<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0">
    <channel>
        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/</link>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/home-staging.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/home-staging.html</link>
            <author>dallen@surterreproperties.com (Dianne Allen)</author>
            <title>Home Staging</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Let’s
talk about an aspect of the real estate transaction that takes on a heightened
importance during times like these, when it’s just as much a buyer’s market as
it is a seller’s market: home staging.


One
of the many benefits of hiring an experienced real estate agent (like me!) to
help sell your home is having access to professionals who are seasoned in the
all-important art of home staging. This
is what we do for a living—naturally, over the years, we’ve seen what works and
what doesn’t. With so many homes for sale in the Newport Beach area, and
throughout other prized locations like Corona del Mar, Dana Point and Laguna
Beach, it’s important that hopeful sellers take the time and the right steps to
make their properties as marketable as possible. With that in mind, here are 3
easy tips to keep in mind when staging a home.




Create
the Spa Effect. An incredibly easy way to transform an ordinary bathroom or
powder room into a haven of relaxation? Fluffy white towels, and lots of them.
Throw in a couple of white candles and you have yourself an instant bathroom
makeover that’s economical and makes a noticeable difference. 


Go
neutral. Unsure what to do to bring that great room into 2012? A fresh coat of
paint in a non-obtrusive hue like beige or cream can yield results that are
anything but boring. In addition to opening up a space, a neutral paint job can
make the space look more current. 


Check
that lighting. For this one, enlisting the help of a professional is ideal as
the right kind of lighting (which so few homes just have, by the way) can
transform a living space like you wouldn’t believe. What’s more, proper
lighting is a good feng shui practice. And really, if you’re trying to sell,
why not take on all the help you can get? 


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:06:14 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/2012-real-estate-forecast-the-road-to-recovery.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/2012-real-estate-forecast-the-road-to-recovery.html</link>
            <author>dallen@surterreproperties.com (Dianne Allen)</author>
            <title>2012 Real Estate Forecast: The Road to Recovery</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
2012 Real Estate Forecast: The Road to Recovery


Several years back—around
2008, when “the economy” was virtually inescapable and the climate in the luxury
real estate market had hit a serious lull—everyone was on the edge of their
seats, eager to hear the experts weigh in on when a recovery would take place.
Do you remember that? The country’s economic woes (though the luxury real
estate market was largely immune to the worst of them) were in full swing,
and we weren’t supposed to see so much as the beginning of a return to normalcy
(whatever that even means!) until 2012. For so many, 2012 seemed light years
away. Well, here we are! It’s the beginning of the New Year, and, if the
experts are correct in their analyses, it’s the beginning of what will be a prosperous—steady,
but prosperous!—year for the luxury real estate market. 


Homes for Sale in Newport Beach



Curious what prices
will be like this year among the homes for sale in Newport Beach? If the
experts’ predictions are correct, they won’t fluctuate too much from where they
were in 2011. If we see a spike, it’s likely to be a slight one—and of course,
certain sub markets are going to perform differently than others. Particularly
in the wake of what was going on several years back, this is a “glass half
full” scenario. And, if you’re considering buying a home this year, your glass
runneth over: the Orange
County register reported that house payments have hit an 8-year low.


The Bigger Picture


Some pretty important
numbers indicate that things may finally be on the up and up. Jobs? 100,000 of
them are being created a month, and that’s just right now. (The number could
reach 150,000. Here’s hoping!) Not exactly the figures we were seeing
pre-downturn, but an improvement nonetheless, and at the end of the day, good
news for real estate. 


