Buying a Co-Op property in Laguna Woods CA

Posted on May 25, 2023. Filed under: Buying a Co-Op, Orange County Real Estate, Senior Communities | Tags: , , , , , |

Laguna Woods, California is a popular community located in Orange County, known for its mild climate, scenic views, and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. If you’re considering purchasing a property in Laguna Woods, cooperative ownership is a popular option. However, there are important things to know before buying a co-op property in Laguna Woods.

One of the key things to know is that co-op properties in Laguna Woods must be purchased with all cash, as there are currently no loans available for stock cooperatives. This means that you’ll need to have the necessary funds available to complete the purchase and show proper proof of funds (POF).

In addition, it’s important to note that Laguna Woods Village has a strict leasing process. Buying a co-op property purely as an investment property may not align with the community’s preferences and guidelines. It’s important to understand and respect the community’s emphasis on owner-occupied residences.

Another important consideration when buying a co-op property in Laguna Woods is the higher HOA fees. However, co-op properties include your water, trash, and basic cable, which can make expenses lower overall. It’s important to factor in these fees when calculating your budget for purchasing and owning a co-op property.

When you first buy a co-op property in Laguna Woods, you’re not buying property, you’re technically buying stock in the cooperative corporation. This can make pricing more difficult to determine, as there are no tax records for the co-ops. It’s to connect with a real estate team like ours who know Laguna Woods & can guide you through the buying process.

Additionally, there are certain gate access and other nuances that an experienced agent will be familiar with, both inside and outside the gates.

It’s also important to note that if you want to do upgrades on your co-op in Laguna Woods, the previous owner may have ‘upgraded’ you out of their system. This means that almost every item from appliances to flooring is covered by the corporation that owns the co-op, but if you upgrade outside of the approved basics, it voids that item out of the umbrella of coverage. Disclosing any upgrades appropriately when buying or selling is important.

Laguna Woods offers docent tours which are a smart idea to take if you’re considering moving to the community, and book up well in advance, so plan accordingly. These tours showcase the community’s clubhouses, pools, clubs, amenities, and golf courses, all of which are a big draw for many buyers.

Laguna Woods Village is also a community that many out-of-state children are considering for their aging parents, so understanding the ins and outs of Laguna Woods co-op ownership can be helpful.

Buying a co-op property in Laguna Woods can be a great option for those looking for an affordable and community-oriented housing option. By understanding:

  • the income
  • financial requirements
  • HOA fees
  • stock ownership structure
  • nuances of upgrades and disclosures
  • taking a docent tour of the community

You’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about whether a co-op property in Laguna Woods is right for you.

If you’re ready to start your search for Laguna Woods properties, click here to explore available listings. You can always reach out to Angie at 949-338-7408 who can guide you through the buying process. Contact her today or comment below to learn more about available properties and to start your journey to owning a home in Laguna Woods.

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The Emotional Roller Coaster of Buying a Home

Posted on May 18, 2023. Filed under: First Time Buyer help | Tags: , , , |

Buying a home is a major life event that can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. The process can take months, and it’s not uncommon for homebuyers to experience a range of emotions along the way. In this blog, we’ll explore the emotional roller coaster of buying a home and offer some tips on how to manage the ups and downs.

Desire

The desire to have a better place, a new chapter in life, or more or less space can be a powerful motivator for homebuyers. It is the starting point of the home-buying journey and is often accompanied by feelings of excitement and anticipation.

Excitement

“Excited to finally own my own home! Can’t wait to create my own space and see what this new adventure brings.” The home-buying process often starts with excitement. You’ve decided to take the leap and buy a home, and the possibilities seem endless. You start browsing online listings, imagining yourself living in the different homes you see. You may start to envision your future in your new home, from hosting dinner parties to raising a family.

Anxiety

“Will I be able to pay my payments & still eat?” As you start to seriously consider buying a home, anxiety can set in. You may worry about whether you can afford the homes you like, whether you’ll be able to find a home in a desirable neighborhood, and whether you’ll be able to secure financing. You may also worry about whether you’re making the right decision, and whether you’ll be happy with your choice in the long term.

Frustration

“This is so frustrating! Every home I like is either too expensive or already taken. And the whole process is taking forever! I had no idea it would be this complicated.” As you start to view homes in person and make offers, you may experience frustration. You may find that the homes you like are out of your price range or have already been sold. You may also find that the home-buying process is more complicated and time-consuming than you anticipated.

Doubt

“I could never buy my own place” As you start the process of buying a home, doubts can start to creep in, and you might question whether you can afford to buy your own place. This feeling of doubt can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel discouraged.

Exposed

“Damn I’m in the financial fishbowl with this preapproval” After you have been pre-approved for a loan, you might feel like you are in a financial fishbowl. You have to share all your financial information with the lender, and this can make you feel exposed and vulnerable.

Disappointment

“Nothing in my price range” As you continue searching for homes, you might find that nothing is within your price range. This can lead to feelings of disappointment and frustration.

Hope

“Wow found a keeper!” Finally, you find a house that you love, and it’s within your budget. This feeling of hope can be exhilarating, and you might start to feel like you’re getting closer to achieving your dream.

Despair

“Keeper thought my offer was a loser” Your hopes can come crashing down if the seller doesn’t accept your offer. This feeling of despair can be crushing, and you might start to wonder if you’ll ever find the right house.

Fear

“Might have to pay over my budget and comfort zone for what I want” If you do find the right house, you might have to pay more than you’re comfortable with. This feeling of fear can be overwhelming, and you might start to wonder if you’re making the right decision.

Determination

“I found the one I wanted and I’m getting it this time” Despite the fear, you might find yourself determined to get the house you want. This feeling of determination can be powerful and can help you overcome any obstacles that come your way.

Elation

“I can’t believe it! My offer was accepted and I’m going to be a homeowner!” When you finally find the perfect home and your offer is accepted, you’ll likely experience a wave of elation. You’ll feel relieved that the search is over, excited about your new home, and proud that you were able to secure it.

Spiritual

“Praying for the sellers to accept my offer. Praying I’m not making a bad investment. Praying I’m being a good steward.” As the home-buying process becomes more intense, you might find yourself turning to spirituality for guidance and support.

Terror

“Omg, my bank account is leaving me” Elation can quickly turn to terror when you realize how much money you’re about to spend. This feeling of terror can be intense, and sometimes this causes to wonder if you’re making a mistake.

Lost

“What am I even doing? How am I going to actually DO this? So many moving parts.” As you continue through navigate the home-buying process, you might feel lost and overwhelmed. There are so many moving parts, and it can be difficult to know what to do next. This is where a support network of quality professionals, including your Realtor, come in helpful. Indignant say lender or seller.

Indignant

“The lender wants what from me? Are you serious?” At times, you might feel indignant about the demands the lender is making. This feeling of indignation can be frustrating, and you might start to wonder if you’re being taken advantage of.

Sad

“The inspector called my baby ugly, and now all I can think about are the flaws.” Sadness can often set in when the inspector points out flaws in your dream home. After all, you’ve spent months, maybe even years, searching for the perfect property, only to have someone else call your baby ugly. It can be tough to see past the issues and focus on the good things about the house.

Afraid

“I don’t know how to fix the issues with this place, and I’m already spending all my cash.” Fear can also be a constant companion when buying a home. You may worry that you don’t know how to fix the problems with the house, or that you’re spending all your hard-earned money on a property that isn’t perfect. The fear of the unknown can be overwhelming, leaving you wondering if you’re making the right decision.

