Mission Viejo California Real Estate News & Listings Presented By Regency Real Estate Brokers

25 Ametrine Way, Rancho Santa Margarita 92688

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:54:29 GMT

What a gorgeous home in Melinda Heights! Wonderful neighborhood with it\'s own park. Spacious living room with a fireplace, & dining area. Kitchen is upgraded with maple cabinets, lots of counter space & separate pantry. This home is upgraded with stunning maple floors on first floor and crown moldings throughout, ceiling fans. Well-proportioned master suite with a huge walk in closet, that can easily accommodates a home office. Spacious secondary bedrooms with beautiful wainscoting. You will love the convenient upstairs laundry room. Excellent yard with lots of area for entertainment and grass to play in, huge solid patio cover will provide excellent shad for those hot summer days. This home is within a short stroll to the distinguished Melinda Heights elementary school, the Liberty Park in the neighborhood and Solano Park/Pool up the street.

42 Calle Gazapo, Rancho Santa Margarita 92688

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:54:29 GMT

Gorgeous home with a large back yard, patio cover & beautiful flagstone hardscape in the front. Light and bright spacious kitchen with white cabinets, huge center island, breakfast nook area & pantry. Family room is off the kitchen with cozy flagstone fireplace and sliding door leads to backyard. Spacious master suite with fireplace & ceiling fan and a large walk in closet. Master bath with his and her vanity, large soaking tub & separate shower. Large secondary bedrooms two have walk in closets. Short distance to Melinda Heights Elementary School and Solano Pool/Park.

11 Sembrado, Rancho Santa Margarita 92688

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:49:39 GMT

Gorgeous pool home with custom paint throughout. Beautiful wood floors on 1st floor & berber wool carpeting upstairs. Upgraded baseboards & crown molding, surround sound. Soaring ceilings in entry, living room & dining room. Arched windows and entry with dramatic pillars and beveled glass french doors leading to patio. Library has plantation shutters & large built-in bookshelves. Living room with fireplace, recessed lighting & dramatic niches. Gourmet kitchen with wood floors, built-in convection oven, subzero frig., gas cooktop, granite island & counters, lots of professionally painted cabinets, brick backsplash, spacious eating area with beveled glass french doors leading to patio/pool and side sitting area. Master suite with tray ceiling & retreat area. Master bath has HUGE travertine shower & oval soaking tub. Large secondary bedrooms with Jack & Jill bath. Saltwater pool/spa, waterfall, built-in barbeque & fireplace!

20 Via Onagro, Rancho Santa Margarita 92688

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:44:08 GMT

3 bedroom home with a spacious loft. Spectacular Melinda Heights view home on a huge lot with a great cul-de-sac location. The spacious yard boast a gazebo, above ground spa, covered patio, palms, mature trees and lots of room to play. This is a Living room with wood like flooring, berber carpeting, stone fireplace and stained glass windows. Kitchen with large pantry/with glass window in doors, breakfast bar, recessed lighting. Interior laundry room with excellent storage. master suite with arched window, walk in closet. Enjoy all the great amenities of Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake, Beach Club, hiking in O Neill Park and walk to Solana pool/park. Award winning Melinda Heights elementary school is just down the street.

3 Obispo, Rancho Santa Margarita 92688

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:40:27 GMT

Private end of Cul-de-sac location with a Panoramic View from most rooms! Fabulous floor plan, light and bright soaring two story ceilings. Beautiful kitchen granite counters, atrium-style windows overlooks lush backyard, large walk-in pantry, sunny nook, direct access to backyard splendor Spacious family room with fireplace. Master suite & retreat - dual wardrobes private bath vanity. Huge bonus room with double door entry, endless options in living space. Main floor bedroom with a stunning view! Terrific backyard - lush surroundings, expansive side yard and a spectacular VIEW! Additional Features: Soaring cathedral ceilings, circular staircase, travertine & wood floors, recessed lighting, upgraded baseboards, upgraded lighting, upgraded carpet, mirrored wardrobes, designer paint. Close to excellent schools, shopping and entertainment venues.

