Admin
Real Estate Agent
Ronald DiLalla
Realtor Specializing in North Orange County Real Estate, Anaheim Real Estate, Fullerton Real Estate, Brea Real Estate,Yorba Linda Real Estate, Villa Park Real Estate,Orange and Tustin Real Estate
Cell: (714) 476-4597
Office: (714) 626-2000
More Info
Real Estate Agent
Christine Donovan
Whether buying or selling a home in coastal Orange County, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa or Huntington Beach, you benefit from my local knowledge, a background in mortgages, real estate & as an attorney.
Cell: (714) 319-9751
Office: 714-319-9751
More Info

Orange County, CA Real Estate News

By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
As a North Orange County specialist for 15+ years, I field this question weekly: "Should we buy in Yorba Linda or Placentia?" Today, I'm sharing the unfiltered truth about these neighboring cities that share a school district but diverge significantly in terms of price and lifestyle.The Price Reality CheckLet's address the elephant in the room. Yorba Linda commands median prices of $1.4-1.5 million, while Placentia sits at $1.0-1.1 million. That $400,000 difference buys you measurable benefits: crime rates 75% lower (12 vs 21 per 1,000), lots averaging 10,000+ square feet versus 7,200, and California's top-7 safety ranking.But here's what my Placentia buyers know: they're not compromising on schools. Both cities share the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, with a reading pro...
Comments 2
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
"Wendy, should we buy in Yorba Linda or Placentia?"I get this question at least twice a week. After 15+ years and hundreds of transactions in both cities, I've developed a systematic way to help families answer it.The truth? Both cities are exceptional. But they're unique in fundamentally different ways. Understanding those differences is critical when you're writing a seven-figure check.WHY THIS COMPARISON MATTERS RIGHT NOWNovember 2025 market conditions make this decision more complex than ever. Interest rates have remained elevated, inventory levels have shifted, and the price gap between these neighboring cities has widened to $400,000-500,000.That's not a rounding error. That's a life-changing amount of money that affects everything from your monthly mortgage payment to your retire...
Comments 2
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
Why This Comparison Matters for HomebuyersAfter 15+ years helping families choose between these neighboring North Orange County cities, I've learned that Anaheim vs Orange isn't just about home prices. It's about fundamentally different lifestyles, educational outcomes, safety levels, and long-term investment strategies.These cities literally share borders, offer similar beach access (10-15 miles to Huntington Beach and Newport Beach), and sit in prime Orange County territory. Yet the differences are profound enough to shape your family's next 20 years.The Housing Market Reality CheckCurrent Market Snapshot (Fall 2025):Orange commands a median home price of $1,105,000 with 4.7% year-over-year appreciation, even as California's broader market cools. Anaheim trails at $915,000 median, up ...
Comments 0
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
After completing hundreds of transactions in both Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills over 15+ years, I help families navigate one of North Orange County's most common real estate decisions: which community offers better value?The answer depends entirely on your priorities, as both deliver exceptional suburban living, but they differ significantly in terms of educational consistency, pricing, and community character.The $300K Housing Market QuestionYorba Linda homes command a 25-30% premium over Anaheim Hills: median $1.4 million vs $1.1 million. That $200K-$400K difference buys you California's top 2% school district, marginally lower crime rates, independent city governance, and unique equestrian culture.Yorba Linda averages $619 per square foot with homes around 2,140 square feet on lots e...
Comments 0
By Debbie Sagorin, Marketing Irvine to the Highest Level
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
🏡 If you’ve been searching for a beautifully maintained home in one of Irvine’s most desirable neighborhoods, 7 Whispering Wind is the Woodbridge gem you must see! Located Inside the Loop near South Lake, this residence combines comfort, charm, and access to incredible community amenities for just $147/month HOA.The inviting floor plan includes a main-floor bedroom and full bath, a bright white kitchen with granite countertops, tile backsplash, and stainless-steel appliances, and a private backyard ideal for entertaining or relaxing outdoors.Upstairs, you’ll love the spacious primary suite with its cozy fireplace, dual vanities, and walk-in closet. Every detail of this home has been thoughtfully cared for, offering a move-in ready experience for today’s buyers.Residents of Woodbridge Vi...
