NEW LISTING- Welcome Home! To The Tranquility of Nature And Magnificent Golf Course Views

If you think you would enjoy the tranquility of nature and magnificent golf course views, then you must see this beautiful upgraded condo.  This very private sanctuary, offers two bedrooms, two baths, and an open concept floor plan, all on one level. A zen like patio overlooks a gorgeous greenbelt and can be accessed through your living room or Master bedroom. This golf course front property is nestled amongst a Mediterranean architectural styled community. With security gates, a heated year around pool, a practice green, and a golf view promenade to stroll and enjoy life’s beautiful surrounding scenery.  A Lake Mission Viejo membership is included providing access to beaches, sailing and a variety of concerts and special events.  A 6 acre dog park consisting of 3 play areas is slated to open in March; the historic Oso Creek Trail is only moments away, a long with a world class library, YMCA, Senior Center and tons of shopping including Trader Joe’s and Sprout’s.  Welcome home!

VISIT THIS LISTINGS WEBPAGE - Click here

 

         

New Listing: 34595 Calle Rosita, Dana Point

Amazing location in Capo Beach 

with tons of potential

34595 Calle Rosita, Dana Point

Location, Location, Location! Capo, Capo, Capo! Get in on the ground floor of this up and coming coastal community. This property is one of the best investments in Capistrano Beach. Sold "As Is". Fix it up and have a true mid-century gem within walking distance to Pines Park and the Beach.

Link to Full Property Profile

8 Tips For Finding Your New Home

A solid game plan can help you narrow your homebuying search to find the best home for you. 

When looking for your new house, make sure to take into consideration how long you plan to stay there.

House hunting is just like any other shopping expedition. If you identify exactly what you want and do some research, you’ll zoom in on the home you want at the best price. These eight tips will guide you through a smart homebuying process.

1. Know thyself

Understand the type of home that suits your personality. Do you prefer a new or existing home? A ranch or a multistory home? If you’re leaning toward a fixer-upper, are you truly handy, or will you need to budget for contractors?

2. Research before you look

List the features you most want in a home and identify which are necessities and which are extras. Identify three to four neighborhoods you’d like to live in based on commute time, schools, recreation, crime, and price. Then hop onto REALTOR.com to get a feel for the homes available in your price range in your favorite neighborhoods. Use the results to prioritize your wants and needs so you can add in and weed out properties from the inventory you’d like to view.

3. Get your finances in order

Generally, lenders say you can afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. Create a budget so you know how much you’re comfortable spending each month on housing. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to investigate financing. 

Gather your financial records and meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter spelling out how much you’re eligible to borrow. The lender won’t necessarily consider the extra fees you’ll pay when you purchase or your plans to begin a family or purchase a new car, so shop in a price range you’re comfortable with. Also, presenting an offer contingent on financing will make your bid less attractive to sellers.

4. Set a moving timeline

5. Think long term

Your future plans may dictate the type of home you’ll buy. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in the home for five to 10 years? With a starter, you may need to adjust your expectations. If you plan to nest, be sure your priority list helps you identify a home you’ll still love years from now.

6. Work with a REALTOR®

Ask people you trust for referrals to a real estate professional they trust. Interview agents to determine which have expertise in the neighborhoods and type of homes you’re interested in. Because homebuying triggers many emotions, consider whether an agent’s style meshes with your personality. 

Also ask if the agent specializes in buyer representation. Unlike listing agents, whose first duty is to the seller, buyers’ reps work only for you even though they’re typically paid by the seller. Finally, check whether agents are REALTORS®, which means they’re members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. NAR has been a champion of homeownership rights for more than a century.

7. Be realistic

It’s OK to be picky about the home and neighborhood you want, but don’t be close-minded, unrealistic, or blinded by minor imperfections. If you insist on living in a cul-de-sac, you may miss out on great homes on streets that are just as quiet and secluded. 

On the flip side, don’t be so swayed by a “wow” feature that you forget about other issues—like noise levels—that can have a big impact on your quality of life. Use your priority list to evaluate each property, remembering there’s no such thing as the perfect home.

8. Limit the opinions you solicit

It’s natural to seek reassurance when making a big financial decision. But you know that saying about too many cooks in the kitchen. If you need a second opinion, select one or two people. But remain true to your list of wants and needs so the final decision is based on criteria you’ve identified as important.

