Here are a few photos of the Rancho Santa Margarita Civic Center located on El Paseo right in the center of town. Just click to enlarge. The Bell Tower overlooks the palm lined plaza at the Rancho Santa Margarita (RSM) Civic Center. Enjoy a lazy afternoon in the shade and cool breezy of the courtyard at the Rancho Santa Margarita Civic Center. I hope you enjoy these pics and would love to have you visit our town sometime! 04/20/2012

  Another new restaurant is coming to Rancho Santa Margarita - Bruxie Gourmet Waffle Sandwich. We're finally getting some diversity.  This new restaurant will be opening on May 22, 2012 in the El Paseo Plaza in the location formerly occupied by OC Burger and Tommy Pastrami's...just next door to Round Table Pizza. Bruxie currently has two locations, Orange and Brea and have become quite popular with locals. It's kind of a different twist on sandwich bread/bun as you typically find. These waffles are not super sweet so they lend themselves well to the sweet and savory fillings that are offered. The menu items vary slightly by location but will probably features burgers, pastrami, pulled pork and buttermilk fried chicken as well as their sweet fillings like strawberry cheese cake, creme br... 04/17/2012

I'm pleased to report the successful negotiation of the short sale for a condo in the California Tesoro Homes in Rancho Santa Margarita. This was a complicated negotiation due to the fact that there was a 1st trust deed with a major bank as well as a 2nd trust deed with a credit union. My team was successful in getting both lenders to come to agreement and settle the short sale. The unit is a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath unit with 1400 square feet. Although the building appears to be a condo it is actually an attached single family residence. The selling price was $340,000 and was financed through FHA If you'd like more information or would like a FREE home valuation, feel free to contact me by phone, text or email. 04/13/2012

If you are shopping for an FHA Loan for Rancho Santa Margarita, CA let over 19 years of experience work for you. Experience AND new ideas count when helping you close your FHA Home Loan in Rancho Santa Margarita CA. For your next home purchase or refinance consider Kevin Kueneke. Kevin has closed over 2,500 closed loans in just over 19 years of experience, certified continuing education trainer teaching Realtors and Lenders about FHA and VA loans, and a proven track record of excellent customer service. Your FHA home loan mortgage professional needs to be backed by one of the nations most well respected mortgage banking firms, AmeriFirst Financial. With a combination of years of experience, plenty of proof handling tough situations under pressure, and the finest company in the country y... 03/30/2012

Please join us to learn more about the process and benefits of buying a HUD home.  This event is completely free of charge. Learn How to save Thousands and Enjoy the Benefits of owning a HUD home! You may qualify for: FREE Appraisals FREE Termite Reports FREE Lead Based Paint remediation FREE 15 day Escrow Extensions if needed LEARN how Owner Occupants get priority! What: Community Outreach Event for Orange County Residents When: Friday 3/2/12  from 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm Where:  Rancho Santa Margarita Farmers Market Big Lots Parking Lot at 30501 Avenida De Las Flores Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 We will have a booth at the Farmers Market to provide you with information on How to By HUD Homes and what incentives are available for FHA buyers! Call Jesse Madison for more information at 949-... 02/24/2012

    Senator Mimi Walters congratulates RSM Eagles football team for state championship Serving the 33rd District of California, Senator Mimi Walters enjoys getting out into the community to meet the people.  This is an article from her recent newsletter highlighting her visit to Rancho Santa Margarita.  The Senator's district includes South Orange County cities of Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto De Caza, LAguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel.  Also included are several Central Orange County cities.  See this MAP for boundaries.  Click to visit Senator Walters' website. (Article and photo are credited to her newsletter)   "Standing before a gym filled with over 1600 students, faculty, and other dignitaries, Senator Walters offered congratulati... 02/08/2012

Restaurant Review: BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Rancho Santa Margarita The newest addition to the restaurant scene in Rancho Santa Margarita is BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse located in  the Plaza El Paseo town center at the corner of Santa Margarita Pkwy and El Paseo.  A new building was constructed specifically for BJ's on the site of the former TGI Fridays, which was razed for the new building. Although new to RSM, BJ's has been around since the late 70's when they opened their first store in Santa Ana, CA just a few blocks from my first Orange County house.  I loved the thick crust, Chicago style (not deep dish) pizza then and it still remains my favorite.  In fact, it is about as close as it gets to my favorite childhood pizza joint, Armand's, from Elmwood Park, IL. Since those ear... 01/30/2012

