Laguna Niguel and South County Real Estate expert Zen Ziejewski has released his February Podcast and Orange County market update.  This months podcast features Zen Ziejewski of Laguna Niguel and famous author Terri Murphy as they discuss how low interest rates, falling home prices and high inventories create a great opportunity for buyers.  Listen to February's Laguna Niguel Real Estate Podcast available 24/7.For more great Orange County market insight and industry news visit Laguna Niguel Real Estate or view the Orange County Market Trends at Orange County Real Estate.  02/12/2008

With the FED cutting an incredible 1.25 basis points in 8 days the perfect storm is brewing for buyers.  Home prices have fallen almost 12% over a year ago.  The median home price in Orange County has dropped $100,000 since January of 2007.  Prices are dropping and interest rates are at multi-year lows setting up the perfect storm to buy.  The last time this happened in Orange County many people became very wealthy from taking advantage of what the market was giving you.  This is the chance that many buyers have been waiting for, lower prices, very low interest rates, incredible selection and seller's that are willing to negotiate.  As rents continue to push higher in Orange County it is really time to get serious and take advantage of market conditions to purchase your first home or an... 02/04/2008

Laguna Niguel active listings of existing homes as of January 26, 2008 is at 467.  This is down 20% from the peak of last year of 586 which was at the end of September 2007 but it is also up 9.1% from last January.  The trend will be for this number to grow into the end of the summer.  With the number of home sales trending down due to market conditions it will be interesting to see if we will exceed the last years peek of 586. In comparison to January of 2007, we only had 428 homes on the market a year ago.Seller's need to be realistic and must realize that they must have their homes in top condition, priced strategically and hire an experienced Realtor with and agressive marketing plan to get their home sold in today's market. For more great Orange County market insight and industry n... 01/26/2008

www.LippmanProperties.com. South Orange County's leading real estate agent. Custom Home and Luxury Real Estate specialists with over 20 years of sales & service experience. Specialists in Golf Course homes and Waterfront Property, and Executive Relocation.After many months of a holding pattern with executive relocation, we are finding that corporations are starting to move employees again.  After so many were left holding the bag of inventory homes in a failing market, and taking such tremendous financial loses, it appears that these corporations are ready to move their employees throughout the country again.  The majority of relocation buyer sales over the past 3 years in orange county luxury homes sales have been in the guard gated communities of Coto de Caza and Covenant Hills, in La... 01/19/2008

Laguna Niguel had 36 homes sell in the weeks from 12/8/07-1/8/2008.  This is just over one house a day closing escrow.  Not bad at all considering this time of year is typically the slowest.  There wasn't one price point that domintated the market during this time as several had an even amount.  Condos and four bedroom properties were where most of the  action took place.  If you or someone you know would like more information on the Laguna Niguel Real Estate Market, please do not hesitate to call me.  Laguna Niguel, California is a wonderful town to live and work in and I know this market very well.  I also have a running list of bank owned properties in the area and can help you find one of these properties in and around Orange County.Single Family Sales-ResidentialPrice classBedrooms... 01/13/2008

For the month ending 12/31/07:market time (months): 11.02active listings: 452avg list price: $933,000avg days on market: 103in escrow: 39avg list price: $915,784avg days on market: 90sold: 33avg sold price: $712,585avg days on market: 88original list / sold price: 88.14%# foreclosures and short sales: 93% of active inventory: 20.6% The OC Coastal GroupHomes of DistinctionGarry Loss Principal / REALTOR888-OCC-Viewshttp://www.theoccoastalgroup.com/ 01/07/2008

 New Year's Eve is always a fun time especially when you are surrounded by friends and loved ones. I've noted what I feel are probably the most widely known places to go for New Year's below.  Wherever you end up,  Have a great time!  And remember to establish a designated driver at the beginning of the night or arrange for someone to come pick you up.  I wish you happiness, health and prosperity in the coming new year.  If you will be thinking of buying or selling a home in 2008, please give me a call as I'd love to help your 2008 be a great year.Carnivale New Year's Eve6 p.m.Orange County Fair and Exposition Center$75714-708-1500nyecarnival.com Orange County New Year's Eve5 p.m.Verizon Amphitheater$55-$150Third Eye Blind, Berlin, The Psychedelic Furs and more949-855-8095ocnye.com New ... 12/29/2007

