The best time to buy a home is in the fourth quarter of the year. That is, in that stretch of holiday months covering October thru December.  There’s a very sound reason for this. Sellers are in a much greater hurry to rid themselves of properties this special time of year. Imagine you’re in a nightclub without that catch you were looking for at 1:45 am. You’re a bit more itchy to make things happen, right? Sellers during these months pretty much feel the same forces of nature. That’s because a large percentage of sellers want to close things out before the first of the year. It’s really a psychological thing. Selling in Quarter 4 gives people a comfortable sense of closure. Plus they want to close their books by December 31 to keep things in order for the Tax Man.  The upshot of all this end of year urgency is that prices often drop to bargain levels during this period.

Of course, you don’t need to wait for the last quarter to start looking.

If you’d like to learn more about the many priced-to-sell Laguna Beach homes that are available, I’ll be delighted to help. As somebody who is well-focused on this one-of-a-kind community, I can answer all of your questions and help you discover the numerous opportunities the Laguna Beach Real Estate market has to offer.

Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.

I’ll see you at the seashore!

Why this special oceanfront enclave nestled in South Orange County.  Because it has it all. Other places make this claim. But LB backs it up big time. The endless selection of Laguna Beach activities are guaranteed to send your wow meter into the red zone. A few suggestions –

• Hit the Beach – Obviously. LB is made up of eight separate irresistible beaches, each with its own energy and character.  Swimming, surfing, boating, picnicking, scenic strolls, kayaking tours, and diving are some of the ways to splash up the kind of fun you won’t find in the big city. And when you’re ready to exercise your loafing privileges, there are miles of white sandy beaches suitable for sunbathing.
• Get Up Close and Personal With Some Extremely Large Mammals – Whale watching expeditions leave from nearby Dana Point. Bring a camera. But don’t expect autographs.
• Escape to a Park – Four scenic ones to choose from, including Heisler Park Ecological Preserve.
• Get Your Sport On – Golfing, Bike Riding, World Class Health Club, and Hiking are yours for the asking.
• Indulge Your Artistic Side — Enjoy four acclaimed events: Pageant of the Masters, Festival of Arts, Sawdust Festival, and Art-A-Fair.

And , of course, the views. You could spend all year taking in the miles of breathtaking ocean vistas. What more could you want?

For folks lucky enough to live in this Pacific Coast paradise, life is a year-round vacation. Would you like to be one these incredibly lucky people? I can show you why it’s a fantastic time to take advantage of the Laguna Beach Real Estate market.  As somebody who is well-focused on this one-of-a-kind community, I can answer all of your questions and help you discover the numerous opportunities the Laguna Beach Real Estate market has to offer.

Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.

See you at the seashore!

Every week, Hillary Caston and her team at The Coastal Property Experts look for homes for sale that are of interest. Take a look at the Picks for 7-29-10. To see the full MLS listing information on any of these properties, go to: http://www.thecoastalpropertyexperts.com/Market-Snapshot-Report.php

This week, we highlight 6 homes: 2 Homes for sale in Laguna Beach, 2 Homes for sale in Laguna Niguel, and 2 Homes for sale in Dana Point.

Registered Users of the website get the first look at these properties. To get on the list, be sure to register after clicking on the “Search MLS Listings” button.

33932 Barcelona Pl, Dana Point, CA

33932 Barcelona, Dana Point Homes for Sale

Priced at $1,849,000

$307.81/Sq.Ft.

The layout of this home is a little “unique”; however, the extras on this Dana Point home for sale are incredible: gameroom,

Guest/Maid quarters, Photo Lab/Dark Room/ Wine Cellar

Workshop, Media/Music Room/Game Room, Unfinished

Basement, Exercise Room, Au Pair Suite, Pool&Spa,

4-car garage (which can fit an RV)  and more!

The home is 6007 SqFt and sits on a 9500 SqFt Lot.

