One of the events planned to celebrate the tenth anniversary is a dinner sponsored by the Historical Society of Laguna Woods on Sunday March 22, 2009 at Clubhouse Five.  It will be my honor to attend this event as President of the Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce. As a bit of background, Laguna Woods cityhood was founded by a group of concerned citizens who saw a need to rally support against the possibility of an airport at the former El Toro Marine Base.  Thanks to their efforts, we in South Orange County have the peaceful use and enjoyment of our properties.  This is such a sterling example of what a group of active, concerned, seniors are able to accomplish using their experience and expertise from past life experience.    Marlene Bridges, REALTOR®  800 777-1775 Orange ... 03/06/2009

In February, there were 29 closed sales in Laguna Woods Village. The prices of these homes ranged from $80,000 to $765,000. 15 of these were co-ops and 14 were condos. One of the condos that closed is in Rossmoor Towers. The penthouse at 4008 Calle Sonora Oeste, (3E), is for sale at $525,000. It's a 2,189 square feet 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo. (See more at http://www.lagunawoodscondos.com/) 24 homes are in Backup-Offer status, and 37 are Pending. There are 407 active homes in Laguna Woods Village. If 31 homes are sold each month, (that's been the average for the past three months), then these 407 homes will take over 13 months to sell.   03/04/2009

Access to Laguna Woods Village is usually restricted to pass-holders, or to guests who have had their name placed on the list by a resident, but tomorrow you can look around the Rossmoor Towers with no problems. We're holding anOPEN HOUSEFEBRUARY 24TH11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.The Towers at Laguna Woods Village,24055 Paseo Del Lago W., Laguna Woods, CA 92637For more information call 949-232-5634.Fine dining every day from an open menu.36 holes of Golf - (Greens fees $8.00)Gated CommunityIndividually owned spacious Condos with View500 sq. ft. Studios to 1600 sq. ft. PenthousesHousekeeping included.Monthly price includes all utilities, heating /cooling, cable, dining, housekeeping, transportation, exercise, library, movies, swimming pools, stables, gyms, and so much more!Beautiful Park like s... 02/23/2009

Laguna Woods Village (formerly known as Leisure World) is a Seniors (55 and better) community located in the City of Laguna Woods, California.  There are approximately 15,000 residences and 18,000 residents.  The close proximity to the beautiful coastal city of Laguna Beach, about 10 minutes away and it's location atop gently rolling hills overlooking Saddleback Valley make it a most desirable place to live.  The community is guard-gated and offers many ammenities including 18 holes of golf for only $8 for residents and their guests. The photo below was shot from the steps of the guard house at Gate 7 just last week.  The snow-capped peaks in the background were an awesome sight to behold.  Enjoy the view! JANUARY 2009 MARKET SUMMARY & JANUARY 2008 MARKET COMPARISON Laguna Woods, Califo... 02/22/2009

Have you ever driven past Laguna Woods Village and wondered what it looks like beyond the gates?  As you probably know, Laguna Woods Village is a 55 and better Seniors Community located about 10 minutes inland from Laguna Beach.  Since it's a guard-gated community and you need a pass to get in, you've probably not had an opportunity to see it unless you happen to know someone who lives here.  So, here's your opportunity.  On Tuesday they're having an Open House at the Towers and you're invited!  Here's the scoop: The Towers at Laguna Woods Village OPEN HOUSE FEBRUARY 24TH11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Towers at Laguna Woods Village24055 Paseo Del Lago W., Laguna Woods, CA 92637 To print your pass click here Just print the page and present to the guard at Gate 10.  To get to Gate 10, Take S... 02/22/2009

You know, this evening I was just thinking about the huge inventory in Laguna Woods Village these days, and calculated how long it would take to sell everything. (I do quite a bit of business in Laguna Woods, as well as in Irvine.)28 homes sold last month, and 36 sold in December, so let's assume that 32 homes will sell each month.As of today, there are 388 Laguna Woods Village homes for sale. Divide that into 32 home-sales expected per month, and I calculate that it will take 12 months to sell all 388 homes!That's a year, people! Think this might put Laguna Woods Village buyers in an even better position...But what about all the new listings that will be added to the inventory over the next year, you ask. And what about the listings that expire? Of course you're right - those are great... 02/09/2009