Torn

“Should I spend all my money on a place that is far from perfect?” Feeling torn is another common emotion that many homebuyers experience. You may wonder if you should spend all your money on a property that’s far from perfect, or if you should keep looking for something better. It can be challenging to balance your desires with your budget and find the right compromise.

Hurt

“The seller won’t give me the credit I asked for” Hurt can also set in when the seller won’t give you the credit you asked for. It can feel like they’re not taking your needs into account, and it can be challenging to move forward when you feel like you’re not being heard.

Confused & Defensive

“Who should I call for quotes that are trustworthy?” Confusion and defensiveness can arise when trying to find trustworthy quotes for repairs and maintenance. With so many options out there, it can be challenging to know who to trust. You may feel like you’re constantly on the defensive, trying to protect yourself from being taken advantage of.

Annoyed

“Why is the appraisal back late? Why are the handyman quotes back so late or so high?” Annoyance is a common emotion when the appraisal or handyman quotes come back late or too high. It can be frustrating when things don’t go according to plan, and you’re left waiting for someone else to make a decision or provide information.

Exhausted

“I don’t feel like getting multiple quotes or scheduling more inspections or appointments. I already gave you that information, now you need it again?” Exhaustion can set in when you’re constantly getting multiple quotes, scheduling appointments, and providing information. It can feel like a never-ending cycle, leaving you feeling drained and frustrated.

Focused

“Ok…it’s just a few more things. I haven’t come this far to come this far. I got this.” However, despite all the challenges, it’s essential to remain focused on the end goal. You’ve come this far, and you can’t give up now. You have to keep pushing forward, even when things seem difficult.

Devastated

“I might not get the loan. I did everything they told me and now they want more.” Feeling devastated can be overwhelming when you think you might not get the loan. You may have done everything that’s been asked of you, only to be told that more is needed. It can feel like you’re hitting a brick wall, and there’s no way around it. This is why it is so important to go through the full loan approval process BEFORE opening up escrow.

Depressed

“Ugh, this isn’t happening and I wasted my time. I wasted my money. I wasted other people’s time.” Depression can set in when things aren’t going as planned. You may feel like you’re wasting your time and money, and that you’re letting other people down.

Pist off

“Why me? Everyone else seems to get a loan and their own place? Wtf?” Feeling pist off is another common emotion that many homebuyers experience. It can be frustrating when it seems like everyone else is getting a loan and their own place, and you’re left wondering why you’re having so much trouble.

Optimistic

“Wow a new option popped up and this may actually happen” But, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Feeling optimistic when a new option pops up can be a game-changer. Suddenly, everything seems possible again, and you’re filled with renewed hope.

Indifferent

“I’m mentally tired. Whatever happens at this point. So over it and totally afraid to be excited after all these bumps in the road.” Feeling indifferent can also be a coping mechanism when you’re mentally exhausted. It can be tough to get excited after all the bumps in the road, and you may feel like whatever happens, happens at this point.

Worried

“That is the most money I have ever wired out of my bank account. Ever. What if the wire doesn’t get there? What if I lose everything to cyber fraud??” Worry is another common emotion that many homebuyers experience when they wire the most significant amount of money they’ve ever wired out of their bank account.

Apprehension

“So much to do before closing and overwhelming. Worrying that something will go wrong and the deal will fall apart.” Once the initial excitement wears off, you may start to feel apprehensive. You’ll likely be faced with a long list of tasks to complete before closing, from scheduling inspections to securing financing. You may worry that something will go wrong and the deal will fall through.

Enthusiastic

“Yay they got the wire got there, I think this is actually happening!” You have been house hunting for months, and finally found the perfect home. You made an offer, went through the inspection process, and the financing was approved. Now, the wire has been received and you are filled with excitement. You are about to become a homeowner!

Empowered

“I DID it! We closed escrow! I bought a house!!” After all the hurdles you have faced, you finally closed the escrow and bought the house. You are filled with a sense of empowerment and pride in yourself. You did it! You bought a house!

Anticipation

“So many things I want to do to make it mine.” Now that you have a place of your own, you can’t wait to put your personal touch on it. You start to think about all the things you want to do to make it yours. Maybe a new coat of paint, new furniture, or landscaping the backyard. The anticipation of turning your house into a home is exhilarating.

Anxiety

“Will I be able to pay my payments & still eat?” As the first mortgage payment comes due, you start to feel a bit of anxiety. Will you be able to make the payments and still have enough money to live on? The fear of not being able to afford your dream home is nerve-wracking, but it motivates you to be smart with your money.

Relief

“It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders now that we’ve closed on our new home.” When you finally close on your new home, you’ll likely feel a sense of relief. The process is over, and you’ve successfully purchased a home. You can start planning your move and begin to settle into your new space.

Thankful

“I’m getting in the groove with my payments and property upgrades.” As time goes by, you become more comfortable with your new financial responsibilities. You are thankful for the stability and security that comes with owning a home. You also start to enjoy making property upgrades and see the value of your investment increase.

Grateful

“Love my new place.” As you settle into your new home, you feel grateful for all that it provides. You love the space, the community, and the memories that you are creating. You are grateful for the decision you made to invest in your future.

Fast forward 10 years…..

Satisfaction

“My equity has significantly increased and I’ve been paying down my mortgage.” After a decade of ownership, you are proud of the financial investment you have made. Your equity has significantly increased, and you have paid down your mortgage. Your home has become one of your biggest assets, and it provides a sense of security for your future.

Renewed

“I’m ready to ride this emotional roller coaster again for an investment that secures my family legacy.” With the success of your first home purchase, you are now ready to ride the emotional roller coaster again. You are eager to invest in another property that will secure your family’s legacy. The thrill of the home-buying process is calling, and you are ready to embark on a new adventure.

And so the cycle continues.

The emotional roller coaster of buying a home never ends. But with each ride, you become more experienced, more empowered, and more grateful for the opportunities that homeownership provides. Despite the ups and downs, owning a home is a life-changing experience that is worth every emotion.

Tips for Managing the Emotional Roller Coaster

The home-buying process can be overwhelming, but there are things you can do to manage your emotions along the way:

  1. Set realistic expectations. Understand that the home-buying process is rarely straightforward, and it’s normal to experience a range of emotions.
  2. Communicate with your real estate agent. Your agent can help you navigate the ups and downs of the process and provide guidance and support.
  3. Lean on your support system. Buying a home is a big decision, and it can be helpful to talk to friends and family members who have been through the process before.
  4. Take care of yourself. Self-care is important during any stressful time, and the home-buying process is no exception. Take breaks when you need to, eat healthy meals, exercise, and get plenty of rest.

Riding an emotional roller coaster when buying a home is a normal & natural part of the process. Remember you are not alone. By understanding that you’ll likely experience a range of emotions and taking steps to manage them, you can make the home-buying process more obtainable and enjoyable.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the emotional roller coaster of buying a home, remember that you’re not alone. We would love to hear about your own experience and how you were able to navigate the process with more ease. Please leave a comment below sharing your tips and tricks with the community. And don’t forget, if you need guidance through the process, you can always reach out to Angie at 949-338-7408, who can provide you with professional advice and support.