32512 Azores Rd, Dana Point, CA

32512 Azores, Dana Point Homes for Sale

Priced at $1,699,000

$536.47/Sq.Ft.

Single Level Custom home in Monarch Bay Terrace.

More than 1/3 acre lot size with a 3167 SqFt Home

715 Marlin, Laguna Beach, CA

715 Marlin, Laguna Beach Homes for Sale

Prices at $2,130,000

$495.35/Sq.Ft.

4300 Sq. Ft. on a 9000 Sq. Ft. Lot

Ocean Views and a Master with Fireplace

232 Chiquita St., Laguna Beach, CA

232 Chiquita, Laguna Beach Homes for Sale

Short Sale Priced at $1,200,000

$571.43/Sq.Ft.

Ocean view remodel with 3 Beds/4 Baths

2100 Sq. Ft. on an R2 lot that has a 1/1 rear unit that currently rents for $1400/mo

31941 E. Nine Drive, Laguna Niguel, CA

31914 E Nine, Laguna Niguel Homes for Sale

Priced at $1,050,000

$ 368.42/Sq.Ft.

Gated community of Links Pointe with views of El Niguel Country Club Golf Course

4Beds/3Baths/2850 Sq. Ft. on a 7560 Sq.Ft.Lot

14 Palisades, Laguna Niguel, CA

14 Palisades, Laguna Niguel Homes for Sale

Priced at $1,195,000

$ 497.92/Sq.Ft.

Ocean views on a single loaded cul-de-sac

4 Beds/3 Baths / 2400 Sq. Ft.

In their first U.S. Foreclosure Sales Report, RealtyTrac reported that 31% of all residential home sales in the first quarter of 2010 were in some phase of the foreclosure process. These include homes for sale in default, where an NOD had been filed by the lender, or those that were already taken back by the bank and labeled “REO” or Real Estate Owned.

In comparison, the percentage of homes sold in the first quarter of 2009 that were in the foreclosure process sat at 37%. More than 1.2 million U.S. properties that sold in 2009 were in some stage of the foreclosure process.

On average, buyers who purchased a home for sale in a foreclosed status paid 27% below the average sale price of properties that were not in a distressed status.

The report noted that “Discounts on REOs are larger than discounts on pre-foreclosures, although discounts on pre-foreclosures appear to be trending higher as short sales become more common.”

There are a couple of points to keep in mind as you look at these numbers:

• The statistics reflect a large area: the entire country or an entire state. They are not broken down by County or City.
• In California, for example, the number of distressed properties in the Inland Empire where there was a large amount of investment owned properties, was higher than in some of the coastal areas such as Laguna Beach.
• In areas where there was a high percentage of vacant, REO homes and those in foreclosure, the banks may have been more motivated to close the sale on the property so that their exposure in the area was lessened.
• It may have been more financially beneficial to use the government TARP money to make deals in these higher-risk areas.
• The number of REOs may decrease in future reports. Lenders have indicated that they are more inclined to work with a short-sale home for sale  situation than to take on all the added costs involved in an REO, such as attorney fees.
• Sellers of non-distressed properties are becoming more educated about their need to price their homes according to where the market is today, not what it was a couple of years ago. Many realize that they are competing with distressed properties for buyer’s money. So, keep your eyes on both “regular” and distressed properties. After all, a good price is a good price, no matter what the situation of the seller!

 Read the full report:

In another, related report, the top 50 cities were listed that had the greatest price reductions…Orange County Homes and Laguna Beach Real Estate were not on that list! On average the top 50 areas included saw average reductions from 7%-26%. The city with the most drastic reductions, which is really no surprise, was Detroit. No ocean view there!

One note to keep in mind as you look at price reductions. There are always 2 reasons for the price reductions. 1) Economically, the market has determined that the home is worth less than what seller has priced it at and 2) The seller decided to initially price the home at a higher rate than what the current market deemed appropriate – this is more a case of seller denial of current market conditions rather than an indication of overall market conditions.

