Live in Lakeforest

ZERO LEFT IN LAKE FOREST on the MLS!…., but I have 2 Standard Sale “Pocket Listings” in the mid 200K’s.

Would you believe that there are ZERO 1001+ sq. ft. 2-bed, 2-bath homes with a garage in the entire city of Lake Forest that are Standard Sales?  That is right.  When they come on the market, they fly off!   Did you also know that rents are going up, up up?  That is right as well.   Let me tell you about 2 upcoming listings that I know about.  Both are tenant occupied and the tenants would like to stay, if you want them to:

1) Lower level approx 1050 sq. ft. 2-bed, 2-bath Tierra Vista property with dual master suites at opposite ends of the condo.  It has a wide yard with french door access  from bedrooms.  New appliances, pottery barn-looking dining room/kitchen fixtures and faucets.  2-tone decorator paint. One year old Karastan carpets in the bedrooms and ceramic tile in the common areas.  Laundry room and direct access garage and one assigned parking space.  The tenant pays $1700/month and is on a month to month and would like to stay.  Some of these same units across the street were kept as apartments, not condos and they rent for $1900 to 2,200+/month. Low dues of $262/mo with no mello roos.  Rents are VERY strong right now so it is very hard for buyers to find a place.  Good time to be a landlord.  The tenant has expressed interest in buying it because the love their home so much.  They cannot qualify and would have to get family members to buy it.  Price is $265-275K.  Investor 25% down total payment would be in the $1500′s/mo while 5% down buyers can buy it for “same as rent”

2)  Serrano Woods 2-bedroom, 1242 sq.ft. townhome that has 1-1/2 baths. The couple would like to sell their own home and rent it back.  They hope some time in the next few years to move out of state if they gets jobs in their new area.  They have lived there many years and have upgraded the home.  Kitchen and bath remodels, composite (granite type) counters and center island. Ceramic tile in kitchen and baths.  There is a small back yard that connects to their direct access garage.  This home comes with the Sun & Sail Club across the street  with HOA dues in the 280′s/month.  (Youtube ‘Jenean Hill 4′ to see more about living in lake forest). You can go on a sunset cruise on your own kayak if you lived here or if you are the landlord and did not convey the membership.  Market rent is about $1700-$1800 which they would be able to pay to stay in their own home.  Price would be about $250,000. Investor 25% down would probably be a total cost somewhere in the $1400′s/month.  5% down buyers can buy it for “same as rent”.  (Photo is that of a model match that I sold last year for $275K)

 The first one will go quickest as I am starting to tell people about it.  Please call ASAP if you are interested in buying these NON-distressed properties that you can close escrow on and enjoy all year long.

Highly Upgraded Dual Masters – Own for same as Rent with only 5% down.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE LIGHT LUNCH 12:00pm SHARP on Saturday, January 21st.  What would be better than owning a home where you drive past beautiful lakes, forests & mountain views before pulling into your garage each day? It would be locking in all of this AND an ‘Off Peachwood’ address for about $200k!  This stunning & highly upgraded 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, end unit has dual master suites, & a direct-access garage. Upgrades include Gourmet, granite/stainless kitchen, 2-tone decorator paint, scraped ceilings, gleaming wood laminate floors, new appliances/ window coverings/ lighting & bathroom fixtures. This model occupies half of the upstairs of this building and feels like your own Park Avenue loft! All living space is on second level. No living space below except garage. Complex just rehabbed months ago and looks like a million bucks! You’ll love the lifestyle here. Morning swims at the pool just across the street or relaxing away the day’s cares in the sparkling spa. Just a short stroll to parks, creeks, trails and shopping and minutes to Irvine Spectrum. If you can not live in an upper unit, and need a back yard in the $200K’s, call me.  I have 2 pocket listings that are standard sales.

With about $15K to $16K total cost to close (5% down plus closing costs), you can own this home for a ‘feels-like’ payment in the $1400-1500′s per month if you are currently renting now.  You have to see it to believe it. 

Open House Saturday, January 21st from 12-4pm – 25185 Oak Canyon, Lake Forest, CA 92630.  Lunch at noon “while supplies last”!

To see 24 more photos, click here: http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/25185-Oak-Canyon-Ln_Lake-Forest_CA_92630_M17122-19637

Like what you see?  Call lender/partner, Tom Testerman at 949 422-4497 for your loan approval.  He will be at the open house, but the line might be kind of long.

220 Open House Guests. Multiple Offers. SOLD next day over top of range.

Update on Sunday’s Grand Opening Open House:  We opened the doors at noon to a line of people down to the street.  There was a constant stream of guests entering the home – About one person per minute for 4 hours.  Got it all on video so you can “Youtube it” under “Jenean Hill 5″ in about a month once it is edited.  Great team work from Rachel Watt, Cynthia at Hallmark Escrow, and Catherine at Ticor Title. Tom Testerman from Alpine Morgage manned the lending station and preapproved 6 buyers.  I had a display board titled, “The reason why there are so many people at the open house today” that had a copy of all of the advertising that I ordered to bring the crowds into the open house. 

