PORTOLA HILLS LIVING by Kelly Turbeville

Someone turned on the faucet for closed real estate transactions in June with 16 closed escrows throughout Portola Hills. Below is quick look at what closed in Portola Hills. Attached homes: June 2014 Attached Portola Hills Home Sold Detached homes: Portola Hills Detached Home Sales The same can be seen overall in Orange County, homes are selling.   The median home price in Orange County increased 10.4% over last year and at $595.000.   We are also seeing homes stay on the market a bit longer.... Why when for months now we have heard there is not enough inventory.  Inventory has increased but is still far below a balanced market.  What has changed is that buyers are being a bit hesitant with the increase in pricing.  So homes that are listed a bit high are staying on the market longer. If you are considering listing your home for sale, it is critical to have a strong pricing strategy that will bring you top dollar for you home in the time frame you

Can you believe it, the Fourth of July is this Friday.   Whether you are staying close to home or venturing out, there are a variety of locations to catch the Fireworks show throughout the Saddleback Valley.  Get out and enjoy!!   Aliso Viejo Celebration and Fireworks:  Location Grand Park Live entertainment, food, beverages, arts, crafts.  Fireworks show at dusk!! Dana Point BBQ Buffet and Fireworks and Cruises:   Location Dana Point Harbor.   Irvine Concert on the Green and Fireworks:  Location Irvine High School Featuring Pyro musical sky concert, fireworks, food court, live music by Derk Bordeaux Group. Laguna Hills Location: 25555 Alicia Parkway Fun, food, carnival rides, games, live music and fireworks. Laguna Niguel   Location:  LN Regional Park (over the lake) 7:30 5k Run/walk, 10k run.  Pancake breakfast, live music by Family Style at Laguna Niguel Community Park Ladera Ranch Location: Founders Park 7:00 am 8th Annual Freedom run starts 5k/10k run. Panc

The weather is warming up and we are seeing the Real Estate market do the same in Portola Hills or are we?? May was a bit slower in terms of closed sales for the year but if you look below at the averages there was a 14% increase in Price per sq. foot. May 2013 Averages vs. 2014 Averages. 3 Bedroom @ 2011 sq.ft. = $278.02 per sq. ft  3 Bedroom @ 1717 sq.ft = $322.18 per sq.ft.  Of course mix plays a part in this but with the demand out pacing supply we should see this continue in the right direction. Below is a quick snapshot of what homes sold in the area during last month. May 2014 Portola Hills Sales Where we did see an increase was in the number of new listings.  Below is a look at what is currently available in Portola Hills.   As will note, some of these listings have been on the market for a bit, which I do find a bit interesting due to the low inventory overall.  Could this be a sign of the home not meeting Buyers Key Points....? Today's

I am hoping this isn't a repeated sentiment but it makes me wonder as I believe I said this last month,  "where is the spring rush of homes". It's not like we are on the East Coast we can't blame the weather, it is 95 degrees today on May 1st. Wondering what I am talking about, take a look at what sold in Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch this past April. Portola Hills:   5 Homes sold, 4 attached one 1 SFR with the average price per square foot of $323.   Portola Hills Homes Sold April 2014 Foothill Ranch:  9 Homes sold, the mix a bit different 2 attached 7 single family. Average price per sq. foot. $334. Foothill Ranch Homes Sold April 2014 Historically as the spring breaks end and taxes are paid, we start to see the number of homes on the market increase.  Overall we are seeing a slight increase but with the high buyer demand, their are not enough homes to sustain the market, thus why the above sellers saw an increase of abou

Shhhh....  It's quiet in Portola Hills and we are not just talking about the tranquil neighborhoods.  We are talking about the real estate market.  Typically March in the Saddleback Valley we see an uptick of homes coming on the market.  The inventory at the end of the 2013 was at an all time low, we saw about a 7% increase in inventory after the holidays. However, here in the Saddleback Valley and especially Portola Hills it was Quiet!! Reports indicate the market is heading back to 2006 levels  so looking at the number of homes that sold this time in 2006 (17) vs. what has sold this month (6), you can see it is pretty quiet.  Over the last few years the average number of homes sold in March is about 10. The good news here is for Home Sellers.  When the inventory is low and the buyer demand is high that means it's a sellers market.    The rule of supply and demand wins! Below is a summary of what sold in March in Portola Hills: March 2014 Portola Hills Sold Homes

Did you know the city of Lake Forest, California offers some great events for the family!  As the days are getting longer, the kids are getting ready for spring break and we celebrate the Easter Holiday make sure to mark your calenders for these fun events throughout the city. 3/29 - Borrego Trail Hike at Whiting Ranch Park in Foothill Ranch 4/12 - Bunny Bast at El Toro Park 4/19 - Spring skate and Egg Hunt at Etnies skatepark 4/26 - Park Safari at Lake Forest City Hall For more information and registration details you can call Community Services at 949-461-3450 or visit the cities event calender! Century 21 Award, Shredding Event Also mark your calender on 4/19, my office will be sponsoring a Free Shredding Day. More details to come but as you file away your taxes for this year, it;s time to shred those documents you no longer need.

When searching for a home whether you currently own or buying your first home, the details of the neighborhood are key.  The old saying, Location, Location, Location still rings true in today's Real Estate Market.   Take a  look at the infograph below provided by the California Association of Realtors... Do these traits fall in line for what is important to you? California Association of Realtors Infograph Neighborhood As you look for a home, make sure your needs for your desired neighborhood are reviewed with your Realtor.   It will save you time and frustration while out searching for your dream home.  Should you be looking for a move in the Saddleback Valley, please don't hesitate to give Kelly a call!