The Media



Says veteran
California real estate economist G.U. Krueger: there’s a lot of negative hype
out there. We can thank the media for the dismal outlook on the real estate
market… and we can also consider the facts, a big one being the Real GWP’s 1.8%
increase. In other words … doomsday reports should be taken with a grain of salt.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:03:16 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/mortgage-rates-end-near-historic-lows.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/mortgage-rates-end-near-historic-lows.html</link>
            <author>dallen@surterreproperties.com (Dianne Allen)</author>
            <title>Mortgage Rates End Near Historic Lows</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Mortgage Time


Mortgage Market News for the week ending December 29, 2011


Many
investors wanted to avoid risk during the final week of the year, which helped
relatively safer assets such as US mortgage-backed securities (MBS). As a
result, mortgage rates fell a little to end near the lowest levels of the year.



While
economic growth was well below average for the first three quarters of 2011, a
pickup during the fourth quarter bodes well for stronger housing market
activity next year. Nearly all of the economic data released during the fourth
quarter pointed to improvement. The labor market picked up, consumer confidence
rose, and home sales activity increased. This week, in the final piece of
housing data for 2011, Pending Home Sales rose 7% from the prior month, to the
highest level of the year. 



Low mortgage rates also contribute to the
improving environment for the housing market. As we enter 2012, mortgage rates
are at the lowest levels in decades, making homes very affordable. While there
are factors which could push rates higher, such as an unexpected increase in
inflation or a major reversal in European debt troubles, the outlook is for
mortgage rates to remain relatively low next year as well.


Also
Notable: 




Chicago
     PMI manufacturing showed its 27th straight month of expansion 


Consumer
     Confidence rose to the highest level since April 


The
     value of the euro versus the dollar fell to the lowest level of the year


Gold prices fell below $1,600 per ounce for the
first time since July







Week
Ahead 



The biggest economic report next week will be
the important Employment data on Friday. As usual, this data on the number of
jobs, the Unemployment Rate, and wage inflation will be the most highly
anticipated economic data of the month. Before the employment data, ISM
Manufacturing, Construction Spending, and the FOMC Minutes from the December 13
Fed meeting will be released on Tuesday. Factory Orders will come out on
Wednesday. ISM Services and ADP Employment are scheduled for Thursday. Mortgage
markets will be closed on Monday in observance of the New Year’s holiday.




 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:02:31 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/january-2012-events-for-orange-county.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/january-2012-events-for-orange-county.html</link>
            <author>dallen@surterreproperties.com (Dianne Allen)</author>
            <title>January 2012 Events for Orange County!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Surf City Splash -
  Huntington Beach     Jan. 1
  Celebrate the new year with a dip into the Pacific. Bring your bathing suit.
  (No wetsuits, that's cheating!) Meet in front of Zack's. Donation of $5 for
  pancake breakfast; $10 for certificates of Lion-Heartedness. 9am-3pm. HB
  Pier. 714-349-7706 / www.hbsurfcitysplash.com


Dana Point
  Walk     Jan. 1
  Walk takes you through Dana Point Village, Hide Walk with a cliff view of
  Dana Harbor, along Harbor Drive to Orange County Marine Institute, across
  bridge to Dana Island and back, through the harbor and "baby beach"
  area before heading back. 12pm. Ralphs Supermarket.


Excursion to the
  Tournament of Roses Parade - Buena Park    
  Jan. 2
  This year's theme is "Just Imagine!". The parade will feature
  spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats,
  and high-stepping equestrian units. 6:30am. Tickets: $93. Walter Ehlers
  Community Center: 8150 Knott Ave. 714-236-3860


Katin Pro Am Team
  Challenge
  - Huntington Beach    
  Jan. 5-12
  Features 17 teams of four surfers competing in the same four-person,
  open-draw format that Nancy Katin originally envisioned when she founded the
  event in 1977. 8am. North of the Huntington Beach Pier: 325 Pacific Coast
  Hwy. www.katinusa.com


Easyriders Bike Show - Anaheim     Jan. 7
  Hundreds of the planet's hottest bikes on display, the world's top bike
  builders, meet Paul Yaffe. $10,000 awarded to the Crafty Custom bike of the
  year. Anaheim Convention Center. www.easyridersevents.com


