Surf and Sand Estates » Real Estate Information

Why You Will Need Help Finding Real Estate in Dana Point

heather — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:36:04 +0000

Because housing prices are at virtual all-time lows right now, and so are mortgage rates, now is a great time to be looking at real estate in Dana Point. This is a wonderful area of southern California and if you are looking for the right home, either for your primary residence or an investment property, there has never been a better time than right now.

If there is one problem with real estate in Dana Point, it is that it can be hard to find. Although this is a small town of only about 35,000 people, there are many areas of the town that are gated, which means you will never have access to the homes for sale unless you get the help of a qualified real estate agent.

Another factor is that because there is a very limited supply of homes for sale in Dana Point at any one time, you should be prepared to move fast on any potential purchase. This means that you will need to have your financing lined up and have an agent ready to help you.

Many people have chosen to make their home in Dana Point because it is such a spectacular area with a small town feel but all of the amenities of a large city. With its view of the Dana Point Harbor and Capistrano Beach, and its proximity to a wide variety of natural regional parks and golf courses, there is simply no better place to live in Orange County.

When you buy real estate in Dana Point, you can generally expect it to retain more of its value even in these hard times than homes in other parts of the country, while you will still get to enjoy all the benefits of living in a temperate climate by the beach.

CLICK HERE for a list of homes currently for sale in Dana Point under $750,000

How Working With Expert Real Estate Agents Benefits You

heather — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:32:44 +0000

Many people who are in the market to buy or sell a home will often ask a friend or family member who has a real estate license to help them out with the process. While on the surface it may seem like there’s not much expertise needed to buy or sell real estate, the fact is that expert real estate agents really do bring something more to the table. You may think you are helping a friend or family member out by using them as your agent, but the fact is that this line of thinking could end up costing you money.

Fair Value

Expert real estate agents are those who really have a pulse on the market, and they also have worked with other local agents on numerous transactions in the past, too. These are professionals who don’t just take a quick peek at comps to ensure the value is in line, but instead they can really analyze the property and use their own knowledge about the market to get you not just a fair value but the best price possible for your purchase or sale. There will not be money left on the table, so to speak.

Negotiations

In almost every real estate transaction, there are negotiations that take place. These negotiations may be about the sales price, but they also could be about which party pays for closing costs or fixes the air conditioning units. Being able to value a property correctly and to sway that value in your favor is only one aspect of being a great real estate agent, as negotiating ability is critical, and the results can save or cost you money.

Until the End

When you work with expert real estate agents, you are working with a real professional who is committed to getting your purchase or sale executed. These are professionals who are devoted to seeing your transaction through to the very end and are not professionals who you have to worry about not showing up or being there for you when they are needed. Inevitably, issues will arise during the sales process, and experts will be by your side every step of the way to ensure the process goes smoothly and snags are handled as efficiently as possible.

What Is the Value of Dana Point Real Estate?

heather — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:24:59 +0000

Dana Point is an exceptional city that more than 35,000 residents love to call home. This coastal city offers plenty of charms, beautifully blending its small town feel with a seaside ambiance, and all just a short drive from the Los Angeles area. It generally is an upscale community, but there is quite a bit of variation in sales prices from the condos and town homes up to the estate homes, which makes this a great community for a variety of people to choose.

Buying or Selling

If you are considering buying or selling Dana Point real estate, you may be wondering what the value of properties in this area actually are. The value of Dana Point real estate actually varies significantly depending on various factors. Some factors are unique to the local area, and other factors are common across all real estate markets.

Uniquely Dana Point

Proximity to the water is a huge plus in valuing real estate, and even homes that offer a coastal view will fetch a higher sales price than those farther inland without beach access or views. The city was first founded in the early 1900s, so there are many older homes that carry a uniquely historic charm while other homes are distinctly modern in style and amenities. Each, of course, has its own charm and appeal to different buyers, so provided that older homes have been modernized over the years, their value may not be affected by age as much as one might think.

Common Real Estate Valuation Factors

There are, of course, other factors that affect the value of Dana Point real estate. These are factors that are common in determining value across the country and include the size of the home, the layout, the amenities, the mix of bedrooms and bathrooms, proximity to major thoroughfares or attractions, the amount of land the home is on, and more. You will find that it is far easier to determine if a home is priced fairly when you work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who is experienced in the local area.

Buying Homes in Laguna Beach Puts You Alongside Panoramic Beauty

heather — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:16:55 +0000

Who wouldn’t love to live in the crown jewel of Orange County? Anyone who buys homes in Laguna Beach has the opportunity to live in this artist community and seaside resort. It’s located along seven miles of southern California’s most beautiful coves and beaches. This community has beautiful beaches, shopping opportunities, and eating establishments. So many fun activities can be done with Laguna Beach as the backdrop, which is why potential homeowners drool over the real estate possibilities.

