Sweet Orange

Following is a quote straight from the MakingHomeAffordable.gov website. Remember: Help with preventing foreclosure and obtaining loan modifications is free.

Beware of Foreclosure Rescue Scams - Help Is Free!

• There should never be a fee for assistance with or information about the Making Home Affordable Program.
• Beware of any person or organization that asks you to pay an upfront fee in exchange for a counseling service or modification of a delinquent loan. Do not pay - walk away!
• Beware of anyone who says they can “save” your home if you sign or transfer over the deed to your house.  Do not sign over the deed to your property to any organization or individual unless you are working directly with your mortgage company to forgive your debt.
• Never make your mortgage payments to anyone other than your mortgage company without their approval.

The Obama Administration has launched a coordinated effort across federal and state government and the private sector to target mortgage loan modification fraud and foreclosure rescue scams that threaten to hurt American homeowners and prevent them from getting the help they need during these challenging times. Click here for more information.

The 5 ambassadors from the remote Pacific Island of Tanna were handpicked by their elders to undertake the mission to America. They come from a community with a traditional way of life ….

They have never left Vanuatu before, and though aware of the outside world, they have made an active choice to retain these traditional ways.–Travel Channel

Today is Christmas, a good time to ask the question: Can we all find a way to set aside our differences and establish some good will in spite of these differences? Tribesmen from the remote Pacific island of Tanna, where none of the modern conveniences exist, seem to have found a way to find common ground with the various “U.S. tribes,” including the “Orange County tribe.” And the U.S. tribes seem to have taken a liking to these Tanna natives in spite of the many differences.

Take a look at some of the clips, and you will see what I mean. They suggest that common ground is possible among the various tribes of the world.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a peaceful New Year.

According to Orange County United Way, requests for food are up 98% from last year. So in honor of Thanksgiving Day, I am reposting a previous Sweet Orange post that suggests a way to help–and it doesn’t cost anything!

Best wishes for a great Thanksgiving Day. Here is the post:

Fall, the season of reaping what we have sown, starts today. And what we have sown, according to many economists, is an economy that is coming out of recession. But as is common in recessions, employment numbers are lagging behind in the recovery and will lag for some time. The result is that donations of all kinds are down but the need is up. Food banks are no exception. This is particularly troubling at a time of year when we should be seeing the abundance of the harvest season.

But maybe we have resource that we are not using fully. I read an article a few months ago about a local church that had a harvesting/gleaning campaign. The parishioners noticed that the some of the fruit and vegetables from their gardens often end up on the ground and went to waste. I know the times I had a garden more was produced than I could eat or even give away.

The church asked the parishioners to collect the extra fruits and vegetables from their yards, and they had a sale. The money collected as well as the produce that did not sell was given to a food bank. Perhaps some version of this could be done on a larger basis. The harvesting program could be overseen by either individual cities or organizations. Or individuals and neighborhoods could glean the extra fruits and vegetables from their yards and have it delivered to a local food bank. And maybe the harvesting program could be maintained throughout the year.

What do you think? Can we put to use what is readily available instead of letting it go to waste? Maybe we have more available to us than we realize.

Here are some locations that accept food and cash donations as well as donations of your time and services:

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
8014 Marine Way
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: 949-653-2900
Web Site: http://www.feedoc.org

Community Action Partnership of Orange County Food Bank
12640 Knott Street
Garden Grove, CA 92841
Phone: (714) 897-6670
Web Site: http://www.capoc.org/

GRAPHIC COURTESY BILL BARBER

Movie on the Lawn–free admission, $8 parking-located at the Preview Park

“The Dark Knight“–October 10, 2009–8:00 PM

Balloon Rides–free admission-located at the Preview Park

“The Great Park Balloon is the Orange County Great Park’s first major attraction. With the ability to hold up to 25 to 30 visitors and soar up to 500 feet above the surrounding landscape, passengers can watch the Great Park’s development unfold as construction activity increases.”

The free flights are available year round, weather and wind permitting. Call ahead (866) 829-3829 (toll-free), or send an email to info@greatparkballoon.org.

Great Park Pumpkin Harvest (and Food Drive)–free admission, $8 parking–located at the Preview Park

October 24, 2009–1 PM to 5 PM

“Enjoy an afternoon of fall activities, including pumpkin picking* and decorating, games, kids crafts and activities, a costume parade, Halloween treats, a petting zoo, and more!”

