PORTOLA HILLS LIVING by Kelly Turbeville

Can you believe it, the Fourth of July is this Friday.   Whether you are staying close to home or venturing out, there are a variety of locations to catch the Fireworks show throughout the Saddleback Valley.  Get out and enjoy!!   Aliso Viejo Celebration and Fireworks:  Location Grand Park Live entertainment, food, beverages, arts, crafts.  Fireworks show at dusk!! Dana Point BBQ Buffet and Fireworks and Cruises:   Location Dana Point Harbor.   Irvine Concert on the Green and Fireworks:  Location Irvine High School Featuring Pyro musical sky concert, fireworks, food court, live music by Derk Bordeaux Group. Laguna Hills Location: 25555 Alicia Parkway Fun, food, carnival rides, games, live music and fireworks. Laguna Niguel   Location:  LN Regional Park (over the lake) 7:30 5k Run/walk, 10k run.  Pancake breakfast, live music by Family Style at Laguna Niguel Community Park Ladera Ranch Location: Founders Park 7:00 am 8th Annual Freedom run starts 5k/10k run. Panc

The weather is warming up and we are seeing the Real Estate market do the same in Portola Hills or are we?? May was a bit slower in terms of closed sales for the year but if you look below at the averages there was a 14% increase in Price per sq. foot. May 2013 Averages vs. 2014 Averages. 3 Bedroom @ 2011 sq.ft. = $278.02 per sq. ft  3 Bedroom @ 1717 sq.ft = $322.18 per sq.ft.  Of course mix plays a part in this but with the demand out pacing supply we should see this continue in the right direction. Below is a quick snapshot of what homes sold in the area during last month. May 2014 Portola Hills Sales Where we did see an increase was in the number of new listings.  Below is a look at what is currently available in Portola Hills.   As will note, some of these listings have been on the market for a bit, which I do find a bit interesting due to the low inventory overall.  Could this be a sign of the home not meeting Buyers Key Points....? Today's