<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>South Orange County Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/</link>
        <description>All information relevant to your decision of buying or selling a home in Orange County,CA. We post events happening in the cities that might be of interest, as well as links to see what's available for sale, listed on the mls right now.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/nice-reduction-on-this-panoramic-ocean-view-capo-beach-home-for-sale-26832-calle-maria.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/nice-reduction-on-this-panoramic-ocean-view-capo-beach-home-for-sale-26832-calle-maria.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic-Broker)</author>
            <title>Nice reduction on this Panoramic Ocean View Capo Beach Home for Sale :26832 CALLE MARIA</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Looking for a great place to call home in Capistrano Beach? Need views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island on a clear day? What about getting all this, under a million dollars, in an about 3000 sq ft home that just got a price reduction to $939,000?


We have a listing at 26832 Calle Maria, in the Capistrano Beach area of Dana Point. This is a beautiful custom home has been remodeled top to bottom with many upgrades. It features wood and slate floors throughout the home, with granite counters in the kitchen and bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, custom window treatments and window casings, custom lighting and decorator finishes.


Need a downstairs bedroom? No problem. The downstairs suite has it's own full bathroom, with lots of privacy from the rest of the bedrooms in the house.


The large back yard is an entertainer's dream with an expanded, covered outdoor living room and even your own vegetable and herb garden! In the front yard, relax on the front porch or do some putting on your own putting green!


One of the best features in this home is the fabulous ocean views that can be enjoyed from the front yard, every bedroom and the very spacious master balcony and huge rooftop deck.


The home is located on a beutiful and quiet street, with easy access to Capistrano Beach, and the freeway, to Dana Point and all that Dana Point has to offer, like the Harbor and all the yearly activities, but also the home is within minutes to San Clemente and all the beaches in San Clemente, and of course, enjoys the absolute perfect weather that only coastal Orange County can provide.


Welcome home! You will never want to leave! 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 11:19:36 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-harbor-boat-show-thursday-may-31-sunday-june-3-2012.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-harbor-boat-show-thursday-may-31-sunday-june-3-2012.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic-Broker)</author>
            <title>Dana Point Harbor Boat Show - Thursday, May 31 - Sunday, June 3 2012</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Dana Point Harbor is one of the most spectacular marinas along the California coast, from San Francisco to the Mexican border. Always full with the highest-quality of boats, Dana Point Harbor is home to thousands of watercraft and enthusiasts who enjoy all types of water sport activities throughout the year.


For all those boat lovers and water enthusiasts, here's a nice event coming up: the Dana Point Harbor Boat Show at the end of this month.  New and Used Boats and Products will be on display both in and out of the water at the Boat Show. A great selection of power and sail vessels will be featured, including Albemarle, Baja, Cenczi, East Bay, Egg Harbor, Formula, Grand Banks, Island Packet, Mediterranean, Mikelson, Mustang, Nordhavn, Ocean,Pacific Sea Craft, Pursuit, Riviera, Tiara, Viking, with more being added each week.


The first day of the event is free, but for the rest, here's a couple of highlights:




















Save $5 now when you purchase your admission tickets online! Cheaper than using coupons at the gate! Use this ticket link below to purchase your tickets! http://www.danaboatshow.com/tickets/






























Want a chance to win a free overnight stay at the Dana Point Marina Inn plus 2 tickets to the Dana Point Boat Show? Enter the free drawing! Hurry it ends this Friday the 18th! http://www.danaboatshow.com/tickets/#Drawing

 


When? : 




Thursday ... May 31, Noon to 7pmFriday ... June 1, Noon to 7pmSaturday ... June 2, 10am to 7pmSunday ... June 3, 10am to 5pm


Where?: OC Sailing &amp; Events Center &amp; Public Docks, Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point Harbor












View Larger Map






 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 13:59:46 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-interesting-numbers-and-how-it-can-affect-your-home-purchase-decision.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/dana-point-interesting-numbers-and-how-it-can-affect-your-home-purchase-decision.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic-Broker)</author>
            <title>Dana Point interesting numbers and how it can affect your home purchase decision.</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
We usually share facts about the Orange County Market and the different communities in OC. Today we would like to share some numbers recently published by the Dana Point City about the Dana Point community, as many if not all of these facts, can affect your point of view when making the decision to invest in Dana Point Real Estate.


So yeah, we all have heard Dana Point's name is inspired by Richard Dana and his 1835's visit that became the novel ' Two Years Before the Mast', that became a bestseller upon publication in 1840 and still be found in bookstores.


Here's some newer numbers about Dana Point:




Dana Point has over 1900 hotel rooms in 14 hotels, more than any other coastal Orange County city.


50% of the revenues to Dana Point come from tourism.


Dana Point has over 100 restaurants.


Dana Point has over 7.5 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline


Dana Point has 6.5 sq miles of land.


