BLOG

3119 Corte Portofino in Newport Beach has been sold!

Sep 10, 2014 | Homes

3119 Corte Portofino | Elegance, grace and comfort come together in this beautifully renovated home in the resort-style community of Newport Canyon. Upon entry you will be captured by the elegance found within the open floor plan.  This 2,227 square foot home features 3 bedrooms plus an office, a gourmet kitchen with top amenities, including Viking Designer Series appliances, custom cabinets, Silestone counters, and recessed lighting.  The floors are finished in plush carpeting, blue limestone, and engineered hardwood throughout.  The grace of the living and family rooms are each enhanced by marble surrounded fireplaces and natural light that radiates through the many windows. A private haven, the master suite maximizes views of the Back Bay and boasts an en suite bathroom complimented by custom cabinets, Carrera marble counters, and a large walk-in closet.  A nearby office can easily be converted to a 4th bedroom for larger families. The grace of the outside grounds includes a pool-sized backyard, patio area, mature landscaping and lush lawns. You’ll be enthralled with community location and amenities, which include a 24-hour guarded gate, an ideal locale near biking and walking trails, world-class shopping and entertainments. This home is the very definition of coastal elegance and... read more

Lido Isle Living Room

Sep 10, 2014 | Homes

Check out this beautiful living room at 108 Via Havre in Newport Beach. It features blue limestone flooring, a Calacatta marble single slab fireplace and opens to the courtyard with a pool for the perfect indoor/outdoor living... read more

Events in Orange County | September 2014

Sep 8, 2014 | Events

  Summer is coming to a close but there are still plenty of events and things to do around Orange County this September 2014. Here are some of the best events going on this month so get out your calendar and start adding these important dates! OC Brew Ha Ha Saturday September 6th at Oak Canyon Park the OC Brew Ha Ha craft beer festival will bring together over 175 craft and import beers from 70 breweries across Southern California. The price of entrance gets you unlimited tastings, free soda and water and live entertainment. General admission is $45 and VIP is $60 which will get you a commemorative glass, an extra hour of tasting and some special treatment. There will also be a cigar booth and lounge if that’s what you’re into. Beer appreciation seminars will be held during the event by experts to teach you more about the craft (get it?) of making and enjoying great beer. Plus there will be tons of food trucks so you can get your snack on between draughts. Check out all the details at http://www.ocbrewhaha.com/. Oktoberfest in Huntington Beach That’s right, this month long event starts Sunday September 14th at the Old World German Restaurant in Huntington Beach. Located right next to the Bella Terra shopping center, Old World has been holding Oktoberfest celebrations for 36 years. Festivities include German beers, brats, an Oktoberfest parade, and Oom Pa Pah bands. And the celebrations aren’t just for those over 21, every Sunday Old World hosts Kinderfest – Octoberfest for the whole family! Activities include carnival games, a bouncy house and Dachshund dog races. Visit http://www.oldworld.ws/oktoberfest-orange-county.html for more... read more

18 Salvatore in Ladera Ranch is on the market!

Aug 28, 2014 | Homes

18 Salvatore, Ladera Ranch | Nestled in the exclusive neighborhood of Covenant Hills this private, ground level single story town home offers the feel and privacy of a single family, detached home. It is enhanced by the pristine views of the community and surrounding hills. Revel in the gourmet kitchen’s luxury, culinary accouterments; granite counters and backsplash, Merlot maple cabinets, and stainless steel appliances including a Thermadore Professional range top. The open kitchen, dining room and living room extend the entertainment options. Taking full advantage of the picturesque views, the backyard is secluded featuring numerous fruit trees and flagstone patio for entertaining. The master suite features two sets of French doors leading to the backyard, walk- in closet and master bath with tile counters and backsplash, Merlot maple cabinets, tile shower and sunken tub. Additional features found throughout include hardwood floors, recessed lighting, stone fireplace and an abundance of windows that radiate natural light. The home provides an impressive backdrop to Covenant Hills’ amenities including five distinctive village clubhouses that feature pools, gardens, water play parks, tennis courts, tot lots, barbecues, picnic areas, outdoor fireplace and a skate park. The beauty of this home is matched by the security and exclusivity provided by the community walls that surround... read more

