Preview Orange County Real Estate Blog - February, 2023

Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Expert Guidance

To sell your home this spring, it may need more preparation than it would have a year or two ago. It is because today's housing market has a different feeling. There are more homes for sale than last year, but inventory is still historically low. If a house has been sitting on the market for a while, that's a sign it may need to hit the mark for potential buyers. But here's the thing. Right now, homes that are updated and priced at market value are still selling fast.

Today, homes with curb appeal are presented well and sell quickly and sometimes over the asking price. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com:
"In a market where costs are still high, and buyers can be a little choosier, it makes sense they're going to zero in…

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In Escrow! Beautifully Remodeled Village Woods Home in Lake Forest

On behalf of the buyer, The Aaronson Group is in escrow for 23013 Belquest Drive, Lake Forest, Orange County, California. (MLS® NDP2300747) 

Beautifully Remodeled Village Woods Home on spacious oversized flat 8,520 sqft. useable lot with NO NEIGHBORS BEHIND for added space and privacy. Incredible floor plan for entertaining featuring formal entry with high ceilings and custom wrought iron staircase. Kitchen/family room combo encompassing indoor outdoor living. Freshly Painted Interior and Exterior. New Flooring. New SS Appliances. Calacatta Quartz counter tops. Custom Designer imported tile bathrooms. Master Bedroom with private patio/high ceilings and barn door. .House has been re-piped and new water heater installed.  Have you seen the…

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In Escrow-Condominium in Private Gated Community of Lake Shores

Explore one of the best locations in the private gated community of lake shores. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath waterfront property boasts lake front location & ground level, single story privacy. The immaculate custom designed interior is complimented by wrap around patio allowing beautiful lake views to fully unfold. This spacious, light & bright open floor plan features modern appointments including warm colors wood floors, cozy fireplace in the family room, travertine, granite countertops, matching white cabinets and upgraded kitchen and baths. The chef’s caliber kitchen opens to the living room and offers lake and mountain views. The rest of the home unveils two spacious bedrooms - large master opens up to the patio where one will appreciate an…

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Price Reduction! Condominium in Private Gated Community of Lake Shores

Explore one of the best locations in the private gated community of lake shores. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath waterfront property boasts lake front location & ground level, single story privacy. The immaculate custom designed interior is complimented by wrap around patio allowing beautiful lake views to fully unfold. This spacious, light & bright open floor plan features modern appointments including warm colors wood floors, cozy fireplace in the family room, travertine, granite countertops, matching white cabinets and upgraded kitchen and baths. The chef’s caliber kitchen opens to the living room and offers lake and mountain views. The rest of the home unveils two spacious bedrooms - large master opens up to the patio where one will appreciate an…

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Why Today's Housing Market Isn't Headed for a Crash

67%of Americans say a housing market crash is imminent in the next three years. With all the talk in the media lately about shifts in the housing market, it makes sense why so many people feel this way. But there’s good news. Current data shows today’s market is nothing like it was before the housing crash in 2008. 

Back then, mortgage standards were less strict 

During the lead-up to the housing crisis, it was much easier to get a home loan than it is today. Banks were creating artificial demand by lowering lending standards and making it easy for just about anyone to qualify for a home loan or refinance an existing one. 

As a result, lending institutions took on much greater risk in both the person and the mortgage…

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Number of Homes for Sale Up from Last Year, but Below Pre-Pandemic Years

The biggest challenge in the housing market right now, and likely for years to come, is how few homes there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy. That’s why this is a great time to do so if you’re thinking about selling your house. Your house would be welcome in a market with fewer homes for sale than it did in the years leading up to the pandemic.

According to the latest monthly housing market trends report from realtor.com:
There were 65.5% more homes for sale in January compared to the same time in 2022, which means that there were 248,000 more homes available to buy this past month compared to one year ago. However, while the number of homes for sale is increasing, it is still 43.2% lower than before the pandemic in…

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Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market

As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. Unfortunately, that meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling.  However, rates are now declining—and buyers are starting to reenter the market. The latest data from the mortgage bankers association (MBA) shows mortgage applications increased last week by 7% compared to the week before.

So, if you’ve been planning to sell your house but are unsure if there will be anyone to buy it, this shift in the market could be your chance. Here’s what experts say about buyers returning to the market as we approach spring.

Mike Fratantoni, SVP and chief economist, MBA:
“Mortgage…

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SOLD! Private & Quiet Location with Lake & City Lights in the Beautiful Community of Lakeside Park

Private & quiet location with lake & city lights in the beautiful community of Lakeside Park in the tranquil city of Lake Forest. This spacious 3 bedroom, 2 and a half bath sizable condominium is the perfect family home. Remodeled just a few years ago with designers touches like farmers door in master bedroom's closet, custom cabinets throughout bathrooms & flooring. The upgraded kitchen features cherry colored cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances & well appointed stone accents. Specious living room area opens to a delightful private patio area, an entertaining retreat highlighted with BBQ island, open views to the lake, city lights & direct access to a greenbelt. Additional amenities include a 2 car carport parking directly in…

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