Posts Tagged orange county


Promising Projections for the 2012 OC Real Estate Market Follow a Favorable 2011

0 Comments By Mike Hickman on December 21st, 2011
Tags: , , , , , ,      Categories: Market Trends

It’s been an interesting and encouraging year in Real Estate, especially in Orange County where the market has been on a consistent upswing. And contrary to what’s been continuously reported nationally by the media this has had a stabilizing effect on the market and is promising news for buyers and sellers in particular. As I have reported throughout this year, our markets have consistently shown a rise in pended sales, which reflects a higher demand for homeownership and ultimately affects the absorption rate which is a stability marker in most economies.

While it’s always best to approach our business with cautious optimism, I believe that the consistency we have experienced in nearly every market we serve for more than 12 months gives us great hope for the year ahead.

In the following video, I have provided you with details about the trends affecting our markets, what that means to you and what we hope to experience during the New Year.

As always, at Seven Gables Real Estate we are here to serve as a resource for you because “What’s Important to You is Important to Us!”

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Seven Gables Real Estate Honored at Spirit of Volunteerism Awards

0 Comments By Gina Santanello on April 21st, 2011
Tags: , , , , , ,      Categories: Communitiy

OneOC (formerly Volunteer Center Orange County) – an organization dedicated to connecting volunteers in Orange County with a number of great causes and to helping nonprofits run more efficiently, hosted its 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Luncheon at the Disneyland Hotel on April 14th. Seven Gables Real Estate was among 446 “Giving as Living” Nominees (comprised of individuals, families, groups or corporate teams), recognized at the event that celebrates philanthropy and the people who make a tangible impact in the lives of families, seniors, children and communities in need.

As a partner of Orangewood Children’s Foundation, the entire Seven Gables organization is so appreciative and honored by the nomination. Kash Master (our OCF Ambassador), Lisa Greubel and I were there to represent Seven Gables among the more than 1,100 other guests in attendance.

Television personality Mindy Stearns, who was the Master of Ceremonies for the elegant luncheon, entertained the audience for the duration of the two hour event with her charm and personality. Known for her comedic talents, especially her spot on animal impersonations, Stearns reprised her famous “cock-a-doodle-doo” for the audience – a talent for which she was discovered in 1996 by Oprah Winfrey. After the Animal and Environment Honorees were announced, she told the audience that she wanted to speak on behalf of those whose voices could not be heard, and then it was literally as if we were on Disney’s Jungle Cruise with elephants, monkeys and wild birds surrounding us. Her good natured fun truly lent itself to all the “goodwill” that was being recognized that day.

As most of you know, Orangewood Children’s Foundation has become an important extension of the Seven Gables family. What we do every month for the benefit of the current and emancipated youth in OC brings forth a mixture of pride and humility for us; efforts that are small in scope, but big in the hearts and minds of Orangewood Children’s Foundation.

So to be recongnized for what we’re doing, which is impacting the lives of these special young adults (in two hours time just once a month) is both rewarding and gratifying.

Our next Orangewood event is scheduled for next Wednesday, April 27th starting at 9:30 a.m. We are looking for Easter Buffet food items and Hygiene supplies as well. If you would like to assist us in any way, please call Kash Master at 714.769.6125 or email him at kashm@sevengables.com.

OneOC (formerly Volunteer Center Orange County), an organization dedicated to connecting volunteers in Orange County with great causes and to helping nonprofits run more efficiently, hosted its 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Luncheon at the Disneyland Hotel on April 14th. Seven Gables Real Estate was among 446 “Giving as Living” Nominees comprised of individuals, families, groups or corporate teams, recognized at the event that celebrates philanthropy and the people who make a tangible impact in the lives of families, seniors, children and communities in need.

As a partner of Orangewood Children’s Foundation, the entire Seven Gables organization was so appreciative and honored by the nomination. There to represent the firm among more than 1,100 other guests in attendance were Kash Master a licensed Realtor and the company’s designated OCF Ambassador, as well as Lisa Greubel, General Manager and Gina Santanello, Director of Communications.

Television personality Mindy Stearns, who was the Master of Ceremonies for the elegant luncheon, entertained the audience for the duration of the two hour event with her charm and personality. Known for her comedic talents, especially her spot on animal impersonations, Stearns reprised her famous “cock-a-doodle-doo” for the audience – a talent for which she was discovered in 1996 by Oprah Winfrey.

According to Ambassador Kash Master, in the year since Seven Gables embraced the opportunity to become a supportive partner of Orangewood Children’s Foundation, the organization has quite literally become an extension of the Seven Gables family.

“What we do every month for the benefit of the curr

OneOC (formerly Volunteer Center Orange County), an organization dedicated to connecting volunteers in Orange County with great causes and to helping nonprofits run more efficiently, hosted its 35th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards Luncheon at the Disneyland Hotel on April 14th. Seven Gables Real Estate was among 446 “Giving as Living” Nominees comprised of individuals, families, groups or corporate teams, recognized at the event that celebrates philanthropy and the people who make a tangible impact in the lives of families, seniors, children and communities in need.

