Celebrate an Orange County New Year’s Eve by attending one of the many events in the area. The arrival of 2012 is just around the corner and it is time to make plans for enjoying a spectacular evening. The following may give you a few ideas when it comes to the area events that will herald the New Year.

New Year’s Eve with Rude Boys Outta Jail – This is a rockin’ New Year’s Eve with Rude Boys Outta Jail and guest DJs. The celebration will begin at 10 p.m. at the Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen, 122 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton. Admission is free before 10 p.m.

21st Annual First Night Fullerton – Family-oriented, focusing on activities for kids including an ice skating rink, entertainment, food and more will begin in Downtown Fullerton at 7 p.m. A fireworks display at midnight will conclude the evening. This fun-filled event will be held between Wilshire and Commonwealth Avenues off Harbor Boulevard and admission is free. Activities are from $2 to $7 each.

New Year’s Bash with Kenny Sara & the Sounds of New Orleans – Join the fun at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, 1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim from 8:15 p.m. until midnight. Featuring authentic New Orleans cuisine as well as music will provide a terrific Orange County New Year’s Eve and admission is free.

New Year’s Eve Celebration at Heat Ultra Lounge – Where will you be when the clock strikes midnight? At the Heat Ultra Lounge, 321 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, you can enjoy DJs all through the evening, a live video countdown and at midnight a champagne toast with a huge balloon and confetti drop. The party is from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Speakeasy New Year’s Eve Party – This will be a fun-filled evening with a 1920s theme. From the décor to the music, everyone will have a great time. Costumes are welcome, so you can come as a gangster or your favorite person from the 1920s. The celebration begins at 8:30 p.m. and concludes at 1 a.m. The Cellar, 305. N. Harbor Blvd, Fullerton is the destination for your Orange County New Year’s Eve party.

New Year’s Eve with ATB – If dancing is desired, this is the party to attend. Entertainment by German DJ ATB (Andre Tanneberger) can be enjoyed beginning at 9 p.m. The location is The Observatory, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana. The admission is $100 – ages 21 and over.

What are Orange County real estate buyers really interested in when purchasing homes? The following outlines the top 7 things that buyers are most concerned about when they are considering the purchase of a home.

1. Buyers will look in closets, cabinets and pantries when they tour Orange County real estate for sale. Make certain that closets have up to date shelving and plenty of space for organizing items. Closets that are organized allow potential buyers to believe that they can be just as orderly.
   

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2. The most popular flooring presently is hardwood. This can be expensive so if it is not in your budget, you may opt for synthetic wood. It never looks dated and will last for a long time.
3. Do not underestimate the bathroom. If you are lucky enough to have a bathroom with a steam shower and a whirlpool bath, these features will be strong selling points. If not, update the bathroom and create a modern look. Change mirrors and lighting and make the most of space.
4. An entrance that is appealing is another thing that will enhance Orange County real estate. Many people do not like to walk through the front door straight into the living room. The area can be changed to create an entry if the room does not have one. The skillful use of furniture in this area can provide an entry where there was none. A coat of paint on the front door will help as well.
5. Lighting is one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of Orange County real estate. The optimal home will have plenty of natural lighting; however, since many homes built today do not, adding the right lights can help. Decorative lighting as well as enough illumination for task and to provide atmosphere are needed. Recessed lighting and wall sconces are two modern looks.
6. Built-in furniture is often appreciated by those who purchase Orange County real estate. They look at these pieces as free furniture they receive with the home. However, items such as built-in bookcases and china cabinets can be a disadvantage for some who like to arrange their own furniture. Often the pieces can be constructed to look as if they are built in but are actually free standing. This is the best option allowing buyers to decide if they would like to purchase them with the home.
7. If you are considering the addition of a patio or another space that eliminates the grass, you should consider leaving the lawn. If buyers of Orange County real estate in your neighborhood consist mainly of families with children, a lawn is desirable and will be an advantage when it comes to selling the home.

