Ladera Ranch Neighborhood Decorating Contest There's no better way to show your holiday spirit than to team up with your neighborhood for the annual Neighborhood Decorating Contest.   Neighborhoods are judged on 4 criteria:  Originality, Creativity, Curb Appeal, and Use of Lighting.  Judging takes place on December 11th.  Winning neighborhoods will receive a gift card to be used for a September 2011 Block Party. Don't miss out, entries must be submitted and received no later than Monday, December 6th by 5PM at the Oak Knoll Village Clubhouse Entry Forms are available at www.laderalife.com Ladera Ranch is a wonderful community that offers so much to its Residents.    Thinking of moving to Ladera Ranch to take advantage of all Ladera has to offer...please contact me or use the links below... 12/02/2010

Ladera Ranch Menorah Lighting-Hanukkah at the Ranch Ladera Ranch celebrates Hanukkah with the annual Menorah Lighting. When:  Sunday December 4th, 2010 Time:  4:00pm Where: Town Green Cost:    Free The annual Ladera Ranch Festival of Lights is a great event attended by Ladera residents of all faiths.  Joins your neighbors & friends for an evening of singing and a short Menorah Lighting Ceremony.   12/02/2010

Ladera Ranch Tree Lighting Ceremony When:    Friday, December 3rd 2010 Where:   Town Green Time:     5:00pm Cost:      Free Be a part of Ladera Ranch's Tree Lighting Ceremony this Friday, December 3rd.  The annual holiday traditon is one of the highlights of Ladera's calendar.  Our beautiful 60 foot tree located on the Town Green will be lit for all to see & enjoy. Activites include performances by the Orange County High School of the Arts (OCHSA) Carolers, and Ladera Ranch's  Singers Company.    Coffee, Hot Cocoa, & cookies will be served.  Don't forget your camera for a family photo opportunity.Ladera Ranch & our local Fire Station have teamed up for a toy drive to benefit the Spark of Love Campaign.   Please bring an unwrapped toy (valued at $10 or more). Tree Lighting Ceremony Activ... 12/01/2010

Pay-It-Forward Ladera Ranch Spark of Love Holidays are the best time of the year to give back.  Spreading joy through charity is what this time of year should be about.  The Spark of Love Campaign is a fantastic program that local fire stations have put together to gather toys for families in need.  Our Local Ladera Ranch station is part of the Spark of Love Campaign.  Participants can bring a $10 unwrapped toy to the Ladera Ranch station. Toy donations can also be made this Friday, December 3rd 2010 at the Ladera Ranch Tree Lighting Ceremony.  Bring your $10 unwrapped gift to Town Green from 5-8:00pm and help make this holiday memorable for another family.   12/01/2010

Ladera Ranch Foreclosure Report - Find Ladera Ranch Foreclosures As with many Orange County areas the volume of Bank Owned (REO) homes continues to grow in Ladera Ranch.  Bank Owned inventory in Ladera Ranch as of the end of October was up over 50% from 2009.  We should expect this increase to continue especially once the foreclosure moratoriums in place with many servicers are removed and new filings (Preforeclosure = Notice of Default) and trustee sale dates (Scheduled For Sale = Notice of Sale) resume. Cash or Financing A home which was foreclosed upon, not purchased by a 3rd party at the trustee sale and is now owned by the bank.  It is important to note that it may or may not be available for purchase at this time.  Check with us for more details.  If you will be financing a home p... 11/30/2010

For many years, the California Association of Realtors (CAR) residential purchase form has provisions for the buyer to cancel if the appraisal comes in low. That's all you need to cancel, if you haven't removed the appraisal contingency (assuming your agent protected you with one in the first place). There is no need to complicate matters by talking about inability to get financing, if you DO have an appraisal contingency in force. You may want to get legal advice, as real estate agents can't practice law. However, if I were representing you, I would suggest, subejct to legal adivce, that we inform the escrow in writing that you wish to cancel. If the other party unreasonably refuses to sign cancellation and release your deposit, they can be fined up to $1,000 per the purchase agreement... 11/29/2010

Ladera Ranch Short Sale Help Ladera Ranch Short Sale Help. Two Out Of Every Five Homes Sold This Year In Ladera Ranch CA Will Be Short Sales. Of the 438 closed sales in Ladera Ranch (thru 11/22/10) 181 were short sales.  That is 41% of all home sales in the city!  Of the 164 active listings (homes currently for sale as of 11/22/10) 90 are short sales; 55% of all available homes.   Ladera Ranch Short Sale Facts:181 of 438 closed sales were short sales.90 of 164 active listings are short sales.   Facing Foreclosure In Ladera Ranch? You Have Options, We Can Help. Short Sale ...A Better Alternative. Facing Foreclosure Is Hard.  We know that.  The stress and worry may feel insurmountable.  The keys to navigating through mortgage hardship are knowledge and acting upon that knowledge before yo... 11/22/2010