Sneak Peek

Aug 27, 2014 | Homes

Here’s a sneak peek of the view from our new listing in Ladera Ranch. It will be on the market in just a few... read more

7 Steps to Buying New Construction in Orange County

Aug 25, 2014 | Buyers, Homes

  Buying a house can a long and complicated process and when it comes to buying new construction in Orange County, there are some extra steps to consider in the process. Purchasing a newly constructed home has its pros and cons but if you’ve decided it’s right for you then it’s time to learn about the process from finding the perfect community to move in day. If you’re interested in purchasing new construction in Orange County then it’s time you learned what steps to take. 1. Get a buyer’s agent Buying new construction anywhere can be tricky so the best place to start is with a great agent. Builders have sales agents that will help you through the process but ultimately they are paid by the builder to keep their company’s interests in mind at all times. A buyer’s agent representing you will save you money, hassle and always keep your interests ahead of the builder’s. Traditionally a buyer’s agent is paid by the seller. When it comes to buying new construction you may have to directly pay your agent but you can add that fee to the sales price. This ultimately is worth it because a good agent can you save you thousands more than their commission is worth by negotiating lot prices and securing you credits at the design center. 2. Scope out your choices The first thing to do when searching new homes for sale in Orange County, California is of course to figure out which city or area is the best fit for you and your family. New home developments in Orange County are gaining steam now that the market... read more

Buying New Vs. Older Home: Here’s How To Decide

Aug 21, 2014 | Buyers

You might be asking yourself, should I buy a new home or old home? With so many things to take into consideration when choosing a house like distance from work and family, community feel and home layout, answering the question new or older can help narrow your choices and give your search focus. And with so many new homes being built right here in Southern California, your options have just expanded! I’ve broken down the advantages for both new and “used” homes so that your decision is fully informed. Some facts about new homes might surprise you… New Home Advantages: • Everything is brand new. You have peace of mind knowing no one has used the shower before or walked on the carpet in your new bedroom. It’s even got that new home smell. • A large master suite. Builders are putting more emphasis on making lavish master bedrooms for home buyers than they used to. Older homes have bedrooms which are all about the same size, varying little from master suit to guest room. • Warranty. Each builder will offer a different warranty, some better than others, but they put your mind at ease when investing in a new home. Warranties are typically offered in one, two or ten year increments and each cover different things like labor and materials, mechanical problems, and structural defects.  Make sure you read your contract thoroughly so you know what your basic maintenance obligations are as a homeowner and what the builders will fix or replace when the time comes. • Open layout. New homes are getting bigger and the space isn’t wasted on secluded formal... read more

FICO Scores, Credit Reports and Mortgages Oh My!

Aug 19, 2014 | Buyers

When it comes to securing a mortgage it’s important to understand your FICO score, where it comes from and most importantly, what score you need to qualify for a home loan. Here’s a complete breakdown of FICO scores, how they affect your credit report and an exact breakdown of what credit score you need to qualify for a mortgage. To learn more about the application, about the 4 easy steps to getting a mortgage loan. What is a FICO score? Your FICO score is a number that represents your reliability and creditworthiness – how likely you are to pay back your debts if you borrow from a lender. The FICO score is a credit score, the most widely used in fact in the U.S. FICO = Credit Score How is a FICO score generated? Loan officers and real estate financial advisors have access to mortgage underwriting systems. First you will run your credit through 3 credit repositories: Experian, Equifax and Tansunion (you can run these credit reports for free online). If you need to improve your credit score try these 9 simple tips. Here’s how these respositories come up with your FICO score: 35% – Payment History The largest portion of your FICO score is determined from whether or not you have “derogatory information” in your credit history. Bankruptcy, late payments, foreclosures, etc. will lower your FICO score. 30% – Debt Burden This is most commonly known as your debt-to-income ratio. The lender is looking at how much income you bring in and the amount of money you owe on credit accounts currently. There are a lot of other little pieces that play into this part... read more

