If you need to take out a mortgage loan as an Orange County homebuyer this summer, allow us to fill you in on what you should and shouldn’t do, starting now, and leading all the way up to closing on an Orange County home. As your OC real estate team, we want to ensure that you don’t make any common rookie mistakes during your first home purchase!

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Check your credit. Don’t begin the home-buying process until you check your credit. You can pull it for free from each of the three major credit agencies once a year without penalty. Check your report for any errors, and if your credit score is lower than you’d like, work on improving that first.
• Don’t take on new debt. Even after you receive a pre-approval, your mortgage lender could change his mind any time before you officially close on a home! Therefore, now is not the time to open any new lines of credit, nor is it the time to buy a new car, new furniture, plan a vacation, etc.
• Don’t make large deposits, either. Your mortgage lender will be tracking your money, so if you deposit a large sum now, it could create some issues in your loan acceptance timeline. Lenders want to see that the money you’re putting towards a home is yours, with some exceptions.
• Stay in your job. Switching jobs in the middle of the home-buying process is a big no-no. Ask your prospective employer if you can start after your closing date. This is even true if your new job has a higher salary, as it brings up the question of stability.
• Get pre-approved! Don’t even begin house hunting until you’ve been pre-approved by a mortgage lender. This way, you’ll know exactly what you can afford, so you can save yourself a few heartaches. Also, sellers will take you way more seriously, knowing you can afford their home.
• Plan for all of the costs. Your down payment and monthly mortgage payment aren’t the only costs of buying and owning a home. Consider closing costs now, and homeowners insurance, property taxes and possible HOA fees regularly, along with repairs and maintenance costs. Factor these in when determining what you can afford!

As your Orange County real estate team, we hope these mortgage tips come in handy. If you need some local mortgage company recommendations, we’d be happy to give you some! If you have any questions about the home-buying process, or you’re ready to begin your home search in the Orange County real estate market, contact us. We’d love to help you find the home of your dreams!

Our Hakola & Associates real estate team has helped numerous buyers find their dream home in Newport Beach. This Orange County community has access to some of the best beaches in the world, along with incredible shopping and dining options, and gorgeous sunny weather year-round!

When you don’t feel like cooking at home, not only are your dining options endless in Newport Beach, but you’ve got an abundance of al fresco options. Al fresco is an Italian phrase meaning “dining out of doors.” In a world where the sun is shining and the waves are crashing onto the shore, why would you want to dine indoors? Take advantage of the numerous outdoor patios by grabbing your next bite to eat at a local Newport Beach restaurant!

To help you choose one, here are some of our favorite choices:

1. Babette’s – Even if you get chilly at night, Babette’s has you covered on their outdoor patio. Choose a seat under a glamorous umbrella, or snag a spot near a heater lamp or near the fireplace. The private patio is surrounded with lush greenery, and in the evening, shimmering candles. Enjoy eating locally-grown, seasonal and organic food options while sitting outside, the way nature intended.

2. Zinc Café & Market – This is the perfect option for someone on the go, as it is quick and right off Pacific Coast Highway. Grab a delicious, healthy breakfast or lunch, or just a baked good and cup of coffee, and enjoy while sitting out on the patio surrounded by plants and vines. They’ve got a great selection of soups and chili, salads, pizza, breakfast items, coffee drinks, wine and beer!

3. Café Beau Soleil – France is known for their sidewalk cafes, and here’s a French-inspired café right in Newport Beach. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, or a coffee and pastry, and enjoy it on the outdoor patio, outlined with a quaint white picket fence. This is a great place to people watch, as it is right in all the action on Newport Center Drive. Dogs are welcome to join diners on the patio, as well!

4. Sapori Restaurant – When looking for a fine dining experience, while still enjoying the fresh air, here you can get the best of both worlds. Savor Mediterranean cuisine while dining at tables adorned with fancy linen and cloth napkins. The sun will stay out of your eyes, thanks to a fabric ceiling, and greenery fills in the spaces along the edges. Sip from their extensive wine list while enjoying your meal.

These are just a few of your many options for al fresco dining in Newport Beach and all around Orange County! Take advantage of beautiful weather year-round by savoring your next meal in the fresh outdoor air. Do you have a favorite restaurant with an outdoor patio? Leave a comment and share!

When ready to accomplish your Orange County real estate market goals, as a buyer, seller or both, contact us. Hakola & Associates is here and ready to help you accomplish all of your real estate goals this season! All you have to do is give us a call.

Whether you are looking to buy an Orange County home this spring, sell your Orange County home, or do both, we are here to offer you some suggestions to help your process go as smoothly as possible! The Orange County real estate market is in full swing this spring, and as your Orange County real estate team, we want to help you feel confident and calm as your work toward your real estate goals.

