Sales of existing Irvine homes up 6%

Buying of existing Irvine homes heated up as pricing firmed in August.

Here are highlights of ReportsOnHousing house-hunting data for resales of existing detached and attached residences in the community.

This analysis includes August trends based on closed sales: sale counts; average price vs. average list price; high and low price paid in the month; average cost per square foot and average size; plus, based on broker listing networks stats on Sept. 7, the “market time” metric comparing supply of listings to new escrows opened in past 30 days.

In Irvine …

Sales: 297 sold vs. 281 a year ago, up 6 percent.

Average sales price: $950,003 that ranked No. 12 out of 46 Orange County markets tracked and was up 6.8 percent in a year.

Compared to list: Sellers got 98.1 percent of what they typically asked for, ranking No. 32 of the 46 markets.

Range: High sale of $5,818,000 vs. the $325,000 low.

Sizing: On average, buyers paid $468 per square foot on a 2,028 square-foot residence. This pricing metric was up 3.9 percent in a year.

Market speed: 67 days, listing to escrow opened vs. 90 days a year ago and 85 days two years ago.

Compare those patterns to countywide trends …

Sales: 3,110 sold vs. 3,069 a year ago, up 1 percent.

Average sales price: $831,964 — up 5.8 percent in a year.

Compared to list: Sellers got 98.1 percent of what they asked for.

Range: High sale of $21 million vs. $58,500 low.

Sizing: $447 per square foot (on a 1,863 square-foot residence), up 5.6 percent in a year.

Market speed: 64 days vs. 78 a year ago and 80 two years ago.

CHECK OUT Jon Lansner’s daily economic-trend-to-watch at http://facebook.com/econopuppy

  • Did you know that Irvine Ranch topped the national sales charts for new homes among master-planned community in the first half? The RCLCO consultancy says Irvine Ranch sales for 2017’s first six months totaled 1,088 vs. 989 a year ago, or a 10 percent jump. Next in this ranking from Orange County was … (Photo by Tomoya Shimura, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Did you know that Irvine Ranch topped the national sales charts for new homes among master-planned community in the first half? The RCLCO consultancy says Irvine Ranch sales for 2017’s first six months totaled 1,088 vs. 989 a year ago, or a 10 percent jump. Next in this ranking from Orange County was … (Photo by Tomoya Shimura, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Great Park Neighborhoods, the project on the old military base in Irvine, came in at No. 8 in RCLCO national rankings with 466 new-home sales vs. 270 a year ago, or a 73 percent jump. What nearby community was three spots below in the national Top 20? (File photo)

    Great Park Neighborhoods, the project on the old military base in Irvine, came in at No. 8 in RCLCO national rankings with 466 new-home sales vs. 270 a year ago, or a 73 percent jump. What nearby community was three spots below in the national Top 20? (File photo)

  • Rancho Mission Viejo! It was No. 11 with 340 home sold in the first half vs. 242 a year ago, or a 40 percent jump. What community made it four from Orange County in RCLCO’s top dozen? (Photo: JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

    Rancho Mission Viejo! It was No. 11 with 340 home sold in the first half vs. 242 a year ago, or a 40 percent jump. What community made it four from Orange County in RCLCO’s top dozen? (Photo: JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

  • Baker Ranch in Lake Forest came in at No. 12 with 318 homes sold vs. 228 a year ago, or a 39 percent jump. (Photo by Nick Agro, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Baker Ranch in Lake Forest came in at No. 12 with 318 homes sold vs. 228 a year ago, or a 39 percent jump. (Photo by Nick Agro, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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22.09.2017No comments
Sonora, Chigozie Anusiem continue turnaround in 42-0 victory at Bolsa Grande

One of the best turnaround stories of the Orange County football season added another stirring chapter Thursday night.

Cal committed cornerback Chigozie Anusiem intercepted two passes, including one returned 41 yards for a touchdown in the first half, and caught another score to lead Sonora to a 42-0 victory at Bolsa Grande.

The Raiders and second-year coach Daniel Morales improved to 4-0, one season after finishing 0-10.