4 Easy Steps to Getting a Mortgage Loan

Aug 14, 2014 | Buyers

  Whether you’re buying your first house or moving up to a bigger and better one, chances are you’re going to need a mortgage. That’s why securing a mortgage and getting your finances in order is the first step for any buyer. Where exactly do you start? Well when I started writing this piece I went straight to the source – real estate financial advisor and expert Renee Wiginton. Renee works with a First Team affiliate company helping buyers find the perfect mortgage loan to fit their needs. So what’s the first step for any buyer to getting a mortgage? Same as mine – start talking with the person who knows it all! 1. Consult with a real estate financial advisor The first person you want to speak with is an experienced real estate financial advisor (some call themselves loan officers).  A financial advisor will counsel buyers on tailoring the perfect loan to fit their specific lifestyle and situation. The reason you need to start with a real estate financial expert is because only they have access to the underwriting systems you need to officially and accurately determine once and for all what type of mortgage you will qualify for. Make it easier: The best way to find a trustworthy financial advisor is to get a referral from a real estate agent. If you’re a first-time buyer you will have a lot of questions and a buyer’s agent is the perfect person to answer all of them and connect you with all the help you need throughout the buying process (financial professionals, tax specialists, service contractors, etc.) 2. Get Pre-Approved For... read more

9 Ways To Improve Your Credit Score

Aug 11, 2014 | Buyers

Potential home buyers will find that their credit score starts to get a lot of attention as they start looking to buy a home. Lenders use this number as a way to figure out what loans and interest rates home buyers will qualify for. While the best way to have good credit is to maintain it from the beginning of your credit history, that is not always possible. Mistakes, unexpected financial burdens, and other surprises can bring your credit score down. Luckily there are ways to improve your score if it is less than satisfactory. Because credit scores are based on credit history, dramatically improving your credit takes time. That said, there are ways to see immediate results. If your credit score is low and your want to improve it both sooner and later, follow these 9 tips to improve your credit score. 1. Improve your credit utilization ratio. Credit utilization ratio is the percentage you are using of your available credit and has a major impact on your credit score. When you using a high percentage of your available credit you become a high risk for lenders. Improve your credit score by either paying off the card with the highest credit utilization ratio or by calling your credit card company and asking for an increase in your credit limit. If you have two cards, one with a limit of $4,000 and balance of $1,200 and the second with a limit of $1,200 and a balance of $800, it will improve your credit most to pay the second card or to have the limit increased. This will show up... read more

10 Tips for Moving With Pets

Jul 29, 2014 | Buyers

Pets are a part of the family and so it’s important to take our furry friends into consideration when it’s time to move. Here is a list of the top 10 tips for moving with pets to help keep you organized and make sure nothing is forgotten in the process. Follow along for a seamless home transition for you AND your pet. 1. Prepare your pet for the big move. Your pet is going to be overwhelmed by moving – leaving behind their territory for a place that new and unfamiliar. Not to mention their surroundings are going to be in flux and changing as you start packing up and boxing all of your belongings. Take it slow and introduce the change slowly to your pets by doing your packing in increments. Also, keep your pets in the room you plan to pack last. That way they feel safe and aren’t in your way while you’re running busy getting everything together and moved out. 2. Take a visit to the vet.  There are a lot of logistical things to get in order when it comes to moving your pet and you’ve got to make a trip to the vet to get a lot of it done. Because you’re moving, you’ll need to find a new vet and the best way to find one is to ask your current doctor for a referral. For the office change you will  need to get a copy of your pet’s vaccination records and more. You’ll also want to stock up on all prescriptions so you’re set for the move. It might be a while until... read more

