As author Bailey Harris of the efinancedirectory.com writes, it’s time to get real about the future of the housing market. Did you know that home prices have been falling for more than a year straight in some areas of the country. Nationally, prices have dropped 6 percent in a year-over-year comparison. In some areas of Florida, California, Arizona, Nevada and Michigan, the declines have been in the double-digits.

Why is this happening and when will it stop? Harris says Americans can’t afford to buy homes that’s the main reason … read his blog for more truths.

Here are a few current Dana Point homes that have been recently listed on Redfin

24772 Anchor Lane Four br/4 baths, 3,800 sq. feet, two-levels, single-family residence, Normandy style. Price tag: $1.8+ Million and on Redfin for 2 days.

35331 Camino Capistrano Five br/3 baths, 4,200+ sq. feet, two-levels, single-family residence, Cape Cod style. Price tag: $3.4 Million and on Redfin for 2 days.

33908 Cape Cove Three br/4 baths, 2,300+ sq. feet, two-levels, single-family residence, Cape Cod style. Price tag: $945,000 and on Redfin for 2 days.

35 Marbella Four br/4 baths, 4,400+sq. feet, one-level, single-family residence, loft style. Price tag: $3.6+ Million and on Redfin for 2 days.

12 Via Sienna Five br/6 baths, 5,100 sq. feet, two-level, condo. Price tag:$3.2+Million and on Redfin for 2 days.

 

The nights are still a tad chilly, but the weather is OK for lounging outside in the privacy of your own backyard in the early spring evenings – there are no mosquitoes yet and the sky is clear. Rather than spend time indoors huddled around the TV set, you might want to consider heating your deck or patio. Keep in mind though that there are different heaters available for every back yard. For instance, a heater may be powered by propane, natural gas, alcohol-gel, electricity, wood, or wood substitutes such as charcoal or artificial logs. Depending on the size and the heat source, a heater might warm only a small space or heat a party-size yard. For all heating devices to function properly, they need the right location. The best site is a combination of walls or fences (to radiate the heat back into your space) and overhead structures that will prevent the wind from blowing directly through your selected area.

Here are some ideas for successful and safe use: 

Wood-burning fireplaces and fire pits are generally the least expensive to buy and to operate. Check for zoning ordinances to be sure that you can burn wood on your property. Some cities allow wood burning in a small Mexican stove-like heater also known as a chimenea unit, but will not approve a built-in or dug fire pit. Wood-burning units range from small collapsible units on wheels for easy portability to huge built-in concrete fireplaces. If you are permitted to burn wood, you are sure to find something that will be perfect for your needs!

If you have a pottery fireplace, or chimenea, use it cautiously as these units are lightweight and reasonably fragile. To keep the fire from getting hot enough to break the chimenea, it’s best to use kindling-size wood.

Many wood-burning units have optional cooking grills so your fire can do double duty warming your toes and the rest of you.

Any open fire is a potential hazard. Keep any overhead sparks from tree branches or patio overheads, and be sure to teach children proper fire safety.

Natural gas heaters are easy to use but are usually built in and, although bottled gas may be purchased, are best limited to those areas that have natural gas service.

Propane heaters can be economical to operate. Depending on the heat output level you set, a standard propane tank can provide 10-12 hours of heat.

Propane-powered “mushroom” or “umbrella” heaters (so called because of their shape) are the best choice for heating large areas. Think of the ones that restaurants and cafés use. They radiate warming rays from the top cylinder and provide a comfort zone of 12 – 20 feet in diameter. The propane tank is hidden in the bottom of the unit. It’s a good idea to store these types of heaters when not in use as they can be sensitive to the elements. Smaller tabletop units are also available at various barbeque centers as well as discount stores and home improvement warehouses.

Although electric heat is usually the most expensive, there are a few electric heaters designed specifically for outdoor use. Be sure that any heater that is left outside is rated as such.

With such a wide selection of outdoor heating devices available, it’s easy to find the perfect unit for your own yard in the blink of an eye. Just think of all the possibilities you and your family can enjoy — from snuggling to lighting up the night — once you introduce the perfect heated unit into your outdoor living world!  

Dana Point:

34866 Camino Capistrano Three bedroom/2 baths, 1,600+ sq. feet, single-family residence, across from park. $1.5 Million. Open Sunday, March 2 from 1-4.