14 Lazurite, Rancho Santa Margarita 92688

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 16:45:11 GMT

This home is situated in the beautiful Melinda Heights hills of Rancho Santa Margarita. Terrific curb appeal with flagstone detail lining the driveway, front walk and porch, elegant post lights, and flowering crape myrtle tree. Wood laminates flooring and tile throughout the main level. Great kitchen with breakfast bar, nook, tile counters, white appliances and great access to outdoor cooking and entertaining. Family room with fireplace. Huge, open loft/bonus room upstairs. Three bedrooms with great closet organizers upstairs, one bedroom downstairs with full bath. Entertainer\'s backyard with built-in barbecue, fire pit and expansive patio. Gated side yards allow for a pet run and storage. Short distance to schools, park, and pool.

17 Raposa, Rancho Santa Margarita 92688

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:45:20 GMT

SPECTACULAR POOL HOME! MOVE IN READY! Stunning curb appeal! Fabulous Features/Upgrades Throughout! Fresh, neutral paint & tile floors are the perfect backdrop for your furnishings. Large, open LR/DR with volume ceiling. Brick fireplace & plantation shutters make this formal area pop! Granite counters in bright kitchen. Great cabinet/counter space, with a pantry & breakfast bar. Cozy family room with beautiful dark wood floor. Recessed lighting, high ceilings, & a ceiling fan make this open area a comfortable hub of the home. New vinyl sliding door to the patio, spa & pool out side! Master Bdrm is spacious with his/hers closets, complete with organiz ers. Dual vanities in the master bath, large oval tub/shower with door, & separate toilet/linen room. 2 secondary bedrooms have plush, neutral carpet, large windows, and great closets. Full bath in the hall is nicely upgraded. Inside laundry with cabinets. Two-car garage with built-in storage cabinets and shelves. A MUST SEE!

The Orange County Housing Report

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For many years now Steven Tomas a Real Estate Broker has written the OC housing report. Steven gathers the data from the multiple listing services and puts it into charts and statistics for us Realtors in the area. One of the reason I like his report is that it is only one month old data vs. other news media's are often 6 month behind. Based on the data for January the listing inventory grew by 7% and the demand grew by 8%. The January 2011 sales breakdown is very interesting. The breakdown for the sales was: Foreclosures 357, Short Sales 479, Equity/Standard Sales 923 which makes it a total of 1759 homes sold in OC. The breakdown for 0-$500K was 1,133 homes and %500k-$1m was 491 and over $1m 135.

What I am seeing is that some sellers are still not realistic and hold on to prices that the current buyers are not willing to pay. We have many short sales and several buyers are placing offers on multiple short sales hoping to get their "golden pot", a home priced below market. In my over 20 years in real estate I have not seen it more comical than right now. Many of my sellers that are trusting me have sold their homes and moved on with their lives and some are still trying to get higher prices that the very well educated buyers are just not willing to pay. Overall the OC real estate market is great, any seller can put their home on the market and within 2 month it will be sold if they price it correctly. This was not the case in 1992 to 1997.

http://mikemunzing.com/ST-Reports/Thomas-2-17-11-OCHousingReport.pdf

What is a Short Sale?

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 15:12:00 GMT

Short Sale Introduction

A short sale is the sale of real property in which a lender allows the secured property to be sold for less than the remaining mortgage amount due and accepts the proceeds as full payment of the loan.

Over the past several years, lenders made loans in amounts and with adjustable rates that became too burdensome for borrowers to repay. Many of these homeowners are no longer able to fulfill their mortgage obligations. When a homeowner is no longer in a position to make the mortgage payments, is facing foreclosure and the current market value of the property is less than the loan on the property, the homeowner may consider a short sale. The short sale prevents having the foreclosure on the borrower's credit history, and releases the borrower from an obligation that he or she can no longer afford. From the lender’s perspective, it saves the expenses of foreclosure proceedings and from having another property on their books.

Short sales are subject to a lender's approval by consenting to a sale of the security interest for less than what is owed on the note and accepts the proceeds in full satisfaction of the loan amount. A short sale requires much paperwork and preparation on behalf of the homeowner. Sellers considering a short sale should consult with experienced real estate agents to assist with the preparation of the documents required by the lender(s). These transactions often require a protracted time period. Therefore, all parties must be educated up front with regard to expectations of the short sale process and be communicated with on a regular basis.