Quarterbacks Ryan Martinez and Danny Marshall also tossed touchdown passes while running backs Tommy Mendrin and Chandler Thompson rushed for touchdowns.

Martinez tossed two TDs, including a 43-yarder to Anusiem on the Raiders’ first possession. Anusiem caught a quick out at wide receiver and blazed along the sideline en route to the end zone.

His interception and the extra-point by Blake Tourville made it 28-0 with 9:40 left in the first half.

Sonora plays at Aliso Niguel (3-1) next Thursday to close out nonleague play. Raiders open the Freeway League by playing host to Fullerton at La Habra.

Bolsa Grande (1-4) received a late interception from Raymond Lopez.

22.09.2017No comments
Leslie Van Houten deserves parole

I have to take exception to the letter writers who penned the letters about California prison inmate Leslie Van Houten. The writers make the common mistake of referring to Van Houten as a member of the Manson family. She is not, nor has she claimed association for over 30 years. Part of Ms. Van Houten’s prison rehabilitation has been to disassociate herself from the previous affiliation to a madman named Charles Manson. Separating herself, and being a responsible adult, has added to her rehabilitation. She has demonstrated over 30 years of mature, positive thinking, and has accepted full responsibility for her previous actions. She is not the same person who committed a horrific homicide all those years ago.

Following Ms. Van Houten’s progress in prison is the gold standard of any prison inmate in a similar situation. Ms. Van Houten has counseled and influenced many other inmates. Her counseling and influence on other inmates proves that rehabilitation can be achieved by even the most serious criminal. Her statements at her parole hearings demonstrate her sorrow and remorse for her crime.

Ms. Van Houten deserves to be paroled. She has paid for her crime and has had to live with the repercussions, now and forever. She has been a model inmate, and has demonstrated to society, as well as her fellow inmates, that rehabilitation can be achieved. If anyone deserves parole, it is her.

— Rob Macfarlane, Newport Beach

Newman made his choice

In his election race, Josh Newman benefited from revelations that his challenger, incumbent Ling Ling Chang, misrepresented numerous facts on her resume. As an independent, I voted for Josh because he seemed smart and honest. “Fresh new ideas and fresh new taxes” were not part of his campaign promises. Voting for hefty increases in the gasoline tax and automobile registration fees was not in my best interest, nor those of the thousands of voters who have signed recall petitions. Josh made a careless mistake by representing Sacramento’s supermajority — and not the people who elected him.

— Gregg Fresonke, Chino Hills

Disdain for liberals

Re: “Disdain for experts could bring more disasters” [Opinion, Sept. 18]: Note to Thomas D. Elias: It’s not scientists and experts — or even universities — that we disdain, it’s those among them whose ideology is driven by a liberal bias.

— Charles Hunt, Mission Viejo

22.09.2017No comments
Orange survives nerve-wracking finish to improve record to 4-0

ORANGE – Orange used a hot start to build a 23-point lead and then outlasted Sequoia of Redwood City for a 23-16 victory on Thursday at El Modena High.

The Panthers, who scored all 23 of their points in the first half, are off to a 4-0 start for the second consecutive season.

The Panthers built a 23-7 lead by halftime, but didn’t score in the second half and allowed nine fourth-quarter points.

Sequoia had a chance to tie the score with one-minute remaining, but sophomore defensive back Brian Fausto intercepted a pass on fourth down to seal the victory for Orange.

Orange receiver Jordan Schmidt caught two touchdown passes – 18 and 74 yards – and had an interception.

“Jordan’s a ballplayer,” Orange coach Robert Pedroza said. “The Sequoia coach even said ‘he’s fast on film but he’s even faster in person,’ and he creates plays for us.”

Jason Wilkinson threw for three touchdown passes for the Panthers, increasing his season total to 10. Nine of those scoring passes were caught by Orange’s speedy receivers, Schmidt and Syrus Collins.

“I firmly believe that our speed is the difference between this year’s team and what we had last year,” Pedroza said. “We have the capability of going 80 yards in a heartbeat with multiple guys.”

