<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <channel>
        <atom:link href="https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/trans-catalina-hike/</guid>
    <link>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/trans-catalina-hike/</link>
        <author>dave@csira.com (Dave Csira)</author>
        <title>Trans-Catalina-Trail Hike</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The planning process for our Trans-Catalina-Trail (TCT) hike started a year in advance, affording us the luxury of selecting the perfect time of year to tackle the 40ish mile trek. Summer would be too hot, winter threatened the risk of rain, so it was either spring or fall. Fall is my favorite time of year and less likely to be wet, so it was settled that we would do it in early October. We were confident we made the right call.   For those not familiar with the TCT, it starts out in the southeast corner of Santa Catalina Island in the city of Avalon, then meanders to the north-western tip at Parson’s Landing, totaling about 38.5 miles with a lot of ups and downs along the way. The hike is typically done over 3.5 days with three overnight stays at Black Jack, Little Harbor and Parson’s Landing campgrounds. The vast majority of the island is pristine, undeveloped land that resembles what California must have looked like before settlers first assaulted the State around the 18th century. It is breath-takingly beautiful. One of the many interesting features of the island is its population of bison, reportedly brought there by movie-makers in the 1920s to make it look like the old west. There are estimated to be about 150 of the 2,000 pound beasts roaming the island at present with evidence of their existence lying about every fourth step along the trail, making it wise to watch where your foot falls. This post primarily deals with our first day out.






We took the 6 a.m. ferry out of Long Beach on Thursday morning, arriving in Avalon Harbor at 7:00. Larina, our contact at Catalina Back Country (I highly recommend their services) was there to meet us with a smile on her face. She transferred all our heavy gear – tents, sleeping bags, coolers, food (maybe some adult beverages) – to her Suburban (thankfully), leaving us with just our day packs filled with a sandwich, snacks and water to carry. We were stoked



  Although a little overcast, the skies and weather forecast were both promising, and the temperature was ideal for walking. We knew we had a big altitude gain on our first day so we took off on our journey at 8 a.m. with gusto. In no time, we were glistening with sweat from the exertion of gaining elevation at a rapid pace. The trails were well-maintained and clearly marked, affording us the chance to take in the incredible views of Avalon Harbor below us. About two hours into our hike, a light drizzle started that presented a welcome reprieve from the body heat we were generating.



  This is about the time things got a lot more exciting. That “light drizzle” soon turned into a not-so-light drizzle, then a steady rain, then pretty much a downpour. Without rain gear (“But the weather report said it would be clear” I defended myself for saying NOT to bring ponchos), every inch of us was thoroughly soaked through. We took refuge under a large tree that initially kept the heavy stuff off of us, until the water finally made its way through the leaves and eventually offered no reprieve at all. Magically, my oldest son suddenly produced a bottle of 14-year-old liquid courage (Where did that come from?) and passed it around, warming our innards. With our newfound determination and more than half of the distance yet to cover for the day, we set off to our destination of Black Jack Campground, one of the highest points on the island.



  Hiking up dry dirt trails is one thing; hiking up slick, rain-soaked trails is an entirely different story. At first, it was necessary to step more deliberately as to not slip and fall. Thankfully (our savior), we all had hiking poles to help keep us upright. The slick trails rapidly turned to mud and muck. Soon, it became impossible to discern the muck from the bison-pies until it all macerated into a mess of gelatinous slop. It’s really a fascinating substance – part glue, part Crisco Oil, it gloms on to itself, yet is slick as grease when trying to gain traction.



  The muck continued to accumulate on the soles of our shoes, becoming thicker and thicker until we were clomping along like so many Herman Munsters. My other son made the amazing discovery that if you didn’t lift your feet up at all, but instead shuffled them along using the poles to push, forward progress could be made by emulating cross-country-skiing. And so it was, that we slooshed our way up the mountain, laughing hysterically at ourselves as we went.



  Finally arriving at Black Jack, we could not have been more wet if we just climbed out of the surf. All of our gear had been delivered earlier, but since there was very little shelter, everything was drenched. Being near the peak of one of the highest points on the island at about 1,800 feet, the rain cloud was stuck in neutral and the rain continued to fall.



