Orange County California Real Estate Blog

Orange County Real Estate Agents Needed

Oxford Realty — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:19:37 -0400

Orange County Real Estate Agents Needed

Oxford Realty, an internet based real estate brokerage is currently hiring real estate agents in the Orange County area. We are in search of team members with motivation, ethics, and energy.
We are currently offering a very competitive commission option.

Flat fee
$279 a month fee to Oxford Realty and Agent keeps 100% of commission on every deal.

Position Includes:
Individual web page on Oxford website
Errors and omissions insurance
Extensive web marketing and advertising
Oxford marketing blog training and access
1,000 premium double sided personalized business cards
Oxford will purchase your first custom "For Sale' sign
Oxford will purchase your first Supra lock box
Experienced broker to help with any situation
Advanced Marketing training

All applicants must have a California Real Estate License and be a member of Orange County Association of Realtors (or willing to join).
e-mail: info@oxfordrealtyoc.com

Visit our website at Oxfordrealtyoc.com

Orange County Assisted Living

Oxford Realty — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:23:37 -0400

Orange County Assisted Living

Senior Living in The OC

Your first thought about Orange County might not be that it's a great place to spend your retirement years. But Orange County's approximately 350,000 residents over the age of 65 disagree. In fact, Orange County has a slightly higher percentage of seniors (65 plus) than the overall state of California. In 2008, 11.2% of California's population was 65 and older, compared to 11.4% in Orange County.

Of course, seniors living in Orange County have access to several great beaches, including the famous Huntington and Newport Beaches. But if beach-going isn't your thing, not to worry. The OC has a variety of activities to appeal to any senior lifestyle – whether you choose to live an active lifestyle well into your retirement years, or if you're looking for rest and relaxation.

Orange County assisted living residents who enjoy the outdoors can take a stroll through the 124-care Craig Regional Park, which features picnic tables and benches for people watching or enjoying lunch while appreciating the small pond, two creeks and beautiful rose garden. Those avoiding the beach to avoid the sun will appreciate Craig Park's abundant shade. Likewise, Irvine Park offers a beautiful setting with plentiful shade, in addition to a variety of wildlife.

For art connoisseurs, Orange County senior living is ideal. The Orange County Museum of Art offers Target Free Second Sundays, when admission is free on the second Sunday of the month. A variety of exhibits are featured throughout the year, so a visit certainly isn't a once-and-done deal. For more arts appreciation, seniors can visit The Bowers Museum of Culture and Art, Fullerton Museum Center, or the Santa Ana Artist Village Art Walk, which is held on the first Saturday of the month, free of charge. While you're there, choose from a selection of fine dining establishments.

Theater buffs have no shortage of options for entertainment. Several local colleges and universities offer theater productions, including the University of California in Irvine, Chapman University, Fullerton College, and Concordia University in Irvine.

Go whale watching at Newport Landing, or enjoy a fun-filled day of shopping at South Coast Plaza, Brea Mall, or The Block at Orange. Whatever your pleasure, Orange County is certainly not just a place for the young. The young –at-heart? Perhaps, but aren't we all?

Orange County assisted living

Oxford Realty

RiverBend community town home for sale

Oxford Realty — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:44:36 -0400

RiverBend Community town home for sale

Amazing 4 bedroom town home for sale in the RiverBend community. This highly upgraded tri-level unit boasts the largest yard area in the complex. Granit counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

Call mike at (949) 400-0726 or visit www.oxfordrealtyoc.com

investment properties in Aliso Viejo, CA

Oxford Realty — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:17:37 -0400

Investment properties in Aliso Viejo, CA

In today's market, there are quite a few lucrative investment properties in Aliso Viejo. Today I would like to Feature the "Coronado" complex off Aliso Creek rd. This is a complex of mostly 2 and 3 bedroom condos that are selling from the high $200,000's to the low $300,000's. These are tremendous deals since many of the units are currently renting for over $2,000 per month. Many of these properties are capable of positive cash flow with a 20% down payment. It has been quite a while since positive cash flow investments were available in Orange County. To get more information about investment properties in Aliso viejo, CA visit our website or contact mike at info@oxfordrealtyoc.com

Orange CA condo for sale in RiverBend

Oxford Realty — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:46:05 -0400

Orange CA condo for sale in RiverBend Community

Beautiful 4 bedroom/ 4 Bathroom condo for sale in the RiverBend community in Orange, CA. This tri-level condo has a family room, formal living room, formal dining room and an extra large patio. THIS IS NOT A SHORT SALE! Don't miss this Orange CA Condo For Sale in the RiverBend community! To schedule a time to view this condo, contact Mike Sciacca at Oxford Realty (949) 400-0726 or email - oxfordrealtyoc@yahoo.com

Orange County Real Estate Agents

Orange CA Condo For Sale

Oxford Realty — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:48:00 -0400

Orange CA Condo For Sale

Beautiful 4 bedroom/ 4 Bathroom condo for sale in Orange, CA. The Condo is located in the desirable "RiverBend" community. This tri-level condo has a family room, formal living room, formal dining room and an extra large patio. THIS IS NOT A SHORT SALE! Don't miss this Orange CA Condo For Sale! To schedule a time to view this condo, contact Mike Sciacca at Oxford Realty (949) 400-0726 or email - oxfordrealtyoc@yahoo.com

Orange County Real Estate Agents

Why live in Orange County?