A beach is one of the best places to relax. Laguna Beach provides a 180-degree, panoramic view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Who wouldn’t want to sit comfortably on a beachfront, private balcony, but be within walking distance of night life, beach access, and fine dining? All of this will be experienced if you purchase homes in Laguna Beach, because it’s all readily available.

If you live in Laguna Beach, this lets you go to the Pageant of the Masters or the Laguna Art Museum for the “First Thursday’s Art Walk.” It puts you within close proximity to beautiful landscapes and large cities, as this community is on Laguna Beach and the Pacific as well as the San Joaquin Hills. Laguna Beach is 70 miles north of San Diego and 50 miles south of Los Angeles, which makes this community very inviting to those who work elsewhere but love beach living. Who doesn’t want breathtaking sunsets, spectacular ocean views, and luxurious living?

Another aspect of living in the area is a wide variety of shopping options. There are nearby art galleries and boutiques. A person can buy rare books or items from specialty boutiques like La Rue du Chocolat, Oasis Child, or Plein Air Life. When you buy homes in Laguna Beach, all of these wonderful pleasures are nearby, often within walking distance.

CLICK HERE for a FREE MLS Search of homes for sale in Laguna Beach, currently listed between $1M – $3M

Vital Information About Homes in Dana Point, California

heather — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:15:18 +0000

It’s the perfect time to look at homes in Dana Point, California. Prices have bottomed out, especially for those looking at ocean view and beachfront homes. This community is a charming beach town with wonderful beaches and boating opportunities. It has a small town flare, which attracts lots of visitors and residents. Many people are attracted to the Dana Point Harbor and enjoy daily visits to the nearby Catalina Island. This is also an attractive feature to Dana Point home buyers, as these people look for quality beach homes at a low price.

There are several things to keep in mind when purchasing homes in Dana Point. For one, make sure you know the state’s real estate taxes. The state charges a one percent annual tax to whatever the final sales price is for the house. When purchasing a home for $500,000, a person will have to pay roughly $5,000 to the State of California. This will be an extra $400 a month, which is above the mortgage payment already being paid.

On top of this, a person has to consider the .10 percent city tax that is added to the home’s sales price. If a house is $500,000, this can be an extra $5,500. However, remember that these home prices are estimates. This is why it’s best to consult a Dana Point real estate agent, because they can confirm these numbers. You should also talk to a local escrow or title company, so you know the home’s potential taxes.

This is information someone should know whenever buying homes in Dana Point. It means understanding if the home is a part of a homeowners’ association and knowing those monthly dues. This community is a wonderful place to live, but having a qualified real estate agent can save you both money and time.

CLICK HERE of a FREE MLS Search of Single Family Homes currently for sale in Dana Point

Homes in Laguna Beach for Sale: Buy Your Own Piece of Heaven

heather — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:35:10 +0000

If you have been looking for a little slice of heaven in beautiful Orange County, California, you do not want to overlook the beautiful destination of Laguna Beach in your home search. Homes in Laguna Beach offer a lot of appeal to home buyers, and you may just find that perfect new home on the coast in this small community.

Artistic Appeal

When you consider buying homes in Laguna Beach, you should know that this is an artistic community that brings together artists from across the region for various events each year. The area is home to several different art festivals each year, the Laguna Art Museum, and the Laguna College of Art and Design. Because of its artistic influence, the city generally has a laid-back, eclectic ambiance.

Beaches

Laguna Beach boasts miles of beaches, and these beaches offer the opportunity for you take a relaxing stroll or join other beach-goers for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. The beaches provide you with the opportunity to enjoy great views from many different homes in Laguna Beach as well as while you are driving throughout the area, too.

High-End Shops and Restaurants

The fact is that Laguna Beach today is home to many wealthy individuals, and there are many high-end shops, restaurants, and other similar venues that cater to the wealthy. While you may think that small town living would require you to drive to the big city to enjoy quality shopping and dining, the fact is that many from the city drive out to Laguna Beach to enjoy the venues here. The city really offers so much appeal to so many different people, and for this reason it is a great place to call home. If you have decided to give Laguna Beach a closer look, take some time to meet with a local real estate agent to discuss the properties in the area for a more in-depth look.

Is Real Estate in Dana Point Right for You?

heather — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:07:26 +0000

So many people are looking for that perfect new home in Southern California, and if you are one of those people, you may be wondering if real estate in Dana Point is right for you. The fact is that this charming community is often overlooked by many as a possible destination for their new home, yet those who take a closer look often fall in love with its charm and history.

