Found 7 blog entries tagged as real estate.

Burrowcore: The Design Trend That Makes Home Feel Like a Refuge

Move over, cottagecore. The latest interior trend taking hold is burrowcore — and it's less about picture-perfect aesthetics and more about creating a space you genuinely never want to leave.   OK, I can't say I'm seeing this trend flooding the Orange County market (yet), but I think you'll agree that some of the key tenets are admirable.  Who doesn't want to create a home that you don't want to leave?

Where other design movements prioritize polish, burrowcore leans into warmth, character, and comfort. Think overstuffed seating, worn woods, layered textiles, vintage finds, and lighting that flatters rather than interrogates. The look feels collected over time — not decorated all at once…

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  • "Reluctant Landlords" selling rental properties they never expected to hold.
  • Buyers have 10% more buying power at today's 6% rates vs. 7% last year
  • Inventory is slowly unlocking:  move-up buyers returning to the market.

 With interest rates bouncing a little below 6% this week, I'm pointing out to my prospective home buyers that this translates into 10% more home purchasing power compared to the 7% rates we had a year ago. Sure, it's not the 3-4% rates of the early 2020s, but those are in the past, and realistically the likelihood of ever getting there again is low.  But, 5% is realistic, and some buyers are making the choice to buy at around 6% with the hope (nothing's guaranteed!) that they will be able to refinance to 5% or less in the…

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  • Buyers and refinancing homeowners are seeing mid 5% rates for those willing to lock for 5 or 7 years.
  • List price is more important than ever.  Over-priced homes eventually sell for less.
  • Landlords:  you have to supply a fridge now!

As 2026 gets off to a crazy start on the national and international level, our little Real Estate microcosm continues to chug along with no wild swings.  Buyers, and those homeowners who wish to refinance, are seeing rates in the mid 5% range under certain circumstances - most importantly a willingness to lock for 5 or 7 years with an ARM.  Conventional wisdom suggests rates will slowly creep down allowing both groups a later opportunity to lock in a 30 year rate, if desired.  

Homeowners who plan to sell in…

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2025 Costa Mesa's Freedom Homes in Canyon Park Home Sales & My Outlook for 2026 

Market value for a standard three bedroom, one bathroom "Freedom Home" with few to no upgrades jumped above $1,200,000 during 2025.  I was honored to sell 2024 Continental for its 99 year old original owner!  Preferring an off-market transaction, but not leaving money on the table, the seller's family asked if I could present them with a fair market value offer without the hassle of full preparation and open houses.  I had a list of 5 buyers to call, and the first group pounced on the opportunity.  Selling at $1.25m, with a small reduction to $1,225,000 due to discovered issues during inspections, this closed sale let me know where the entry level currently was in the…

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2019 State Streets Home Sales & My Outlook for 2020

 

I am proud to have sold three State Street homes in 2019:  3202 Iowa, 3209 Michigan, and 3216 New York.  These sales represent the highest 3 prices per sq. foot for the year, and 3 of the 4 highest ever in the State Streets.   Looking back, I appreciate my clients' trust in my pre-marketing preparations, home pricing, and negotiation strategies for each sale.  Each home received multiple offers with 10 total offers received over the three homes.   I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you to show you how I can help you achieve the same with your home sale.  The top sale in the neighborhood according to sales price in 2019 goes to the expanded 1722 Missouri St. at $1,049,900. …

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2019 Canyon Park Home Sales & My Outlook for 2020 

Market value for a standard three bedroom, one bathroom "Freedom Home" with few to no upgrades jumped above $800,000 during 2019.  910 Dogwood was in need of upgrading throughout and sold for a mouth-watering $804,500. Dogwood has become one of the nicest streets in the neighborhood, which certainly played a role in this sale.  With interest rates hovering around 4% and inventory incredibly low, I predict this base price will continue to hold strong in 2020.  There’s an abundance of first time buyers and move-up condo buyers who love our little secret by the bluffs, and when they compare prices to east side Costa Mesa, or even red-hot College Park, Canyon Park looks like a steal.

I predict…

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An annual Halloween parade for kids, pets, and parents mostly in costume?   It's the envy of every neighborhood, or should be!  2019's parade was no exception.  Hundreds of neighbors met at 4:15, as they have for the past 29 years, before setting off on the 3 block stroll.  I had the privilege of catching up with past clients, friends, and family on the parade route and spotted many more I wish I saw more often.  "Can we have a parade more often than once a year?", one neighbor asked.  Kudos to fellow Realtor Mary Fewel, who has lead the parade since its inception.  The neighborhood is lucky to have this great event.  Long may it continue!

https://youtu.be/r4AFa9SSuEk

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