Irvine, CA Real Estate News

By Debbie Sagorin, Marketing Irvine to the Highest Level
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
In today's digital age, it's tempting to rely on automated home valuation tools like Zestimates for a quick estimate of your home's worth. While convenient, these tools often miss the mark. As one of the top Irvine real estate agents, I recently listed and sold two homes at prices significantly higher than their Zestimates.These Zillow print-screens are from 30 Autumnleaf #68, Irvine, CA 92614. Printscreens of the Zestimates for the other Irvine home is at the end of this post.Here's why you should consult a local expert for a more accurate valuation.The Limitations of Zestimates Lack of Local Market Knowledge: Zestimates are generated through algorithms that don't have the nuanced understanding of local Irvine market trends. Inaccurate Data: These tools often rely on outdated or incorr...
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By Harrison K. Long, REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney
(HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty)
Privacy and Security Emphasized at 3163 Watermarke Place – Irvine CA homes Beautiful, upgraded Watermarke home with premium lot location on the peaceful Meditation Garden!                 Enjoy this excellent well-thought-out floor plan with open-concept kitchen, dining and living area.         Abundant natural light, volume ceilings and hardwood floors throughout.               Ideal ground level location makes coming and going easy, with no steps to very close private parking space in gated garage.                This Carlton Arms upgraded home features a gorgeous kitchen with granite counters, white cabinets to ceiling, stainless steel appliances including 5-burner gas range, built-in desk & cabinets and crown molding.           Spacious master bedroom has views of the tranquil Garde...
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By Tim Storm, Orange County FHA and VA Home Loan Specialist
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation)
Buying a home is the biggest financial decision in most people lives. In Orange County, where home prices tend to be higher than other parts of the country, the decision to buy a home priced anywhere from $300,000 to $1,000,000 or more can cause a serious amount of stress. But by understanding the Four Financial Keys to buying a home, much of the stress can be alleviated. Four Financial Keys to Buying a Home Know your budget. Many times home buyers don't have their current household budget under control. Knowing how much is being spent on everything including dining, entertainment, education, vacations, groceries, child care, retirement and college planning, etc is extremely important. Look at your gross income and then net income after income taxes. How much of a new mortgage payment, ...
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By Christine Donovan, Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M
(Donovan Blatt Realty)
Turtle Rock View Home - 3 Bedrooms - It's Like Living in the Woods in the Heart of Irvine   This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has views of William R. Mason Park and/or the greenbelt from almost every room in the house.   Who knew that doing dishes could be so enjoyable when there is such a view?     For a private showing, please contact Christine Donovan at 714-319-9751.     View the Tour
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By Tim Storm, Orange County FHA and VA Home Loan Specialist
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation)
While there are not many FHA approved condo projects in Orange County, CA, it is possible to get an FHA loan on a detached condo, even if the condo project is not FHA approved. In  most cases, to get an FHA loan on a condo, the entire condo project needs to be FHA Approved. Project approval is not a fast process and can end up being an obstacle for potential home buyers using the FHA loan program. The end of FHA Condo Spot ApprovalsPrior to 2010 it was possible to buy a condo with FHA financing even if the project was not approved by getting a "Spot Approval" for the individual unit being purchased. The Spot Approval process was fairly easy (compared to the current condo project approval process) and was commonly used. But with the release of FHA Mortgagee Letter 2009-46b, new condo pro...
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By Harrison K. Long, REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney
(HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty)
Turtle Rock at Irvine CA home selling prices are now at an all-time high. Turtle Rock continues to be one of the most sought-after community locations for residential living and home buying in Orange County. Turtle Rock home buyers were hot and busy last year during 2013, and home prices jumped with so few homes available for buyers. Although home selling pace at Turtle Rock has moderated slightly this year, home selling prices are up more than 20 percent as compared with same time last year.   Turtle Rock has sold 39 homes so far this year through May 29, 2014 - with average sold price of $1,270,046. Turtle Rock sold 44 homes last year during the same time - with average sold price of $1,054,830. Home selling prices at Turtle Rock are still jumping even more - with 11 homes sold during...
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By Sharon Paxson, Newport Beach Real Estate
(Sharon Paxson, Realtor® EQTY Forbes Global Properties)
Condos for Sale in Irvine in Northwood | Northwood Villas for Sale Northwood Villas is a condo complex located in the Northwood area of Irvine. There are 179 condos located in the Northwood Villa condo complex, and the streets are Barth Aisle, Cartier Aisle, Ellisworth Aisle,  Erickson Aisle, Magellan Aisle and Shackleton Aisle. There are four floor plans in these Irvine condos for sale, and they range in size from 1269 square  feet to 1769 square feet.  The two smaller floor plans have 2 bedrooms, and the 2 larger floor plans have 3 bedrooms.  Northwood Villas in Irvine have lovely grounds and landscaping. Search the MLS for Northwood Villa condos for sale and homes for sale in Irvine. Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com
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By Tim Storm, Orange County FHA and VA Home Loan Specialist
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation)
Most Veterans already know that the VA loan program allows for Zero down financing. But what many Veterans don't realize is that they still need to deal with closing costs and prepaid expenses. Depending on the purchase price and date of closing, this could easily add up to 2% of the purchase price. With a little planning it is possible to close a transaction where the Veteran does not need any money for closing. This is commonly known as a VA No No. The first "No" is for No Down Payment. The second "No" is for no closing costs or prepaid expenses paid out of pocket.Zero Down Loan LimitThe Zero Down limit for the VA loan program varies in each county. California, which has higher priced homes than most of the country, has fairly high loan limits in many of its counties. In Orange County...