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The 2023 CA Housing Market Forecast: What You Need to Know

Posted on October 17, 2022. Filed under: Balanced Market, First Time Buyer help, Home Seller Tips, Homeownership, Informed Investor Alliance, Los Angeles property, Los Angeles Real Estate, Orange County Real Estate, Renting, Selling for top dollar, Selling your home fast | Tags: , , , , , , , |

The California housing market is always changing, and it’s important to stay ahead of the trends if you want to be successful on your real estate journey. That’s why we were so excited to have Jordan Levine, Chief Economist at C.A.R., give a can’t-miss forecast of the housing market for 2023 at the ReImagine conference last week.

This valuable data will provide insight into today’s pressing housing issues that may impact your equity and your largest investment in the future. It’s essential information for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve in California real estate!

Forecast: Chance of Rain in seller’s paradise

Our economy is getting hit with a lot right now, so it’s important to keep an eye out for the clouds! We just finished years of sunny skies in terms of equity and appreciation, but the buyers running after starved inventory have been a bit burnt out.. and now loan rates have hit them with a huge gust of wind on top of it.

Rates significantly affect affordability and mortgage payments – here’s an image that shows just how much.

Low low interest rates the last 10 years had allowed buyers to continually increase purchase prices, and still have an affordable payment. It looks like that trend is now dissolving, which brings cloudy skies to our CA real estate market. 

If you’re looking at the big picture, our 2022 Jan-June market was white hot, and 2021 had the highest volume of California home sales in an entire decade, over 450,000 homes were sold. 3 out of 4 homes sold over the asking price in 2021. The average days on the market was 7, when it’s historically 30-90 days. This type of supply & demand is not healthy, and it had to ‘simmer down’ eventually. Welp… here we are. We are catching our breath; including agents and lenders who have been pelted the last 2 years.

What Does This Mean for CA Buyers and Sellers?

If sellers are confused why buyers are now offering less than the asking price, the interest rate boost adds an additional $1600-1700 per month for the EXACT SAME HOME.

If buyers can’t qualify for the same amount as they could previously, that will affect our property prices. We are now at less than 20% of individuals in California who can afford a home. It’s not as bad as we have been, but it would still be nice if more people had homeownership as an option.

Warning: Rate pressure is building. Mortgage Rates might get worse.

Because rates may go even higher, its critical to price your homes right and maintain realistic expectations. Because every local market is different, what you see on national news is not necessary YOUR reality. And what you see in the newspapers… remember gloom & doom headlines sell, and the news needs subscriptions. Don’t get caught thinking Southern California prices are on a cliff, when we are just panting on the side of the road from exhaustion. Properly priced homes will always sell. 

A graph of California median home prices from 1968 – 2022. Note that although there are always dips, the slope of the line (aka equity & appreciation) is always positive.

Fact: The sky is not falling

It’s not projected we are heading into a foreclosure market. Homeowners still have over 122K average in wealth, and renters are no better than they were 40 years ago, with a 6K average net worth. The total net worth of consumers is down right now, so we should expect some pushback. Now is NOT the market for Brother in law effect…’my BIL said xyz’.  Now is the market to look to the true professionals and experts to guide you. The news outlets are also not experts. Active real estate agents and mortgage lenders are.

Forecast: What does the future for Orange County real estate look like?

Here’s a pic of Jordan’s best and worst case rate projections for the 2023 housing market in California.

Historically, our new rates are still low, and we should be looking at them as the new normal. According to multiple experts, we shouldn’t expect rates to go back down again in the near future. It’s still a great time to buy a home if you’re renting, and the renters were some of the most ignored in our previous market, so you will see them come back into the fray. Buyers who were at the cusp of affordability may unfortunately be priced out of the market, or they will be offering lower than asking price because they are literally chasing the property that was affordable with 6 month ago rates.

Sellers who listed 30-100K over the previous summer comps will likely have to reduce price or face their listing expiring. It’s a good idea to research sales in the community (comps) the last 90 days, and see what the median comp range is. Listing at the top of your comp range with the current market temperature could cause the home to sit frozen on the market. Not to worry though, properly priced homes in Southern California will always sell. Make sure you work with a seasoned professional and list at the right price from day 1, or you could suffer. Discount and ibuying brokerages don’t do well in this type of market – beware!

Many investors, seeing the writing on the wall with interest rates, are putting 1031 exchanges in motion, and adjusting portfolios accordingly. Some are tiring of strict Los Angeles rent control and housing regulations, and are opting to relocate investments to neighboring counties or even other states that don’t impress as many regulations or red tape.

If you’re curious about the range of your home’s worth, including short term and long term rental rate averages, click here: https://hmbt.co/TTNcDG – If you would like to receive monthly Orange County and Los Angeles real estate reports simply sign in to the link above for a free account – it’s that easy! Angie is only a call or text away if you would like a full broker price opinion on your home or investment property 949-338-7408.

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You’re Invited to Homeownership Day 2022 – Achieving Through Real Estate

Posted on January 17, 2022. Filed under: Accessory Dwelling Units, ADUs, AirBnB, Client Appreciation events, Conventional Loan, FHA loans, First Time Buyer help, Home Seller Tips, Homeownership, Homeownership Day, Informed Investor Alliance, International Properties, Lenders & Loan info, Making Life Easier, OC Home Fair, Orange County Real Estate, Property Mangement, Real Estate Stories, Renting, Selling for top dollar, VA Loan | Tags: , , , , , |

January is always an ideal time to circle back to our roots, to review our long term goals, and realign with our True North. It’s a fresh new year, and anything is possible. Many people are taking a look at what needs to change, and if 2021 is any indication, we are still switching up the way we live and work in light of all that’s happened the last couple years.

As we saw people quit their jobs and aspire for extraordinary things in the year of ‘The Great Resignation‘, we also saw a huge shift in housing needs and requirements. People ‘quit’ apartments & condos, and opted for single family homes with yards. Families upgraded living space, as employment and schools had extended virtual runs. Change is still happening everywhere, and home is at the center of it all.

Homeownership Day education has been opening doors for renters, homeowners, and investors for 10 years.

With so many people wanting a new environment at the same time, the demand for housing across the country reached record heights and the bidding wars began.

This is just one of the many reasons we offer Homeownership Day on a yearly basis; things always seem to be moving fast when it comes to housing, and it’s important to stay on top of the current trends to be most successful with your real estate.

Achieving Through Real Estate

The 2022 theme for Homeownership Day is ‘Achieving Through Real Estate’, and all are invited to this free virtual event on January 29th from 10am-1pm PST. Homeownership Day is designed to be inclusive for all humans – from renters curious if they can purchase property all the way through investors looking to sharpen skills and knowledge. Our program changes up each year so you aren’t hearing the same information, or outdated perspectives.

The program is brought to you in bite-sized 30 minute educational sessions, so you can get a variety of information on today’s important real estate topics. We know you’re busy, and this event is designed to bring about awareness and build relationships with the right community to accomplish your property goals.

Challenges in the recent market have been lack of inventory, bidding wars, discrimination, sharp price increases, loan / appraisal turnaround time, and more. Sessions for this year have been based around these challenges, and offer help to overcome today’s specific real estate market hurdles.

For this year’s specific sessions and offerings, click here:

https://homeownershipday.com/sessions/

If you’re looking to achieve great things with real estate, please join us and register:

Homeownership Day Online Event
January 29th, 2022
10am – 1pm PST

https://homeownershipday.com/sign-up/

Expect to be inspired with some innovative ideas and fresh perspectives. This is not your average real estate event.