Monster Energy
  Supercross -
  Anaheim     Jan. 7
  Top Supercross riders Ryan Villopoto, James Stewart, Chad Reed, Ryan Dungey
  and more battle it out at Angel Stadium for the 2012 AMA Supercross crown.
  Come on out and catch all the bar to bar action during the Anaheim race. 7pm.
  www.supercrossonline.com


Southern California
  Half Marathon &amp; 5K - Irvine    
  Jan. 7
  Excellent race and venue to start new year of fitness and preperation for
  other races. 8am. Barranca Parkway between Lake Streets and Creek Road. http://schalfmarathon.com


Irvine International
  Film Festival     Jan. 12-16
  We'll be screening fresh independent films featuring both up-and-coming and
  veteran film stars including Rita Wilson, Ed Asner, Anna Paquin and others.
  Irvine Westpark 8: 3755 Alton Pkwy. 949-800-6163 / www.irvinefilmfest.com


Irvine Restaurant
  Week     Jan. 13-19
  The seven-day celebration features special two or three-course, prix fixe
  lunch and/or dinner menus starting at $11.95 per person (beverages, tax and
  gratuity not included) at more than a dozen participating restaurants. www.destinationirvine.com


Irvine Korean
  Cultural Festival     Jan. 14
  Designed to commemorate Korean immigration to the United States, which began
  in 1903. 10am-5pm. Irvine Civic Center: 1 Civic Center Plaza. The Festival is
  a culture-filled extravaganza complete with fine Korean cuisine, games, art
  and music. www.irvinekoreanfestival.com


NAMM 2012 - Anaheim     Jan. 19-22
  The NAMM show is the premier show for the music industry. Over 90,000
  registrants visit the show representing 90 countries around the world.
  Anaheim Convention Center. www.namm.org


Costa Mesa
  Historical Society Dinner     Jan. 20
  Assistant Archivist Chris Jepsen will speak about “Orange County Tiki”. $20.
  6pm. Held at the Captain’s Table at Orange Coast College: 2701 Fairview Rd.
  (949) 631-5918 / www.costamesahistory.org


Newport Beach
  Restaurant Week     Jan. 20-29
  Foodies unite and make reservations early to "Savor The Flavor of the
  Real OC". Giving the community an incredible opportunity to dine at top
  Newport Beach restaurants for nine days and two weekends at a great price! www.newportbeachdining.com


Newport Beach 1st
  Battalion 1st Marines Foundation Beach Challenge     Jan.
  21
  9-13 fitness challenges, a run, dozens of screaming Marines, sound like fun?
  Sure you can run…but can you challenge the Marines at their own game?! 8am.
  Balboa Pier. www.oneonemarines.com


Premier Bridal Shows
  -
  Newport Beach    Jan. 22
  Showcasing Southern California's top wedding professionals for all your
  wedding planning needs. Shop, compare and get insights and advice from the
  leading wedding experts. 11am-4pm. Radisson Hotel Newport Beach. www.premierbridalshows.com


Relay For Life -
  Kickoff Event     Jan. 26
  Join us for an evening of food, drinks, and fun while learning what Relay For
  Life is all about. Festivities for the evening will include speakers, a
  silent auction, and raffle prizes. 6-8pm. Seacliff Country Club: 6501 Palm
  Ave. 714-393-2439 / www.facebook.com/relayforlifehb


This information is deemed reliable, but not
  guaranteed.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:02:37 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/holiday-activities-for-you-and-your-family.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/holiday-activities-for-you-and-your-family.html</link>
            <author>dallen@surterreproperties.com (Dianne Allen)</author>
            <title>HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Happy Holidays from Hugh and Dianne 


Enjoy this calendar of events for the Season  


Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade     Dec.
  1-31
  Homes, yachts, docks, whole landscapes are transformed into a magical holiday
  experience. Newport Harbor is richly illuminated with thousands of
  lights and hundreds of themed estates. Newport Landing - 309 Palm St #A.
  (949) 675-0551 / www.christmasparadeboats.com


