What’s Happening in Orange County January 2015

What’s Happening in Orange County in January 2015

Farmers Markets Ongoing

 

List of Farmers Markets in Orange County

http://www.orangecounty.net

 

Orange County Parks & Outdoors Ongoing

 

Orange County, California has beautiful beaches, scenic vistas, and pristine wilderness areas that are visited year-round by residents and out-of-town guests alike. OC Parks is the caretaker of these beautiful county assets and operates nearly 60,000 acres of regional and wilderness parks, nature preserves, historical sites and famous OC beaches. New! Annual passes are available all year round.

http://www.ocparks.com

 

Knott’s Fire and Police Recognition Days

Thru Jan. 31

 

As a thank you to all the men and women who assist in protecting life and property, Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park is proud to offer Fire and Police Recognition Days. Starting November 22 through January 31, 2015, Knott’s will once again extend free Park admission to all active fire and police personnel and one guest.

http://www.visitbuenapark.com

 

Commitment Day 5K Jan. 1

 

The Commitment Day 5K will start and finish at Life Time Athletic: 25600 Rancho Niguel Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

http://www.commitmentday.com

 

BrideWorld Expo Jan. 3

Orange County’s annual wedding planning expo where brides-to-be can shop and compare 150 local wedding professionals including photographers, entertainers, cake bakers, bridal salons, tuxedos, invitations and romantic honeymoon destinations.

http://www.ocfair.com

 

Dana Point’s “IlluminOcean” Thru Jan. 4

 

Dana Point’s “IlluminOcean” featuring the wonders of the deep blue sea, dazzling spectacle of sights, sound and motion that’s electrifying our ocean views like never before will be happening November 26th thru January 4th.

http://www.kwve.com

 

Southern California Half Marathon & 5K Jan. 10

 

Take a run around the course known to locals as “inside the loop” at the Southern California Half Marathon & 5K, which celebrates its 24th annual running in 2015 as the official warm-up road race for other California races like the Los Angeles Marathon, the O.C. Marathon and the Surf City Marathon later in the year.

http://www.active.com

 

Holidays On Ice Mission Viejo Ice Skating Rink

Thru Jan. 10

 

The “Holidays On Ice Mission Viejo Ice Skating Rink” at The Shops at Mission Viejo is open seven days a week thru January 11th 2015.

http://www.kwve.com

 

Monster Jam Jan. 10

 

Angel Stadium. Monster Jam® Trucks: Grave Digger® driven by Carl Van Horn, Dragon driven by Scott Liddycoat, El Diablo℠ driven by JP Ruggiero, Scooby-Doo™ driven by TBA, Grave Digger the Legend® driven by Adam Anderson, El Toro Loco® driven by Dan Rodini, Tropical Thunder driver TBA, Freedom Keeper driven by Matt Clark, Menace driven by Darren Migues, Time Fly’s driven by Kelvin Ramer, Detour driven by Garrette Ladelle, Felon driven by Mark Schroeder, Shocker driven by Pat Gerber, Bounty Hunter® driven by Jimmy Creten, and Scarlet Bandit™ driven by Dawn Creten!

Subject to change without notice.

http://www.monsterjam.com

 

Film Night at the Museum Jan. 15

 

Laguna Art Museum

http://www.visittheoc.com

 

Anatolian Cultures & Food Festival Jan. 16

 

This multi-day festival celebrates the history, food and music of this region of Turkey, showcasing the civilizations that thrived in Anatolia, dating back to the Trojans, Romans and Ottomans. Coordinated by the Pacific Institute, Orange County Branch.

http://www.anatolianfestival.org

 

3rd Annual Baby & Kidz Expo Jan. 17

 

One day expo of vendors, giveaways, entertainment, activities, coupons, information and samples for the whole family.

http://www.ocfair.com

 

New Year’s Hustle 5K: Your Next Step Is the Cure Jan. 24

 

The Orange County Great Park

http://www.renegaderaceseries.com

 

Laguna Hills, CA – Wine Class: Wine 101 – Back to Basics Jan. 29

 

This seminar is ideal for learning the fundamentals of wine tasting. Attendees will learn how to identify the key components of a wine, how to score a wine like the experts and proper serving temperatures. They will also explore how to select favorite wine styles and how to pair wine with appropriate foods. Eight delicious wines will be featured.

http://www.eventbrite.com

 

Snow Day Jan. 31

 

Tons of the frosty stuff is delivered to the dam to enable youngsters to sled, make snow people, and have old-fashioned snowball battles. Children are advised to wear warm clothes and gloves. Space is limited to 900 persons, and early registration is recommended. Advance registration fee for the event is $12 per person for Fullerton residents and $15 per person for non-residents. The day of the event admission will be $15 per person for Fullerton residents and $18 non-residents.

http://www.orangecounty.net

A Quote that may make you buy a home in the next year

“Given the appreciation of the dollar and the deflationary pressure coming out of Europe and Asia, I think it’s going to cause the Fed to wait longer before they start taking action,” he said. “We’ve always believed this was going to be a fourth quarter 2015 event. I think we may be looking at something in 2016, and you can’t rule out the possibility that we could get pushed out even father.”