Laguna Woods has become the first Orange County city to allow medical marijuana establishments. In just 30 days, ailing residents of Laguna Woods will be able to buy medically prescribed marijuana from a dispensary within their city of 18,500.  The Laguna Woods City Council voted 4-0, with one abstention, to allow medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. Dispensaries will be allowed starting in mid-October. Currently, no applications to open one have been submitted to date. There are some restrictions though. Dispensary clients must be residents of Laguna Woods. Caretakers will be allowed to purchase marijuana after meeting certain requirements. All dispensaries must be located at least 1,000 feet away from schools, day-care centers, playgrounds and other youth-oriented establishment... 09/22/2008

Open House Pass Out from one of my Title RepIn today market and time, something to have our client think about.    April 29, 2008 Perry King Sr. Exit Real Estate Center 2200 Harbor Blvd., Suite C-210 Costa Mesa,CA 92627 Re: The psychology of the housing mess Dear Perry,  The psychology of the housing mess Human behavior has compounded the current crunch ? but changed behavior can guide us out of it. By Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein These days, everyone, it seems, has a prescription that might just help our ailing housing market. From the White House to the campaign trail to the offices of the Federal Reserve, everyone is the doctor. Yet when it comes to treating any ailment, the only way to heal the patient ? for the long term, that is ? is by fully and correctly diagnosing the... 04/05/2008

Today I attended the second meeting of the Greening of the Woods Committee at the City of Laguna Woods.  Our very capable chair is Leslie Keane, City Manager.  We have a diverse committee of concerned citizens.  Most of the members are residents of Laguna Woods and have been actively involved in other "green" projects, task forces and committees prior to being invited to serve on this committee.  My involvement is a special treat.  I was invited to serve as a member of the Laguna Hills/Laguna Woods Chamber of Commerce where I'm honored to serve as President.  I am able to offer input from the REALTOR® perspective as I offer my services to people buying and selling homes, condos, and real estate in Laguna Woods Village.This was our committee's second meeting and our purpose was to identi... 01/10/2008

When I first began my career in real estate, I wasn't old enough to qualify for senior discounts or live in the local active senior retirement communities of South Orange County like, Laguna Woods Village (formerly Leisure World), Palmia, or Casta del Sol.  So, I didn't think of myself as a senior.  Well, I'm beginning to find out I was wrong about that.  Many government agencies classify us as seniors once we hit age 50!  I was shocked to discover this.I guess the difference is that today's grammas and grampas aren't like the ones I remember from my childhood.  My Grammy wore orthopedic shoes and stockings, never wore slacks, pinned her hair up in a bun and never had a remote control for anything.  She never learned to drive and never had hired help inside the home or a gardener.  The ... 01/06/2008

Okay - so the silly title made you look.  And this photo that I've been saving forever might have gotten your attention, too. This is actually a serious article about a history-making bill (AB715) just signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  California will lead the way for this new innovation in water conservation.  Assemblyman John H. Laird (D-Santa Cruz) says that over the next 10 years this change will save an estimated 8 billion gallons of water.  How?  By implementing dual flush toilets and waterless urinals.  The new toilets have two flush modes.  They use a full flush for solid waste and a half flush for liquid waste.  The bill requires that half the toilets sold in California by 2010 (and all by 2014) must meet the new standard.  The savings for an average household are pret... 10/30/2007

Recently, one of my clients who just moved into a condo in Laguna Woods Village asked me if I'd like to join her for an orientation.  I had never attended one, and never wanting to miss an opportunity to learn more about this remarkable community, I jumped at the chance.  One of the many things we learned about this forward-thinking community is that they have a Disaster Preparedness Task Force.  And, oh my, did it ever make me stop to think how unprepared my home and family really are.The Laguna Woods Disaster Preparedness Task force was formed in 1989 by resident Joe Samet and is under the direction of the Laguna Woods Security Department of the Golden Rain Foundation.  They have an office in the Community Center located on El Toro Road.  Inside the office there is staff and lots of i... 10/15/2007

Laguna Woods Village (formerly known as Leisure World) is nestled in the hills between the cities of Laguna Hills and Laguna Beach.  It offers many amenities for active seniors (must be 55 or better to live here).  One of the most popular activities is golfing at the two beautiful golf courses.  There's an 18 hole course and photos here are of the 27 hole course. A round of golf is only $8 for residents and their guests.  Quite a bargain!  The practice range also offers grass tees-not mats (hard to find these days) and a large bucket of balls is only $2.Set in the rolling hills of Laguna Woods affords some commanding views of Saddleback Mountain and Saddleback Valley.  Since pictures speak much louder than words, please enjoy the video of golfing in Laguna Woods.  There are a couple of ... 10/07/2007

