Realtors say that despite slightly slowing sales and more negotiations on prices, San Clemente is still hot property to buyers thanks to its fabulous Pacific Coast location and predominantly Mediterranean architectural style.

"South Orange County, CA - on the coast, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego," says Realtor Debbit Ferrari, "San Clemente and adjacent Dana Point feature beaches, piers, yacht harbors and jetties for water fun."

Ferrari advises, "Prices are flattening out now a bit in South Orange County. Sellers are more willing to negotiate or drop the price, but not by much. Still, buyers should be looking for homes only if they have started the process of being approved for a loan. And sellers 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 many homes that include the amenities they need, instead of just 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."

Explains Realtor Fran Bertini, "San Clemente is the southernmost city in Orange County and is considered an "old-new" city that in recent years went upscale but in many ways remains a modest town. There are many new/newer home developments, including Talega, Forster Ranch, Forster Highlands, and The Reserve. Whether you prefer old or new, you'll find it in San Clemente, and it may even include an ocean view! Like most coastal communities, you can enjoy the clean air quality."

Bertini says, "With so many conflicting opinions in the press about housing values, it's enough to confuse even the most savvy homebuyer. However, if you look at the numbers from month to month as I do, home prices in south Orange County have held steady with slight ups and downs, depending on the city. When analyzing sales data to determine where you'd like to live, the more specific you are the better. Even within a city, there will be pockets of homes which vary significantly in price."

"The city of San Clemente is known as "The Spanish Village by the Sea" for its magnificent coastline and beautiful Mediterranean style," says Realtor Clancy Fort. "Well, it's that time of the year again when we project what will happen with home prices in the next 12 months.The market is going to rise in all likelihood into the month of May when prices will level off and taper through the end of the year. Buyers should expect to be competitive with their offers through this period. It is a strong possibility that there will be multiple offers on a property you want to buy especially if the property is priced under $600,000. The lower the listing price of the home the more competitive it will be to get the home. This is why if you are buying now, prepare yourself to make a strong offer so you won't lose the home you want. During the first few months of this year, the buyers who are motivated will get the homes and the earlier you buy the better. For those of you waiting for the market to go down, it may be a long wait. I know a few of you are looking for fixer uppers. These are also becoming a rare commodity and the few that come on the market will be very competitive to get. The short version of this is that there are some deals out there, but they are going to be rare and won't last very long."

Fort suggests, "If you are considering selling your home, now is the time to do it. It is important to market your home correctly to get the most exposure in the least amount of time. If it is priced right and the listing is handled correctly, it is possible for you to get multiple offers. If you are using the equity in your home to get into another one, beware. Find your new home first and then put your house on the market. This will save you a lot of grief and aggravation."

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Published: February 8, 2005

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