Wilkinson threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Collins on the opening possession of the game to give Orange an 8-0 lead.

Jason Wilkinson throws a beautiful ball to Syrus Collins for a 23-yd TD. Orange 8, Sequoia of Redwood City 0. @ocvarsity @OrangePanthers pic.twitter.com/TA6zDptBSj

— Michael Huntley (@mikehuntley63) September 22, 2017

Early in the second quarter, Sequoia’s offense drove the ball to midfield. On third down and short, Schmidt intercepted a pass and returned the ball into the red zone. A few plays later, Wilkinson threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Schmidt to extend the lead to 17-7.

The duo connected again for a 74-yard touchdown pass on Orange’s next possession.

Jordan Schmidt high steps into the endzone for an Orange TD. He has an INT on defense too. Orange 17, Sequoia 7. @ocvarsity @OrangePanthers pic.twitter.com/bQ2uO2XI0k

— Michael Huntley (@mikehuntley63) September 22, 2017

Orange began the 2016 season in dominating fashion as well. The Panthers got off to a 6-0 start before finding out they had to forfeit their victory against Santa Ana for playing an ineligible player. Orange lost its next two games and missed the CIF-SS playoffs.

“We have a lot of kids still in the program from last year’s team who felt that pain and it’s all we talked about in the offseason,” Pedroza said.

“Last year’s team was happy with the start last year because it was something different and new to us. But this team isn’t letting off the gas pedal,” Schmidt said.

Orange grinded out a 26-19 win against Laguna Beach last week and has now played two consecutive one-score games. Schmidt feels that playing in these close games will help prepare the Panthers for a grueling Golden West League schedule.

“You find out what a team’s all about in close games because you have to really dig deep if you want to win,” Schmidt said. “We are finding out a lot more about our team in these close games.”

22.09.2017No comments
Fallen Laguna Beach officer Jon Coutchie honored on 4th anniversary of his death

LAGUNA BEACH — For the officers of Laguna Beach Police Department, Sept. 21 will forever mark the day they lost not only a trusted friend and fellow police officer, but a man many described as “larger than life.”

Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach motor officer and former Army Ranger who was killed in the line of duty, was recognized at a ceremony Thursday marking the fourth anniversary of his death on Sept. 21, 2013.

Coutchie, who had become a motor officer in March 2013, died after a crash at Cleo Street and Coast Highway while responding to a report of a motorist driving recklessly. He was 41.

The remembrance ceremony at the Police Memorial included a presentation by the LBPD Honor Guard and comments by Police Capt. Jeff Calvert and former police Chief Paul Workman. More than 100 people, including Laguna Beach firefighters, city dignitaries and residents, came to the event.

  • Laguna Beach Police Department Community Service Offficer Natasha Hernandez wipes away a tear during the remembrance service for Officer Jon Coutchie. Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty, was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Laguna Beach Police Department Community Service Offficer Natasha Hernandez wipes away a tear during the remembrance service for Officer Jon Coutchie. Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty, was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Laguna Beach police officers participate in a flag-retiring ceremony during the remembrance service for Officer Jon Coutchie on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Laguna Beach police officers participate in a flag-retiring ceremony during the remembrance service for Officer Jon Coutchie on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Laguna Beach Motor Officer Jon Coutchie, 42, was killed in a crash late Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013. (Register file photo)

    Laguna Beach Motor Officer Jon Coutchie, 42, was killed in a crash late Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013. (Register file photo)

