The numbers are in, and the real estate market in Lake Forest, California is definitely more active this year than last year when only 28 properties were sold.  Sales more than doubled with 69 closed sales in Lake Forest for the month of March 2009.  The prices ranged from a low of $122,000 for a one-bedroom condo, up to $711,000 for a 3 bedroom lake front home.  The average price (add up all the sold prices, and divide by the 69 properties that sold) was $339,168, or $231 per square foot.   This was down almost 20% from the average price of $412,000 and $276 per square foot in March 2008.  The house pictured below is the closest to the average, but really closed at $325,000 after being reduced from an original list of $379,000.  The median price of the closed sales was $370,000, at $32... 04/19/2009

RE/MAX Homes & Estates Pre-Foreclosure Division 9241 Irvine Boulevard, Suite 150, Irvine, California 92618 (714) 588 -7676 ∙  www.ReMaxAnn.com   If you are in a situation where: •You lost your job •Your Medical Expenses are too high •Just went through/going through a divorce •You are behind on your payments •You have no equity •You can't afford the cost of selling your home •Your income has been reduced •You are in foreclosure   WE CAN HELP YOU! It's easy and doesn't cost you any MONEY! Our services are Free!!! WHEN THE DEBT EXCEEDS YOUR HOME'S VALUE... we can help is with a SHORT SALE.   Benefits of a Short Sale:  •Avoid Foreclosure •Avoid Bankruptcy •Reduced damage to your credit •Postpone your foreclosure sale date •A short sale will stay on your credit approx 3 years •BE FREE of fin... 04/16/2009

When you come through Portola Hills, you probably don't think of business. That is part of what makes Portola Hills such a special place to live, there really isn't any commerce. But is there.....Ask yourself? What do your neighbors do for a living? How does their success add to the success of your neighborhood? Do you have a need that a struggling neighor could help you with? Did you know your neighbor has a home based business that may actually help you and your business. Need an Attorney, Landscaper, Hair Stylist, Let's not forget Realtor! - bet there are few of those here in Portola Hills that would love your call. Have you noticed in today's world everyone comes home and drives straight into their garage, no hello's, no hand shakes, no hugs, the goal being in and out of the home wi... 03/26/2009

With estimated population of 79,000 people, Lake Forest, California,  includes Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills.   Lake Forest (along with neighboring cities Mission Viejo and Irvine) is ranked as one of the safest cities in the country.  This city has business and employment positions in medical, banking, finance, education, high tech,  service, real estate, research and development.There are now 269 homes for sale at LAKE FOREST ... with average time of 95 days on the market ... average list price of $443,931. 157 of the LAKE FOREST homes now for sale are SHORT SALES not yet lender approved  (58 percent of the homes now on market) 18 of the LAKE FOREST homes now for sale are REO bank owned  (6.6 percent of homes now on the market) 187 of the LAKE FOREST  homes are now under contract a... 03/24/2009

I have been noticing some benefits for the neighborhoods that have foreclosed properties. I know you are asking yourselves, benefits? Yes, properties that were brought with no down, hardly able to make the payments and nothing left over for upkeep, are now being turned around. Not all neighborhoods had this happening but in the lowerest priced detached homes this was true. I am seeing the type of clients buying, that want a home, are looking to stay there and build something for themselves. Some investors a picking up these houses at the auctions and with paint, cleaning, and repairs they help the whole neighborhood look better. Prices will do better as the neighborhoods recovers. I am now recommending areas, that last year I would of told my clients to stay away from. The type of buyer... 02/22/2009

Wondering how the Portola Hills Real Estate Market closed out in 2008. This is your look.  There was good and bad but I am sure you are like most, looking forward to a new year.  But when it comes to real estate we can't move forward without understanding where the past has left us so this report was designed with that in mind.  Enjoy!     Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Real Estate Advisors focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Lake Forest, Portola Hills, and Foothill Ranch. Whether she’s helping a first time buyer accomplish the goal of homeownership, or coaching a homeowner on venturing into real estate investments or helping a client review their mortgage options, Kelly is committed to making it happen!  For Kelly, it has never been just abo... 01/04/2009

The annual Lake Forest Keys Boat Parade around the lake was held on Saturday, December 13.  About 25 boat owners, battled the cool breezes and sprinkles off and on all day, but still turned out to show off their decorations on Saturday evening. Several lakefront homeowners who were having parties at their homes, offered to provide judges for the decorating contest.  (This also makes a good party game!)  At the end of the evening, a few judges forgot to call in their results, so the final tabulation had to wait until Sunday morning, but the winners were announced, and prizes delivered by Sunday evening. The grand prize (also known as the "Clark Griswald" award for most lights) went to John & Evy Gasca, on Arrowhead Lane.  Their grandson, Bryan, gets most of the credit for the design and... 12/16/2008

