PORTOLA HILLS LIVING by Kelly Turbeville

I was just watching this video and I liked it because it gives First Time Home Buyers an idea of the excitement when buying a home.  Now of course that comes with some trepidation... but with the right research, planning, education and of course Team, it is a wonderful life event. http://bcove.me/b2nlykq0 The video is from the California Association, should you have any questions please do not hesitate to give Kelly a call.

We just listed a great condo in Aliso Viejo that would make a great investment for my Portola Hills Investors, First Time Buyers and for parents looking to help get their children started in a home.  Priced at just $185,000 this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo is located in the complex of Seagate Colony in Aliso Viejo.  No work needed it is light, bright and clean! Tell A Friend!

Wondering how real estate ended in 2011..... Here is a quick snapshot per square footage of how each housing segment ended the year.  We heard many times through the year that hottest market in Orange County was Portola Hills.  This is a direct result of supply and demand.   No supply, high demand and with just 54 listing sold in Portola Hills in 2011 that was evident.  In 2010 96 homes sold. Wondering how this relates to your home, give us a call and we would be happy to run the numbers for you. One thing is for certain.  Opportunity is knocking!!

Looking for a little holiday fun??  This evening in Lake Forest is the 26th Annual Candlelight Tour .  Cost is just $4.00.  Located at Heritage Hill Park.   Dec. 10th and 11th between 5:30-8:30. Grab the sweaters, hot chocolate and take a lovely stroll through the park to see the lights, visit with Santa and listen to the Carolers. Enjoy!

Trying to get into the holiday spirit?  Below is a list of events you might want to check out. Lake Forest Dec 3rd:            Annual Victorian Christmas - Heritage Hill Historic Park Dec 10th:          Breakfast with Santa. Lake Forest Community Center. Dec 10th-11th:  Annual Candlelight Tour: Heritage Hill Historic Park  Mission Viejo Dec 3rd:            Nutcracker Puppet Show - Saddleback Room Mission Viejo City Hall Dec 9th:            Holiday Light Tour - Norman P Murray Center Rancho Santa Margarita Dec 31st:          New Years Eve Celebration  Silverado Canyon Dec 10th:          Christmas in the Canyon Click on the city for specific details! Portola Hills Residents, let's have some fun with Christmas Lights - Post your pictures here and you may just win a prize!!

It was a quiet month for real estate in Portola Hills, below is a quick recap of what was sold and is currently active on the market. Sold Properties: 4 Attached Homes:                3-Bedroom / 2-Baths Average Sq. Footage:         1469 sq. ft.   Average Price:                    $376,000 Average Price Per Sq.Ft.    $255. Single Family Residence:       5-Bedroom / 4-Baths Average Sq. Footage:          3500 Average Price:                     $780,000 Average Price Per Sq.Ft.     $218 Active Properties:  20 Current Active Properties: Attached: 14 homes with 2 bedroom and an average square footage of 1304. Average Listed Price:          $307,000 Average Price Per Sq.Ft.    $232 Detached: 6 homes with the 4 bedrooms and an average square footage of 2562. Average List Price:              $573,000 Average Price Per Sq.Ft.     $224k Portola Hills Best Buy - At the moment the listing at 19321 Sleeping Oak is the best buy.  This home has over 3200 sq. ft, 5 bedrooms,

Did you know the city of Lake Forest has a housing program.... Two of the programs offered support both current homeowners as a way to spruce up their homes and second program allows some help to First Time Home Buyers.  Click on the following links for details. First Time Home Buyer Program - A tax credit offered to First Time Home Buyers, up to 15%. Paint Program - This is a NO CHARGE program for those who may need assistance in sprucing up their home. I like seeing the city keep home ownership as a priority.  Now if we can get them to put some pressure and accountability on the Lenders to help Homeowners keep their homes or even hold lenders accountable to maintain homes that are currently in foreclosure, I would truly be happy.  After all over 56% of Lake Forest homes are in distress and this hurts the community in several aspects.