OC View Online - Real Estate News from Coldwell Banker Orange County http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:00:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 Making the Grade: Schools Have Major Impact on Home Buying Decisions http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/28/making-the-grade-schools-have-major-impact-on-home-buying-decisions/ http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/28/making-the-grade-schools-have-major-impact-on-home-buying-decisions/#comments Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:00:43 +0000 dcelio http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/?p=703 Over the past few weeks, our family has been preparing to send my daughter off to college. For our family, it is a significant milestone on the road map of our children’s future, and a goal shared by many other Orange County families. The quality of our children’s education is important—so important that it often plays a major role in where we choose to live. That is why I would like to take this opportunity to talk about schools’ impact on the home buying decision.

 

Of all the local neighborhood amenities that can influence a buyer’s decision to purchase a home, proximity to good quality schools is one of the most influential. According to the 2009 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 26 percent of home buyers listed school quality and 21 percent listed proximity to schools as deciding factors in their home purchase.

 

If you are fortunate to live in Orange County, then you probably already know that the region boasts some of the best school districts in California and even the United States. According to the California Department of Education 2010 API rankings, Orange County’s public schools continue to outperform campuses statewide, with more than half placing among the best in California. In a May 13, 2010 Orange County Register article, County Superintendent William Habermehl noted: “These scores show Orange County has some of the best schools in the state. The county has a higher concentration of high-achieving schools than almost anywhere else.”

 

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage understands how important schools are to home buyers, especially those who live in Orange County. That is why we have developed several online tools to help you with your home search. On californiamoves.com, you can find detailed community relocation guides for Orange County, with academic information on the public school system, private education opportunities, universities, local childcare and more.

 

In addition, each property listing on OCViewOnline.com includes details about the community and local schools. All of these resources are available to help make your purchase decision easier—proof once again that Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is moving and learning with you.

]]> http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/28/making-the-grade-schools-have-major-impact-on-home-buying-decisions/feed/ Survey Says … Home Is Still Where the Heart Is http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/21/survey-says-%e2%80%a6-home-is-still-where-the-heart-is/ http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/21/survey-says-%e2%80%a6-home-is-still-where-the-heart-is/#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2010 08:00:43 +0000 dcelio http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/?p=700 If you follow the daily real estate headlines, you might be tempted to wonder if purchasing a home is a wise decision right now. Naturally, those of us at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage will always believe in the dream of home ownership—but apparently an overwhelming number of homeowners still believe in it too. According to a recent survey by Bankrate.com, 90 percent of respondents said they had no regrets about buying their current home.

 

Why are so many homeowners happy with their investment? One reason might be that they are much more knowledgeable about mortgages than they were a few years ago. The survey found that only 8 percent of homeowners didn’t know whether they have a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loan, compared to 26 percent two years ago. These savvy homeowners have most likely observed the events of the last two years and, as a result, have become more educated about the loan process. Since 87 percent of buyers still rely on real estate agents today, our sales associates at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage also play a vital role in helping clients understand the homebuying process. We are dedicated to training our sales associates in all areas of real estate and providing them with the resources they need to help clients fully understand the financial responsibilities associated with home ownership. When you have a personal advocate on your side helping you negotiate sales terms or informing you about everything from interest rates to new local market information, wouldn’t you be pleased with the final outcome too?

 

The Bankrate.com survey findings remind us all that the dream of home ownership is thriving, despite a challenging housing market. Homeowners still place a high value on their houses, both financially and socially. And it’s still up to us, as the nation’s largest real estate company, to help you find, purchase and move into your Southern California dream home.

 

To contact one of our fine sales associates or to find your next ideal home, visit www.OCViewOnline.com today.

]]> http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/21/survey-says-%e2%80%a6-home-is-still-where-the-heart-is/feed/ Why Coldwell Banker is No. 1 http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/14/why-coldwell-banker-is-no-1/ http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/14/why-coldwell-banker-is-no-1/#comments Sat, 14 Aug 2010 19:40:36 +0000 dcelio http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/?p=695 In the last few months, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has managed to break records and top lists in nearly all real estate categories. Our parent company, NRT LLC, was recently ranked No. 1 on REALTOR® Magazine’s annual Top 100 Companies list, and the No. 1 residential real estate brokerage firm in the United States in RISMedia’s 22nd annual Power Broker Report. It was the 13th consecutive year in which NRT earned the top spot nationwide, which begs the question: “Why is Coldwell Banker always at the top?”

