Live in Lakeforest

Jenean Hill’s friend’s story in the OC Register, Jan., 26th, 2010

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.

First Team highlights my client’s story on video and in the Orange County Register every weekend for the month of January.

Reception Marks Two Decades of Lake Forest Cityhood

Last night, Gary and I attended a reception to commemorate 20 years of Lake Forest as an incorporated city.  Along with neighbors, REALTORS and new friends we reminisced about old times and places in our friendly city.  Here is what The Patch had to say about the event:

Twenty years ago, Helen Wilson and Kathy Zechmeister were among those witnessing the birth of the independent city of Lake Forest at an inaugural event at Heritage Hill Historical Park.

Since then, the city has expanded to house a population of approximately 76,000, and encompasses what was once El Toro and the areas of Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch.

It’s growth hasn’t disappointed its architects, many of whom put down roots in the fledging city and have lent their assistance to coax it through its adolescent years following incorporation.

“[In 1991], we envisioned the city as it is now,” said Wilson, who served as Lake Forest’s first mayor, at a Tuesday evening reception marking its two-decade anniversary. “[Lake Forest has] surpassed our expectations.” 

At the reception, she and Zechmeister were among many reminiscing about the campaign, which began in 1990, to get voters on board with the idea of a new Orange County city in the El Toro area

Twenty years ago, Helen Wilson and Kathy Zechmeister were among those witnessing the birth of the independent city of Lake Forest at an inaugural event at Heritage Hill Historical Park.

Since then, the city has expanded to house a population of approximately 76,000, and encompasses what was once El Toro and the areas of Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch.

Read more about last night’s celebration reception: http://lakeforest-ca.patch.com/articles/reception-marks-two-decades-of-lake-forest-cityhood#photo-8758993

Here is the video I made earlier this year to give people a taste of why they would love living in Lake Forest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq-25_61t08

VIDEO: One guest entering per minute at Irvine Open House

Click on photo above and you will be connected to the latest youtube video of my Grand Opening Open Houses.  These videos are NOT taken to market the homes as the home always sells the Tuesday or Wednesday after the Grand Opening video is shot.  It is made to give you a glimpse into the extensive marketing that goes into bringing 100-300 buyers through a home in 4 hours and ultimately selling the home over asking price within days.  I’d love it if you comment on the video or share it with your friends.  Since my business is 93% by referral, the person you share it with may be the one who benefits by my next Grand Opening.  Thanks.

Lake Forest, California Winter Activities

Lake Forest ‘s Winter Edition of the Leisure Times is out.  It is jam packed with fun events for the whole family from snow sledding at “Mt. Pittsford” to a Victorian Christmas at Heritage Hill.  Click  on the link below and start making plans!  http://www.lakeforestca.gov/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=6453

Not only is he local, he is the BEST!

My past clients often rely on me to provide great service providers for around their home year after year.  Once again, I have someone to highly recommend.  The name is Greg Olsen (pictured to the left).  No, he is not a painter or a contractor.  He is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Wellness expert.  I have been treating with him since last fall/winter.  He was recommended to me by a chiropractor who was unable to give me any relief for my symptoms stemming from an assault last year.  His practice is near Lake Forest and Lambert behind the Round Table Pizza.  Boy, I wish I knew about him years ago.  He is an extremely skilled doctor who treats you like family.  His visits are not like visiting a typical chiropractor where you go in and get ‘cracked’.  He treats the whole body and spends as much time with you as it takes so you walk away renewed  and with a smile on your face.  He is honest and has a gentle fashion that you will appreciate. 

Because over 90% of my business is by referal, I get extra excited about giving back referrals to deserving service providers I encounter.   If you call him and give him my name, he will give you a coupon to use toward your first visit.  I would love to hear from you after you meet him so we can sing his praises together.

You can learn more about him by clicking here.

To Cosign or not to Cosign

Cosigning on the dotted line
Low interest rates combined with bottom of the market housing prices in many areas has put pressure on young people to buy low cost real estate before they are able to save up an adequate down payment or qualify for a loan on their own.  Not wanting to miss out on this ”perfect storm” some home buyers are turning to family members or close friends with good credit to co-sign a home loan.

• While becoming a cosigner may seem like a good solution, money manager and lenders caution against those who are asked to be the cosigner.
• A cosigner, even if not living in the house, is really a coborrower, meaning he or she still is responsible for payments if the occupant is unable to meet his or her obligations.  In other words, if the principal party defaults on the loan, the cosigner is on the hook.
• One financial planner suggests potential cosigners take a less risky alternative, such as providing a cash gift for the down payment.  Under current tax laws, a person can give as much as $13,000 to a person, free of gift taxes, or $26,000 per person, if a married couple filing jointly is giving the money.
• Those considering cosigning a mortgage must conduct due diligence.  First, the cosigner must understand why the family member or friend is asking for help.  Potential cosigners shouldn’t be afraid to look into the requestor’s personal finances to help determine whether he or she will be able to repay the loan.  Perusing credit reports also will show the track record he or she has for paying off debts.
• A discussion about worst-case scenarios also should take place before signing on the dotted line.  Working out a written contract containing an agreement about what would happen in the event of a default, also is recommended.
• Cosigners also should keep in mind that the mortgage will show up on their credit report, and could affect their own ability to borrow money or buy a second home.  If the principal borrower makes a late payment, that also will show up on the cosigner’s report.

Read the full story

“Fall” Into Fun With Our Special Events in Lake Forest!

“Fall” Into Fun With Our Special Events!

DARE TO BE SCARED at Lake Forest’s 4th Annual Haunt at Heritage Hill on Friday, October 21. From 5:30 to 10 pm, you can visit our Haunted Schoolhouse, scare zone, and fright maze. Don’t be alarmed if you are greeted by a rather monstrous looking creature! Admission at the door is $5. Ages 12 and older please.

The Adventure continues this year at our Autumn Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 22 at Heritage Hill. From 4 to 9 pm, kids can play games, visit Nectar’s Pumpkin Patch and a Harry Potter Schoolhouse, trick-or-treat in costume, and see a live action Pirates Adventure show! Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under. 

For a complete listing of Lake Forest’s Fall events, please visit  “Fall Events at a Glance” on page 3 in the new Leisure Times brochure.