In September, the Orange County Register released their reader's top picks for the Best of Orange County.  For a second year in a row, Laguna Woods Village (Formerly known as Leisure World) was voted #1 (Rossmoor Leisure World in Seal Beach tied for first place).Laguna Woods Village is located in South Orange County on 533 acres of rolling hills.  Currently, 407 of the 12,736 homes, condos and coops are for sale.  With over 80 different floorplan choices and a wide price range of homes, Laguna Woods Village has something for nearly everyone.  Currently, the lowest priced unit is a studio in Rossmoor Tower priced at $12,000.  The highest priced property is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo of over 2000 square feet, priced at $1,175,000. Laguna Woods Village has a wide array of living choices de... 09/23/2007

Getting moved into Laguna Woods Village can be a little tricky.  There's nothing else quite like it in South Orange County, CA.  You need to qualify to move in with certain assets and income.  You also need to have a special pass to get through the guarded gates.This week I helped a lovely lady relocate from her home in North Orange County to a condo in Laguna Woods Village.  As soon as we closed escrow, I hot-footed it over to the Community Services office for Laguna Woods Village and picked up my client's temporary pass and made sure her name was entered into the management company's system as the new owner.  Without that one little step, it could have caused the new homeowner a delay in getting her moving truck through the gate today.We closed escrow a day earlier than planned which ... 09/14/2007

This past week my focus has been on working with a lovely woman who is looking for a home in Laguna Woods Village.  It's a 55+ community in South Orange County, California.  We've had the opportunity to look at many homes together.  Some have had no improvements since the time they were built in the late 1970's.  But, a few of the ones we looked at had been renovated.  The homes we set our sites on were all single level with ground level entry.  So, it would stand to reason that these homes would be great for seniors who had difficulty with steps or walking.  One might even assume that prospective buyers could be in wheelchairs or need the use of a motorized scooter for mobility.It was interesting to see that some of the "improvements" that had been made to the properties we looked at a... 08/09/2007

Yesterday, I had the privilege of showing homes to a nice retired lady.  After raising her family in a large home in North Orange County, she's decided it's time to downsize.  She's planning to move into an active Senior Community called Laguna Woods Village (formerly known as Leisure World) in South Orange County.   She had identified a price range and we had seven homes on our schedule for the day.  After looking at about five of the seven, we decided to regroup.  We sat down at the computer with a bit higher price point and selected 10 new homes to go see.We spent the day actually seeing 14 of the 15 on our list.  This community has approximately 15,000 homes and currently there are over 500 for sale.  In all we had selected 15 homes (5 on the original list and the 10 on the adjusted... 08/08/2007

The Bible encourages us to "always be ready in season and out of season...to speak the truth".  This can certainly apply to business.  Today, I had an appointment to meet with a brother and sister at the home of their recently deceased mother.  They were referred to me by a fellow CRS® (Certified Residential Specialist) REALTOR®.  When I arrived, at the home,  I was greeted by the son of the deceased woman.  He began showing me through the house.  As we entered the master bedroom, his daughter was going through a closet.  Someone was in the master bathroom and I could hear the sounds of conversation coming from another part of the house.  He said he'd like to introduce me to his sister.  As we walked into the living room, there were about 15 people there.  I was introduced to everyone i... 06/10/2007

Last week marks the demise of a South Orange County landmark.  When the development called Leisure World was first built back in the 1960's,   the Rossmoor Corp. erected a beautiful globe to market the homes.  It's original location was just about where Laguna Hills City Hall stands today on El Toro Road, just south of Avenida de la Carlotta and the 5 freeway. In the early 1970s: the globe was moved to a lot near Ridge Route and Moulton Parkway. In 1982: the globe was donated to the County of Orange. In the late 1990's the globe moved to a lot on Avenida de la Carlota that becomes part of Laguna Hills.  In 2002: a $71,000 fundraising drive funded the move to its most recent location on Moulton Parkway near El Toro Road in Laguna Woods Village (formerly Leisure World), a residential comm... 05/24/2007