]]> http://www.steveambuehl.com/2011/11/top-7-things-buyers-of-orange-county-real-estate-want/feed/ 0 http://www.steveambuehl.com/2011/11/2011-best-orange-county-real-estate-firm-%e2%80%93-first-team-real-estate/ http://www.steveambuehl.com/2011/11/2011-best-orange-county-real-estate-firm-%e2%80%93-first-team-real-estate/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:32:13 +0000 suzanne http://www.steveambuehl.com/?p=3046 2011 Best Orange County Real Estate Firm – First Team Real Estate

First Team Real Estate was named the best Orange County Real Estate firm in the 18th Annual 2011 “Best of Orange County” winners. First Team has sold more homes in Orange County in the last ten years than any other real estate company. With an impressive record of 9,443 completed transactions in 2010, the company has surpassed all other real estate firms within the state.

This Orange County real estate company was founded by Cameron Merage, who is also the CEO. Beginning small in 1976 with only five agents, today, the company has grown to include more than 40 locations and over 1800 agents and employees. Approximately 1500 of these employees are in Orange County. The company is a provider of mortgage operations, title escrow, residential and commercial real estate services. Offices are located in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego counties as well as eighteen offices in Orange County.

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What is credited with propelling this Orange County real estate company to the top? A spokeswoman for First Team, Lisa Armony, says it is the direction of the CEO. He is in constant touch with the agents and understands how they think. It addition, he is aware of the needs of agents and the service they provide to the company. When starting new projects, he puts himself in the position of the agents in order to ensure the company supplies the tools necessary as well as systems that are easily understood to provide value to their customers.

This Orange County real estate team represented the buyer and the seller of the Sunset Beach home owned by Jesse James, ex-husband of Sandra Bullock. The 3600 square-foot home featuring four bedrooms and four baths was sold for $4.5 million in December.

Here is a fun fact about this Orange County real estate company. The First Team’s executive vice-president, Bill Plattos, owned a Harley which he used to take to regional offices of the company on the weekends. He recently sold the Harley, but may be looking for a new one in the near future!

Fact or Fiction – Orange County Real Estate Appraisals

Orange County real estate appraisals are the best way of getting a professional opinion of the value of your home. Many consumers do not have a lot of experience when it comes to the appraisal process. This is probably the reason why there are so many myths surrounding appraisals. Here are some of the myths and facts about appraisals.

Myth: Keeping your home clean and organized can result in a better appraisal.

Fact: The appraiser is not interested in the dust that has accumulated on your television or if the dirty dishes are still sitting in the dishwasher. The things that they will notice are broken dishwashers and other appliances, cracks in the walls, torn carpet or damaged flooring and other signs that indicate neglect.

Myth: Appraisers of your Orange County real estate have a formula they use to determine the worth of the home.

Fact: An appraiser uses the location of the home, the size of the lot as well as the size and condition of your Orange County real estate, proximity to schools and public facilities and sales of homes comparable to yours to determine value.

Myth: The appraisal is needed to ensure a buyer does not pay too much for a home.

Fact: The appraisal is more for the protection of the lender than anyone. The information is of value for both buyers and sellers; however, a lender does not want to lend more money than a home is worth in case they end up with the home.

Myth: Anyone can be an appraiser.

Fact: Federal law mandates that an appraiser must meet standards and requirements for licensing according to the state in which they practice.

Myth: A home inspection and an appraisal are the same.

Fact: An appraisal is the professional opinion of the Orange County real estate for the lender. An inspection provides information to the buyer about the home’s condition.

Myth: Appraisers do not have to tell prospective buyers about a home’s defects.

Fact: If the buyer is using a mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration, potential problems uncovered during an appraisal must be disclosed.

Myth: If the appraisal of the Orange County real estate is lower than the price being asked, the buyer cannot purchase the home.

Fact: If there is a low appraisal, the buyer can still purchase the home with a larger down payment or an escrow for repairs. In addition, the seller can reduce the price of the home and on rare occasions with evidence to support a higher appraisal, the opinion of the appraiser can be reconsidered.

If you would like more information about Orange County CA homes, please feel free to contact us at (714) 612-4398 or visit our Contact Us page where you can send us a message.  We’ll get back to you right away!

Low interest rates and home availability make investing in Orange County real estate a good choice currently. Are you considering the purchase of a home? Although many people have the desire to buy a home there are many that are not quite sure they should take this step. There are many reasons that people buy homes and before making this purchase, they should ask themselves a few questions.

Why do you want to buy Orange County real estate? Do you want a home for the stability it will provide for your family? Are you considering a purchase to be near family and friends? Many families choose homes based on the schools that are nearby. A child may be better suited to one school rather than another when it comes to specific talents.

