PORTOLA HILLS LIVING by Kelly Turbeville

Portola Hills an the overall Orange County real estate is being shaped by more than home prices.   Rising inventory, mortgage rates, insurance costs, condo financing requirements and California housing policies are all influencing what buyers can afford and how sellers should prepare. One area in particular could be worrisome for Condo/Townhome owners in the area and Opportunity for Buyers.   For years, condos have been considered the more affordable path to homeownership. But rising HOA dues, insurance costs, special assessments and tighter lending requirements are changing that equation. We are seeing it right here in Portola Hills. According to July MLS data: • Attached homes averaged 75 days on the market • Resale single-family homes averaged just 6 days When I priced our last condo competitively, I received some concern from other agents. Even with the right price and marketing, we were on the market for more than 30 days. We sold. Other condos are still sitting...

The new year always brings New Real Estate Laws, 2021 was no exception.  There were 4 laws that homeowners, home buyers, investors and tenants should be aware of.  As well, if you are hiring a Real Estate Agent to represent you, they absolutely should have extensive knowledge on these new laws.   Proposition 19 (Statewide Tax Basis Portability) With the passage of Proposition 19, a homeowner who is 55 years of age or older, severely disabled or whose home has been substantially damaged by wildfire or natural disaster may transfer the taxable value of their primary residence to: •    A replacement primary residence •    Anywhere in the state •    Regardless of the value of the replacement primary residence (with adjustments if "greater" in value) •    Within two years of the sale •    Up to three times (but without limitation for those whose houses were destroyed by fire) Proposition 19 will supersede the old rules whi...