The upscale community of Laguna Niguel isn't on the beach, but it's close, say local Realtors, and prices are rising like the tide.

"Laguna Niguel is an upscale community with two five-star hotels and many million dollar-plus homes," describes Realtor Debbie Ferrari. "Laguna Niguel 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 comp."

Say Realtors Lee and Russ Jacobs, "Laguna Niguel is an upscale bedroom community located half way between Los Angeles and San Diego. The terrain is hilly which provides homes with lovely views, some to the ocean. Housing is spread out and more open than the neighboring communities. Convenient to John Wayne Airport and Irvine, Laguna Niguel offers its residents beautiful parks with hiking trails to the beach, a new senior center and active community events. Noted for its excellent schools, convenient shopping and a well thought-out master plan, Laguna Niguel has approximately 25,000 homes."

The Jacobs suggest, "This past year the real estate market here has been booming! It's on everyone's mind, the prices of housing, what's happening with interest rates, the economy and even the alleged "housing bubble". We keep looking at the statistics and the same situation is occurring. Less inventory, more buyers."

Realtor Liana Norman says, "Laguna Niguel is a prestigious community of condominiums, townhomes and single family residences in a planned community without the Mello-Roos. Laguna Niguel is still close to the beaches and have many trails throughout the community where you can walk or ride to the beach or inland into the hills. Laguna Niguel is a beautiful planned community of single family homes and townhomes ranging from the low $300,000's to the high millions, home of award-winning schools, beautiful parks and bike paths leading to beaches."

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Published: October 10, 2003

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