Noone knows that the future will bring but all looks hopeful and you will never lose if you stay in Real Estate

HOUSING HEADED UP NEXT YEAR IN ORANGE COUNTY

Inventory in OC California up 70%

Housing Headed up next year in Orange County

 

According to Altos Research which is a housing data provider, they are expecting a housing market SURGE in 2015. They are expecting the supply to go up 10% and prices up 7% because of the low number of days on the market for current homes for sale.

Other experts say things will slow based on worries in Today’s news but Altos says they are basing their expectation on actual documentations, and are expecting a 5^th year of recovery.

Both supply and demand will move this housing economy upward.

We all know that Real Estate is the best long term investment you can make so whether it is going to be another great year next year or not, RATES are low now! PRICES will go up! As will RATES so NOW is a GREAT time to buy.

Contact us today 949-400-3099  MarleneDietrich@Realtor.com  www.MarleneDietrichRealEstate.com

Orange County First Time Home Buyers

 

First-Time Home Buyers Make 5 Mistakes

First-timers on anything can be so eager that they will jump into things head first. What we see in Real Estate seems to happen over and over with First time home buyers.

• They’re unpreparedBuyers believe that they know what they can afford and all they have to do is write an offer on the first good home they see. 

1. They should actually first speak with a lender so that KNOW what they can afford, what they need for a deposit, what their payments would be and get a required letter of PreApproval from that lender to be fully prepared when they find that WOW home.
2. Choose a knowledgeable Real Estate agent, with experience, and one that is looking out for you not just a paycheck!

• Their priorities are not in order.Buyers will often go out and buy a car without weight the facts that a lender will also weight in that INCOME to DEBT RATIO is very important and if they buy a car, even though they can afford the payments, that will increase the DEBT and will decrease their chance of getting the size of the loan they need for the home they want.

• Everything is on line nowOnline sites are great for information but it is important that you meet face to face to get rid of the Mystic idea of the process. Same goes with a real estate agent. They can answer all your questions. You may not understand.

 

1. A face to face with all of your agents will help you understand, get what YOU want and make this process a more enjoyable and financially sound event. This is a very IMPORTANT event in your lives, it may be the single largest purchase you will make

            They bank too much on online home values. Some websites will give an incorrect sense of Real  Estate value. If the buyer sees online that the online service values a home at $900,000 and the REAL market value is $1 million then they will be approaching the buying of this home in such a way as they could lose their dream home and a great long term investment.

1. The buyers should experience seeing homes with their Real Estate agent to get an idea of the difference in value based on LOCATION (ie if the home sits inside the community or backs to a street), VIEW (backing to a street is not necessarily bad if you have a view, or even a larger lot that you want), UPGRADES and condition ( since those can be added later if the FLOORPLAN is exactly what you are looking for)

• Buyers sometimes do not have a home inspection. Buyers wanting to save $4-500 to not have the inspection, could be saving the pennies that would have saved them 10 times that. Neither the buyer or the Real Estate agent are electricians, plumbers or construction experts and the inspection could bring to the buyers attention expensive repairs needed in the home. This would, since todays homes are sold in AS IS condition, give you an opportunity to get a credit back for these unknown factors, OR give you an opportunity to cancel the escrow and save you lots more money.
• Always use a professional. Always call Marlene Dietrich at 949-400-3099 Or Email at MarleneDietrich@Realtor.com visit us at  http://www.MarleneDietrichRealEstate.com

Shortage of Short Sales & REO’s in Orange County

17% of Homes Still Underwater, But this is not in LA and Orange County

The percentage of residential properties still labeled “seriously underwater” on their homes was 17.2 percent in the second quarter,  this is down from 26 percent a year ago. However, buyers looking for Short Sales and REO’s need to look outside of California.

Orange County and LA County short sales have all but disappeared from Last year’s investors buying up and flipping those remaining properties.