Ladera Ranch Real Estate Market Report October 2010 Analysis: The Ladera Ranch housing market continues to be influenced by short sale and REO (bank owned) properties with the percentage of both short sale and bank owned homes available and sold during October 2010 increasing.  Of the 176 homes on the market as of 10/31/2010, 108 are short sale or bank owned (61%). A total of 30 homes sold during October in Ladera Ranch (including Covenant Hills). Up to date information on the specific and local Ladera Ranch real estate market is vital for buyers and sellers to make informed decisions about purchasing or selling a home. Data was obtained from the MLS and does not include private sales or manufactured homes. Here is the October 2010 Ladera Ranch Real Estate Market Report:  OCTOBER 2010 T... 11/22/2010

Real Mortgage Debt Relief - Lender Cash-Back Incentives: (949)378-6402   Local Ladera Ranch Short Sale Agent.Ladera Ranch Resident, Ladera Ranch Realtor_______________________________________________________________  I did NOT "write the book" on short sales as some real estate agents are claiming.  Short sales have been around for years and for anyone to claim they are the "inventor" of the short sale strategy is outrageous.  I will tell you, though, that I am proficient, experienced and tenacious when it comes to short sales and no one will represent your interests better than me.Data indicates that more than 50% of Short Sales fail in Ladera Ranch.  Why? The fact is that most real estate agents do not possess the experience and knowledge that will provide you with the highest probab... 11/09/2010

Pay It Forward-Ladera Ranch Little League Challenger Division Ladera Ranch Little League has found a fantastic way to give back.  Ladera Ranch Little League is proud to announce its 3rd season of the Challenger Division.  The Challenger Division is a special program designed specifically for children with special needs.  The goal of Challenger Baseball is to give those with physical, social and emotional challenges a chance to play baseball.  Challenger Baseball participants learn the fundamentals of the game, while also experiencing team work and the thrill of being part of the game. The Challenger Division has set up a format that caters to the levels of the players.  Challenger players play on the standard fields, use the regular equipment, and wear the same full uniforms as the othe... 11/07/2010

Lovely Ladera Ranch Home for Sale - Standard Sale   This lovely Ladera Ranch home has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths along with a spacious living area with valuted ceilings and a large kitchen and dining area for entertaining.   If you have been looking for the right Ladera Ranch home for you, this move-in ready home is the one for you.    Please call me at 714-319-9751 to arrange a showing.     Christine Donovan | (800) 610-7253 Bloomington, Ladera Ranch, CA Lovely home in desirable Aldenhouse is not a short sale. 3BR/2+1BA Condo offered at $345,000 Year Built 2001 Sq Footage 1,675 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 3 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $408 per month DESCRIPTION Lovely townhome in highly desirable Aldenhouse opens into a two story foyer. This home... 11/07/2010

Ladera Ranch Community Pools Guide-Ladera Ranch Real Estate It's Going to be 96 degrees today, Where Do You Go to Beat The Heat? Yesterday it was 93 degrees out in Ladera Ranch, CA, hard to believe it's November.  Nothing better to beat the heat than a plunge in a refreshing pool.  Ladera Ranch has 11 clubhouses, plunges, or parks that offer pools,  unfortunately, not all of these facilities heat their pools year-round.  Although it's 93 degrees out, the pools are still about 60 degrees unless their heated.  Ladera offers five pools that are heated year round, they are open from 6am-10pm daily   Oak Knoll Village Clubhouse-28192 O'neil Drive   Avendale Village Clubhouse-1 Daisy Street Flintridge Village Clubhouse-28112 Roanoke        Covenant Hills Village Clubhouse-1 Covenant Hills   ... 11/03/2010

Ladera Ranch Unicef Trick or Treat Reminder Halloween is finally here...my family is so excited to participate in UNICEF's Trick-Or-Treat.  Collections boxes are still available at Avendale club...or if they're closed or out, Toy's R Us has plenty.  Remember to have your children bring their collection boxes with them tonight.  After collection, bring the coins to the Coinstar (there's one in the Albertson's on Crown Valley) and follow the directions on how to make sure UNICEF gets the funds.  I think the collection and bringing the coins to Coinstar is a great family event, that encourages giving back. If you have questions about the event please contact me or reference my previous post about this event. Happy Halloween!   10/31/2010

