The answers lie within the fact that your home, yes is an aspect of financial security, but more importantly represents a life!  So as with any loss, comes profound sadness and high anxiety. 

Many are living in quiet desperation, realizing that something has to give, but loosing your home, represents more then moving, so we try to hold on. Trying to deal with increased Interest Rates or Monthly Payments, Negative Equity, Lower Property Values, looming Mortgage Resets, living on Credit to make ends meet and it all becomes a vicious cycle.

So where do you turn, many decide just to walk away. Others search for answers, realizing loosing their home is more then just finding a new place to live rather the need to take a positive step towards rebuilding security.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Help is out there and you might be a perfect candidate for a Loan Modification through Loss Mitigation.

What is Loss Mitigation? It allows for Negotiations on your behalf with your lender.  This is not a new loan and won’t change your home title.  It’s the process of engineering a solution for both the Homeowner and Lender.

But it is not as simple as a phone call to your lender, if you have tried to go to them for help then you understand.  The process is made possible by a deep understanding of Lending guidelines, Lender protocol and procedures, knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations; focusing on the goal to secure more affordable terms for the homeowner while managing the risk and losses of the Lender.

Trust there are possibilities, HOMES are saved everyday!

Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Real Estate Advisors focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Lake Forest, Portola Hills, and Foothill Ranch. Whether she’s helping a first time buyer accomplish the goal of homeownership, or coaching a homeowner on venturing into real estate investments or helping a client review their mortgage options, Kelly is committed to making it happen!  For Kelly, it has never been just about selling you a house! Her success comes from developing a business that is a trusted place to turn to when you need anything Real Estate!

 It’s Possible!

 The above information is provided as an opinion and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Portola Hills eNews

Green Homes: The city of Lake Forest has a new Green Home information page on their web-site filled with good information on getting your home "Green". 

Room for Rent:  $700.00 a month/Shared Bathroom/Full House Privileges/Includes Utilities – Female preferred – contact Kelly and information will be forwarded. 

Property Tax Assessment:  Have you received a letter from a broker explaining you may be eligible for a reduced property tax and they will do all the work, than asking you to sign a Fee Agreement?

I wanted to bring to your attention that it is not necessary for you to be charged to do this. It can simply be done via the Orange County Property Tax Assessor office free and it is very simple. 

All you need to do is complete a simple form, possibly attend a hearing and provide comparables.  Which of course, I will provide for you free of charge!  There is a deadline to file by Sept. 15^th and if you bought your home since 2005 you do have a good chance of reducing your property taxes.  Note the county has reduced many properties already but it may be worth confirming your value to ensure they are at the same level.

In today’s environment every penny counts.  Please do not hesitate to contact me directly with any questions.

Homes Wanted:  I have several buyers looking for homes and have seen everything fitting their needs currently on the market but to no avail.  They are not interested in buying a short sale property (which is the primary number of properties on the market), so if you are considering selling your home, please contact Kelly ASAP. 

Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Realtors® focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Lake Forest, Portola Hills, Foothill Ranch, Whether she’s helping a first time buyer accomplish the goal of homeownership, or coaching a homeowner on how to use their equity to step up into a nice home or use it to buy an investment property or finding exclusive properties for the high end consumer. Kelly is committed to making it happen.  So if you’re considering selling or buying a home in Saddleback Valley, call Kelly to schedule a free consultation. Whatever your dream, with Kelly at your side, Its Possible!

The above information is provided as an opinion and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

A quick look at the new Housing Bill signed into law last week!

• A temporary increase in mortgage revenue bonds to refinance subprime mortgages. Lenders would write down qualified mortgages to 85% of the current appraised value and qualified borrowers would get a new FHA 30-year fixed mortgage at 90% of appraised value. Borrowers would have to share 50% of all future appreciation with FHA. The loan limit for this program is $550,440 nationwide.
• Permanent Conforming loan limit of $625,000
• First-time home buyer tax credit, which allows first-time home buyers to receive a tax refund worth up to 10 percent of a home’s purchase price, up to a maximum of $7,500.  The refund serves as an interest-free loan and the homeowner is required to repay it in equal installments over 15 years.
• New regulator for Government Sponsored Enterprises to restore investor confidence in GSE loans and help the market and economy stabilize.
• Temporary raise in the loan limit for the Veterans Affairs home loan guarantee program to the same level as the economic stimulus limits until the end of 2008.
• Adjustment to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA), allowing sellers to provide the non-foreign affidavit to a qualified closing entity and not just the buyer.
• The setting of minimum requirements for mortgage originators, which mandates fingerprinting of loan originators and establishes a nationwide loan originator licensing and registration system.  The requirements do not apply to those only performing real estate brokerage activities unless they are compensated by a lender, mortgage broker, or other loan originator.  States will have the ability to implement more stringent laws.
• The creation of a National Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help cover the cost of the FHA rescue plan for the first five years and develop affordable housing in subsequent years.
• The Treasury Department’s proposal to create a federal backstop program to insure the financial well-being of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
• The FHA’s inability to insure loans that utilize a seller-funded down-payment assistance program.  Down-payment assistance from family, employers and other nonprofits is still allowed.
• The Community Development Block Grant Programs’ $4 billion allotment for communities to purchase and refurbish foreclosed homes.