WAS OPEN SUNDAY, Oct. 23rd – Harvard Square – Gourmet Lunch Served at 12:00 Noon from Double-Sized Granite Gourmet Kitchen!  $599,900 t0 $655,000

22 Nebraska, Irvine

Free 52” LCD HDTV goes to the buyer of this spectacular, upgraded four-bedroom+ den SFR on a cul-de-sac street in the highly desirable gated community of Harvard Square!  This corner residence with ample street parking was expanded by almost 500 square feet to become the largest home in the Revere tract.  Redesigned with indoor and outdoor entertaining in mind, it features formal living and dining rooms AND an expanded great room with a double-sized GOURMET kitchen featuring dark cherry finished cabinets with pull-out shelves, exquisite granite counters, stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, a 9’ x 4’ center island with a breakfast bar AND still room for a full-sized table!  

Great room also offers relaxation by the warmth of the beautiful fireplace and built-in media center and French doors which lead to a covered side patio with outdoor stainless steel kitchen complete with sink and hot & cold water.  Backyard features colorful flower & herb gardens with plenty of room for entertaining.

Upstairs master suite has double doors leading to the master bath with separate Roman tub & shower and a large walk-in closet.  There is also a “Mini Master” with retreat and direct access to hall bathroom. Upgrades include recessed lighting, raised panel doors, free-standing bathroom vanities, Two-tone decorator paint, mirrored wardrobes, seven ceiling fans, wired bedroom internet access, whole-house water filtration system and a spacious DEN with built-in wrap-around office–ideal for running your home-based business. 

Resort-style amenities abound within this community’s own ‘central park’. Large swimming pool, basketball and sand volleyball courts, children’s playground, barbeque area and more.  Award-winning schools.

This one-of-a-kind home  is being held open at noon for a first-come, first-served gourmet lunch,  Sunday, October 23rd by First Team Real Estate’s Jenean Hill – the agent who leaves no stone unturned in marketing and selling her client’s listings within one week – each and every time.  For more information contact Jenean Hill at (949) 583-1331 or www.LiveinLakeForest.com.

(Be sure to come by 12:00 to get in on the lunch!)

HOW TO GET YOUR HOME SOLD (for more money)

 There is a lot of good advice in the following article written by Chobee Hoy.  Alternatively, if I’ve ever represented you on the sale of your home, you will note that a few of the paragraphs do not ring true.  I highlighted them in green.  Read on: 

While certain tips like properly staging your space will help get your home sold no matter what the economic climate, picking a talented real estate agent is one of the most crucial assets in getting your home sold fast and for the right price.

During the summer this is especially important to consider because buyers and sellers are less available due to vacations and kids being home on summer break. If you don’t have a dedicated agent you might not receive the customer service needed to get your sale closed.

Many agents are thriving in today’s market, so an easy way to find someone well qualified is to do some research – who is winning awards in your area and what are they doing to differentiate themselves from the competition? If you know someone that has recent bought or sold a home ask them for advice, or even a referral.

Before hiring your agent ask: What was your most challenging sale, what made it so difficult, and how did you ultimately get the home sold? This will tell you if the agent has experience and if they have the tools necessary to get your home sold.

Also, get realistic comps and price your home accordingly. If your home and a similar home across the street are on the market do something to differentiate yours from theirs whether it be lowering the price or putting some extra time, and perhaps a little money, into staging it properly.

Don’t take offense if you get an offer that is low, make a counter-offer. Let go of the emotion you’ve invested in your home. Be detached, using a business-like manner in your negotiations. You’ll definitely have an advantage over those who get caught up emotionally in the situation.

Winning awards – A decade ago, when I was a newer agent, I thought that winning a top First Team award for selling an extraordinary amount of homes would demonstrate that I was experienced and successful and the agent that sellers would want to hire.   That was true – in a way.  Sellers did and still do feel that the agent with the most signs around town MUST be the best.  Growing older and a bit wiser has caused me to think differently.  I found that the fewer clients that I dedicate my practice to each year – the more money their homes sell for.  If I cut my practice in half, I would have more time to answer my seller’s questions,  manage any repairs that needed to raise the value of their home, stage the home and ultimately market it to bring hundreds of visitors to its one and only open house.  (If you click on the youtube “Jenean Hill 3″ video you will see what I mean).  

