Call UsCurrent Laguna Beach California Real Estate News, Information, Opinions and Updates
11/14/08
Laguna Beach real estate mid November inventory is low on the beach side of Pacific Coast Highway. In fact, there are only eleven condos on the market today in Laguna Beach. Again, we’re talking about the beach front or beach side of Highway 1 in Laguna Beach.
Most of you are inquiring about beach front and/or beach access homes and condos. It’s understandable in that there are only a finite number of properties along the ocean and who among us doesn’t want to hear the soothing sounds of the ocean, the waves crashing the sand. The ocean is calming, healing and there are a small number of homes available for you to buy that allow you that experience.
As for bargains, we’ve repeatedly written that the locals are buying properties almost as quickly as they are listed for sale. They know the value of coastal property, and they continue to trade up.
Many of you are waiting for the Laguna Beach real estate market to hit bottom, however, the risk is that your ocean front dream home is already sold!
Let’s look at some inventory statistics. The median price for the 11 condos is $1,950,000. The condos range in price from $1,545,000 at Blue Lagoon to $6,599,000 which is one of the 14 Villas in the Residences at the Montage.
For those of you who wish to buy an ocean front home or residence close to the ocean, you have your choice of 40 homes ranging in price from $1,795,000 to $23,500,000. Again, we are referring to Laguna Beach real estate that is on the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway also known as Highway 1. Median price for the homes close to the ocean is $12,247,500.
Start looking now! Don’t miss out on owning your ocean front, beach, or beach access property. Laguna Beach real estate is highly desirable, call us today and schedule an appointment. We’ll show you your dream home and help you get the best price for it!
News from Previous Weeks
10/24/08
Happy Halloween from Laguna Beach! Laguna Beach Real Estate sales are in the fourth quarter! What does that mean to you? Simply stated, it means that homes and condos in the beach and beach front market are more affordable. Across the country, buyers have responded to the improved housing affordability and the statistics reflect the trend. First of all, according to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales increased last month. They rose 5.5% over August sales and are up 1.4% over September 2007. In Laguna Beach, September sales rose 6% over last year. September inventory for beach and beach front properties is up 14%. Sales in Dana Point are even higher! September sales for beach properties in Dana Point are up 46% over last September. In fact, the statistics hold throughout the Orange County coastal area. Sales are up over the same time period last year. As for inventory for the Laguna Beach real estate market, it’s up, too. The Laguna Beach real estate market has 14% more homes for sale than last year. Dana Point homes sales have resulted in fewer homes for prospective buyers although there are some wonderful homes and buys in the area. No surprise that more sales create less inventory. Call us today to find out the best way to become a home owner in Laguna Beach or the surrounding area. The Coastal Property Experts can help you find your dream home!
October is here and the Laguna Beach real estate market is beginning to reflect 4th quarter pricing! Ocean front and beach homes in Laguna Beach are priced to sell. Several gorgeous beach homes were on preview this week. We saw an award winning home in Emerald Bay that had spectacular ocean views. It is perched high on the bay and has all of the amenities including a gourmet kitchen and media room. Imagine panoramic views and elegance in a modern contemporary setting and you are imagining this home! It’s priced around $5,000,000 and has location, location, location and views, views, views! Do you want to hear the sound of the ocean 24/7? How about buying a two bedroom two bathroom beach condominium that has private stairs to the sand? That’s right, your own private stairs to the ocean sand! This ocean condo is under $2 million and is in the coveted Laguna Village. Walk to restaurants after lounging in the sun all day. This represents beach life at its best. Is a beach cottage more to your liking? Next to Tablerock Beach is a wonderful home with a fireplace and a pool. Its ocean views are amazing. With an entertainer’s backyard and an updated kitchen with granite countertops and Sub-Zero appliances, you’ll forget to walk to the nearby restaurants. Staying at your beach cottage will be just fine! This fabulous beach home is listed at just under $2.2 million. Call us about today about available Laguna Beach properties.
9/26/08
PRUDENTIAL’S HILLARY CASTON SELLS ALISO VIEJO HOME
IN JUST SIX DAYS WITH SIX OFFERS
Orange County’s residential real estate market continues to thrive with multiple offers on properties, many selling over the asking price. A recent example of this trend is the sale of a single-family home in Aliso Viejo which was sold by listing agent Hillary Caston of Prudential California Realty in just six days with six offers!
Even though the home was priced at market value, the buyer, who put in one of the six offers which were all competitive, reportedly paid $15,000 over the list price, with a 30-day escrow that closed in August. Caston, a 10-year veteran of the industry, provided the seller with complimentary “staging” to bring out the home’s attributes prior to the open house which attracted some 80 potential buyers. As one of Orange County’s most respected Realtors, she has earned a reputation for her exceptional customer service and commitment to making each transaction a rewarding experience for her clientele.