This is good news for home owners and future buyers, but there is a time frame associated with many of the provisions so if you are considering your options you will want to review them ASAP to ensure you are taking the right steps.

Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Realtors® focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Lake Forest, Portola Hills, Foothill Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita and Mission Viejo.  Realizing Singles were being left out of the Real Estate market, Kelly has made it her passion to serve this demographic and help them take the necessary steps towards their real estate goals. So if you’re considering selling or buying a home in Saddleback Valley, call Kelly to schedule a free consultation. Whatever your dream, with Kelly at your side, Its Possible!

 The above information is provided as an opinion and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Did you ever see the movie the Wedding Planner where Jennifer Lopez daydreams in the park while a movie is playing in the backdrop and eating M&M.  I always liked that scene, as it is such a nice dream of community, relaxation and hope.

Gather round, the city HOA in Rancho Santa Margarita, SAMLARC, will be presenting movies throughout the summer.  The first movie showing is this Friday the 20^th and it is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory at Solano Park.

So grab a picnic lunch, a blanket and a couple of pillows and enjoy a fun movie under the stars.   Psssst - It’s Free!

Enjoy!

Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Realtors® focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Portola Hills, Foothill Ranch. Whether she’s helping a first time buyer accomplish the goal of homeownership, or coaching a homeowner on how to use their equity to move or use it to buy an investment property or finding exclusive properties for the high end consumer. Kelly is committed to making it happen.  So if you’re considering selling or buying a home in Saddleback Valley, call Kelly to schedule a free consultation. Whatever your dream, with Kelly at your side, Its Possible!

 The above information is provided as an opinion and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Have I been reading right - The media on the Real Estate Market is Turning Positive

It has been said that negative news sells and I agree with that to some extent but when the facts begin to turn the tide, it is great to read some positive changes in the local Orange County real estate market.  It has been rare to hear anything objective or positive come in the media regarding housing, but lately there is a glimmer of hope.  Recent headlines:

“Demand for O.C. Housing surpasses 06” – I think every home seller that has their house listed at market value are jumping for joy as there are certainly signs of traffic increases, multiple offers and reduced inventory.  All good signs!

You can also ask the buyer’s who are competing with multiple offers or who have several offers out hoping to take advantage of the great rates and low pricing.

“O.C. seen undervalued, first time since 2003” – This is great news for home buyers.  What does this mean, the report indicates local homes as relative bargains to broad economics since the second quarter of 2003. It’s also the largest undervaluation since the final three months of 2002.

Now this is a figure that investors look at hard.  What makes an investor successful, is being ahead of the curve, right!

“O.C. Affordability Jumps in 1st Quarter of 2008” – Of course with the reduced value, affordability would increase but the numbers are surprising. Orange County homes that a median-income family could afford doubled in the first quarter of 2008 to 17.4%, up from 8.4% in the fourth quarter of 2007.  In addition, the number of first time home buyers has increased dramatically in California with 36% of local households could afford an O.C. starter home during the first three months of the year, up eight percentage points from the last quarter of 2007.  Nationally the number is 39%, with 25% of those being Single Women and 11% Single Men.

I often say to home buyers “what sign are you looking for to know when it is a good time to buy”.  Believe me, I would love the clouds to open up and a voice from Heaven say – It is time to buy.  But of course that is not going to happen. 

The details to focus on when considering buying a home

• How do the numbers look for you?  Try not to get caught up in  everyone elses economy.
• Are your plans to buy with secure financing?
• Are you in a stable job, can you project your finances?
• Review the difference between higher interest rates and lower pricing or the opportunity to have lower pricing and lower interest rates.
• What are the strengths of the local economy, what are the recovery opportunities.

If you consider these questions and can answer with confidence then what are you waiting for?  The pent up demand is starting to show results and that is something as a home buyer you don’t want.  The interest rates and loan availability are improving, but there is of course talk of higher interest rates and that is something as a home buyer you also don’t want. 