Portola Hills eNews     New On the Market   Property Details   Price   Comments 18921 Canyon Hill 2 bed/1 bath/880 sq.ft. $199,000 These condo’s 19605 Agria Way 2 bed/1 bath/1015 sq.ft $250,000 Are all priced 19387 Cascade Dr. 3 bed/ 3 bath/1255 sq.ft. $352,900  Under Mkt 28465 Klondike 3 bed/3 bath/1255 sq. ft. $358,000 Investment Potential Sold Properties       29011 Canyon Ridge 2 bed/2 bath/908 sq.ft. $305,000   19826 Canyon Smt. 3 bed/2 bath/975 sq.ft. $275,000   19801 Meadow Ridge 2 bed/2 bath/940 sq.ft. $279,000   28474 Porsena Way 2 bed/2 bath/940 sq.ft. $295,000   19372 Cascade Dr. 3 bed/3 bath/1303 sq.ft. $359,000 Someone got a steal! 19036 Canyon Terrace 3 bed/3 bath/1297 sq.ft. $382,000   28331 Millwood Rd. 5 bed/3 bath/3230 sq.ft. $800,000   Portola Hills Mello Roos - Wonde... 11/09/2008

Received this great information on the how the current Economy is impacting Single Women and the numbers are surprising. For more detailed information, check out one of my favorite web-sites www.WVWV.orgMake sure the person and or people you are voting for in your community are taking these figures into account. Personally, I think little has been spoken about Singles and if there has been any discussion it is not normally with Single Women. Yet is is a huge demographic that should not be overlooked. Income:Unmarried women earn only 56 cents for every dollar that married men make. [Center for American Progress, 4/25/08] According to analysis of data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics for individuals 25 to 61 years old, female-headed households have twice the likelihood – 13.5% - of... 10/22/2008

Now that prices in Lake Forest have declined almost 30% in the last year, the "fundamentals" that so many "bubble bloggers" talk about are getting much closer to justifying a purchase! My word-of-mouth, shoot-from-the-hip, gut feeling, and informal survey of average rents in Lake Forest give me the following starting basis for comparison: 2 bedroom average rent = $1550 If you have decent credit and have saved up about 6% for a down payment plus closing costs (or can get a relative to "gift" it to you), and use an FHA loan with the mortgage insurance premium added to the loan balance, the payments after tax consideration are very close to the same as paying rent! Basic Assumptions : FICO score = 680+ Down payment = 3.5% (can be a gift from your parents, or other close relative) *Closing ... 10/17/2008

I found this fascinating article today: The number crunchers at Real Estate Economics in Irvine have their third-quarter local housing market rankings out. The results parallel what we’ve been reporting: Strength has moved inland!Lake Forest called O.C.’s hottest housing market - Lansner on Real Estate - OCRegister.com, Oct 2008     Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Real Estate Advisors focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Lake Forest, Portola Hills, and Foothill Ranch. Whether she’s helping a first time buyer accomplish the goal of homeownership, or coaching a homeowner on venturing into real estate investments or helping a client review their mortgage options, Kelly is committed to making it happen!  For Kelly, it has never been just about sell... 10/14/2008

If you are planning to buy a condo, or a house in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, or other South Orange County area, there is a good chance that you will be buying in to a home owners’ association (HOA).  If that is the case, make sure you read over all the HOA documents soon after you receive them.  These are usually provided to you during the escrow process, and you will normally have 5 days after receiving these to either approve them, or cancel the purchase and get your money back. What should you look at, or what should you look for? Start with the budget. This will show you the items that are expected to be paid each month by your dues.  Some budget items can be expected to go up almost every year - like costs for electricity, water, utilities, gasoline, insura... 10/14/2008

    Portola Hills eNews 10/6     New On the Market   Property Details   Price   Comments 28890 Canyon Hghts 2 bed/2 bath/1087 sq.ft. $199,000 Investment Potential 28442 Klondike Dr. 3 bed/3bath/1303 sq.ft. $369,000 Ditto! 28662 Camelback Rd. 3 bed/3 bath/2200 sq.ft $675,000   19672 Torres Way 4 bed/ 3 bath/3350 sq.ft. $850,000   19161 Red Bluff 5 bed/ 3 bath/ 3100 sq.ft $879,000   19031 Willowbrook 4 bed/3 bath/2600 sq.ft $949,000   Sold Properties       28477 Klondike Dr. 2 bed/2.5 bath/1152 sq.ft. $310,600   28426 Yosemite Dr. 2 bed/2 bath/1015 sq.ft. $305,000   19595 Agria Way 2 bed/2 bath/1105 sq.ft. $270,000   19045 Canyon Cove 3 bed/3 bath/1300 sq.ft. $380,000       What is Loss Mitigation? It allows for Negotiations on your behalf with your lender.  This is not a new loan and won... 10/09/2008