Passionate about helping her clients attain their real estate goals, Caston is known for her tenacity and “no-nonsense” negotiating skills which have been honed through years of experience as a successful entrepreneur in the retail and wholesale industries. One of the strongest testaments to the high caliber of service she provides is that her clients maintain relationships with her long after the close of escrow. A consistent top producer, she has achieved the Chairman’s Circle Diamond Level which is the company’s highest sales award.
Caston, who holds a degree in education and psychology from Arizona State University, has inspired children as a language arts teacher and still enjoys recounting the wonderful relationships she kindled with her students. She later launched two successful companies, giving her invaluable skills that have enhanced her ability to attain maximum results for her clients.
In an effort to give back to her community, Caston makes time to volunteer for charitable causes. Among her efforts, she has been instrumental in raising funds for the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles.
Backed by the tremendous resources of Prudential California Realty, Hillary Caston has formed a business team that takes pride in offering an unparalleled level of service in today’s marketplace. She can be reached by calling (949) 922-8490.
09/19/08
Laguna Beach is one of the most spectacular places in Southern California. Let’s correct that, Laguna Beach is one of the most spectacular places in California! It’s an artist’s community with a storied past that stretches seven miles along the beautiful Pacific Coast. Today is especially gorgeous with sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, soft sand, and the sound of the surf. We are truly blessed to be living and working in Laguna Beach. Jim Vermilya, the manager of two Prudential California Realty offices (including this one) sums it up this way, “There’s some neat stuff going on in our beach communities.” He describes Laguna Beach as a quaint town known for its lifestyle and its fine restaurants where you can see whales, porpoises and pelicans as you dine. Can you imagine the beauty of it all? Vermilya said, “We have a thriving second home market here and the good news is you don’t have to fly to get here. Laguna Beach is the perfect place for a “staycation”. You can enjoy the shopping, incredible weather and the beaches.” Do you want to take advantage of Laguna Beach’s endless summer? Well, we have numerous communities that are suitable for both permanent residences and vacation homes and prices start from around $1 million. Jim Vermilya lives in South Laguna in Three Arch Bay which is a small gated community with a private beach. We wrote about Three Arch Bay earlier this year. Vermilya said, “I call it “Mr. Rogers’s Neighborhood”, it is very friendly, and we have a nice variety of people.” In North Laguna Beach there is an inclusive community of a little over 500 single family residences. Emerald Bay was founded in the late 1920’s and is named for the emerald color of its ocean cove. Across from us is the fabulous Montage Resort and Spa. Between the Montage and Lagunita is the Blue Lagoon community on the sand. You can buy a condominium and walk to Victoria Beach. Paradise awaits. In the city of Dana Point just south of Laguna Beach, you can buy your dream custom ocean front home in the Strand at Headlands. Prices at the Headlands range from $5 to $11 million. Laguna Beach is a destination with over 20 city parks and numerous coves and beaches. Visit us today and own your own coastal jewel before year’s end.
Well, it’s Labor Day weekend and Laguna Beach is packed with visitors taking advantage of one last fling with summer! Many of them are also looking at beach and especially beachfront homes while in Laguna basking in the experience.
July homes sales for Laguna Beach showed an increase in median sales price by 8.4%. That’s right Selling Prices are UP 8.4 %. Sellers are waiting longer to sell but are getting higher prices in the Laguna Beach real estate market.
Laguna Niguel boasts an increase of 12.7% increase in July sales volume from last year.
All of us want a deal and some of us are trying to find it on line which may be the very reason you are reading this article! That’s why I’m including a link for an article by Marc Davison (The Davison Files) published on Inman News. It’s a candid and amusing article about searching for your home entitled “Rethink real estate search.”
http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/marcdavison/rethink-real-estate-search
Let us assist you in finding that perfect beach or ocean front home at the perfect price in the Laguna Beach real estate market. There are also many gorgeous homes on the market in the Dana Point, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel and Orange County Coastal area. Call us today to learn more.
08/11/08
Is the Coast Feeling the Crunch?
An Economic Outlook on the
by Kanna Beckwith
When people think of Orange County, it’s not just Disneyland that takes all the glory. As millions of visitors from around the world head to
Realizing the American Dream
“Living by the beach represents a huge part of the American Dream. Everyone wants to be here,” says Rory Siems, realtor for Prudential California Realty. And the numbers prove it: in the 2000 census, there were 70,032 people residing in
What attracts people to the area? For homebuyers, the key selling point is location. “The coastal area is where everyone wants to be. There is a lot of reassurance for people looking to buy,” says Siems. “Tourism really drives it. People from out-of-town get hooked on the character of the town, and there’s a huge demand for a second home.” Robert Pfeif, broker associate for Pfeif Residential Group, agrees. “Supply and demand for real estate here in
The community is also a key driver to anyone considering a place to live. In a recent study conducted by ETC Institute on the overall quality of life in the city of
Up until the mid 1950s, agriculture was the most important part of
In
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In a 2007 survey of
Down the
The economy may be in a downturn; however, Kristi Turek, director of public relations at St. Regis Monarch Beach expects business to maintain the status quo. “Even though the economy is in practically a recession, we certainly know who our customer is, and as long as we continue to reach out to that customer and provide the unsurpassed service that we do, we will continue to operate a successful business,” Turek says. “The future at St. Regis Monarch Beach looks bright, as we strive to continuously achieve our Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond status.”