You will NOT see my For Sale or Open Houses signs all over town week after week.  When my fully-marketed homes hit the market there is generally a line out the door waiting to get inside, and an accepted offer by the following Tuesday or Wednesday.  You will never see another Open House sign for that home except when the new buyers of that home hire me 5-10 years later to  market their home in the same fashion I did when they purchased it.  Does my company (or any other company, for that matter) offer awards to the agent that sells a reasonable amount of homes, for up to 10% OVER comps?  Of course NOT.  Awards go to the agent who sells more homes – not sells homes for MORE.   So when comparing agents, you will want to reconsider going with the agent with the most name recognition, and instead ask any agent you interview to bring their MLS Statistics report for the last 3 years.  Are their homes on the market for 8 only days or do they price them to sit on the market so their signs can have a permanent place all over town and give them even more name recognition?  Do they sell for more than asking price or do they eventually talk the seller (whose listing they took at an extra high price to appease them) into accepting a lower offer?

Now you can see that the sign of an incredible agent is one that does NOT have signs on every corner, but one that limits their practice to helping one or two clients at a time in order for them to win the the true award – more money in their pocket with less inconvenience.

One more thing, when I market your home in my tried and true fashion, you won’t need to worry about countering a low ball offer.  It will be blown out of the park by all of the offers of the buyers’ agents who asked me how much OVER asking price they would need to write their offer to win the keys to your home!

SOLD: 150+ Open House Visitors at Latest Grand Opening

Just over a week ago,  I opened up my brand new listing in Laguna Hills to the public with my traditional GRAND OPENING open house.  That same weekend marketing exploded with photo ads in the Orange County Register, Irvine World News, Los Angeles Times, an O.C. Register press release, neighborhood papers, on all of the real estate websites, an invitation sent to every neighbor, facebook, blog posting, a newsletter to 2200 residents and an email blast.

Lunch was set out, the lending station was set up and within a few hours, we had over 150 visitors that yielded 1/2 dozen immediate offers.  Visiting neighbors said they have never seen anything like this (I have never done one on their street before) and buyers told me that when they go to sell their home, they want me to do this for them.  This was even before they knew how high the price of the home would go.  ‘At the end of the day’, the home that was originally priced at $599,900  sold for $655,500.    That is over 9% over asking price.

Now 9% over asking price wouldn’t be very impressive if the home sold for less than other homes in the neighborhood, right?  Let me tell you about the last three 5-bedroom homes that sold in this neighborhood.  They came on the market at an average price of $685,000.  The average closed sales price after being on the market a half a year was $575,000.  These homes sold for 84% of asking price.

My listing came on the market at $25,000 OVER the the average sales price of $575,000 and then sold for 9% over that price which was also 14% over the comp averages.    This does not happen on accident.  The sellers selected me to be their agent after being recommended by a friend who knew my tract record of raising neighborhood values one home at a time and upon viewing videos of my other Grand Openings that yielded between 155 and 300 visitors.  You can click on the Youtube video to the right to see the results of my marketing system along with my client’s home preparation and staging.

Although my listings always sell in about 7 days, there are weeks of behind the scenes efforts that go into each Grand Opening.  As a result, I can usually market only about 6 homes per year in this fashion.  If you would like to be the next, just give me a call!

P.S.  If you would like to see all 25 photos, click below:

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/24622-Cresta-Ct_Laguna-Hills_CA_92653_M24797-31318?cpPreview=true

Entertainer’s Paradise with Pool, Spa, Fruit Orchard and Guest Suite! OPEN SUNDAY, July 17th –

A lush, tropical paradise surrounds this incredible cul-de-sac property.  Enjoy summer in the sparkling solar pool and spa or picking a variety of fresh fruit from one of 3 dozen trees in the side yard orchard and gardens.  Inside this beautiful 3,200 sq. ft. 5 bedroom home you’ll find travertine tile, Karastan carpeting, crown molding, recessed lighting, decorator paint, plantation shutters, mirrored wardrobes, and 3 fireplaces.

The upgraded kitchen has elegant dark wood cabinets, granite counters, center island, oversized stainless steel sink and Bosch dishwasher.  The formal dining area has a bay window overlooking the orchard. The expansive family room offers a stone fireplace,  granite walk-in wet bar with wine alcove and views of the backyard pool, spa, and king palms.  As you lounge poolside or move about the home and grounds, you’ll enjoy music from the built-in surround sound system.

  Upstairs, the Master suite has a cozy sitting room with wrap around fireplace.  Remodeled master bath has dual vanity with marble counters, separate roman tub and shower and walk-in closet.  There are a total of four bedrooms upstairs PLUS a large bonus room – perfect for operating a home-based business or installing a home theater. If that isn’t enough, there is a separate first level 1-bedroom, 1-bath + living area guest/in-law quarters with disability access.  The seller is being transferred and has priced this exceptional home to sell this weekend.