Lighting of the Bay - Newport Beach    
  Dec. 2
  Entertainment-Carollers-Concessions. Visit from Santa who will light the Back
  Bay with floating trees. 6pm. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort &amp; Marina:
  1131 Back Bay Drive. 949-729-3863 / www.newportdunes.com


Holiday Magic Christmas Tree
  - Anaheim     Dec. 2
  Coordinated by the West Anaheim Neighborhood Development Council and includes
  live entertainment, a bonfire, and tree lighting ceremony. 6pm. Twila Reed
  Park. 714-765-4397


Crystal Cove Alliance Tree-Lighting
  Ceremony     Dec. 3
  At sunset, the Cove's picturesque beach will be illuminated by twinkling
  lights and decorative ornaments on a statuesque evergreen. 4pm. Crystal Cove
  State Park Historic District. http://crystalcovebeachcottages.org


Nutcracker Tree Lighting &amp; Holiday Village
  - Anaheim     Dec. 3
  International food fair and unique gift shopping. Crafts for kids and
  pictures with Santa. 10am-7pm. Center Street Promenade &amp; Lemon St. Free
  admission and parking. 714-956-3586 / www.downtownanaheim.com


Holiday Bazaar - Newport Beach    
  Dec. 3-4
  Takes place in the newly restored Education Commons. Items for sale will
  include fine art paintings by Crystal Cove Park Store artists as well as
  hand-made items and holiday gifts. 9am-5pm. http://crystalcovebeachcottages.org


Sawdust Winter Fantasy -
  Laguna Beach     Dec. 3-4, 9-11
  Our festival grounds will be transformed into a winter wonderland where
  exhibitors create, display and sell original creations. 10am-6pm. Sawdust Art
  Festival grounds. (949) 494-3030 / www.sawdustartfestival.org


Light a Light of Love     Dec. 4
  The parade will start at Orange and Main St. and will end at the Pier Plaza.
  After the parade, the entertainment will begin at the Pier Plaza. While at
  the Plaza, Mr. &amp; Mrs. Claus will be available for children to take
  pictures! 4:30pm. 714-842-6600 / www.cspinc.org


Corona del Mar Christmas Walk    Dec. 4
  Each year "The Walk" brings together thousands of fun-loving people
  into the Village of Corona del Mar for live entertainment, food, prizes and
  games in true holiday spirit! 11am-4pm. 949-673-4050 / www.cdmchamber.com


An Irish Christmas - Irvine    
  Dec. 4
  A great celebration - Christmas in Ireland - with glorious music, traditional
  dance, storytelling, laughter and plenty of Irish soul. 2-4pm. Irvine Barclay
  Theatre: 4199 Campus Dr. $48 Adult; $43 Senior; $38 Group; $28 Child.
  949-854-4646 / www.thebarclay.org


Metrolink Holiday Toy Express
  - SJC     Dec. 4
  Santa’s glittering train, the Metrolink Holiday Toy Express, is once again
  preparing to travel from city to city to entertain families and help to
  collect toys for the less fortunate. 7pm. Capistrano Train Depot. www.metrolinktrains.com


Balboa Island Christmas Tree Lighting     Dec.
  5
  During the Festival, pubs, restaurants and hotels will be promoting
  holiday specials as well as organizing events and entertainment for all age
  groups. 2:30-6pm. Fire Station, 124 Marine Ave. www.balboa-island.net


Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights    
  Dec. 9-10, 16-17
  2011 Theme: Santa Salutes the 70's. 7:30pm. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive.
  (949) 923-2255 / www.danapointharbor.com


Newport Dunes Craft Fair     Dec. 10
  Shop for unique gifts from more than 36 local artisans. 11am-5pm. 1131 Back
  Bay Drive. Adjacent to Holiday Tree Lot. 949-729-3863 / www.newportdunes.com


