South Orange County Real Estate Blog

The highly anticipated opening of the new Sports Park in San Clemente, recently named Vista Hermosa Park, has been set to this coming February 25th.

This new $33 million Sports Park had an earlier announced date that had to be reset due to delays completing an aquatics center and slower-than-expected maturing of the grass on baseball fields.

The opening events are set for this Saturday February 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., including a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m.

The park includes three baseball fields, two soccer fields, a multipurpose field, a football field and an aquatics center with a 50-meter competition pool and a 25-meter recreational pool. All the facilities are lighted for evening use.

For our real estate matters, these are great…

Once again, and a tradition for over forty years, the Dana Point Festival of Whales and Parade is about to begin!

The much anticipated Parade is going to take place this coming Saturday March 3rd, starting at 10:00 am along Pacific Coast Highway, starting at Selva Road and finishing at Golden Lantern St. The Parade usually has giant floats, ballons, marching bands, and different schools representations,art exhibits, environmental activities , crafts, kids activities and food!  Of course there's also whale watching excursions, or viewings from the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Center.

That same day, there's going to be a free showing of the movie 'A Dolphin Tale', at 6:30pm, on the grass area in Baby Beach. Free popcorn, hot beverages and…

As the weekend aproaches,sometimes as parents, we wonder what to do that could be educational and fun.

Well, this coming Saturday the 11th, the annual cleanup event at Doheny Beach is taking place, from 9am to noon. There has been some winter rains and runoff that needs some serious cleanup, and what a better way to show our kids how to take care of our beaches by helping a little.

Bring your gloves and join us to get Doheny back in shape so we can all enjoy it ! Plus, who doesn't want to be at the beach with this beautiful weather? BTW, it's supposed to be in the high sixty's low seventy's, and sunny all day on Saturday!.

All beach cleanups meet at the lifeguard headquarters (adjacent to the mouth of San Juan Creek).

Did I also mentioned that…

Ladera Ranch. Lake Forest. Rancho Santa Margarita - all of them all of a sudden are selling their home inventory at a way faster pace than the neighboring coastal cities like Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar and Newport Coast.

Ladera Ranch, especially, has seen a huge increase in the selling pace ( more homes going in escrow than any other city) since the beginning of February. Let's not forget, Ladera Ranch homes were considered in November of last's year, the second largest market of foreclosures vrs standard sales in the country! So if we need to come to a conclusion, yes, the inventory in Ladera Ranch is price considerable lower than its peak in 2007 ( some homes are selling for less than half their peak price), then you get all the fresh inventory…

Yes, in Orange County, but where exactly to the Real Housewives of OC live?

The show, which technically is a reality TV one, was originally set to broadcast the luxurious lifestyles of five housewives living 'behing the gates' in the community of Coto de Caza which is where the show producer lives. But to many, this is almost a comedy about the economic recession and what many American families have gone through when overspending, living beyond their means and using their piece of real estate as an ATM machine, only to find themselves facing serious debt, foreclosures and marriage troubles.

Eventhough the show started as Coto de Caza only housewives ( with the exception of one who lived in the nearby Ladera Ranch and transformed her life when…

The Doheny Village, a dream coming true? For our clients or potential home buyers looking in the areas of Dana Point, specifically those looking for homes around the Lantern Village, Del Obispo areas and Capistrano Beach, these are specially interesting news.

There's a plan from the city of Dana Point to convert the Capistrano Area that for many it's a neglected one and with tons of commercial potential, that is called Doheny Village, to an upscale shopping area.  The plan is expected to be unveiled in three to four months. Ideas include more bike paths and racks, a bridge at the Doheny Village Hand Car Wash at 34241 Doheny Park Road that would link to a nearby bike path, and beautification of roads and sidewalks. The general design goals include more…

Many have seen that 'Shark Tank' show aired on ABC, a show about entrepreneurs who get a chance to pitch their idea to a panel of investors to get funds for their small company.

Well, Shelly Ehler, a resident of Ladera Ranch is going to be on the show airing February 10th, and has had to keep the secret for a long time ( since the show was taped before due to confidentiality legalities). Ehler designed and produces a poncho-style beach towel that is currently under the name ShowNo.

Only 52 entrepreneurs were selected from 24,000 applicants nationwide, and they have a chance to convince a panel of five wealthy investors to help fund her home-based company in exchange for different deals from the investors, like company ownership and  percentage of…

Everyday we get clients looking for 'only REO's' properties in Orange County, let alone Dana Point. There's many advantages to buying REO's or foreclosed properties, and these properties usually move very fast. Here's some newly listed bank owned Dana Point Foreclosures:

• 34478 Calle Carmelita, in Capo Beach

• 24731 Camarillo St, in Dana Hills

• 34110 Selva Rd 323, in Niguel Beach Terrace - in front of the Strands Beach

• 33522 Seawind Ct 40, in Dana Hills

• 32321 Linda Vista Ln, in Monarch Beach

Remember, some of the advantages you get when buying a REO or foreclosure are:

• When a home becomes a REO, All liens against it are removed and taxes are paid.
• REOs can be inspected prior to contract, and are…

Thinking of attending a charity event to help children of our South County cities?

The Beach Ball will be held on May 18, 2012 at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel surrounded by the beautiful Monarch Beach homes. It is a special event featuring a cocktail hour, dinner, live music, dancing and silent and live auctions. Proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and help support activities and programs that promote and develop literacy, self-confidence, sportsmanship, leadership, character building and a strong sense of community pride.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley has branches in San Juan Capistrano and Aliso Viejo and offer programs that provide strong moral guidance and positive rode models.

For more…