If you are looking to buy an Orange County home this spring, here are some tips to keep in mind, based on current market conditions:

1. Get pre-approved and determine a budget. Getting pre-approved will help you know your spending limit, and will make sellers more likely to work with you. However, it is wise to set your own budget as well, and determine what amount of a monthly payment you’d be comfortable with.

2. Keep your options open. Because the inventory of homes for sale is lower than average, it’s wise to have options. If you don’t purchase a home by the end of your lease, or by the time you sell your current home, have a plan B. Know what your needs vs. wants are and be ready to compromise.

3. Work with an experienced agent. Now more than ever, it’s important to work with a trusted, reliable Orange County real estate agent who knows how to negotiate on your behalf, who is completely honest with you, who has experience in bidding wars, and who keeps lines of communication open!

If you are looking to sell your Orange County home this spring, here are some tips for you to keep in mind:

1. Start preparing early. The top regret among sellers is that they didn’t start their home prep soon enough. Even if selling is just a future goal right now, take time to declutter your home, organize your belongings, deep clean, and make upgrades and repairs as needed.

2. Work with an agent from the get-go. Because it’s considered a seller’s market right now, you might consider working solo on your home sale. However, sellers who worked with agents sold quicker and received a better price. The longer your home is on the market, the less interest it’ll receive from buyers.

3. Put time into curb appeal. Most buyers begin their home search online, so the front of your Orange County home is the first impression they’ll receive. Make it look memorable and desirable with curb appeal! This could mean upgrades, fresh coats of paint, trimmed landscaping and so on.

For more tips, contact us, your Orange County real estate team. Whether buying, selling or both, there are always moves you can make to put you above the competition. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals this spring in the Orange County real estate market!

Experience all that Lake Forest has to offer from this extremely well-maintained home situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac close to shopping and schools. This single-level three bedroom, two bathroom home features large spacious rooms, an open concept kitchen and a private backyard complete with a covered patio. The front entrance is surrounded by a manicured front lawn complete with mature landscaping and garden beds. Step inside and take in the vaulted ceilings and large sun-filled windows that create an open and inviting atmosphere. This home also offers air-conditioning to keep you comfortable all year. Entertain with ease in the spacious living room featuring a unique stained glass window and an excellent view of the front gardens. Continue into the adjacent formal dining room that can easily accommodate a large table. In the family room, relax around the cozy gas log or wood-burning fireplace surrounded by handsome brick detail. Prepare your favorite meals in the fully equipped open concept kitchen complete with rich wood cabinetry, ample counter space and a large window above the sink overlooking the backyard. Enjoy smaller meals at the breakfast bar or sunny breakfast area offering convenient access to the backyard. Step outside onto the large patio, complete with a newer aluminum cover, perfect for dining and grilling! The private backyard features lush landscaping, an automated sprinkler system and outdoor lighting to enjoy this space any time of day. Back inside, end the day in the relaxing master suite complete with a vaulted ceiling, private access to the patio and a nicely appointed master bathroom. Two additional bedrooms share a full bathroom providing comfort and privacy for guests. An inside laundry room is adjacent to the oversized, direct access garage complete with roll-up doors and an automated opener. Situated in one of the best neighborhoods in Lake Forest, residents enjoy low, low tax rates and HOA dues plus access to the fabulous lakefront Sun and Sail Club with it’s numerous pools, spas, a fitness center, youth center, tennis and basketball courts plus other excellent activities.

As your Orange County real estate team, we are here to help you with all of your home-buying goals in the Orange County real estate market. Shopping for a home is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do, but it can also be overwhelming and exhausting! That is why we are here to help guide you through each step of the home-buying process.

As we do, we also want to make you aware of some common mistakes that first-time buyers often make. Avoid these and you could save money and close on an Orange County home quicker!

1. Know what you can afford. The mortgage mess from a few years ago was caused from lenders offering more than what homeowners could actually afford. Don’t buy the biggest, most expensive home you can, just because a lender offers that much to you. Determine your own budget by using a mortgage calculator and by making a list of all of your monthly expenses.

2. Don’t skip mortgage qualification. To help you determine what you can afford, pre-qualifying for a mortgage loan should be one of your first steps toward homeownership! Why waste your time making offers on homes that you might not be able to afford? Getting pre-qualified helps you understand your price range, so you can stick to it and not fall in love with homes outside of your means.

3. Consider additional expenses. There is more to homeownership than the monthly mortgage payment. Unlike with renting, you will be responsible for paying property taxes, homeowners insurance, repairs, possible maintenance and homeowner’s association fees, possible mortgage insurance, and so on. Calculate these expenses into what you can afford.

4. Be ready to compromise. It’s a good idea to make a list of your wants and needs, but it’s also important to realize that you may need to compromise on these lists. Be flexible. Determine what you definitely need, such as a certain number of bedrooms, or a certain location, and then see what’s available with that criteria. As Orange County real estate agents, we can help you find homes that meet your needs!