In case you’re wondering, Homeownership Day will never try to pressure you into buying or selling real estate. The speakers have all agreed not to ‘pitch’; only to educate. This event is a public service that is put on through multiple outlets, so you’re never getting pigeon holed into the opinions of one particular corporation or company. Our speakers are industry experts, all hand selected with care, and our goal is YOUR success.

This year’s main sponsors are NAWRB & Vow2Save – both entities creatively serving the real estate ecosystem.

It’s my personal opinion that when we are all successful with real estate, we can focus on what is most important in life – the people and the places we love. If there’s a topic you would like to see covered at a future Homeownership Day event, please comment below so we can help you on your journey.

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5 Reasons to Have a ‘For Sale’ Sign in Your Yard!

Posted on August 30, 2021. Filed under: Home Seller Tips, Selling for top dollar, Selling your home fast | Tags: , , , , , , |

1. A For Sale sign will give your home more exposure! Exposure that online posting just can’t offer! Here are a few things that having a For Sale sign can do for you and your sale process! 

2. A For Sale sign can broaden the neighborhood boundaries that potential buyers may have not have considered yet. When potential buyers are scrolling through Zillow to search for potential new homes, they might restrict their online searches and not view any homes in your neighborhood. Having the sign in your front yard can attract potential buyers as they pass through the neighborhood. 

3. Your neighbors will know you are selling your home! If your neighbors are not in the market for a new home, they may not see that your home has become available. Your neighbors may share the house link with their friends or family who are in the market for a new home. Everyone wants good neighbors! 

4. A For Sale sign can provide potential buyers with a direct contact (your Realtor). If potential buyers come across your for sale house and have questions, they know who to contact with their questions. 

5. Many potential home buyers start their home search on Google, Zillow and other real estate search engines. Online searching is efficient and makes it easy to save your favorite homes. Having a For Sale sign in your yard will give potential buyers the opportunity to snap a photo of your home, the sign, and add it to their online searches later. 

Questions? Reach out to our team, we are here to help!

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Top 3 Stores in Orange County to Shop for Consignment Furniture 

Posted on August 18, 2021. Filed under: Home Improvement Ideas, Homeownership, OC Home Fair | Tags: , , |

Shopping for new home items can be so exciting! Filling a house with your unique furniture, decor and style is what makes a house feel like a home. Instead of filling your new home with items that all major furniture stores provide, consignment shopping allows you to design your home with unique, quality brand name pieces that are unique to your home. While you’re shopping for your home, you may even think of items you would like to consign! From furniture, to clothes, to just extra household items, you can consign your items before shopping for new! Check out our list of the top 3 stores in OC to shop for consignment furniture, based on personal reviews and experience. 

Home Consignment Center – Newport/Irvine

Located in Irvine, California – Home Consignment Center offers a variety of furniture: 

  • Accent tables
  • Home office furniture
  • Bedroom sets
  • Coffee tables
  • Patio furniture
  • Entertainment centers
  • Dining room furniture
  • Sofas
  • Armchairs

They accept all kinds of furniture, from expensive heirlooms to trendy homegoods. You can drop off your items or they can arrange for pick up. Find their website and more information here

Address: 18910 Teller Ave, Irvine, CA 92612

The Legacy Center Furniture 

Located in Costa Mesa, California – The Legacy Center Furniture store offers a variety of high end items. You can submit a quote of your items directly through their website here

Address: 2215 Harbor BlvdCosta Mesa, CA 92627United States

The Hunt Fine Consignment 

Located in Laguna Hills, California – The Hunt Fine Consignment offers a variety of design, architecture, age and intrigue. The Hunt loves stylish furnishings and items that are antique, new, vintage, unique or just decorative for homes. They take any kind of items. They also accept large volume consignments, abandoned containers, or business closings. 

For more information and to learn about the consignment items they have, view their website here

Address: 23461 Ridge Rte Dr suite a, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

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Where is YOUR happy place? Homeownership Day 2021 is going virtual, nationwide, & global.

Posted on December 23, 2020. Filed under: FHA loans, First Time Buyer help, Home Seller Tips, Homeownership, Homeownership Day, Informed Investor Alliance, International Properties, Los Angeles property, OC Home Fair, OC Property Management, Orange County Real Estate, Property Mangement, Real Estate Stories, Selling for top dollar, VA Loan | Tags: , , |

Hi friends!

Although 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, it has not been without some unexpected benefits. One of them is the new age of virtual employment, which has opened doors for so many to have an opportunity at homeownership. Individuals previously forced to rent in expensive urban areas are now free to move to a larger place, for less money, and have more options. We’re all about that – and Orange County Young Professionals Network is here to support your adventure!

Simple Solutions to Buying, Selling, & Investing in Real Estate

To that end, in 2021 YPN will do our annual Homeownership Day event virtually, and it won’t just be about investing in Southern California real estate. Instead, we’ll be offering local expert agent guidance in many popular cities across the United States, and actually the entire world.

If you haven’t looked at your home as an investment, or considered property as a path toward early retirement, we encourage you to attend the event on January 23, 2021 and look at your real estate in a new light. YES, it’s a place to thrive, to make memories, to customize your taste, to raise your family. But it can be so much more.

You can turn one property into a legacy, and that’s the session I teach & am passionate about. This year’s title is “Concepts to Become An Automatic Millionaire in Southern California & Beyond”; you can register for this 30 minute session by filling out the form below. I’ll educate you on a safe, secure, and timeless strategy for building up your real estate portfolio. These concepts don’t encourage you to stretch yourself too thin, take on a second job, or become a handyman; they are simple and easy to follow. And you can learn them in 30 minutes. I’ll tell you what – if you’ll just commit the time – I’m here to cheerlead you to the finish line.

Owning Property Can Change Your Future

As many of you know, I have been personally working on this strategy for over 15 years now! Because Real Estate is my full time job, we’ve taken it to the next level with vacation rentals, and the creation of Flower Den Retreats. I have found that owning property allows me to truly express myself, whether I’m creating art within, or dreaming up the next concept for a therapeutic space with the ones I love.

I want you to be able to flourish in your space too – are you? If you are, please comment what you love about your home below. Its fun to share our unique ideas 🙂 If you aren’t, fill out the form here and let’s get you on your way in 2021.

If you’re curious to hear what other previous attendees have to say, success stories, or info on the sessions we’ve held in the past, just subscribe to our YouTube Channel. We’ll be uploading new content on the regular. Here’s a video from a couple previous attendees who were able to buy a townhome with barely any money down, and now they are happily raising a family there.

Let Homeownership Day Lead You to Your Happy Place

Sometimes, change is good 🙂 To have a supportive tribe around you as you grow is so helpful, and that’s exactly what you’ll get out of Homeownership Day. Like minded people who want to learn and level up too. All the speakers are no-pressure, happy to answer questions, and excited to connect with you. The vibe of this event will be fresh, fun, educational, and there won’t be a single pitch. Promise. We’ll see you online Jan 23rd!

PS. If you know someone who should be presenting at this event, just connect us by emailing ochomefair@gmail.com & the committee will reach out to them – we love new angles of education and to connect with other professionals across the globe.

Homeownership Day 2021 Sign Up

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Buying Your First Home in California: How to Dig up Down Payment Funds

Posted on October 22, 2019. Filed under: Conventional Loan, FHA loans, First Time Buyer help, Foreclosure Assistance, Homeownership, Lenders & Loan info, Loan Advisor, Long Beach Homes, Los Angeles property, Los Angeles Real Estate, OC Home Fair, Orange County Real Estate, Real Estate Stories | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Angie & Hyepin Im, FACE FounderToday we’re spending a Saturday in Pomona at FACE LA’s Homebuying Fair – we met them through NAWRB and LOVE what these organizations stand for. FACE has compiled quite a few programs to help you with down payment funds, and have relationships with LOTS of generous banks who can help with lower interest rates, buy downs, silent seconds, and more. Sharing is caring…so read below to find some free down payment funds to get your family into a home!

