My Real (Estate) Life in South Orange County

The Home Buying Process – How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment? Now that you have reached the point in your life where you are ready to make the leap into home ownership, it’s likely that the first question in your mind is, “How much money do I need to have in the bank for my down payment?”  The...

Mission Viejo Hometown Halloween 2013 When:  October 26 Hours:  4pm – 8pm Where:  Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center Who: The whole family Tickets:  Activity tickets are $ .50 each at the info booth Sponsor:  Mission Viejo Recreation & Community Services Contact:  949.768.0981   Something...

The Home Buying Process – Consult a Lender When you are serious about starting the home buying process, the first step is to consult a lender to determine what you can realistically afford, and to obtain a pre-approval.   In times past, buyers would not apply for a loan until their offer was acce...

Start off the fall season's scary fun in Mission Viejo with the Halloween Magic Extravaganza this Saturday, October 5, in the Saddleback Room at the Mission Viejo City Hall.  Magician Brock Edwards will present two family-friendly shows at 2pm and 3:30 pm, welcoming everyone age 3 and up.      Th...

Single Story Homes for Sale in Mission Viejo   As Baby Boomers move into their retirement years (or non-retirement years), the beautiful weather and comfortable living in south Orange County provide an attractive, even irresistible, lifestyle opportunity.  The many single story homes for sale in ...

The annual Puttin' On The Glitz event on Avenida del Mar in San Clemente is the perfect way to celebrate Small Business Saturday and get in the holiday spirit at the same time.   Christmas lights, shopping, music, and of course, Santa Claus, combine to kick off the Christmas season in the "Spanis...

I meet lots of Marines in the course of my work.  I always feel a sense of awe that these young men and women, who could be doing any number of things with their lives, would choose to commit themselves to safeguarding their countrymen.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Last week, a potential buyer became offended when I declined to show him one of my south Orange County listings.  Now, I want to show my listings.  I want everyone in the world to see how wonderful they are – online.   I post lots of pictures and good descriptions on every real estate website I c...

Even in paradise, we get periodic reminders that the forces of nature are stronger than we are.  The power of the ocean has to be respected at all times, even as we revel in its beauty. A winter storm in New Zealand has brought excitement and danger to south Orange County beaches this week.  Swel...

If you do, I am sure that you are aware that next Wednesday, September 7, is the big day!  Are you ready?  Even if you are not emotionally ready, you still need to stock your little cutie-pie with all of the items on the school supply list for kindergartners.  Just in case you haven't gotten arou...