Home of the historical Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano attracts tourists and residents to its charming small community.

"San Juan Capistrano is the best of both worlds," says Realtor Liana Norman. "It has a small town feel and is only minutes from local beaches, the harbor and malls. Easy freeway access and more. Here you can still find a beach-close home under $300,000. Single family homes start at about $325,000 and condominiums/townhomes start at $175,000.

Realtors report slowing sales coupled with upward movement in prices.

Says Realtor Debbie Ferrari, "Prices are still on an upward trend. They are not jumping leaps and bounds like they once did, but nearly every home that sells, sells for slightly more than the last one."

Ferrari advises, "Buyers should be looking for homes only if they have started the process of being approved for a loan. And if they have a home to sell it should at least be on the market and they should be willing to get a swing/bridge loan if they find a property they want to buy. Also, when deciding what to offer on a property, buyers should be looking at what else they can get in the amenities they need, more than looking at past comparables for the neighborhood. It's nice to know what the neighborhood has done in the past, but you might miss out on a good value if you try to get the property for the last comparable."

There is a wide range of price options in San Juan, suggests Realtor Rick DiBello. "Condos are affordable and available. Much of San Juan is zoned equestrian, and thus larger properties are more commonly found here than in some neighboring towns. Horse trails wind throughout the city."

DiBello advises, "Buyers looking for a home in San Juan Capistrano should be persistent, patient, and prepared to act quickly when the right home comes on the market. Desirable homes in the lower price ranges move very quickly. Homes are selling close to list, with some homes selling above list and many with multiple offers."

"While the market has slowed somewhat, there continues to be shortage of "affordable" home inventory compared to six months ago," observes Realtors Drew and Linda Hartanov. "San Juan Capistrano has a small town/community feel with a downtown area that is charming and attracts tourists to the Mission San Juan Capistrano. While close to the ocean, this is an area that has some horse properties and rolling hills where there is a real diversity of property values. In many areas, the price trend continues up. Condo prices have risen considerably. The overall market appears to be continuing on the upswing. With the current interest rates, it is still a good market whether buying or selling. Some of the lower priced area homes are hitting new highs for prices and still selling quickly."

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Published: November 25, 2002

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