Irvine Ranch Water District serves all of the city of Irvine and portions of  Tustin,  Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Orange and Lake Forest.  They are currently offering rebates on high efficiency water-saving upgrades such as a new washing machine ($335), new high-efficiency toilets (up to $265), weather based irrigation controllers ($60 per valve) and synthetic turf ($.30/square foot).  Details of the programs and application forms are available at their website where they also have other tips to save water (and money!) Now, you just have to figure out what to do with the old, less-efficient items!       10/07/2008

The answers lie within the fact that your home, yes is an aspect of financial security, but more importantly represents a life!  So as with any loss, comes profound sadness and high anxiety.  Many are living in quiet desperation, realizing that something has to give, but loosing your home, represents more then moving, so we try to hold on. Trying to deal with increased Interest Rates or Monthly Payments, Negative Equity, Lower Property Values, looming Mortgage Resets, living on Credit to make ends meet and it all becomes a vicious cycle. So where do you turn, many decide just to walk away. Others search for answers, realizing loosing their home is more then just finding a new place to live rather the need to take a positive step towards rebuilding security. There is a light at the end o... 09/30/2008

Portola Hills Open House - Sunday 9/28/08 Stop by for a visit to this beautiful Portola Hills home at 19222 Red Bluff Dr., Lake Forest.  I will be holding this home open from 1:00pm - 5:00pm on Sunday and I'd love to see you there!  Even if you are not currently in the market, you may think of someone once you see this great property. Come visit this open floorplan 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, home featuring a large bonus room and Jack and Jill bathroom upstairs. One bedroomn and full bath are down stairs. The kitchen has a huge island with new stainless steel double oven, upgraded stove, new microwave and walk-in panty. Every room has it's own ceiling fan  and Plantation Shutters cover the windows in the Living/Dining room and Bonus room. Te three car garage is perfect for your "project car"... 09/24/2008

If your Lake Forest home needs painting, new windows, garage door, new roof, plumbing, appliances or other repairs or upgrades, check into the City of Lake Forest's "Housing Rehab Loan" program.  They offer up to $30,000 for home improvements at a great interest rate of 3% for 15 years, or for those who qualify, a zero percent interest deferred loan with no payments!  These loans are available subject to income limits and the properties must be owner-occupied and have some equity.  More details are available at the City's website. 09/01/2008

Today, there are 269 properties on the market in Lake Forest, with 128 currently under contract.  With an average escrow period of 6 weeks, this equates to about a 12 week, or slightly less than 3 month absorbtion rate (although that assumes equal desirability of all properties, which will never really be true).  Our average prices have fallen about 27% since the peak of 2006, and we are now back to pricing at early-2004 levels.     The "troubled" homes are leading the price decline with 75% of the current escrows either foreclosed, or short sales.  Of the homes that closed during the month of July, 46 of the 79 (58%) were in that troubled category.  From talking with other agents, it seems there are many of us working with motivated and qualified buyers who can't find the right house r... 08/11/2008

  Portola Hills eNews   New On the Market   Property Details   Price   Comments 18994 Canyon Tree 2 bed/1 bath/975 sq.ft. $279,000   18895 Canyon Smt. 2 bed/2 bath/1050 sq.ft. $335,000   28504 Sorano Cove 3 bed/3 bath/1205 sq.ft. $340,000   28886 Canyon Rim 2 bed/ 2.5 bath/ 971 sq.ft. $375,000   28732 Vista Santiago 4 bed/ 3 bath/1731 sq.ft. $529,000   18856 Vista Portola 3 bed/3 bath/1623 sq.ft. $549,900   19631 Highridge Way 4 bed/4.5 bath/3100 sq.ft. $899,900   Sold Properties       28896 Canyon Hts. 2 bed/2 bath/1038 sq.ft. $279,000   18946 Canyon Smt. 3 bed/2 bath/1130 sq.ft. $299,000   28361 Pueblo Drive 2 bed/2 bath/1051 sq.ft. $300,000   28651 Pendleton 3 bed/3 bath/1561 sq.ft. $425,000 Someone got a deal! 19394 Highridge Way 3 bed/3 bath/2160 sq.ft. $520,000 Another Steal 19592... 08/10/2008

The Lake Forest II Homeowners Association includes 3436 homes in 14 different neighborhoods. The Sun & Sail Club is the social center of this association and the facilities include 3 full sized pools, a kiddie wading pool, a large spa where you can watch the sun set over the lake, 9 tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball, a gym, picnic areas, and a clubhouse where you can attend or host social functions. Details about the individual neighborhoods and information about the recent real estate activity can be found at my locally focused blog : LakeForest2Homes.com   08/09/2008