The home will be priced in the high $500K’s to low $600K’s once upgrades have been completed this week. I am holding an open house for this one-of-a-kind home  for the first time on Sunday, July 17^th from 12-5pm.  Come at noon and enjoy a light lunch and bring your friends…and their checkbooks as it will not last.  24622 Cresta Ct., Laguna Hills.  IF YOU BRING ME THE BUYER, I WILL GIVE YOU A BRAND NEW TABLET COMPUTER!

To view a video of this property, click on the youtube link below:

http://www.youtube.com/FirstTeamProperties#p/search/5/H7R_MiIyZb4

or click here for more photos: http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/24622-Cresta-Ct_Laguna-Hills_CA_92653_M24797-31318?cpPreview=true

1,557 sq. ft. home for $325,000? Last Minute Grand Opening Open House in Lake Forest. This place is to die for…and a steal!

GRAND OPENING SATURDAY FROM 12-4.  LUNCH AT NOON.

Just a few days ago I got a verbal bank approval on this fantastic short sale townhome in Lake Forest. At $325,000, it is 10′s of 1,000′s below market.  This morning when I woke up and looked at the beautiful interior photos, I decided to try to pull off a GRAND OPENING OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, May 28th with one day notice.   I designed and dropped over 300 flyers around the community by 3pm (with the help of Gary and friend, Catherine) and just completed the 4-color property brochure and pricing scenario chart.  My lender, Jeff will be there with me at noon to welcome neighbors, friend and buyers with a light lunch.  I hope you can make it as this will be the one and only day to get in the home.  There will certainly be offers at the end of the h0liday weekend.  Here is the scoop on the home:

You will love the setting of this large 3-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath, 1,557 SF, 2-car direct access garage townhome.  Feels like SFR! Gourmet kitchen has stainless appliances and nook.  Formal dining area off living room. Kitchen and Living room open to expansive backyard with patio, sparkling fountain and terraced landscaping. One of the biggest yards in the community! Just steps to Montbury and Pittsford Parks and the desirable Lake Forest Elementary School.   Upgrades include neutral patterned Berber carpeting, Cherrywood floors, Decorator paint & more. Romantic living room fireplace. 2 large masters with walk-in closets. Third bedroom/loft currently used as child’s bedroom makes perfect home office.

Your family & pets will love the park-like setting of this community adjacent to the beautiful residences of Montbury.   Community offers pools, spas and tennis.  Short stroll to shopping, Starbucks and local eateries. It just doesn’t get any better!

22014 Summit Hill Drive, Lake Forest – Up from Trabuco and El Toro off of Aliso Hills.

Condo Deal of the Century: Investors and Buyers Hurry to See This LAKE FOREST Dual Master Suites, 2.5 baths, 2-car D/A Garage Townhome

You will love the hillside setting of this wonderful Lake Forest community.  Off Peachwood, this dual master suite, 2-bedroom,  2-1/2 bath, 1,144 SF, 2-car direct access (oversized) garage, end-unit townhome is just steps away from its own community park.  Upgrades include custom bathroom cabinets with granite counters, wood laminate flooring and custom closets.  Romantic living room fireplace.  Dining room opens to expansive, enclosed  patio.  Upstairs full-size laundry. Extra storage in garage.  Guest parking spaces right outside garage. It is just steps to grassy park that is perfect for large family parties and summer barbeques.  Your family & pets will love the setting of this Vista del Flores community as well as the extensive walking and horse trails that surround it.  Priced low to allow buyer room for new paint and carpeting and upgrades.

THIS IS AN APPROVED SHORT SALE, NOT A TEASER PRICE.

 Originally sold on the first day on the market, but investor walked by the time approval came in. The bank wants us to close in June. This is not on the MLS or on the market. It is $40,000 below other approved short sale model match on the market and $90,000 below last non-distressed model match sale. Call me ASAP
(949) 583-1331

Laguna Hills Condo Deal of the Century – $225,000

Wonderful city lights, greenbelt and hills view from this lovely 3-bedroom condo. Living space is all on one level above its own direct access garage and downstairs (permitted, approx. 350 EXTRA sq.ft.) office & basement storage area. Newly upgraded kitchen with granite counters, stainless stove, dishwasher and microwave. Master has door to patio and greenbelt. Garage has new roll-up door.

Plush carpeting and ceramic tile flooring. New A/C, water heater. Community offers pool, spa, tennis and more. Conveniently located just minutes from Irvine Spectrum’s shops and entertainment. Enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sun as it sets over the mountain from your tiled balcony right off your livingroom. GREAT NEWS: HOA’s BK is settled. No more litigation. Properties are now going fast. Hurry for this prime location.

Did you miss last weekend’s big Grand Opening on Copper Cliff Court in Lake Forest? The KTLA Channel 5 Morning News Producer didn’t!

Did you miss last weekend’s big Grand Opening on Copper Cliff Court in Lake Forest?

The KTLA Channel 5 Morning News Producer didn’t:  http://youtu.be/9LzBlLZ9XTk