Toys for Tots &amp; the Spark of Love
  - Anaheim     Dec. 10
  This event is being held as part of the club's 1st Annual Golf Ball Drop
  Fundraiser, which benefitted the UCI Regional Burn Center. Supported by the
  Anaheim Fire Department. 1pm. Anaheim Hills Golf Course. 714-318-3111 / www.anaheimhillsgolfclub.org


Huntington Harbour Boat Parade     Dec. 10-11
  Features approximately 70 festively decorated boats cruising the tranquil
  waterways by picturesque homes. 16400 Pacific Coast Hwy. 5pm. 310-900-2170 / www.hhboatparade.org


Balboa Island Holiday Home Walking Tour    
  Dec. 11
  Eight decorated beach cottages and bayfront homes, all uniquely holiday
  decorated that is surely to ignite the spirit of the season. Be sure to visit
  our shops on Marine Ave for your holiday shopping! $25. 11am-4pm. 311 Marine
  Ave. 949-246-7100 / www.balboa-island.net


Someone Cares Soup Kitchen Fundraiser
  - Irvine     Dec. 14
  Complimentary appetizer buffet will be served, silent auction item table and
  DJ Roly spinning the tunes. 6:30-10pm. Posch Restaurant &amp; Nightclub:
  18912 MacArthur Blvd. Suggested donation of $20. 949-463-2223 / www.OCSoupKitchen.org


Christmas Boat Parade
  - Newport Harbor     Dec. 14-18
  Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, we
  invite you to celebrate this year as we feature the theme "Feelin'
  Christmas-Sea in Newport Beach!" 6:30-9pm. 949-729-4400 / www.christmasboatparade.com


Menorah Lighting Ceremony
  - Newport Beach     Dec. 20
  Celebrate Hanukkah with singing and festive traditions. 4pm. Fashion Island:
  401 Newport Center Dr. Chabad Jewish Center Newport Beach at 949-721-9800.


Huntington Harbour Cruise of Lights Boat
  Tour     Dec. 16-23
  The Cruise of Lights is one of the most spectacular light shows on the
  water. Visitors will see thousands of lights decorating boats, decks, docks
  and homes, some with incredible animation. $15 for adults; $9 for children.
  16889 Algonquin St. 714-840-7542 / www.cruiseoflights.org


New Year's Eve Gala - Huntingston
  Beach     Dec. 31
  Celebrate New Year's Eve with BB Jazz! Enjoy entertainment, dinner,
  dancing and party favors at this popular annual evening Gala. Prices vary;
  all tables are assigned. 7pm. Hyatt Regency Resort &amp; Spa: 21500 Pacific
  Coast Hwy. 714 377-7574 / www.bbjazz.com


New Year's Eve - Irvine    
  Dec. 31
  Ring in 2012 with a family-friendly New Year's Eve countdown. Kids will have
  their own party with noise makers, dancing, carousel rides, and night-time
  activities. 5:30-9:30pm. Orange County Great Park: Sand Canyon &amp; Marine
  Dr. Free admission; parking $10. www.ocgp.org


This
  information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:22:18 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/fall-back.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/fall-back.html</link>
            <author>dallen@surterreproperties.com (Dianne Allen)</author>
            <title>Fall Back</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:12:18 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/surterres-weekly-half-full-perspective-for-orange-county.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/surterres-weekly-half-full-perspective-for-orange-county.html</link>
            <author>dallen@surterreproperties.com (Dianne Allen)</author>
            <title>Surterre's Weekly Half Full Perspective for Orange County</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
This week's perspective is great news for buyers who aren't sure if now is the time to buy.  This perspective is here to help you decide whether or not the time is right for you!  If you are considering a purchase please contact Hugh or Dianne to help you find the perfect property for you in Corona del Mar, Newport Beach, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel or any part of Orange County!  