As a partner of Orangewood Children’s Foundation, the entire Seven Gables organization was so appreciative and honored by the nomination. There to represent the firm among more than 1,100 other guests in attendance were Kash Master a licensed Realtor and the company’s designated OCF Ambassador, as well as Lisa Greubel, General Manager and Gina Santanello, Director of Communications.

Television personality Mindy Stearns, who was the Master of Ceremonies for the elegant luncheon, entertained the audience for the duration of the two hour event with her charm and personality. Known for her comedic talents, especially her spot on animal impersonations, Stearns reprised her famous “cock-a-doodle-doo” for the audience – a talent for which she was discovered in 1996 by Oprah Winfrey.

According to Ambassador Kash Master, in the year since Seven Gables embraced the opportunity to become a supportive partner of Orangewood Children’s Foundation, the organization has quite literally become an extension of the Seven Gables family.

“What we do every month for the benefit of the current and emancipated youth in Orange County is mixed with pride and humility; small in scope, but big in the hearts and minds of Orangewood Children’s Foundation,” says Master.

“In just two hours time, once a month we’re able to deliver happiness in the way of fresh food and supplies and in doing so, impact the lives of some very special individuals. That says a lot. And what impresses me even more, is the way we’ve rallied together as a team and a family to make a difference,” he adds.

To learn more about Seven Gables’ partnership with Orangewood Children’s Foundation or to assist them in their efforts, please call Kash Master at 714.769.6125 or Concierge Services at 800.955.7356.

ent and emancipated youth in Orange County is mixed with pride and humility; small in scope, but big in the hearts and minds of Orangewood Children’s Foundation,” says Master.

“In just two hours time, once a month we’re able to deliver happiness in the way of fresh food and supplies and in doing so, impact the lives of some very special individuals. That says a lot. And what impresses me even more, is the way we’ve rallied together as a team and a family to make a difference,” he adds.

To learn more about Seven Gables’ partnership with Orangewood Children’s Foundation or to assist them in their efforts, please call Kash Master at 714.769.6125 or Concierge Services at 800.955.7356.

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Statistics Support Seven Gables’ Continuous Stronghold in the North Tustin 92705 Zip Code

0 Comments By Gina Santanello on April 12th, 2011
Tags: , , , , , , , ,      Categories: Real Estate

According to TrendGraphix – the industry’s leading source for real estate market trends, Seven Gables Real Estate has a nearly 100% market share lead for total sales in the 92705 market – no price limit, over its next closest competitor from March 2010 to March 2011. A consistent sales leader in the North Tustin community since 1976, statistics also show Seven Gables’ dominance in the $1,000,000 and above price range for the same area, during the same time period with a dollar volume that exceeds its next closest competitor by 150%*.

According to company representatives, there is currently no other market in either the Central or Coastal regions of Orange County where one company dominates its nearest competition by such a wide margin.

“Seven Gables continues to gain strength and momentum through challenging times. How? By being innovative for the benefit of our clients. By striving to earn their trust every day. And by seeking to create excellence at every opportunity,” says President and COO, Michael Hickman.

“There is so much enjoyment and fulfillment to be had out of the opportunities we are given to represent our clients. Yet just as we must be here to provide them with the tools and knowledge that will give them every possible advantage in the marketplace, so too must we be here to provide an experience that is not only measured, but distinguished by service,” he adds.

For the past 35 years, the Seven Gables brand has been driven by a creative spirit and culture that is a standard bearer of the business. A creative spirit that has guided the company through challenging times, is its cornerstone of distinction, and exists to ensure that the company will continue to thrive in the future in every market condition. And remain innovative for the benefit of its clients for years to come.

With two offices representing Central and North Orange County, Seven Gables maintains a significant market share in nearly every community it represents including North Santa Ana, Orange and Villa Park.

Seven Gables also provides full service escrow, insurance and lending resources under one roof, and is affiliated with Leading Real Estate companies of the World® – - a global relocation network of 600 premier real estate firms with 5,000 offices and 150,000 sales associates in more than 30 countries around the world.

To experience for yourself, the Seven Gables difference, please call 800.955.7356.

*All reports are published Apr. 2011, based on data available at the end of Mar. 2011. All reports presented are based on datasupplied by the SCMLS or its member associations/brokers. Neither the MLS nor their members are in anyway responsible for their accuracy.Data maintained by the MLS or their members may not reflect all real estate activities in the market. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. COPYRIGHT (c) TRENDGRAPHIX, Inc
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In the Business of Selling Homes, Compassion is Critical

1 Comment By Mike Hickman on January 19th, 2011
Tags: , , , , , , , ,      Categories: Real Estate

I just read “What You Need to Know about Today’s Sellers: Financial Pressures,” from the California Association of Realtors® – a sobering, eye-opening and thought-provoking account of what’s happening in the market… today.

Here’s the introduction:
“Sellers in 2010 succumbed to financial realities with many selling their home out of necessity. During the tail-end of the housing boom, long-time homeowners that refinanced their homes and new buyers who purchased near the top of the market were both in unsustainable positions when housing prices began to decline. The average seller in 2010 owned their home for about four years.”