Home appreciation has slowed recently and that has put recovery on a slower pace. States like

1. Florida
2. Illinois
3. Rhode Island
4. Michigan
5. Nevada
6. Arizona

Are where buyers who want Short Sales need to look. California had home appreciation at 16% in May this year and 31% during the summer of 2013 so many of those treading water last year have had enough equity growth to either sell or refi at a more affordable rate.

LA and Orange County have had upto about a 32%  equity growth for those who had previously been underwater or at least treading water.

The markets with the highest percentage of properties that were seriously underwater in the second quarter are:

Meanwhile, the markets with most resurfacing equity (in which properties are between negative 10 percent and positive 10 percent) are:

1. Colorado Springs, Colo., (28%)
2. Albuquerque N.M. (22%)
3. Lancaster, Pa. (22%)
4. El Paso, Texas (22%)
5. Salt Lake City (22%)
6. Worcester, Mass. (22%)

So if you are looking for Short sales and REO’s in Orange County they are few and far between. Rates at 30 year lows make this a more affordable time than when the homes were lower and the rates were in the normal 6-10% range.

For any of your Real Estate needs contact MarleneDietrich@Realtor.com 949-400-1021

4th of July Activities in Newport Beach

4th of July Events in Newport Coast

Join us for Independence Day on the Back Bay, 4th of July celebration in charming Newport Beach, CA. With a range of entertaining activities and events, including an incredible fireworks display, a two-day festival with live music featuring KC & The Sunshine Band and others, local artisans and merchants and a family fun zone, the Newport Dunes 4th of July celebration has something for the whole family to enjoy! Take part in judging the Food Truck Wars contest as well as taste savory bites from the Back Bay Bistro. Open to locals and visitors and held at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina.

View event Flyer here (PDF).

BUY TICKETS

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
CONCERT AREA: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. • FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA – 9 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

RED, WHITE & BLUE STAGE
Featuring KC &The Sunshine Band
7:30 -9:15 p.m.

OPENING BANDS
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Pickle Back Shine
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Fusion Beat
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Reflexx

GRAND OLD FLAG STAGE – Family Fun Zone
Additional fee applies. Unlimited visit wristbands and individual tickets will be sold! 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

BACK BAY BISTRO – Wood Fire Grill Buffet
Adults $45 per person, Children 1O years and under $22.50 (Included with VIP Ticket) Advance Reservations Required: (949-729-1144) 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

ARTISAN & MERCHANT BOOTHS
More than 20 Artisan and Merchant booths selling beach chic clothing and accessories, beach toys, sporting goods, and more! 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

FOOD TRUCK WARS – Vote for your favorite!
The winning food truck receives a $1,000 cash prize! 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

TICKET PRICING

CONCERT AREA – VIP PACKAGE: $150 per person
-Complimentary Dunes Valet Parking
-VIP Reserved Seating
-Cocktail Service
-Dining Package – Back Bay Bistro Wood Fire Grill Buffet dinner between 3-9 p.m. (advance reservations required)
-1 Hour Paddle Board Rental (advance reservations required)
-1 Fun Zone Wristband for Unlimited Visits
-Goodie Bag

CONCERT AREA – FAMILY 4 PACK: $200
-Complimentary Dunes Preferred Parking
-Designated Picnic Area. Picnic Tables Available First Come First Serve, Personal Beach Chairs Welcome
-2 Fun Zone Wristbands for Unlimited Visits (additional fee for extra wristbands or individual tickets)

CONCERT AREA – GENERAL ADMISSION (Parking Fee Not Included)
$50 per person
-Designated Picnic Area. Picnic Tables Available First Come First Serve, Personal Beach Chairs Welcome

$25 per person
-General Admission Standing Room Only
-Adults & Kids 12 & under (kids 3 & under FREE)

PARKING PRICING: $50 per car• $5 per bicycle

BUY TICKETS

More 4th of July Events in Newport Beach
4th Annual 4th of July is for Families Events – Newport Peninsula Bike Parade and Community Festival
Mariners 42nd Annual Independence Day Parade
Old Glory Boat Parade
Hornblower Cruises & Events Old Glory Boat Parade Brunch Cruise
Hornblower Cruises & Events July 4h Fireworks Dinner Cruise

Where to see #Fireworks in Orange County this 4th of July

This Fourth of July there are Fireworks all over Orange County and most will begin at 9pm

Please see the attached list for cities and times to enjoy the location nearest you. We will be enjoying them in Newport Beach if you can join us but if you can, We wish you a Happy 4th of July where ever you take your family

From our Family to yours

http://www.MarleneDietrichRealEstate.com

 

Fourth of July Events2

Ducks Are Important When Buying A Home in @Orange County

 

 Ducks Are Important When Buying A Home in #Orange County

 

Get all your Ducks in a row.  Be prepared so that you don’t start a purchase process before you are ready.  Many people have said to me, “Oh, I’m good. I have great Credit. I won’t have any trouble getting a loan. But unless you are prepared you may be surprised at how the lending requirements have changed from even 8 years ago.