*One pumpkin per child, while supplies last.

Fall Gardening Workshops—free admission and parking–located at the Great Park Farm and Food Lab

“In 2009, the Park opened its Farm and Food Lab, the beginning of a larger agricultural program planned for the Great Park. The Garden Workshop Series is part of a pilot program designed to introduce community members to the Farm and Food Lab, where they can learn about sustainable home gardening practices for a healthy lifestyle.”

• The Busy Gardener–October 10, 2009–10:00 AM to Noon–October 10, 2009-10:00 AM to Noon
• Spice Up Your Life - Grow Your Own Herbs–November 14, 2009–10:00 AM to Noon
• Holiday Crafts from the Garden–November 21, 2009–10:00 AM to Noon

Over 100 tons of fruits and vegetables grown at the Orange County Great Park Community Farm and neighboring farms have been donated to the Orange County Food Bank. If you have a garden, you might do the same. You can make sure nothing from your garden is wasted by donating any extra fruits and vegetables to a food bank, such as the Second Harvest Food Bank, which is located at the Great Park, or the Orange County Food Bank.

Natural History Lecture series–free admission and parking–located at Second Harvest

“The Orange County Great Park presents the Natural History Lecture series, a series of evening events offering new insights into our natural and dynamic Southern Californian environment.”

• Native California Bees Looking for New Real Estate–October 8, 2009–7 PM
• 21st Century Megafires in Southern California: Adapting to Fires in Paradise–October 22, 2009–7:00 PM

Also, tickets for Cirque du Soleil’s January 2009 performances at the Great Park are currently on sale.

PHOTOS AND QUOTES COURTESY THE ORANGE COUTNY GREAT PARK WEBSITE

Fall, the season of reaping what we have sown, starts today. And what we have sown, according to many economists, is an economy that is coming out of recession. But as is common in recessions, employment numbers are lagging behind in the recovery and will lag for some time. The result is that donations of all kinds are down but the need is up. Food banks are no exception. This is particularly troubling at a time of year when we should be seeing the abundance of the harvest season.

But maybe we have resource that we are not using fully. I read an article a few months ago about a local church that had a harvesting/gleaning campaign. The parishioners noticed that the some of the fruit and vegetables from their gardens often end up on the ground and went to waste. I know the times I had a garden more was produced than I could eat or even give away.

The church asked the parishioners to collect the extra fruits and vegetables from their yards, and they had a sale. The money collected as well as the produce that did not sell was given to a food bank. Perhaps some version of this could be done on a larger basis. The harvesting program could be overseen by either individual cities or organizations. Or individuals and neighborhoods could glean the extra fruits and vegetables from their yards and have it delivered to a local food bank. And maybe the harvesting program could be maintained throughout the year.

What do you think? Can we put to use what is readily available instead of letting it go to waste? Maybe we have more available to us than we realize.

It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in Autumn.
- B. C. Forbes

Here are some locations that accept food and cash donations as well as donations of your time and services:

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
8014 Marine Way
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: 949-653-2900
Web Site: http://www.feedoc.org

Community Action Partnership of Orange County Food Bank
12640 Knott Street
Garden Grove, CA 92841
Phone: (714) 897-6670
Web Site: http://www.capoc.org/

GRAPHIC COURTESY BILL BARBER

Note: For phase three information and updated pricing information, click here. sw 10-5-09

Phase 2 of the new construction Ivy development in Irvine’s Woodbury East was a repeat performance of phase 1. Both phase 1 and phase 2 sold out all available housing units within 15 minutes of the time that these homes went on sale (July 11th and August 1st respectively).

Thirteen homes were available in phase 1, and eight homes were available in phase 2. The main difference between these two phases: prices were increased by $5,000 to $12,000 in phase 2. The main question now is how much William Lyons will increase the price for phase 3, which is currently set for three to five weeks from now. Any guesses?

If you are interested in buying one of these homes you should get yourself prequalified by William Lyons Mortgage, the homebuilder’s preferred lender. The hopeful homebuyers with this prequalification were the only ones that William Lyon, the Ivy developer, considered.

Erica Chavez at the Irvine Homes blog interviewed one of the buyers from the July 11th sale (and provided the numbers below). They were a family with two young children who were interested in living in Irvine but not sure that they could afford it.

