South Orange County Fireworks 2012 - July 4th Fireworks shows in South Orange County

Are you ready to celebrate Independence Day? This is my favorite holiday of the year...warm weather, great food on the bar-b-que, gathering with friends and watching the sky explode in color from the fireworks extravaganzas throughout the area.

This year we will be fortunate to see 4 or 5 fireworks shows from the comfort of a friends back yard. All the visual excitement without the parking hassles of being onsite. I know it's not quite the same as having your face blasted with the color bombs but it's still a great night.

Check these locations for South Orange County Fourth of July Fireworks shows in the various cities. Most shows start at 9:00pm, but check with the venue website to verify for yourself.

Aliso Viejo - July 4th Celebration and Fireworks - Grand Park

Dana Point
4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza at the Dana Point Harbor Doheny State Beach & Harbor Area

Irvine
28th Annual Concert on the Green and Firework Festival Irvine High School Stadium

Laguna Hills
Fourth of July Celebration at the Laguna Hills Sports Complex

Laguna Niguel
4th of July Summer Concert and Fireworks Crown Valley Community Park Amphitheatre

Mission Viejo
Annual Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular Lake Mission Viejo

Rancho Santa Margarita July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club (residents and guests only)

San Clemente
4th of July fireworks show at the San Clemente Pier

San Juan Capistrano
4th of July Celebration at San Juan Capistrano Sports Park

If you are ready to brave the crowds, DISNEYLAND (9:30pm) and KNOTT'S BERRY FARM (10pm) also have fireworks shows which are best viewed from inside the park with paid admission.

There may be a fee to attend some of these events. Please check in advance about entrance fees and parking fees. This site does not guarantee that these events will not be canceled. Check with the individual event organizers to confirm times and locations.

For additional Independence Day fireworks shows and events throughout the county, visit KABC-TV. Have safe 4th and enjoy South Orange County Fireworks 2012 - July 4th Fireworks shows in South Orange County.

Lake Forest Condo For Sale $219,900

Lake Forest Condo For Sale $219,900

Take a peak at this quick video of a good deal on a condo in Lake Forest, CA. Located close to all of the community ammenities and transportation, this condo is a Fannie Mae / HomePath property that can be purchased with 3% down, no monthly mortgage insurance and no appraisal fee.

 

 

Thanks for viewing this video about a condo for sale in Lake Forest, CA.  My name is John Alesi, a REALTOR with Century 21 Award, the #1 franchise in the system selling homes and condos in Lake Forest, CA

 

This video contains information about a condo for sale in Lake Forest, CA

 

22708 Madrid Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Condominium
$219,900

 

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1033 sq. ft.

 

Spacious lower level, single story Lake Forest condo. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths with detached one car garage. New interior paint, new carpet, and new appliances. Large living room. In-unit laundry closet, charming patio off dining area. Well maintained grounds with pool, spa, and lots of guest parking.

This is a Fannie Mae HomePath  property and can be purchased with as little a s 3% down payment, no mortgage insurance and no appraisal fee. Listing courtesy of Vernazza Realty Inc – Meredith Lancona

This Lake Forest condo qualifies for FHA, Fannie Mae and conventional financing or cash.

For information about this condo in Lake Forest, contact:

John Alesi

CENTURY 21 Award

22342 Avenida Empresa, Suite 150

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

949-510-2154

John@YourOCHome.com

http://www.OCHomeAndCondoSearch.com

 

To view listing information about this property in Lake Forest, CA click this link:
http://www.ochomeandcondosearch.com/listing/mlsid/301/propertyid/S701969/


To view all houses and condos for sale in Lake Forest, CA click this link:

http://www.ochomeandcondosearch.com/community/area/Lake+Forest/

 

To search for condos and homes in Orange County, CA click this link:

http://www.ochomeandcondosearch.com/

 

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Lake Forest, CA or in other cities in Orange County, contact at me for a no cost consultation.

 

Fun-Filled Weekend at Rancho Fest (RanchoFest) 2012

The Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber of Commerce would like to invite the community to take part in Rancho Fest 2012 this Memorial Day Weekend in RSM's Central Park. 


This event runs Friday, May 25 6:00-9:00 and Saturday, May 26 from 11:00-9:00 in Rancho Santa Margarita.

• Live Music Entertainment 
• Performances by Community Schools and Local Groups
• Kids and Adult Fun Zone
• Inflatable Obstacle Courses and Games
• Rock Climbing
• Jousting
• Beer and Wine Garden
• Food Booths Galore
• Shopping From Local Vendors
• And MORE!...