Foreclosure vs. Short Sale

Home Buying Trifecta: Right House, Right Price, Right Rate

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The California housing market showed more signs of adjustment as it moved further from the influence of tax credits earlier in the year and as it responded to evidence of a weaker than expected economic recovery as the year has progressed. Statewide sales rose in September for the second month in a row to 466,580 homes, a 3.8 percent month-to-month gain over sales of 449,290 homes in August. Sales continued to lag last year’s pace, declining 12.2 percent compared to 531,180 sales a year ago. The median price rose 4.5 percent over last year from $296,610 to 309,900, while decreasing 2.7 percent from the August median of $318,660. The monthly decrease was larger than the average August-to-September 1.7 percent decline over the past 30 years, but was consistent with current market conditions.

Ratio between home price and income at the lowest level in at least the last 10 years...

The months ahead offer a prime opportunity to seek the home buying trifecta: finding the right home at the right price for the right mortgage rate. Here’s why:

• First, there is a wider variety of homes on the market now, including a mix of REOs, short sales, and conventional or non-distressed homes for sale. This means that buyers have more to choose from than in the past two years.

• Second, home prices have stabilized or risen in most California markets for at least a year, but still remain well below the peak levels of the last decade. There was a 10-to-1 ratio between the California median price and the California median household income during the last peak. That ratio has fallen to 5-to-1, a level that has not been seen in at least 10 years.

Monthly payment down as mortgage rates remain near record lows in over 50 years...

• Third, mortgage rates are at their lowest levels in over 50 years, pushing the monthly payment down dramatically. For example, if one buys a home at $400,000, puts 20 percent down and obtains a 30-year mortgage at 4.75 percent, the monthly mortgage payment would be $1,670. If rates climb to 6 percent, the payment increases to $1,918, or an additional $2,976 per year. The savings in just three years would exceed the value of the $8,000 tax credit that motivated many households to buy in 2009 and the first half of 2010.

Still, the next few months offer a rare chance to “win” the buyer trifecta. Rates are at or near their lowest levels now, but will rise as the economy gains strength. The supply of homes is better than last year, but points to stable or modestly rising home prices over the near term. In the end, if a household is in a position to buy and if it finds a home that will meet its needs for the next several years at a monthly payment it can afford, then it cannot lose if it acts soon.

2011 California Housing Market Forecast

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

2011 Real Estate Forecast by Leslie Appleton-Young, vice president & chief economist for C.A.R. - October 6 - This was a great day at the Expo in Anaheim this week with many great speakers updating Realtors with economic and real estate news.

Listing price reductions rise to 26 percent in September

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Listing price reductions rise to 26 percent in September
A recent report found 26 percent of homes listed for sale nationwide experienced at least one price reduction in September, an increase compared with August, according to Trulia.com. The average discount for price-reduced homes remained unchanged at 10 percent of the listing price.

In California, price reductions have increased steadily since the federal home buyer tax credit expired on April 30. Despite this, seven of the state’s eight largest cities – Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno, and Long Beach – report price reductions figures below or in line with the national average. Furthermore, five California cities –Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento – show improvement when compared with data captured one year earlier.

Three tips to help sellers reduce their time on market

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Selling your home in today's market requires strategy and execution. Here are three tips to help sellers reduce their time on market:

Make it shine. Buyers are attracted to attractive homes. Make your home stand out by mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, washing windows, and cleaning the carpets. These are small things that will make a big difference.
Remove clutter. Not only do clean homes show better, but tidy homes offer more to the imagination. One person's treasure is another person's trash. Removing unnecessary clutter will help potential buyers envision their own potential or the home.
Pay attention to the market. Work with your agent and price your home to sell. A competitively priced home is the one that sells first, and in this market that counts for a lot.

These simple tips can help you sell your home and take advantage of our today's market. Please contact us if you have any questions about selling your home. We are here to help!

Remembering 9/11

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 14:05:00 GMT

As many are sharing their thoughts and feelings on the anniversary of a day that changed all of our lives forever, I remember a poem written by Cheryl Sawyer. It acknowledges the horror of the day, and at the same time is a tribute to the American Spirit that draws our people together. Read Cheryl's poem here:

http://teachers.net/gazette/SEP02/poem.html

May that Spirit live on and encourage us all in unity and a positive response in even the worst situations.

