PORTOLA HILLS LIVING by Kelly Turbeville

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Can you believe it, we are officially in 2024!  I personally can not believe how fast 2023 went.  The real estate market in 2023 in Portola Hills was very strong!  It actually outpaced the overall Orange County real estate market.   Below is our year end report that summarizes how the community performed, along with a spotlight on 3 popular neighborhoods.   Does it shock you the average price of Single Family home in Portola Hills is $1.6 million dollars and an Attached home, Condo/Townhome is $785,000.  Home prices from 2022 to 2023 increased 15% in Portola Hills.   We are starting 2024 off with very low inventory, there are only 3 homes available at the time we wrote this report.  My phone began ringing from potential Buyers when rates went below 7%, so I anticipate the early spring market is going to get a little crazy as rates hit closer to 5%.  What is the Value of my Portola Hills Home? If you are considering a move, let's chat about your goals and how I can

Have you been to BRU lately in Lake Forest?  I popped in after some Christmas shopping and was so happy to see it filled with happy customers, celebrating the season.  BRU is one the only restaurants in Lake Forest that offers a place for a great meal, cocktail and ambiance! The new Beer Garden addition to the corner of El Toro and Rockfield is going to really brighten up that corner in Lake Forest.  If you haven't been to BRU,  we thought we would share a bit of what we like about it!  From the moment you step through the door, it's evident that BRU is more than just a place to dine; it's an experience to be enjoyed.  Matt and the team take pride in its diverse menu that caters to every palate. Whether you're a fan of classic American comfort food or crave a more adventurous culinary journey, BRU has you covered. From their mouthwatering burgers to their wild caught seafood, every dish is a work of art.  Beyond a lovely meal, BRU Restaurant offers a warm and inviting a

Residents are moving in.. to where you might ask?  The Portola Senior Affordable Apartments!  This has been a long time coming and the final buildout of the IronRidge community in Portola Hills, Lake Forest.   A little behind the scenes of this development.  When zoning changed in Lake Forest the owner of the land had the opportunity to move from commercial properties to residential.  There was a small group of us Portola Hills residence to who started a steering committee to try and ensure the development followed the wishes of the residents and stayed within natural aesthetic of lovely Portola Hills.  That was not always an easy task between builders and the city and honestly the residents, me included had huge concerns about this development.    Two areas, I am proud of is the Portola Park Dog Park , which was a suggestion of mine and then agreed upon with the city. This was a four million dollar project. This was needed as we only had 1 park in the area, Concourse Park and it was

Have you taken advantage of the City of Lake Forest BOGO to support local businesses.  It is such a great program.  Check out details here! In summary it allows you to purchase a $50.00 or $100.00 gift card and get a second one at the same value!  So you are getting FREE money.   There are over 80 local businesses in the city of Lake Forest that you can use the gift cards at!  Such a great way to support local businesses as well save on your purchases! Lake Forest BOGO Businesses If you have a business you still have time to add your business and with the holidays coming what a great way to bring in some extra business! I haven't seen this program at any other local cities, so I applaud the City of Lake Forest for keeping this program going!

As fall hits the calendar, we typically see a seasonal change in the real estate market.  Generally speaking it can be the best time to buy a home has homes that did not sell over summer, will start to see price drops and the hot selling season is over. That really hasn't been the case since before the pandemic however. Even this year, though sales volume is down, home sellers are still receiving top dollar for their home and in fact often times over list price.  That is certainly the case here in Portola Hills. Below is a look at how the Portola Hills real estate market performed in September, as you can see very strong.  We had a total of 8 homes sell and 7 went under contract.  The average days on the market is just 15 days.    Are you thinking about making a move but not sure if it is the right time for you?   Are you wishing you were living closer to family.   Did you know the number 1 reason people are making a move right now is just that, to be near family.   Search Availabl

As Portola Hills is a community within Lake Forest and our personal favorite 😍 it is important to understand how the overall real estate market is doing in the city of Lake Forest.  Check out the below graph of how both attached homes and single family homes are current selling.   As you can see from the above numbers, the real estate market in Lake Forest continues to remain strong.  But does that median list price of over $1.8 million dollars surprise you?   Keep in mind, right now there are number of new build homes available in the new neighborhood The Meadows.   New neighborhoods have certainly increased the value of Lake Forest homes. There currently are only 42 single family homes available and 10 attached homes available for home buyers. Low inventory is what continues to drive pricing up, so if you felt you missed out on selling for top dollar, you have an excellent chance today, it just might take a little longer than it did the last couple of years.   Homes priced right, p

Maybe it is my age, but it is certainly a trend I have seen this past year with clients.  They are deciding to leave Orange County and following their family to new locations.  With over 700,000 people leaving California this is more than a trend, I fear. Have your kids or family moved out of state?  Are you considering following them so you can be close to the grandkids or perhaps you just feel it would be more affordable? Relocating to be near your grandkids is a significant decision, and there are several important factors to consider to ensure a smooth transition and a fulfilling experience for both you and your family. Here are some key considerations: Proximity to Grandkids: Determine how close you want to be to your grandkids. Consider whether you want to live in the same city, within driving distance, or even in the same neighborhood. Family Dynamics: Have open and honest discussions with your adult children and grandchildren about your relocation plans. Make sure everyone is