Live in Lakeforest

FREE OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE OPEN HOUSE LUNCH ON SATURDAY, MAY 12TH AT 12PM SHARP.

GRAND OPENING OPEN HOUSE  at 25256 Baja Mar in Lake Forest-

THIS HOME WILL SELL AFTER THE WEEKEND.

This Saturday, I will be holding a Grand Opening Open House from 12-4pm on a beautiful Dual Master Suites Townhome with a huge backyard in a beautiful community of Lake Forest. 

What would be better than owning a home where you drive past beautiful lakes, forests & mountain views before pulling into your own garage each day?…locking in all of this AND an ‘Off Peachwood’ address!  You will love the setting of this highly desirable Cape Cod-style Hillview community. This large 2-bedroom, (Dual Masters) 2-1/2 bath, 1317SF, 2-car direct access garage townhome feels like a SFR! Kitchen has granite counters & breakfast nook.  Formal dining area has French doors that lead to expansive backyard patio – one of the larger yards in the community!  

Living room has vaulted ceiling, plantation shutters romantic fireplace. Upgrades include Berber carpeting, large travertine-like tile & wide-planked real hardwood floors, Your family & pets will love being surrounded by community and recreational parks, pool, tennis and creek-side walking/horse trails. Irvine Spectrum, local shopping and eateries are minutes away.  It just doesn’t get any better.  Ranged priced at $275,000 to $300,000.  With the calls I am already getting on it, I predict it will sell at the top of the range.

If you know someone for this home, have them drive by it (they can even walk around the back to see the yard) and then call my partner, Tom  Testerman at 949 422-4497 right away.  I will be tied up for a few days.  He will get them on track to have the best chance at this home.

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

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.

“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.

Today is final Celebration of Shop & Dine Lake Forest Week

Shop & Dine Lake Forest Week- Celebration Event August 14

          Click here to view all the deals and discounts  

Meet me at the Orchard today, August 14th and join the fun at the final celebration of Shop & Dine Lake Forest from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Featuring live broadcast from Playlist 92.7 FM, raffle prizes, and family-fun activities! Grand prize is a 50″ HD Panasonic TV and an Apple iPad.

Celebration Event
Sunday, August 14, 2011
12 noon to 3 p.m.
 The Orchard
(El Toro Rd. and Rockfield Blvd.)

Featuring live broadcast by Playlist 92.7, Raffle prizes (Restaurant Gift Cards, Oakley Sunglasses, Etnies Shoe Gift Cards and More), free giveaways, and family-fun activities. Grand Prizes: 50″ Panasonic Plasma TV and an Apple iPad.

 
 It’s Shop & Dine Lake Forest Week August 7 through August 14. Don’t miss it! 

Click on Video: http://vimeo.com/27254541