 

Reason 1: We are ahead of the technology curve. Coldwell Banker recently launched a new version of its Web site, www.coldwellbanker.com, becoming the first real estate brokerage firm to use a visually driven real estate search platform to help consumers find their dream home. The new version of the site also includes keyword search, the ability to search for similar properties and integrates video from On Location, Coldwell Banker’s YouTube channel. In addition, Coldwell Banker just released an update to its popular iPhone Application, which will include our own international listings from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), new express contact functionality and more. Can you think of another real estate brokerage company that is embracing technology on this scale?

 

Reason 2: We offer the most unique marketing resources. Chances are, if you’re reading this column, then you know that the View Magazine is the largest comprehensive weekly resource for real estate agents and their clients in Southern California. We hear countless success stories of people finding or selling their dream home through the full-color View and we expect its popularity to grow as it expands the visibility of our clients’ most exceptional homes to a national and international audience.

 

Reason 3: We have the best sales associates around. This year, we are proud to congratulate six Coldwell Banker sales associates in Orange County and the Desert Region who were ranked nationally on The Wall Street Journal and Real Trends’ list of Top 400 Sales Professionals in Residential Real Estate: John McMonigle in Newport Beach Newport Center (Team Volume), Tim Smith in Newport Beach Fashion Island (Agent Volume), Teri Hardke in Newport Beach Newport Center (Agent Volume), Evan Corkett in Newport Beach Newport Center (Agent Volume), Steve High in Newport Beach Newport Center (Agent Volume) and Jesus Martinez in La Quinta (Agent Sides).

 

All of these reasons reflect Coldwell Banker’s 104-year legacy of professionalism, but also set the bar for a new Coldwell Banker that is wholly committed to moving with the digital revolution. At the end of the day, it’s our dedication to serving our clients in all areas – from online search to international marketing – that motivates us to move, change and open the doors to new real estate opportunities everyday. We are No. 1 because you are No. 1.

 

To contact one of our excellent sales associates or to find your next dream home, visit www.OCViewOnline.com today.

]]> http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/14/why-coldwell-banker-is-no-1/feed/ Mortgage Rates at Their Lowest in Almost 50 Years http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/07/mortgage-rates-at-their-lowest-in-almost-50-years/ http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/07/mortgage-rates-at-their-lowest-in-almost-50-years/#comments Sat, 07 Aug 2010 08:00:10 +0000 dcelio http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/?p=688 As 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rates fell for the sixth straight week (4.54 percent for the week ending July 29), Coldwell Banker sales associates and mortgage brokers are fielding questions from all over Orange County and the Desert Region. Homeowners keep asking us, “Is it a good time to refinance my home loan?” And homebuyers continue to wonder, “Is it a good time to jump off the fence and buy that home I’ve had my eye on for the last year?”

 

While each answer should be as unique as the individual, the fact remains that 30-year fixed mortgage rates are at their lowest point since 1971 when mortgage company Freddie Mac began keeping record. The last time long-term rates were lower was in the mid-1950s, when they averaged around 4.6 percent. Likewise, 15-year fixed-rate mortgages – a popular choice for homeowners who want to refinance – have dropped to 4 percent, down from 4.64 percent a year ago, which is also the lowest on Freddie Mac’s record dating back to 1991. Jay Robertson, President of First Capital Mortgage, says that he hasn’t seen rates this low since he has been in the business.

 

“It’s a great time to buy,” he said. “Our business has jumped 35 percent in the last month, and that’s a combination of purchases and refinances.”

 

With long-term rates at 50-year lows and short-term rates at almost 20-year lows, affordability has never been better for qualified borrowers in Orange County and the Coachella Valley. Buyers who have sat on the sidelines are finally jumping into the real estate market, while homeowners who couldn’t refinance six months ago are having more success now since lower interest rates allow more people to qualify.

 

“At a time when many families are budgeting, saving $100 to $150 a month on their monthly mortgage payment can make a tremendous difference to them,” said Robertson.

 

Visit www.OCViewOnline.com and contact your local Coldwell Banker sales associate this weekend to find out how to take advantage of this rare moment in real estate history.

]]> http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/08/07/mortgage-rates-at-their-lowest-in-almost-50-years/feed/ Protect Your Investment by Increasing Your Security http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/31/protect-your-investment-by-increasing-your-security/ http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/31/protect-your-investment-by-increasing-your-security/#comments Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:26:12 +0000 dcelio http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/?p=684 A house may very well be your biggest investment, but it’s the people who live there that truly make it home. Naturally, we want to protect our home and our family. By following a few simple tips in and around the house you can increase the level of security for your property, valuables, identity and family.

 

Make sure your home is a less desirable target for intruders.

-Use outdoor lighting strategically to illuminate all entrances.

-Avoid foliage near windows and doors. If you have them there currently, keep them well

trimmed so no intruders may hide there. Thorny bushes are a good deterrent.

