their home inventory at a way faster pace than the neighboring coastal cities like Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar and Newport Coast.


Ladera Ranch, especially, has seen a huge increase in the selling pace ( more homes going in escrow than any other city) since the beginning of February. Let's not forget, Ladera Ranch homes were considered in November of last's year, the second largest market of foreclosures vrs standard sales in the country! So if we need to come to a conclusion, yes, the inventory in Ladera Ranch is price considerable lower than its peak in 2007 ( some homes are selling for less than half their peak price), then you get all the fresh inventory coming in for sale, makes it a great thing for home buyers. Not a bad thing if you are thinking of buying in the community.


We said it before, and still believe it. Once the Super Bowl is done, many buyers come out and the Spring Real Estate Market begins ( which is typically the best one). This year, we also feel that the nice weather we have been having since early January has helped a lot, no one wants to go and see homes on a rainy day, and homes definitely show better in a nice sunny day. So that, plus incredible low rates and fresh inventory coming into the market priced at what some consider bottom line, can explain this trend.


Are you ready to get in the car and come see some of these homes? Below you'll find links for all Ladera Ranch homes for sale and another one just including foreclosures. We are ready to help when you are!


 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:20:35 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/have-you-wondered-where-the-current-real-housewives-of-orange-county-live.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/have-you-wondered-where-the-current-real-housewives-of-orange-county-live.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic - Broker)</author>
            <title>Have you wondered where the current ' Real Housewives of Orange County' live?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Yes, in Orange County, but where exactly to the Real Housewives of OC live?


The show, which technically is a reality TV one, was originally set to broadcast the luxurious lifestyles of five housewives living 'behing the gates' in the community of Coto de Caza which is where the show producer lives. But to many, this is almost a comedy about the economic recession and what many American families have gone through when overspending, living beyond their means and using their piece of real estate as an ATM machine, only to find themselves facing serious debt, foreclosures and marriage troubles.


Eventhough the show started as Coto de Caza only housewives ( with the exception of one who lived in the nearby Ladera Ranch and transformed her life when marrying a wealthy man), the season 7, now with only one original cast, now portrays the lifestyle of these women in different cities around Orange County.


Alexis Bellino and her husband avoided foreclosure on their Newport Beach mansion and sold the home as a short sale. They now live in the gated community of Monarch Beach in Dana Point, where homes go from condos around $200k to lavish estates in the multi million dollar markets. 


Tamra Barney was forced to sale her home, and her 4,300-square-foot home in Ladera Ranch was sold in a short sale at $1.12M instead of the $1.6M asking price. She now lives in a 2 bedroom apartment. Ladera Ranch is a master planned community with many amenities, that has one gated neighborhood: Covenant Hills. Ladera Ranch is also where former housewife Lori Peterson used to live with her children too, before marrying George Peterson and moving to his estate in San Juan Capistrano, where she loves riding horses in the property.


Gretchen Rossi and her boyfriend Slade Smiley currently live in Costa Mesa. Slade was the former boyfriend of another housewife from season 1, and they used to live very lavishly in Coto de Caza.


Vicki Gunvalson, the only original housewife, has her home currently for sale: 7 Shire Coto De Caza MLS S653043. Check out the details on the sale following the link. The picture featured is the front of her home.This is the only home from any of these housewives being sold as a standard sale and the only one that still lives in Coto De Caza. Jenna Keough, former housewife, was able to save her Coto de Caza estate that was facing foreclosure, and got a loan mofication and kept the home. 


And finally, the newest addition to the Housewives of OC, season 7 presents Heather Dubrow, who currently resides in exclusive Pelican Hill in Newport Coast. She and her family are looking to buy a new lot for a new estate or a new house in the area.


 
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            <pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:41:05 -0800</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/the-missing-link-between-the-super-bowl-and-the-orange-county-real-estate-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/the-missing-link-between-the-super-bowl-and-the-orange-county-real-estate-market.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic - Broker)</author>
            <title>The missing link between the Super Bowl and the Orange County Real Estate Market</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Going back, back in my early days in real estate about a two decades, I clearly remember a September Sunday afternoon as I was speaking with a wise old-timer. It was a beautiful afternoon in South OC and yet very few people were walking into an open house in a great home in Dana Point that I was holding. A ran into the old-timer and he let me in on an old secret: "Football has started.  You won't see anybody out for months now."  Of course, I scoffed at the notion that the NFL could possibly keep people from buying a house - "this old- timer is nuts!" And yet, here we are, on the verge of the Super Bowl, and I can't wait for this thing to be over!  Yes, I'm an avid football fan and I enjoy the season as much as anyone, but the end of the football season marks the beginning of a new season..."the home buying season".  It turns out that the old-timer was right!  During football season, the home buying activity slows to a crawl and then, ta-da! as football ends, the real estate activity spikes.  There are all kinds of numbers and charts that I could bore you with, but never-the-less, looking back as far as 2002, long before this last downturn in the market and all the way through it, the numbers hold true.  Now, the numbers have shifted from spiking in February, you know, back in the day when the Super Bowl was in January, to spiking in March, but it's still a spike and I'm ready for it!   So let's enjoy that 5 pound tub of guacamole as we kick off my favorite time of the year....home buying season! PS - what does this mean if you're a home buyer?  It means that there are other people out there just like you.  They're looking at the same homes you're looking at and they're poised to buy a home today.  If you see the home you like, then buy it.  If you don't buy it, somebody else will. PPS - what does this mean if you're a home seller? Get that home spiffed up and get it on the market.  If you want to expose it to the maximum number of buyers, your window is opening right now.  Especially if you're going to do the old, "test the market at a high price and then drop the price if it doesn't sell in 30 days" routine, then you'll want to have time to adjust your price down while the activity is still going.  See, after about May, the buyers are all thinking about other things - summer vacation, blah blah, so all those sellers on the market are fighting over fewer buyers as the window closes...You'd rather be in the market when there are more buyers, right? PPPS - do you really think the market pattern is a result of the NFL season or just a coincidence?  I guess it doesn't matter what the cause is, as long as you recognize the pattern, right? If you need any help in planning your Orange County real estate deal, just give us a call.  We'll be happy to discuss your situation over the phone and answer all of your questions without any obligation at (949) 888-6788 or via email at TeresaMihelic@OCExecutives.com.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:08:15 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-real-estate-news-a-plan-for-doheny-village.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-real-estate-news-a-plan-for-doheny-village.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic - Broker)</author>
            <title>Dana Point Real Estate News: a plan for Doheny Village</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Doheny Village, a dream coming true? For our clients or potential home buyers looking in the areas of Dana Point, specifically those looking for homes around the Lantern Village, Del Obispo areas and Capistrano Beach, these are specially interesting news.


