Are buyers ready to buy this spring? Can we get them to commit to buying this spring? Or are they going to say, not sure we are at the bottom yet, lets wait till fall. There are buyers out there wanting to buy and it is up to us to give them the good feeling in which to proceed with the process. One of the ways to do this is to push the reasons to own a home. You need a roof over your head, so why not be paying on your own property and building equity. Being able to make it represent your style and show who you are. You can't do that living in someone else's property. You can write off property taxes which will put more money in your pocket. The last thing is appreciation and there will be appreciation again. The things that we forget are owning and paying for your own place fills you w... 01/27/2009

We are in the position to help each and everyone of our clients, be they buyers or sellers. We need to work together with respect and discipline in the pricing of homes, for sale or in making offers, so that the transactions proceed though to close. We as Realtors should be able to explain to the sellers the importance of setting the price so as to get action on it in due time. This is in our hands to lead them to the right decision. The same holds true for buyers. Putting in offers that have no chance of going though just makes the sale take longer. We need to help move properties so that we can rebuild the dreams of our clients, friends and our families. Who better to provide the knowledge and the know how than REAL ESTATE AGENTS working together and helping each other. 01/20/2009

I have been out showing property the last 2 weeks and from what I see there isn't a shortage of buyers. The problem seem to be that we are all going after the REOs because they will get sold and closed in a reasonable time. Every offer I have put in on an REO has had10 to 12 offers on the same property. Today I showed 5 properties and at everyone of them, there was another agent either leaving or coming as I left. Thanks for letting me vent!     01/18/2009

i just put myself on Facebook today and I am wondering if any of you have had success with this. Are there other web site that I should be using? How much time does it take up to keep your profile out there? Attended a class today that was ming bogging. I could spend all day on the internet and never show a property. I know this is going to be the future for prospecting and I am willing to learn all I can but HELP. I will appreciate all the information I can get. If you are on Facebook sign on as one of my friends, please. The only one to sign on is my granddaughter.   01/16/2009

The housing crisis has hit all markets, not just the low income cities. If you think that bank-owned homes will be in terrible shape and falling down, think again! There are many homes that have been loved and cared for that are now bank-owned homes. Mission Viejo has it's share as well of these single family homes for sale. You can get a customized list at our website Search4ochomes.  Mission Viejo is a wonderful family community which offers a unique quality of life. The main attraction is the private lake. Lake Mission Viejo has boating, fishing and of course...sunbathing for it's members. In the summer, they host concerts and movies on the beach at no additional charge. All this for only $220/YEAR in association dues. They also offer extra curricular classes for children and adults.... 01/15/2009

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THAT THEY ARE ALLOWING THE GOVERNMENT TO TREAT THEM LIKE THIS??????  We need to tell them to go to h---. We are receiving less and paying more while the big shots on capital hill still live the lavish life.  We, our children and our grandchildren are going to be paying for the rotten job our banks and Wall Streed did. Yet the management of the banks are still living the lavish life. Today, weeks after asking for a bailout, they are using chauffeured cars, private jets and getting bonuses. The bonus must be because they did a great job, that's why you and I get a bonus, right?  I grew up in a time when ordinary people trusted the bank to make good judgments. You went to the bank for a loan and they told you if you could afford it. Some of the people... 01/14/2009

I have been keeping track of home prices and sales in a retirement community for the last 13 month. There was 1 foreclosure and 4 short sales during that time, out of a total 76 sold properties. Prices on average are down 20% from 12/1/07 to 1/1/09. I did the retirement community because it is the least expensive detached home in Mission Viejo and is very stable. Meaning when people are buying at this stage of their lives, they are planning on staying for years. The community has a total of 1920 homes in it and 16 different models. For the past year it has had an average of between 30 and 40 homes on the market each month.  We are today down to 20 homes available. Inventory hasn't been that low in a year and a half but more interesting is Nov. and Dec.2008 sold more homes each month tha... 01/10/2009

Are you considering buying a home when the market is right? Do you know how to find out when that will be? Keeping in touch with what is going on and having the right person watching over the real estate market for you would be a good thing. Realtors pride themselves in researching and evaluating all the data that is available, to see how it will benefit their clients. There are news reports every day that the market is going up, that it is going down, buy now, buy next year, sell, don't sell, how can you, possibly know what to do, if the so called experts can't agree on what to do.   Most of the time, the news that is reported, isn't right here in your neighborhood but a generalization of the whole country or at best a large metro area. You can get the facts for your neighborhood from ... 01/08/2009