Then there is selection, as the demand picks up the homes that are priced well with the nicer features are going quickly and what is left is distressed quality and again something buyers don't want.

So if homeownership is one of your goals and then stay focused, do your research and go for it.  Remember, Its Possible!

Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Realtors® focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Lake Forest, Portola Hills, Foothill Ranch, Whether she’s helping a first time buyer accomplish the goal of homeownership, or coaching a homeowner on how to use their equity to step up, use it to buy an investment property or finding exclusive properties for the high end consumer. Kelly is committed to making it happen.  So if you’re considering selling or buying a home in Saddleback Valley, call Kelly to schedule a free consultation. Whatever your dream, with Kelly at your side, Its Possible!

The above information is provided as an opinion and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and so are some wonderful musicians in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita.  Each summer the concert series is better and better and it is a great way to get out, enjoy the community, meet with neighbors and just have some plain fun. Below is a listing of performers scheduled to appear during the Rancho Santa Margarita Summer Concerts Series.  Get out and enjoy this great community.

• July 13                    Stone Soul                         Mowtown
• July 20                    The Fenians                       Celtic Rock
• July 27                    The Answer                        Classic Rock
• August 3                  Chico                                Variety Dance Band
• August 10                The Funkomatics                Disco
• August 17                Jumping Jack Flash             Rolling Stones Tribute

Concerts begin at 6:00 pm in Central Park near the Civic Plaza.  Local restaurants will be serving snacks and dinner onsite or bring a picnic dinner.

See you there!

Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Realtors® focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Lake Forest, Portola Hills, Foothill Ranch, Trabuco Canyon, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.  Whether she’s helping a first time buyer accomplish the goal of homeownership, or coaching a homeowner on how to use their equity to step up into a nice home or use it to buy an investment property or finding exclusive properties for the high end consumer. Kelly is committed to making it happen.  So if you’re considering selling or buying a home in Saddleback Valley, call Kelly to schedule a free consultation. Whatever your dream, with Kelly at your side, Its Possible!

 The above information is provided as an opinion and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

I was recently speaking with a young single who is considering buying her first home.  She is filled with excitement, anticipation and fear.  However, in her heart she knows there is an opportunity presently that has not been available in the last few years and does not want to miss the window.  As we are talking I couldn’t help but think, she is me (a few years back) and the market is sooo similar.

I was young, moving up in my career (making a whole $35k) single and trying to determine what was the best move financially for me, “Was there any possibility” When I spoke with family and friends, I heard the same thing over and over, "don’t buy the market is going to go down further", "no way could a condo cost $125k in South Orange County". "Don’t you think you should wait until you’re married?"  "What if you meet the man of your dreams, he will think you are to independent" and it went on and on. The only person, who said go for it was my mother, who raised seven kids on her own, never owning a house again after my parents divorce.  She quietly would just keep asking "how the house hunt is going"

The market at the time (1995) was filled with uncertainty: there were tons of short sales on the market, Interest Rates were high (8.25%) and the economy was in a scary place.  So I began the hunt, first getting pre-approved, looking at the lender like he was crazy when he said I could afford a mortgage that was double my rent; at the time $650 a month for a tiny 1 bedroom apartment in ,. 

Working with the lender was a trip in itself, did you ever see the Sex in the City episode when Miranda bought her condo and the lender kept looking at her with a look of horror, said over and over check the SINGLE box, SINGLE box again…..  "Are YOU going to be comfortable buying a home on your own, was the consistent question?"  Yeap, I had the same guy.

Then I found it, a great condo in Portola Hills, 2 bed/3 bath REO, we put the offer  in and wow they came back and said it was mine. I was sooo excited then fear set in “I need to come up with some money”, “How am I a going to be able to do it”. The lender had told me about this program called FHA and I was all in for $7000.00

I will never forget the first night in my new home, friends came over we had the traditional champagne and pizza.  Mom and sisters came over the next day and I will never forget my mom’s face as she said, “you did it!”  You see that was in Oct 95, my mom passed away in Dec 95.  One of things she said to me before her passing was buying that house brought her comfort in knowing I would be secure without you needing a man (sorry boys, no slam, just mom was happy that her little girl did it). 

So back to my new client, she is scared, excited and anxious.  We have put numerous offers in, but to her dismay we are competing with multiple offers, why because buyers are realizing the window of opportunity is limited, there are only 52 properties in the Saddleback area priced under $200k.  Yes, that is right under $200k. ($200k!)