For more information, visit the Chamber of Commerce website.

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John Alesi - REALTOR®

949-510-2154

CENTURY 21 Award

Search for homes at: Your OC Home Search website

         

DRE# 01730187

Lets Play at Pavion Park Mission Viejo, California - Foto Friday

Pavion Park Mission Viejo, California

Part of the allure of Mission Viejo are the numerous parks and open spaces that are well maintained by the city. Pavion Park is a great place to take the kids to burn off some energy and have some fun! It's located near the intersection of Olympiad Road and Jeronimo Parkway and adjoins Philip J. Reilly Elementary School.

The park is also at the northeast terminus of the Oso Creek Trail which runs along Jeronimo Rd and eventually ends at Marguerite Parkway. Watch for an upcoming post about the Oso Creek Trail. This park is close to the neighborhoods of Cordova Vista, Castille Central, Casta Del Sol and Stoneridge.

The monument sign describes the features of the Oso Creek Trail

and talks about the volunteers that helped create this park and trail

Plenty of open grassy fields are filled with youth soccer leagues.

Jungle gyms abound where kids can climb to their hearts content.

 

There's even a wheelchair accessible jungle gym with gentle inclines.

Here's one of two picnic table areas.

Inside the sandy play area you'll find this low wall with the 

park name spelled out in giant Braille letters.

Park along the long curb on Pavion Street. There is also a handicapped lot closer to the elementary school. There are no restroom facilities at this location. 

For more information, check the Mission Viejo Recreation web page or call 949-470-3061

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John Alesi - REALTOR®

949-510-2154

CENTURY 21 Award

Search for homes at: Your OC Home Search website

         

DRE# 01730187

Copyright 2012 by John Alesi. May not be copied with out consent.

Rancho Santa Margarita Arroyo Oaks Foreclosure Home For Sale - A REALTOR Review

Rancho Santa Margarita Arroyo Oaks Foreclosure Home For Sale - A REALTOR Review

In the Arroyo Oaks neighborhood, just off the corner of Santa Margarita Pkwy and Alicia Pkwy, is this recent listing of a 3 bedroom, 4 bath, bank owned home.  Before I dig in to the interior, I must say that the front yard and back yard views are a high point. Just across the street is a wide open space hill side approximately the width of two lots. In the back, enjoy the view from brick lined patio across the canyon to the Saddleback Mountains.

Once inside, you notice new paint and carpet with hardwood flooring in the dining room and family room. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances with a gas stove, white tile counters and 20" ceramic floor tiles. The cabinets are painted a Navajo Red that might be too much for some. Laundry room in on this level. Designer touches include crown molding, high base boards and plantation shutters

Bedrooms are all upstairs with new carpet. The master suite has a typical "builder standard" bathroom that could use updating. Secondary bedrooms are small but workable for a family.

This home is approximately 1,535 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 4 baths. The garage will accommodate 2 cars. 24 San Bonifacio, Rancho Santa Margarita 92688

The asking price is $470,000 and is listed by Homes of California - Avi Chalid

If you are considering a home in Rancho Santa Margarita in the Arroyo Oaks area, this might be the one.

*   *   *   *   *

John Alesi - REALTOR®

949-510-2154

CENTURY 21 Award

Search for homes at: Your OC Home Search website

         

DRE# 01730187

Copyright 2012 by John Alesi. May not be copied with out consent.

Need A Job In Mission Viejo?

Need A Job In Mission Viejo?

Come out Thursday, May 10, 2012 to the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center to find out about approximately 1000 jobs that are currently available. Possible jobs in Finance and Banking, Government, Health Care, Hospitality, Management, Public Safety, Retail, Sales, Technology and more.

This event is happening from 9am-2pm this Thursday in Mission Viejo. For additional information, visit http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/Community%20Investment%20Division/Workforce%20Investment%20Board

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John Alesi - REALTOR®

949-510-2154

CENTURY 21 Award

Search for homes at: Your OC Home Search website

         

DRE# 01730187

Robinson Ranch Foreclosure Home For Sale - A REALTOR Review

Robinson Ranch Foreclosure Home For Sale - A REALTOR Review

This is a bank-owned foreclosure home is located in the Robinson Ranch area of Trabuco Canyon, just west of the Rancho Santa Margarita town center. Neatly manicured neighborhoods feature houses and condos among a setting of parks and recreation areas nestled in the foothills of Silverado and Modjeska peaks.

