Tis the season.. and with our cooler weather what a great way to enjoy the holidays. Grab a sweater, some hot chocolate, maybe a hot tottie... take the kids, family and friends and enjoy our great community of Lake Forest. Dec 3rd:   Annual Victorian Christmas:  Stroll through a historic village and capture the magic of a Victorian era Christmas past.Heritage Hill Historical Park 11am- 3pmCost: $5.00Dec 10th/11th:  Annual Candlelight Walk:  Take a walk through the park where hundreds of Luminaries will light up the pathway.   Refreshments, Carolers and Storytellers will be on hand.Heritage Hill Historical Park5:30-8:30Cost: $5.00   Dec 6-8:  North Pole Calling: Imagine the little ones face, when the phone rings and you say, Santa is on the phone for you..  FREE - Fill out reservation fo... 12/03/2016

Sunny and 75 is the weather forecast this weekend in South Orange County.. Perfect home shopping weather if you ask me.   You know you are going to be out and about, so make sure to stop and take a peak at our open house! This Executive home is located in the Lyon Parkside neighborhood of Lake Forest.  It boast 3400+ square feet, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and with beautiful design features throughout.We wil be open Saturday October 15 and Sunday October 16 1-4pm.Can't make the open house but would still like to see the home, contact Realtor Kelly Turbeville to schedule a showing. Search Lake Forest Homes Live in Lake Forest and wondering the value of your home?  FREE HOME VALUE REPORT   10/13/2016

I absolutely love fall in Portola Hills.  Today is a lovely fall day with temps cooling a bit from the September warmth.    This is a great analogy for the real estate market in Portola Hills.  We expect things to cool down but comparing the numbers it continued to be pretty hot with continued price gains.. just like the September weather. Below is a snapshot of how the real estate market performed in the community of Portola Hills in Lake forest last month. For the overall market Portola Hills saw a 10% increase in home values from September 2015.   For the condo market the top selling home was 3 bedroom 1300 square foot Canyon Rim condo that sold for $490,000.  On the Single Family Detached side the highest priced home that sold was a 5 bedroom, 3400 Square Foot Crown Pointe Home that... 10/04/2016

http://jordanbennettonline.com/http://jordanbennettonline.com/ IMMACULATE HOME, PRIVATE PREMIUM VIEW LOT, no one behind, VAST SUNSET, ROLLING HILLS, & MOUNTAIN VIEWS, Prestigious Skyview Tract. Highly Desirable Lower Level Bedroom & Bath, plus a Bonus/Den/Rec Room upstairs. BRAND NEW 5-TON HVAC UNIT, Beautiful wood Floors, Cathedral Vaulted Ceilings, Plantation Shutters, New Self-Locking Windows, French Doors. Upgraded Guest Bath, Brushed Marble Tile, Expresso Cabinetry, Quartz Sink, Glass Tile Accents, Frameless Glass Shower Enclosure. Upgraded Kitchen with Granite Countertops, Tumbled Travertine & Glass Tile Backsplash, Ceiling-High Espresso Shaker Cabinetry, Glass Doors, Pendant Lighting, Garden Window, Soft-Close Drawers, Highly Prized Breakfast Bar, & Matching Buffet Cabinet. Famil... 08/23/2016

http://jordanbennettonline.com/http://jordanbennettonline.com/Come See Us at Our Open Houses, 21805 Fermleaf Dr.Thursday, August 18th, 10:30am-1:30pm Saturday, August 20th, Public Open House, 12-4pm Sunday, August 21st, Public Open House, 12-4pm  IMMACULATE HOME, PRIVATE PREMIUM VIEW LOT, no one behind, VAST SUNSET, ROLLING HILLS, & MOUNTAIN VIEWS, Prestigious Skyview Tract. Highly Desirable Lower Level Bedroom & Bath, plus a Bonus/Den/Rec Room upstairs. BRAND NEW 5-TON HVAC UNIT, Beautiful wood Floors, Cathedral Vaulted Ceilings, Plantation Shutters, New Self-Locking Windows, French Doors. Upgraded Guest Bath, Brushed Marble Tile, Expresso Cabinetry, Quartz Sink, Glass Tile Accents, Frameless Glass Shower Enclosure. Upgraded Kitchen with Granite Countertops, Tumbled Travertine & Glass ... 08/17/2016

It's here, our monthly look back at how the real estate market performed in Portola Hills this past month. In July we saw a shift in the market but certainly not a down shift.  What we are seeing is buyer traffic slowing down a bit and homes staying on the market a bit longer.  The average days on the market in July for Portola Hills was 46.In terms of price gains.. I guess no complaints there, with an average 20% increase from July 2015.  Below is a quick look at how the markt performed. Portola Hills Single Family Detached Home Value:  $735,000 this is for a 4 bedroom 2052 square foot home. Portola Hills Condo/Attached Home Value: $478,000 this is for 3 bedroom 1200 square foot attached home.WHAT'S MY PORTOLA HILLS HOME VALUE- FREE REPORT The above pricing indicates Portola Hills tigh... 08/10/2016