Mission Viejo Market Statistics for January 2009 by John Alesi, Mission Viejo REALTOR® Mission Viejo CA Real Estate These are the latest stats derived from the SoCalMLS service for the City of Mission Viejo, CA. These numbers only include listings on the MLS and don't include private sales or other transfers. HOUSES/SFR: Average Price: $667,810 Price per Sq. Ft: $304 Days On Market: 100 Inventory: 6.5 months supply CONDOS: Average Price: $304,400 Price per Sq. Ft: $273 Days On Market: 102 Inventory: 1.8 months supply Included in the listings shown above, 9 SFRs and 20 Condos are REO/Foreclosures. 117 (37.6%) are short sales.     If you are considering a real estate transaction (buying,selling, relocating, investing), you can count on me as the local expert serving Rancho Santa Margarita... 01/07/2009

After this crazy year of 2008, so many of my family members, friends and clients have asked me how I decide if I will continue to spend what I usually do on marketing expenses and event sponsorship, in a year "like last year and like this year".  In 2008, even though it was at times painful, I decided to spend more than I ever had before, on event sponsorship for the community that I work in and you know what, it paid off!  I was deeply grateful for the business that I had and my clients and community members were the most grateful that I had ever seen them before, for the money that I spent.  Never before had a fresh grilled hot dog that I made on the 4th of July, been so appreciated as a year like last year.  So I am thankful that I spent money to appreciate my loyal clients and I bel... 01/06/2009

There are 23 properties available in Casta Del Sol, all in the most sought after retirement community, most with gorgeous views, some updated, wide price range, sqft. ranches from 1,000 to over 1,800. This is an age restricted community, 55+. There are 2 club houses, 2 pools, spa, walking trails, an active adult communitywith enough clubs that you could be busy every day of the month or just relax sitting on your patio enjoying the birds and views.We are also located near a lake that has boating, fishing, swimming and community gatherings. Come check us out! 01/06/2009

Mission Viejo Real Estate$998,400Location:22605 WakefieldMission Viejo, CA 92692Map and DirectionsSingle Family Home5 Bedrooms4 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 3442 sqftLot: 6,420 sqftDescriptionA Designers Touch! Spectacular luxury masterpiece is nestled on a rare cul de sac corner lot in the 24 hr guard gated community of Canyon Crest. This exquisite floor plan boasts over 3,400 sqft, 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a huge kitchen full of granite & stainless steel, cathedral ceiling, down stairs bedroom & bath, large breakfast nook, 3 car garage, large private yard w/ palm trees galore, separate living room, dinning room, & family room. Upgraded features include: Custom window coverings, designers paint throughout, travertine flooring, plush carpet, recessed lighting throughout, pr... 12/22/2008

I came in this morning early as I do everyday, got my coffee and opened up my computer. The morning rate sheets were waiting to be downloaded and I could not believe my eyes. A 30 yrs fixed rate loan is down to 4.50%. I guess I know what I will be doing for the rest of the day and the weekend. I'll be calling every old client that I ever did business and ever talked to and let them know what the rates are doing and see if they could use lower payments. This is my Christmas present. Hopefully lots of refinances and maybe even a few purchases. No reccession here for me. Well this could be a good holiday and maybe with these rates we could have a way better '09. These rates should stimulate any buyer who was on the fence to take advantage of the low home prices and incredible rates. The be... 12/12/2008

Not Another Text Message! by John Alesi, Mission Viejo REALTOR® Mission Viejo CA Real Estate At 6:25pm I received a text message. At 6:27pm I received an email message. At 6:34 I received a phone call on my home line. Pretty normal...right? These three "contacts" are part of a new emergency notification service tested for the first time today by the the City of Mission Viejo. The city has just become associated with the AlertOC mass notification system, which is run by the County of Orange (California) to notify citizens of potential emergency systems. The system is designed to notify all citizens with one phone call from a central location. Currently, the calls are sent out to all listed primary and business phones in Mission Viejo. Residents can visit the city web portal to add second... 12/03/2008