There's a plan from the city of Dana Point to convert the Capistrano Area that for many it's a neglected one and with tons of commercial potential, that is called Doheny Village, to an upscale shopping area.  The plan is expected to be unveiled in three to four months. Ideas include more bike paths and racks, a bridge at the Doheny Village Hand Car Wash at 34241 Doheny Park Road that would link to a nearby bike path, and beautification of roads and sidewalks. The general design goals include more retail opportunities, preserving the area's surfing heritage and improving access. Doheny Village now is a mix of an aging mobile-home park, big-box retail, institutional facilities, a lumber yard and other light industrial uses. There's an "excellent opportunity to create a vision and plan that will be distinct in character and identity," a city staff report said in March 2010.


The area in talks is the one located by Costco, Doheny Village is a 0.5-square-mile low-density area of Capistrano Beach that is accessible from both I-5 and Pacific Coast Highway and is bordered by San Juan Capistrano to the north. Doheny Park Road is a major thoroughfare


With many recent and future changes to Dana Point - like the renovation of the Harbor, the beautification of La Cresta street along Lantern Village, the possible expansion of PCH along Dana Point, and another hotel (Marriott Courtyard) coming, seems like an investment in Dana Point real estate can't go wrong!
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            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:41:36 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/ladera-ranch-real-estate-news-a-resident-in-the-shark-tank-show.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/ladera-ranch-real-estate-news-a-resident-in-the-shark-tank-show.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic - Broker)</author>
            <title>Ladera Ranch Real Estate News: a resident in the Shark Tank show!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Many have seen that 'Shark Tank' show aired on ABC, a show about entrepreneurs who get a chance to pitch their idea to a panel of investors to get funds for their small company.


Well, Shelly Ehler, a resident of Ladera Ranch is going to be on the show airing February 10th, and has had to keep the secret for a long time ( since the show was taped before due to confidentiality legalities). Ehler designed and produces a poncho-style beach towel that is currently under the name ShowNo.


Only 52 entrepreneurs were selected from 24,000 applicants nationwide, and they have a chance to convince a panel of five wealthy investors to help fund her home-based company in exchange for different deals from the investors, like company ownership and  percentage of sales revenue.


Ehler's story is particularly a 'close to home' one, as her and her husband, as many of Orange County residents, were hit with the recession and were forced to sell their house.


Here's a clip of the story.



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            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:49:03 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-real-estate-news-newest-foreclosures-in-the-area.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-real-estate-news-newest-foreclosures-in-the-area.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic - Broker)</author>
            <title>Dana Point Real Estate News: newest foreclosures in the area!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Everyday we get clients looking for 'only REO's' properties in Orange County, let alone Dana Point. There's many advantages to buying REO's or foreclosed properties, and these properties usually move very fast. Here's some newly listed bank owned Dana Point Foreclosures:






34478 Calle Carmelita, in Capo Beach






24731 Camarillo St, in Dana Hills






34110 Selva Rd 323, in Niguel Beach Terrace - in front of the Strands Beach






33522 Seawind Ct 40, in Dana Hills






32321 Linda Vista Ln, in Monarch Beach






Remember, some of the advantages you get when buying a REO or foreclosure are:




When a home becomes a REO, All liens against it are removed and taxes are paid.


REOs can be inspected prior to contract, and are listed with real estate agents.


REOs many times are restored to at least a readily salable condition by the lending bank.


You can save money in your title search if you use the same title company that the lender used during foreclosure. They will often discount the cost up to as much as 100%!


REOs will often times include appliances.


While in hot markets, you may not see a difference in price between an REO and a typical property, during slower markets, you can pick up an REO at discounts to the property’s actual value.


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            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:54:36 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-news-the-beach-ball-event.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.blog.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-news-the-beach-ball-event.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic - Broker)</author>
            <title>Dana Point News: the Beach Ball event</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Thinking of attending a charity event to help children of our South County cities?


The Beach Ball will be held on May 18, 2012 at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel surrounded by the beautiful Monarch Beach homes. It is a special event featuring a cocktail hour, dinner, live music, dancing and silent and live auctions. Proceeds will benefit the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and help support activities and programs that promote and develop literacy, self-confidence, sportsmanship, leadership, character building and a strong sense of community pride.


The Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley has branches in San Juan Capistrano and Aliso Viejo and offer programs that provide strong moral guidance and positive rode models.


For more information visit http://www.bgccapo.com/
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            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:47:02 -0800</pubDate>
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