We took refuge (of all places) in the restroom, the only dry and semi-warm spot we could find, and waited until the rain eventually stopped. With substantial effort, we were able to build a fire, enjoy a warm meal and wring out our clothing, although it was a soggy sleep. All in all, it was an epic day, made more memorable by Mother Nature’s surprise. Just remember this, if you go, bring a poncho; even if it calls for clear weather and your organizer tells you not to.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:01:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/the-beauty-of-dana-point-harbor/</guid>
    <link>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/the-beauty-of-dana-point-harbor/</link>
        <author>dave@csira.com (Dave Csira)</author>
        <title>The Beauty of Dana Point Harbor</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Stupid me. What was I thinking by running with my iPhone in my shirt pocket? Naturally, it flew out and shattered the screen (I’ve lost count of how many of them I’ve broken). Anyway, I brought it into a quickie repair place in Dana Point and had about 45 minutes to kill, so I took a walk out to the park overlooking the Harbor. Even though I’ve seen this view hundreds of times, it still blew me away. I was looking down at Baby Beach, thousands of boats moored in the harbor, the Ocean Institute, two tall ships (tall ships), and, well too much to describe in one sentence. Then I thought of all the activities that take place right below me: world-class stand-up paddle boarding, outrigger canoes, surfing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, motorboating…it goes on and on. It struck me how living in South Orange County is such a gift and how we take so much for granted. There are so many spectacular sights, venues and activities to take advantage of, we often don’t even give it a second thought. Sometimes I forget how lucky we are.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:48:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/stalemate/</guid>
    <link>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/stalemate/</link>
        <author>dave@csira.com (Dave Csira)</author>
        <title>Stalemate</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Stalemate is a situation in the game of chess where the player whose turn it is to move is not in check and has no legal move. The game ends in a draw.


Since the start of 2020, home prices in Coastal South Orange County (Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente) increased a staggering 61 from an average of $1,885,000 to $3,040,000 now. All throughout 2020 and into early 2022 interest rates hovered around 3.0 for a fixed 30 year loan. In response to inflation running rampant, the Fed has, and continues to, aggressively raise interest rates, forcing lenders to increase their mortgage rates. Today, a 30 year fixed loan is in the range of 6.5 and still going up.


So, what does that mean for the real estate market? Let’s start with the seller. Homeowners have seen their neighbors fetch record-high prices for their homes and figure “My home is as nice as theirs, so I should get a similar price.” Mr. and Mrs. Seller decide to put their house on the market and list for the same price their neighbor’s house sold for in February of this year. This is logical reasoning in normal times, but these are not normal times. Take a look below to see the effect higher rates have on the same borrower who purchased the property in February:


  FEBRUARY 2022: INTEREST RATES AT 3.0




 Borrower goes through loan application process and qualifies for a purchase of $2,500,000 based on their income, credit and down payment of $500,000


Buyer purchases property for $2,500,000


Down payment is 20 or $500,000


Loan is $2,000,000 at 3.0 fixed for 30 years


Monthly principal and interest payment is $8,411




Apply the same purchasing ability and same down payment eight months later and see what happens. Keep in mind that lenders qualify borrowers on their credit worthiness and how much they can afford to pay on a monthly basis.


  OCTOBER 2022: INTEREST RATES AT 6.5




 Same borrower goes through loan application process and qualifies for a purchase of just $1,840,000: same income, same credit score, and same down payment


Buyer purchases property for $1,840,000


Down payment is still $500,000 or 27


Loan amount is $1,340,000


Monthly principal and interest payment is $8,424




With sellers expecting to achieve a sale similar to recent comps, but buyers qualifying for loan amounts that are 26 lower than earlier in the year, we are at an impasse. 


STALEMATE.  


What happens next? Sellers either have to accept the realities of the market by lowering their expectations or wait to sell their properties in more favorable times. The market is experiencing a painful shift as power moves to favor the buyer, when it has been an insane seller’s market for the past few years.


  Buyers should be patient and thoughtful by waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. Market shifts will take place, but they will not happen at the same rapid pace that the Fed has established with their aggressive reaction to inflation.


  Now, more than ever, it is critical to enlist the help of a smart, experienced real estate professional. Your real estate consultant should provide you with guidance and good advice, but not push you into a situation that you later regret. At Cove Canyon Realty, we pride ourselves on forging long-term relationships by analyzing the facts and helping to assess the most favorable path forward. Please feel free to contact us any time to work through your specific scenario.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:35:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/rock-for-the-cause/</guid>
    <link>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/rock-for-the-cause/</link>
        <author>dave@csira.com (Dave Csira)</author>
        <title>Rock for the Cause</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Rock for the Cause, benefitting the Friendship Shelter, was very possibly the most outrageously fun fundraiser ever. No, forget the fundraiser part, it’s up there for most outrageously fun NIGHT ever. Seriously, organizers Clay Berryhill, Danielle Cavallucci, Marshall &amp; Elizabeth Ininns, Rick &amp; Dianne Allen, and, of course, the Stu News gang (Shaena, Lynette and Bill Brasfield) totally crushed it. Generously hosted by the Skyloft with entertainment by the 133 Band, this was an A-list cast of Laguna’s finest. Taking it over the top were the many swaggy (yeah, that’s a made-up word) raffle prizes that were awarded. Who wouldn’t die for a yoga lesson on a standup paddle board? This was a proper party.