Margo Murray

You Can Afford to Buy and Haven't...Are You Crazy?

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:55:00 GMT

This may be the best buyer's market that we'll see in our lifetimes. There are lots of legitimate reasons why a person should be taking advantage of this market if they are able.

Obviously, if a person doesn't have the down payment or credit score, they won't be able to seize this opportunity. If a person is concerned about losing their job, that would be a valid reason for not buying now. If you are planning on relocating in the next year or two, maybe now isn't the time to buy.

On the other hand, if a person doesn't own a home, has good credit and job stability, they should seriously consider capitalizing on this unique combination of opportunities. A qualified real estate professional can explain all of the reasons and even suggest some very interesting financing alternatives.

Top Ten Reasons to Buy a Home NOW

Interest rates incredibly low – the rates are hovering at near historic lows. Interest rates play a huge part in the cost of housing together with the price and shouldn't be overlooked. The average mortgage interest rates for the past four decades were: 1970's 8.9%; 1980's 12.7%; 1990's 8.1%; 2000's 6.3%. Most experts agree that they're going to rise this year.
Lower Prices - Recent price adjustments have made good values that haven’t been available in some situations for years. Current buyers are able to take advantage of the discounted prices.
Selection is good – In a seller's market, buyers sometimes have to accept a home that may not meet their needs completely because of short supply. Inventories in most markets and certain price ranges are higher which allow buyers better choices.
Negotiate financing concessions – FHA, VA, and Conventional allow the seller to contribute towards financing concessions for the buyer. The money can be used for buyer's closing costs, pre-paid items or interest rate buy down.
Costs for FHA loan going up – Currently, a seller can pay up to 6% of the sales price in financing concessions but the number will be reduced to 3% later this year; the date has not been announced yet. The annual MIP for FHA loans will also probably be going up this year which will increase the monthly payment. Buyers who get in now will pay the lower fees.
Interest and property tax deduction – the U.S. is one of the few countries in the world that allow an interest and property tax deduction for homeowner/taxpayers.
Source of funds with deductible interest - a homeowner can borrow up to $100,000 above their acquisition debt and deduct the interest regardless of what purpose the money is used. This is a great opportunity to consolidate debt at a lower interest rate and be able to make the interest deductible that otherwise may not have been.
Capital gain exclusion – the U.S. allows qualified homeowners to make a profit on their home without having to pay tax on the gain.
Borrowing against equity is non-taxable event – taking money out of the equity in your home does not require recognizing capital gains income.
The combination of reasons to buy a home may never be stronger than now.

Interest rates are going up; it is just a matter of when. Inventories are starting to be absorbed by current demand. New home construction is down considerably which could lead to higher prices due to not enough annual housing units to keep up with the population. Prices have started to climb in some markets; others will surely follow.

A basic rule of investing is to buy low and sell high. There will be some buyers who take advantage of the current opportunities and will look back and remark how fortunate they were to act when they did. There will be others who look back on these conditions and say "We should have bought then." Hindsight is always 20/20. Evaluating the present and acting takes equally clear vision. The help of a trusted professional can make the difference.

Rancho Santa Margarita 4th of July's Event

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:29:00 GMT

SAMLARC's Star Spangled Spectacular

Sunday, July 4 6:00a to 10:00p

at Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Price: Free

Phone: (949) 209-5087

Age Suitability: All Ages

Tags:

Join SAMLARC this July 4th for patriotic fun in the sun, sand and water! There will be games, prizes, and most importantly, fireworks! Admittance into the Beach Club will be by ticket only until 3:00 p.m. All tickets are distributed. After 3:00 p.m., if capacity has not been reached entrance will be on a first-come, first-serve basis with access card. Lakeshore fireworks will begin at approximately 9:00 pm.

Event Website

Category: Community

Creator: SAMLARC

Should you buy or rent a home? Cost gap narrows

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Affordable home prices and low interest rates have created an ideal time for many buyers to purchase homes, and now a new week-long look at homeownership confirms it. The national study, conducted for The Associated Press, shows that the difference between monthly rents and mortgage payments is at its lowest level in nearly 20 years.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

The analysis of 45 metro areas found the difference between the monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home and the median rent has declined to $256. In some areas, the difference is as low as $100, according to the study. The last time the price gap was that close was in 1993, when it decreased to $264.