Dana Point has 23 parks with 5 doggy 'park' zones.


The Dana Point Headlands have 60 acres of parks, 105 native plants and 109 native animal species.


Strands Vista Park ( above Strands Beach) has 68 mosaic fish along the 1400 walkway.


Doheny Beach has 62 acres and 122 campsites, and it is California's First State Beach donated by Edward Doheny in 1931.


The three top employers are ( in order): Ritz Carlton, St Regis and the Capistrano Unified School District.




And for housing facts:


There's 15,944 housing units of which:


Single Units are 63.4%


Multi Family Units are 34.2%


Mobile Homes are 2.4%


Owners: 58.4%


Renters: 34.3%


Average rent: $1470
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 15:02:32 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/guess-what-the-doheny-blues-festival-is-just-around-the-corner-may-19th-20th.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/guess-what-the-doheny-blues-festival-is-just-around-the-corner-may-19th-20th.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic-Broker)</author>
            <title>Guess what? The Doheny Blues Festival is just around the corner! May 19th &amp; 20th! </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
And just around the corner... another wonderful coming to the city of Dana Point.


Blues and music lovers: The annual Doheny Blues Festival will be held at Doheny Beach this upcoming Saturday and Sunday May 19th and 20th. Attendees will enjoy this inviting festival layout, highlighted by three stages of alternating music, an international Food Court, an eclectic Vendor Village with 50+ unique booths, Microbrew Tasting, and our Kidz EcoFest with educational exhibits for the younger music fans.


From Grammy winners to music legends, Doheny has been host to many of the top names in rock, soul &amp; blues music, including B.B. King, The Black Crowes, Bonnie Raitt, Crosby, Stills &amp; Nash, John Fogerty, Brian Setzer, Al Green, Etta James, Keb’ Mo’, Jonny Lang and Los Lobos, amongst others.


Just in case you haven't found out who's playing on which days, here's the line up:SATURDAY, MAY 19Gregg AllmanLos Lonely BoysJoan OsborneThe Holmes BrothersJohnny WinterTab BenoitBig PeteCash Box KingsTrickbagMighty Mojo ProphetsLil' A &amp; The All NightersMiguel GarciaSUNDAY, MAY 20Steve Miller BandBuddy GuyTrombone Shorty and Orleans AvenueRod Piazza&amp; The Mighty FlyersThe PaladinsJoe Louis WalkerOtis TaylorMarcia BallRay Goren


What's not to love about Dana Point? You could be walking from your own home to these concerts. Would you want to know what properties are for sale around Doheny Beach? Check out our Dana Point Real Estate page.


   
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 13:51:59 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/did-you-feel-it.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/did-you-feel-it.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic-Broker)</author>
            <title>Did you feel it? All you buyers out there?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Did you feel it? All you buyers out there?


Yeah, that crazy shift in the Orange County homes that is causing multiple offers and over bidding on properties? No matter what the price range is?? I did too. We’ll have to see if it’s a blip on the radar or if it lasts through the summer, but for now, its reality. So, if you find a property you want, chances are likely that so have 20 other people. How do you win? It’s tough. You have to be ready to step up and probably pay more than the comparable sales. That’s a hard one to swallow, I know. But if it has everything (or at least close to everything) that you want, get it and hold onto it for a few years. With the way things are going, you’ll be just fine and you have the place you want to live in for years to come. Remember, while it’s nice to make a great investment decision, it’s your home, not a bank account. Another thing is to see the house right away. The minute you see that listing, jump on it. Don’t wait 3-4 days when your schedule permits. It’ll be gone. Be prepared with your bank pre-approval letter and bank statement to prove to the seller you actually have the money and qualify to buy their home. Don’t lowball your offer. Really. I know that no one wants to overpay, but if you start out too low, you aren’t going to make any friends with the sellers or their agent. They won’t take you seriously and they’ll just move on to the next offer. Don’t always expect a counter offer either. If there are 6 offers, and you are the lowball, guess what, you get skipped. Be serious and prove it to the sellers to make sure you at least get in the game and get a counter offer. So all you folks out there holding out for the great deals….you may have missed the boat. For now. Yes, there still are a few out there if you are willing to wait months and months for a short sale and hope that the terms come back favorably without extra thousands of dollars in extra fees and expenses. But, if the current trend holds true, it’s time to step up and make it happen before prices get higher and you’ve completely missed out. Interest rates are still historically low. Take advantage of it.We’re here to help you get the home of your desires. All you have to do is be ready and call us. (949) 888-6788. We’re ready for you!Teresa and the TeamOCDreamhomes
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 11:08:18 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/the-orange-county-real-estate-market-is-hot.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/the-orange-county-real-estate-market-is-hot.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic-Broker)</author>
            <title>The Orange County Real Estate Market is hot! </title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
We always get the question: how's the Orange County Real Estate market doing? For the past years we have been saying that we had not seen bottom yet. Well... we truly believe that we have turned the corner and we are in what we can call a recovered market.