Tip 1: Find a lender familiar with the Community Reinvestment Act, and align yourself with a housing non-profit like FACE.

 

There are literally programs EVERYWHERE. And they change on the regular. Don’t spend your precious time researching outdated internet options when you can meet someone face to face who will help you with free homeownership coaching and what’s available right now.

 

As of Oct 2019, when we’re writing this post, we wanted to include some snippets on current programs that could help you close the gap to your down payment goal.

 

Tip 2: Explore Down Payment Programs & properly prepare to buy a home with education

 

In LA for example there are LIPA & MIPA . The LIPA or low income purchase assistance program offers 90K in down payment funds. The MIPA or moderate income purchase assistance program offers 60K, which goes a long way even in Los Angeles.

 

Businesspeople Giving High Five In OfficeThese purchase programs (and many others) have some caveats. The home must be your primary residence, and you must pass a homebuyer education class (approx 8 hours). Did you know taking homebuyer education classes before you buy make you 30% less likely to go into foreclosure? This is why many city, bank, and state programs will require you take one before receiving funds. Everyone wants you to succeed in your homeownership venture, so there are milestones like this in place to set you up to win.

 

If you don’t like the CITY of Los Angeles traffic, maybe the County of LA’s 75K down payment program would be a better fit for you.  This program offers a second Trust Deed loan provided at 0% interest with all payments deferred until sale, transfer, refinancing, no longer owner-occupied, or full repayment of the first mortgage. HOP (Home Ownership Program) loans are available to first-time homebuyers in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and cities participating in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Urban County Program.

 

Maybe Los Angeles isn’t your thing at all….no worries!! CALHFA works all across the state of California for low and moderate income first time homebuyers. They finance almost everything when it comes to costs…down payment AND closing costs. You can literally close with $300 out of pocket. Yup. Read again. We’ve seen it. In OC!!!! Their requirements include 660 credit, owner occupied, and a homebuyer education class. The price cap is currently 765K.

 

The homebuyer fair today was in City of Pomona, and Pomona offers a fabulous down payment program (MAP) up to 100K! This city has some adorable craftsman homes that could use your TLC. Pomona basically does a silent second for 100K, there is no interest or payments owed by you. It does need to be paid back upon the following circumstances: sale of the home, refinance, occupancy change, or 15 years.

 

The City of Pomona loan will take a little share of your equity; if you borrowed 10% for this loan, then you need to pay back 10% of your equity upon sale to the city. This is totally fair since they gave you the same percentage to help start you out! Details include no ownership in the last 3 years, homebuying education class (by HUD), income cap requirements, and working with a lender who participates in the program.

 

 

Tip 3: Use OPM (Other People’s Money) to Help with your Down Payment

 

Here’s a video with Cain Rivera’s down payment success story testimony.  He was the youngest ever to receive a down payment from the city of LA program. Cain went from paying $1500/mo rent to UNDER $1000/mo mortgage owning his own condo in Balboa Park, and he didn’t have to leave LA to do it:

 

Tip 4: Layer your SoCal Down Payment Program benefits with bank programs too:

It was great to see so many banks offering programs to first time buyers. Here’s just a few of the programs our banking panelists talked about. If you’d like to get more info, sometime’s it’s easiest to just call FACE or check out an upcoming Home Fair – like OC Home Fair every January.

  • Bank of America currently offers a 10K grant offering in low to moderate income communities, PLUS a 7500 closing cost credit that applies to the entire country, check into it! In many states 7500 would cover the majority of your closing costs! 🙂
  • Wells Fargo has a lift program that gives 25K.
  • Boston Private has a 1% down conventional first time buyer program without mortgage insurance (when layered w other programs) that considers the entire scenario. If you’re self employed.. this is a great bank to call.
  • IMG_7409Union Bank has a 3K down payment assistance grant for closing costs or down payment assistance, which can be layered with other programs. Sorry couldn’t find the link for this exact program, but here are the low down offerings!
  • HSBC offers 7K toward closing costs for first time home buyers, and also 1/2 off your interest rate! Their credit requirement is only 620 so they are good if your credit is bad.
  • US Bank has 95-97% loan to value offerings & non-traditional credit consideration. They have a Mortgage Insurance program where they pick it up on your behalf. If you want just a lot, ask about their land program! You may also qualify for the American Dream program.
  • Bank of Hope has an in house underwriting Dept with a quick turnaround. They also waive mortgage application fees if you have an account with them.
  • Loan Depot – prides themselves on being very familiar with DAP – down payment assistance programs. They like to layer, and they can take credit as low as a 520 score.

 

These are just a few offerings and programs that are available in communities here in Southern California. Programs work if you are 20-70 years old – it’s never too late or early to consider homeownership!

 

One negative is these programs sometimes take major negotiating to get a seller to accept your offer, because they take 2x as long as a traditional escrow. You NEED a Realtor to represent you and keep the seller calm and informed.

 

Also, by the time you come across this post some of these programs may be expired, and new ones available. If you’d like us to hold your hand through the journey we’d be honored, just call or text Angie at 949-338-7408. As a 19 year old first time buyer who put only 3K down, I understand EXACTLY where you are at, and have a heart and the resources to help 🙂
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Relocating to Southern California? Writing a strong offer in today’s OC market

Posted on May 4, 2018. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Homeownership, Making Life Easier, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , , , , |

 

Surf City Huntington Beach Pier

Sunset over Surf City Huntington Beach Pier

Southern California’s Current Housing Crisis

Are you thinking of buying in relocating to Orange County, CA? Today’s market can be frustrating and intimidating, but there are ways to make the buying process easier. The housing market in Orange County and LA has been on the rise and the inventory has been poorly stocked. This usually means there are multiple buyers interested in houses on the market. Bringing your offer to the table fully ready and easy to work with helps you have a rise above the other buyers interested in the home you want! We have some tips that we have experienced with our clients that has helped them get ahead of the game when it comes to receiving offer acceptance on the home they really want.

Rejected? Preparing an offer that gets accepted for your future Orange County home

Down-payment-gift

Having your offer and all of the extras prepared when deciding on the home you want will make the difference between acceptance and rejection. You’ll want to start with a fully underwritten loan that is ready to go! It makes your offer SUPER strong if you can write off your loan contingency, and just leave your appraisal contingency. Sellers LOVE this. This allows the seller to know your loan homework is done and you are ready to go NOW. It shows that you are almost as strong as a cash buyer for their home.

In addition, sellers in today’s market expect to see your Proof of Funds (POF) on day zero. Be prepared to show your reserves with every offer. As a good buyer’s agent, we hold all this info on file ready to fire off as soon as you are ready to submit an offer. Time is of the essence.

Are You Easy to Work With!?

Another thing that has helped our clients have an edge up on other buyers is having a non-contingent offer on a property sale. This gives you that edge up because you are stuck selling your existing home and praying for a fast buyer. If you’re open to handle repairs on your own dime, (aka signing an ‘as-is’ offer), than sellers are more likely to choose you because it gets them out of the headaches of dealing with contractors during escrow. Sometimes, this allows you to go in with a less than asking offer, knowing you will take care of repairs yourself later on.