Five Steps to Surviving a Short Sale: Part One

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

#1 Choose the Right Realtor

A short sale can be incredibly difficult. It is a long process at best that can have numerous obstacles and impossible moments. It is far more stressful than a normal sale and has a well of difficulties all its own. It is imperative that you have the very best help on your side. You need a realtor that you can access in the midst of these struggles and one who can communicate clearly and thoroughly with you as you go through the process. It is a long road on a short sale. It is not easy, and more often than not things fall apart for one reason or another. Having the right person along with you to help in this process is essential. Especially when there are long waits for approval or various stages of the process, you need the right realtor to guide you. Find one who has experience in short sales, and can help you weather the long wait and often stormy struggle that is a short sale. Because on the other end, that will make all the difference.

Your Neighborhood Realtor,

Margo Murray

Spring Flling in Rancho Santa Margarita

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:21:00 GMT

Spring Fling

Saturday, April 3, 2010

1 pm - 4 pm

Solana Park
21601 Via Regressos

Bring the family out for a fun-filled afternoon of games, crafts, food, fun, and of course, the EGG HUNT! Remember to bring your baskets!

Activities:

Photo Ops by Treasured Moments Photography

Photos with live bunnies - $5 per photo

Bounce Houses

Petting Zoo & Pony Rides

Carnival Games

Photo Opportunities with Eggbert & Erika the Bunny (bring your camera)

Face Painters

Make-it Take-it Crafts
Rock Climbing Wall
Inflatable Games
Tractor Races

Egg Hunt Schedule:
1 pm – 3 pm (Ages 2 and under)

3:20 pm (Ages 3-4)

3:30 pm (Ages 5-7)

3:40 pm (Ages 8-9)

3:50 pm (Ages 10-12)

Bring cash to support your local food vendors:

Baja Fresh

Kettle Korn Express
Screamin' Ice Cream
Dandy Cotton Candy

South OC St. Patricks Parties

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:03:00 GMT

South O.C. Goes Green as St. Patrick’s Parties Invade

by: Mary Anne Balmuth

0 Comments

Don a little green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with festivities taking place this week in Mission Viejo and surrounding towns. Check out these possibilities:

• You’ll feel lucky when you take in the Legacy Band’s high-energy performance of Irish music and dance taking place at the Saddleback Room at Mission Viejo’s City Hall. Audience participation adds to the fun.
For all ages. 11 a.m. March 13. Free. 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo. 949.470.3000 949.470.3000

• Grab your little leprechaun and head over to the Rancho Santa Margarita Library where Family Night features national level Irish dancers from local schools, beautiful costumes and traditional music.
7 p.m. March 11. Free. 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita. 949.459.6094 949.459.6094

• Dig into corned beef and cabbage and other authentic Irish food while enjoying live music straight from the Emerald Isle during a full day of festivities at O’Neill’s Bar and Grill at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club.
11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 17. Reservations recommended. 26773 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.218.0865 949.218.0865

• Jig to your favorite Irish music played on the jukebox and then feast on corned beef, fish and chips, green beer and other culinary delights at Mulleady’s Sports Pub and Grill.
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. March 17. Prices vary per item. 27695 Santa Margarita Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.380.3752 949.380.3752

• Your toes will be tapping when Fiddlegirl regales audiences with Celtic tunes during a St. Patrick’s Day performance at the Laguna Niguel Library. For all ages.
7 p.m. March 16. Free. 30341 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel. 949.249.5252 949.249.5252

• A St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center lets participants enjoy corned beef and cabbage and non-alcoholic beer while viewing a video of Riverdance.
11:30 a.m. March 17. $4 suggested donation. 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. Reservations: 949.470.3063 949.470.3063

• There’s no place like Patsy’s Irish Pub for authentic Irish grub and St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to stop by for lunch or dinner. Select from plates of Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, roast lamb with bangers and more, all washed down with a wee nip. You’ll be speaking with a brogue before the meal is over. Restaurant hours:
11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. 25571 Jeronimo Road, Mission Viejo. 949.587.0253 949.587.0253 ; 28971 Golden Lantern Street, Laguna Niguel. 949.249.2604 949.249.2604