What! You spent more than you thought? Advice for First Time Buyers is Keep careful track of those expenses! BBVA Compass, a financial institution, recently released a new survey on first-time home buyers indicating that, prior to purchase, a vast majority of first-time home buyers (88%) believe they have accounted for all expenses related to owning a home.  Seemingly contradicting that notion, amongst those who had purchased a home in the past 12 months, more than 50% of indicate the expenses were more than they had calculated, causing a change in lifestyle.  These results came from the BBVA Compass First-Time Home Buyers Online Survey which polled American consumers about the thoughts, emotions and hurdles related to owning and enjoying a first home.  Regarding potential first-time ho... 05/07/2010

If you would like to search the MLS the same way I do, email me at LesslieG@aol.com  The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, May 7, 2010.   Condo Listings, by Zip Code, Activity Between 4/30/10-5/7/10 Active condo listings in 92807: 15, Average price is $417,300; 1,707 square feet or $244.46 per square foot. No Back-up, Pending or Closed sales between 4/30/2010-5/7/2010. Active condo listings in 92808: 14, Average price is $333,884; 1,133 square feet or $294.69 per square foot. Back Up: 3, Average price is $323,833; 1,148 square feet or $282.08 per square foot. Closed: 4, Average price is $302,750; 1,019 square feet or $297.11 per square foot. No Pending sales between 4/30/2010-5/7/2010.   Single Family Residence Listings, By Zip Code, A... 05/07/2010

I'm going to bare my soul, but that is all, because I'm afraid to bare it in Anaheim Hills.  I got my MLS 'Morning Report' and there is a good-looking listing where the agent says, "Please be aware and let your clients know the owners are doing finishing touches on the house and they have to finish doing tile in the hallway leading to bedrooms so bare wtih them on this. Most of the house is complete." I think it is safe to say I am too shy to show this particular listing!  You can bare with them, but I'm not going over until all I have to do is bear with them!! What do I do until then?  Thank goodness I have showing agents.     05/07/2010

Are you registered to vote in Anaheim Hills?  I ask because I was told today that May 24, 2010 is the last day to register in time for the June elections. If you have been upset with the government - especially with their lackadaisical attitude towards rampant loan fraud, sloppy short sale processing and questionable foreclosure decisions - it is time to send a message to the people we elect to lead us! If you haven't registered to vote, please do it today, then vote with me on June 8th, 2010. You can find out the information you need at www.ocvote.com; the Orange County Registrar of Voters website.  Once you get to the website, click on Help me register and vote, then click on the subject you need help on.  Registering to vote is the top link. I'll have my "I Voted" sticker on June 8th... 05/05/2010

There is an air show this weekend less than an hour from Anaheim Hills and my client would like to invite you to attend.  March Field Airfest 2010 - Thunder Over The Empire This weekend, May 1st and 2nd, my client will be at the Air Show at March Air Force Base in Moreno Valley, less than an hour from Anaheim Hills!  The event is held every two years and is a good time for Californians and their children. It is free admission and the gates open at 8am.  There will be all types of airplanes which you can walk through and many hands-on displays for children and adults, along with incredibe Aerial demonstrations.  Tom will be working both days and his unit will have Humvees with mounted machine guns which you can climb on and get your pictures taken.  They will also have a display of small... 04/26/2010

Camelot Waterslide is Coming Back in Anaheim Hills!  Have you driven by Camelot and seen the renovation?  Am I the only one excited that they are bringing the water slides back?  I'll bet not!  The water slides are getting a bright new coat of paint that staff at the park admits is long overdue. There are actually two slides in that tangle of tubes and both spill into a 4 foot pool of water.  Despite the fancy water parks available to us in Southern Califronia, it's hard to beat a day on the slide at Camelot for only $8!  ($5 after 3pm!) The reopening is tentatively set for when school lets out in mid-June.  Once they open the slides, they will be available from 11am to 5pm daily.  I can't wait! What is your favorite water slide memory?      04/26/2010

If you would like to search the MLS the same way I do, email me at LesslieG@aol.com  The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, April 23, 2010.  Condo Listings, by Zip Code, Activity Between 4/16/10-4/23/10  Active condo listings in 92807: 15, Average price is $424,700; 1,675 square feet or $253.55 per square foot. No Back up, Pending, or Closed sales between 4/16/2010-4/23/2010   Active condo listings in 92808: 16, Average price is $338,609; 1,167 square feet or $290.15 per square foot. Back Up: 1, $299,999; 1,100 square feet or $272.73 per square foot. Pending: 2, Average price is $344,500; 1,057 square feet or $325.92 per square foot. Closed: 1, $339,000; 1,221 square feet or $277.64 per square foot.   Single Family Residence Listings, B... 04/23/2010

