Orange County Real Estate Blog

Straight answers from Dar Mardan, Realtor® + CPA, on selling, buying, taxes, Prop 19 and downsizing in Newport Beach, Irvine and across Orange County.

How to Buy Your Next Orange County Home Before You Sell: Bridge Loans, HELOCs and Other Options

How can you buy your next Orange County home before selling the one you live in? You need a way to cover the down payment and closing costs while your equity is still locked in your current house. The main options are cash or investments you already have, a home equity line opened before you list, a

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Already Over-Improved Your Irvine Home? How to Price It and Get It Through the Appraisal

How do you price an Irvine home that is already over-improved? Price it from what comparable homes in your village actually sold for, add only the premium buyers in that price range have shown they will pay, and build an appraisal package that documents every upgrade. Then plan for the appraisal bef

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Selling in Mission Viejo: Which Costs Are Fixed and Which You Can Negotiate

Which seller costs in Mission Viejo are fixed, and which can you negotiate? When you sell a home in Mission Viejo, your loan payoff, the county transfer tax, recording charges, and property tax prorations are fixed by law, by your lender, or by your closing date. Almost everything else is negotiable

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