Below you will find the Real Estate Activity Report up to December 18th.  There is a continued trend in a drop of active listings for the South County area which is good news for sellers.  As of December 18th, Aliso Viejo leads in the number of Closed Escrows with 38.  San Clemente and Aliso Viejo tied for the number of homes in escrow at 46 and San Clemente also lead in the number of active listings with 511.  If you or someone you know would like to buy or sell a home in So. Orange County please do not hesitate to give me a call.So. County Activity27-Nov4-Dec11-Dec18-DecLaguna BeachIn Escrow22192224Actives263257248237COE-30 Day13171615Laguna NiguelIn Escrow50445152Actives497480472467COE-30 Day30363035Dana PointIn Escrow31272423Actives330333328314COE-30 Day20291617San Juan CapIn Escrow... 12/18/2007

What a great profession real estate is.  It causes me to get out into the world instead of closing myself off in my office every day.  Today, as I headed for my first appointment, my breath was taken away by the incredible sight of Saddleback Mountain.  Then as I reached the summit of Pacific Island Drive in Laguna Niguel, the glorious blue Pacific Ocean lay at my feet---simply awesome.In between appointments, I was inspired by the incredible day to snap a couple of photos before sitting down at my computer to conduct some business.  Both photos were taken from my deck---yes this spectacular sight is just out my bedroom window.  Here's what I am fortunate to be able to see from the entire backside of my home---what a blessing! Next, again shot from my deck is Mt. Baldy covered with snow... 12/09/2007

Laguna Niguel will be having its 2007 Holiday Parade this Saturday, December 8th (rain or shine).  The parade takes place at 10:00am along Crown Valley Parkway.  Celebrity guests include Tommy Lasorda (others can be seen on the official website for the parade)What a great chance to get out with your loved ones and take part in a true community event. 12/05/2007

Here is the report for the weeks from 10/27-11/27/2007.  The most active price point was once again the $1,000,000-$1,999,999 range with 8 homes selling.  This last 4 weeks saw 30 homes close escrow or on average one per day.  If you or someone you know would like to buy or sell a home in Laguna Niguel, I am here to help you. I look forward to working with you.Single Family Sales-residentialBedroomsPrice2 or less34 or moreCondo$0-$99,9990000$100,000-$149,9990000$150,000-$199,9990000$200,000-$249,9990000$250,000-$299,9990001$300,000-$324,9990000$325,000-$349,9990001$350,000-$374,9990001$375,000-$399,9990000$400,000-$424,9990002$425,000-$449,9990002$450,000-$474,9990000$475,000-$499,9990000$500,000-$549,9991101$550,000-$599,9990100$600,000-$649,9990021$650,000-$699,9990200$700,000-$749,99... 11/30/2007

 This is a great way to send your thanks to service men and women around the world. Simply type your text and then send it to 89279.  Verizon,T-mobile,Sprint and At&T are all providing free access through the America Supports You text-messagining program.  Shauna Fleming who is 18, started A Million Thanks organization back in 2004.  This is a very easy way for all of us, no matter what your feelings are on the issue of Iraq, to support our troops who are away from their family and friends this holiday season.  My 13 year old has already sent her text and has posted a message on her myspace page to encourage her friends to do the same.  Just so I'm not outdone by my 13 year old, I'm encouraging all of you on AR to send an encouraging message to the troops abroad.  Shauna Flemings goal i... 11/21/2007

   If you are reading this, then there is no excuse for not getting out in the month of December.  Our communities are all offering something for someone.  My personal favorite is the Newport Beach Boat Parade as it is a holiday tradition for me and my kids.  We park on Balboa Island, get our hot drinks and then stroll the island taking in the lights, decorations and the boats.  I will be in town for the holidays and available if you or someone you know would like to purchase a home in our area.  Please feel free to call me at anytime.Month of DecemberCandy Cane LaneEL Corzo Street in Rancho Santa MargaritaExtravagant and eye popping light displaysNightlyGingerbread House Academy at the St. RegisChildren can create their own Gingerbread housesSaturdays and Sundays throughout December$59... 11/20/2007

Well the numbers are in for San Juan Capistrano, California.  The most active price point for the weeks from 10/13/2007-11/13/2007 was in the $500,000-$549,999 price range.  If you would like any other information on San Juan Capistrano or would like to view some homes for sale in this wonderful town, please do not hesitate to give me a call.Single Family Sales Report 10/13/2007-11/13/2007         Bedrooms     Price 2 or less34 or moreCondo's  $0-$99,999 0000  $100,000-$149,999 0000  $150,000-$199,999 0000  $200,000-$249,999 0000  $250,000-$299,999 0000  $300,000-$324,999 0000  $325,000-$349,999 0000  $350,000-$374,999 0000  $375,000-$399,999 0000  $400,000-$424,999 0100  $425,000-$449,999 0100  $450,000-$474,999 0100  $475,000-$499,999 0001  $500,000-$549,999 1200  $550,000-$599,999 00... 11/15/2007

