Herorange_county_beach_front_homes_01e's an extract from some recent numbers reported in different articles in the OCRegister these past days ( July 2012). 

Not a surprise, we can already see how the OC housing market its recovering, that the bottom was hit and we should see a healthier market thse next years.

To begin, we have the Ladera Ranch real estate market, which are selling faster, in 46% less time than the countywide pace. What used to take an average of 2.6 months to sell, now takes less than a month ( about 20 days). The distressed market is still very active there ( foreclosures or shortsales), were almost 20% of the homes listed were distressed. Homes for sale in Ladera Ranch represent 0.9% of Orange County inventory -- and 0.9% of all the distressed homes listed for sale…

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Summer is just around the corner and kids are about to get out of school= time to find some pools! We don't know about all of the best swimming spots around Orange County, but these are our favorite. Get your swimsuits ready, a lot of sunblock, and be sure to check out ( if possible) all of these spots! 

1. Irvine Spectrum Splash Pads
71 Fortune Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 753-5180
www.shopirvinespectrumcenter.com

Irvine Spectrum features two areas that are great for water play. The bigger splash play zone, by the food court and movie theater, has a large fountain as well as three tortoises that spray water. The smaller water play area near the Target is best for cooling off the teeniest little ones. Come armed with swimsuits, water shoes (to prevent…

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If you are looking for a family friendly community in South Orange County, with top of the line amenities, Ladera Ranch and Talega have it. These two communities have a lot in common as far as activities, lots of kids, and even types of homes. We often get asked the same question: which one is better? Ladera Ranch or Talega?  Here's some highlights of the communities as far as:

MELLO ROOS: ok, so no one is a winner. Both communities have mello-roos and the amounts paid by the home owners differ even within the same communities (there's different factors involved). But let's just say they both have them, and both are high. 

Amenities: Both Ladera Ranch and Talega have pools, neighborhood parks and community activities. Ladera Ranch does have more parks…

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ladera_ranch_foreclosures_homesLadera 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…

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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…

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nellie_gail_christmas_lightsWith the kids out of school, we are always looking for something to do. This year we made it a point to go out every night and look for the best Christmas lights in South Orange County. The tradition of Christmas Lights dates back to the middle of the 17th century in Germany.  Over the next two centuries the magic of Christmas Lights spread through Eastern Europe then to the rest of the world.  Candles were originally used, followed by lanterns and then on to electricity.  In 1882 Edward Johnson lit a Christmas tree in New York City by creating the first string of electric Christmas Lights.  In Just 20 years department stores began using Christmas Lights for their holiday displays.

I must say that when you are actually looking for the best, the…

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Ladera Ranch is one of those dreamy communities when it comes to holiday activities, home decorating, and family fun. Indeed, this ladera_ranch_holiday_winnerpast weekend, we visited the community when they were holding their annual Tree Lightning. What a blast!

Driving around and experiencing all of these Ladera Ranch homes decorations, reminded me how much I love this time of the year. Some of the neighborhoods even have their own theme, or have put similar decorations around the 'village' they belong to, as part as the festivities.

What a great way to experience what this community and potential place to call home can be all about, plus opportunities to meet neighbors and get inside information about the communities ! Here's some upcoming events:

December 10th - Live…

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