4 Easy Ways To Liven Up Your Patio This Summer

Jul 24, 2014 | Homes

Summer’s here and if you’ve got a patio or backyard space it’s time to breath some new life and fun into it. We don’t all have the budget for a brand new patio furniture set or designer landscaping but there are plenty of additions and redesigns you can do yourself to liven up any outdoor space. Here are 4 quick and easy design ideas to make your patio or backyard the tranquil paradise you know it can be.   Add lights Lights are simple and easy and the best way to pretty up your backyard or patio space. Outdoor lighting is romantic, practical and just plain beautiful. There are several different ways to set your mood lighting so pick whichever you like best. Here are a few ideas. Lanterns – These paper lanterns are a really fun way to incorporate light and a cute design into your patio. They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors so Candles (just don’t leave them unattended!) – Candles for your outdoor space are best when you have a protective holder like this one to keep the wind from blowing them out. String lights – There are plenty to choose from but no matter what you can’t go wrong. You can even save yourself some money and simply reuse your Christmas lights that are just collecting dust this time of year in the garage. Plant a container garden A true garden takes a lot of time and effort to prepare and maintain. However planting a container garden is a fun and easy way to do a bit of gardening without having to deal with a lawn to mow or... read more

21 San Simon in Rancho Santa Margarita has been sold!

Jul 24, 2014 | Homes

21 San Simon, Rancho Santa Margarita | Gorgeous Arroyo Oaks home with mountain views. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath private home is located at the end of a cul-de-sac that boasts views of the Saddleback Mountains. The light and bright foyer opens to marble floors, vaulted ceilings, a grand staircase, and the formal living room and dining room. The updated kitchen boasts rare river stone granite counter tops, white subway tile backsplash, white custom cabinets, breakfast bar, recessed lighting and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen is open to the family room which features a stacked stone fireplace, custom granite hearth and sliding glass door opening to the backyard. The private backyard backs to a hill and the covered patio is a great place for entertaining. The entire upstairs features bamboo wood floors. The master bedroom features a ceiling fan, a walk in closet and master bath with a dual vanity, frameless glass travertine shower and a large Jacuzzi soaking tub. Downstairs is lavished with new carpet, half bath with custom vanity, indoor laundry room and a finished attached garage with built-in cabinets, checkered flooring and efficient tankless water heater. The community amenities include a lush neighborhood park with playground, basketball court, sand volleyball court, pool and... read more

Anatomy of a Mortgage Loan

Jul 15, 2014 | Buyers

Before you get a mortgage loan you need to know the basics of what it actually is, that’s why we put together this crash course in the anatomy of a mortgage loan. We’re going to cover the basic definitions of some common terms you’ll run into, the actual break down of what you pay each month for your mortgage and then go into some of the most popular types of mortgages for homebuyers. Terms and Definitions When you are trying to secure a mortgage loan from a lender these are the mortgage components you’ll need to know about: Interest rates – An interest rate is the percentage of your loan amount the lender charges you to borrow the money to buy your house. Interest rates are based on: market conditions, your credit score, the size of your down payment and the type of mortgage you get. Appraisal – This is a written report by an expert that pin points a value for your property based on comparable homes in the area, and it’s characteristics. You will need to get an appraisal on your new home that will determine whether or not your property is worth the amount of the loan you’re trying to get from the bank. Discount points –One point equals 1% of your mortgage amount. If you qualify then you have the option to pay one or more points in order to lower your interest rate. These points are commonly tax deductable. Debt–to-income ratio – A formula lenders use to determine the loan amount you qualify for. How much income you have vs. how much you’re already paying in current debts... read more

Which Is Better For First-Time Home Buyers: FHA Or Conventional Loan?

Jul 7, 2014 | Buyers

If you’re a first-time home buyer then one of big decisions (and the first) you will need to make is what kind of mortgage you want. Before choosing things like fixed-rates or ARMs, you need to decide if you will get a conventional or FHA loan. What’s the difference? Well let’s break it down for you. What is an FHA Loan? An FHA loan is a mortgage loan that is backed or insured by the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) which is a government agency. The way it works is the federal government insures loans for approved lenders to reduce the risk of loss if a homeowner/ borrower defaults on their mortgage. FHA loans are easier to get than other loans because they are available for buyers with less than perfect credit and there are low down payment options. What is a Conventional Loan? A conventional loan is everything else. A conventional loan is not insured by the federal government and also known as a conforming mortgage. These mortgages adhere to the guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and can have either a fixed or adjustable rate. Conventional home loans typically require a larger down payment however they differ from lender to lender. Recently there have been regulation changes geared at helping first-time buyers more easily obtain mortgages as well which is good news for buyers interested in conventional loans. Renee Wiginton, experienced financial advisor with First Team, helped put together this helpful chart for home buyers and their agents to better understand the differences in price between FHA and conventional loans. Renee works with real estate agents and their buyers... read more

