Found 9 blog entries tagged as Home buying.

Spring has sprung, and with it comes a vibrant explosion of color and life across Orange County! It's not just the flowers that are blooming; the real estate market is also seeing fresh energy as buyers emerge, drawn by the beautiful weather and the allure of finding their dream home in a picturesque setting. This season, we're taking a tour of some of Orange County's most enchanting neighborhoods that truly come alive in springtime, making them particularly appealing for those looking to buy or simply appreciate the beauty of our local communities.

Beyond the Beach: Inland Gems Bursting with Springtime Charm

While our coastal cities boast stunning ocean views year-round, the inland communities of Orange County offer a unique kind of springtime…

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The sun-kissed shores of Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach have long been synonymous with desirable real estate. However, in the current market, we're observing a trend: homes are taking a bit longer to sell. What's behind this shift? Let's delve into the key factors influencing our local market.

Factors Contributing to Longer Market Times:
Interest Rate Impact:
  • Fluctuations in mortgage interest rates significantly impact buyer affordability. When rates rise, potential buyers may reduce their budgets or delay their home search. This directly affects the speed at which homes sell.
  • In areas like Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach, where property values are relatively high, even small interest rate increases can have a substantial effect on…

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Spring into Your Dream Home: A March 2025 Market Update for Costa Mesa & Huntington Beach

The scent of blooming jasmine and the gentle ocean breeze signal the arrival of spring in our beautiful coastal communities. March 2025 finds Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach buzzing with renewed energy, and the real estate market is mirroring that vibrant spirit. If you're considering buying or selling, now is a fantastic time to get informed.

Market Snapshot: March 2025

Let's dive into some key market indicators:

  • Median Home Prices: In Costa Mesa, we're seeing a median home price around $1,250,000. Huntington Beach is slightly higher, with a median of approximately $1,350,000. These figures reflect a moderate increase compared to this time last…

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Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! While you're busy searching for four-leaf clovers and avoiding pinches, let's talk about a different kind of treasure hunt: finding your dream home. This St. Paddy's Day, we're blending the luck of the Irish with some savvy real estate tips to help you strike gold in your property search!

Feeling Lucky? Real Estate Myths and Magic

We all know the Irish are known for their luck, but let's separate the real estate myths from the magical truths:

  • Myth: "I'll find my dream home by luck alone!"
    • Reality: While a little luck never hurts, finding the perfect home requires planning, research, and a solid strategy. Think of it as crafting your own four-leaf clover – it takes effort!
  • Myth: "The market…

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Choosing the right mortgage is a crucial decision when buying a home. Different mortgage types offer varying terms, interest rates, and monthly payments. Let's explore some of the most common options:

Fixed-Rate Mortgages

How it works: With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate remains the same throughout the loan term.

  • Pros:
    • Predictability: Consistent monthly payments, making budgeting easier.
    • Stability: Protection against rising interest rates.
  • Cons:
    • Potentially higher initial rates: If interest rates are low, you might miss out on a better deal.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)

How it works: An ARM's interest rate fluctuates over time, typically tied to an index like the prime rate.

  • Pros…

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When people think of Orange County, popular areas like Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Costa Mesa often come to mind. However, OC is home to many lesser-known neighborhoods that offer fantastic value and a high quality of life. If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual hotspots, here are some hidden gems in Orange County that might just be the perfect fit for you.

1. Fountain Valley

Often overshadowed by its coastal neighbors, Fountain Valley is a vibrant community with much to offer. Known for its excellent schools, numerous parks, and family-friendly atmosphere, this city provides a suburban feel with all the conveniences of urban living.

  • Highlights:
    • Mile Square Regional Park: A 607-acre park offering golf courses, lakes,…

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Orange County, California, is known for its stunning coastline, vibrant communities, and luxurious lifestyle. But for those making $60,000 a year, the dream of owning a home in this beautiful region can seem daunting. Fear not! With strategic planning and a realistic approach, you can find affordable housing options that suit your budget. Let’s explore how.

Understanding Your Budget

When determining how much home you can afford, a pivotal guideline is the 28/36 rule. This rule suggests spending no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs and no more than 36% on total debt, including housing.

With an annual income of $60,000, your monthly gross income is $5,000. According to the 28% rule, you should aim to spend no more than…

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Arial Shot of Neighborhood 

 

Every serious house hunter is aware that the Costa Mesa neighborhood surrounding any house has a significant effect on its ultimate value. It follows that the future of a neighborhood will have a measurable impact the future value of the properties in it.

Part of the reason not much emphasis is given to this factor is the difficulty of gauging a neighborhood’s future prospects. That’s especially true for homebuyers who are new to the area. Yet there are ways to scrutinize neighborhood characteristics for indications that augur well…or which point to a future which might not be headed in the right direction.

Here are four such factors:

  1.       Incomes. Strong average household incomes are indicative of more than just the current…

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L3 Real Estate Orange County, CA Featured Open House for: 

 

Saturday - March 3rd

9952 Effingham Dr, Huntington Beach 1-4 

2649 Elden Ave Apt E, Costa Mesa 1-4

8222 Kingfisher Dr, Huntington Beach 1-4

 

Sunday - March 4th

9952 Effingham Dr, Huntington Beach 1-4 

2649 Elden Ave Apt E, Costa Mesa 1-4

8222 Kingfisher Dr, Huntington Beach 1-4

 

We are built on a philosophy of Heritage & Hustle L3 is a full service real estate agency with a regional office located in the heart of #CostaMesa offering a wide-array of custom services to meet their clients’ needs with roots in the community since 1976. It’s L3 mission to provide trusted, convenient, responsive service to ensure clients enjoy their real estate experience.…

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