PORTOLA HILLS LIVING by Kelly Turbeville

So excited for our seller as she has moved into her new home and we successfully sold her Montecido Townhome in Portola Hills .  As you can see from the photo's this was a lovely home in a great location;   two key assets, along with our extensive understanding of the current market, ensuring our homeowner received top dollar in this tough market!   I admit, it drives me crazy to see homeowners sell their home at the bottom of the market, when there is opportunity to bring them a higher sales price.  That's why our track record speaks for itself. This home sold for 10% over most recent sales in the complex.  The best part of today's market is, if you price your home out of range, then it is not going to appraise. Lenders are being very stringent on the numbers and the money they are loaning on.  It will also stay on the market a longer time, which will eventually hurt your overall pricing strategy.  However, that does not mean you should price your home below market

Finally a little good news for those who need to short sale and have two loans.   Just a quick note so you have the information regarding  SB 458 , which mandates Junior Lien Holders to accept short sale terms as final payment.   As C.A.R President Beth Peerce notes, "SB 458 brings closure and certainty to the short sale process and ensures that once a lender has agreed to a accept a short sale payment on a property, All Leinholders - those in first position and in junior positions - will consider the outstanding balance as paid in full and the homeowner will not held responsible for any additional payments on the property" I believe the decision to short sale never comes easy and though I also believe the homeowner has to work hard to ensure they can keep their home, much of what is happening today is out of their control. I am a strong advocate for Homeowners rights and believe they have been getting a raw deal when it comes to the devastating housing market.  More a

Portola Hills made the news once again in June as the hottest place to buy a home in Orange County.  Below is a breakdown of how Real Estate faired in June for the area. Sold Properties:  7 Attached:  5 Average Floorplan:  2 Bedroom / 2 Bath Average Sq. Footage: 1029 Average Sold Price: $228,000 Average Price Per Sq. Footage: $218 Average Days On The Market: 110 Detached: 2 Average Floorplan:  4Bedroom / 3 Bath Average Sq. Footage: 2673 Average Sold Price: $624,995 Average Price Per Sq. Footage: $231 Average Days On The Market: 193 Current Active Properties:   Attached: 19 Average Floorplan:  2 Bedroom / 2 Bath Average Sq. Footage: 1012 Average Listed Price: $325,000 Average Price Per Sq. Footage: $247 Average Days On The Market: 109 Detached: 5 Average Floorplan:  4 Bedroom / 3 Bath Average Sq. Footage: 2557 Average Listed Price: $608,000 Average Price Per Sq. Footage: $241 Average Days On The Market: 156 Portola Hills Best Buy!   When you look at the n

We often here in the local news, Portola Hills is the hottest real estate market, below is a current look at how the market performed in May of 2011.  Hot it is! Current Active Properties: 23 Sold Properties: 10 Distressed Rate: 50% Average Attached Price Per Sq. Ft:   $218  List Price to Sale Price Ratio: 86% Average Single Family Homes Price Per Sq.Ft:   $258 List Price to Sale Price Ratio: 93% Average Days on the Market:   117 Below is a quick look at the overall real estate market in the surrounding areas.  As Portola Hills borders both Lake Forest and Trabuco Canyon it is important to understand these markets as well. Trabuco Canyon Market Conditions Lake Forest Market Conditions If you are wondering if it is a good time to list your home whether it may be a Standard, Relocation or Short Sale, we are here to help.  The same principles apply you want to get the most dollars possible and sold as quick as possible.  Our track record shows just that! Buyer Ne

Ok have you been looking for a Townhome in lovely Lake Forest or the Saddleback Valley, then you want to check out our listing at 28366 Klondike Drive , in Portola Hills.  This is a beauty but what makes it all the more special is the end unit is located at the end of the street with no one on one side and view all the way to the Pacific Ocean.   You can't beat that.... But wait we just did, we reduced the price down to $335,000 .    Won't find anything better on the market, so hurry! Contact us today for a showing!

We often here these days in the local news that Portola Hills is the hottest Real Estate market in Orange County, unfortunately that does come with some sad news as the percentage of homes in distressed situations is also one of the highest in the county. Below are four quick facts and solutions you should think about if you are considering getting out from your current home.   Fact: Loan Modifications are hard to come by and if they do, it is rare to receive true Principle Reductions, which is what is needed.  Principle Forbearance is more likely than a Principle Reduction. Fact: A Quarter of all mortgage holders in Southern California owe more on their mortgage than their property is worth.  Fact:   Foreclosure is more damaging to your credit and future employment. Solution - A Short sale will accomplish three things for you . 1st:     Allow you to take some control back in your life.  Stop with the frustrating calls to your lender with no answers.  2nd:  Give you a fr

The feedback on our newest listing has been excellent.  What do they like, the large yard, great view and the fact that it has 3 Bedroom and 3 Baths and all the amenities that come along with living in Portola Hills.  Now we are making it just a little more attractive...... Seller is opening to helping with $3500 towards closing cost with a full price offer.  Escrow must be opened no later than 5/15, so hurry!  Check out these great photo's!