You will find this home in nearly move in condition. Some rooms are painted with bright colors and may need to be toned down to suit your needs.

The kitchen features a center island with sink and faucet but counter tops are standard white tile. The appliances appear to be original and may need replacement although they look serviceable and the light oak color cabinets are clean.

There is one bedroom on the main floor with an adjoining 3/4 bathroom; laundry is also down. A huge master suite features a separate retreat area as well as a doorway to a balcony. The master bath has separate tub, shower and toilet as well as a good size walk-in closet. Three other bedrooms, full bath and a family room round out the upper floor. All rooms upstairs are carpeted with carpeting that appears to have a lot of life left in it. The lower level is tiled is all rooms except the family.

This home is approximately 3,000 square feet with 5 bedrooms and three baths. The garage has double and single doors and will accommodate 3 cars. 21412 Silvertree Ln, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679

The asking price is $600,000 and is listed by Evergreen Realty - Patrick Bartolic

Pavion Park in Mission Viejo

 

Pavion Park is a great place to enjoy some outdoor space right here in Mission Viejo. Located near the corner of Jeronimo and Olympiad this city park provides an expansive grassy area and a kiddie park with plenty of equipment for the young folks to burn off some energy. There’s also a picnic area with tables and bar-b-que.

 

Check out these photos of the play areas. Note that one of them is wheel chair accessible with wide low ramps.

 

This park is at the north east end of the Oso Creek Trail, which runs south and west down to Margarita Parkway.

Foto Friday Rancho Santa Margarita Civic Center

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!

*   *   *   *   *

John Alesi - REALTOR®

949-510-2154

CENTURY 21 Award

Search for homes at: Your OC Home Search website

         

DRE# 01730187

Copyright 2012 by John Alesi. May not be copied with out consent.

San Juan Capistrano - Meredith Canyon House For Sale

Ocean close opportunity knocking! 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with 3-car garage! Brand new sod at front and rear yards! Light and bright living room entry with 18' ceramic tile floors, cathedral ceilings, fresh dual tone paint and upgraded baseboards! Large entertainer's kitchen with center island, recessed lights, ceramic tile counter and backsplash, dual oven and stainless appliances. French doors lead to spacious and grassy rear yard! Built-ins and fireplace in family room, plus full main floor bath! New carpet upstairs! Master with fireplace, walk-in closet and private balcony with ocean views! Dual vanities in master and middle baths!






View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here:

San Juan Capistrano, 92675

Search like an agent at:
Orange County Home & Condo Search.

Search by city, bed/bath rooms, square footage, map or many other details. You will see multiple listing photos, full MLS descriptions, neighborhood info, market updates and more!


JOHN ALESI
CENTURY 21 Award Real Estate -- 22342 Avenida Empresa, Suite 150, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 -- 949-510-2154

DRE: 01730187


Listing courtesy of Diane Cirignani – Vernazza Realty Inc

new restaurant is coming to Rancho Santa Margarita - Bruxie Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches

Another new restaurant is coming to Rancho Santa Margarita - Bruxie Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches. 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 brule and assorted berries.

They have gluten free and vegetarian menus are their other locations and will probably do the same in RSM. They also have soft serve frozen custard, shakes and sundaes, old fashioned sodas and Peet's coffee.

They are currently taking employment applications which can be found on their website at www.bruxie.com

Best Condo In Irvine

Is This The Best Condo In Irvine?

Take a look at this recently remodeled condo in the Jasmine tract of the Quail Hill area of Irvine. Being built in 2006, these are fairly new condos but this unit has has a make over including new granite counters and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen as well as fresh paint and new carpet in the master bedroom.

Bright and airy, this two bedroom, two bath carriage unit features a large family room with a 16 foot ceiling, dining room, kitchen and technology nook on the second floor while the master suite occupies the entire third floor. The entry way and tandem two car garage occupy the first level.

Just out the front door and a few steps across the street is the community park and recreation area which includes manicured lawns, walking/bike paths, picnic area with BBQ grills and the rec center with pool, spa, fire place and workout room.

Is this really the best condo in Irvine? Well, that depends on your needs. For some folks, this is the perfect home while others will continue their search. My suggestion is to schedule a private showing and judge for yourself. Listed by Century 21 Award - Debra Kovacs

For full details on this condo, click this link: Best Condo In Irvine

Click here for All The Best Condos and Homes in Irvine

...or contact me directly:
John Alesi
CENTURY 21 Award
949-510-2154
John@OCHomeAndCondoSearch.com
www.OCHomeAndCondoSearch.com

Just Sold - Short Sale California Tesoroa Condo Home Rancho Santa Margarita

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.

