Laguna Niguel Real Estate Blog

Recent doom and gloom in the media and focus on "sagging home sales" should be sending up some pretty powerful signals for buyers nationwide. (Of course what plays in the nation is either on a micro or macro scale as far as Real Estate is concerned in Orange County.)

Slower sales simply mean that sellers do not have the previous market position that they once had. Keep in mind that we're comparing this year's real estate market against last year, a.k.a. "The best year in Real Estate - Ever". Anything next to that comparison dwarfs by comparison.

This story reminded me once again, when doom is in the news, smart buyers are seeing that as great news because they know that the bad news really only applies to sellers.

Again, many sellers are looking for a magic bullet, and it is not impossible to sell in this market. It does take a motivated and correct strategy, including correct pricing, staging, buyer incentives, and high profile marketing.

Does this mean that sellers are only going to get lowball offers? Not really. It does mean that your property does have to be high quality to command the full price. Things like half-hearted upgrades are picked up right away by buyers and noted in their list of disqualifiers. Homes that are staged, and well upgraded, can command a much higher price.

For sellers who are moving into another area home that they may already have picked out, you have the best possible mix of your motivation and cooperative mindset to work with buyers.

With interested rates expected to remain largely flat, this is the market we have for the time being. When interest rates go lower, it will be like blood in the water for the shark-like sideline buyers, who are trying to time the market. The only problem is, once buyers jump into the market, it is only a short window of time where they have the upperhand in negotiating and low interest rates. The scales will very quickly tip in favor of the home sellers again.

Is it a good time to sell? Yes, but only with an expert Realtor driving the marketing and sales strategy. Is it a great time to buy? Absolutely.

Posted by Rory at 6:10 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

This is a stunning Ocean View lease in SeaCall, Laguna Niguel. The address is 24002 Frigate Dr. Laguna Niguel. This home has 3 bedrooms upstairs, and a 4th bedroom downstairs that is currently configured as an office. The downstairs bedroom also features it's very own bathroom, and doubles as a second master suite. The main level features hardwood floors, and a perfect floorplan for entertaining. The kitchen has granite countertops, and upgraded Viking Appliances.



Enjoy the ocean view from both the back lot, as well as the deck upstairs.
Call me at 949.351.3541 for the monthly rent and terms.


View the hotpads listing


Download the PDF Brochure

Posted by Rory at 8:33 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

Here in Southern California many home buyers are going the traditional route of visiting open houses to find out what is on the market, and to see homes firsthand. Those same home buyers often head home to their computers or spend a significant amount of time searching for property online.



However, many consumers do not know that their personal information is being sold to Real Estate Agents, Lenders, and practically every other industry that is interested in that person's intention to eventually purchase a home.



These schemes to harvest and sell your personal information are perpetrated by companies who often spend a significant amount of money on television advertising to encourage consumers to use their sites to search for properties. They usually force you to sign in and create an account on their real estate search website in order for you to proceed. At the moment that a consumer creates an account, they are no longer a person, but they are now called "a lead".
Leads are sold from the websites to real estate agents, lending companies, and even credit companies. Along with all of the relevant information that you provided about yourself.

How do I keep my identity as a person and avoid becoming "a lead"? Let's face it, when you are searching for your next home, it is going to save you a ton of time to do research online.
The key is to establish a relationship with a Realtor first, and avoid having your personal details become a commodity. You can safely give the relevant information to a Realtor, who will then set you up with a sanctioned website that provides a friendly search to you. Many times this is part of the Realtor's own website. (Or from a reputable company)

In Essence, The Goal is To Control Your Personal Details
Finding a Realtor first gives you back the control over your personal information, and ensures that you did not fall into the trap of becoming a lead and have your personal data sold in a number of secondary markets across the internet.

A Growing Problem It's Feeling Pressure from All Sides

Realtors and consumer advocacy groups alike are shunning the lead generation sites that misuse the consumer's private information. It takes awareness on the part of consumers to be fully effective.


Finally, if a website forces you to exchange your information to search for available homes, put on the brakes, turn around, and call a professional Realtor.


To Search the MLS now click here


I'm a Realtor with Prudential California Realty, in Laguna Niguel, CA. I run several Real Estate websites including Laguna Niguel Real Estate which is a resource for buyers and sellers in South Orange County, CA

I also host the Laguna Niguel Orange County Podcast

Posted by Rory at 6:43 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

There is no mystery behind why so many people decide to make their home in Laguna Beach. As a community it really offers the perfect blend of recreation as well as a sophisticated social community centered on art, culture, and entertainment.

Laguna Beach is where I learned to SCUBA Dive, and a group that I dive with makes the coves in Laguna their main headquarters.

Recently, I have had an opportunity spend some time in a property in Lagunita.


This is a community in South Laguna Beach, right next to the Montage Resort & Spa. When it comes to luxury, ocean front real estate, south Laguna Beach has some of the best in the entire state. That's why it is a draw to people worldwide.

Posted by Rory at 6:51 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post