5. Remain open-minded. Don’t let old wallpaper turn you away if an Orange County home meets all of your other criteria and your price point. You could always switch it out for new wallpaper or paint down the road! Physical imperfections shouldn’t turn you away unless they are dangerous or will cost a pretty penny to upgrade. Don’t forget, updates you make down the road could increase the home value!

For more mistakes to avoid as an Orange County homebuyer, check out this Investopedia article. When ready to buy an Orange County home, or when ready to have home-buying questions answered, contact us! We’re your Orange County real estate agents, here and ready to help you find the Orange County home of your dreams and means!

19 Edmonton Way, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

4 BEDROOMS | 3 (2 FULL, 1 HALF ) BATHROOMS | 2316 SQUARE FEET

Exceptional updated home in the highly desirable area of Las Flores featuring a recently remodeled gourmet kitchen, designer master suite and a spacious patio perfect for entertaining. A nicely landscaped front lawn, complete with a sprinkler system, welcomes you to this stately four bedroom, two and a half bathroom two-story. Step inside and take in the rich wood flooring, new baseboards and neutral color palate that can be found throughout this home. The open and spacious floor plan is perfect for entertaining! The sun-filled formal living and dining rooms offer plenty of space for seating. Prepare your favorite meals in the recently remodeled gourmet kitchen. Crisp white cabinetry is complimented by new stainless steel appliances and a quartz countertop and backsplash. A center island with an extended breakfast bar offers additional seating and prep space while recessed lighting finishes the room. Continue into the family room and unwind around the recently remodeled fireplace. Step outside onto the patio for easy outdoor dining and grilling. Relax or entertain while enjoying the private backyard. Back inside, step through the double doors into the serene master suite featuring plantation shutters, a ceiling fan and a spacious walk-in closet. The inviting master bathroom offers a separate tub and shower plus dual vanities for ample storage and counter space. Three additional bedrooms offer comfort and privacy for overnight guests. The second level loft area can easily be additional living space or a game room. A recently remodeled full bathroom and convenient laundry room complete the second level. Do not miss the three-car garage for easy storage of all the extras. Dual pane windows, central air-conditioning and an attic ventilation fan combine to keep you comfortable all year. Experience all this community has to offer including a pool, parks, sports fields and picnic areas plus convenience to the I-5 freeway and award winning schools!

Do you ever have one of those days where you just need to get out and enjoy a happy hour after work? We understand! Stress release is important, and what better way to relieve your stress than to support a local business in Orange County while enjoying happy hour specials with family or friends?

As your Orange County real estate team, we’ve put together a list of some happy hours to know about in the Orange County region. If you’re new to the area, this is a great way to get to know the local dining scene without breaking the bank.

Here a few we’ve come up with:

1. Tacos & Margaritas in Huntington Beach hosts Taco & Tequila Tuesdays every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to close! Enjoy signature tacos, handcrafted margaritas and live music from various local artists. A whole slew of menu items cost $5, some cost $6, and margaritas cost $7.

2. The Copper Door in Santa Ana has Karaoke/Taco Tuesday from 8 p.m. until 2 p.m. If you're looking for a late night, enjoy $1.50 tacos, $5 burritos and quesadillas and $2 off drinks all night. Karaoke begins at 9 p.m., or you can enjoy billiards for $10 per hour. You’ve got lots of options!

3. The Pike at Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach will begin Taste of Brews’ Thirsty Thursdays on March 9 and every Thursday after that. They’ll feature $5 craft beer pints, $5 food options and $5 admission with BOGO deal. Enjoy live musical entertainment each night. This will run from 4 to 9 p.m.!

4. Lucky Strike Lanes in Orange has Trivia Night every Sunday, beginning at 3 p.m. This includes weekly cash prizes for the winners and drink specials. They also have a happy hour Monday through Friday, 3 to 7 p.m., and Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to close, with half off food specials and drink specials.

5. 21 Oceanfront Restaurant in Newport Beach hosts Social Hour at 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday in the bar and lounge. You can enjoy $7 well drinks and select wines by the glass, and $5 beers. They also have quite a delicious food menu available, ranging from $6 to $13 items.

6. Andrei’s in Irvine has a happy hour menu available Monday through Friday, 3 to 7 p.m., including items like hummus tasting, Portobello steak fries, barbecue beef meatballs and more. Wash these down with cocktail, bubbly, wine and beer specials.

This is just a selection of the many happy hours you can find in the Orange County area! This is a great way to save money while saving up a down payment for an Orange County home, getting to know the local food scene, and meeting other foodie enthusiasts in the area.

Ready to accomplish your Orange County real estate market goals? We are your team of Orange County real estate agents, standing by, ready to help you!