 

Avoid signaling that no one is home.

-Keep the garage door closed so that access to the house is limited, people can’t see

whether your cars are home, and no one can do an inventory of your garage possessions.

-Use a combination of timed lights and radios/TVs inside.

 

Arrange with a neighbor to help give the house a “lived-in” look.

-Have mail and newspapers picked up.

-Have yard maintained while you are gone.

-Remember to have garbage cans taken out and brought back inside.

 

Your personal safety can be assisted by changing simple behavior patterns.

-Keep all windows and doors locked.

-After someone leaves your home, check all windows and doors to ensure they are locked.

-No family members, especially children, should open a door unless you know who it is.

 

Install peep holes on all exterior doors.

-Do not let any service personnel in your home unless you have called them for service.

-Try to have another family member or friend at home with you if someone is coming over for a service call.

-Ask for identification and verify employment before letting service people in your home.

-Do not keep a spare key hidden outside your home.

 

Install a monitored alarm system.

-90 percent of police believe alarms deter burglary attempts.

-A home without a security system is two to three times more likely to be burglarized.

-A monitored alarm system can notify help in cases of burglary, fire or medical needs.

 

(Content courtesy of Brink’s Home Security.)

]]> http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/31/protect-your-investment-by-increasing-your-security/feed/ From Tax Credit to Upkeep, Every Little Bit Helps http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/24/from-tax-credit-to-upkeep-every-little-bit-helps/ http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/24/from-tax-credit-to-upkeep-every-little-bit-helps/#comments Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:58:57 +0000 dcelio http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/?p=678 With your home still being one of your best long-term investments, every little bit definitely helps—things like upkeep, maintenance and boosting the curb appeal. Since first impressions are lasting impressions, neighborhood values are affected by the homes therein. Many Web sites offer their top 10 lists of inexpensive tips for amping curb appeal for your investment. Most agree that the number one fix is to keep the exterior clean and neat, with power washing working minor miracles. The list continues with paint upkeep and landscaping. Keeping trees and shrubs trimmed and adding some flowers creates an inviting path, both for the eyes and for the feet.

 

Every little bit helps in the housing market too. Boosted, no doubt, by the deadline for closing escrow before June 30 to qualify for the federal tax credit for a home purchase, sales of homes in Orange County in June hit a four-year high. In addition, with 3,423 Orange County residences closing escrow, that is up 15 percent from June 2009. Sales of homes in Orange County in the second quarter had an increase of 44 percent over the first quarter.1

 

Overall, home prices and sales are up in 44 percent of Orange County.2 Indeed, it appears that positive perceptions of the housing market will help maintain a positive trend forward. Maintaining buyer interest and demand by maintaining the overall impression of the investment value of Orange County homes and communities will also contribute to a continuing positive trend.

 

Your Coldwell Banker professional can help you protect and maintain your investment. Our concierge can point you in the right direction for a multitude of services. Contact any one of our agents and visit www.OCViewOnline.com today to search our fine properties.

 

1“ OC Home Sales hit 4-year high.” OCRegister.com, July 13, 2010.

http://lansner.ocregister.com/2010/07/13/o-c-home-sales-hit-4-year-high/72475

 

2 “Home sales, prices up in 44% of O.C.” OCRegister.com, July 9, 2010.

http://lansner.ocregister.com/2010/07/09/home-sales-prices-up-in-44-of-o-c/72091

 

]]> http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/24/from-tax-credit-to-upkeep-every-little-bit-helps/feed/ Experience Surf, Sun and Fun in Orange County http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/17/experience-surf-sun-and-fun-in-orange-county/ http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/17/experience-surf-sun-and-fun-in-orange-county/#comments Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:50:01 +0000 dcelio http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/?p=672 I know what it is like to keep myself and my family entertained throughout the long summer months. Here are a few events and outings happening throughout Orange County this summer that you and yours will not want to miss.

 

Capistrano Shakespeare Festival

San Juan Capistrano

Now through August 15

www.caminorealplayhouse.org

 

Pageant of the Masters

Laguna Beach

Now through August 31

www.foapom.com

 

The Orange County Fair

Costa Mesa

July 16 - August 15

www.OCFair.com

 

2010 Ocean Festival

San Clemente

July 17-18

www.oceanfestival.org

 

Cypress Community Festival

July 24

www.ci.cypress.ca.us

 

Pacific Symphony Presents:

“Tchaikovsky Spectacular”

August 7

www.tinyurl.com/yfjp2hk

 

SCR Summer Players Presents:

“Cinderella”

August 7-15

www.scr.org

 

Night Hikes at Rancho Sonado

Silverado

August 21

www.tinyurl.com/233hubq

 

Don’t miss out on the variety of entertainment and adventures Orange County has to offer this summer. If you would like more information on any of the communities you visit this summer, please go to www.OCViewOnline.com to locate the perfect place and to contact one of our real estate professionals.