Oxford Realty — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:48:50 -0400

Why live in Orange County

I recently returned from a trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma with my wife and kids. While we were there, we had a wonderful time. We swam in the pool (85 degree water), we stayed in a lake house (lake front home with dock costs under $300,000), we played in the back yard ( 1 acre lots are common and affordable), and we lit a plethora of fireworks in the drive way (pretty much every firework is legal there).

About half way through the trip I began talking with a store clerk while purchasing a toothbrush at the Rite Aide. He could tell I was not from Oklahoma and asked where I was from. "California" I answered proundly, "Orange County, California." "If you don't mind me asking" he said "why do you live there?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well" he continued "The cost of living is triple what it is here, but the pay is only about 60% higher. It's crowded, smoggy, It takes 45 minutes to get anywhere, you have an under-performing education system and your government is going bankrupt."

"So you've been there before" I said with a laugh. I paid for the toothbrush and left.

It was not until later that night, while I lay in bed that I began to really think about what that store clerk had said. Why do I live in Orange County?

Over the last week I have spent a considerable amount of time pondering this question. Is it the weather? ... No, the weather is nice, but it is not the reson I live here. Is it the beach? ... No, I don't frequent the beach as much as I would like. Is it the glamorous Orange County Life style? ... Nope! Then, finally, last night the answer came to me.

It's the character of Orange County that makes me love to live here. It is the only place in the country that defines itself by county. Every other person in the country answers where they live by either a neighborhood, city, state or country. But not us. We live in Orange County, The OC. A county so diverse in each corner yet we share a certain identity. We have one of the most republican Cities in the country and one of the most democratic, yet we define ourselves as the same (from Orange County). Often, the character of Orange County not apparent to the outsider. It sometimes hides behind the new strip malls and the homogenized planned communities. But it is there! Sometimes the deepest character is the hardest to see.

So, to the rest of the country who thinks we are crazy for living hear, I asked to to give it a try and then see if you can leave.

Orange County Real Estate Agents

Laguna Niguel Bank Owned Property

Oxford Realty — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:30:11 -0400

Laguna Niguel Bank Owned Property

Are you in search of Laguna Niguel bank owned property? Bank owed property or REO offers amazing deals to buyers looking to capitalize on the current market conditions. Laguna Niguel bank owned property is currently availble, but it goes fast. Follow this link to connect with Oxford Realty. Laguna Niguels Bank owned and REO specialist.

Super Market Brokerage?

Oxford Realty — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:51:01 -0400

Super Market Brokerage?

I got this idea while reading one of the Realtor Magazines I receive in the mail every few weeks. There was an article about a Realtor who opened a mini office inside a local super market. At first it seemed a bit over-the-top, but the more I thought about the idea, the more it made sense. Less than 200 sq. ft. inside a super market. Just enough room for a front window area and a back office and a third the costs of a normal office. Currently, my brokerage exit in the virtual world. We have very little overhead because all of my agents work from home and have a virtual office. This model limits the quality of agents we are able to attract and gives us no tangible exposure to clients. I am wondering if anyone has any information or experience in this area? I am hoping to begin a discussion on this topic so we can all share ideas.

It seems like a super market mini brokerage would receive a lot of foot traffic and would brand us as the local brokerage that connects with the public (we shop together).

Oxford Realty

Who says California is a buyers market?

Oxford Realty — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:08:49 -0400

Who says California is a buyers market?

The media has made it very clear that California is in the midst of a huge buyers market in real estate. Foreclosures soar, short sales everywhere, prices plummet, houses sit. Although this is true, I still don't see a buyers market.

I have been a real estate broker for quite some time now, but I can't help but wonder what criteria is used to define a buyers market. Here is my perspective. My brokerage represents mostly buyers and we constantly find ourselves in bidding wars. It seems to me that every property that is priced at market, has multiple offers on it until we get up to the jumbo loan category. So what if prices are down, it's still a sellers market. The buyers are still at the mercy of the demands of the seller who can choose one of many offers it most situations. If fact, this market does not seem much different then the boom 4 years ago. The only difference is now people are upside down on their homes (which certainly does not stop them from selling them).