In the past months, almost every single offer on a house our agents have written, has gone in escrow over asking price and in many cases with multiple offers bidding the price up. Another phenomenon we are experiencing is the lack of inventory. Usually this time of the year, the market gets full of inventory ready to those spring buyers and is usually the best season in terms of number of transactions. So with little inventory, buyers feeling that the worse is over, and incredible low rates ( the 30 year fixed just hit a record low), is a perfect recipe for the market to turnaround.


Did you miss the boat? Absolutely not. All we are saying is that we don't believe prices are going to be lower than what they are anymore. Here's some incentives for a buyer that is on the fence, thinking of buying a home:


1. Rates are so low! Many first time home buyers don't realize how good these rates are for the simple reason that they have never experienced the home buying process before. But for those seasoned buyers, the comparison on what the rates are now, and what they were 2 years ago, 5 years ago or 10 years ago, is incredible. It's close to its record low.


2.Short sales process is getting a little easier. Just recently the Federal Housing Financy Agency laid out new rules that will help speed up the short sale process, a move that could keep many homes from falling into foreclosure, and less hiccups for those involved in a real estate transaction that includes a short sale. 


3. Most importantly: it is Orange County that we are talking about. The OC remains as a top destination for living and working in the whole USA. Wonderful cimate, excellent schools, beaches, parks and more make Orange County the perfect place to find your dream home.


Are you ready to let us help you find your home?
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:32:41 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/us-rate-on-30-year-mortgage-dips-to-388-percent.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/us-rate-on-30-year-mortgage-dips-to-388-percent.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic-Broker)</author>
            <title>US rate on 30-year mortgage dips to 3.88 percent</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
WASHINGTON (AP) — The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage has dipped to near its record low, keeping home-buying and refinancing affordable.


Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the rate on the 30-year loan dropped to 3.88 percent this week, down from 3.9 percent. In February, the rate hit 3.87 percent, the lowest since long-term mortgages began in the 1950s.


The 30-year loan is the most common financing option for home buyers.


The average on the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, popular with homeowners who are refinancing, dipped to 3.12 percent, down from 3.13 percent last week. The national average hit an all-time low of 3.11 percent two weeks ago.


Cheaper mortgages have so far done little to boost home sales. Sales of both previously occupied homes and new homes fell in March. Analysts suspect some of that weakness reflected a warm winter, which pulled sales that would normally occur during the spring buying season into January or February.


In addition, some potential buyers are skeptical about purchasing a home with prices still falling. And many Americans are still struggling with damaged credit.


To calculate the average rates, Freddie Mac surveys lenders across the country on Monday through Wednesday of each week.


The average rate does not include extra fees, known as points, which most borrowers must pay to get the lowest rates. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount.


For the five-year adjustable loan, the average rate rose to 2.85 percent, up from 2.78 percent. The average on one-year adjustable loans dropped to 2.74 percent, down from 2.81 percent.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:18:57 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/what-oc-housewives-have-their-houses-for-sell-and-where.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/what-oc-housewives-have-their-houses-for-sell-and-where.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic-Broker)</author>
            <title>What OC housewives have their houses for sale and where?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Foreclosures, bankrupcies, and house sales. All part of the show, but also a reality for the ex- home owners from the cast of The Real Housewives of Orange County.


The latest one selling her home: after 5 seasons on The Real Housewives of Orange County, Jeana Keough departed the Bravo series, now she's hoping to leave behind her mansion that was often seen on the show. 


The home has been listed as a standard sale - which is rare for these days specially in the neighborhood, where some homes have lost about almost half their 2007 peak value. 


Per the description: Custom Estate, with guest house, panoramic view of Saddleback Mtn, and Coto, single loaded cul de sac, gated court yard parking, set back 6 car finished garages. Stamped concrete circular driveway.Over 1 acre of sport court, grassy area and salt water pool, spa, covered patio and firepit and pool, BBQ and fireplace. The interior boasts 12 foot ceilings with custom detail, large 25 x 25 family room opens to kitchen and pool entertaining area. Large 2 person office with hand scrapped new wood floors, has french doors and views of peaceful hillside. Formal dining room with french doors and patio, large downstairs guest room, with it's own covered patio. Large living room with oversize view window. Seven bedroooms, 2 of which are master suites, his and hers closets. 


Jeana Keough is the listing agent, with Weichert Realtors Gold Coast. The listing has over a month from being listed for sale, and features 8,000 sq ft in a large 45,516 sq ft lot. HOA dues are of $210 a month.