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By Fred Sed, Your Southern Cali Realtor, Why? Because Fred Se
(Fred Sed Group ~ Your Premier Southern California Realtors)
Get to Know Luna’s Residence Two – The Latest Floorplan at Portola Springs by California Pacific Homes One of the great things about buying a home for sale in Irvine is that home buyers here have so many options to choose from including Luna’s Residence Two in the Portola Springs Village of Irvine. What makes this new home development so unique compared to others in the Irvine area is that Luna’s Residence Two has a contemporary feel while being set in the tranquil setting of Irvine’s Village of Portola Springs. Perfect For Individuals or Families Unlike other developments in Irvine, Luna’s Residence Two isn’t just designed with the growing family in mind, it’s also been designed for individuals who are searching for the convenience of modern amenities, beautiful exterior space and a sp...
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By Ann Urias, Your Real Estate Concierge
(Aston Group - Orange County Real Estate)
ASTON Group Offers Commission Rebates on New Construction Homes!Purchase any new construction home with an Aston Group Realtor at any of the Participating communities and receive 50% of the selling commission as a Rebate at Close of Escrow!!! Aston Group Realtor must accompany and register you upon the first visit to the sales office to be eligible for the Broker Rebate! Aston Group is offering this rebate program not the builders! Example: Broker Receives commission check of $30,000 Your cut $15000 Don’t leave the money in the Home Builders Pockets!   714-588-7676 for more info   Click for more info BROKER REBATES OFFERED BY ASTON GROUP CLICK FOR MORE INFO     買新建築家與阿斯頓集團房地產經紀人和獲得50％的現金返還報收。請致電714-588-7676了解更多信息！        
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By Fred Sed, Your Southern Cali Realtor, Why? Because Fred Se
(Fred Sed Group ~ Your Premier Southern California Realtors)
Get To Know Pavilion Park in Irvine Pavilion Park is another great reason to move to Irvine, California especially if you’re searching for a new home community that has a “small town” neighborhood feel while at the same time being right in the middle of the big city, and all of the great things that Irvine has to offer. Pavilion Park Details At Pavilion Park you will find a community that has 10 housing tracks, 726 total properties and homes that range in price from the $700,000’s to $1.3 million. But it’s not just the awesome homes here that make Pavilion Park special, it’s how the community is designed. Here at Pavilion Park you will find a community that’s been designed for people first and that’s why you will find plenty of people friendly bonuses like biking and walking trails, ho...
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By Ann Urias, Your Real Estate Concierge
(Aston Group - Orange County Real Estate)
ORCHARD HILLS IRVINE NEW COMMUNITY OPENING MAY 31ST    Pre-qualification begins Wednesday, May 21st. Items Needed to Prequalify Most recent 2 Pay Check Stubs Most recent 2 years W-2's and/or 1099 form (all employers) Most recent 2 years personal tax returns (all schedules) Most recent 2 years business tax returns (if applicable/all schedules) Most recent 2 months bank statements for all assets (all pages) Most recent retirement statement (401K/IRA pension) Name and phone number of landlord (if applicable) Copy of driver's license Copy of social security (FHA only)   Grand Opening May 31st 2014   ENTRATATownhomes & FlatsApprox 1,494–1,809 Sq. Ft.From the Low $600,000s   VISTA SCENATownhomesApprox 1,586–1,914 Sq. Ft.From the High $600,000s   CORTE BELLASingle-Family ResidencesApprox 1,833...
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By Fred Sed, Your Southern Cali Realtor, Why? Because Fred Se
(Fred Sed Group ~ Your Premier Southern California Realtors)
  Why Live In Irvine California? As Orange County Realtors we don’t just buy and sell homes for our clients in Irvine, we love living in Irvine California and don’t hesitate to encourage anyone who asks us why Irvine is a great option to consider living in. Some of our top reasons for living in Irvine are: Safety For the last 20 years Irvine has been one of the safest cities in the United States. That’s huge, especially if you have a family of your own and are looking for a great city to raise your children.  Planned Communities If you spend a Saturday driving around Irvine you will see that Irvine is comprised of planned communities that feature everything that you could want within driving or walking distance. These include, Westpark, Woodbury, Woodbridge, and dozens more. Great Scho...