In June the Portola Hills market continues to shift from the volume we saw last year.  This past month, 7 homes closed escrow which is down 50% from 2015.  Good news.. though for home sellers, pricing was up 7% overall.  Which is consistent with the Orange County market.Below is our June Real Estate Report for Portola Hills:Does the sales volume slow down signify a downshift in the market?  The simplest answer; it depends. Looking at history we know the best time to sell a home is Early Spring to Mid-June.   We typically have a seasonal slow down in late June through the 4th of July. Inventory has increased slightly throughout the county but in pockets such as Portola Hills it has remained low. So if more homes come on the market through August we may see a bit more of a balanced market... 07/06/2016

We are going to start a new series of common real estate terms that come up during the course of any real estate transaction.  Whether you are currently renting, maybe even still living at home, buying your first home  or looking to invest in real estate, you will most likely come across many of these terms. Absentee Owner:  Is an individual who owns a piece of real estate but does not live in it.  Also known as a Landlord.  In addition, to an individual home owner, the owner of the property may also be a corporation or a real investment trust (REIT).Types of Real Estate an Absentee Owner Owns:   It may be a single property such as a house or condominium, but it can also be an apartment or a commercial business.Why become a Absentee Owner:  The primary goal of absentee owners is to gene... 07/01/2016

A master planned community celebrating the relationship between nature and living well. From the start, Baker Ranch has been designed for active people who love outdoor recreation and scenic natural settings. Here you can enjoy all the amenities of an exceptional master planned community without the excessive taxation of Mello-Roos. Lake Forest provides small-town charm with California Distinguished schools and modern services. It's all within easy reach of the major employment centers, shopping, entertainment and attractions that make sunny Central Orange County the perfect backyard. Baker Ranch is a new community built by Shea Homes & Toll Brothers. There are currently 6 neighborhoods for sale from the mid $400,000s to low $1 millions. Resort-style amenities with no Mello Roos. The Ba... 06/13/2016

Attn InvestorsWholesale deal not on MLS SFR - 24431 Peacock St Lake ForestSales price $625k40k in RepairsARV 750KThis will work best for a cash investor. Call Ann 714 588 7676 - Buyers only please this is an exclusive listing 06/07/2016

We are just about approaching mid-year for 2016.. Can you believe it!!  In 2015 we began to see more Estate/Luxury properties in Lake Forest begin to hit the $1,000,000 mark once again, since the recession, and the trend continues into 2016. However so far this year, the number of resales has increased over new homes.  Below is a list of the 10 highest priced homes sold in Lake Forest this year. Looking at the numbers and values, the home sold in Portola Hills was the best value.   Torres way is great location in the community and part of the Crown Pointe Estate homes in Portola Hills. Situated on larger lots with many of the homes having beautiful views out toward the Pacific Ocean.  Looking at the other homes sold so far this year, the average square footage was just over 2800 square ... 05/17/2016

Yes you read that headline correctly the Average Days on the Market in April for homes closing escrow in Portola Hills was just 11.   The longest a home stayed on the market was 40.   So I would have to say yes, the community of Portola Hills in Lake Forest can be considered a hot real estate market!April traditionally is a quiet spring month for real estate in the area.   People are focused on spring break, taxes, etc.  Four homes closed escrow in April, which was the same for April 2015. The low inventory of homes in the area and throughout South Orange County is what is driving these quick escrows. Overall in South Orange County the inventory of single family homes is about 2 months.  For the condo market that number is below 2 months. In Portola Hills, we typically see an average of... 05/03/2016

Residents of Portola Hills are blessed to have some amazing views of from many of the homes situated in the community.   Looking East you will have views of the Saddleback Mountains, West the Pacific Ocean. Depending of the tract residents also enjoy views of the Whiting Wilderness Park and Mission Viejo Lake.This above view is from the Corner of Malabar and Highridge Way part of of the Estates Neighborhood in Portola Hills with views out toward Mission Viejo Lake.Concourse Park (Above) in Portola Hills is a spacious park which overlooks Whiting Wilderness Park.The above views are from the Crown Pointe and Serenado Tract in Portola Hills.  Yes that is the Pacific Ocean out there setting over Newport Beach about 25 miles from Portola Hills. If you are looking for a view home, set away fr... 04/27/2016

Lake Forest is a community in South Orange County that incorporates five unique communities with several different neighborhoods within each.   Communities include:  Lake Forest North, Lake Forest South, Bakers Ranch, Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills. Below is quick look at how the real estate market performed overall in March for the entire city. In Lake Forest the Median price to purchase a detached single family home was $677,000.   Lake Forest home values were up 4.8%,  with just over 2 months of inventory available.For attached homes, the median price to purchase a home in Lake Forest in March was $397,500. Attached home values were up 4.6%,  with just over 1 month of inventory.   If you are a condo, townhouse, paired home owner in Lake Forest and thinking of selling.... NOW IS A G... 04/24/2016