Here's a link for more details of the home: 12 Shire Coto de Caza MLS S690507.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:43:18 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/good-news-for-short-sale-homes-transactions-in-oc-new-rules-will-speed-up-process.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/good-news-for-short-sale-homes-transactions-in-oc-new-rules-will-speed-up-process.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic-Broker)</author>
            <title>Good news for short sale homes transactions in OC - New Rules will speed up process</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As of earlier this week, the Federal Housing Finance Agency laid out new rules that will help speed up the short sale process, a move that could keep many homes from falling into foreclosure, and less hiccups for those involved in a real estate transaction that includes a short sale. 


Those are great news for buyers and realtors, as short sale homes transactions in in Orange County account for a large number of the overall transactions and according to the National Association of Realtors, 60% of them didn't close last year and ended up in a foreclosure.


Short sales are homes that are sold for less than is owed to the lender, and the lenders involved have to approve the sales prices and other conditions involved in the sale, making the process very lengthy as banks often take too long to provide responses.


To help avoid the trend from continuing, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, laid out rules that will require lenders to review and respond to short sale requests within 30 days and make a final decision within 60 days. The lender is also required to provide weekly status updates to the borrower if the offer is still under review after 30 days.


The new guidelines, which go into effect on June 1, can prove to be beneficial for all of the parties involved:


For Buyers: less time waiting for a response from the bank, and the possibility of getting the homes in better condition, typically because the sellers have been living there and keeping the homes in good condition.


For Sellers: a short sale is better than a foreclosure on the credit rating, so that's beneficial.


For the Lenders: foreclosures pile up higher expenses with lenders paying for property taxes, heating and maintenance costs. Typically the home will also be in better condition, as someone who knows that is about to loose the home due to foreclosure, won't take care of the home, as opposed to the short sale where banks give credits to those leaving the homes in good condition.


For the Realtors: a much better scenario, as short sales right now remain a significant challenge for realtors and consumers and often results in canceled contracts and the property going into foreclosure.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:19:57 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/earth-day-events-in-orange-county-this-weekend-heres-our-favorites.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.ocexecutives.com/blog/earth-day-events-in-orange-county-this-weekend-heres-our-favorites.html</link>
            <author>teresamihelic@ochomebuyer.com (Teresa Mihelic-Broker)</author>
            <title>Earth Day Events in Orange County this weekend? Here's our favorites!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Earth Day 2012 is coming up and there's a list of events in Orange County. Here's our favorites.


SATURDAY APRIL 21st:


Fair &amp; Arts Festival at Modjeska Canyon: Kids face painting, wildlife sanctuary, live music, BBQ, guided hikes, birding classes, hands on ceramic pottery, Earth Day activities and more. Saturday, April 21 at 10 a.m. at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, 29322 Modjeska Canyon Rd., Silverado. Price: Adults $5; Children under 12 free. 


Earth Day at Chino Hills State Park: join Hills for Everyone, State Parks and Sempra Energy for an Earth Day event on Saturday, April 21 at 8:30 a.m. at Chino Hills State Parks, 4500 Carbon Canyon Rd., Brea. Free. 


Ritz Carlton - Dana Point: 10 a.m. to noon: Explorer, environmentalist, educator and film producer Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, will be the special guest at a beach cleanup at Salt Creek Beach in front of the resort.


San Clemente - park near the Pier: The San Clemente Watershed Task Force will present environment-oriented demonstrations and displays, plus live entertainment, children's crafts and giveaways from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Parque Del Mar near the pier.


SUNDAY APRIL 22nd:


Ocean Institute - Dana Point: 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday: Beach and harbor cleanup. If you participate, you'll receive free admission to the institute that day. There's a recycle event, learn about California native plants, xeriscaping and water conservation. Earth friendly arts and crafts


Orange County Market Place, Costa Mesa: Irish Spring Earth Day Fest. Everything from earthworm and food composting, zero waste zones and recycling auto windshield art to champion Irish dancers and Irish potatoes. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Orange County Market Place, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. Price: $2 and kids under 12 free.


Newport Beach: Earth Day at the Bay: The Newport Bay Conservancy presents the 22nd Annual Earth Day at the Bay with environmental exhibits, scavenger hunt for all ages, puppet shows and more. At 10 a.m. at Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach. Free


San Clemente - San Mateo Campground: Earth Day at Panhe will feature exhibits and performances by members of the Acjachemen American Indian tribe from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the San Mateo Campground at San Onofre State Beach park. Admission is free, and the public is invited.


Note: also this weekend is the Third annual California Wine Festival – Orange County offers a Sunset Rare &amp; Reserve Wine Tasting on Friday night at the Dana Point Yacht Club and a Beachside Wine Festival on Saturday afternoon at Doheny State Beach. This has nothing to do with Earth Day, but it so much fun, is worth mentioning.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:02:45 -0700</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>