Face it, with the 133 Band playing, cocktails flowing and delectable Hors-d’oevres making the rounds, even the most determined curmudgeon would be obliged to bust a rib-eatin’ grin. My intention was simply to support a great organization, grab one cocktail and make a quick, discreet exit. Hah After just five seconds of Nick Hernandez belting out “I Will Believe,” I texted home, saying “I’m going to be late.” By the way, Nick had some awesome Joe Cocker moves going on to complement his vocals.


A couple songs later, Steve Wood got everyone moving with his rendition of “It’s All Good.” No title could have been more apropos for this event. At the risk of omitting a number of great songs and musicians, Jason Feddy brought the house down by belting out Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone.” Jason’s song selection was particularly poignant, jolting the audience back to the purpose and meaning of the event with the words “Nobody’s ever taught you how to live out on the street…” What truth. None of us were ever taught how to live on the street and few, if any, in the audience has ever had to suffer the indignity of learning on their own. For most of us, the terror of that is unimag Which brings us back to why we were all there in the first place. The Friendship Shelter has been providing support services, meals and housing to people in need since 1988. Over 10,000 clients have been assisted since their inception. Over 160 people per night are relieved from the fear and anxiety of spending a night on the street or out in the open. Thirty-two men and women are provided housing with three meals per day and a safe, warm bed to sleep in. It’s not just a handout; residents are expected to work, save money and develop life-skills so they can achieve fully productive lives.


The women and men who run, support and volunteer at this organization have hearts that are two sizes too large. Being the people we are, Laguna Beach residents showed their hearts, as well. The event raised a record $10,800 for the Shelter, led by a surprise giant $1,250 check from Alex DelTorro and his team at the Termite Guy. How fabulously fortunate we are to have so many people like this among us. And how wonderful it is that the Friendship Shelter continues to thrive after 30 years of service.


Every non-profit organization struggles to acquire the funds needed to fulfill their mission. Donate to the Friendship Shelter; They are making our world a better place. Thank the Skyloft by giving them your patronage. And, by all means, go see the 133 Band wherever they are playing.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:32:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/image-is-everything/</guid>
    <link>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/image-is-everything/</link>
        <author>dave@csira.com (Dave Csira)</author>
        <title>Image is Everything</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



The National Association of Realtors loves to tout (announcer’s voice here) “93 of homebuyers now search for properties online.” Doesn’t it make you wonder who the heck the other 7 are? Oh, I know, the ones yelling “Hello, Hello” into their TV remotes when the “home phone” rings. But I digress. What I really wanted to write about is the importance of standing out from the crowd when potential buyers are flicking through house listings on their phones.


At a recent property shoot, my photographer was lamenting the fact that so many real estate agents turn down his services because of the cost. For my money, there is no better value than paying for the best photography you can possibly find. My guy is more than an artist; he happens to be a magician.


I mean, what other reasonable explanation can there be when just about every person I show his work to elicits the word “WHOOOAAA” Followed immediately by spreading their fingers apart on the screen of my iPhone. His pictures are THAT good. I want a picture that stops the flickering index finger in its tracks. I want images that shout “Hold the phone” (haha, that was funny right there). You get the picture…okay, I’ll stop now.


Seriously (or perhaps just less silly), we put forth an enormous effort making our listings look sensational. We understand that people need to have the image of the lifestyle they desire laid out before them. WRONG: They won’t “see past” the ugly paint. NO: They can’t “use their own imagination.” It’s foolish to “just give them a credit” for the soiled carpeting. I know from experience: Buyers fall in love with what’s beautiful. And who can blame them?


Therefore, often, after signing a listing agreement, before we put a listing up, we will oversee painting, carpeting, window cleaning, gardening, power washing, decluttering, staging and the list goes on. In some cases, we have overseen extensive face lifts (new floors, renovated kitchens, remodeled bathrooms, etc). We have proven time after time that making the investment up front pays off in multiples.