Exquisitely Designed, Immaculate, Sleek, Stylish, 2 Bedroom Condo, ideally located in the highly desirable Resort-Like Le Parc Community in the Heart of Lake Forest. Upgraded, Remodeled, and Thoughtfully Designed. Rich Dark Wood Laminate Flooring throughout, Vaulted Ceilings, Decorator Paint Palette with a Burst of Accent Color, Sleek Marble Surround Fireplace, Custom Light Fixtures, and Extra Wide Baseboards. Spectacular Remodeled Kitchen, Granite Counter Tops and Backsplash, Bronzed Pendant Lighting, Top of the Line Cabinetry, Matching Stainless Steel Appliances, Upgraded Fixtures and Hardware to match perfectly, and a Highly Prized Breakfast Bar. Exquisite Upgraded Bath with Rich Top of the Line Cabinetry, Granite Topped Dual Vanity, Upgraded Fixtures and Hardware, Walk-In Closet, an... 04/20/2016

The real estate market is in full swing in the Portola Hills community of Lake Forest.  This week alone, 4 homes have come on the market... has spring sprung for homeowners?   Looking at the community of Portola Hills, the number of sales was down with 7 homes closing escrow in March 2016 and 10 in 2015.   The mix of homes also is an important factor.  In March of 2015 it was a pretty balanced mix of condominiums and single family residence.  While this past march it was all single family residence, bringing up the median price point 37%.   The price per square median was up 7% from 2015.  All indications spring has certainly sprung or homowners.Below is a snapshot of the Portola Hills Real Estate Market in March...It's important to keep in mind this is for the entire neighborhood.   If... 04/05/2016

My favorite thing to do is call my home buyers and say "It's official you are a homeowner".  Got to make that call this week for a our newest neighbor in Portola Hills, as we closed on his home at 19532 Dorado Dr, Trabuco Canyon.He picked this home because it had a great open floorplan, larger kitchen, 3 bedrooms with 3 full baths (rare) and a great entertainers backyard.    This home is part of the Serenado Paired home tract in Portola Hills.  In addition to the interior features the community details were also very important to the buyer.   This home falls under the Portola Hills II HOA; amenities include:  Olympic Pool, Toddler Pool, Spa, Sauna, Clubhouse, Gym, BBQ area, Tot Lot, Volleyball, Tennis and much more.  In addition, low hoa fee, low tax rate and no mello roos.  If you are ... 03/31/2016

 WELCOME HOME! Prepare to Fall in Love with this Beautifully Designed, Upgraded End Unit Townhome! Turnkey and Move in Ready, Blessed with a Well Designed Floor Plan, and Ideally Located in the Desirable Smoketree Community in Lovely Lake Forest, opportunities like this are rare indeed! This Light and Bright Home has Superb Amenities and has been Thoughtfully Upgraded with Newer Carpet, Tile, and Paint, with a High Attention to Detail. You are welcomed in through the Private Gated Front Courtyard, and once inside you will adore the Slate Tile Entry, the High Vaulted Ceilings, the Gorgeous Wood Vinyl Floors, Plantation Shutters, Recessed Lighting, Extra Wide Baseboards, New Vinyl Windows and Slider, and the Beautiful Marble Surround Fireplace. The Spacious Kitchen is a dream come true wi... 03/09/2016

Lake Forest in South Orange County California is a sought after community that offers residents and home seekers a diverse community.  It is often described as the gateway to South Orange County, bordered between Irvine, Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills and the Canyon areas, it is an ideal location for residents who want to be located centrally and near transportation and employment hubs.The community is split into 5 distinct areas:  Lake Forest North/South, Baker Ranch, Foothill Ranch and Portola Hills.  Below is a look at the home values of each neighborhood for Feb 2016.Lake Forest North and South:  In these two areas, 35 homes closed escrow in February this is down from 42 in 2015.   The average price was consistent with last year, but the average price per square foot was up 22%.Baker R... 03/09/2016

Upgraded Townhome in the popular Grandview Crest Community of Lake Forest. Some of the many fine features and amenities include a Private Gated Courtyard Entrance, Warm Wood Floors, Vaulted Ceilings, Skylights, Wet Bar, Cozy Fireplace, Baseboards, Formal Living and Dining Spaces, Separate Family Room, Bonus Room/Retreat/Office/ 4th Bedroom, Ceiling Fans, Mirrored Wardrobe Doors, and so much more! Spacious Kitchen with Plenty of Cabinet and Counter Space, Recessed Lighting, Upgraded Cabinetry, and a Desirable Breakfast Bar. The Upstairs Bathrooms have been Upgraded with Custom Vanities, Pedestal Sink, Framed Vanities Mirrors, and Wainscoting. Three Spacious Bedrooms are located Upstairs plus a Bonus Room which is perfect for a Retreat, Home Office, or 4th Bedroom. The Large Patio is a Pe... 03/04/2016