Having a proper letter written to the sellers also makes you look professional and organized. We always recommend this to our clients so the sellers really know who you are, and why this house is perfect for you! We even include a photo of you & your family in the letter so they can place a face with the name. Trust us…this makes a HUGE difference when there are 5 or 10 offers on the table!!

If you’ve been struggling to get a bid accepted in this market, or don’t have proper representation, please contact us, we will make sure you’re taken care of! Even if you DO have all your ducks in a row, expect to write at least 3 offers in Orange County before you have one accepted. Statistically speaking there are at least 10 buyers for every home, so simply writing an offer is not enough. Let us help you win your bid! We’re at 949-338-7408 for a consult anytime. Just call or text!

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Join us at OC Home Fair – Homeownership Day Event!

Posted on December 15, 2017. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Seller Tips, Homeownership, Los Angeles Real Estate, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , , , , |

You’re invited to our 6th annual homeownership day! If you have been thinking about making some real estate decisions but have been holding back because you weren’t sure exactly what you wanted to do or how you wanted to do it, join us and learn about real estate from professionals! Our event will be held January 27th from 10 AM – Noon at Chapman University  (1 University Drive in Orange) and we really hope to see you there!

Our Homeownership Event is FREE and offers 8 classes to choose from during 2 different 50 minute sessions. We are offering some great classes this year that you are not going to want to miss out on! We have something for everyone, regardless of if you own or not. If you’re a veteran thinking about buying a home – we’ve got class for that! If you’re a female and wanting to learn how to grow your real estate profile to be super successful – we’ve got a class for that! Along with safely buying international real estate, finding funds to buy your home…. and…. the one we will be teaching with our YPN friend Eric Wu – Investing to be an Automatic Millionaire. We’d love it if you signed up for our class during your first session and learn about investing in properties to help build your future wealth! If you want to sign up or just check out what all will be offered head over to OC Home Fair website!

Here’s some pictures of our event classes last year, we are hoping to put on an even bigger and better event this year!
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We were lucky enough to work with some amazing event partners this year! Chapman University Argyos School of Business is always so generous to offer their classrooms, which allow you to learn in a pitch-free and no pressure environment. Some of our sponsors and nonprofits that are attending with you are NeighborWorks Orange County, Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, VAREP, Orange County Young Professionals Network, and NAWRB!

Don’t forget to fill out the form below to reserve your seat in our #OCHomeFair class:

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CIPS – Why we think International Real Estate is so important!

Posted on August 18, 2017. Filed under: Balboa's Best Property Deals, Home Seller Tips, Informed Investor Alliance, International Properties, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , , , |

First of all, what even is a CIPS?

That is what AskAngie team is here to explain! CIPS stands for Certified International Property Specialist, which means that we are designees that have been trained and certified on how to help you with your international real estate needs. We are well informed on how different cultures interpret people and real estate. CIPS designees are prepared to work with international clients, international funds, as well as American clients who choose to buy internationally. We are relied on because of our expertise in international real estate.

Why do we need Certified International Property Specialists?

Global business and international real estate have expanded a lot so these designees are need more now than ever before! Recently, foreign buyers have spent a lot more money in real estate – to the tune of over 1 BILLION per year. Earning the CIPS title makes agents more creditable and resourceful. CIPS have access to a wide network of professionals that can help you with your property needs around the world. Through research we are able to protect you from losing property or buying in a country where you don’t actually ‘own’ your home. We make sure you are buying legitimate properties wherever you may be looking! People are moving from foreign countries to the US every single day and many Americans look into property overseas as well. Because of the work Certified International Property Specialists do, these home owners are able to have a smooth and reliable transition into their new space (or out of their old)!

Watch this video on why we think CIPS is an important designation!

We recommend if you’re thinking about buying out of the country, call us at 877-230-3211 or text Angie at 949-338-7408 to take advantage of the CIPS education and put it to work for your real estate needs! 🙂

international

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Tiny Homes & Cutting Edge Home Performance Monitoring 

Posted on September 23, 2016. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Improvement Ideas, Home Seller Tips, Informed Investor Alliance, Making Life Easier, Orange County Home Improvement, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , , , , |

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Tiny Home owner / builder Corbett Lunsford

Good times at Orange County Association of Realtors today – we got to tour a tiny home & meet the builder! First cool point, the builder, Corbett, is a totally *normal* person, who has never built a home. He’s towed this tiny 7000 miles & it’s still in tact! Hopefully this inspires some of you readers who are interested to explore tiny builds further 😊 Check out the pics!

Tiny Terrors?

But wait. Isn’t it dangerous to try to build your own home? Well, builder homes aren’t as safe as you might think. Construction crews blow it all the time. A good build is about time & attention, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist. It’s ok if you don’t want to DIY, but read on for some tips about ensuring your existing home is safe for your family.

Your home is a system.

Everything is designed to work together. But does it? Is the symphony in tune? You get a heart monitor at the hospital, but what about a home monitor for your most important investment?

And hey – energy efficiency is all the rage – the government will give you a rebate for replacing your furnace or air conditioner with a higher performance model; plus you’ve heard about all the solar credits too. Who wouldn’t want lower bills & tax breaks?!

How do I know my home is safe & efficient?

You won’t know until you get an Energy Audit & do some home performance testing! Here’s your 4-3-2-1 on what you want to look for:

4 Elements – heat flow, airflow / pressure, moisture, air quality.

3 Recommendations – air sealing (control heat bleed), insulation, HVAC / mechanicals

2 Systems – enclosure, engine (anything that moves)

1 Goal – CONTROL

Thermal imaging can tell you so much about a home’s efficiency. If you’re building a home, buying a home, or selling a home, then consider doing a blower door test and an infared thermal photography scan. This will prove beyond a doubt your mission critical systems are functioning or failing. More tests to prove efficiency are:

  • Duct / air tightness testing
  • Zonal pressure testing
  • HVAC testing

Home Diagnostics with Corbett & Grace Lunsford will be on TV next year if you’d like more info on how to go CSI on a home! Want it sooner? Check out #TinyLab on social media.

Call the AskAngie Team at 949-338-7408 or tweet @angieweeks if you need a referral to do one of the tests mentioned – we want you safe & smiling in your home, whatever size it may be 🏡 😄 🌟

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Resort Living All Year Round in HB

Posted on March 3, 2016. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, OC Property Profiles, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , , , , |

Affordable Huntington Beach, CA Condo

IMG_1063Looking for your first place or a beach close investment property?  Look no further – 5096 Tortuga #104 is prefect for a college student, first time buyer, bachelor / bachelorette, snowbird, or even investor since there’s great rental potential! Located just over a mile from the beach, the possibilities of sun & fun are endless.

 

Cabo del Mar Community condos

IMG_1048With a long list of amenities that include a clubhouse, pool, spa, sauna, tennis courts, racquetball courts, gated parking, and a large greenbelt area that over looks the wetlands, Cabo del Mar lets you indulge. Plus being situated near shopping, restaurants, and dog beach offers such a convenient lifestyle. If you like nature, you’re just moments to the Bolsa Chica wetlands and the sand of Huntington’s world famous beaches. It’s easy to see why people flock to Huntington Beach!