  • Laguna Beach police officers stand in formation during the service for officer Jon Coutchie in Laguna Beach on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Laguna Beach police officers stand in formation during the service for officer Jon Coutchie in Laguna Beach on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Many of those at the service for officer Jon Coutchie wore custom-made dog tags. Coutchie’s call number was M-13. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Many of those at the service for officer Jon Coutchie wore custom-made dog tags. Coutchie’s call number was M-13. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Laguna Beach police officers participate in a flag-retiring ceremony during the service for Officer Jon Coutchie. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Laguna Beach police officers participate in a flag-retiring ceremony during the service for Officer Jon Coutchie. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Laguna Beach police officers participate in a flag-retiring ceremony during the service for Officer Jon Coutchie. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Laguna Beach police officers participate in a flag-retiring ceremony during the service for Officer Jon Coutchie. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Police officers and civilians laid flowers at a memorial during a remembrance service for Laguna Beach police officer Jon Coutchie. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Police officers and civilians laid flowers at a memorial during a remembrance service for Laguna Beach police officer Jon Coutchie. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • A commemorative plaque for Laguna beach officer Jon Coutchie is at the front entrance to the Laguna Beach Police Department. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    A commemorative plaque for Laguna beach officer Jon Coutchie is at the front entrance to the Laguna Beach Police Department. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Officers attending the remembrance service for Laguna Beach police officer Jon Coutchie held white roses. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Officers attending the remembrance service for Laguna Beach police officer Jon Coutchie held white roses. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Police officers attending the remembrance service for Jon Coutchie salute during the singing of the national anthem. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Police officers attending the remembrance service for Jon Coutchie salute during the singing of the national anthem. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Aleeza Ocampo is the daughter of a Laguna Beach police officer. She borrowed a hat from another officer at the remembrance service for Jon Coutchie on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Aleeza Ocampo is the daughter of a Laguna Beach police officer. She borrowed a hat from another officer at the remembrance service for Jon Coutchie on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • The wife and son of a Laguna Beach police officer listen to a speech during the remembrance service for officer Jon Coutchie on Thursday, September 21, 2017. Coutchie died 4 years ago to the day. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    The wife and son of a Laguna Beach police officer listen to a speech during the remembrance service for officer Jon Coutchie on Thursday, September 21, 2017. Coutchie died 4 years ago to the day. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Laguna Beach Police Department Captain Jeff Calvert salutes during a flag-retiring ceremony at a remembrance service for officer Jon Coutchie. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Laguna Beach Police Department Captain Jeff Calvert salutes during a flag-retiring ceremony at a remembrance service for officer Jon Coutchie. The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Laguna Beach Police Department Capt. Jason Kravetz gets a hug after receiving a remembrance flat at a service for Jon Coutchie The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

    Laguna Beach Police Department Capt. Jason Kravetz gets a hug after receiving a remembrance flat at a service for Jon Coutchie The remembrance service for Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police motor officer who killed in the line of duty was held on the fourth anniversary of his death at the Laguna Beach police station in Laguna Beach, CA on Thursday, September 21, 2017. (Photo by Bill Alkofer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Honoring Coutchie and his sense of service are part of the healing process for Calvert, who grew up with him. It was Calvert who suggested Coutchie consider getting into law enforcement after he finished his tour as an Army Ranger, where he completed four deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan from 2003-2007.

“Jon has always been a patriot,” Calvert said, recalling how he laughed when Coutchie, then 31, said he wanted to join the Army. “He was always someone who enjoyed freedom and after 9/11, he wanted to fight to protect that freedom.

“When he planned to get out, he said, ‘I don’t know what I’ll do.’ I told him, ‘I have the perfect job for you.’”

Coutchie, at 36, attended Golden West College Police Academy and finished at the top of his class, Calvert said.

Coutchie joined the tight-knit Laguna Beach Police Department in 2009 and had been there for four years when he died.

The ceremony included the playing of taps and the lowering of an American flag. The flag was presented to Laguna Beach police Captain Jason Kravetz by the Honor Guard as a tribute and recognition for his dedication, loyalty and years of commitment.

The memorial also paid tribute to Officer Gordon French, who died in 1953 after being shot by a prisoner trying to escape from the police station.

Afterward, those who attended were each given a white rose to place at the base of the memorial. After laying down the flowers, several officers froze in a salute.

“The celebration of Jon’s life was incredible,” said Sgt. Jim Cota. “He was such a tremendous person and personal friend. I will never ever forget Jon and what he did for all of us at the Laguna Beach Police Department. He was an inspiration and will always be missed.

“Today belonged to Jon.”

22.09.2017No comments