Rancho Santa Margarita Homes & Lifestyles

I was contacted by a couple of my readers today who were requesting comps to include for with their requests for re-assessment. Both parties indicated that they had spoken with a representative at the Orange County Tax Assessor’s Office on Monday. They were both told to fax their requests in even though the previously extended deadline had passed. This information was news to me.

The County is obviously under no obligation to accept requests received after the deadline, however, if you missed the deadline and are interested in having your property re-assessed, it may be worth five minutes of your time if you can sneak in under the wire.

Let me know if you need help finding neighborhood comps. This is a no fee, no obligation service that I provide to my clients and I am extending the offer to readers of RSM Lifestyles. Click here for more information on property tax re-assessment or read my last post about property tax re-assessment. Applications and additional information about property tax re-assessment can be found on the Orange County Tax Assessor’s website.

When your Request for Reassessment is complete, fax it to the Assessor’s Office - Fax: (714) 834-3934.

When you receive your tax bill in July, look at it carefully. You have the right to file an appeal between July 2nd and September 15th but you are responsible to pay the full amount shown on your bill until such time as you are notified by the County that your property has been re-assessed.

Don’t forget to vote!!! Your opinion DOES matter!

Popularity: 16% [?]

There are definitely easier ways to purchase a home than going through the lengthy process usually associated with buying a short sale. But if you’re a buyer that’s in absolutely no hurry, who has a great deal of patience, a sizable down payment and excellent credit - a short sale may be an option worth considering.

In Rancho Santa Margarita’s gated Lyon Monterrey Estates there are currently two active listings, both of which are short sales.

6 Santa Sophia, Rancho Santa Margarita:

• 6 Bedroom / 4 Bath / 3 Car Garage
• 3325 square feet
• Listed at $724,900
• Current days on the Market: 47
• 26 Santa Inez - a model match with superior upgrades - sold in March 2008 for $760,000*

* The sale of 26 Santa Inez should motivate the Lender or Lenders involved to seriously consider offers well below the list price

7 Santa Nella, Rancho Santa Margarita:

• 5 Bedroom / 3 Bath / 3 Car Garage
• 2900 square feet
• Listed at $749,900
• Current days on the market: 36
• 16 Santa Gustavo - a model match is currently in escrow (accepting back up offers) with a list price of $729,900. The original asking price in February 2007 was $889,000

Popularity: 28% [?]