5 Common Mortgages for Home Buyers

Jul 3, 2014 | Buyers

Financing your home purchase is the most important part of buying a home. The mortgage you decide on will influence your financial life for many years to come. Before looking into your mortgaging options, assess your finances. How much can you put down as a deposit? How much can you afford to pay monthly? Take into consideration job stability, taxes, insurance, and utilities. Work with your agent to make sure you are taking a realistic approach toward your finances. Once you know your budget, it’s time to decide on a mortgage that works with you. Below are 6 common mortgage plans for home buyers. 1. Fixed Rate Mortgage This mortgage is the most popular among home buyers because of its predictability. You have the option of 10-, 15-, 20-, or 30-year fixed rate mortgages, and sometimes even longer, with 30 years being the most common time frame. A fixed rate mortgage is ideal for home buyers with unchanging incomes. This mortgage can become frustrating when interest drop lower than the fixed rate but can feel very gratifying when they spike higher than the fixed rate. 2. Federal Housing Administration Loan Commonly known as an FHA loan, this mortgage option is ideal for first time home buyers because it only requires a 3.5% down payment. The loan is insured through mortgage insurance by the government and is therefore the application is more forgiving of past credit mistakes than other mortgage options. Most people will qualify for this loan. The only downside of the loan is that it is not very attractive to sellers because of the low down payment. 3.... read more

21 San Simon is in Escrow!

Jul 1, 2014 | Homes

21 San Simon, Rancho Santa Margarita | Gorgeous Arroyo Oaks home with mountain views. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath private home is located at the end of a cul-de-sac that boasts views of the Saddleback Mountains. The light and bright foyer opens to marble floors, vaulted ceilings, a grand staircase, and the formal living room and dining room. The updated kitchen boasts rare river stone granite counter tops, white subway tile backsplash, white custom cabinets, breakfast bar, recessed lighting and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen is open to the family room which features a stacked stone fireplace, custom granite hearth and sliding glass door opening to the backyard. The private backyard backs to a hill and the covered patio is a great place for entertaining. The entire upstairs features bamboo wood floors. The master bedroom features a ceiling fan, a walk in closet and master bath with a dual vanity, frameless glass travertine shower and a large Jacuzzi soaking tub. Downstairs is lavished with new carpet, half bath with custom vanity, indoor laundry room and a finished attached garage with built-in cabinets, checkered flooring and efficient tankless water heater. The community amenities include a lush neighborhood park with playground, basketball court, sand volleyball court, pool and... read more

Should You Buy Into A Homeowners Association? What You Need To Know About HOAs

Jun 27, 2014 | Buyers, Homeowners, Homes

According to Zillow, roughly 20-30% of all home buyers purchase properties within homeowners associations. That means if you’re looking to buy, you need to know the facts and decide whether or not owning a property in an HOA community is worth the price. What is a homeowners association? An HOA is an organization in a residential community that creates and enforces rules for all properties in the development. HOAs can be associated with condominiums, town houses or could be a single-family home community or private neighborhood. HOAs are very common among Irvine homes for sale and other communities in South Orange County. HOA rules can govern everything from parking restrictions and storage usage to architectural and design guidelines. HOA fees on average range from $200 – $400 a month. What do HOA dues pay for? The homeowners association collects monthly or annual dues which pay for community areas and amenities like parks, sport courts, swimming pools and street signs. Keep in mind that every homeowners association is different. Some are voluntary but most are mandatory and some are picky about what the members do with their properties while others are more laid back. Pros and Cons of HOAs Pros: The homeowners association pays for common areas like swimming pools, sport courts, parks and clubhouses. That means you get to enjoy a pool without having to clean it and keep an eye on chlorine levels and enjoy a semi private playground or garden without the hassle of maintenance. Some HOAs offer services like lawn maintenance to keep the neighborhood looking good 24/7. You don’t have to hire someone yourself and your... read more