Cabo Del Mar has parking galore, with underground subterranean parking spots for residents and street level parking for guests, you’ll always be sure to have close parking to your condo. Unlike most studios, 104 has an extra level of privacy / separation thanks to the plantation style shutters, ceiling added soundproofing, and quiet location in the complex. On cool beach nights sit IMG_1045in front of the cozy gas fireplace to warm up and relax.

5096 Tortuga is a must see, a solid investment priced at just $284,999 this unit won’t last long! To schedule a private viewing call us, The AskAngie Team at 949-338-7408, fill out the form below, or email us at Angie@AskAngie.com.

 

 

 

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Orange County Real Estate Forecast for 2016

Posted on February 9, 2016. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Seller Tips, Informed Investor Alliance, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , , , |

Had a great afternoon today listening to expert Gary Watt’s predictions for OC’s real estate market this year. Last year, we had a modest appreciation of 4.8%. Real people scenario: If you own a 500K condo, it’s now worth 524K 🙂 What’s in store for this year?

OC Inventory Predictions

real estate forecastInventory should stay around 6500 homes, and appreciation is expected to be 2-3%. If our inventory goes up to 7500 homes, then we’ll have flat appreciation. If everyone freaks out because the election candidates suck and list their home, then a negative 2% is expected (if inventory rises over 7500).

New home sales should continue to decline (they were down last year), and high end and single family homes should decline. Not in overall price, just in volume, mostly due to affordability.

Rates aren’t expected to go much above 4%. Historically, the Feds have always lowered interest rates in an election year, and this year it’s different…so we have to see if that affects our market.

Buyer Trends in Orange County

First time buyers are 28% of our market, the main reason it’s lower than the rest of the country is affordability. Qualifying for homes is stricter, which is also a factor. And let’s not forget about student debt.

As a nation, the average is 63.7% for homeownership. Only 49.1% of Orange County residents are homeowners; our county is one of the hardest to buy in.

What about the younger buyers? 20% of Millennials are currently homeowners, but we’re seeing a commitment issue with about 10%, who don’t even have ‘buying a home’ on their radar.

Chinese & foreign buyers are still a force to be reckoned with. They like to spend their cash here.

OC Rental Activity

Our rental market is on fire, and will continue to be. The rental gap is about $1000/mo. Many residents are taking a short term mindset of saving the extra monthly spend instead of a long term equity building mindset. There are also many who are still rebuilding credit from foreclosure or short sale, who will remain renting until affordability and credit scores increase.

Overall, we should have another good year in 2016, as long as we don’t get an El Nino of inventory! If you are considering listing your home, the sooner the better, because our busy season starts to slow after May. Call or text Angie at 949-338-7408 to have our team crunch numbers and get a spreadsheet of your potential profit!

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2016 OC Home Fair & Homeownership Day – You’re Invited!

Posted on January 6, 2016. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Seller Tips, Informed Investor Alliance, Making Life Easier, Orange County CA Foreclosures, Orange County Home Improvement, Orange County Real Estate, Orange County Short Sales | Tags: , , , , , , , |

Orange County housing forecast

Will you be able to move in 2016?

Thinking about making some real estate moves this year or next? Check out The OC Home Fair at Chapman University coming up on Jan 30th. The event is free and offers 5 sessions guided by experts (1/2 hour each) with various classes for all levels of real estate education.

Taking a Saturday every year to protect your biggest investment is a great success strategy. Just think of how much better your life would be if you maximized your real estate opportunities! This event is pitch-free and will teach you to do just that. Fill out the form below for a personalized session plan based off your individual real estate goals:






We look forward to seeing you at #HomeownershipDay & helping you achieve your OC real estate goals!

Questions??? Comment below or like our for more details Facebook page.

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TRID – What Consumers Need to Know

Posted on November 9, 2015. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Seller Tips, Informed Investor Alliance, Lenders & Loan info, Making Life Easier, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , , , , |

clock-runningTRID is the TILA / RESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule which is designed to help consumers understand the mortgage and real estate buying process more thoroughly.

How to most industry people see it? TRID is dirt spelled backwards 🙂 It’s a pretty big change and it’s causing delays. We’re annoyed.

45 is the new 30. That’s what everyone’s saying about an escrow timeline. In order to close in 30 days, everything has to flow perfectly. Now be honest, how often does that happen???

In this perfect world…Escrow needs to get the fee sheet over the day the lender requests it.

Furthermore, disclosures need to go out immediately, and the appraisal needs to be ordered pronto. Before loan docs, well pretty much before anything, a CD (Closing Disclosure) needs to get out to the borrower. The best lenders right now are providing this digitally, and those who aren’t (*ahem* B of A, Chase, Wells) have a closing timeframe of 60+ days, which is completely unacceptable.  Every time something big changes, a new Closing Disclosure must go out and there is a 3 day mandatory waiting period. There’s no more room for sloppy documents and slow turnaround for paperwork. Having a good real estate team (title, escrow, lender, and Realtor) who all communicate is crucial more than ever with these TRID guidelines.

Delays can be caused by any one or more of these simple elements within the escrow process:

  • HOA dues
  • HOA transfer fees
  • HOA move in/out fee
  • Sewer lateral
  • Roof inspection
  • Pest inspection
  • Security deposit transfers
  • Insurance Certification costs
  • Prorated rents
  • Seller rent backs
  • Mobile signing fees
  • POA preparation fees
  • Subordination prep fees
  • Draw deed fees
  • Buyer paid Realtor commission
  • Repair credits
  • Carbon monoxide detectors missing

Inspections should be done as soon as possible to avoid any of the above issues. Changing lenders in the middle of the deal now undoes the entire timeline and forces everyone to start over.  You need to interview your lenders and have your team in place BEFORE escrow starts. Call us if you need referrals for competent lenders here in Orange County.

If you’re already in escrow with another team, make sure your agent orders Home Warrantee, all disclosures and inspections right away, and is in good touch with the lender. These are all standard practice already with the AskAngie team.

As a seller, you can help too. Right when you open escrow, call the management company right away with the credit card info and order your HOA documents. They are famously one of the slowest moving parts of an escrow so it should be addressed on day 1.

If you have any comments or questions about working with the new normal and TRID, don’t hesitate to call 949-338-7408, comment below, or tweet @AngieWeeks !

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OC Home Fair & SoCal Home Ownership Day 2015 is this weekend!

Posted on March 25, 2015. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Improvement Ideas, Home Seller Tips, Informed Investor Alliance, Making Life Easier, Orange County CA Foreclosures, Orange County Home Improvement, Orange County Real Estate, Orange County Short Sales, Orange County things to do | Tags: , , , |

10923534_364393790399627_1417328444113218007_nHave any plans for this Saturday March 28th? If not, come visit the OC Home Fair at Chapman University. Learn everything about everything on home-owning, buying/selling, investing and plenty more! The speakers are industry leaders and hand selected – the best of the best!  The event is designed to help normal people make the most of real estate, and Chapman graciously hosts it with our YPN group, The OC Register, and NeighborWorksOC every year for FREE!

Existing Homeowner Classes

For all you home owners out there, there are plenty of seminars that could help and educate you. Everyone wants to save money, right? “Go Green and Save Money” and “ Ways to Reduce Your Electric Bill” are a couple of seminar suggestions that will help save precious pennies! Would you like  to be an “Automatic Millionaire Homeowner“?  It’s actually a really easy concept – you’re invited to come learn how.  Thinking about a loan mod? Loan Modifications Tips and Tricks is taught by a non-profit.  You’re welcome 😉 Then, it may be time to consider Moving On Up: Making a Smooth Transition.

