PORTOLA HILLS LIVING by Kelly Turbeville

We are putting together quite the event for Portola Hills residents.   Mark your calendar for 6/13/15, so you can join us and hear direct from Irvine Ranch Water District about the new restrictions and what they mean to Portola Hills Homeowners.   In addition to IRWD, we will also have Tributary Landscaping speak about the drought resistant plans they have for the new Portola Hills Development. Of course with all our events we like to have little fun so some fun giveaways are also planned. Space is limited so make sure to contact Kelly  Turbeville to reserve your spot!

Have you heard about the "HERO Program" and wondering what it is all about? Are you thinking of some new improvements to spruce up the home but worried about cost, then this program is something you might want to consider.   HERO is an acronym that stands for: Home Energy Renovation Opportunity.  It is the #1 energy efficiency financing program in United States.  HERO partners with local governments to make energy efficient, water efficient and renewable energy products more affordable to homeowners.   HERO financing is paid through the homeowners property taxes.  The repayment is included in your property tax bill.  You will see a line item titled HERO Financing on your property tax bill and if property taxes are impounded your lender will adjust your monthly payment to include the amount due for HERO financing. Eligibility criteria includes (terms apply): Mortgage related debt must not exceed 90% of the value of the property. Mortgage payments must be curre

Wow, wow, wow, the Portola Hills Real Estate Market took a turn in April and it was a good one.  What happened..... What happened.... you might be wondering...   12 homes closed escrow!! Bigger news there are only 7 homes available to purchase in Portola Hils right now! Check out the numbers: Active Listings: 7 Attached: 2 homes Listed: Amenities: 2 Bedroom, 2 Car Garage Average Sq. Footage: 1096 Average Price: $292,450 Days on the Market 71 Distressed factor: 50% Detached: 5 homes Listed: Amenities: 5 Bedroom, 3 Car Garage Average Sq. Footage: 2667 Average Price: $617,700 Days on the Market 200 Distressed factor: 60% Sold Properties: 12 Attached: 11 homes Listed: Amenities: 2 Bedroom, 1 Car Garage Average Sq. Footage: 1166 Average Price: $260,950 Days on the Market 50 Distressed factor: 99% Detached: 1 homes Listed: Amenities: 5 Bedroom, 2 Car Garage Average Sq. Footage: 2400 Average Price: $534,000 Days on the Market 0 Distressed factor: 0% So

Did you know the city of Lake Forest has a housing program.... Two of the programs offered support both current homeowners as a way to spruce up their homes and second program allows some help to First Time Home Buyers.  Click on the following links for details. First Time Home Buyer Program - A tax credit offered to First Time Home Buyers, up to 15%. Paint Program - This is a NO CHARGE program for those who may need assistance in sprucing up their home. I like seeing the city keep home ownership as a priority.  Now if we can get them to put some pressure and accountability on the Lenders to help Homeowners keep their homes or even hold lenders accountable to maintain homes that are currently in foreclosure, I would truly be happy.  After all over 56% of Lake Forest homes are in distress and this hurts the community in several aspects.

Have you looked at the outside of your home lately and thought, man I need to paint.  But then thought, there is no way I can afford this now.  You may want to check the City of Lake Forest , Neighborhood Pride Program. Which is funded by the city's Frederal Community Development Block Grant.  This is a citywide program that assist qualified homeowners with the exterior painting of their homes.  This service is provided at NO Charge, Woo Hoo!   Over 75 homes have been assisted to date. Selection of owner-occupied homes will be by lottery.  Of course there are terms that need to be met along with a Maximum Income Limit.  Contact the city direct for the details. If interested in participating, you can pick up a an application packet at City Hall or Call 949.461.3552.  Applications are due no later then Thursday Oct. 28, 2010.

The love for the canyon areas in Orange County (Silverado, Modjeska, Santiago and Trabuco Canyon) is strong in Portola Hills, so it is great to see this news for these homeowners.  The Santiago fires was a scary time. Congrats to these Canyon Homeowners