Featured Foreclosure of the Day! Our featured foreclosure of the day on (01/25/12) is a recently popped up foreclosure in the up-and-coming city of Rancho Santa Margarita. The condo is in a great neighborhood, it's got tons of great features, and at an affordable price for this particular Orange County area. Check out more details on our foreclosure of the day listed by Susan Miller by clicking on any of the pictures in this blog. Beds/bath/pricing are all on the image below! Note: This Rancho Santa Margarita condo may need a few repairs (as one could assume from the amazingly low price). 01/25/2012

Rancho Santa Margarita Bank Owned / Foreclosure Homes For Sale Click this link to see the latest Bank Owned / Foreclosure Homes For Sale in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688 as of December 27, 2010. This the most current list of homes that are bank owned foreclosures in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita.  They range in price from 79,900 to $610,000 and include single family homes and town homes/condos.  These homes may be located in various communities of Rancho Santa Margarita including Robinson Ranch, Dove Canyon, Las Flores, Rancho Cielo and Wagon Wheel. Rancho Santa Margarita (RSM) is a lively and vibrant community that grew from a few housing developments in 1986 into one of the newer cities in Orange County California, incorporated as a city in 1999.  The twin peaks of Santiago a... 12/27/2011

I took this photo on Monday morning as I was walking around the lake. The buildings to the right of center (with the darker tile roofs) are the Mercado Del Lago retail center with the typical variety of restaurants, grocery, cleaners and the ubiquitous Starbucks.To the left of center are the Brisa Del Lago condos with the first row of buildings having lake front patios and decks. Other condos around the lake are Floramar, Marbella and Brisa Del Lago II. CLICK HERE to view current listings on the lake.     Across the lake is the Santa Margarita Beach Club and Lagoon recreation area with a beach front area for swimmers.  The lake allows fishing from the shores but no boating. The trail around the lake is about one mile and is popular with walker, runners, skaters and an occasional biker. ... 11/22/2011

Best Townhome in RSM For Lease - JUST REDUCED - IML Real Estate   Brian Doubleday & Dave Gubler | IML Real Estate | (949) 378-6402 9 San Angelo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA   3BR/3BA Townhome     Year Built 1989 Sq Footage 1,313 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 1 Car garage Complex Casifina View City Light & Hills DESCRIPTION BEST TOWNHOUSE IN RSM-AMAZING, COMPLETELY REMODELED-New custom kitchen cabinets, new granite countertops, completely painted...you name it, just like a new home! Enjoy the breathtaking views from both floors & your yard. The patio opens to a green belt. Very sunny & bright. Fantastic floor plan with Two huge master bedrooms with attached bathrooms. Walking distance to the resort-like association pool & spa. The kids will love the private tot-l... 11/07/2011

Orange County Real Estate News For Rancho Santa Margarita Rancho Santa Margarita Real Estate For Sale Including:Short Sale, Foreclosure and REO Homes For Sale Ranch Santa Margarita, CA is a wonderful place to live. It is a family-oriented city with activities and services for all ages. Initialy, people may choose Rancho Santa Margarita for its excellent educational system, but find out after living in the community that it has so much more to offer. Below You'll Find Many Beautiful Rancho Santa Margarita Houses For Sale http://fecteau.listingbook.com/?node=16-0-email_listings,1731272938.84d516f4 Brought to you by: Bruce Fecteau and Pamela Bache, Orange County California Realtors, Orange County Fine Homes, Century 21 Orange CountyOrange County Real Estate For Salehttp://www.Century21-Or... 11/07/2011

Orange County Real Estate News For Rancho Santa Margarita Real Estate Information For Rancho Santa Margarita Rancho Santa Margarita in the 90's: In November 1999, area voters opted to incorporate the Rancho Santa Margarita Planned Community and the neighboring Robinson Ranch, Dove Canyon, Rancho Cielo, Trabuco Highlands and Walden Communities.Today: Nicely manicured neighborhoods, homes and condominium communities are the standard in Rancho Santa Margarita. The planners made some excellent decisions from the start which has ensured the continued growth and prosperity for residents, home owners and local businesses for decades to come. Orange County Real Estate Below You'll find links and information to all things Rancho Santa Margarita http://WWW.century21-orangecounty.com/city/ranchos... 11/07/2011

Rancho Santa Margarita Townhome for Lease JUST REDUCED - IML Real Estate   Brian Doubleday & Dave Gubler | IML Real Estate | (949) 378-6402 9 San Angelo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA   3BR/3BA Townhome     Year Built 1989 Sq Footage 1,313 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 1 Car garage Complex Casifina View City Light & Hills DESCRIPTION BEST TOWNHOUSE IN RSM-AMAZING, COMPLETELY REMODELED-New custom kitchen cabinets, new granite countertops, completely painted...you name it, just like a new home! Enjoy the breathtaking views from both floors & your yard. The patio opens to a green belt. Very sunny & bright. Fantastic floor plan with Two huge master bedrooms with attached bathrooms. Walking distance to the resort-like association pool & spa. The kids will love the priv... 11/02/2011

