• Orange County Real Estate Market Update

    Orange County Real Estate Market Update,Christopher Phipps

    What's happening with Orange County home prices? Median home price: $1,230,000 Overall home sales prices are up 3%. 75% of all homes currently listed are priced above $1 million. 34% of active listings are priced above $2 million. How active is the Orange County housing market? Sales volume is essen

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  • Things to Do in Orange County This Summer: Festivals, Concerts, Beaches & Family Fun

    Things to Do in Orange County This Summer: Festivals, Concerts, Beaches & Family Fun,Christopher Phipps

    Thinking about a move to OC? Here's a local's guide to summer festivals, concerts, beach days, and family fun, plus what it's like to live here. Orange County summers are full. The OC Fair runs July 17 to August 16, 2026 in Costa Mesa. Laguna Beach hosts three art festivals from late June into Septe

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  • The Tustin Chili Cook-Off Returns This Weekend: Food, Fun, and Community

    The Tustin Chili Cook-Off Returns This Weekend: Food, Fun, and Community,Christopher Phipps

    One of Orange County's most beloved community events is back! The annual Tustin Chili Cook-Off returns this weekend, bringing together great food, live entertainment, local vendors, and plenty of family-friendly fun. For years, the Tustin Chili Cook-Off has been a tradition that brings residents, lo

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  • Buyer Representation — What You Can Expect From Me

    Buyer Representation — What You Can Expect From Me,Christopher Phipps

    Relentless Commitment to Finding Your Home. I will work tirelessly to find the right property for you. I am accessible, responsive, and fully engaged in your search. I work 24/7 — seriously. (Well, I do sleep occasionally.) But my dedication to my clients is constant. When a property hits the market

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  • Tustin vs. Irvine — What’s the Real Difference?

    Tustin vs. Irvine — What’s the Real Difference?,Christopher Phipps

    Many buyers compare Tustin to nearby Irvine. It’s a fair comparison. Both cities are safe, centrally located, and highly desirable within Orange County. But they feel different — and financially, there are some meaningful distinctions. Here’s what I tell clients: Irvine • Newer, master-planned feel•

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  • Old Town Tustin vs. Tustin Ranch — Which Lifestyle Fits You?

    Old Town Tustin vs. Tustin Ranch — Which Lifestyle Fits You?,Christopher Phipps

    Tustin isn’t one-size-fits-all. It has two very distinct personalities. Old Town Tustin • Historic homes• Walkable streets• Local boutiques and coffee shops• Early 1900s architecture Tustin Ranch • Newer construction• Larger homes and lots• Master-planned communities• Golf course living Old Town fee

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  • The Central Orange County Advantage — Why Location Matters

    The Central Orange County Advantage — Why Location Matters,Christopher Phipps

    One of Tustin’s biggest advantages? Location. Situated in the heart of Orange County, Tustin gives you fast access to: • The 5 Freeway• The 55 Freeway• The 261 Toll Road From Tustin, you’re typically:• 15–20 minutes to Newport Beach• 10–15 minutes to Irvine business centers• 20 minutes to John Wayne

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  • Why Tustin Is One of the Best Places in California to Raise a Family

    Why Tustin Is One of the Best Places in California to Raise a Family,Christopher Phipps

    When families start searching for the “right place,” they usually want the same things: safety, strong schools, parks, and a real sense of community. That’s why Tustin, California continues to stand out. Ranked #1 in California and #12 nationwide by Fortune’s 25 Best Places to Live for Families (202

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  • Orange County Q4 2025 Market Snapshot

    Orange County Q4 2025 Market Snapshot,Christopher Phipps

    Median Sale Price ~$1,200,000 — up ~3.7% year-over-year. Median List Price ~$1,286,333 (as of late October 2025 Sale-to-List Price Ratio ~ 0.99 (i.e. most homes selling near list price) Percent of Sales > List Price ~ 30% (as of late 2025)  Percent of Sales < List Price ~ 57% (as of late 2025)  Medi

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  • Mid-November Market Pulse: Orange County Real Estate Snapshot

