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.

7 Signs It May Be Time to Downsize Your Orange County Home

For many Orange County homeowners, the question isn't whether they can stay in their current home. The bigger question is whether the home still fits the life they want to live. Maybe the kids moved out years ago. Maybe you're maintaining bedrooms nobody uses, paying to heat and cool thousands of sq

View more
What does it cost to sell a house in Orange County, CA?

What does it cost to sell a house in Orange County, CA? Selling a home in Orange County involves several cost categories that reduce what you walk away with: agent commissions (fully negotiable), title and escrow fees, the county documentary transfer tax, HOA transfer demands, natural hazard disclos

View more
How to Compete With Cash Buyers When You Have a Low Down Payment (Orange County Buyers)

How to Compete With Cash Buyers When You Have a Low Down Payment (Orange County Buyers) A few months ago, I spoke with a young couple looking to buy their first home in Orange County. They had good jobs, solid credit, and about 10% saved for a down payment. They found a home they loved, made a stron

View more