PORTOLA HILLS LIVING by Kelly Turbeville

The real estate market overall in January is generally very, very quiet!  Not this year!  In Orange County there has been an insatiable demand from buyers and  record-low supply of homes available to purchase, which makes the OC real estate market extremely hot!! Portola Hills was no exception in January! Actually the area remains very popular with the buyers coming up the hill to check out the new developments in IronRidge and the Oaks.  Take a quick peek at the numbers below along with what communities in the Portola Hills were the hottest, it might surprise you. If you are thinking of a move, seller's will need to be cautious on pricing their home correctly.  Though it is a very strong seller's market, homes that are priced above market will sit.  A strong pricing strategy done correctly can bring you more then you expect.  As well in this hot market, other factors such as contingencies, rent backs, etc. all part of the negotiations package that we can put in your favor.  Ma

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 which limited this exemption to the sale and purchase of a pri