Classes To Buy A Home

Loans can be confusing, so there are TONS of classes, FHA Loans and Changes: What You Should Know or How Interest Rates Affect Buying Power is also super important.

First time buyers, check out “Steps to Buy Your First Home” to know what to do. Need better credit first? Well.. there is a class for that too, Ways To Improve Your Credit Score. Foreclosures are always a bummer! But did you know there is Life After Foreclosure and you can get back in the game? Closing costs can be scary but we have a class for that; Closing Costs: What Should I expect?. Want to know The Escrow Process, What to Expect With Your Home Inspection, or How To Make The Most Of A Small Space?  Come find out!

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Learn How to Invest in Real Estate

Investing is always a good long term plan if done correctly. Find out Property Management: Do’s and Don’ts and Commercial Property Purchases: Do’s and Don’tsStaging Your Home for Top Dollar is totally important along with, Deferring Capital Gains Taxes: 1031 Exchanges and Orange County Housing Market Report.  All of these sessions are custom tailored to teach you crucial things to know!

A huge thank you to the OC Register, YPN, Neighborworks OC  and Chapman University. They have all put hard work into promoting and supporting this annual event. Also a big thank you to all the speakers who take time out of their day to help educate the community on the important factors of everything Real Estate!

Now, Hurry and register for any class that interests you before all the seats fill up at www.OCHomeFair.com!!

Questions or comments?  Hashtags are #HomeownershipDay or #OCHomeFair.  See you Saturday 12-5pm!

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Villagio in San Clemente – Homes for sale in San Clemente CA

Posted on March 18, 2014. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, OC Property Profiles, Orange County Real Estate | Tags: , , , , , , , |

Villagio Homes in San Clemente

Villagio community homes – condos with backyards!

Have you been looking for real estate in San Clemente and turning up empty?  Check out the Villagio community!  Villagio is located in  Rancho San Clemente, and although they are technically condos, the entire community is detached!  You’re getting a home for the price of a condo, so that makes Villagio one of the best priced communities in the entire city! Just 3 miles from the beaches of San Clemente, 1 mile from the Talega golf course, and 1 mile from shopping centers and high school, this centrally located community has it all.   Many of the homes have ocean views, plus the community is quiet with very friendly neighbors.

Want to see a home in Villagio?

Check out this virtual video tour of our listing at 716 Via Otono:

Homes For Sale in San Clemente

As of the date of this post, there are only 7 detached homes in the entire city of San Clemente priced below 600K, and 716 Via Otono is one of them!  Hurry!! This gorgeous 3 bedroom 3 bath house has a spacious backyard with a patio. Also includes 2 master bedrooms, a 4 car driveway. If you’d like to get more options for detached San Clemente homes we have 15 available between 600-700K.   Also Want the list?  Just tweet @WeeksTeam for one or email info@successinweeks.com.  You can also schedule your own San Clemente property search at http://properties.askangie.com

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Laguna Beach House Sale

Posted on March 17, 2014. Filed under: First Time Buyer help | Tags: , , , |

Luxury Laguna BeachIMG_4135 (2)

Laguna Beach, located in southern Orange County, is known for many different activities and entertainment.  First, the gorgeous beach, whether you are laying in the sun or drinking a martini at a restaurant you will always have a spectacular view of the ocean.  All of Orange County knows that this is a great place to come relax.  Second, Laguna Beach is known for being very artsy.  In the summer months, the Sawdust Festival comes to town!  This is where many artists come together to sell their beautiful masterpieces, from glass blowing to fabulous photography to jewelry, this is a must see event. Third, the famous Pageant of the Masters which in essence  is “Living Art” – you will see famous masterpieces recreated in a new way.  Lastly, hidden up in the green rolling hills is a little secret spot called “Top of the World”, it is high up, but the view is worth it!  Up there you can also hike or bike through out the trails.

Dream Come True Home

Speaking of the green rolling hills, this is where this dream come true house is located. With a breath taking view of the ocean, this house is to die for.  An incredible 5 bed and 5 bath home includes an outstanding kitchen, a private entrance with a gate, a gorgeous entrance hall way, wrap around balcony, a spacious master bedroom and closet, and so much more.  The house has a modern architecture, built for luxury and entertaining. Though the lot is mostly slope, with minimal maintenance , you will never have to worry about a skyscraper ever stealing your view. Through out the house are huge windows that will let the sunlight surround you.  A great entertaining home. Each of the 5 bathrooms, yes I said 5, is decorated for relaxation and primping.  If this House sparks an interest to you, contact me (949) 338-7408 or tweet @AngieWeeks.

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What’s in store for Orange County Real Estate in 2014?

Posted on January 14, 2014. Filed under: First Time Buyer help, Home Seller Tips, Informed Investor Alliance, Lenders & Loan info, Orange County CA Foreclosures, Orange County Real Estate, Orange County Short Sales | Tags: , , , , , , |

Orange County 2014 Real Estate Economic Forecast

What’s in store for 2-0-1-4?

Today we had the pleasure of attending a lunch & learn by The Real Estate Focus Group and Steven Thomas, one of Orange County’s best real estate forecasters.  Steven’s reports have been published in Forbes, USA today, NY Times, and especially the OC Register because he’s constantly pulling tons of valuable data about what’s going on with the OC housing market.

2013 Real Estate Review

In 2013, short sale volume dropped by 61%, (holla:) we experienced a hot hot hot market with 18% appreciation and then the unrealistic sellers entered the market after June.  We saw many more move up sellers, which is a great sign.  There was a significant lack of inventory at the beginning of the year, followed by a spike and overpriced inventory in the fall.  We also had a refinance bonanza, so hopefully you took advantage of that!  Interest rates are still historically low, but tapering is looming, so 2014 is a year to get your financing while financing is still good.

2014 Real Estate Ramp Up

We currently have 5000 homes on the Orange County market, and we have a 49% increase in inventory since this time last year.  Our market is healthy because interest rates are still low (but expected to go up), and we are currently at 90% equity (standard) sales.

Only 5% of the mortgaged homes in Orange County are currently underwater.  That means 95% of you are back to even or have (gasp!) equity – FABULOUS NEWS – and this makes the perfect formula for a continued move up market.  If you’d like to get the house with the yard or the pool, this year is opportunity time for you.

First time buyers who have been squeezed out of the market the last 12 months will come back, even though their rates are a little higher and FHA guidelines have changed.  In addition, more luxury buyers are expected to enter the market this year.

Sellers, our expected time for a properly priced home on the market in Orange County is 93 days.  Our median sales price is 610K, and buyers, your monthly payment for a 4.5% loan at this price is approximately $2500.  Still affordable.  Unless you like paying off your landlord’s mortgage instead.

New home construction is going up: Rancho Mission Viejo, Great Park Irvine, and Baker’s Ranch in Foothill Ranch are all big developments underway.  Remember it’s still a good idea to have a Realtor represent you even in a new build situation, so be sure to call us if you would like to check out any of the inventory out there.

Some concerns for 2014….. uncertainty, lack of fair market value homes, interest rates, and the circus in Washington DC.

Some expectations for 2014…… buyers will insist on fair market value vs. paying over appraisal, active inventory will continue to rise, interest rates will continue to rise, and we should have a mild appreciation of 0-5%.

If you are interested in MORE geeky data, we have it at our fingertips!  Just email angie@askangie.com, tweet @angieweeks or @weeksteam, or call 877-230-3211 to request a copy of this month’s Orange County housing report.

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