 

]]> http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/17/experience-surf-sun-and-fun-in-orange-county/feed/ Summertime Is the Time to Make Your Move http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/10/summertime-is-the-time-to-make-your-move/ http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/10/summertime-is-the-time-to-make-your-move/#comments Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:11:20 +0000 dcelio http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/?p=667 Summertime in the OC—I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be and call home. Our natural surroundings and our abundance of year-round attractions and entertainment, combined with a perpetual vacation atmosphere attract visitors from all over the world. From the varied lifestyles of the coastal communities to the inland areas with hillside and parkland vistas, we really do have it all.

 

Entry level homes ranging from $300,000 to $400,000 still lead the Orange County market as the highest selling per unit. The second and third highest sales per unit are the $400,000 to $500,000 range and the $500,000 to $600,000 range, respectively. The Orange County high-end market has reason to boast as well. In May of this year, 201 units sold for over 1 million dollars—27 percent of those units sold for over 2 million dollars. Interest rates are ideal for those looking to move up, downsize or achieve their dreams of home ownership.

 

Utilize your summertime energy to the fullest by exploring the vast amount of real estate opportunities available throughout Orange County. Visit www.OCViewOnline.com today to learn more and connect with one of our experienced sales professionals.

]]> http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/07/10/summertime-is-the-time-to-make-your-move/feed/ Celebrate the Stars and Stripes, Orange County Style http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/06/26/celebrate-the-stars-and-stripes-orange-county-style/ http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/06/26/celebrate-the-stars-and-stripes-orange-county-style/#comments Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:46:54 +0000 dcelio http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/?p=650 Orange County is a wonderful place to celebrate our nation’s independence. There are numerous festivals and firework displays to choose from throughout the July 4th weekend. Be sure to enjoy one of these events, and have a fun and safe holiday.

 

Anaheim Hills - Canyon Hills

4th of July Celebration

www.chccanaheim.com

 

Cypress Fireworks Celebration

http://tinyurl.com/26xar34 

 

Dana Point Independence

Day Fireworks Extravaganza

www.danapoint.org

 

Fullerton Fireworks Show and Festival

http://tinyurl.com/2927pof

 

Huntington Beach Parade & Pier Festival

www.hb4thofjuly.org

 

Laguna Niguel 4th of July Celebration

www.ci.laguna-niguel.ca.us

 

Lake Forest 4th of July Parade

www.lakeforestca.gov/4thjuly/default.asp

 

The Mission Viejo Annual Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular

www.mvactivities.com

 

Newport Beach Fireworks Show at Newport Dunes

www.newportdunes.com

 

San Clemente Fireworks Show

www.san-clemente.org

 

San Juan Capistrano 4th of July Celebration

www.sanjuancapistrano.org

 

Tustin Annual 4th of July Celebration

www.tustinca.org

 

If you would like more information on any of the communities you visit during the holiday, please go to www.OCViewOnline.com and see if you can find your perfect place.

]]> http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/06/26/celebrate-the-stars-and-stripes-orange-county-style/feed/ Listing Inventory Sees Record Highs http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/06/19/listing-inventory-sees-record-highs/ http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/2010/06/19/listing-inventory-sees-record-highs/#comments Sat, 19 Jun 2010 21:38:20 +0000 dcelio http://www.ocviewonline.com/blog/?p=631 What is next for the real estate market considering some of the pressure we are seeing in the stock market and world economies? In every market, good and downturn, we can find the opportunity for a safe investment. That could be interest income preservation or equity long term and short term placement. It appears that the consumer is fleeing to real estate as a safe house position.

 

Listing inventory has climbed to record highs in recent months. As a result, we have seen a run on pent up demand where buyers have been patiently waiting for the right opportunity. Listing inventory was up 44 percent over January 2009 and, in response, new pending sales increased almost 304 percent over month-to-month statistics from March 2010 to April 2010 in Orange County. In fact, this takes the inventory of remaining unsold in April to an almost negative number.

 

Meanwhile, the high-end markets have rebounded. Our thermometer is the secondary market or second/vacation home index. Sales of second or vacation home resorts or areas have seen modest adjustments in the high-end, where 12 months ago there were little to no sales to mention. Twenty percent of the local desert market has been in upper tier real estate with a single home selling for as high as $10 million, sold by the Coldwell Banker Indian Wells office.

 

Contact your local Coldwell Banker sales associate to gather more information about the areas you are researching by visiting www.CaMoves.com and www.OCViewOnline.com.

 

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