PORTOLA HILLS LIVING by Kelly Turbeville

  Portola Hills Real Estate: Buyers Found Deals in Q1… But Sellers Need to Pay Attention Now If you’ve been watching the Portola Hills real estate market and assuming nothing is moving unless it’s perfect , that’s not exactly true. The first quarter of 2026 actually told us something important:  Buyers who were paying attention found opportunity.  And that matters. Because while the market didn’t fall apart, it also didn’t behave like the wild “throw a number at the wall and hope” years either. In fact, several homes in Portola Hills sold below what many would consider neighborhood market potential . That means one thing:  The buyers who were active in Q1 had more leverage than people expected. And for sellers? That’s your warning shot. Yes, Inventory Increased; That Changed the Conversation One of the biggest shifts we saw in the first quarter was more inventory hitting the market . When inventory rises, buyers get options. And when buyers get options, they get pick...

While it seems like it is more summer than spring, with the hot weather we have this week.. Today's forecast is 94 degrees and it's March.   We technically haven't even hit Spring yet. That happens next week.    Orange County doesn't really get hit with a seasonal delay in the market.. We have more what I call a holiday hangover market. It doesn't really start to wake up until after Super Bowl weekend.  At that point, inventory is generally the lowest.. as we get closer to April.. Inventory really begins to increase.. With May having the most activity. Listings that come typically after that tend to stay on the market a bit longer.  So the spring window to sell a home in the OC is pretty quick.  Of course, interest rates, world events also all play a role.. Which is what we are actually seeing today in the market.  Below is a quick look at both the Attached Market and Single Family Market.  This is through February. Where we saw the first maj...

As we stepped into 2026, Portola Hills is showing movement. Interest rates have eased to 5.99%, and we’re seeing buyer demand pick up after a slower finish to last year. Inventory is heavier than we typically see at the start of a new year...partly due to a new phase release in The Oaks, ultimately giving buyers more options and sellers more competition.  Below is a quick snapshot of how the market ended in January. J anuary closed with an average sold price of $1,253,273 in Portola Hills, with single-family homes averaging $1,671,000 and attached homes at $793,333. Homes are taking a bit longer to sell; 69 to 85 days on average, and we’re sitting at roughly five months of inventory. That tells us we’re in a more balanced market to start 2026. Buyers have options, but well-priced homes are still achieving strong list-to-sell ratios at 100%. The opportunity isn’t gone; as rates come down... Spring might be reflective of what we say in 2022? The numbers tell the story: more inventory...

If you were a seller, you’ve felt like the market slowed down this summer, you’re not imagining it. Portola Hills homes, which typically sell in under 30 days, took an average of   64 days   to move this quarter. Many sellers were waiting and watching for offers that took a little longer to arrive. But when interest rates dipped, everything shifted.   Purchase applications jumped 30% , and suddenly, those “just-looking” buyers became serious again. The market energy is changing; and that’s something both buyers and sellers should be watching closely. Inventory increased, mostly due to   resales in IronRidge and new builds in The Oaks , which naturally stretches out the average days on market. Still, well-priced and well-presented homes continue to sell quickly — my most recent listings closed in   under two weeks . What It Means for Portola Hills Sellers If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to list, don’t wait much longer. As demand begins to rise and r...

Portola Hills Real Estate – July Market Update Summer distractions took full center stage in July, and it showed in the numbers. Homes stayed on the market nearly twice as long as we’ve seen in recent years. While interest rates certainly play a role in this slower pace, the truth is..... homes are still selling every day. In fact, right here in Portola Hills,  13  homes closed escrow in July ! That’s proof that buyers are out there, ready to act when they find the right home. If you’ve been holding off because you’re worried about timing, know this: the market will shift quickly; especially if interest rates drop as expected this fall. Lower rates could mean more buyers and faster sales, and the current inventory could get eaten up fast...  Insider Tip from a Local:   Portola Hills offers something truly unique... breathtaking views that stretch from the Saddleback Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, all while being centrally located in Orange County. That combination o...