New Listing: 36 Highpoint, Aliso Viejo

FORMER MODEL HOME IN PACIFIC RIDGE COMMUNITY FOR SALE. 

  ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THIS BEAUTIFUL, END OF CUL-DE-SAC LOCATED PROPERTY WITH OVERSIZED LOT AND EXPANSIVE VIEWS FROM BACKYARD AND BEDROOM.

  Timing is everything.

  You are the “King of the Hill” in this former model home  offered for sale.

 This spectacular property located at rare end of a cul-de-sac is being offered to fortunate buyer. Expansive views without any development on entire backyard of the property overlooking Saddleback valley with unobstructed views southeast of Saddleback valley. Enjoy the unobstructed moon- rise directly centered over the backyard. This property features:

1. End of cul-de-sac location located within 5 miles of downtown Laguna Beach and easy access to the toll road (approx. 1.5 miles to route 73);
2. Extra-long driveway and over-sized backyard rarely seen in this development and can accommodate a pool or spa;
3. Property located on the highest point of the development with unobstructed views of Saddleback valley;
4. Upper-level deck view build-out possible to enhance already spectacular valley views;
5. Naturally-flowing ocean breezes migrate from Laguna Canyon up the street to the property;
6. Beautiful moonrises and full moons directly centered over your unobstructed backyard;
7. Fireworks are viewable every July 4th from Laguna Beach to Dana Point to Coto de Caza from your backyard or upstairs bedroom;
8. Must see to appreciate.

  

Rarely on the market, this gorgeous piece of property is the perfect combination of a huge lot, unobstructed view of Saddleback Mountain and city lights, and a well maintained home at the end of a cul-de-sac. Largest model in the tract, this three bedroom home can easily be 

converted to a 4-bedroom, which was a builder option. Enjoy the oversized family room with oversized fireplace, family kitchen with lots of storage and a walk-in pantry, living room and dining room. Upstairs laundry room with utility sink for added convenience. Beautiful newer hardwood floors downstairs, crown molding, textured designer carpet upstairs, are a few of the many upgrades in this home. The master suite has a separate tub and shower, dual sinks, and a huge walk-in closet. Enjoy the 3-car garage with lots of storage and an extra long driveway for plenty of parking.

Housing Bubble: Is There a New One Forming?

The Keller Home Selling Team is constantly assessing the market on behalf of our client's and followers.  While the housing market has risen dramatically since the beginning of the year, this article written by a trusted nationwide blog source " Keeping Current Matters", says NO BUBBLE to worry about.  We believe this article to be true based on our local market knowledge and analysis. 

 While we can't predict exactly what the market will do, our jobs are to interpret the market as best we can.  We still believe it is a great time to buy and encourage anyone thinking about buying to do it now.  We believe in the end, you'll be glad you did.  If you have a house to sell, take advantage of the recent gains and call us for a free price opinion.

 As always, we're available to consult to you anytime you have questions.

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The housing market is recovering so nicely that it has caused some to wonder whether a new housing bubble is forming. Today, we want to explain that the fear of a new pricing bubble in real estate is unwarranted.

Trulia revealed some great data on this point in a recent blog post. They explained that, even with the recent price increases, national home prices are still 7 percent undervalued. Trulia explained:

“Home prices nationally remain undervalued relative to fundamentals and much lower than in the last bubble. That’s why today’s price gains are actually still a rebound, not a bubble.”

Prices are below their fundamental value in the vast majority of the country (91 of the 100 largest metros). Even in the parts of the country that are now overvalued they come nowhere near the percentages we saw in 2006-2007. For example, let’s look at the two markets that are most overvalued today. In Orange County, California prices are currently overvalued by 9%. In 2006, prices in the region were overvalued by 71%! The second most overvalued market today is Austin, Texas at 5%. Texas real estate prices did not skyrocket as they did in many other parts of the country during the last boom. Austin prices were shown as being 12% overvalued at the time.

Again, prices are still undervalued in 91% of markets and, even in the markets that are overvalued, they are nowhere near the numbers of the 2006-2007 bubble.

Jed Kolko, Trulia’s Chief Economist, explained:

“So are we in bubble territory? No. Bubble-phobes can rest easy. Even with recent sharp home price increases, prices are still low relative to fundamentals and are far below bubble levels.”