Gorgeous Views

Southern California is known for its scenic vistas, but only a handful of communities offer you ocean views from your own living room. This coastal community borders the ocean, and it even is one of the only communities in the area with its own harbor. There are numerous houses, town homes and condos that offer their own views, and you can also enjoy views from different angles in the city, too. This is one of the few cities that offers access to scenic State Route 1.

An Affordable Destination

Real estate in Dana Point can be high end, and there are quite a few luxury homes and mansions. However, the fact is that the median income here is under $100,000 per person, so there are quite a few more affordable homes as well. There really is something for everyone to enjoy in Dana Point.

Close to Everything

When people look at real estate in Dana Point, they often love that it has a small town charm, as it is only home to about 35,000 people and retains some of its historic charm from its founding in the early 1900s. Yet it also is close to world-class beaches and the high-end, sophisticated venues in the Los Angeles area, too. With a closer look, you may just see that Dana Point is the perfect destination for your new home.

Laguna Niguel Real Estate Agents: Finding Your New Home in Southern California

heather — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:21:13 +0000

If you have been looking for that perfect new home in southern California but haven’t yet succeeded in finding that one piece of real estate that really speaks to you, you are not alone. However, you can make your home hunting process far easier when you work with Laguna Niguel real estate agents.

A Closer Look at Laguna Niguel

The fact is that Laguna Niguel is among the newer communities in southern California, only developing as a master planned community in the 1980s. However, while new, the area has experienced tremendous growth over the last three decades, and even today is still growing slowly and steadily. With over 60,000 residents, there are quite a few homes, town homes, and condos for sale at any given moment, so working with Laguna Niguel real estate agents can help you to really find that needle in a haystack.

Preparing for Your First Meeting

Many who are in the market to buy a new home, town home or condo actually start looking around without really defining their search criteria. It can be of tremendous help in finding the perfect new home for you if you define your search criteria very specifically. Consider factors such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, extra rooms you may need like a home office, proximity to a specific school or business, and other such factors.

Working With Your Agent

The fact is that Laguna Niguel real estate agents can help you find the perfect new home that perfectly suits your budget, your needs, and your lifestyle. However, in order to really get the most out of the partnership, you will want to be very open and communicative with your agent. If you are working with an experienced agent, he or she can guide you to the perfect home with ease and can help you cut down on the time and stress associated with both searching for and buying that new home.

Are There Homes for Sale in Dana Point?

heather — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:05:20 +0000

At the peak of the housing market, there were few homes for sale in Dana Point. This is because it is an extremely beautiful and popular area, one that is always in demand, and one where there is simply no more room for building. There is always an excess of demand for the small number of homes in this quaint town, which means that you will always be making a wise investment.

Of course, the recent changes in the real estate market have hit housing prices all over the country, and that means that it is a great time to look for homes for sale in Dana Point. Although these homes have not fallen in price nearly as much as some other areas have, you will still get good value for the home you buy.

One of the problems that a lot of people find when they are looking for homes for sale in Dana Point is that they often don’t know where to look. Some homes don’t have “for sale” signs on them, while others are hidden in gated communities. So if you are looking for the best variety of homes, you should always make sure that you are in contact with a real estate agent.

The benefits of living in this community really are incredible, as evidenced by the higher prices here. You have wonderful weather, a remarkable view of the harbor and beach, and you are surrounded by parks, golf courses, and all the amenities that you would expect from an upscale, small town. Whether you are someone who likes life on the water or just someone who appreciates the benefits of having plenty of restaurants and shops to frequent, buying a home in Dana Point is an investment that you and your family will be able to appreciate for years to come.

CLICK HERE for a free MLS search of homes currently for sale in Dana Point, between $750,000 – $1,000,000.

How to Find Expert Real Estate Agents

heather — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:01:46 +0000

If you are looking for a home in the southern Orange County region, then it goes without saying that you need to have expert real estate agents on your side. There are several reasons for this, but with the changing real estate market, having someone who is in tune with the neighborhoods, the property valuations, and the bargains to be had is very important.

Whether you are looking for a home in Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, or any of the surrounding regions of this beautiful part of the state, expert real estate agents will be able to help you find just the home that you are looking for. If you are looking for an investment property to create income over the years or you are looking for a place that will provide you and your family with a home for the future, you will need all the help you can get.

Everyone knows that the real estate market has been in a continual state of flux over the past few years, but what is bad news for some people may be very good news for you. When you find expert real estate agents to work on your behalf, they will be able to point you in the direction of quality homes that are a good value as well as those that are rare or would be particularly in demand because of the view, amenities, etc.

It is always important that you have a real estate agent that knows the area you are looking in, knows the history of the neighborhoods and can translate your ideas of what you want into real-life homes that are for sale. You can’t always find just the home that you are looking for by going online and searching – sometimes having a human that really knows the area can be an immense amount of help.