Comments 3
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
Orange County's housing market presents a challenging landscape for buyers in 2025, with median prices routinely exceeding $1 million across most cities. La Habra stands as a significant exception, maintaining a median of $880,000 that delivers Orange County quality at substantially lower entry costs.Market Dynamics Show Interesting ModerationThe November 2025 data reveal a market that is normalizing. Days on market increased from 28 to 44 year-over-year, providing buyers more decision time than the frenzied pace of 2024. However, competitive conditions persist with 36% of homes selling above asking price and an average of four offers per property. This represents an equilibrium between seller advantages and improved buyer negotiating position compared to recent peak conditions.Inventor...
Comments 2
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
Most cities demolished their historic buildings in the 1960s rush toward modernization. Orange made a different choice.Today, over 1,300 vintage structures from the 1870s to 1940s create California's most extensive National Register Historic District. Watson's Soda Fountain has been operating continuously since 1899, Victorian and Craftsman homes line tree-shaded streets radiating from Plaza Square. Chapman University's 7,713 students inject intellectual energy into Old Towne's antique shops and craft breweries.That preservation decision generates measurable economic returns. The median home price reached $1.1 million with sustained 4.7% year-over-year appreciation. Orange delivers relative value compared to coastal cities while maintaining an exceptional quality of life. Buyers get his...
Comments 1
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
Every week, I receive calls from sellers who've based their entire pricing strategy on their Zillow estimate, and every week, I have to deliver news they don't want to hear: the Zestimate is off - sometimes by $ 100,000 or more.After comparing hundreds of Zestimates to actual closed sale prices across North Orange County since 2011, I've identified clear patterns in where automated valuations excel and where they fail spectacularly.The Accuracy Reality by CityAnaheim Hills: Algorithms Struggle With ViewsTypical variance: $75K-$200K+ off actual sale priceThe problem is obvious once you understand it. Zillow sees square footage, bedroom count, and sale history. What it can't see is that panoramic city light view is worth $300K. I've had identical tract homes on the same street - one with ...
Comments 3
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
Why November 2025 is an Opportune Time for Yorba Linda Real EstateAfter serving the Yorba Linda market since 2011, I've learned that market timing isn't just about interest rates or inventory levels. It's about understanding the psychological and practical factors that create opportunities for both buyers and sellers. November 2025 presents a particularly interesting window in our local market.Current Market Conditions: What the Data Tells UsThe Yorba Linda real estate market is exhibiting notable shifts compared to this time last year. While the median home price has appreciated by 2.6% to $1.5 million, the number of days on market has increased from 37 to 54 days. This 46% increase in market time creates different dynamics than the rapid-fire spring market.Homes are still receiving mu...
Comments 3
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
Why Brea Deserves More Attention From Serious Orange County BuyersAfter helping families navigate North Orange County real estate for 14+ years, I've watched Brea transform from a shopping-center suburb into one of the region's most balanced communities. While Yorba Linda gets the prestige headlines and Fullerton draws the college-town crowd, Brea's quietly built something increasingly rare in Southern California: genuine suburban livability combined with actual urban amenities.Let me walk you through what November 2025 looks like in Brea, covering the real estate market, school performance, community development, and honest comparisons to neighboring cities.The Real Estate Reality: Stabilized and RationalThe Brea housing market has finally entered a phase that makes logical sense. We'r...
Comments 0
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
I've been fielding an unusual number of calls from clients about accessory dwelling units over the past six months, and I suspect many of you are seeing the same trend. With California's housing affordability crisis and multi-generational living becoming more common, ADUs have shifted from a niche conversation to a mainstream strategy.If you work in Orange County, it's worth understanding what's actually changed with the regulations, because your clients are asking, and the rules vary significantly by city.Why Yorba Linda Is Worth Paying Attention ToYorba Linda has implemented the state's ADU mandates in a way that actually functions. The city processes applications efficiently, the building department is reasonably helpful, and I'm seeing consistent 60-day approvals for compliant proje...