33542 Spin Drift Ct. Three beroom/3 baths, 1,700+ sq. feet, single-family residence, major upgrades and recently reduced. $835,000. Open Sunday March 2 from 1-4.

Laguna Niguel:

26 Larkfield Ln. Four bedrooms/four baths, 2,900+ sq. feet, single-family residence, no neighbors on either side. $975,000. Open Sunday March 2 from 1-4:30.

Aliso Viejo:

35 Fawnridge Pl. Five bedrooms, 3 baths, 3,800+ sq. feet, single-family residence, located in prestigious Kensington Estates. $1.2+ Million. Open Saturday March 1 and Sunday March 2 from 1-4.

While that’s a big number of foreclosures, there are homes here in the OC that have been reduced in recent weeks. Is the next stop part of that 45,000?

23422 Via Jacinto Aliso Viejo, single-family residence, one-level, 3 br/2 bath, 1,200+ sq. feet. Reduced from $285,000 to $280,000.

2 Coppercrest Aliso Viejo, single-family residence, two-levels, 4 br/3 baths, 2,300+ sq. feet. Reduced from $899,999 to $849,000.

24394 Alta Vista  Dr. #7 Dana Point, condo, three+levels, 2 br/3 baths, 1,400 sq. feet. Reduced from $797,000 to $772,000.

32782 Shipside Dr. Dana Point, single-family residence, two-levels, 5 br/3 baths, 2,500+ sq. feet. Reduced from $899,000 to $875,000.

29441 Ana Maria Ln. Laguna Niguel, single-family residence, two-levels, 4 br/3 baths, 3,300+ sq. feet. Reduced from $975,000 to $899,000.

29242 Pompano Way Laguna Niguel, single-family residence, two-levels, 3 br/3 baths, 1,800+ sq. feet. Reduced from $525,000 to $500,000. 

Now, I bring you the same story, different day, different city — this time? Homes in Laguna Niguel. I think these should be considered part of the “Starting to smell like old shoes club” …

In fact, here are the top 4 homes that have been listed for more than one year and one that is almost a year.

What are your thoughts? Drum roll please …………………..

1. On the market for 712 days 33 Martinique #271: One br/1 bath, condo, 700+ sq. feet, one-level, built in 1984 located in the Crystal Cay community. $245,000.

2. On the market for 541 days undisclosed address: Two br/1 bath, condo, 900+ sq. feet, one-level, built in 1982 located in the Vista del Cerro community. $379,000.

3. On the market for 419 days 30442 La Vue: Four br/4 baths, single-family residence, 3,900+ sq. feet, two-levels, built in 1989. Located near Pacific Island/Clubhouse Dr. $1.3+ Million.

4. On the market for 406 days 22805 Channel VW: Four br/4.5 baths, single-family residence, 5,600 sq. feet, two-levels, built in 1989. Located in the Monarch Point community. $2.6+ Milion.

5. On the market for 360 days 24442 Rue De Monet: Four br/3 baths, single-family residence, 2,400+ sq. feet, two-levels, built in 1990. Located in the Chatelain community. $929,000. 

Question: What’s older than that fast-food meal you had a few weeks ago and whose wrappings you discarded in the back of your car? Or even older than the Chinese take-out that’s still in your fridge from New Year’s Eve?  

Answer: A number of homes on the market in Dana Point, that’s what.

Some humble abodes have been listed on the Redfin Web site for more than a year! Maybe it’s their over-inflated prices that have something to do with it. In fact, they’ve been on the market for so long, it’s almost funny. Three of them are on the same street!

34264 Camino Capistrano #102  Condo, 2/br/2 baths, 900 sq. feet, built in 1989, one level. $292,000 on Redfin for 535 days.

34301 Amber Lantern St. Single-family residence, 5 br/5 baths, 4,300 sq. feet, built in 1977, three+ levels. $1.8 Million on Redfin 415 days.

35055 Beach Rd. Single-family residence, 6 br/4 baths, 2,600+ sq. feet, built in 1958, two-levels. $3.25 Million on Redfin for 454 days.

35461 Beach Rd. Single-family residence, 3 br/2 baths, 1,500+ sq. feet, built in 1958, one-level. $4.7 Million on Redfin for 473 days.

35481 Beach Rd. Single-family residence, 5 br/ 2 baths, 3,700 sq. feet, built in 1948, one level. $9.8 Million on Redfin for 351 days.