John Alesi

John@YourOCHome.com

949-510-2154

Sell Your Orange County Home Now

Need To Sell Your Orange County Home?

Data Quick is reporting that 4200 homes were sold Orange County CA in March. That represents the best sales month since July of 2003! Wow...what a dramatic change in the market Additionally, sales were up year over year by 75% (no, that is not a typo) and inventory is down 59% which means this is a GREAT time for sellers to get their homes on the market. If you are considering selling your home in Orange County contact me for a FREE home valuation or visit www.OCHomeAndCondoSearch.com

Why You Can't Buy This Condo

My new clients, Mr. and Mrs. First Time Home Buyer are very excited to find their new home. They've been renting for a while now and have finally saved up enough to put 3.5% down on their first shot at the American Dream. They've been doing a lot of searching on the internet and have come up with a list of about 30 potential properties that meet their criteria. We scheduled a meeting at my office to review their choices and plan out our strategy. I will also take some time to explain the ins-and-outs of the sales process and have the "talk" about short sales, REOs and equity (standard) sales.

Before the meeting, I plugged their extensive list of condos into the MLS and produced a list of about 12 units that they can actually purchase. But wait, Mr. Realtor...we want to see all of these places. How come your list only has 12? They show up on my BlueFin search.

Well, Mr. and Mrs. First Time Home Buyer, that wonderful group called FHA who is arranging your 3.5% down loan has decided that many of the condos on your list are not "approved" so there is no FHA financing available for these.

So, here's the quick explanation of the FHA approval situation. In order for a condo complex to be approved and available for FHA financing, it must meet these requirements: A) 51% of the total units must be owner occupied. That means that the number of units with renters can only be 49% of the total. B) No more than 15% of the units can be delinquent on their HOA (Home Owner's Association) dues and C) There can not be any law suits pending against the HOA.

To further add to the process, FHA removed their approval of most units near the end of 2011 unless they were recently certified.

Is there a way to get an association re-certified, you ask? There are two possibilities: A) the HOA pays to have their association re-certified or B) The buyer pays the fee for the re-certification. Now hold on a gall-darned minute, Mr. Realtor. Are you saying the we, Mr. and Mrs. First Time Home Buyer, pay for the certification and everyone else after us gets in free? That's not fair! You're right Mr. and Mrs. FTHB...it's listed right here on page 327 in the "Book of What's Not Fair."

This situation has really put a stain on the home buying process for low down payment buyers. It is part of the fallout of the burst of the real estate bubble and may likely be a problem through 2012 or longer.

* * * * *

John Alesi - REALTOR®

949-510-2154

CENTURY 21 Award

Search for homes at: Your OC Home Search website

DRE# 01730187

Irvine Condo For Sale

3 bedroom, 4 bath. READY TO MOVE RIGHT IN! Kitchen with granite counters, breakfast bar, new stainless steel appliances and balcony. Kitchen opens to large living room. Main floor bedroom and bath. Each bedroom has its own bathroom! New paint and carpet. $429,700






View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here:


Irvine Condo For Sale

Search like an agent at:
Orange County Home & Condo Search.

Search by city, bed/bath rooms, square footage, map or many other details. You will see multiple listing photos, full MLS descriptions, neighborhood info, market updates and more!


JOHN ALESI
CENTURY 21 Award Real Estate -- 22342 Avenida Empresa, Suite 150, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 -- 949-510-2154

DRE: 01730187


Listing courtesy of Becky Tewell -- Century 21 Award

Rancho Santa Margarita Condo For Sale

Upper level condo with 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, and 1 carport. This property offers vaulted ceilings, new interior paint, new appliances, and laminate flooring. Purchase with 3% down, no mortgage insurance or appraisal fee with a HomePath loan. $167,900



View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here:
Rancho Santa Margarita, 92688

Search like an agent at Orange County Home And Condo Search

Search by city, bed/bath rooms, square footage, map or many other details. You will see multiple listing photos, full MLS descriptions, neighborhood info, market updates and more!

JOHN ALESI
CENTURY 21 Award Real Estate -- 22342 Avenida Empresa, Suite 150, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 -- 949-510-2154
DRE: 01730187

Listing courtesy of Meredith Lancona -- Vernazza Realty Inc.

