Laguna Niguel Real Estate Blog

According to a survey taken late last year, Laguna Niguel is a great place to live. The 2007 Resident Satisfaction Survey shows 98 percent of Laguna Niguel residents consider quality of life in the city as either excellent or good. The city gets top scores for a low crime rate, friendly atmosphere and clean appearance.

The list of negatives was minor and included traffic congestion and poor cell phone reception but the city has allotted $30 million for improved traffic flow and the installation of additional phone towers is under discussion.

Four hundred registered voters took the random phone survey last November, helping to identify the level of satisfaction as well as areas of concern by the city's residents.

Source: ocregister

Labels: Laguna Niguel

Posted by Cherri Fox at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

The Orange County Register reported the grading project in the O'Hill Ridge neighborhood of Bear Brand Ranch. Bear Brand Ranch, in Laguna Niguel has found itself in the middle of a common theme of controversy with South Orange County real estate. The debate centers on the notion that residents who already live in their neighborhood should be entitled to the views and neighborhood conditions that "run with the land" and that those are actual property rights.

This also started a controversy in Shorecliffs district of San Clemente, where it pitted neighbor against neighbor in a very unfortunate set of circumstances. In this case, it is a little different, because it is not about people improving their existing homes. In Bear Brand Ranch, it's about new development.

Just as an overview, Bear Brand Ranch is located on the right off of Camino Del Avion and Golden Lantern. This is where Camino Del Avion forms the border of Laguna Niguel and Dana Point. This project is on the ridge of the Capistrano Valley, near where Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano all come together.

The question is, since the city of Laguna Niguel planning commission has yet to approve the plan, is that the end of the debate? This seems like a challenge, because I'm sure that developers constantly have to deal with some sort of opposition. On the other hand, will the quality of life for the surrounding residents of Peppertree Bend be affected? That remains to be seen.

Labels: Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, South Orange County Real Estate

Posted by Rory at 7:03 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

When I'm answering questions for people interested in various pieces of Real Estate, one of the most common questions is, "What are the Home Owners' Association Dues?" That is usually followed very quickly by "What does this HOA do?" This is along the lines of thinking, "Why should I even be paying an HOA?"

Take for instance, the community of Lagunita, in South Laguna Beach. Since the community was started in the 1930's some of the homes there were built before the concept of an HOA came into existence. I have had many people guess that the HOA dues are simply to maintain the gated entrance of Lagunita, but I thought that it couldn't be around just for that reason. So I did some digging, and I actually found the HOA website for Lagunita. This gives me an idea of the levels of organization involved in getting construction plans approved in Lagunita at the level of the HOA.

By contrast, other communities such as Crest De Ville, in Laguna Niguel offer not only a gate with a guard, but extensive common areas, association pool, spa and BBQ, and with good reason their HOA dues are higher.

Some of the things that drive HOA dues:
Gated Community
Guard Gated Community
Community Landscaping (mostly in common areas)
Community Parking Enforcement
Association Amenities, such as an association pool, spa, or clubhouse
Maintenance of common buildings, (paint and utilities for the clubhouse)

If these things matter to you, then make sure to ask your real estate agent what the amenities are included, if any. If you could care less about them, then you may consider a different community that may have similar prices, and quality with a different (or fewer) items going into the cost behind the HOA dues.

Of course, when you find "The Home" that's just right, then all of this is secondary.

Labels: Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel

Posted by Rory at 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

 




6 Cameray Heights

• Catalina Island, Ocean and White Water View Home


• Located on the Ocean Side of the PCH


• Perfect Beach House with Upside Potential for Expansion


• Enjoy 3 Bedrooms, Plus Office, and 3 Baths


• Single Level Home with Wrap-around Patio/Deck


• Featuring Oversized Windows, Ocean Views, and Crown Moulding in Main Living Areas


• Light and Bright Kitchen with Dinign Nook


• Inviting Formal Living Room with Private Slider to View Deck


• 2 Car Garage


• Low Association Dues


• No Mello Roos


• Private Community Pathway to The Sand


• Steps away from 5-start Montage Resort


• Close to Other Pristine Beaches, Parks, Shops, Restaurants, Entertainment, and Downtown Laguna Beach


• 24-Hour Gated Community

Labels: flipping real estate, Laguna Niguel, Open House

Posted by Rory at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post