Pay-It-Forward Healing & Helping the Environment My children have been such a great source for my Pay-It-Forward blogs.  We were driving over the 241 Toll Road into Yorba Linda, CA & my sons saw some of the burned out trunks from the last set of fires.  My oldest said, "Dad can we plant some trees for the environment?", my younger son added, "great idea!".  I was then hit with a 20 minute lecture on how the trees will create oxygen for the environment, etc., etc.....I guess they really are learning some valuable lessons in school.  I was very proud of their enthusiasm and their knowledge of how & why planting helps the environment.  I have contacted an organization in Orange County called The Tree Society of Orange County and we're planning to go out and make a difference. Usually it is... 10/30/2010

Ladera Ranch's "Hidden" Gardens Ladera Ranch is full of unique clubs and programs for its residents.  The Community Garden Club boasts two beautiful gardens, where Ladera residents can "rent" out garden plots.  Members cultivate from Sunflowers, to fruit, to herbs...the crops run the gamut.  The plots are monitored by the club & member are responsible for their up keep.  One of the gardens, Victory Gardens,  is located in Oaknoll and the second, Terramor Garden, is located in Terramor.  The annual fee for a plot is $50 & the club has a set of rules & guidelines that all of the gardeners must abide by.  For more information about the Community Gardens, please email laderagardens@yahoo.com.To take advantage of all Ladera has to offer, you need to live here, please call or email me if you ... 10/25/2010

Ladera Ranch Little League – Spring 2011 baseball Time is running out to get registered for the 2011 season of Ladera Ranch Little League.  Click here to register now.  Registration is open through November 1st.  Ladera Ranch Little League is a great organization.  Ladera boasts some of the best baseball fields and sports facilities in all of California. Ladera Ranch Little League offers divisions for players of all ages from Tee-ball at age 5 through our Seniors Division at ages 15 and 16.  All eligible players must be a current Ladera Ranch resident.Ladera Ranch Little is proud to continue its Challenger Division.  The Challenger Division enables local players, ages 5 through 18 with physical and mental challenges, the opportunity to play organized baseball with the fundamental goal t... 10/24/2010

Halloween is fast approaching.  Safety should be priority number one.  Below are some important tips to help keep your family safe on the sacriest of hoidays! Young children should always be accompanied by a parent or other adult. Older children should always trick-or-treat in groups of three or more. Always stay on the sidewalk. Trick-or-treat only at the houses of neighbors that you know. Remember to bring flashlights or glowsticks, inexpensive and very effective  Never ride your bike while wearing a costume. Always let your parents know exactly where you plan to trick-or-treat. Never eat candy before you arrive home. Let your parents inspect your candy before you eat it. Do not eat fruit or homemade treats unless your parent knows the person who gave it to you and says it is okay to... 10/23/2010

Halloween is such an amazing holiday for children & adults alike.  It's also a great way to Pay it Forward.  UNICEF has set a great program that teaches our children that giving back can be fun and fullfilling.  On Halloween Night, children carry a UNICEF box with them while they trick-or-treat and ask people that they visit to donate any spare change for UNICEF.  I'm very excited to get my children involved and teach them  valuable lesson. How to participate: 1. Pick up collection boxes at Avendale or Oak Knoll Clubhouses in Ladera      Ranch ( if you're out of the area you can also make your own collection container with an empty can and canister wrap that you can print off from the UNICEF website.) 2. Trick-or-treat on Halloween night with your containers and collect spare change an... 10/21/2010

Ladera Ranch Short Sale Report - Ladera Ranch Real Estate - October 14th, 2010 Looking to buy a short sale in Ladera Ranch? Good bargains are available if one knows where and how to look. Short Sales are one of the better opportunities for finding great value in Ladera Ranch. Of the 178 homes for sale (117 detached and 67 attached) in Ladera Ranch as of 10/14/10, 92 are listed as short sales. 38 of the 92 active short sale listings are attached homes and the remaining 54 are detached single family residences.   This provides a buyer with a multitude of choices and an excellent probability of purchasing below market value.  Of the 178 homes currently listed in Ladera Ranch 12 are bank owned (this figure is up by 5 homes since last month's short sale report).  Less variety but an even bet... 10/14/2010

Ladera Ranch Mello-Roos Explained. Or Check Out This Related Post: What Is Mello-Roos? Willy Wonka's Latest Creation? What Is Mello-Roos Tax?: Mello-Roos is a special property tax on real estate in Ladera Ranch (and other "newer" California cities) in addition to your normal property tax obligation.  Basically it provides public financing through the sale of bonds for the purpose of financing public improvements and services (schools, parks, law enforcement, streets, water, sewage).  The tax we pay is utilized to make payments of principal and interest on the bonds. What is the Total Tax Rate in Ladera Ranch including Mello Roos?: The base property tax rate in Ladera Ranch is 1.1% (based upon the purchase price initially). When homes were first built, the Ladera Ranch Mello-Roos fee plu... 10/14/2010