Coto De Caza Townhouse For Sale

Townhome in one of Coto De Caza's most prestigious communities. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths and loft. Purchase with 3% down, no mortgage insurance or appraisal fee with a HomePath loan. $279,900



View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here:
Coto De Caza, CA 92679

Search like an agent at OC Home And Condo Search

Search by city, bed/bath rooms, square footage, map or many other details. You will see multiple listing photos, full MLS descriptions, neighborhood info, market updates and more!

JOHN ALESI
CENTURY 21 Award Real Estate -- 22342 Avenida Empresa, Suite 150, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 -- 949-510-2154
DRE: 01730187

Listing courtesy of Meredith Lancona -- Vernazza Realty Inc.

Mission Viejo Home For Sale

Mission Viejo House For Sale

4 bedroom, 3 bath. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Other upgrades include new interior carpet and paint, high baseboards, newer windows and doors, slate flooring and much more. $449,500







View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here:


Mission Viejo, 92691

Search like an agent at:
Orange County Home & Condo Search.

Search by city, bed/bath rooms, square footage, map or many other details. You will see multiple listing photos, full MLS descriptions, neighborhood info, market updates and more!


JOHN ALESI
CENTURY 21 Award Real Estate -- 22342 Avenida Empresa, Suite 150, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 -- 949-510-2154

DRE: 01730187


Listing courtesy of Becky Tewell -- Century 21 Award

How's The Market...In Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Coto De Caza, Ladera Ranch?

How's The Market...In Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, Coto De Caza, Ladera Ranch?

As a REALTORS® I am frequently (OK...all the time...) asked, "How's the market?" So what is my answer to this question in the beginning of 2012?

I tell people, "the market is great! In fact, real estate is ON SALE! We are in a market with historic low interest rates and the banks are getting smarter about settling short sales. Additionally, investors are bringing their cash to the market in droves."

It has been said that when the investors start spending their cash, the market has reached the bottom and they feel confident that the timing is right to put their resources to work. That is exactly what is happening with both foreign and domestic investors.

How good it this market you ask? It's like buying Apple stock at $100 per share. (BTW...that stock is at $459 per share as I write this.) Who doesn't see the value in this current real estate market?

Now is the time to jump in the water before prices start to rise and all of the good properties are gone. In the South Orange County, CA market it is very easy for first time buyers to purchase a home and pay less per month than their current rent. FHA has great programs to get buyers into their home with 3% down. An even better deal are Fannie Mae homes with 3% down, no mortgage insurance and no appraisal fee. What are you waiting for?

If you are thinking about purchasing your first home, moving up or investing in a rental unit or commercial property, now is the time to get busy.

Feel free to contact me about the opportunities that abound right now.

* * * * *

John Alesi - REALTOR®

949-510-2154

CENTURY 21 Superstars

Search for homes at: www.YourOCHome.com

DRE# 01730187

Copyright 2012 by John Alesi. May not be copied with out consent.

Am I Buying A Condo Or A PUD?

Am I Buying A Condo Or A PUD?

What is the difference between a PUD and a Condo? More clearly stated, what is the difference between a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and a Condominium?

While these types of homes may look alike in physical appearance, their differences are in the legal structure of the association that binds these units and their owners together. In a PUD, the unit owner also owns the land surrounding or assigned to that particular unit while a Condo owner owns a portion of the total land of the development as well as a divided interest in the shared spaces of the community such as pools, recreation areas, walkways, elevators,etc. Both PUDs and Condos are covered by a Home Owners Association (HOA) and owners are required to become members of that association.

PUDs and Condos can be attached or detached. Many people assume that all attached dwellings are condos and all detached homes are "single family". The truth is that there are detached homes that belong to a HOA and there are attached homes that are legally classified as single family. These determinations can effect the type of financing options available to new owners.

For example, FHA has set up guidelines for Condos regarding the numbers of renters to owners in a HOA as well as the financial stability of that same HOA. Typically, less that 50% can be tenant occupied and no more than 15% of the home owner acounts can be delinquent. These guidelines do not apply when the unit being considered is a PUD.

An easy way to tell if a development is a condo or PUD is to check the Accessor's Parcel Number (APN). In Orange County, CA, the parcel number begins with "9" if the unit is a condo. Any other digit indicated a different type of property; 9xx-xx-xxx is a condo.

* * * * *

John Alesi - REALTOR®

949-510-2154

CENTURY 21 Superstars

Search for homes at: www.YourOCHome.com

DRE# 01730187

Copyright 2011 by John Alesi. May not be copied with out consent.