ON THE HORIZON...SOME GOOD REAL ESTATE NEWS
SALES INFORMATION: In the sales comparables at the end of this article for May 2008 compared to May 2009, for some cities there is a noticeably smaller negative percent of sale prices. This would indicate that sellers are being more realistic in their pricing and acceptance of a sale price at today's market value and not for what they "hope to sell the house for!"
APPRAISAL PROBLEMS: Short sales and foreclosures although still quite strong, are not increasing as rapidly as they were. The primary problem NOW with the distress sale prices is that these sales affect every home's value when it comes to appraisal purposes. In some areas, and most areas in general, appraisal values are lower due to comparable sales of low priced foreclosure and short sale properties. Appraisers often compare as "like for like" a home in good condition to a property that was in very poor condition if the square footage, beds and baths are similar.
The Federal government has mandated that lenders and real estate brokers cannot talk to appraisers directly. In the past, an appraiser could discuss with the listing agent the benefits of one home compared to another. Today that is not allowed and appraisals are coming in with a low price.
LISTING PRICES: It is more important than ever for a seller to accept a reasonable sale price, as there is a chance the appraisal will not confirm the sale price.
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COASTAL AREA SALES DATA AND DISTRESS SALES STATISTICS OF 2009 FROM 01/01/09 FOR:
Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, San Clemente
Active Listings = 2,689, w/Bank Conditions = 415
In Escrow Listings = 829, w/Bank Conditions = 418
Sold from 01/01/09 = 1600, w/Bank Conditions = 590
*MLS 06/29/2009
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COASTAL ZIP CODES BY MEDIAN SALES PRICE FOR MAY 2008 COMPARED TO MAY 2009:
City - # Sold - Median Sale Price - % change from 2008:
Balboa Island - 92662 - N/A - N/A - N/A
Capo Beach - 92624 - 12 - $530,000 - N/A
Corona del Mar - 92625 - 4- $2,061,000 - minus 10.6%
Costa Mesa - 92626 - 24- $540,000 - minus 0.5%
Costa Mesa - 92627 - 26 - $550,000 - minus 0.7%
Dana Point - 92629 - 20 - $687,000 - minus 33.9%
Laguna Beach - 92651 - 24 - $1,810,000 - minus 32.9%
Laguna Niguel - 92677 - 42 - $668,000 - minus 10.4%
Newport Beach - 92660 - 19 - $1,203,000 - minus 28.1%
Newport Beach - 92661- 4 - $1,375,000 - minus 22.0%
Newport Beach - 92663 - 3 - $1,160,000 - n/a
Newport Coast - 92657 - 6 - $1,734,000 - 2.4%
San Clemente - 92672 - 22 - $580,000 - minus 31.8%
San Clemente - 92673 - 20 - $691,000 - minus 14.7%
Percentage change is compared to the same month of the prior year.
*DQNews/LATimes, 06/29/09
ZIP Codes: 92662, 92625.92626, 92627, 92624, 92629, 92651, 92677, 92657, 92657, 92660, 92661, 92662, 92663, 92672, 92673
Approximate Location Boundaries: Coastal Communities of South Orange County Location Characteristics: Specializing in the South Orange County California Coastal Cities known as the "California Riviera." The cities are Balboa Island, Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Newport Coast and San Clemente.
From "Castles to Cottages" there is a home here for everyone. Pamela Horton and her partner Amanda Horton look forward to helping you with your real estate needs in this picturesque area!