Dr. David Stiff, chief economist for CoreLogic Case-Shiller agreed in a recently releasedreport on prices:

“Even if double-digit price appreciation were to continue in former bubble metro areas, there is no reason to believe that new home price bubbles are forming. That’s because single-family homes in these markets are still very affordable, even after last year’s large price gains.”

 

Three reasons there will NOT be another bubble

  Prices are determined by the ratio between supply and demand. Here are three reasons a bubble will be avoided.

1. Supply is beginning to increase. A lack of inventory is creating a market of multiple bids which has caused prices to rise. The National Association of Realtors (NAR), in their latest Existing Home Sales Report, revealed that the months’ supply of inventory has increased from 4.3 to 5.2 months since January.
2. Demand will decrease in certain demographics. For an example, investors have been a large part of the housing market over the last several years. As prices continue to rise, a certain percentage of these buyers will back off.
3. As mortgage rates increase, buyers will be able to afford less. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae and NAR have all projected an increase in mortgage rates over the next year. Buying power will decrease as borrowers can no longer afford the same price point as monthly payments will increase.

For these reasons, we believe the fear of a new housing bubble are currently unfounded.

Orange County Housing Report: Foreclosures & Short Sales are Vanishing

Distressed homes are quickly being replaced with good ol’ fashioned standard sales, homeowners with equity.

 Distressed Sales:  Foreclosures and short sales combined only account for 4% of the active listing inventory.

Foreclosures and short sales have a much smaller roll in today’s Orange County housing market.  In February 2012 they made up 47% of all closed sales, 29% were short sales and 18% were foreclosures.  Flash forward to today and they are only 15% of the market, 11% short sales and 4% foreclosures.

 The market has been in transition since the first quarter of last year.  There was a palpable shift away from distressed properties. Instead, standard sales, regular homeowners with equity in their homes, entered the mix.  They chipped away at the distressed inventories grip on the market, and properties began to appreciate. 

 Banks had been in control of the market until the shift.  They sold foreclosures, controlling the pace and price of these bank owned homes.  Short sales, where the homeowner owed more to the bank than their homes were worth, relied upon the approval of the bank to allow the sale to even take place.  They had to agree to take less than the full loan amount in order for sales to close.  Again, they controlled the pace and price of these homes.  That is no longer the case, as standard sales have made a very strong comeback.

 Do not get me wrong, there are still many homeowners who have not paid their mortgages in a very long time.  Loan modifications, short sales, and foreclosures will still play a role in the Orange County housing market for the next two to three years, but they will no longer define housing.  They have gone from the “best actor” to “best supporting actor” in the OC housing drama.

 The data illustrates the evolution in the market.  One year ago, distressed accounted for 19% of the active inventory, 206 foreclosures and 912 short sales.  Today they represent only 4% of the market, 50 foreclosures and 119 short sales.  That’s an 85% drop in a year. 

San Clemente Tourism

San Clemente Tourism news

A three-star business class hotel and retail center is planned for the Marblehead Coastal area. It will include a 600,000-square-foot shopping center with ocean views, a 130-room hotel and conference center and 313 homes near the San Diego (I-5) Freeway between Avenida Vista Hermosa and Avenida Pico.

The first phase of construction, which includes the hotel, is expected to be completed in early 2009.

The city is in talks with the developer of The Lab and The Camp shopping centers in Costa Mesa for a 65,000-square-foot restaurant and retail facility in the North Beach area.

A meandering beach trail running from North Beach to Calafia Beach opened in February 2007. A second phase of construction to extend a boardwalk beyond Mariposa Point, create a beach underpass and install pedestrian crossing signals is still in the works. In all, the city expects to invest well over $12 million in the trail.

Locals have walked on an unmaintained dirt trail along the same stretch for years, crossing railroad tracks illegally at random points. The new trail, made largely of decomposed granite, enhances safety and includes access for people with disabilities. 

About a year and a half ago, the city spent some $3 million refurbishing the downtown, adding landscaping and upscale restaurants, as a way to lure visitors.

   Information from OrangeCounty.com

Buy or Rent: Which Makes More Sense Financially?

by THE KCM CREW

Every potential home buyer has to stop for at least a moment and consider this question. Today, we want to look at one of the many financial reasons to buy instead of rent: the housing expense moving forward.  Rent vs. Buy Calculator!

