Opportunity Doesn't Always Knock. Sometimes It Just Appears.
Opportunity Does Present Itself. You Just Have to Be Tapped In.
Every market has one.
The house everyone wishes they had written an offer on.
The one buyers look back at a few months later and say...
"We should have bought that one."
That is exactly what happened with 28873 Canyon Point in the Portola Hills community of Lake Forest.
When we listed this home, I wrote about why I believed it was one of the best opportunities in South Orange County. At the time, it was listed for $525,000, well below recent neighborhood sales and at a price point that has become increasingly difficult to find in Orange County.
Some buyers saw the opportunity.
Others kept waiting for "something better."
The Numbers Tell the Story
28873 Canyon Point has now officially closed escrow at $520,000.
For many buyers, that represents one of the last opportunities to purchase in South Orange County at this price level.
Why?
Because real estate is rarely about finding the perfect home.
It's about recognizing value before everyone else does.
This Was More Than Just a Condo
The home offered everything today's buyers are looking for.
An attached garage
A flexible loft that could serve as a home office, guest room, gym, or creative space
Natural light and an open floor plan
Walking distance to parks and hiking trails
Access to everything that makes Portola Hills one of Orange County's hidden gems
Sometimes the best feature isn't granite countertops or luxury finishes.
Sometimes it's simply buying into the right community at the right price. Especially if you are a First Time Buyer..
The Lesson
I often hear buyers say they're "waiting for prices to come down."
The truth is, opportunities don't usually announce themselves. They don't come with flashing lights. In fact, the best opportunities often create doubt. People wonder...
"Why is it priced there?"
"Maybe something better will come along."
"Let's wait another month."
Meanwhile, someone else quietly writes the offer.
Staying Connected Matters
One of the reasons I spend so much time following the Portola Hills real estate market is so I can identify these opportunities before they're gone.
Markets aren't just about averages. They're about individual homes. Individual sellers and individual moments. Sometimes one property creates an opportunity that may not come around again for months. That is why staying connected to your local market matters.
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Final Thoughts
Whether you're thinking about buying this year or simply watching the market, remember this: Opportunity rarely feels obvious in the moment. It only becomes obvious after it's gone.
If you're considering making a move in Portola Hills or anywhere in South Orange County, let's have a conversation before the next opportunity comes along.
Because the buyers who succeed are rarely the ones trying to time the market.
They're the ones who recognize value when it appears.
Ps.. here is another great opportunity in Portola Hills. Reach out direct to schedule a showing!
About Kelly Turbeville
Hi, I'm Kelly Turbeville, a local Realtor, writer, and the voice behind Portola Hills Living.
I've been helping buyers and sellers throughout South Orange County for more than 20 years, but Portola Hills has always held a special place in my heart. It's one of those communities people discover by accident... and then never want to leave.
From miles of hiking and biking trails to Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, neighborhood parks, community events, and the small-town feel that's becoming harder to find in Orange County, Portola Hills offers a lifestyle that goes far beyond the homes themselves.
Through Portola Hills Living, my goal is simple: keep neighbors informed, spotlight local businesses and events, share market insights, and help homeowners make confident real estate decisions. Whether you're a longtime resident, thinking about buying, or simply curious about what's happening in the neighborhood, I hope you'll find something valuable here.
If you ever have questions about the local market or are considering buying or selling a home, I'd love to be a resource.
Because home isn't just where you live. It's where your story unfolds.




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