Loan Modifications May Not Be the Answer

Back to Square One signpost

This may not be the most politically correct piece that I’ll write but that’s never been my goal here on OC Voice.  So here goes…. One of my clients sent me a link to an article published online on CNBC about ‘Mortgage Re-Defaults Rising with No Sign of Slowing’.  The article states that, “…after 6 [...]

Foreclosures Making it Tough for the Traditional Seller

Real Estate for Sale

Even in a tough market for sellers, there are still those that must sell due to personal circumstances.  Whether it’s a divorce, job relocation, or financial strain – there are still homeowners with equity, that find themselves in the position of having to sell and in this market, that can pose some challenges. I come [...]

CNN Money Predicts the 10 Worst Housing Markets – 8 Out of 10 in California

This morning I came across an article on CNNMoney.com.  They predicted the top 10 worst housing market for 2009 across the country and California had the unfortunate distinction of having 8 out of 10 spots.  Ranked as number 6 for the worst real estate markets in the country was the Santa Ana – Anaheim area.  [...]

Tracking the Bust and the Misconception of ‘MEDIAN’

This week Jonathon Lansner did his recap of the Dataquick report on the Orange County real estate market. Where are we today?  And what does it really mean? The Median Sale Price as reported by Dataquick for a home in the OC was $400,000 – which brings us back to May of 2003 if you’re [...]

The Second Wave Is Coming – It’s Not Over Yet

My husband, Michael cringes when I post things like this – but I never promised to bring you just the Pollyanna good news in the market.  The ’60 Minutes’ piece speculates that we are about halfway through this housing crisis.  According to the show, the first wave of this crisis was made up of sub-prime [...]

Trickle Up for OC Neighborhoods

In the latest Zippy’s Report, Orange County Register’s Jonathon Lansner’s ranking of Orange County zip codes for housing performance, showed that the hardest hit zip codes for the 3rd quarter were some of Orange County’s most affluent zip codes. Included in the worst performing areas were Newport Coast, Dana Point, Coto de Caza (part of [...]

It’s a Buyer’s Market – Or Is It?

I did some research for a client tonight and the findings are important to share with readers here.  If you are a serious buyer or seller, this information is telling.  Please stick with the tedium of the stats because the story it tells is meaningful. This particular buyer is looking in Mission Viejo between $450,000 [...]

To My Realtor Colleagues – Gimme A Break!

Last weekend, I went into an Open House with one of my buyers that is really struggling with the ‘Rent versus Buy’ decision.  The listing agent handed us an article by Orange County Register’s Jonathon Lanser that shared the good news that home sales was up nearly 60% from a year ago.  In the words [...]

Time to Talk Absorbtion Rates

Absorbtion Rates

Every now and then you see a headline touting the increase in sales in Orange County.  Less than a week ago, Orange County Register’s Jon Lanser posted ’1-in-3 O.C. ZIPs See Homebuying Doubling or Better’.   I love good news but it’s important to drill deep into what these statistics are telling us. Price point is [...]

“Real Estate is Back!”

Is Real Estate Back

Maybe. I remember in the early stages of the boom, there were whispers of a ‘bubble‘.  By 2005, it had turned into a dull roar.  In 2006, economists were shouting at us while many of us were turning a deaf ear, convinced that this market was an exception.  I know – not you – just [...]