I've just received the latest Orange County real estate market report, as compiled every couple of weeks by Steven Thomas, of Altera Real Estate.  You can see the entire report by clicking on: http://www.OurAgentSpot.com/sthomas/MarketTime-Jan-8-09.pdf  For a brief synopsis, the report details the promise of a better start to a real estate year, than we've had for the past couple of years.  Prices are down substantially, the number of available houses has shrunk to levels of 2 or 3 years ago, and interest rates for mortgages are among the lowest ever seen. The possible bad news?  No one - I repeat - no one, knows whether prices will drop much further, and loans have become more difficult to obtain, especially in higher amounts. The majority of sales presently taking place are distressed... 01/11/2009

The New Year is not yet one week old but that's not stopping market "experts" from predicting what's in store for 2009. The calls on housing and mortgage rates run the gamut: Home prices have farther to fall Home prices have touched bottom Mortgage rates will dip Mortgage rates will rise Put it all together and it's clear that the experts have no better idea about the future than you or I.  Their guesses are educated ones, but they're guesses nonetheless. A terrific example of how poorly experts can predict the future comes from a Wall Street Journal performance analysis of 1,700 mutual funds.  In 2008, only one earned a positive return.  That one fund represents zero-point-zero-six percent of all tracked mutual funds.  Surely, the fund managers of the other 99.94% didn't expect to post... 01/06/2009

As part of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, Congress authorized a conforming loan limit increase in "high-cost" areas around the country. Versus the national conforming loan limit of $417,000, for example, a Manhattan home buyer could secure a 2008 mortgage for $725,000 and still be within "conforming" guidelines. Effective January 1, however, those limits rolled back.  Conforming mortgages in the 59 designated high-cost regions are now capped at $625,500.  In non-high-cost areas, the 2009 conforming loan limits remain unchanged from 2008. 1-unit properties : $417,000 2-unit properties : $533,850 3-unit properties : $645,300 4-unit properties : $801,950 Loans in excess of these dollar amounts are often called "jumbo", or "super jumbo" home loans, depending on their size.  Jumbo home ... 01/02/2009

For its last move in an action-filled year, the Federal Reserve announced it will begin buying its pledged $500 billion in mortgage-backed securities next month. For home buyers, the timing couldn't be better. Because December 31 is one of Wall Street's most thinly-traded days of the year, low volume is exaggerating the announcement's impact on mortgage markets. Mortgage rates are lower this morning. However, you may not have much time to act.  Few mortgage lenders permit after-hours rate locking and bond markets close at 2:00 PM ET for the holiday.  If you miss today's Fed-fueled low rates, markets re-open Friday for your second chance. 12/31/2008

Hello again, and Happy New Year! Here is the end of 2008, or start of the year 2009 real estate market report for Orange County, in Southern California, as compiled by Steven Thomas of Altera Real Estate.  In it he gives a synopsis of what we have experienced for the past few years, as well as a statistically backed prognosis for the next year. Here is the link: http://www.ouragentspot.com/sthomas/MarketTime-Dec-26-08.pdf  Frankly, things are looking good for the beginning of a recovery for our fair county, and for the next couple of years.  For a detailed conversation, please drop me an email, Bob@BobPhillips.net  or give me a jingle, at (949) 643-2100 Thanks for you time - have a Happy - and Safe - New Year's celebration, and a prosperous new year! Bob Phillips  -  Realty Executives 12/28/2008

Coto de Caza Real Estate I'd like to welcome you to one of Orange County's oldest planned communities, Coto De Caza. This beautiful location is secured by uniformed guards and monitored by cameras. In this master planned community serenity and peace surround you at all times assuring you that Coto de Caza Real Estate will be a sought after commodity. History of Coto de Caza The first known inhabitants were the Acjachemens and the Shoshonean Native Americans. Coto De Caza, which means "preserve of the hunt" in Portuguese, covers just under 8 square miles. The average temperature in the summer here is 70°F and a very mile 50°F in the winter. Average annual precipitation of just over 14 inches is pleasantly distributed throughout much the year. If you are interested in searching for Coto d... 12/18/2008

Residents in Coto de Caza can enjoy the use of the full service Equestrian Center. The riding center was used for modern equestrian pentathlon events during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. The Equestrian Center boards about 160 horses and includes five arenas and 47 miles of trails in the surrounding wilderness, complete training and riding facilities. Lessons and trail rides are available. For more information call (949) 589-5700. The Equestrian Center is located at 23401 Via Pajaro, just behind the Coto General Store, which is at the corner of Vista del Verde and Via Pajaro. There is a map of the equestrian trail system of Coto de Caza. ( Also a street map of the entire community.  Unfortunately I have yet to figure out how to display them here, in this blog.)  Just drop me a line o... 10/11/2008

Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet offers two Robert Trent Jones Jr. Championship layouts. The North, a 7089 yard gem ,that opened in 1987 to rave reviews from Pro's and amateur alike, boasts 2 of the 18 best holes in Orange County. Eight years later, as Southern OC grew in size, Coto grew along with the area offering another challenge with The South. The South, a slightly shorter 6950,treats Members and Guests to a Golf Course where players meander southward through the Coto canyon never seeing a hole other than the one their playing. Together ,the two layouts offer players of all abilities the chance to test all aspects of their game. The North Course was named one of the nation's top 25 golf courses built in 1987 by GOLF DIGEST MAGAZINE and is the top rated golf course in Orange County. W... 10/11/2008

Here's a link to the Coto de Caza Master HOA : http://www.czmaster.org/  Located adjacent to the Saddleback Mountains, Coto de Caza is a magnificent 5,000 acre private guard-gated community in South Orange County. Miles of unspoiled natural beauty abound in this community making it one of the most prestigious master-planned communities in the United States. The community of Coto de Caza is truly "one of a kind" and offers its residents a distinctive way of life through its countless amenities. Enjoy the sprawling natural landscape, the winding trails that take you to the reaches of the Cleveland National Forest, the countless sports fields and courts complete with recreational activities, clubhouses, golf, swimming, tennis and the tranquil parks that makes Coto one of the most sought af... 10/11/2008

Info about the Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club In the heart of Coto de Caza, lies the private Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club offering golf, tennis and social memberships. It is the first private 36-hole country club in Orange County and one of only three in metropolitan Southern California. Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club's excellent reputation attracts not only resident members but also members from surrounding communities. The name Coto de Caza means, 'Preserve of the Hunt' in Portuguese. The community center consists of a 44,000 square foot 'craftsman style' architecture Clubhouse, two complete 18- hole golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., a Racquet Club and an Aquatic Center. For photos and complete membership information visit http://www.Coto-de-Caza.com/index.htm  ... 10/11/2008

Here is a link to show you various demographic information about Coto de Caza, California: http://www.city-data.com/city/Coto-de-Caza-California.html In the heart of Coto de Caza, lies the private Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club offering golf, tennis and social memberships. It is the first private 36-hole country club in Orange County and one of only three in metropolitan Southern California. Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club's excellent reputation attracts not only resident members but also members from surrounding communities. The name Coto de Caza means, 'Preserve of the Hunt' in Portuguese. The community center consists of a 44,000 square foot 'craftsman style' architecture Clubhouse, two complete 18- hole golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., a Racquet Club and an Aquati... 10/11/2008

You can use my website - http://Coto4Sale.com - to easily search for Coto de Caza homes, estates, condos, and land for sale. Simply click on either of the home page links "Coto de Caza listings" or "Listings in Coto"  You can look at all the properties available or you can tailor your search to match pretty much any criteria you wish.  If you have any questions during the process just give me a call - 949-643-2100 - or send me an email at agent.BobPhillips@cox.net    For a tour of our community, please contact Bob Phillips. As a resident specialist for over 20 years, Bob knows Coto like the back of his hand. Bob Phillips, Altera Real Estate, Serving South Orange County Since 1976!Direct phone: 949-643-2100,  Email: agent.BobPhillips@cox.net  Website: http://Coto4Sale.com 10/11/2008

The story of Coto de Caza It took twenty years for Coto de Caza's market to arrive. When it first opened in 1976 as a master-planned community, it was an isolated corner of Orange County, 12 miles inland and 18 miles southeast of Irvine, in the canyon lands east of Mission Viejo. In the ensuing years, during market downturns and ownership changes, the vision of a woodland-filled, environmentally attuned master-planned community has never wavered. Now that population and employment centers and road access have expanded to its doorstep, Coto de Caza's homesites are nearing buildout, with just a handful of custom lots still available. Coto de Caza (idiomatically translated from the Portuguese as "The preserve of the hunt") originated as a working ranch in the 1700s, with a hunting lodge an... 10/11/2008

