“ABSENTEE BUYERS AT A RECORD HIGH”

Investors bump up region’s sales. Investors and some second-home purchasers – accounted for a record-high proportion of home buyers in the region: 26.8 percent.

“HOUSE SHOPPERS GET BUSY EARLY”

Orange County’s housing market started the year quickly. The number of new pending sales over the prior month is up 13 % vs. 2011.

In two weeks, demand increased by 24 %.

‎2012 Homebuying Starts off Hot

Newport Beach-based brokerage Surterre Properties says 2012 is off to a hot start.

It recorded $120 million in escrow openings at all its offices in January. That compares to $67 million a year earlier — a 79 percent increase.

The early-year spurt follows a 2011 when the brokerage says it was the top real estate firm in key Orange County coastal markets last year.

Citing a study by Rick Schreiber, Surterre says:

It’s Newport Beach office handled deals worth $596 million in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar and Newport Coast last year vs. $328 million by “the nearest competitive real estate office for the areas.” In Laguna Beach for 2011, Surterre recorded $146 million in homes moved vs. $133 million for the top competitor.

Surterre CEO Gary Legrand: “Our firm continues to grow despite the challenging market. The Schreiber report shows our dominant share of Orange County’s coastal market and validates the success of our business model.”

For all of 2011, all of Surterre handled $1.1 billion in real estate — off $100 million from its record 2010 transaction volume. Countywide, DataQuick says the number of resale homes and condos sold fell 4 percent.

Legrand adds: “I’m extremely proud of what we were able to accomplish (in 2011.) Our core focus was to invest in the future by providing best-in-market support for our agents, including 40 support staff, expanding our in-house advertising studio, launching an international marketing campaign and developing a cutting-edge mobile marketing program. All this allowed us to grow our business by more than 34 percent, recruiting 80 new agents, and increase our overall market share.”

23 Merano, Laguna Niguel CA

Short Sale

$529,900

GORGEOUS MARINA HILLS VIEW HOME!!! TURNKEY!!! HUGE PREMIUM LOT!!! Located On A Quiet, Single Loaded Cul-De-Sac, In A Highly Desirable Community & Boasts A Huge Flat-Level, Corner Lot, One Of The Largest In Marina Hills. Upgraded Throughout Including Tuscan Tile Floors, Plantation Shutters, Recessed Lighting, A Completely Upgraded Kitchen With Large Tiled Counters & Backsplash, A Breakfast Bar With Seating For 4, A Breakfast Nook, A Pantry, & Matching Stainless Appliances. The Inviting Living Area Boasts Vaulted Ceilings, A Cozy Fireplace And Access To The Patio Area. The Sumptuous Master Suite Has Vaulted Ceilings, French Doors Opening To The Back Patio/Yard, & A Custom Master Bath With A Gorgeous Vanity & A Huge Jetted Soaking Tub. The Amazing Backyard Is Perfect For Entertaining & Has A Jacuzzi/Spa, A HUGE Lanai & Built In BBQ Area With A Bar, Wine Cooler, Fridge, And Warming Drawers. Relax At The Fire Pit With Beach Like Atmosphere Including Sand Area And Chiseled Stone Seating.

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“REPORT SHOWS DISTRESSED HOMES ARE SELLING FAST”

“REPORT SHOWS DISTRESSED HOMES ARE SELLING FAST”

There is actually a foreclosure “shortage” in Orange County. The Orange County market that appears sluggish has distressed properties selling fast.

Distressed properties are selling 1.7 times faster than non-distressed. 95 of the listed O.C homes distressed homes are over $1 million. The distressed inventory represents 37% of the active inventory.

Seal Beach had the lowest level of distressed listings at 3.9% followed by Corona Del mar at 5.1%.

Renting v. Buying

“TRENDS”

In 2011 apartment rents nationwide rose 4.1%. Only 6.5% of units were vacant in 2011 vs. 6.9% in 2010.

O.C. apartment rents increased 5.8% in the fourth quarter, the fourth-biggest gain among 26 California metro areas

With Rent on the Rise it is now so much cheaper to buy a home in Southern California v. Renting.

We have been working with lots of First Time Home Buyers Recently. Don’t Forget that you can always be gifted the money for a down payment. If you want me to run numbers for you on renting v. buying please feel free to ask. And lets not forget that with being a homeowner you also get to use it as a tax write off !!!

160 St Anns Dr, Laguna Beach CA

Standard Sale

$16,900,000

Set against the crashing waves of one of Laguna s best-kept secrets St. Ann s Beach this breathtaking compound residence features four individual homes, each offering views that rival those of the world s most exclusive resorts. From the sun-drenched sand below to the picturesque sunsets that paint the sky each night, this one-of-a kind living experience marks the opportunity to invest in a lifestyle as lavish as it is serene. Perched on what s essentially a tandem, double sized lot, these four complete living spaces comprise one cohesive estate, and were designed not only for the utmost utilization of their waterfront position, but for a level of privacy and seclusion rarely associated with beach living.Designed by McClean and built by the industry-renowned Gallo Construction, each of these residences features fixtures by Waterworks, Sub-Zero refrigerators, and Wolf Ranges.Extensive use of limestone (both inside and outside) along with custommahogany windows and doors.

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