After all, what better way to celebrate President’s Day on Monday, Feb. 18 than by checking out the lower prices on homes in a neighborhood that screams “family” also known as Aliso Viejo?

It’s the perfect time to visit as all the federal buildings, banks and the post offices will be closed.

 2 Coppercrest Four br/3 bath, 2,300+ sq. feet, single-family residence, two levels. Major upgrades abound. The list price was $918,950 and changed to $899,999.

23486 El Reposa Three br/2 bath, 1,200+ sq. feet, single-family residence, one-level. Beautiful and secluded.  The list price was $299,900 and changed to $289,900.

23591 Los Adornos Three br/ 2 bath, 1,200+ sq. feet, single-family residence, one-level. Considered best value in the OC. The list price was $260,000 and changed to $250,000.

219 Woodcrest Ln Three br/3 bath, 1,400+ sq. feet, condo, two-level, detached. The list price was $489,900 and changed to $459,900.

Below, you will find some that are going to be open this weekend Feb. 16-17 and some the following weekend Feb. 23-24. So, get your schedules ready and set your sights on these fabulous finds:

Aliso Viejo:

35 Fawnridge Pl.  Spectacular 5 br/3 bth, Cape Cod home located in the prestigious gated community of Kensington Estates offers five spacious bedrooms, downstairs office with built-ins, incredibly large bonus room plus a loft. Soaring ceilings and stunning architecture only enhance the gracious space this home has to offer. Price Tag: $1.2 Million+ Open: Feb 23-24 from 1-4.

14 Prairie Falcon 3 br/3 bth, planned community, $699,000. Call for open house details this weekend.

Dana Point:

33542 Spin Drift Ct. Elegant interiors and gorgeous custom upgrades are featured throughout this charming 3 br/2 bth home. Spacious, open floorplan with soaring ceilings. Wonderful gourmet kitchen with custom maple cabinets, granite countertops, wine cooler and stainless appliances. Brazilian Cherry wood flooring, travertine and carpeting throughout. Relax and enjoy additional outdoor living in the lovely, private lushly landscaped yard and patio.  Price Tag: $895,000. Open Feb 1-17, 23 from 1-4.

Laguna Niguel:

7 Pembroke Ln.  Decorator’s dream home. Located in the guard-gated community of Ocean Ranch this home shows like a model. It is perfect for family living with four bedrooms, three and a half baths, den or office, formal living and dining rooms plus a family room.  Price Tag: $1.5 Million+. Call for details on open house hours this weekend.

Dana Point:

26601 Calle Lago: Two bedrooms, 1 bath, 1,212 sq. feet built in 1970, vaulted ceilings, fireplace, single-family residence. Oceanside of freeway $664,900. Open Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 from 1-4.

Laguna Niguel:

24655 Royal Ridge Lane: Four bedrooms, two baths, 2,300+ sq. feet, single-family residence, one-level, open floorplan, cul-de-sac, low association dues, no Mello-Roos. $1.16-$1.95 Million. Open Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 1-4.

26 Larkfield:Four bedrooms, four baths, 2,900+ sq. feet, single-family residence, hill-top oceanview, vaulted ceilings, gated community of Bear Brand. $985,000. Open Feb. 10 1-4:30.

In fact, according to PK Data that prepares and reports industry stats for the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, California has the most swimming pools in the country. In 2006, there were more than 1 million inground pools installed alone and 1.6 million hot tubs.

So, I’d say just from those numbers alone, swimming pools indeed are a huge selling point. Here are some recent listings that do have swiming pools in their backyards:

Laguna Niguel:

15 Emerald Glenn: $1.6 Million, single-family residence, two-levels, 9,000 sq. feet, 4/4.5, pool with waterfall.

Dana Point:

31951 Monarch Crest $7.7 Million, single-family residence, three+ levels, 7,000 sq. feet, 4/4.5, private pool with spa.

13 Via Monarca St. $2.9 Million, single-family residence, two-levels, 4,350 sq. feet, 5/4.5, sparkling pool and spa overlooking greenery and ocean.

32422 Via Antibes $1.6 Million, single-family residence, one-level, 2,400 sq. feet, 3/2.5, resort-like yard with pool, spa and overlooking ocean.

149 Monarch Bay $2.2 Million, single-family residence, one-level, 2,538 sq. feet, 3/3, private pool.