Surterre’s Weekly
Financial and Market Update - Week Ending 10/17/2011


“Glass Half Full” Perspective


 


ORANGE
COUNTY REGISTER REAL ESTATE SECTION 10/16/2011


Jonathan
Lansner


“6% OF O.C. MORTGAGES MORE THAN 3 MONTHS LATE”


The
number is 19% lower than a year ago. The 90-day delinquent number is seen as a
key indicator of future mortgages woes.


THE
WALL STREET JOURNAL 10/15/2011


Jack
Hough


“IT’S TIME TO BUY THAT HOUSE”


The U.S. house prices
have plunged by nearly a third since 2006, and homeownership rates are falling
at the fastest pace since the Great Depression. 


The good news?  Two key
measures now suggest it's an excellent time to buy a house, either to live in
for the long term or for investment income (but not for a quick flip). First,
the nation's ratio of house prices to yearly rents is nearly restored to its
pre-bubble average. Second, when mortgage rates are taken into consideration,
houses are the most affordable they have been in decades. 


Two of the silliest mantras during the real-estate bubble were
that a house is the best investment you will ever make and that a renter
"throws money down the drain." Whether buying is a better deal than
renting isn't a stagnant fact but a changing condition that depends on the relationship
between prices and rents, the cost of financing and other factors.


But the math is turning in buyers' favor. Stock-oriented folks can
think of a house's price/rent ratio as akin to a stock's price/earnings ratio,
in that it compares the cost of an asset with the money the asset is capable of
generating. For investors, a lower ratio suggests more income for the price.
For prospective homeowners, a lower ratio makes owning more attractive than
renting, all else equal. 


Nationwide, the ratio of home prices to yearly rents is 11.3, down
from 18.5 at the peak of the bubble, according to Moody's Analytics. The
average from 1989 to 2003 was about 10, so valuations aren't quite back to
normal. 


For example, the median home in the greater Phoenix market,
including houses, condos and co-ops, costs $121,700, according to Zillow.com.
With a 20% down payment and a 4.12% mortgage rate, a buyer's monthly payment
would be about $470. Rent for a comparable house would be more than $1,100 a
month, according to data provided by Zillow.com. 


Houses aren't the magic wealth creators they were made out to be during
the bubble. But when prices are low, loans are cheap and plump investment
yields are scarce, buyers should jump.


ORANGE
COUNTY REGISTER BUSINESS SECTION 10/15/2011


Jeff
Collins


“HOME SALES INCREASE”


Sales
of single-family houses increased 4.1 percent in September.


Taking
sales volume into consideration, home-sale pricing is up in ZIPs representing
52 percent of the county market.


Cheapest
ZIP is Laguna Woods 92637 with a $165,000 median selling price.


Priciest
ZIP is Newport Beach with a $2,985,500 median selling price.


ORANGE
COUNTY REGISTER BUSINESS SECTION 10/10/2011


Jeff
Collins


“LENDERS SEIZE 28% FEWER O.C. HOMES”


In
all, 577 homes either went back to the banks or were auctioned off to third
parties, down 27.9 percent from September 2010.


The
number of homeowners losing their properties was at its lowest level in the
past 10 months.


NOD’s
dropped 11.2 percent over the past year to 1,634 


ORANGE
COUNTY REGISTER BUSINESS SECTION 10/10/2011


Jonathan
Lansner


“O.C. HOME SALES UP 6.5%”


Orange
County closed 2,707 residences in September…up 6.52 percent vs. a year ago. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:35:10 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/uh-oh-mortgage-rates-move-higher.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/uh-oh-mortgage-rates-move-higher.html</link>
            <author>dallen@surterreproperties.com (Dianne Allen)</author>
            <title>Uh Oh, Mortgage Rates Move Higher!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
This information was compiled and reported by Al Rodriguez at AmeriFirst Financial 


Mortgage
Rates Move Higher 


Investors
grew more optimistic about US economic growth and less concerned about Europe
this week. This helped the stock market rally during the week. For mortgage
rates, though, this news was not favorable. After reaching new lows early last
week, mortgage rates continued to move higher this week. 