Attraction to Water
Throughout the year, and particularly during the summer months, the coastal communities attract a significant number of visitors, who in turn increase the area’s revenue.
Newport Beach boasts a variety of year-long attractions and special events. Visitors can stop by the Balboa Fun Zone or catch the Catalina Flyer on one of its daily excursions to Avalon. At the
Local events can be counted on to bring in scores of visitors. In the spring, the Newport Beach International Film Festival showcases features, shorts, documentaries, and animation from around the world, and this year’s event is expected to attract over 40,000 people. The Taste of Newport is a three-day event held in late summer, and pulls in approximately 75,000 people each year. Another popular event is the annual Toshiba Senior Golf Classic, held annually at the Newport Beach Country Club. One of the most successful charity fundraisers in all of golf, the Toshiba Classic has raised at least $1million every year since 2000.
Laguna’s appeal may have started with its many coves and exclusive beaches, but it also began its reputation as an artists’ colony in the early 1900s. Today, Laguna continues to thrive as an artist community, and visitors can stop by the
A place to live, a place to work, and a place to play. People will continue to enjoy all that
8/04/08
Laguna Beach Real Estate is on the Move! A quick review of beach property sales as compared to properties on the market in Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point and Laguna Niguel shows good results. Sales are improving and homes are “moving” off the market. It’s interesting to look at how much of our beach property inventory actually sold during the last 60 days! We all know that a decrease in beach property inventory equals an increase in beach property sales.
Laguna Niguel leads the way in percentage of homes sold! Twenty-eight percent of Laguna Niguel homes sold within the last two months. Although Laguna Niguel is not an ocean front community, many of the homes have ocean views. There are some fabulous buys in this community.
Dana Point real estate which has wonderful beach and beach front properties experienced homes sales at 17.5%. Newport Beach real estate inventory decreased 15 % while 8 % of the Laguna Beach ocean front and beach homes were sold.
Highly desirable ocean front and beach properties on the Pacific coast continue to present investment opportunities for buyers outside the United States who are seriously pursuing purchases of the ocean front homes.
Coastal property experts know that ocean front and beach homes are always in demand and many of these homes are “on sale”. Contact us today to take advantage of the opportunity to own one of the gorgeous beach front and beach homes in Laguna Beach and the coastal area.
7/25/08
Want to live in Laguna Beach on the ocean and listen to the sound of the waves as you relax in your beach front home? Thirty-nine ocean front homes are currently for sale in the Laguna Beach real estate market.
Do you want to buy a beach front condominium? There are nine condos available right now, and the listing prices range from $1, 385,000 up to $2,995,000.
Would you prefer to live in private beach home? Only 25 ocean front homes are currently for sale in the Laguna Beach real estate market, and one can be yours if you act quickly. The Laguna Beach ocean front homes are listed from $2,300,000 to $29,000,000. Make an offer and one will be yours!
Vacation co-ops are available, too. Your ocean front vacation co-op lists from $400,000 to $900,000. Five are still part of the ocean front inventory in Laguna Beach.
Call us today and make your “living on the beach” dream a reality. One of the 39 gorgeous ocean front homes will be yours!
7/18/08
July in Laguna Beach signals the opening of the Festival of Arts – Pageant of the Masters and the Sawdust Art Festival. That means many of you are planning to visit Laguna Beach, the festivals, and look at Laguna Beach Real Estate!
Last month 71 beach and beach front properties were added to the Multiple Listing Service. Many are ocean front condos and homes. The Coastal Property Experts have been busy showing and previewing the stunning beach homes.
Investing in beach homes in Laguna Beach continues to be a hot topic with our friends outside the United States. In June, 19 homes were sold underscoring the fact that Laguna Beach real estate is a prime investment. Only a third of the sales were over $2,000,000.
We have beach and beach front homes for all buyers and all price ranges. The competition for coastal homes is fierce. Laguna Beach real estate market is hot and getting hotter. Savvy buyers recognize that this is the time to take action. Contact us now for information about available beach and beach front properties.
6/25/08
Summer has arrived and all roads lead to Laguna Beach! Ocean breezes attract new buyers for Laguna Beach real estate. We were lucky enough to preview some gorgeous beach front and beach properties during the last few weeks.