Of course, knowing where to start, where to stop, what colors, what finishes, what plants, where to find the materials, who to provide the skilled labor (who to trust), who will oversee the work and how to pull it all together in the shortest period of time for the least amount of money (*whew*) is the secret sauce. Leave that up to us.


Once we do our magic, we call in the magician…
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:25:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/happy-enchilada/</guid>
    <link>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/happy-enchilada/</link>
        <author>dave@csira.com (Dave Csira)</author>
        <title>Happy Enchilada</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



HAPPY ENCHILADA


I miss John Prine. He wrote some of the best lyrics of any song writer. Ever. During one of his live recordings of “That’s the Way the World Goes ‘Round,” he tells a story about a woman who came up to the stage while he was performing in San Francisco and asked him to play the “Happy Enchilada” song. John replied, “I never wrote a song about an enchilada, let alone a happy one. I think you might have me mixed up with someone else.” She was insistent that it was one of his songs, so he asked her how the song went. With that, she started singing “It’s a happy enchilada, you think you’re gonna drown, that’s the way the world goes round.” John, in a deadpan reply, said, “Oh, that one. I’m glad you like my lyrics.”


The actual lyrics to the song go “It’s a half an inch of water, you think you’re gonna drown.” The meaning, of course, is that people have a tendency to see the worst, when the issue at hand is really not as bad as it might seem.


I’m of the mind that a similar thing is happening in the real estate market. Interest rates have spiked, there’s no denying that. But when you look back at historic levels, 6 to 7 rates are perfectly normal. That’s right around where we are today. Everyone knew that the artificially low rates we enjoyed over the past decade could not last forever; and they are not coming back any time soon.


Bearing that in mind, I took the liberty of writing my own refrain to John’s classic tune (my apologies, John):


That’s the way the world goes ‘round Rates go up, sometimes their down Six-point-five of interest, makes you wanna frown That’s the way the world goes round


If you are in the market for a home, take the plunge. Enjoy all the benefits of home ownership, and it will provide you many years of happy memories as well as long-term appreciation.


You can hear the actual song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnMNBTc1DQU


And read the actual lyrics here:


I know a guy that's got a lot to lose He's a pretty nice fellow, kinda confused Got muscles in his head, ain't never been usedv Thinks he own half of this town Starts drinking heavy, gets a big red nose Beats his old lady with a rubber hose Then he takes her out to dinner, buys her new clothesv That's the way that the world goes 'round That's the way that the world goes 'round You're up one day, the next you're down It's half an inch of water and you think you're gonna drown That's the way that the world goes 'round I was sitting in the bathtub, counting my toes When the radiator broke, water all froze I got stuck in the ice without my clothes Naked as the eyes of a clown I was crying, &quot;Ice cubes&quot;, hoping I'd croakv When the sun come through the window, the ice all broke I stood up and laughed, thought it was a joke That's the way that the world goes 'round That's the way that the world goes 'round You're up one day, the next you're down It's half an inch of water and you think you're gonna drown That's the way that the world goes 'round That's the way that the world goes 'round You're up one day, the next you're down It's half an inch of water and you think you're gonna drown That's the way that the world goes 'round That's the way that the world goes 'round That's the way that the world goes 'round
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 16:03:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/fantasy-fades/</guid>
    <link>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/fantasy-fades/</link>
        <author>dave@csira.com (Dave Csira)</author>
        <title>Fantasy Fades</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Prices Chase Away Home Buyers?






This was the sub-heading of a Daily Pilot article I came across as I was sorting through old archives in a home I recently purchased in Laguna Beach. The article was published on May 8, 1977 and was preceded with the headline “Fantasy Fades Out,” meaning the fantasy of home ownership. It went on to bemoan the rapidly increasing cost of housing as home prices outpaced the high rate of inflation. The reason, the writer suggests, is that building costs had become excessively high and that there were too few homes available, especially to first-time buyers.


  Snippets of the article really caught my fancy. Some of the juicier bits include: “People who are gainfully employed cannot afford housing because of the costs.” “We have a middle-class housing problem.” “The MIT-Harvard Joint Center for Urban Studies reports only 27 percent of American families can afford the median home price.” “The pressure is greatest on the first-time buyer.”


  Does any of this sound familiar?


  49 years after this article was published, much of the verbiage can be cut and pasted into an article today and be just as pertinent. Of course, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Although the sentiment is perfectly suitable to today’s market, the figures are quite different.


