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How does Prop 5 Impact Homeowners?

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As we head into the November 5th election, we’re not just voting for a President and local Representatives. There are several important measures on the California ballot that directly impact homeowners, like Proposition 5! . At first glance, the wording seems harmless:   🙂 ALLOWS LOCAL BONDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE WITH 55% VOTER APPROVAL." But what does this really mean? 🤔   In plain terms, Prop 5 LOWERS THE THRESHOLD for raising taxes! Right now, it takes 67% of the vote to pass new bonds (which lead to higher property taxes). Prop 5 would reduce that to 55%. (Do we really want to give the legislature more control?) Translation: 🙃 it makes it easier for the government to RAISE YOUR TAXES by taking on more bond debt. This is also a DIRECT THREAT TO PROP 13, which caps property tax increases at 2% per year. California already has the HIGHEST TAXES IN THE NATION and a $58 billion deficit. Why give the state more opportunities to raise taxes...

Mid-Year Portola Hills Home Report

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I don't know about you, but I am pretty shocked we are halfway through 2024.  There is so much going on around us in the world, I think it is truly speeding up time.   One area that is a bit quieter, well maybe the only aspect is the number of sales.. in the overall real estate market.  Other than that, there is a lot of talk around the real estate industry these days. So let's take a look at how the Portola Hills real estate market has faired so far in 2024..   As you can see from the above illustration, the average sold price for Portola Hills is $1,417,173, that includes an average sales price for single family homes at $1,885, 308 and attached homes at $856,327.  These homes sold in average time of 27 days.   What is the value of my Portola Hills Home The number of sales so far in 2024 is down about 23% compared to the same time last year.  High Interest rates is impacting this the most and low inventory... But homebuyers in the area...

101,000 Reason's Why Now is a Great Time to Sell your Portola Hills Home

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  SOLD!   We just closed on this lovely home in Portola Hills, rather quickly I must say.  After just 5 days on the market, multiple offers, we went under contract and closed in just 15 days!  Setting a RECORD BREAKING PRICE OF $1,300,000! Is that too fast for you... Lol.  Never fear along with our negotiations we negotiated a free lease back to give the sellers time to make their move!  We always recommend a shorter escrow if possible as a lot can happen during a real estate transactions.  Our clients, who after loving this home and neighborhood, made the decision to downsize, but we also understand that was not an easy decision.. especially with views like these!  This 3 bedroom, Serenado paired home is a popular floor plan with over 1900 sqft.   The minute you walk in, guest feel drawn to the open living space and expansive yard.  Probably the largest yard in the tract.  No wonder we set a record breaking price in the commun...

Ocean Views from Portola Hills - Just Listed 19561 Dorado Dr, Trabuco Canyon

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Are you a sunset chaser?  Love the idea of having friends or family over and want that indoor outdoor feel... You have to check out 19561 Dorado Dr. in Trabuco Canyon.   19561 Dorado Dr. Trabuco Canyon About this home When the current owner first stepped foot into this home, they knew it was something special. The soaring ceilings and expansive open floor plan immediately captured their heart, offering a sense of home and endless possibilities. But it was when they stepped outside and beheld the breathtaking view that they knew, without a doubt, they had found their home. And now, as they prepare to pass the torch to a new owner, their deepest desire is for someone else to experience that same rush of emotion, that same instant connection that makes a house a true home. From the moment you arrive in the serene Serenado Community of Portola Hills, you'll feel it too—the unmistakable sense of this is our home!  This charming two-story paired single-family residence is ...

South OC St. Patrick's Day Events

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 Looking for some fun things to do this weekend away from Portola Hills.  We put together a list of events in South Orange County...Not too far from home! Search Available Homes in Portola Hills Are you Irish... Do you celebrate the holiday, cook corn beef, make soda bread, drink green beer? With a bit of Irish heritage we celebrated the holiday.  My Mother made the best Corn Beef, if I say so (IMO). Here is a bit of History about St. Patrick's Day   Enjoy the celebrations but be safe!  

Portola Hills Homeowners holding onto a Pot of Gold

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Don't you love after it rains when you see a rainbow... If you have ever driven up the hill to Portola Hills you often see one.   I just got done looking at the numbers for how the real estate market did in Portola Hills in the month and February and it remained very strong, add a bit more equity to homeowners in the community.  While the number of transactions were down from 2023 to today,  5 in 2023 - 3 sales in 2024,  values were up over $1.5 million.  Take a look below at the our Portola Hills February Market Report!  WHAT IS MY PORTOLA HILLS HOME VALUE  Low inventory continues to drive the market, but different from the last few years in Portola Hills, there currently are not any new homes for sale.  That means, home sellers have the opportunity to capture all those price gains for yourself. The Oaks at Portola Hills, has advised they will start building again but those homes would most likely not be available until end of 2024 early 20...

Rare Homeowners Event - March 2nd in Lake Forest

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Are you a homeowner who is considering a move but has questions about the financial aspects? Is your current equity position going to result in Capital Gains or you are concerned about the cost of Property Taxes if you move?  Tired of speaking with one professional and then referred to another.  It's not easy finding real estate professionals who understand the complex realities of selling your home when you have a large amount of Equity.  While I must disclose, I am not a tax accountant.  I have put together an event that will help you look at options that are available to you, if you are trying to decide if now is the time to move. We will have a panel of experts in 1031 Exchanges, Capital Gains, Trust Solutions, Property Tax and Trust Solutions, plus I'll provide you a quick update about what is happening in the local real estate market.  Reserve my Seat! This workshop is designed for the Homeowner who knows they need to make a change, want to downsize, can't...