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By Harrison K. Long, REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney
(HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty)
Irvine CA and Orange County home selling prices are determined with focus on comparable sales and fair market value. 615 Irvine homes are listed for sale as of today - which is a 22 percent increase since two months ago. Irvine CA home selling remains solid.  However, with more homes listed for sale now - as compared with the same time last year and 60 days ago - buyers have more choices.     Irvine homes for sale are staying on the market longer on average these days as compared with same time last year.  Average home sold homes and prices at the following Irvine communities during the past sixty days - from March 14 to May 15, 2014 - can be a guide for fair market value: Airport Area Irvine - 28 homes sold - average sold price of $542,763 El Camino Real Irvine - 21 homes sold - averag...
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By Tim Storm, Orange County FHA and VA Home Loan Specialist
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation)
The VA loan program is a great way for a Veteran to buy a home in Orange County, since it allows for 100% financing and has no mortgage insurance. But what many don't realize is that it can be used more than once. As a matter of fact, there is not a limit to how many times it can be used. What is more important is whether a Veterans previous VA loan has been paid off or not and what the final disposition of that property was.Can a Veteran have more than one VA Loan at the same time?Yes, a Veteran can have more than one VA loan at the same time. Recently I had a client who moved from Colorado to Orange County, CA. In 2011 while in Colorado they had used their VA eligibility to purchase a home for $238,800 with no down payment. Because of a job transfer they were moving to California but ...
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By Tim Storm, Orange County FHA and VA Home Loan Specialist
(Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation)
It is possible to get a $1,000,000 VA loan in Orange County, CA, which is always a big surprise to people learning that for the first time. As a matter of fact, there a VA lenders willing to go as high as $1,500,000 on a VA loan. Of course, if this is true then why is everyone concerned with VA loan limits? What is the VA Loan Limit?The VA loan limit that is most commonly mentioned is the Zero Down payment, 100% financing loan limit. VA is one of the very few loan programs that allows for no down payment. The 100% financing loan limit for most of the country is $417,000. But in Orange County, CA, where home prices are higher than most parts of the country, the 100% VA financing limit for 2014 is $687,500. Some lenders still don't want to close a VA loan higher than $417,000, but there a...
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By Ann Urias, Your Real Estate Concierge
(Aston Group - Orange County Real Estate)
GRAND OPENING MAY 31ST 2014  Approx. 1,981 to 2,408 Sq. Ft. | 4 Bedrooms3 to 4 Baths | 2-Car GaragesFrom the Mid $800,000'sBefore you register at any new construction community Call Ann to find out how much of a Cash Rebate you qualify for! 714-588-7676 - This offer is only offered by Ann    Make sure you have a Realtor by your side, when you make one of the largest purchases of your life!http://www.rebaterealestatebroker.com/   DISCLAIMER; ASTON GROUP IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANYWAY WITH IRVINE COMPANY, ORCHARD HILLS, OR ANY BUILDERS ASSOCIATED WITH ORCHARD HILLS, CA  
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By Harrison K. Long, REALTOR , GRI, Broker associate, Attorney
(HomeSmart, Evergreen Realty)
Turtle Rock and Irvine CA home sales and prices update shows solid numbers. Irvine CA has grown to be the third largest city in Orange County by population.  It's also the economy powerhouse and has continued to experience the most home buyer demand of any city in the county. 579 Irvine homes have sold so far this year of April 18, 2014 - with average sold price of $802,366.  324 Irvine homes are now under purchase contracts with buyers – reported as “backup” and “pending” on the multiple listing service. 25 Turtle Rock Irvine homes have sold so far this year - from January 1 to April 18, 2014 - with average sold price of $1,164,360. 32 Turtle Rock homes sold during same time last year - from January 1 to April 18, 2013 - with average sold price of $1,055,969. While number of Turtle Roc...
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By Ann Urias, Your Real Estate Concierge
(Aston Group - Orange County Real Estate)
  Irvine Pacific®Single-Family HomesApprox. 1,627 to 1,982 Sq. Ft.3 Bedrooms • 2.5 BathsFrom the Low $700,000s   Irvine Pacific®Single-Family HomesApprox. 2,170 to 2,631 Sq. Ft.4 to 5 Bedrooms • 3 to 4 BathsFrom the Low $900,000sBefore you register at any new construction community Call Ann to find out how much of a Cash Rebate you qualify for!               714-588-7676 This offer is only offered by Ann Make sure you have a Realtor by your side, when you make one of the largest purchases of your life!www.annurias.com
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By Elite Home Sales Team, A Tenacious and Skilled Real Estate Team
(Elite Home Sales Team OC)
  Korean Speaking Agent in South Orange County, CA We have added a new professional agent to our team at The Elite Home Sales Team here in South Orange County.  That new addition is a Korean Speaking selling broker Bong James Lee who has had great success in the Irvine area. We noticed Bong James Lee and we were fortunate to have him join our team.  Together we plan to serve the Korean Communities in all areas of South Orange County. We would like you all to reach out to Bong James Lee and give him a big welcome shout out.    Bong James Lee 949 573-3371    
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