Below you will find the numbers for the the past 4 weeks in several South Orange County Cities.  Each Column represents the number of homes in escrow, active listings and closed escrows.  San Clemente had the busiest 4 weeks followed by Laguna Niguel and then Aliso Viejo.  If you have any questions about property for sale in any of these cities, please give me a call.  I am always available to talk to you.           23 Oct30Oct6Nov13Nov       Laguna Beach In Escrow16242425  Actives292290289279  Closed141077       Laguna Niguel In Escrow54495448  Actives550551520522  Closed26272835       Dana Point In Escrow25243330  Actives361369358353  Closed26231814       San Juan Capistrano In Escrow29272930  Actives361318308310  Closed14171213       San Clemente In Escrow77756865  Actives59557357056... 11/13/2007

I love the holidays as there are always places to go and family and friends we get to reconnect with.  It is also a time of traditions.  My kids go with their Dad every year to see A Christmas Carol and as I thought about that, I thought I'd put together a list of Christmas Plays in the area.  Perhaps you can start your own tradition with your family by attending one of the following:A Christmas CarolSouth Coast RepertoryNov.24th-Dec.24th714-708-5555www.scr.orgThe Glory of ChristmasThe Crystal Cathedral Nov.23rd-Jan.5th714-54 Glorywww.CrystalCathedral.org Radio City Christmas SpectacularOrange County Performing Arts CenterDec.13th-30th714-556-2787www.Ocpac.org La Posada MagicaSouth County Repetory Segerstrom StageDec.7th-23rd714-708-5555www.scr.orgThe NutcrackerIrvine Barclay TheaterDec... 11/12/2007

As we enter the Holiday season, many of us will be entertaining family and friends from out of town.  I've put together a list of things going on around South Orange County for the Month of November.Holiday Ice Rink at Irvine SpectrumNov.2-Jan. 14949-753-5180 or www.skatespectrum.comChristmas Tree Lighting at Fashion IslandNov.16th-17th949-721-2000www.shopfashionisland.comThanksgiving Community DinnerNov.21st San Clemente Community CenterHelp feed and serve the less fortunate6p.m.-9p.m.Family Assistance Ministries949-492-8477 Dana Point Turkey TrotNov.22 949-496-1555 or www.turkeytrot.comNov.24Mission Viejo Childrens Holiday Tree  Trimming PartyLa Paz Rd. at Chrisanta Drive949-830-7066Santa Clause-San ClementeNov.24th Avenida Del Mar5p.m.-9p.m. Holiday in the Harbor Dana PointNov. 30th ... 11/11/2007

The Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade is quickly approaching!  This year the city has added celebrity Grand Marshall's that include Kate Flannery, "Meridith" from The Office, Tommy Lasorda of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Spencer Martin from Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader.  Be sure to mark your calendar, December 18 on Crown Valley between Golden Lantern and La Plata. 11/05/2007

Remembering back to the first time I saw the term "short sale", I thought what most of you do...This transaction will be fast!  To my surprise, there is nothing "short" about a short sale.  A short sale is best explained as a home that is in the foreclosure or pre-foreclosure process.  Most likely the adjustable rate mortgage the owner has is adjusting upward and the payment is more than they can handle.  Unfortunatly, they are unabel to refinance out of the loan beacuse the home is not worth what is owed on the loan.  At this point, the owner contacts the bank and asks if they will accept a lessor amount to satisfy the loan.  The home is listed for sale and then noted as a "short sale".  That is the short version.Short sales can be good opportunities to purchase a home under market val... 10/31/2007

The period of 9/23/07-10/23/07 saw an overall decline in home sales compared to the same time period from August to September.  Once again the most movement was in the $1,000,000-$1,999,999 and in homes with 4 or more bedrooms.  Even though the numbers are down the market is not dead.  I have held several open house in the last several weeks and people still are looking to buy.  Good news for sellers!  I do have one buyer who is particularly interested in an ocean view condo within walking distance to the ocean in Laguna Niguel, Dana Point or Laguna Beach.  If you own such a property and are contemplating on putting it on the market, please contact me.  If you have any other questions, please contact me as well.        Single Family Sales Report  9/23/07-10/23/07                        ... 10/25/2007