And then, some icy facts:

  • In 2005, the percentage of homes sold due to foreclosure, short sale or default was below one percent. 2010? 29 percent.
  • A Fannie Mae survey showed that in 2009, 55 percent of respondents owned their own home. That number fell to 42 percent last year.
  • Net cash to sellers was at a record low in 2010: $35,000, compared to $220,000 in 2005.
  • Of total home sales in 2010, a staggering 40.9 percent were considered distressed.

I think, now more than ever, it’s essential that we as agents and brokers must have a clear-eyed understanding of just what these sellers are going through. Yes, they are under financial pressure, but they are also under a great deal of emotional stress. These are our friends, family, neighbors and colleagues. No one is immune. We hear it in their voices. See it in their eyes. These are hard-working people who played by the rules, aspired to their slice of the American Dream and got caught up in a nightmare.

So to guide these shell-shocked sellers through a difficult process, I refer you to the three skills I alluded to previously: Education, Knowledge and Communication. We must continue to school ourselves on the facts of the marketplace as they pertain to distressed sales. Apply that information to the listings we may be working with and then clearly, concisely and compassionately communicate with our clients.

And we need to tell them that there is hope. Federal programs such as HAFA can make the process a little smoother and help with relocation expenses. Also, the fact is that after the sale, families will be leasing a home until such time they can purchase again. And in many cases, the home they rent will be larger, nicer and possibly in a better neighborhood than the one they previously owned.

Here’s the key:  We as qualified real estate advisors must assure our clients that home ownership is still a sound financial and emotional investment. Because when the dust clears on this unique and historic set of circumstances, the market will stabilize and families will once again be able to safely and confidently purchase a piece of Orange County to call their own.

And you’ll be the partner they turn to in trust, helping them to achieve that again.

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The Wooden Floor

5 Comments By Amanda Wernick on October 14th, 2010
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,      Categories: Communitiy, Real Estate

Friday, I was on caravan for the city of Santa Ana with Sandy DeAngelis.  She is what I aspire to be when I decide to grow up! She is knowledgeable, resourceful, a true joy to be around and I am thankful to be a part of her Real Estate team. We started talking about Real Estate (what else is new) and then about community.  She then started to share with me about an organization that I had never heard of.  It is called The Wooden Floor. Have you heard of it? She started to bubble over with excitement when she was telling me about who they are and what they do for the community.  I couldn’t help but become inspired and look deeper into who they are.

The Wooden Floor, “Formerly known as St. Joseph Ballet was established in 1983 to serve underprivileged youth in Orange County.”  Watch an 11:00 minute video giving you a glimpse into their cause here.

Hard to imagine that Orange County, one of the richest counties in California would have such a need, but the need is rampant.

On Saturday October 9th, 2010, The Wooden Floor hosted “Keep the Promise,” a wine tasting benefit to raise funds for their community. One young lady involved in the program had the opportunity to give her testimony.  Her name is Meyby.  In her words:

“Through the dance program, I have excelled to the top level 10 class.  The discipline and focus in dance helps me in all areas of my life.  I am enrolled in the tutoring program that also helps me with my homework and keep my grades up. I don’t have to go through the difficulties my parents had.  Here you get to create a new future-one that has never been seen before.  Thank you for supporting The Wooden Floor.”

I was so inspired by seeing the power behind this program that I “liked” them on Facebook and now follow them on Twitter as well (@TheWoodenFloor).

This Saturday, October 16th The Wooden Floor will once again be holding auditions and it is reported that people will line up at the front doors starting at 4:00 IN THE MORNING.

Now there’s an organization filled with hope and inspiration.

Thank you Sandy for opening my eyes, yet again, to such a wonderful cause!

Looking to Donate to Charity but don’t know where to start??

0 Comments By Amanda Wernick on May 6th, 2010
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Communitiy

Donating to a charity, whether it be your time or your money is not always as easy as one would think.  In todays day and age, we may have the tendency to be a cynic, and rightly so.  There are so many scams out there that take advantage of giving souls.

So where does one begin?

First, you need to begin where your passions are.  What things intrigue and motivate you?  What would you contribute your money to and more than that, your time.

Once you have discovered your passion, you can ask your friends and family if they know of a charity that resembles who you are and what you want to donate to.  If you don’t have this as a resource, you will want to start your search online.

Google it!  Type in what kind of charity you are looking to contribute to in your home town, become a slueth, and check them out online.

A great place to start is Network Solutions.

What this does is give you insight into who the person is that created the account, when it was created and how to contact them.  Be sure to do your due diligence.  Check for an offline contact source as well as online (phone, fax and snail mail address)  Here is an example of what this looks like on  my this site.

Or, if this sounds like just too much work, you can always go to Consumer Reports.  There is a bevy of information on different charities who have already had the once-over!

No matter which route you choose to take, our world is a better place, thanks to people just like you!

(As a side note, we contribute to charities like “Make-A-Wish Foundation” “Orangewood Children’s Home” “Habitat for Humanity” just to name a few.  Feel free to check them out yourselves!)

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