In keeping with the shadowy expanse of October and a collective love for eerie stories, we will dive into the lesser-traversed, haunting legacy of our neighborhoods: Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa. Both intertwined with folklore and chilling tales that send shivers down the spine, there's plenty to explore in the way of local haunted tales. Grab a hot cocoa, sit back, and let's embark on this spectral journey!

Huntington Beach's "Gray Ghost"

Our first stop is the historic Newland House Museum in Huntington Beach. Known for its vintage charm, this Victorian style house holds a ghostly tale that has tantalized residents for decades. Home to the city's first settlers, William and Mary Newland, it's said that a "gray ghost" haunts the place.…

461 Views, 0 Comments

As the gentle warmth of summer makes way for the crisp, cool air of fall, locals and visitors of Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach will begin to notice the transformation of green canopies into a mesmerizing spectacle of reds, oranges, and yellows. The leaf-peeping season provides the perfect backdrop for some invigorating hikes around the area, providing not just exercise, but a feast for the eyes and the soul.

As experts in local real estate and adventuring in our beautiful SoCal climate, we know just the spots to recommend. Here are a few of our favorite hiking trails in Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach that offer a beautiful display of fall foliage.

Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa

The Talbert Nature Preserve is an oasis of natural beauty…

304 Views, 0 Comments

As the air gets crisper and the leaves flutter to the ground, there’s nothing cozier than indulging in a comforting, warm meal at some of Huntington Beach’s best restaurants. Here are a few dining destinations worth exploring this fall:

  • Old World German Restaurant

Taste the flavors of Oktoberfest at this authentic German restaurant. Their hearty, comforting food will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy Bavarian cottage for the afternoon.

  • The Black Trumpet Bistro

This Mediterranean tapas bar and bistro offer an assortment of comforting eats. Try their cozy patio seating, perfect for those cooler autumn nights.

  • 25 Degrees

Indulge in gourmet burgers and shakes at this swanky spot that boasts…

501 Views, 0 Comments

The real estate market dynamics can seem enigmatic to both beginners and seasoned professionals. One question that often puzzles homebuyers and sellers is: "How do I know if I'm getting a good price?" The L3 Real Estate Team, experienced veteran's in the Costa Mesa property market, shares key insights that'll guide you through this conundrum.

  • Understanding the Local Market

Costa Mesa, over the last 12 months, has witnessed 599 transactions. With competitive average sales prices around $1,449,603, Costa Mesa's real estate is on fire. Houses spend an average of 36 days on the market, reflecting a more than desirable demand in this vicinity.

However, these numbers might not tell the entire story. It's important to delve deeper and explore…

319 Views, 0 Comments

Open houses provide an excellent opportunity for potential buyers to experience the home in person. As Halloween rolls around, it offers a unique chance to add some novelty and charm to your open houses. The L3 Real Estate Team, one of the top real estate teams in Costa Mesa, shares some innovative tips on how to leverage the Halloween season to spice up your open houses.

Tip 1: Seasonal Decorations:

Set the scene with tasteful and fun Halloween decorations. This can include fall floral arrangements, decorative gourds and pumpkins, or a stack of hay bales at the entrance. Remember, less is more - make sure your decor enhances and doesn't overpower the home's natural appeal.

Tip 2: Halloween-Themed Refreshments:

Consider providing…

269 Views, 0 Comments

Hello, Costa Mesa Homebuyers!

We often receive a pressing question from prospective homeowners - "How much income do I need to afford an $800,000 house?"

It's a necessary question and an important factor to consider in your home buying preparation. So, here we go.

The answer, like many things in life, isn’t quite so simple and depends on many factors. These include your total monthly debts, credit score, down payment, and current interest rates.

  1. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) Most lenders prefer a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of 36% or less. This means if your total household income is $150,000 per year, your total debts (including mortgage, car loans, student loans, and credit card payments) should not exceed $54,000 annually or $4,500 a…

6836 Views, 0 Comments

Hello, dear followers! We're back with another in-depth exploration of our beloved city, Huntington Beach, this time focusing on the real estate market's past performance and what's on the horizon.

Market Recap

In the dynamic world of real estate, keeping a finger on the pulse of market trends is essential. Last year, Huntington Beach's real estate market was sizzling:

  • 1,474 properties changed hands, showing the real estate scene's invigorating fluidity in this coastal paradise.
  • The average sales price reached a healthy $1,342,335, showing a strong appetite among buyers in the market.
  • With an average of just 33 days on the market, properties were being snapped up swiftly, indicating a vibrant and active real estate landscape.

413 Views, 0 Comments

Hello to everyone reading our blog today. We're taking you on a little virtual tour of one of the most idyllic neighborhoods we've had the pleasure of working within - Mesa Verde!

Fall in Love with the Community

Mesa Verde is an attractive neighborhood that offers a blend of comfortability, convenience, and character! What's not to love about that? Its charm captivates everyone who comes here.

Real Estate at a Glance

Last year, Mesa Verde saw a busy real estate market with 114 properties changing hands. This just goes to show how popular this place is!

The average sales price was an impressive $1,480,106 drumroll, please. These robust figures reflect the high demand in this area.

The average listing stayed on the market for just 31…

293 Views, 0 Comments

Would you like to experience a staycation every day? Then Huntington Beach - Pacific Sands is the place for you!

A Real Estate Market That Shines Bright

  • The past year saw 22 new keys change hands. That's a whole lot of new sun-kissed faces around the neighborhood.
  • The average price these properties were snatched up for? $1,279,955. It's a golden investment in a golden locale.
  • Each of these homes spent an average of 22 days on the market. That's lesser than the number of suntan lotions lining our local supermarket!

The Community: Life's a Beach, Then You Surf!

A day in Pacific Sands is like a beach vacation you don't want to end.

  1. Environment: Picture pristine beaches at your doorstep and constant whispers of the Pacific…

278 Views, 0 Comments

Orange County, also known as the not-so-cheap Disneyland in the world of real estate, is a bustling marketplace in Southern California. It's famously known for its sprawling beaches, celebrity residents, tourist hotspots, and a dynamic housing market that may just have you saying, "Oh dear lord, why!"

First, let's dive into the antidepressant-inducing median home prices. As per the California Association of Realtors, the median home price in Orange County, as of 2021, hit record-breaking highs. Essentially, the price tags on homes have been shooting up faster than Elon Musk's Teslas to space. The rise can be attributed to a mash-up of low mortgage interest rates and a microscopic supply of available homes, resulting in a ruthless Hunger Games of…

318 Views, 0 Comments