Vic provides a personal touch - Gina Hadley, new homeowner.  Shane and Gina sold their handicap-accessible home in Fullerton last year.  They have been my caretakers at a vacant Short Sale while we located the right home for them. I was not present for this interview and I did not direct this interview in any way, but I am thrilled to share it with you!  I shared their story once before with The Day Before Christmas. Who are you thinking of, right now, that deserves the same Personal Touch that Gina was so pleased with?  E-mail me at Vic@SteeleGroup.net and tell me about them! 04/21/2010

With the Federal Tax Credit of $8,000 set to expire and the California Tax Credit of $10,000 already talking about running out of money; Now is the Time to Buy a Home in Anaheim Hills.  Please give me 2 1/2 minutes of your time.  This short video will explain exactly what I am talking about: My best advice is that you find a professional Real Estate Consultant, like me, to help you get under contract by the end of the month.  Call or Text me at 714-240-3693 or e-mail Vic@SteeleGroup.net. Please forward this to the next person you are thinking about that wants to buy a home! 04/19/2010

I went on a listing appointment today.  It was in an area dominated by a particular office.  There were some great surprises during my visit to the home.  A brand new HVAC system, a brand new solar system and a new tankless water heater. I have a great relationship with the local office, so I dropped by on my way to my next appointment.  The broker was not there, but his top producer was.  (Gotta be careful here.) I excitedly told this person that the property was even more remarkable than I thought because they had gone green!  It is a 2-on-a-lot and both the main house and the rental are completely solar.  With the tankless water heater and the energy-effecient HVAC unit, this home is truly amazing. TP disagreed.  It was their opinion that green homes are over-rated and not that many ... 04/18/2010

If you would like to search the MLS the same way I do, email me at LesslieG@aol.com  The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, April 16, 2010.  Condo Listings, by Zip Code, Activity Between 4/9/10-4/16/10  Active condo listings in 92807: 10, Average price is $408,770; 1,586 square feet or $257.74 per square foot. No Back up, Pending, or Closed sales between 4/9/2010-4/16/2010 Active condo listings in 92808: 15, Average price is $336,853; 1,149 square feet or $293.17 per square foot. Back Up: 3, Average price is $271,833; 1,046 square feet or $259.88 per square foot. No Pending or Closed sales between 4/9/2010-4/16/2010. Single Family Residence Listings, By Zip Code, Activity Between 4/9/10-4/16/10   Active SFR listings in 92807 70, ranging... 04/16/2010

If you've been putting off your taxes or still gathering information to prepare them accurately, today is the day to file or extend. Just remember, if you request an extension, you MUST mail a check for your estimated tax balance. Many people are confused by extensions. The IRS only grants extensions of time to FILE, not to PAY. You must pay your balance due by April 15. If you don't know that exact amount, be sure to give yourself a cushion and pay a bit more than you expect to avoid unnecessary penalties and interest. Have a great day! Seven Gables Real Estate License #01727426 www.TheOCExperts.com www.OCMarketUpdate.com (blog) Direct: 714 276-7006 Fax: 714 917-2293 04/15/2010

Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation to Help Protect Homeowners from Foreclosure This story was posted to www.ValetRealEstateServices.com as soon as we saw the press release.  This is fantastic news for Californians hit hard by the economy because the legislation is intended to provide tax relief, matching the Federal legislation already enacted. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed Legislation to help protect homeowners from Foreclosure!  SB 1137 by Senate President pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) requires lenders to contact homeowners and explore restructuring options before initiating the foreclosure process. It will also provide tenants with double the amount of time now afforded to them to move from a foreclosed property and prevent California's neighborhoods from becomi... 04/13/2010

How to sell your home in Anaheim Hills for top dollar.  Isn't that what we all want?  My friend Tanya Nouwens in Montreal, Canada, wrote a great article today about how to do it right.  Notice the two factors that continually pop up in her Recipe for Success; professionalism and a cooperative seller who trusted her professionalism. Compare that to this situation I encountered Sunday.  My Client for Life, lives across the street from a young couple that bought their parents home in 2005.  They quickly outgrew it and decided they wanted to move to Yorba Linda.  She encouraged them to rely on me, but he had a family friend they called instead.  The first friend of the family agent WAY over-priced the home for $655,000.  When the listing expired 6 months later, they hired another friend of ... 04/13/2010