Learn How to save Thousands and Enjoy the Benefits of owning a HUD home! You may qualify for: FREE Appraisals FREE Termite Reports FREE Lead Based Paint remediation FREE 15 day Escrow Extensions if needed LEARN how Owner Occupants get priority! What: Community Outreach Event for Orange County Residents When: Friday 11/4/11 from 1:00 pm- 6:00 pm Where:  Rancho Santa Margarita Farmers Market Big Lots Parking Lot at 30501 Avenida De Las Flores Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 We will have a booth at the Farmers Market to provide you with information on How to By HUD Homes and what incentives are available for FHA buyers!   Call Jesse Madison for more information at 949-306-8416 10/26/2011

Dove Canyon at Rancho Santa Margarita CA has some excellent home values for buyers.          Dove Canyon home ~ $899,900 ~ overlooking 14th fairway of DC Golf Course ~ 5 bedrooms and 5 baths ~ MLS# S667520 ~ IDX link               Dove Canyon is a private residential community located in eastern part of the city of Rancho Santa Margarita and has about 1,200 homes and 5,000 residents.            Dove Canyon home ~ $839,000 ~ 4 bedrooms and 5 baths ~ MLS# S647475 ~ IDX link                   All homes at Dove Canyon are single family detached.  True value waits for buyers who will pay less per SF interior than most other areas of Orange County.              Dove Canyon home ~ $799,000 ~ 4 bedrooms and 4 baths !~ MLS# S663716 ~ IDX link                   Dove Canyon is a gated community wi... 08/08/2011

This Lakefront Lease in Rancho Santa Margarita is at 41 Calle Melinda in the Lakefront Marbella Tract.  At $2975/month at 1860 square feet with 3 spacious bedrooms and views to die for, it is resort-style living at its' finest.  This Lakefront Lease in Rancho Santa Margarita is a highly upgraded townhome with only one common wall.  It's a bright end unit with plantation shutters, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, tumbled stone counters and backsplash, stainless appliances, recessed lights and remodeled bathrooms. The kitchen has a large breakfast bar and the sink faces the water.  There's a built in microwave and oven plus a 4-burner cooktop with a griddle!  The master bedroom of this Lakefront Lease in Rancho Santa Margarita has a Garden tub and separate shower and loads of closet sp... 07/29/2011

This is one of the rare FHA Approved Condos in Rancho Santa Margarita and is move-in ready. FHA buyers would love this home listed at $419,900 located in the Tijeras Creek Golf Course area and the Sierra Verde Tract. With 3 roomy bedrooms and a panoramic view from the master, this is one of the best FHA approved Condos in Rancho Santa Margarita and is worth seeing. There's fenced yard with a covered patio, blonde laminate flooring, a formal dining and living room, family room and breakfast nook. This fabuolous townhome is a Standard Sale with 1749 square feet. The kitchen counters are upgraded with corian and white wood cabinets and there is a large walk in pantry. The living room has two story high ceilings and skylights and a warm fireplace. The Tijeras Creek Golf Course and Club is r... 07/28/2011

Buyers want a deal, so they go looking for a short sale or bank owned and then they get their pockets picked. The banks are thinking up every way that they can extort money from the buyers. 1) "AS IS" Buyers are responsable for anything that is wrong with the house.$$$$ 2) Pay $$$ on the second mortgage that the seller isn't able to pay because the banks won't release it. $$$$ 3) Pick up any closing close the bank doesn't want to pay $$$$ 4) Pay off the debt to HOA if there is one and most transfer fees for the sellers side. $$$$ 5) Now put more down, have better credit and bend over while ????? I have always enjoyed working with buyers, finding them their dream home, working though all the ups and downs of the transaction, teaching them how things get done and feeling good because I he... 06/14/2011

This is a ranting post! If you don't want to read it, just pass over my post! Trying to close a short sale with BofA and buyers are getting their loan from BofA. I want to scream! The short sale was doing pretty good, only 6 weeks to approval! That was what I expected. Now for getting the buyers loan from them has been a nightmare! Both sides of the transaction have jumped though hoops and the underwriter has had the file for 2 weeks. they keep coming up with new papers that they want, we get it for them it goes back to underwriting and they want something else. This has happened 6 times, count them 6 times!! The short sale negotiator says no more extensions! They both work for the same bank just TALK to each other and we could solve this. The house will be foreclosed on, if this doesn'... 06/09/2011