It’s a very slight difference in perception, so just be sure that you don’t simply get caught up in the statistics and numbers. They can be used as a guide, but in the end, what you determine to be the perfect home and the perfect price is up to you.

As always, I invite you to allow me help you with any questions that you have. Those that have worked with me know that I’m a no B.S. straight shooter. If a home that you are interested in is overpriced – I will tell you. Similarly, if a great deal is out there I will enthusiastically share it with you!

Just Contact Me!

Until next time…

1) Information on 8 Home for Sale in Laguna Beach that have had significant price reductions since they were first listed. Many of these are priced under $1 Million which can be considered a fabulous deal for this coastal beach community in Orange County.

2) From our archives of information, we pulled up an article from 2008 discussing what real estate REO and Short Sale investors were looking for at that time…what they considered to be a bargain when buying a home for sale.

Price Reductions: If you would like to see details on any of these Laguna Beach Homes for Sale, click through to the website.

Discover What Some Real Estate Investors Consider to be a Bargain:

I have often mentioned that we are seeing prices in Laguna Beach that haven’t been seen since 2002 – this is good news for buyers. Add to that, historically low interest rates and you should keep your eyes open for your next home.

I ran across an interesting article that appeared in Investor’s Business Daily in July, 2008. The article was titled “Investors Hunt for Bank-Owned Property Bargains in Packs”. The article explained how investors were pooling their money to buy defaulted loans in bulk directly from the banks rather than trying to negotiate properties just one a time, a process which they felt was too pricey, and too slow.

The interesting thing was what these investors were looking for in regards to price rollbacks. It stated, “Some want only homes with prices cut to 2001 sales values…People who have cash positions now are going to do very well….”

So where are these investors looking? “Some investors say a key to this type of purchase is focusing on spots with strong rental markets. Some buy strictly in the Sun Belt – Texas, Florida, California – citing the region’s long-term desirability”

Location is always important in real estate. You may be able to get a lot of house in a place such as the Inland Empire; however, the better value may be near the coast.

In the past, the entry level cost of a home in this area has pushed people further inland for a home purchase. What was true in the past may not be true today if you are paying attention to the prices.

Keep your eyes open for your opportunity and if our team can be of assistance to you, give us a call.

Here are just a few homes new to the Laguna Beach Real Estate market since the beginning of the month. Do any of these spark your interest?  2 Emerald Bay Beauties, a Plantation inspired REO in “The Loop”, and an Ocean Close lot with approved plans for a Gregg Abel cottage reminiscent of “Old Laguna”.

Click here now to see all the details for these homes!

21056 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach:

Listed at $969,000

Large, 13,740 Sq. Ft. Lot, with main house and studio apartment

200 Fern St., Laguna Beach:

 Listed at $899,000

Secluded lot with plans in Woods Cove

1316 Cerritos Drive, Laguna Beach:

 Listed at $1,149,000

4 Bedroom Temple Hills Home

3035 Bern Drive, Laguna Beach:

 Listed at $1,329,000

Single Story pool home with views on a 28,350 sq. ft. lot

974 Del Mar Avenue, Laguna Beach

Listed at $1,995,000

Panoramic Views from this 3300 Sq. Ft exquisite home

723 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

Listed at $3,995,000

Soft European influences adorn this 4 Bedroom home

73 Emerald Bay Drive, Laguna Beach

Listed at $10,995,000

5 Bedrooms / 7 Baths and prime Main Beach location

Newly constructed in 2008

31302 Monterey Street, Laguna Beach

REO Listed at $1,400,000

Period charm throughout this 2222 Sq. Ft. Home for Sale

If you would like a complete property profile, simple CONTACT US - be sure to reference the MLS# and we will email a complete Agent Report to you.

Duplex in Capistrano Beach

This could be an opportunity to live in one unit and rent out the other. There have been over $220K in upgrades done to the upper level.