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors, the median sales price of a home in the U.S. is $184,300. The mortgage payment (principal & interest) on that purchase would be $661.89 assuming a 20% down payment and a 3.5% mortgage interest rate. Currently, the median asking rent in the U.S. according to the Census Bureau is $717 a month.

We realize that the two payments do not necessarily reflect the housing cost on a similar residence. However, that is not the point of the post. All we are saying is that the monthly housing expense on a median price home is $661.89 and the median rent is $717. We now want to discuss what will happen to these costs over time. Rent vs. Buy Calculator!

The principal and interest portion of the mortgage payment is locked in for the next 30 years. We know real estate taxes may be included in the payment and will increase to some degree over that time. We also acknowledge that the homeowner will have occasion to spend money on repairs. They also receive many tax advantages as a homeowner.

However, the actual monthly housing expense remains the same for the next 30 years.

Thanks to the KCM Crew!

Mortgage Interest Deduction: By State

Improving the Mortgage Process for Buyers

“TD Bank recently announced the results of their inaugural Mortgage Service Index. The index was designed to identify best practices and trouble areas in home financing and act as a service indicator for lending institutions. Below are some of the key findings of the survey." - The KCM CREW

Positive Experiences

The index identified the percentage of respondents who had a positive (“excellent” or “very good”) experience in certain parts of the home buying experience:

·  64% had a positive experience during the home buying experience

·  55% finding a good Realtor

·  55% with the home appraisal/inspection process

·  53% finding the right lender

·  53% with the length of the entire home buying process

What Creates an Overall Positive Experience?

Certain key aspects of the relationship with the lender were important to those who said they had a very positive overall home buying experience. They rated their lender as “excellent” or “very good” in the following categories:

·  Responsive 74%

·  Accessible 76%

·  Honest and transparent 76%

·  Instilled confidence throughout the process 73%

·  Helped buyers understand the process 73%

·  Kept buyer informed during process 73%

·  Explained the mortgage and available options 72%

Other Key Findings:

1. On average, home buyers considered approximately two banks or lenders when applying for a mortgage

2. An equal number of those surveyed (43%) obtained information on the lending process from their bank and from their Realtor, demonstrating that Realtors are used as informative resources by consumers during the mortgage process

3. Only 34% of home buyers obtained a mortgage at their primary bank

Michael Copley, Executive Vice President, Retail Lending at TD Bank concluded:

“As the housing market continues to rebound, the growing number of buyers should be aware of what to look for in a mortgage partner and seek out a lender who will best guide them through the home financing process in order to create a positive home buying experience.”

 Thanks to "THE KCM CREW" for this fantastic information!

BACK ON THE MARKET & OPEN HOUSE

Gorgeous San Clemente home (with the lowest price per square foot in San Clemente) just went BACK ON THE MARKET today!!! Talk a great opportunity to beat the rush and get your offer in today.

OPEN HOUSE, Sunday the 6th from 2-5pm! Listing agent will be there to answer all your questions!

Click Here to Receive the Property Info and More Pictures from Listing Agent

$624,000  612 Calle Ganadero  San Clemente, CA 92673

Approved short sale! Come home to the coast in this semi-custom 5-bedroom, peek ocean view home on a quiet cul-de-sac. The master bedroom is downstairs, along with two additional bedrooms. There are two more bedrooms upstairs, one with its own private balcony entrance and an en suite bathroom. This home is perfect for extended family living, long-term guests, and more! This lovely home offers wonderful upgrades with bamboo flooring throughout most of the downstairs, tons of natural light from operable skylights, and a completely remodeled downstairs bathroom. This open, flowing floorplan is the perfect great room concept with versatile entertaining spaces. Enjoy the quiet backyard, with mature trees, and numerous fruit trees including persimmon, plum, apricot, and mango. This home needs some cosmetic updating, but it is a wonderful home in a super neighborhood.  

Real Estate Provisions in “Fiscal Cliff” Bill

On Jan. 1 both the Senate and House passed H.R. 8 legislation to avert the “fiscal cliff.” The bill was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Jan. 2.