  Spring Surge in Portola Hills: Inventory Is Up—But So Is Buyer Interest Spring is in full bloom here in Portola Hills, and so is the local real estate inventory. Over the past month, the number of active listings has nearly doubled, with   24 homes currently on the market   and   5 under contract , giving us roughly   4 months of inventory   to work with. More choices for buyers can sometimes mean more days on market—but not always. This past weekend, I hosted an open house at   18986 Canyon Summit , and we had   18 groups of buyers   come through. That’s a huge turnout, especially considering that some nearby listings have been sitting idle for weeks. The difference?   Strategic pricing, great presentation, and marketing that actually reaches people. Key March Market Highlights: 📈   Average Sales Price (All Homes):   $1,227,200 🏡   Single-Family Homes Average:   $1,500,333 🏘️   Attached Homes:   No clo...

 Hello Spring... The Spring Real Estate market is here.. be careful not to blink because it may be over before we know it.  Don't you agree time is moving so fast.  I was just taking a look at some numbers and there certainly has been a shift in the market, not necessarily a bad one. But it is important to understand if you are looking to sell your Portola Hills home or move to the community.   Take a look at our snapshot below..  The Orange County spring real estate market is off to a solid start! While prices in the first couple of months were slightly down from the highs of 2024, we've seen 10 homes close escrow, ranging from a stunning view pool home at $2.4 million to a cozy 2-bedroom condo at $624K. With interest rates coming down and open house traffic picking up, it's a promising sign for buyers and sellers alike. Remember, top dollar typically comes when inventory is low and demand is high — early spring is the time to make your move! There is a lo...

I don't know about you, but I am pretty shocked we are halfway through 2024.  There is so much going on around us in the world, I think it is truly speeding up time.   One area that is a bit quieter, well maybe the only aspect is the number of sales.. in the overall real estate market.  Other than that, there is a lot of talk around the real estate industry these days. So let's take a look at how the Portola Hills real estate market has faired so far in 2024..   As you can see from the above illustration, the average sold price for Portola Hills is $1,417,173, that includes an average sales price for single family homes at $1,885, 308 and attached homes at $856,327.  These homes sold in average time of 27 days.   What is the value of my Portola Hills Home The number of sales so far in 2024 is down about 23% compared to the same time last year.  High Interest rates is impacting this the most and low inventory... But homebuyers in the area...

  SOLD!   We just closed on this lovely home in Portola Hills, rather quickly I must say.  After just 5 days on the market, multiple offers, we went under contract and closed in just 15 days!  Setting a RECORD BREAKING PRICE OF $1,300,000! Is that too fast for you... Lol.  Never fear along with our negotiations we negotiated a free lease back to give the sellers time to make their move!  We always recommend a shorter escrow if possible as a lot can happen during a real estate transactions.  Our clients, who after loving this home and neighborhood, made the decision to downsize, but we also understand that was not an easy decision.. especially with views like these!  This 3 bedroom, Serenado paired home is a popular floor plan with over 1900 sqft.   The minute you walk in, guest feel drawn to the open living space and expansive yard.  Probably the largest yard in the tract.  No wonder we set a record breaking price in the commun...

Are you a sunset chaser?  Love the idea of having friends or family over and want that indoor outdoor feel... You have to check out 19561 Dorado Dr. in Trabuco Canyon.   19561 Dorado Dr. Trabuco Canyon About this home When the current owner first stepped foot into this home, they knew it was something special. The soaring ceilings and expansive open floor plan immediately captured their heart, offering a sense of home and endless possibilities. But it was when they stepped outside and beheld the breathtaking view that they knew, without a doubt, they had found their home. And now, as they prepare to pass the torch to a new owner, their deepest desire is for someone else to experience that same rush of emotion, that same instant connection that makes a house a true home. From the moment you arrive in the serene Serenado Community of Portola Hills, you'll feel it too—the unmistakable sense of this is our home!  This charming two-story paired single-family residence is ...