 

A few years ago, we had Stated Income so if you said you had a certain amount of income, they believed you and could move forward on that. Your DEBT to INCOME Ratio was a lot lower than it is today.

So, how do you know how much loan amount you can afford?

 

The key is your debt-to-income ratio. The debt-to-income ratio is a critical measurement that underwriters use to determine your ability to repay the loan. Given its importance to the Lending decision, it is critical to understand the debt-to-income ratio and what you can do to improve it.

 

So, debt-to-income ratio?

You actually have two debt-to-income ratios that Lenders use to determine if you can afford a new Mortgage. The first is what’s known as the front-end ratio or housing ratio. The housing ratio is your proposed total monthly housing which is your new mortgage payment, property taxes and insurance combined, divided by your gross monthly income. The other important ratio is known as the total debt ratio. In addition to your housing payment, the total debt ratio factors in other monthly Credit Obligations such as car loans, credit cards and student loans.

 

So, How much will Lenders allow?

Most lenders do not have maximum debt-to-income ratios per se, but rather guidelines that offer some flexibility. In general, lenders want to see monthly housing debt of no more than 28% to 33% of your income and total debt of no more than 38% of your income. Lenders will exceed these guidelines when sufficient offsetting factors exist, such as excellent credit, larger than required equity or down payment, or demonstrated ability to maintain a similar payment. Keep in mind, however, that the farther you exceed the guidelines, the stronger your offsetting factors will need to be.

 

So, How Can I improve my Debt to Income Ratio?

The nice thing about the debt-to-income ratio is that, unlike some other aspects of your financial life, it can be improved. You may be able to, for example, improve your debt-to-income ratio by paying off some of that excess debt. But be sure to check with your lender before you start paying that debt down, because lender requirements do vary.

 

So, Now What?

Now you contact a Great Real Estate Agent who will respond to you immediately. Who will lead you thorough the process so that you are not surprised anywhere down the road. An agent who is Honest, Experienced, resourceful and treats you like Family. Why not expect the Possible and receive the Impossible. Choose

 

MarleneDietrich@Realtor.com 949-400-1021

www.MarleneDietrichRealEstate.com

 

 

June 13th Newport Beach…MakeAWish Rolling for Wishes Not too

 

Calendar Of Events

Rolling for Wishes

June 13, 2014

Share on email More Sharing Services

Share This Page

Time:

6:30pm

• Orange County

• Rolling, wishes, poker, casino, dice, young professionals

Location:

Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
1107 Jamboree Road
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Purchase tickets today!

Please join us for the 7^th annual Rolling For Wishes benefiting Make-A-Wish® Orange County and the Inland Empire.

Enjoy an evening of lively casino action, prizes, silent auctions and more!

• $150 in casino chips included with ticket
• Hosted beer and wine
• Specialty cocktails provided by Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine
• Heavy hors d’oeuvres to be served
• DJ entertainment to be announced
• Dress is cocktail attire

Ticket prices:

$75 for members of Make-A-Wish Young Professionals and Women’s Circle of Wishes through May 15
$85 General Admission until May 15
$95 General Admission May 15 – June 10
$125 tickets at the door if still available

To purchase tickets by phone or for any other questions please contact Sarah Pizzaruso at pizzaruso@wishocie.org or by calling 714-573-WISH (x230).

To purchase tickets online click here. 

Sponsorship opportunities are now available. 

Be Prepared for that well deserved Vacation this Summer

Summer is upon us and Vacations will be starting as soon as school is out. With this in mind you need to prepare not only for the Place to go to but the place you will be returning to.      Important steps should be taken to keep your home Intruder proof while you are away.

1. Make your home look like its occupied. Multiple timers on lights in different locations
2. Music on for background noise
3. Be careful of who you give advance notice of your vacation (ie Facebook,etc…)
4. Tell a trusted neighbor or friend so they can watch your home
5. Stop all mail and newspapers and have a neighbor park in your driveway
6. Close blinds and shades on first floor so no one can peak in
7. Pack your suitcases and such while the car is in the garage so as not to alert passersby
8. Lock all doors, gates, garage and storage.

If you take precautionary measures you will be able to enjoy your vacation without worrying about the security of your home while you are away.

 

MarleneDietrichRealEstate.com