Comments 1
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
I spent three weeks last month showing a couple of 23 different Fullerton properties. They started convinced they needed new construction with smart home systems and quartz countertops. They ended up buying a 1970s single-story ranch that needed cosmetic work.Why? Because it had a quarter-acre lot where their German Shepherds could run. They valued outdoor space over granite countertops, but it took 23 homes to figure that out.That's the thing most agents miss. The property type you help clients choose shapes their satisfaction three years down the road more than almost any other decision.Understanding Fullerton's Property Type LandscapeHere's what makes Fullerton interesting from an agent perspective. We're not dealing with one market. We're managing seven distinct micro-markets, each ...
Comments 0
On October 15, 2025, California Association of Realtors (C.A.R) reported the homes values gained 1.2% to the price of $1,401,250 in September of 2025 from price of $1,385,000 in August of 2025, and higher 0.3% from price of $1,397,450 September of 2024 in Orange County, California.The homes sales were lower 2.1% in September of 2025 from August of 2025, but jumped 10.8% from September of 2024 in Orange County, California.There were 3.0 months supplies of available inventory of homes in September of 2025, down from 3.2 months in August of 2025, and from 3.1 months in September of 2024 in Orange County, California.An average it took 33.0 days to sell a home in September 2025, up from 32.5 days in August of 2025, and rose from 22.0 days in September of 2024 in Orange County, California.For...
Comments 6
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
I had a conversation last week with another agent who was shocked (genuinely shocked) when I told her I'd closed three deals in the last quarter using the Conventional 97 program. "I thought nobody used that," she said. And that's exactly the problem. We're not talking about it enough.So let me talk about it, specifically in the context of La Habra, which I think is one of the most underrated markets in North OC right now for first-time buyers.The Current La Habra Landscape: As of October 2025, La Habra's median home price is sitting at $870,000. Homes are moving in about 30 days, getting an average of 4 offers, and about 36% are selling above asking. It's competitive but not crazy. Not like what we're seeing in Irvine or even parts of Fullerton.What makes La Habra particularly interest...
Comments 0
By Larry & Laurie Weichman, A Tradition of Success
(Weichman Real Estate, A Trusted Name In Orange County Real Estate)
 Just Sold in College Park!  We’re excited to announce the successful sale of 300 Bucknell, Costa Mesa! 🎉 Another smooth closing for our clients in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods. College Park continues to be a top choice for families and professionals who love Costa Mesa living — and this sale shows the strong demand in the area. Thinking of buying or selling in Costa Mesa? Let’s talk about how we can help you achieve the same great results. 📲 714-241-4532 🐾 Weichman Real Estate  
Comments 5
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
If you've ever tried to coordinate buying and selling homes simultaneously, you know it's one of the most stressful decisions in real estate. After 15 years helping North Orange County families navigate this exact dilemma, I can tell you there's no one-size-fits-all answer (despite what some agents claim).The right strategy depends on your financial position, your current home's marketability, and your tolerance for risk and logistics.The Three Main Strategies Most families end up choosing one of these paths:Sell First, Then Buy - You list and sell your current home, move into temporary housing (family, rental, short-term lease), then shop for your next home with cash in hand. This is the safest financially but requires two moves and temporary housing costs that can run $4,000-$7,000 pe...
Comments 1
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
I get asked constantly: "Is the YLHS premium really worth $200K-$400K more than similar homes?"After 15+ years selling in North Orange County (and as a PYLUSD parent whose kids actually attend these schools), I finally sat down and documented everything I know about buying in the Yorba Linda High School zone. The boundaries, the pricing, the neighborhoods, and most importantly, the actual return on investment analysis.The Numbers That Matter: As of October 2025, YLHS zone homes hit median prices around $1,399,000. But here's what makes this market fascinating: the zone includes everything from $635K condos to $5M+ estates, so that median only tells part of the story.The real insight comes from comparative analysis:• YLHS zone median: $1,399,000• Esperanza High zone: $1,305,417 (7% less)...