I just keep saying this is such an amazing time, for you to get in! Now remember, I wrote above it was 1995 when I put an offer in for $125k. So in 13 years that window of opportunity has appeared again and ironicly we have FHA again to help.

As we finished up looking today, she turned around and said, wow amazing, It is Possible!

Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Realtors® focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Lake Forest, Portola Hills, Foothill Ranch, Trabuco Canyon, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.  Whether she’s helping a first time buyer accomplish the goal of homeownership, or coaching a homeowner on how to use their equity to step up into a nice home or use it to buy an investment property or finding exclusive properties for the high end consumer. Kelly is committed to making it happen.  So if you’re considering selling or buying a home in Saddleback Valley, call Kelly to schedule a free consultation. Whatever your dream, with Kelly at your side, Its Possible!

 The above information is provided as an opinion and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Looking for something to do this weekend?  The weather is predicted to be beautiful no May grey on the map (hopefully) so make sure to get out and enjoy our beautiful area.  One event that popped up on my calendar that sounds interesting is the Pressing of Grapes at the Laguna Canyon Winery. 

Like wine, just want to see how it all comes together then you will want to pop into the Laguna Canyon Winery, right of the 133 across the street from the Wyland Gallery.

Open Friday and Sat 5/30-5/31 – 12 – 5 pm

Open Sunday 6/1 -12-3pm

Enjoy!

Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Realtors® focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Lake Forest, Portola Hills, Foothill Ranch, Trabuco Canyon, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.  Whether she’s helping a first time buyer accomplish the goal of homeownership, or coaching a homeowner on how to use their equity to step up into a nice home or use it to buy an investment property or finding exclusive properties for the high end consumer. Kelly is committed to making it happen.  So if you’re considering selling or buying a home in Saddleback Valley, call Kelly to schedule a free consultation. Whatever your dream, with Kelly at your side, Its Possible!

 The above information is provided as an opinion and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Have you noticed lately that there is a lot of talk on the streets about courting  Single Women and I am not talking about the dating! What’s all the buzz  about, Real Estate and Politics, why because the numbers are impressive:  Single women are the fastest growing demographics buying real estate today  with 22% and then there is the Political arena, where single women compose  of  26 percent of voters, that is 1 in 4.

So girls we need to get out there and vote, take a stand and continue on the  path to  improve opportunities for us and the girls that following.  Below is a  listing of  web-sites and resource that you may find interesting, I know I did!

Women’s Voices, Women Vote

Every Women Counts

Women Entrepreneur

National Association of Women Business Owners

Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Realtors® focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Lake Forest, Portola Hills, Foothill Ranch, Trabuco Canyon, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.  Whether she’s helping a first time buyer accomplish the goal of homeownership, or coaching a homeowner on how to use their equity to step up into a nice home or use it to buy an investment property or finding exclusive properties for the high end consumer. Kelly is committed to making it happen.  So if you’re considering selling or buying a home in Saddleback Valley, call Kelly to schedule a free consultation. Whatever your dream, with Kelly at your side, Its Possible!

 The above information is provided as an opinion and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

As I show properties to potential home buyers moving to the area, one of the first aspects mentioned is always how clean and well taken care of South Orange County is.  With that in mind, I wanted to share an event that is a great way to give back to the community.

Aliso Creek Clean-Up Day – Saturday May 31 from 10:00 am – 12:30

If you have ever walked, jogged or rode your bicycle along the Aliso Creek Trail then plan to spend a couple of hours on Saturday the 31st keeping it beautiful.  You will be provided with all you need, gloves, bags, a volunteer T-shirt, even a beverage and snack, they need you to supply the energy. 

If interested meet south of Cherry Park at Cherry Avenue and Fernbarck.  All volunteers must sign a volunteer waiver with the city of Lake Forest.

What a great opportunity to volunteer with your little ones (8 and over) or maybe the scout troops, teens and small groups. 

For specifics contact the city at 949.461-3450

Kelly Turbeville is one of South Orange County premier Realtors® focusing in the Saddleback Valley and the communities of Lake Forest, Portola Hills, Foothill Ranch, Trabuco Canyon, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.  Whether she’s helping a first time buyer accomplish the goal of homeownership, or coaching a homeowner on how to use their equity to step up into a nice home or use it to buy an investment property or finding exclusive properties for the high end consumer. Kelly is committed to making it happen.  So if you’re considering selling or buying a home in Saddleback Valley, call Kelly to schedule a free consultation. Whatever your dream, with Kelly at your side, Its Possible!

 The above information is provided as an opinion and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.