Can anyone share with me the reasons we are in a "buyers" market?

Oxford Realty

Good Realtors have GREAT relationships with lenders

Oxford Realty — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:28:56 -0400

Good Realtors have GREAT relationships with lenders.

Two years ago, I opened the doors of my own real estate estate brokerage, Oxford Realty. Since that time I have been bombarded with calls from lenders trying to solicit business. They all want to "partner" with us. For a long time I was very skeptical of these people who wanted a piece of the pie ... for nothing. They all e o have higher ates or fees then discount lenders and I saw no value in partnering with them. I felt like I was cheating my clients by steering them to someone who charged more. Then I had a string of deals fall through due to mistakes or incompetency by the lender. I began to realize that there is so much more to a great lender than cheap rates and fees. The ultimate measurement of a great lender is ARE THEY ABLE TO CLOSE THE LOAN? If the answer is a confident YES, then you have a great lender! I now have a relationship with a lender who is amazing. His prices are fair (although not the cheapest) and his service is top notch. I would strongly recommend forming a partnership with a great lender once you find one.

Oxford Realty

What am I?

Oxford Realty — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:51:05 -0400

What amI?

I have my California real estate broker license - but I am not a real estate agent. I help people buy and sell homes - but I am not a sales person. I own my real estate brokerage - but I am not a business owner. I have agents work for me - but I am not a boss... I am a teacher. My primary objective in every single one of those roles is to teach.

I believe that if this is how I view each of the previous roles, I cannot fail. In fact, I cannot be anything short of exceptional. I believe that when you educate clients and let them choose what is best, you are beyond a sales person. You have empowered them to decide what is best for them rather than trying to direct them to a property that you think fits their needs.

I believe that as a boss, my job is not to command. My role is to give my agents the tools and knowledge to be successful and then simply hold them accountable for the results. My role is to tell the agent where they are right now (point A) and tell them where they need to be (point B). I must define point B very clearly and with a lot of detail. Then I must tell my agents they can get to point B however they choose (while abiding by the ethics and values of the company). This takes me out of the boss role and puts me into the role of a teacher. The agents will use my expertise and be open to my ideas but at the end of the day, it is their own creativity and work ethic that will define their success. This is a very common and powerful technique used by some of our counties best classroom teachers. Studies have shown time after time, that students will achieve more, faster when a teacher uses this style of educating.

I believe that if you view yourself as a teacher, your clients will respect you more (more referrals), your employees will respect you more (harder work), and you wil be more proud of what you do ( greater sense of satisfaction from your career).

Oxford Realty

What is the MLS?

Oxford Realty — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:46:05 -0400

What is the MLS?

As a real estate broker, I sometimes forget that Realtors have their own language. Escrow, DTI ratio, pre qual, MLS, ECT... I was meeting with a potential client the other day trying to earn his business and list his home. I was explaining to him that my website offers free MLS searches for potential buyers. He stopped me mid sentence and asked "What is the MLS"? For a moment it took me by surprise. How can a home owner not know what the MLS is? But, as I explained it, I realized that it is actually quite complicated.

MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service and it is the electronic platform that real estate brokers use to share listing information with eachother. Properties that are for sale are uploaded to the MLS and can be accessed by other brokers who are representing a home buyer. Today, many brokers offer patial MLS access directly to buyers and sellers. It is an easy way to search for availible properties before you go out looking.

For a more complete explaination of MLS click here

Oxford Realty

Top 3 reasons to buy a home in Orange County

Oxford Realty — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:09:38 -0400

Here are the top three reasons to purchase a house in Orange County this summer:

1. Prices are very low. Due to the high rate of foreclosures and short sales, prices are at historic lows in the Orange County area.

2. Interest rates are very low. Interest rates are the lowest they have been in many, many years. Currently, a 30 year fixed rate mortgage is under 5%!

3. California home buyer tax credit. It is a first come, first serve tax credit. It is worth thousands of dollars.

Oxford Realty

Realtor Aliso Viejo

Oxford Realty — Sun, 16 May 2010 19:10:19 -0400

How to find a realtor in Aliso Viejo

Aliso Viejo is a unique city with a unique population. If you are in search of a Realtor in ALiso Viejo, you will be best served to select some one who lives in Aliso Viejo. Each pocket of homes has a distinct personality. The small details in each neighborhood are what make this city one of the greatest places to live.

A Realtor in Aliso Viejo must also have experience in real estate. The market is changing very quickly, and only the experienced agents are able to interpret market behavior and give clients good advice.

The most important quality in a Realtor in Aliso Viejo is listenin. A realtor that will truly listen to your needs is critical for all home buyers.