Mission Viejo Market Statistics for November by John Alesi, Mission Viejo REALTOR® Mission Viejo CA Real Estate As the we get back to the grind after a long Thanksgiving weekend, I'd like to give you a snapshot of the market activity for November, 2008, for Mission Viejo houses (SFR/single family residence) and condos. HOUSES/SFR: Median Price: $570,000 Price per Sq. Ft: $299 Days On Market: 132 Inventory: 4.8 months supply CONDOS: Median Price: $299,900 Price per Sq. Ft: $261 Days On Market: 135 Inventory: 5.5 months supply While the trend has been steadily downward through the year, things have seemed to reach a plateau. Inventory has steadily diminished with the current level ,down from a high of more than 12 months supply last year, but with Days On Market are increasing. Short sale... 12/03/2008

Gorgeous Gated Mission Viejo Home$2,600Location:8 MeranoMission Viejo, CA 92692Map and DirectionsCondominium3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial BathroomInterior: 1936 sqftDescription Welcome to this beautiful Mirasol Home, which includes: 3 bedrooms plus a large loft, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car attached garage with ample storage space, gated community with a great pool & spa, inside laundry, backyard great for entertaining, light bright & open floorplan, and much much more. This propert is in imaculate condition. This is a wonderful home in a beautiful community. It's a must see! PhotosFeaturesCondominiumAssociation Pool & Spa! Gated Community! Listed by Fred SedPhone: (949) 274-3733 Listing agent/broker: Fairview Realty 11/30/2008

RENTAL / LEASE PROPERTIES IN MISSION VIEJO, HOMES FOR RENT IN MISSION VIEJO Mission Viejo properties / homes that are for rent / lease. There is no cost to you as the potential tenant/renter, which means our services to you would be free. Our fees are paid for by the owner/landlord of the properties. For additional information, questions, or if you would like to set up a time to preview any property please contact Fred Sed with Fairview Realty at 949-274-3733. These properties are subject to, but not limited to the following: *Availability *Credit check for any applicant over the age of 18 ($15.00 per applicant) *Prior rental history (If needed) *Income verification (If needed) RENTAL / LEASE PROPERTIES IN MISSION VIEJO, HOMES FOR RENT IN MISSION VIEJO(To reference a property, use the ... 11/28/2008

My last post had quite a heated debate on Active Rain (which I dig BTW).  How do you educate clients about when to buy? I did some research for a client tonight. The findings are important to share with readers here.  If you are a serious buyer or seller, this information is telling.  Please stick with the tedium of the stats because the story it tells is meaningful. My particular buyer is looking in Mission Viejo between $450,000 and $550,000.  He wants a single family residence.  With that criteria, I hit the MLS looking for a picture of where we really are.  He's not alone.  His buyer profile is one of at least 3 buyers that I'm working with at the moment in South Orange County. As many of you know, I'm the last person to jump on the 'Hurry Buy Now' band wagon.  However, if you are i... 11/24/2008

Holiday Events Planned Throughout Mission Viejo by John Alesi, Mission Viejo REALTOR® Mission Viejo CA Real Estate My favorite time of year around Mission Viejo is, of course, the holidays. I just love to see the decorations and lights on the houses and public areas around the city. Long time residents always love the various holiday displays at La Paz and Chrisanta as well as the lighted trees along the center median of La Paz Rd. down to the civic Center at Marguerite Pkwy. There will be a significant change this year as Santa's "workshop" will be relocated from the "Four Corners" area to the much larger Winter Wonderland Village in the Kershaw Garden at the Civic Center. Children will still be able to visit Santa and sit on his lap for photos but there will be much more happening aro... 11/20/2008

During this market, I have encountered many people who have mentioned they would like to keep their current residence, turn it into a rental property and then purchase another home.  This is a fabulous idea if you are financially strong and if you have a great deal of equity in your current home.  Many people have this dream.  I strongly suggest to every client to do your research on this process with a few lenders.  As a result of this declining market, lenders have become even stricter on guidelines so the current primary residence will not become a property in foreclosure. Here are some current guidelines for both FHA and conforming loans that have changed recently.  Your current primary residence must have a minimum of 30% equity per current appraisal value.  The primary residence t... 11/05/2008