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.

IT IS CARNIVAL TIME AT

PORTOLA HILLS ELEMENTARY

TODAY (5/16) 4- 8 PM

GET OUT ENJOY THE SUN, HAVE SOME FUN, ALL WHILE YOU ARE SUPPORTING THE SCHOOL!

THERE WILL BE GAMES, FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT AND HEY YOU MAY EVEN RUN INTO A FEW FRIENDS!

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 lost anyone to Cancer? Do you know someone who is struggling with the disease? For me, cancer has touched me numerous times to a point that is almost becoming the norm, which is Scary! So when I came across tomorrow being LIVESTRONG Day, I thought the best way for me to participate is to get the word out and honor those closest to me.

To: Mom, Dad, Uncle Bill, Grandmother, Mark and Casanova – know I honor you!

To: Debbie and Tim – know I celebrate your successful healing! You do signify a hope!

What can you do….......

Wear Yellow

Attend A local Event

Donate

PRAY!

In the Saddleback Valley, you will see yellow ribbons tied to schools, work, home and churches and cars, check out the web-site for local events.

You may also want to check out the LIVESTRONG website for some great ideas that you can support throughout the year!

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.

Mariners Church in Irvine is holding a great seminar designed just for us girls this Friday May 2nd and May 3^rd. Faith in the Market Place. Speakers include: Author Laurie Beth Jones and Pastor Holly Wagner. Breakout topics include:

• Team Building
• Gender Communication
• Mom’s at Work
• Entrepreneur 101
• Value Based Investing
• Get Organized
• Balanced Lives
• I’m too busy to be lonely
• Market Yourself
• Establishing Your Mission & Vision

What a great way to spend the day. Come together, be refreshed and encouraged, through a conference designed just for you addressing the issues that face women everyday.

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. It is her passion to help single women navigate their way through the real estate world, 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.