  According to this piece, the median home price was $44,200 and the typical down payment was $13,000 or about 29. It goes on to say “The average monthly payment for principle and interest exceeds $300.” Ahhh, the good old days. In comparing these statistics to today’s figures, the median home price in Orange County, CA has escalated to $1,200,000, or about 27 times as much as in 1977. To borrow another phrase, it’s all relative.


  Here at Laguna Beach Properties, we pride ourselves in helping our clients navigate these complicated market dynamics by providing honest, intelligent guidance. As difficult as it was to pull the trigger on that $44,200 home in 1977, it would sure be a nice little nest egg today.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:58:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/aquathon-2018/</guid>
    <link>https://www.lagunabeachproperties.net/blog/aquathon-2018/</link>
        <author>dave@csira.com (Dave Csira)</author>
        <title>Aquathon 2018</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
“Let me make this very clear: The event is cancelled Gone. Vacated. Void. There is no Aquathon today or any day. Go home”


  So began the 33rd annual kickoff of the Aquathon by event coordinator, Gary Cogorno, addressing the roughly 200 water-people assembled for the eight mile trek down the coast of Laguna Beach. As always, the proclamation that the event was off was immediately followed by raucous cheers from the crowd. In spite of the fact that the event has frequently been cancelled, it has not failed to take place for the past 32 years. This year was no exception with the non-event going ahead on Sunday, September 16 under sunny skies with balmy 72 degree ocean temperatures and pounding surf.


  The Aquathon is a swim-walk (sometimes climb) that extends the entire coastline of Laguna Beach from tip to tip starting in Emerald Bay and ending in Three Arch Bay, or as far as one wishes to go. It has – or has not – taken place every year since it became a tradition in 1986 when four Emerald Bay residents thought it would be a hoot to snorkel the entirety of Laguna’s coastline cove-by-cove. Legend has it that there might have been some nude bathing beaches in those days, piquing their interest in this undertaking, but that is unproven. Giddy with what they discovered (hmmm), they decided to make it an annual event. In no time at all, the event grew to become a must-do outing for hearty adventure seekers.


  It’s all about the experience; it is not a race. Even lifelong Laguna residents and avid beach-goers make astonishing discoveries along the way: secret tide pools, explosive blow holes that seem to be produced by some giant sea creature, hidden caverns and surging arches that chortle at anyone contemplating a short cut through their opening. Exclusive beaches are accessed, in spite of being protected, moat-like, by huge rock formations, that are otherwise only accessible via private staircases. Aquathoners have the privilege of taking in the sights of the stately homes that sit like sentinels over these clandestine slices of paradise.


  Sunday’s huge swell added a high degree of excitement, along with an element of danger, to the task. Swimming onto the sand at Victoria Beach, for example, was analogous to being tossed into an immense cement mixer. Fortunately, fellow Aqua People fully embrace the challenges, forming a community of supporters, quick to lend a hand, contribute one of their fins, share hard-won advice and cheer each other on. In fact, many hands were lent on Sunday. At some points along the way, when fording a roiling pool or ascending a barnacle-covered bluff, each person would take a turn to pull or push the person in front or behind them to help them along and keep the procession moving. It is simply understood that everyone is there to assist their fellow trekkers.


  The community of do-gooders does not end with the participants in the event. There is an extended group of folks who volunteer to record the event, provide snacks and refreshments along the way, offer first aid – cuts, scrapes and dehydration are par for the course – and cheer the group as they pass by. Beach-goers stop the Aquathoners to ask what they’re up to, typically followed by “That sounds so fun” and then “You must be insane” Both points are right on. What is indisputable, though, is there is not a person without a huge grin on their face. Speaking of helping out, the lifeguards were amazing They were everywhere adding an extra set of hands, showing the best routes to take, zipping around on jet skis and making sure everyone arrived safely to their final destination for the day.


  In this case, that final destination happened to be the newly-minted Lost Pier Café where the “Survivors Party” took place. Truth be known, it was the thought of a cold drink and juicy burger with fries that kept many of the participants moving in a southerly direction. There, over the consumption of much-needed calories, shared travails of the day and years past were exchanged, while people bonded over their mutual experience. Exhausted, wet, sunburned, scraped up and happy as clams.


  One of the lesser known aspects of the Aquathon is that all proceeds go to benefit non-profit organizations. This year, nearly $5,000 will be presented to the Laguna Beach Ocean Lifeguard Foundation with the remainder going to benefit the Laguna Canyon Foundation, John Wayne Cancer Foundation and the Emerald Bay Community Association. See? Aqua do-gooders doing even more good. You’ve got to love Laguna.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:52:00 -0500</pubDate>
</item>
    </channel>
</rss>