Below is a summary of real estate related provisions in the bill:

Real Estate Tax Extenders

• - Mortgage Cancellation Relief is extended for one year to Jan. 1, 2014
• - Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums for filers making below $110,000 is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012
• - 15-year straight-line cost recovery for qualified leasehold improvements on commercial properties is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012
• - 10 percent tax credit (up to $500) for homeowners for energy improvements to existing homes is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012

 

Permanent Repeal of Pease Limitations for 99% of Taxpayers 

Under the agreement so called “Pease Limitations” that reduce the value of itemized deductions are permanently repealed for most taxpayers but will be reinstituted for high income filers.  These limitations will only apply to individuals earning more than $250,000 and joint filers earning above $300,000.  These thresholds have been increased and are indexed for inflation and will rise over time.  Under the formula, the amount of adjusted gross income above the threshold is multiplied by three percent.  That amount is then used to reduce the total value of the filer’s itemized deductions.  The total amount of reduction cannot exceed 80 percent of the filer’s itemized deductions.

These limits were first enacted in 1990 (named for the Ohio Congressman Don Pease who came up with the idea) and continued throughout the Clinton years.  They were gradually phased out as a result of the 2001 tax cuts and were completely eliminated in 2010-2012.  Had we gone over the fiscal cliff, Pease limitations would have been reinstituted on all filers starting at $174,450 of adjusted gross income.

Capital Gains

Capital Gains rate stays at 15 percent for those in the top rate of $400,000 (individual) and $450,000 (joint) return.  After that, any gains above those amounts will be taxed at 20 percent.  The $250,000/$500,000 exclusion for sale of principal residence remains in place.

Estate Tax 

The first $5 million dollars in individual estates and $10 million for family estates are now exempted from the estate tax.  After that the rate will be 40 percent, up from 35 percent.  The exemption amounts are indexed for inflation.

   Posted by Kris Forsyth of "The Keller Home Selling Team" and information provided by The National Association of Realtors. 

San Clemente, California Real Estate Professionals & Expert Advisors of "The Keller Home Selling Team"

SearchOCHomesForSale.com

San Clemente, California Real Estate Professionals & Expert Advisors of "The Keller Home Selling Team" San Clemente, California Real Estate Professionals & Expert Advisors of "The Keller Home Selling Team" San Clemente, California Real Estate Professionals & Expert Advisors of "The Keller Home Selling Team" San Clemente, California Real Estate Professionals & Expert Advisors of "The Keller Home Selling Team"

Congratulations! Dan Keller, You are a 2012 Five Star Real Estate Agent

Area Real Estate Agents Qualify for Award Based on Consumer Research:

Five Star Professional conducted research to determine the real estate agents in Orange County, California who rated highest in overall satisfaction. Clients & customers from all over Orange County, California participated in research that resulted in Dan Keller of San Clemente, California’s selection as a Five Star Real Estate Agent. Five Star Professional partnered with Orange Coast Magazine to conduct research to identify a select group of real estate agents in Orange County who are exceptional in both their ability and their commitment to overall satisfaction. Fewer than two percent of the 21,000 Orange County agents holding real estate licenses were selected. Now Orange Coast magazine and Five Star Professional have teamed up to announce, Dan Keller co-owner of The Keller Home Selling Team & Certified Expert Advisor, as a winner of this coveted award for Orange County Real Estate agents. The award winners appear in a special section in the December issue of Orange Coast Magazine.

A survey was provided to all Orange County residents who purchased a home over $150,000 within an 8-month period (May 2011 to January 2012). Respondents were asked to evaluate real estate agents they knew through personal experience and to evaluate them based on nine criteria. Both negative and positive evaluations were included in the scoring. All qualified real estate agents were screened with the State Real Estate Commission’s database to verify that licenses were current and no disciplinary actions were pending. 

As a leading real estate specialist & co-owner of The Keller Home Selling Team, Dan applies the skills he mastered over the past 37 years to help his client’s reach their real estate goals. He understands that buying or selling a home is one of life’s most significant decisions and he also understands the importance of giving outstanding service. Dan’s in depth knowledge of Orange County Real Estate and powerful negotiating expertise will make your transaction experience a smooth one. A resident of California for over 30 years, Dan and his wife Claudia have called south Orange County home for the last nine years.

Five Star Professional conducts market-specific research throughout the U.S. and Canada to identify service professionals who provide quality services to their clients. Five Star Professional joins forces with city and regional magazines to make the research results available to consumers in more than 45 markets across the United States and Canada. Five Star Professional was founded in 2003 and is based in Minneapolis. For more information, go to: www.fivestarprofessional.com