Comments 0
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
I've been in real estate long enough to recognize when buyers are paralyzed by headlines rather than motivated by opportunity. And right now? We're definitely in one of those moments.The narrative everywhere is "rates are high, wait it out." But after analyzing what's actually happening across Anaheim, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, Brea, and the rest of North Orange County, I'm seeing a completely different story emerge. In this scenario, buyers who act strategically are getting better deals than those who wait for some mythical perfect rate.The Numbers Nobody's Talking AboutLet me start with some real data from our local MLS. Currently, 34% of active listings in North OC have price reductions, meaning more than one in three homes is discounted. And the average days on the market? We're sitti...
Comments 1
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
When you hear “Anaheim median price,” what does that really tell you if you’re buying, selling, or staying put this year? Not enough. Anaheim is a large, diverse city, and the price dynamics in Anaheim Hills can look very different from West, East, or South Anaheim. In a market where every month counts, the neighborhood lens is where the useful insight lives.What the Four Areas RevealAnaheim Hills: Typically, the top of the range for price per square foot, with a larger share of updated homes and hillside lots.East Anaheim: A mix of classic ranch homes and townhomes; pricing often follows condition and proximity to transit and parks.West Anaheim: Historically offers more budget-friendly options and smaller footprints—watch for renovated properties that close the gap.South Anaheim: Close...
Comments 2
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
School districts come up early in almost every North Orange County conversation about housing. The goal is to ground that discussion in facts. This month’s post provides a practical look at how district boundaries interact with pricing and inventory, along with a few ways to compare homes across nearby areas without overvaluing a single rating.How to read school dataTreat school information as one input. Pair it with recent comps, days on market, price reductions, and condition. When you compare two homes in different districts, ask: are the lots and layouts similar, how walkable is each location, and what is the actual replacement cost if you had to recreate that lifestyle elsewhere?Where inventory creates leverageMarkets shift by the week. In several North OC cities, buyers are seeing...
Comments 0
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
If you’ve been watching the local headlines, you’ve noticed a clear theme this fall. More homes are trimming their list price, and buyers are taking a little more time to decide. That does not mean the sky is falling. It means the market is asking for accurate pricing and better presentation.What Sellers Should Focus On Price to present value: Anchor to the most recent, similar sales and adjust for condition. Launch at the number you’d accept today, not the number you wish you’d negotiated in spring. Win the first 7 days: New listings get the most eyeballs right away. Clean, staged, and photographed listings earn more showings, which supports a stronger final price. Reduce friction: Pre-inspections, clear disclosures, and a tidy repair plan make buyers feel confident. What Buyers Can Us...
Comments 2
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
If you’re buying in North Orange County this fall, you’ve likely noticed something we haven’t seen much since pre-2020: choice. Countywide inventory recently moved past 5,000 homes, and about one-third of active listings show price reductions—clear signals the market is more buyer-friendly than it’s been in a while (still stable, not crashing). The Map: October HighlightsMy October map compares relative selection across Anaheim/ANA Hills, Brea, Fullerton, Placentia, Orange, La Habra, and Yorba Linda. It’s not about “cheap vs. expensive”—it’s about where you’ll find more options in your price band, and how quickly good homes go pending.Patterns I’m watching: Entry-to-mid price bands in Anaheim, La Habra, and parts of Fullerton are seeing the most new listings week to week. Move-up segmen...
Comments 3
By Wendy Rawley, Straight Talk. Clear Guidance. Real Results.
(The Wendy Rawley Team)
If you’re watching Fullerton this fall, you’ve probably noticed two things: homes that show well still move, and buyers are more selective about condition and pricing. Our October 2025 Fullerton Market Report pulls together price trends, days on market, and listing flow so you can act with clarity—not guesswork. Read the full report here: https://wendyrawleyteam.com/bteCitywide medians and averages are helpful, but they don’t tell the whole story—October seasonality and neighborhood-level comps can shift expectations quickly. That’s why we pair big-picture stats with micro-market analysis before recommending price or prep.For sellers Lead with presentation: light, clean, and repaired. Price to the most recent, relevant comps (not last spring’s outliers). Be ready for thoughtful buyer re...
Comments 1
Explore Orange County, CA
View all cities
Orange County, CA Real Estate Professionals