The Beach Boys are back in action! This Friday, July 25, The Beach Boys will be performing at the Coto De Caza Raquet and Golf Club. The golf club gates will open at 6 p.m. for a preconcert party. The Beach Boys will hit the stage at 8 p.m. on the center court. This is a perfomance all you "California Girls" and boys don't want to miss! The Coto De Caza Golf and Raquet Club is located at 25291 Vista del Verde, Coto De Caza. For tickets and more information call (949)-858-4100. Keeping you informed about the Orange County real estate market, economy and life in the OC is what I'm committed to doing.     For more great Orange County market insight and industry news visit Laguna Niguel Real Estate or view the Orange County Market Trends at Orange County Real Estate.   Listen to Zen's Lagun... 07/22/2008

Not all markets are hurting.  Coto de Caza has seen some tough times in the under $1.5 million price range but the higher price points seem to be hanging in there. Ken Bowen with Remax recently sold this home in Coto de Caza for $19,500,000 - $4.5 million over the last highest sale ever recorded in Coto.  I actually showed this home well over a year ago to a client.  It is a stunning property, but WOW.  On the market for 582 days.  Worth the wait I'd say.  Congrats to Ken.    05/30/2008

Mike Pahua | The Pahua Group - Fairview Realty | info@pgcoastal.com | 949-716-1877 6 Corn Flower St, Coto De Caza, CA Coto de Caza Luxury Real Estate 5BR/4.5BA Single Family House offered at $2,149,000 Year Built 2002 Sq Footage 5,800 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 4 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size 10,800 sqft HOA/Maint $210 per month DESCRIPTION This spectacular ultra-luxury Tuscan masterpiece is nestled on a premium corner lot in the prestigious San Marino development within the guard gated community of Coto de Caza. This wonderfully appointed 5800 sq ft estate home features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a huge gourmet kitchen with butlers’ pantry, a 400 bottle custom built wine cellar with dual wine chillers, a family room, a formal living room, a formal dining room, maids... 05/12/2008

Residents in Coto de Caza can enjoy the use of the full service Equestrian Center. The riding center was used for modern equestrian pentathlon events during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. The Equestrian Center boards about 160 horses and includes five arenas and 47 miles of trails in the surrounding wilderness, complete training and riding facilities. Lessons and trail rides are available. For more information call (949) 589-5700. The Equestrian Center is located at 23401 Via Pajaro, just behind the Coto General Store, which is at the corner of Vista del Verde and Via Pajaro. There is a map of the equestrian trail system of Coto de Caza. ( Also a street map of the entire community.  Unfortunately I have yet to figure out how to display them here, in this blog.)  Just drop me a line o... 04/15/2008

Here is a link to the Coto de Caza Master Homeowner's Association home page: http://www.czmaster.org/  Located adjacent to the Saddleback Mountains, Coto de Caza is a magnificent 5,000 acre private guard-gated community in South Orange County. Miles of unspoiled natural beauty abound in this community making it one of the most prestigious master-planned communities in the United States. The community of Coto de Caza is truly "one of a kind" and offers its residents a distinctive way of life through its countless amenities. Enjoy the sprawling natural landscape, the winding trails that take you to the reaches of the Cleveland National Forest, the countless sports fields and courts complete with recreational activities, clubhouses, golf, swimming, tennis and the tranquil parks that makes ... 04/04/2008

Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet offers two Robert Trent Jones Jr. Championship layouts. The North, a 7089 yard gem ,that opened in 1987 to rave reviews from Pro's and amateur alike, boasts 2 of the 18 best holes in Orange County. Eight years later, as Southern OC grew in size, Coto grew along with the area offering another challenge with The South. The South, a slightly shorter 6950,treats Members and Guests to a Golf Course where players meander southward through the Coto canyon never seeing a hole other than the one their playing. Together ,the two layouts offer players of all abilities the chance to test all aspects of their game. The North Course was named one of the nation's top 25 golf courses built in 1987 by GOLF DIGEST MAGAZINE and is the top rated golf course in Orange County. W... 04/01/2008

Here is a link to show you various demographic information about Coto de Caza, California: http://www.city-data.com/city/Coto-de-Caza-California.html In the heart of Coto de Caza, lies the private Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club offering golf, tennis and social memberships. It is the first private 36-hole country club in Orange County and one of only three in metropolitan Southern California. Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club's excellent reputation attracts not only resident members but also members from surrounding communities. The name Coto de Caza means, 'Preserve of the Hunt' in Portuguese. The community center consists of a 44,000 square foot 'craftsman style' architecture Clubhouse, two complete 18- hole golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., a Racquet Club and an Aquati... 04/01/2008