Jill Kuenne, Realtor

In response to both Denise and "Irvine Buyer," questions like this one are "loaded" - meaning, there is so much involved in both the asking and the answering, especially regarding market values. For Irvine Buyer, no - not every area is experiencing a high rate of foreclosures and short sales, actually. That's why real estate is so localized - the market can vary from city to city, even within the same county. Looking at an answer from a real estate agent like Sandra below, you'll see she's not stating her opinion as much as she's using facts from the marketplace, from MLS and similar sources to provide substantiation.

None of us have a crystal ball -- not agents, not buyers or sellers, or economists. The most solid information that we can rely on is the numbers and facts of what's going on in local real estate markets *today.*

The best thing each individual potential homebuyer can do is research, research, research, and consult with a knowledgeable professional that you can trust. Agents don't set prices nor drive the market - buyers and sellers do.

Denise, good luck with your home search and I hope you find the right home at a great value! - Tue May 27 2008, 19:30

Hi Andrew,
When I've previously helped folks lease homes in Laguna Woods Village, I've seen that most importantly they are looking to verify age. There is a lengthy packet that needs to be filled out, as well, but the majority of the paperwork was quite simple.

It is also important whether the home is considered a 'condo' or a 'coop' of course, because these do have different lease term stipulations.

Are you looking to rent in Laguna Woods? If so, somewhere I believe I have a link to the Laguna Woods lease permit/ information packet... Yes, here it is:
http://www.lagunawoodsvillage.com//images/lwlagunawoods/Leas…

Hope that helps! I'd be happy to answer any other questions you may have! - Wed May 21 2008, 20:21

LW,
Through ALL of Orange County, and near the coastal areas, Laguna Woods would probably be your very BEST bet. Although, even there it is quite hard to find a one-bedroom condo, and again, it's an active adult community.

Now, by just altering your search parameters from $100k, to closer to $200k, you really open up so many more options. For instance, there is a pre-foreclosure in Dana Point at that price, as well as a few condos in Laguna Niguel, and yes, even a one possibility in Huntington Beach.

So, while it's not the easiest thing to find, because these great little values don't come up every day ~ hopefully that gives you a bit of hope that there would be some possibilities for you here! - Tue May 6 2008, 20:40

Irvine and surrounding areas! Though I must admit I'm biased. In the 20+ years that I've been an Orange County resident, I've lived in Irvine and Aliso Viejo and that is where the overwhelming majority my clients ask for me to find them homes.

Now, that being said... looking at the serious side of things, we've recently seen how the coastal areas, south orange county, and communities on the ocean side of the freeway, have held their values most strongly in this changing market. It's also important to look at the school systems, which is why Irvine has maintained such a strong market hold even through this slump.

So, I do believe ALL of the answers below hold some merit and each has made a good case for why *these* are the 'best areas' to buy in the OC. - Tue May 6 2008, 20:23

Yesmin,

This is probably going to boil down to personal preference for you... While Laguna Niguel offers a more mature, developed feel, homes in Aliso Viejo are, overall, newer. And Laguna Niguel is probably more 'well-known' but Aliso Viejo is 'up-and-coming' especially with the university there and all that it has to offer as a master planned community.

Laguna Niguel has some really prestigious areas, and a low tax rate... Though there are parts of Aliso Viejo, as you've mentioned, off of Pacific Park and Canyon View, as well as the Westridge area that are very prestigious, and offer fantastic views of the nature preserve, or city lights.

You also have to factor in commute to work, schools, and other things as well as you make your particular choice. So good luck to you as you make your decision ~ but I think you can't go wrong with either city, honestly. - Tue May 6 2008, 20:15