Everyone wants a home of their own. This is part of the American dream. However, deciding when to buy can be a difficult decision. Many people believe that the prices may continue to drop. However, if the price of homes decreases further it would likely be due to rising mortgage rates.

If you are seriously considering the purchase of Orange County real estate, consider your financial situation. Is your income stable and do you have the resources for the down payment, the closing costs and other fees that will be required for purchasing a home? Housing prices and interest rates should not be the major considerations if you are ready to take this step.

Buying a home should be a decision based on when you believe you are ready. Of course, everyone wants to make the right decisions when it comes to finances. Buying a home when the interest rates and home prices are low can be a good decision, but this should not be the only reason you choose to buy Orange County real estate.

If you would like more information about Orange County CA homes, please feel free to contact us at (714) 612-4398 or visit our Contact Us page where you can send us a message.  We’ll get back to you right away!

Halloween 2011 in Orange County, CA is off to a good start with a number of fun and spooky events for everyone in the family. The following are some of the attractions that you will be sure to enjoy.

• The Irvine Pumpkin Patch is the perfect place to take the kids and let them find the pumpkin they want to carve. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend. They are open through October 31st. The Pumpkin Patch is directly behind Irvine Park Train Station. There is also a haunted house, face painting, hay rides, carnival games and much more to enjoy when celebrating Halloween 2011 in Orange County, CA at Irvine Park.
• Halloween at Disneyland is a transformation of the parks and includes ghouls, bats, jack-o-lanterns, bats and more. Mickey’s Halloween Party will be part of the fun. The Disney characters are all getting in on the action and you can see them dressed up in their Halloween costumes. Disneyland is celebrating Halloween 2011 in Orange County, CA through October 31st.
• Bug Invasion at Discovery Science Center started the 1st of October and will be continuing through the 31st. There will be a variety of insects and bugs collections, scavenger hunts, interactive exhibits and more. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Trick or Treat Party at Legoland featuring a number of exciting things to do including a dance party, costume contest and entertainment. Celebrate Halloween 2011 in Orange County, CA at Legoland on Saturdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sea World’s Halloween Spooktacular is in full swing and you can visit on October 20th – 23rd, 27th – 31st beginning at 7 p.m. with various closing hours. Make your way through the killer from Scream 4, the Grim Reaper ,zombies and circus freaks at this event.
• Snoopy’s Costume Party at Knott’s Berry Farm every weekend in October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Knott’s Scary Farm – over 1,000 monsters, 7 shows guaranteed to raise your hair, 13 spine-tingling mazes all on 160 acres of a real life horror movie will be your adventure for Halloween 2011 in Orange County, CA. October 19th – 23rd and 26th – 31st from 7 p.m. to 1 or 2 a.m.
• Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor on October 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st from 7 p.m. to midnight feature 20-foot tall flames, 160 monsters, 2 onshore mazes and 3 shipboard mazes. This Halloween 2011 in Orange County, CA event will be held at 1126 Queen’s Highway in Long Beach, CA.

If you would like more information about Orange County CA homes, please feel free to contact us at (714) 612-4398 or visit our Contact Us page where you can send us a message.  We’ll get back to you right away!

The September report from DataQuick for September 2011 shows sales of Orange County real estate as well as homes in San Bernardino, Ventura, San Diego, Riverside and Los Angeles counties (Southland) increased in August 2011. This included new homes and resale houses and condos. The increase was 8.6% from July 2011 and they were also up from August 2010. There were a total of 19,654 sales in August 2011 compared to 18,541 in August 2010.

Part of the reason for the increase is contributed to the fact that August had 23 business days this year, which is the highest amount for the month of August since 2007. July had only 20. When sales are figured on an average number of homes sold daily, the sales actually were down from July by about 6% and the increase from a year earlier is less than 1%. Although sales of Orange County real estate was up from September 2010, they were still far less than the average.

August is usually a stronger month for sales during the year due to families who want to move before the school year starts. One of the reasons for the below average sales is attributed to the lack of financing to be found by those who are looking for Orange County real estate. Many people want to move, but because they owe more than their homes are worth, this is not possible. According to DataQuick, this along with the conditions of the financial markets, the political outlook and the low consumer confidence create an environment that is not conducive to a stable housing market.