Following
last week's stronger than expected Employment data, the biggest economic report
this week also exceeded expectations. September Retail Sales increased 1.1%
from August, which was above the consensus forecast of 0.6%. In addition, the
FOMC Minutes from the September 21 Fed meeting revealed that Fed officials
expect the economy to avoid recession. In recent weeks, investors have been
gradually upgrading their economic outlook. Stronger growth is good for the
economy, but it increases inflationary pressures, which is negative for
mortgage rates. 


Declining
investor concerns about European debt problems heavily influenced US financial
markets again this week. During the week, European officials reassured
investors that the consequences of a Greek default would not spread to other
countries or to European banks. In addition, the last of the European Union
members voted to approve a major aid package. Finally, Germany and France announced
that they will present a comprehensive aid package at a summit on October 23.
Investors reacted by reversing the flight to safety trade, meaning that they
returned to riskier assets such as stocks and shifted out of relatively safer
assets such as bonds.


 


If you are considering making a home purchase in the future, make sure to get your pre-approval through your lending institution and it will make the process a smooth sail.   If you don't have a lending institution, consider calling Al Rodriguez at AmeriFirst Financial.  They have several programs that the large banks do not. He can be reached at 949-903-1959 or email at arodriguez@amerifirst.us


 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:18:14 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/eastbluff-market-statistics-102011.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/eastbluff-market-statistics-102011.html</link>
            <author>dallen@surterreproperties.com (Dianne Allen)</author>
            <title>Eastbluff Market Statistics 10/2011</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Eastbluff is one of the original premier view communities in Newport Beach.  Dianne lives in and focuses her real estate marketing efforts in the Eastbluff neighborhood.  There has been a flurry of activity since July 2011, including new listings and sales.  This uptick shows promise that the local Orange County marketplace is definitely simmering, let's bring it to a boil folks!!


 


Active
Listings         
Bed/Bath                    Sq. Ft.                     Price                 Days
on Market


2627 Bunya                      5/4                       2,899                   $1,399,000                
125


2924 Carob                      4/3                       3,100                   $1,450,000                 153


2661 Basswood             5/3                       2,263                   $1,475,000          
       57


2300 Arbutus                   5/3                       2,666                   $1,495,000          
       46


2201 Aralia                       5/4                       2,691                   $1,599,000          
       47


806 Bison                         4/3                       3,400                   $1,689,000          
       54


914 Chestnut                   4/3                       4,200                   $1,775,000                  146


2232 Arbutus                   3/3                       2,500                   $1,795,000                  414


2924 Catalpa                   4/2                       2,051                   $1,850,000          
       87


2936 Alta Vista                5/4                       4,283                   $2,200,000          
       41


In Escrow


2455 Bamboo                 3/2                       1,900                   $1,195,000                 230


Sold


921 Citrus                        3/2                       1,650                   $   905,000                   97


908 Citrus                        4/2                       1,920                   $ 1,005,000                 138


2531 Blackthorn             3/3                       2,119                   $ 1,182,000                  133


2327 Alta Vista                5/5                       4,000                   $ 2,075,000                  117



2807 Catalpa                  5/6                       3,100                   $ 1,995,000          
        49
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:37:29 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/whats-happening-at-diannes-open-house.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.realestateocnow.com/blog/whats-happening-at-diannes-open-house.html</link>
            <author>dallen@surterreproperties.com (Dianne Allen)</author>
            <title>What's Happening at Dianne's Open House</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Tomorrow, Saturday, I am holding 2022 Vista Cajon, Newport Beach open from 1-4 p.m.  I am having a drawing for a $100 Restaurant.com gift card and a bottle of fine red wine.  Come out and see me and enter to win!  
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:30:39 -0500</pubDate>
                    </item>
    </channel>
</rss>