Are you ready for a second home on the beach? The Coastal Property Experts can show you properties that are great investments. Your beach home may quickly become your principal residence. It’s hard to resist the views, the beach, and the ocean breezes.
Today we previewed beach and beach front homes ranging in price from $939,000 to $17,250,000 in both Dana Point and Laguna Beach. We are seeing some of the best buys in the area known as Top of the World where the water and ocean views are fabulous.
Laguna Beach real estate is attracting our Canadian neighbors and European friends. The time is now to contact us for information about available beach and beach front properties.
Call or email us today to learn about the Laguna Beach real estate market.
6/08/08
It's almost Father's Day and your destination should be Laguna Beach! It is as popular as ever! Laguna Beach oceanfront homes and beach front property are the request of choice from our web site visitors wanting to purchase Laguna Beach real estate. The Coastal Property Experts have been responding to more beach real estate inquiries from our friends outside the United States than ever before. Last month, fifty percent of the Laguna Beach homes sold at an average price of $3,626,300. Many buyers are coming from Canada and Europe to maximize their investments in beach homes. Almost 40 percent of the sold homes were on the market under 30 days before being scooped up by eager buyers. Ocean front condos are still a big draw. Currently, the Laguna Beach real estate market has 15 condos available ranging from $599,000 to $2,995,000. Some of these have been totally updated and are being sold furnished. All you need is your swim gear and you'll have your toes in the sand as soon as you close escrow! We'll preview additional homes and condos in Laguna Beach soon and will update you with the latest beach, beach access and oceanfront details about Laguna Beach real estate, Laguna Niguel real estate, Dana Point real estate and Newport Beach real estate. Contact us to learn what's available.
5/16/08
Subjectivity rules when choosing your beach or beach front home in Laguna Beach. Can you live in a charming but small ocean front home? How about investing in a condo close to the beach with views but on the other side of Laguna Beach’s famed Pacific Coast Highway? Laguna Beach real estate boasts several new beach listings, and you get to choose! Fortunately for those of us interested in Laguna Beach real estate, there are fabulous homes on the market. We’ve been seeing some wonderful beach homes and condos during our weekly preview. Inventory of available homes is increasing and there are some really good properties on the market right now! From lavish to charming, turn key to fixer, Laguna Beach real estate has something for everyone. These wonderful ocean front homes and condos and also the beach homes won’t be on the market long. Contact us for more information about Laguna Beach real estate.
5/2/08
Laguna Beach real estate inquiries are all about the living at the beach! Email requests about beach front and ocean view property signal both the beginning of May and the anticipation of summer in Laguna Beach. There’s nothing like the thought of days at the beach to motivate our web site visitors to ask about homes near the ocean. Beach and beach front homes continue to get the most inquiries. Many of you are taking the plunge and looking in earnest at living the beach life and buying a beach home. Long hot days are best spent at your new beach home where you relax and experience the warm sand under your feet, the cool ocean breezes and the fabulous sunset while enjoying the refreshing taste of an icy libation. Currently, the Laguna Beach real estate market includes 240 homes for sale with only 22 condominiums. The median single family home price is $2,150,000. As for condos, the median price is $1,149,000. You, too, can own an ocean front condo in Laguna Beach! What are you waiting for? Find your perfect home now and move in by the summer solstice. Contact us to schedule a time to discuss the Laguna Beach real estate market and to look at properties. As you consider purchasing your new beach or beach front home, be aware that as usual, inventory is low and demand is high. With only 240 beach homes available, only a fortunate few will be living life at the beach by purchasing a new home in Laguna Beach and moving to the beach in time for summer.
4/21/08
Trends in Laguna Beach real estate inquiries from our web site indicate many of you are requesting information about beach and beach front homes in the peaceful and beautiful gated beach community of Three Arch Bay. With a rich and colorful history and a beach front that attracts all who seek the glorious views and tranquil environment that is particular to Laguna Beach’s Three Arch Bay, the area continues to be one of the most sought after in Laguna Beach. Among those who have called this wonderful secluded beach front area home are artists, musicians, movie stars, business people, doctors, attorneys... all seeking the soulful respite of life at the beach. Laguna Beach real estate conditions continue to favor the beach communities. In Three Arch Bay, only 23 homes have been “on the market” in 2008 and five have already sold. The list prices of the homes that sold ranged from just under $1,000,000 to almost $17,000,000. Buyers can find gorgeous homes in this Laguna Beach community from 900 square feet to 4300 square feet with prices ranging from $1,795,000 to $12,999,000. Buying beach front real estate and/or homes in beach communities will continue to be attractive for investors. Buying in Three Arch Bay is a decision that appeals to the most discriminating home buyers of Laguna Beach real estate.
Laguna Beach Real Estate News II (continued)
Laguna Beach Real Estate News III (continued)
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