The Southland counties had higher sales last month for the first time since November 2009; however, part of the reason is due to the decrease in home sales last summer when federal and state tax credits ended. Sales of Orange County real estate, especially within lower-cost neighborhoods are continuing to be purchased without loans. Cash sales of Southland homes were 28.5% of the total homes sales for the month of August. This was a slight decrease from July when the cash sales were 28.7%, but it is an increase of 14.1% from August 2010.

New home sales of Orange County real estate and the other counties within the Southland area were at 1,184 for August. This is 14.3% lower than a year earlier and is the lowest for the month of August since DataQuick first started keeping records in 1988.

If you would like more information about Orange County CA homes, please feel free to contact us at (714) 612-4398 or visit our Contact Us page where you can send us a message.  We’ll get back to you right away!

What can owners do to help their Orange County homes sell faster? There are many things that can be done to make the home more appealing to buyers. Here are a few suggestions if you are planning to sell.

• The entrance of the Orange County home should be a welcoming point. If the home does not have an entrance, create one. A raised table such as a console table with a nice decorative item can be used here. A coat of paint on the front door can help as well.
• Fixtures can make a difference, especially in the kitchen or bathroom. New door handles, water faucets and drawer pulls can dramatically change the look of the rooms.
• Hardwood floors are becoming the popular option. If this is not possible, Pergo is available for those on a budget.
• The bathrooms in Orange County homes are becoming more of a relaxing oasis with whirlpool baths and marble counters. Steam showers are a nice touch. If this is beyond your budget, take a look at the aspects that are not conducive to a relaxing room, such as the large mirrors surrounded by lights and replace them with more subtle lighting and mirrors.
• Many prospective buyers today prefer stainless steel appliances for the kitchen. In addition, people are ordering front panels for their cabinets to match appliances.
• What’s hot in countertops today? Marble, limestone, concrete and soapstone are an appealing look. Marble is the number one pick due to how easy it is to care for.
• Lighting is a consideration. There should be three types. Decorative, ambient and one that is used for tasks. Of course, natural light is a plus.
• Closets in Orange County homes need to be organized before showing the home. Organization creates a comfortable feeling.
• Built-in bookshelves or an entertainment center is preferred by many although some people would rather be able to move these items. Freestanding pieces that appear to be built in can be purchased with the home and are easily moved from one part of the room to another.

If you would like more information about Orange County CA homes, please feel free to contact us at (714) 612-4398 or visit our Contact Us page where you can send us a message.  We’ll get back to you right away!

Loan modifications are still being done on Orange County real estate; however there are a couple of other strategies being used to help housing recovery. One is a plan to help prevent homeowners from falling behind on their mortgage payments. Another is to clear the large number of bank owned REOs. The Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) that was developed in 2009 focused on helping homeowners to obtain payments that were more affordable in an attempt to keep them from going into foreclosure. In 2010, helping the program to operate more effectively and moving the trial modifications to permanent modifications was the focus.

Today, according to Edward J. DeMarco, the Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the priorities have shifted toward these two issues regarding Orange County real estate. FHFA is looking at the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) in an effort to allow borrowers who are eligible for the program a reduction in obstacles that would prevent the use of the program. DeMarco is seeking to ease problems that would allow the program to function as it was intended.

In addition, the large number of foreclosures that are owned by banks must be cleared to help in the recovery of the real estate market. In an effort to find a solution to this problem, the FHFA, working with the Treasury and HUD sent a Request for Information (RFI). The purpose was to get input on ways this could be achieved. They have received approximately 4,000 responses thus far and are in the process of reviewing them.

The overall purpose is not to find a single program that will work for all REO properties. The hope is to find proposals that can be adjusted to the needs of local communities. Many approaches to the problem have been considered including the disposal of Orange County real estate over time. The RFI was intended to allow new ideas for a more immediate solution. So far the request has generated a lot of interest and many submissions in response.

While modifications for Orange County real estate are still being done, the main initiatives being considered today are ways to stop more delinquencies and ridding the banks of the properties they currently own.

If you would like more information about Orange County CA homes, please feel free to contact us at (714) 612-4398 or visit our Contact Us page where you can send us a message.  We’ll get back to you right away!