Is There Enough Wind in Anaheim Hills To Get a Windmill?  I think there is enough wind in Anaheim Hills to seriously consider it.  As a matter of fact, I wrote a blog post about going green at my new home in Anaheim Hills last summer.  I am even more motivated to do that now that I am listing the greenest home I have ever seen in Anaheim Hills.  It's coming onto the market in June 2010 and you know I am excited about it because I already told you about the incredible photovoltaic solar system that makes the electrical meter run backwards! I have lived in Anaheim Hills for almost two years now and I remain convinced that we always have at least a gentle breeze, especially later in the day.  I'm told it is because of the warm weather of the desert and the cool weather of the Pacific Ocean... 04/11/2010

Gorgeous 4 bedroom home. Large living room and family room. All bedrooms up. 3 car garage. Spectacular views from most rooms. Property is in good condition. Please do not disturb occupants.   View all these foreclosures at http://www.pgcoastal.com/3/W0000016061/P0000328619.htm             04/10/2010

If you would like to search the MLS the same way I do, email me at LesslieG@aol.com  The following statistics include real estate transactions for Anaheim Hills as of Friday, April 9, 2010. Condo Listings, by Zip Code, Activity Between 4/2/10-4/9/10 Active condo listings in 92807: 9, Average price is $412,422; 1,611 square feet or $256.00 per square foot. Closed: 2, Average price is $356,250; 1,252 square feet or $284.54 per square foot. No Back up or Pending sales between 4/2/2010-4/9/2010 Active condo listings in 92808: 18, Average price is $329,499; 1,137 square feet or $289.80 per square foot. Back Up: 2, Average price is $377,475; 1,471 square feet or $256.61 per square foot. Pending: 1, $329,900; 1,216 square feet or $271.30 per square foot. Closed: 1, $325,000; 1,205 square feet ... 04/09/2010

City Of  Anaheim Hills Market Activity for April 1st to the 8th, 2010 Single Family Homes Available for sale- 145 Closed Escrow- 4 Average Days on Market- 42 Average Sales Price-$579,475 Highest Sales Price- $685,000 Lowest Sales Price-$499,900   Condos/Town Homes Available for sale- 27 Closed Escrow- 3 Average Days on Market-39 Average Sales Price-$345,833 Highest Sales Price- $384,000 Lowest Sales Price-$325,000     Posted By Randy Tovar & Tina Maraj North Orange County Real Estate Apecialists! Search the MLS like an agent for FREE ! Sign up now at: www.TinaMaraj.com     Randy Tovar 714-403-1076  or   Tina Maraj  714-403-7901   Randy & Tina are affiliated with RE/MAX North Orange County   The accuracy of information is not guaranteed.  Source of  information is SoCalMLS   04/09/2010

My Client in Anaheim Hills Set a World Record!  That's right, Marc was in the crowd last night with his lovely wife Kristin.  They live in Anaheim Hills, but last night they were among the fans at Angel Stadium who all donned Snuggie's at the same time to set the new world record, formerly held by the Cleveland Cavaliers. There were 43,510 people wearing the fleece blankets, almost 3x the old record set by Cleveland Cavaliers fans. I'm not sure how long this record will stand...maybe until football season in Dallas, right? Nothing will change the fact that I know two World Record Holders! Update!  Ken and Mandy were there too!  They bought their Anaheim Hills home with me at the end of last year.  I can't wait to see if more of my friends are World Record Holders.  Now that I have four;... 04/07/2010

I Found The Arts in Anaheim Hills Last Night - in Fullerton.  My previous evenings at the arts in Anaheim Hills have been limited to the quality musical theater programs at El Rancho Middle School and Canyon High School.  Last night I was invited to see Rent at The Maverick Theater in Fullerton.  Last night was date night for grown ups. It was super easy to find as it was less than 15 minutes from home.  The Maverick Theater is right on the edge of downtown Fullerton so we had all sorts of wonderful dining options right there across from the train station.  We decided to go to The Slidebar Rock n Roll Cafe as they had a dinner option with the show.  The service was wonderful and the atmosphere of 80's rock to today's artisits was really fun, but the food was a disappointment.  There are... 04/04/2010