Surf and Sand Estates

Open House 3 Montage Way Laguna Beach – Oceanfront

jamie — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:53:27 +0000

3 Montage Way – $32,500,000
Open House: Wednesday, March 21, 10:00am-2:00pm

Please join the Stanaland Group today or call to schedule a private showing.
Tucked into the coveted front row of Montage Residences, this contemporary home seamlessly interfaces interior and exterior spaces for a luxurious seaside living experience. Mahogany and glass doors disappear into the walls, merging indoor areas to the ocean view lanai. High ceilings complete the airy ambiance perfect for enjoying the golden hues of each Pacific sunset. No feature or amenity has been forgotten. Electronic systems for lighting, environment, and audio visual are integrated for convenient monitoring. Owners enjoy access to all Montage amenities: Spa Montage, Mosaic Pool, dining at the Loft and Studio. Personal services such as concierge, housekeeping and engineering support are also available. Truly a unique and tranquil opportunity.

Call me for additional info or schedule a private showing Jamie Blakely 949.533.6511

The Stanaland Group

jblakely@homgroup.com

St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort Spa Specials

jamie — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:46:07 +0000

Relax and enjoy Spa Gaucin at the St. Regis Resort Monarch Beach. We are spoiled to live in a resort community where most people just get to visit. Pamper yourself and someone special with a luxury spa treatment at St. Regis Resort and Spa.

Spa Gaucin at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort
One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point
949-234-3367

Spa Gaucin celebrates the Mediterranean climate of Monarch Beach with a Mediterranean spa that brings exotic Spain to your Orange County backyard. The signature Mediterranean Massage uses the fresh scent of Chardonnay message oil to completely relax your body and mind. Other services include facials, scrubs, wraps, baths and fitness programs. If you’re a member of the Monarch Bay Club, you receive 10% off some treatments, Sunday through Thursday. Of course if you are a member of the St. Regis Resort and Spa you receive 20% off all restaurants and every spa and salon treatment. If you’re not a member, sign up today and receive a complimentary Champagne Brunch when you reference “Blakely.”

Spa Special:

An Inviting Escape

Spa Gaucin envelops our guests in a world of uncompromising service and complete relaxation, while spa treatments immerse the senses in unparalleled luxury. While in residence, enjoy:

$150 spa credit per room, per stay
Valid on stays through December 31, 2012

Reserve your stay online, call 866 716 8135, or contact your preferred travel professional. Please mention promotion code LWX. From $475.

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.

Affordable Homes in Laguna Beach

heather — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:24:06 +0000

There are people who can only dream of homes in Laguna Beach. They feel it’s beyond them and that it won’t ever be an option. There are MLS sites that showcase available properties and it’s easy to feel some sticker shock. At the same time, you can’t get frustrated. There are affordable homes in this area, especially if you know where to look and have a quality Laguna Beach real estate agent on your side.

When looking at places in this beautiful oceanfront community, people usually discover that most places are $2 million on average. The average square foot is about 2,500 square feet. For many people, this is completely out of reach, and you might feel like you’re destined to rent an apartment in Aliso Viejo or a home on 406 Alta Vista Way. Maybe you don’t even look at options, because you think it’s just not possible.

Before giving up without truly looking, there are some very affordable homes in Laguna Beach that are reasonably priced. Some of the town homes and condos have been selling for under $500,000. There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom options, and because they are town homes and condos, they are located in communities with amenities like a fitness center and a community pool. There are a number of them located along the ocean as well.

It helps to have an experienced real estate agent on your side when looking at homes in Laguna Beach. They can guide you through the process. However, make sure you know your budget, so your agent can show you which real estate properties fit your needs and budget. There might be some homes not even on the public market that fit your price range. This will allow you to enjoy the amenities of living in this beautiful southern California community.

CLICK HERE for a free MLS list of homes currently for sale in Laguna Beach, under $1M