PORTOLA HILLS LIVING by Kelly Turbeville

Did you know the city of Lake Forest, California offers some great events for the family!  As the days are getting longer, the kids are getting ready for spring break and we celebrate the Easter Holiday make sure to mark your calenders for these fun events throughout the city. 3/29 - Borrego Trail Hike at Whiting Ranch Park in Foothill Ranch 4/12 - Bunny Bast at El Toro Park 4/19 - Spring skate and Egg Hunt at Etnies skatepark 4/26 - Park Safari at Lake Forest City Hall For more information and registration details you can call Community Services at 949-461-3450 or visit the cities event calender! Century 21 Award, Shredding Event Also mark your calender on 4/19, my office will be sponsoring a Free Shredding Day. More details to come but as you file away your taxes for this year, it;s time to shred those documents you no longer need.

When searching for a home whether you currently own or buying your first home, the details of the neighborhood are key.  The old saying, Location, Location, Location still rings true in today's Real Estate Market.   Take a  look at the infograph below provided by the California Association of Realtors... Do these traits fall in line for what is important to you? California Association of Realtors Infograph Neighborhood As you look for a home, make sure your needs for your desired neighborhood are reviewed with your Realtor.   It will save you time and frustration while out searching for your dream home.  Should you be looking for a move in the Saddleback Valley, please don't hesitate to give Kelly a call!

The month of February is filled with hearts, roses and love, well hopefully, right?  For the real estate market in Portola Hills I would say it was filled with love for Home Sellers. Comparing 2013 vs 2014 there wasn't much difference in the over all number of sales.  4 sold in 2013, 5 sold in 2014.  However if you look at the mix and the price per square foot that is where you see the difference. Of course this has too do with mix but if you compare averages and median you see the price per square foot in 2014 jumped 23%.  I would say that is love!! Take a look at the difference between 19602 Highridge and 28281 Harvest View Lane.  These homes are similar, Harvest View was larger square footage and had a larger lot versus Highridge which had smaller square footage but a view of the Saddleback Mountains.  Highridge sold for 15% more in 2014. Feb 2014 Portola Hills Closed Sales Feb 2013 Portola Hills Closed Sales So what is in store for March.  The inventory is still