Capo Beach Duplex for Sale on the Sand

MLS# S621982

$4,399,000

8 Beds / 6Baths / 3491 Total Sq. Ft.

Duplex on the sand

Cape Cod Style Home in Monarch Beach

Cape Cod Style Dana Point Home

MLS# S621806

$975,000 – $1,075,000

3 Beds / 4 Baths / 2302 Sq. Ft.

Just steps to the sand in Dana Point

Short Sale in Monarch Beach

Dana Point Short Sale in Monarch Bay

MLS# U10002765

4 Beds / 4 Baths / 3312 Sq. Ft.

Short Sale $1,950,000

Cape Cod Style Home and Guest Casista on 16,500 Sq. Ft. Lot

Short Sale in Laguna Beach:

Laguna Beach Commercial Zoned Home for Sale

MLS# S621296

4 Beds / 3 Baths / 2898 Sq. Ft.

Short Sale $1,900,000

Historic Storybook Castle – zoned commercial, currently used as a residence. Enjoys Mills Act property tax reductions.

Please let me know if you need additional information on any of these properties. I would be happy to send you a property profile report.

Currently, there are 22 Homes available in the Emerald Bay community. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 7 completed home sales in this area.

Located just north of Laguna Beach, California, the premier community of Emerald Bay has evolved from what was once a quaint beach destination to being recognized as one of the most sought-after private communities in Orange County.

There are homes in Emerald Bay to fit most every taste. Premier properties can be found in styles such as French Provincial, Country French, Hawaiian Plantation, Tuscan, Mediterranean, Contemporary, English Manor, or Quintessential Laguna Beach Cottage.

Many of these homes for sale in Emerald Bay offer breathtaking views of the ocean, bay, Catalina Island, Sunsets, White Water, Canyon, Hills, Panoramic view. Imagine ending each day in an Emerald Bay home destination with the smell of Pacific Ocean breezes and the inspiring sights of another West Coast sunset.

This inclusive community has 524 single-family residences and is bordered with hillsides to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and naturally defined coastal promontories to the north and south. Residents enjoy a sense of intimacy and privacy in this seaside coastal retreat.

The community amenities enhance life in Emerald Bay. These include: 14 acres of private parks, a private beach, community center, the Al Simmons swimming pool complex, 6 well-maintained hard tennis courts, a tennis pro shop, beach volleyball courts, guard-gated entry and 24-hour security patrol. Community activities can also be enjoyed which include exercise classes, kid’s programs, concerts in the park and adult trips throughout the year.

As always, if I can assist you in any way, please contact me.

Until next time…

Oh…by the way, will you please take our quick 1 Question Survey - do you like the music in this video?

385 Flora, Laguna Beach Homes for Sale

385 Flora, Laguna Beach

Listed for $1,875,000

Enjoy this fully remodeled Tuscan home in the village close to the beach and shopping. Features include gourmet kitchen, great room, library or office, 2 car garage is now a fifth bedroom. Read More…

825 Buena Vista, Laguna Beach Homes for Sale

825 Buena Vista, Laguna Beach

Listed for $2,450,000

In the Village with amazing coastal white water views, Catalina and city lights! Stunning remodeled home features 3 or 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Prime location overlooking Laguna Village and coastline.  Read More…

1402 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach Homes for Sale

1402 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

Priced at $3,995,000

Experience the Emerald Bay lifestyle while maintaining the ultimate in privacy from this beautiful remodeled ocean view home. Situated on an oversized lot (approx 10K sq. ft) and resting on one of Emerald Bay’s quiet, cul-de-sac streets. Read More… 

31351 Holly, Laguna Beach Homes for Sale

If you want more information on Laguna Beach Homes for Sale, be sure to visit our website or call Hillary direct at 949-922-8490.

There are some great Laguna Beach Homes for Sale that are bank-owned or short sales. These may take a little patience to go through the short sale process and lender approvals on your bids; however, for some banks the wait times are decreasing. Short Sales homes for the coastal areas can be found on our website.

Until next time!