I don’t know who the other buyers were, but this gives us some indication who the buyers might be: Families with young children attracted by the price that a smaller home made possible, along with the attraction of Irvine schools, a nearby shopping mall (Woodbury Village) and many parks, play areas and a pool that make up for a small yard. Except for the small home and small price features, these are some of the features that make Irvine what it is.

Tomorrow: a closer look at what makes Irvine Irvine.

Phase 1, July 11 prices:

• Residence A: Two bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage; 1,180 square feet, priced from $349,990
• Residence B: Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage, 1,394 square feet, priced from $389,990
• Residence C: Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage, 1,500 square feet, priced from $427,990
• Residence D: Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage, 1,503 square feet, priced from $422,990

Phase 2, August 1 prices:

• Residence A: Two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,180 square feet, priced from $354,990
• Residence B: Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,394 square feet, priced from $394,990
• Residence C: Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,500 square feet, priced from $439,990
• Residence D: Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,503 square feet, NOT AVAILABLE

Phase 3 prices in 3 to 5 weeks : Any guesses?

Related posts:

• New Construction Housing Development Sells Out in 15 Minutes
• Ivy. an Irvine Woodbury East Development, Opens with Smaller, More Affordable Housing Options
• Pros and Cons of New Irvine Development: Ivy, a Woodbury East Neighborhood

PHOTO COURTESY THE IRVINE COMPANY

Many indicators exist that various groups use to gauge the health of the job market. Unemployment numbers are the most commonly stated indicator, but I am going to suggest another less obvious one, abandoned shopping carts.

I live in Irvine, a city that is in good economic shape compared to other cities. Irvine has saved up a sizable reserve fund, and, although Irvine is tightening its belt, so far the city is getting through the economic downturn without reducing services or letting go city staff–claims many other cities cannot make.

Add to that the median family income in Irvine is approximately $108,000, well over Orange County’s median family income of approximately $75,000. Based on this information, you might think that Irvine residents are not feeling the economic pain. Not so, by my admittedly unscientific and anecdotal economic indicator.

In my Northwood neighborhood in Irvine, I have noticed something that I have not seen much in the past, abandoned shopping carts. My speculation is that either some Irvine residents are recently finding themselves without a car or they are feeling the need to save every possible dollar, including gas dollars.

This issue was brought up in a recent city council meeting, and the council instructed the city staff to come back in August with suggestions on how to handle this situation.

In the public comments portion of the council meeting, a Boy Scout made a suggestion that was elegant in its practical simplicity: Some shopping carts have phone numbers that can be called. Once called the appropriate store has someone pick up the cart in a timely manner. The scout’s suggestion was to require all stores to include a retrieval number. Then neighborhood volunteers will monitor the area and call the retrieval number when necessary. (By the way, it should be noted that this scout was so dedicated that he waited through a particularly long council meeting to get the time needed to state his suggestion. Unfortunately, I don’t have his name.)

We will see what the staff comes up with. I hope that it will be something along the lines that this scout suggested. In other words, I hope that it is something that solves the problem but does not make the lives of Irvine residents who have found themselves in economic difficulty even more challenging.

One more observation: no group is unaffected by this downturn. We are in this together.

PHOTO COURTESY STACKSANDSTACK

Here is a look at some three-bedroom Woodbury condos that are similar in size to three-bedroom condos that will soon be available in phase two of  Irvine’s new neighborhood of  Ivy. Ivy is part of the Woodbury East development that is near Woodbury (a nearby but different development) and will have two and three-bedroom condo for sale. Next phase of Ivy sales will be August 1.

If you compare the Woodbury prices to the Woodbury East prices, future Woodbury sellers might have to lower their selling price to compete with these newer homes.

The Irvine Company’s current prices for these Ivy three-bedrooms is in the mid- $300,000s to low-$400,000s. IrvineRenter has the current Ivy price per square foot at $280 to $295. (Two-bedroom options will also be available in Ivy. Of course, they will be a smaller size and lower price.)

On the other hand, phase one of the Ivy sale was so successful that I would not be surprised if upcoming phases had some higher list prices. This would have a moderating affect on the necessity of price slashes in Woodbury.

