PORTOLA HILLS LIVING by Kelly Turbeville

Community parks are so important to neighborhoods and here in Portola Hills, there are two major parks that offer residence an ideal spot to get outside and enjoy the nature around them.  The new Portola Park and Concourse Park This morning, I took a walk up at Concourse Park and was feeling very blessed to have such a nice amenity in my backyard.  The Park of nearly 8 acres, offers a variety of amenities as well, but one of the most impressive details is it is set up right against Whiting Wilderness Ranch which provides a beautiful scenic views. Amenities of Concourse Park include: 2 Covered Picnic Areas 2 Barbeques Large Grassy Area Play Area for Kids Walking Path 4 Exercise Stations 2 Water Fountains (for the pups too) Basketball court Public Bathrooms For a fee of $25, Lake Forest residents may reserve a park shelters for gatherings of fewer than 50 people without a special event application. To reserve a park shelter, click here. Location of Concourse Park in Portola Hills: Take

I was listening to a Podcast ( Think like a CEO with Gary Keller and Jay Papason ) which I am really enjoying and it really got me thinking of first time homeowners and sellers, who are thinking about moving up to their new property. We all get so excited about the new larger home with all the details your current home doesn't have, but I think sometimes fail to think of long term opportunity that is available when we look at the home as an investment.  Especially after this Pandemic, many buyers today are looking at making a move up into a larger home that offers better functionality for their new home life. Which is totally understandable.   With the equity growth the housing market has seen over the last few years, and the low interest rates there is a really great opportunity laying in front of us and you might be surprised to hear this from an Agent... DON'T SELL YOUR HOME! (though have to say the market really needs the inventory).    If your mortgage is low on your curre

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

Ever get the itch to do a DIY project? Whenever we do, our favorites involve getting outdoors and mixing up our landscaping features. Whether it's as simple as installing some lighting or a little more time-consuming like re-plotting plants, a fresh look for the lawn always gives your home a fresh look as well. Here are our top five easy landscaping projects! Create a pathway. To guide you and visitors throughout your yard and link different areas together, install a pathway. You can use materials from a variety of materials, including reclaimed pallet wood, flagstones, gravel, and more to add texture and color. Add a wall or border. Installing a flagstone, rock, or brick wall around flower beds or trees adds a sleek, clean look to your landscaping and helps separate different sections of your yard. Install a water feature. Nothing says zen quite like the sound of trickling water as you relax in your backyard. You can start simple with by purchasing and installing a small feature p

We bet you're happy 2020 is behind us!  What a crazy year, is all we can say!  We hope that you and your families were not impacted to harshly by it.  We took a look at how 2020 impacted the Portola Hills Market and all we can say is, who would have thunk (yes thunk) the real estate market would have been so strong!  I guess all that time at home, sparked buyers ideas that it is now time to move!  Did you make a move, or think you would like to? Below is a snapshot of how the Portola Hills Real Estate market performed for the the entire year!   What is the value of my Portola Hills Home? Overall the Portola Hills real estate market was very strong with 18% in sales volume from 2019, with 172 homes sold in 2020.   The most expensive home sold in the community was for $1.8 million in The Oaks and the least expensive was $335,000 in the Canyon View community.   Home values were up in both single-family and attached homes, but we have to look at this with an objective eye, as many of t

 It is always exciting to have a contest in our local marketplace of Portola Hills. We find the community really enjoys them and it is an excellent way to get to know our neighbors.  Our Holiday Cash giveaway is always my favorite!  This year especially as we had to delay our Halloween/Fall decorating contest due to the recent Bond fire.  We had a great turnout and it was very exciting to deliver some holiday cash to our clients and community. GPS real estate group holiday cash winners We want to thank everyone who entered our contest and most importantly enjoy it.  We look at is a fun activity for the community and in 2020, I think we could all use a lot more fun!  Search Portola Hills Homes Watch for our next contest coming the spring 2021.