    Mid-November Market Pulse: Orange County Real Estate Snapshot,Christopher Phipps

    Hard to believe, but we’re already halfway through November and Thanksgiving is just around the corner! As the year winds down, many of us in real estate are laser-focused on meeting our year-end goals. Nothing in our business happens overnight, but if you’re already thinking about new strategies fo

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  • Renting vs. Owning: Debunking the Myths and Finding Your Best Fit for Families and Retirees

    Renting vs. Owning: Debunking the Myths and Finding Your Best Fit for Families and Retirees,Christopher Phipps

    When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, families and retirees often find themselves at a crossroads: is it better to rent or own? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, and there are plenty of myths that can cloud the decision. Let’s clear the air and help you find the path that fits y

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  • Interest Rates Are Dropping — What That Means for Housing Demand

    Interest Rates Are Dropping — What That Means for Housing Demand,Christopher Phipps

    The average 30‑year fixed mortgage rate has dropped to about 6.35‑6.50%. Some lenders are quoting similar rates for 15‑year fixed loans, often in the mid‑5% range. These declines follow earlier highs of 6.8‑7% and are being driven by factors like easing yields on U.S. Treasury bonds, expectations of

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  • Mortgage Rates & What This Means for Our Market

    Mortgage Rates & What This Means for Our Market,Christopher Phipps

    Hi Everyone, I want to share some important news with you about the direction of mortgage rates and what it could mean for our market here in Orange County. At last week’s Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, Fed Chair Jerome Powell hinted that the Fed may soon adjust its policy stance. The markets imme

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  • What to Know for the Week of August 18, 2025 - Inflation Data & Family

    What to Know for the Week of August 18, 2025 -  Inflation Data & Family,Christopher Phipps

    Hello OC Freinds! Last week brought a bit of a mixed bag when it came to inflation data. Consumer inflation was moderate, but wholesale inflation surprised to the upside—and that’s concerning since wholesale costs often filter down into consumer prices a couple of months later. This puts the Federal

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  • Powell Not Cutting Rates

    Powell Not Cutting Rates,Christopher Phipps

      Hey everyone, quick market update! Fed Chair Jerome Powell just confirmed what many of us suspected—no rate cut this time around. Inflation is cooling, but not fast enough for the Fed to make a move just yet. Powell emphasized the need for ‘greater confidence’ that inflation is sustainably heading

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  • Tustin Real Estate Sales & Rental Market Update – Summer 2025

    Tustin Real Estate Sales & Rental Market Update – Summer 2025,Christopher Phipps

    Tustin continues to offer a compelling mix of suburban charm, central Orange County convenience, and a steady real estate market. Whether you're a buyer, seller, landlord, or renter, understanding the local trends is key—and the latest numbers are in. Home Sales Snapshot Median Home Price:The median

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  • Introducing Fleur De Lis Properties, Inc.: Your One-Stop Shop for Property Managment & Leasing

    Introducing Fleur De Lis Properties, Inc.: Your One-Stop Shop for Property Managment & Leasing,Christopher Phipps

    We are excited to announce the launch of Fleur De Lis Properties, Inc., a full-service property management and leasing company designed to meet all your real estate needs. Whether you're a tenant, property owner, or investor, we provide a wide range of services to ensure a smooth and seamless experi

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  • Top Renovation Ideas to Refresh Your Home in 2025

    Top Renovation Ideas to Refresh Your Home in 2025,Christopher Phipps

    Thinking about giving your home a fresh look this year? Whether you’re itching for a full makeover or just want to breathe new life into a few rooms, 2025 is the perfect time to get creative. Renovating doesn’t have to mean tearing down walls or emptying your savings—sometimes, the smallest changes

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  • Orange County Real Estate Market – Summer 2025 Update

    Orange County Real Estate Market – Summer 2025 Update,Christopher Phipps

    📈 June Sales+, Inventory Surge, Balanced Market Median sold price (June 2025): $1,178,819 – up +5.7% from last June. Average Zillow home value: $1,185,523, a +4.6% year-over-year gain; homes go pending in ~15 days. Listings on the market: 7,982 homes (June), +3.1% from May. Active and pending sales

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