Compare the Woodbury East Ivy prices for three-bedroom condos with recent selling prices in Woodbury:

49 Regal  # 143, Woodbury, Irvine  CA 92620

• 3 beds, 3 baths
• 1,552 sq ft
• Sold for: $510,000 ($328/SF)
  
• Sold on: 06/12/2009
  

155 Sanctuary, Woodbury, Irvine, CA  92620

• 3 beds, 3 baths
• 1,550 sq ft
• On March 30, listed for $529,900
• Sold for: $505,000 ($326/SF)
  
• Sold on: 06/11/2009

153 Sanctuary, Woodbury, Irvine CA 92620

• 3 beds, 3 baths
• 1,635 sq ft
• Recently listed for: $569,900
• Sold for: n/a (however, will probably show up in the public record within a month)

More information:

• For a look at what is currently available in Woodbury East’s Ivy development, click here.
• For a look at what is currently available in Woodbury, click here.

Related posts:

• Market Watch: Housing Stats for Irvine’s Woodbury Neighborhood
• Ivy. an Irvine Woodbury East Development, Opens with Smaller, More Affordable Housing Options
• Pros and Cons of New Irvine Development: Ivy, a Woodbury East Neighborhood

Note: For updated pricing information, click here. sw 9-29-09

Small Homes Sell: Case in Point, the Ivy neighborhood in Irvine’s Woodbury East Development

In the current housing market, developers have difficulty selling their new constructions. So the quick sell out of the 13 available homes in Ivy, a neighborhood in the Woodbury East development in Irvine, might provide insight on a way forward for the building industry. The Ivy homes sold out within approximately 15 minutes of the July 11th grand opening. The key is that these Irvine Company homes (built by William Lyons Homes) fill a need and desire for smaller and, therefore, more affordable homes.

Developers in Orange County have largely neglected building the homes that fit this smaller model. For example, a few years back John Laing Homes (now bankrupt) built the first Woodbury East homes in the Celadon neighborhood. Only 8 of the larger Celadon homes (1594-1782 square feet) were built, and they remain unsold. When the Caledon homes went on sale in 2007, the asking price was in the mid-$500,000.

Perhaps the building industry is taking note of the Ivy-Caledon example and is including this information in their upcoming business models.

More Ivy development details: Current plans call for the Ivy development to eventually consist of 58 homes that range in size from 1180 square feet to 1503 square feet. Prices will range from $349,990 to $423,990. The next round of sales will be in four to six weeks. In addition to the principal, interest and property taxes, home ownership costs will consists of approximately $3,971 in Mello Roos fees, $134 for the monthly master association fee, and $175 for the monthly sub-association fee. Homes will be ready for move-in some time in 2010.

Additional posts on the Ivy development:

• Ivy. an Irvine Woodbury East Development, Opens with Smaller, More Affordable Housing Options
• Pros and Cons of New Irvine Development: Ivy, a Woodbury East Neighborhood
• Deja Vu in Woodbury East! Phase Two Iof vy Development Sells Out in 15 Minutes–Prices Increased

As I wrote yesterday, Ivy is a new neighborhood in Irvine’s Woodbury East development. Some of the pros associated with this development are the following: Amenities include the Palm Court, which consists of a junior Olympic pool, spa, fitness center, tennis court, basketball court, recreation center, tot lot, BBQ; walking distance to the Woodbury Town Center; close to the Jeffery Open Space Trail, two neighborhood parks, and inclusion in the Irvine school district.

Also, Ivy is near the portion of the Orange County Great Park that is scheduled to see the most development in the next 36 months, and the Ivy development is part of Irvine’s Green Building Program (I don’t have details now on how this show up in the Ivy development. Perhaps this is a post for another time).

In addition, Ivy helps to provide Orange County with a smaller housing option–an option that was neglected in the building-boom years.

On the con side, Ivy is close to the 133 freeway. Various studies report that proximity to a freeway is not the healthiest of living locations, especially for children. Also, there is the pricing question. Smaller usually means more affordable, but, as I mentioned yesterday, the pricing for these homes is unclear. Will the  price be right for the current market? Will these homes be affordable to those making a median Orange County income? And, for that matter, is it the right time for buying? Also, what the homeowners association fee will be is unclear.

The grand opening for the Ivy development is Saturday, July 11. For more details on Ivy development, see one of Erica Chavez’s post on the Irvine Homes blog and one of Jon Lansner’s post on his Lansner on Real Estate site.

PHOTOS OF THE WOODBURY TOWN CENTER AND THE JEFFERY OPEN SPACE TRAIL COURTESY POSTCARD US AND THE IRVINE COMPANY

Update: Apparently, the price was right. For more information, see this post. And for an update on phase two sales, see this post. For phase three information and updated pricing information, click here. sw 10-5-09