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Orange County Real Estate, Inc.

Search every home for sale in Orange County, find out what yours is worth, and read the market data every week from the broker who writes it.

Orange County Real Estate, Inc. is a Costa Mesa brokerage working with buyers, sellers, and investors across the county. Eric Engelbert owns the company and is the broker of record, licensed since 1998 and a broker since 2003. The person who runs the firm is the person handling your transaction, from the valuation through the negotiation.

Most people who find us are looking for a home. A large share of them also have one to sell. Move-up buyers and downsizers are running two transactions at once, and the questions overlap: what is my house actually worth, what can I buy with it, and what happens if the timing does not line up. We handle both sides of that in one conversation, and when the timing genuinely does not line up, we can often arrange short-term financing so a purchase does not depend on a sale closing first. More about Eric »

Orange County Real Estate at a Glance

  • Brokerage: Orange County Real Estate, Inc., based in Costa Mesa
  • Broker: Eric Engelbert, licensed since 1998, broker since 2003
  • Serves: All of Orange County, California
  • Focus: Move-up and downsizing moves, investment property, relocation
  • Known for: Lender-grade valuations that hold up in negotiation
  • Free resource: Weekly Orange County Housing Report, published in full
Buying a house in Orange County

Buying

Search the full MLS, updated continuously.

Selling a house in Orange County

Selling

Pricing, preparation, and what your home will really bring.

New construction homes in Orange County

New Construction

Builder inventory across the county.

What Is Your Orange County Property Worth?

Start with the instant estimate for a range. Then have us check it against the actual comparable sales, the condition of the property, and what is happening on your specific street. The two numbers are often not the same.

GET MY INSTANT ESTIMATE »

Takes 30 seconds. Or call 949-430-7500 and skip straight to the real number.

How We Price and Negotiate

Before he sold his first home, Eric worked in construction alongside a custom home builder, then moved into real estate lending in Newport Beach, including work with a private lender. Three careers that turned into one skill.

A lender does not ask what a property might sell for on an optimistic day. A lender asks what it is genuinely worth if the asset has to be sold. That means selecting comparable sales rather than accepting whatever the software returns, and adjusting them for condition, lot position, view, and the upgrades a market will actually pay for. It is slower than pulling an average. It is also why our pricing tends to hold up when an appraiser or the other side of a negotiation puts it under scrutiny.

That work is what makes a negotiation winnable. When we hold a number, we can show exactly why we are holding it: the specific sales that support it, the adjustments behind them, and what the other side's comparables leave out. A position backed by data holds. A position backed by hope gets chipped away, usually in the last two weeks before closing when there is the most pressure to concede. Whether you are trying to net the most on a sale or make sure a purchase is worth what you are paying, that is where the outcome is decided.

Why our pricing holds up under scrutiny:

  • We select true comparable sales instead of accepting a software average.
  • We adjust each comp for condition, lot position, view, and paid-for upgrades.
  • We reconcile the numbers in writing, the way a lender or appraiser would.
  • We can show the exact sales behind a number and what the other side's comps leave out.

A valuation a CPA could use

A Mission Viejo estate needed a defensible date-of-death value. The work came down to a property inspection, twelve comparable sales, two exact floor plan matches that anchored the analysis, and a written reconciliation the family's CPA used to establish a stepped-up cost basis. Read how it was built »

A closing saved in seven days

A buyer in her seventies found the single-level home she needed, then discovered a $300,000 shortfall in her funds. Because a private lender trusted Eric's valuation work, he was permitted to perform the appraisal and inspection himself. The loan funded in twenty-four hours and the home closed four days later. Read the full account »

The Orange County Housing Report, Every Week

Eric writes and publishes a weekly read on the Orange County market: active inventory, new listings, pending sales, closings, expected market time, and where each price range actually stands. Not a monthly recap of closed sales, which is a look in the rear-view mirror, but current supply and demand.

Expected market time is the number of months it would take to sell all current inventory at the current pace of sales, and it is the fastest read on whether a price range favors buyers or sellers.

It is free, it is published in full on this site, and there is no email form in front of it. Most agents either sell this kind of data by subscription or hold it back for lead capture.

Read this week's Orange County Housing Report »

For neighborhood-level numbers, see the market reports by city.

Moving to Orange County?

Relocating is a transition, not just a transaction. We work with out-of-area buyers who cannot be here for tours, inspections, or contractor follow-ups, and we handle that legwork on the ground. Neighborhood fit, commute reality, and school district research come first, before anyone gets on a plane.

Start Your Relocation Plan »
Catalina sunset from the Orange County coast

What Our Clients Say

Rated 5.0 out of 5 across 14 Google reviews. Read them all on Google »

Sold in 9 days

"We sold our home in Costa Mesa in just 9 days with Eric's help. My husband thought we didn't need to hire a realtor, Eric broke down the entire process for us and it just made sense to work with him."

Debra F.

Three years to the right house

"Eric listened to our likes and dislikes and narrowed down continually over about 3 years. We feel we got the house we wanted at an advantageous price. A true professional."

Gerry M. Read on Google »

Would use him again

"Eric Engelbert is a realtor that you can trust with the sale of your home. He is a true professional, easy to work with, and communicates often to know your needs and keep you aware of the market."

Kim M. Read on Google »

Orange County, Neighborhood by Neighborhood

Values here shift within a few blocks, and county-wide averages hide more than they reveal. Whether it is a coastal ocean view property, a master-planned community in Irvine, a mid-century Eichler in the City of Orange, a golf course home, or a duplex or fourplex held as investment property, the analysis starts at street level.

Weekend Open Houses

Touring homes this weekend? We keep real-time open house directories for every community. City pages like Newport Beach and Irvine carry localized schedules.

View the master list: Search all Orange County open houses »

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to what people ask most before they call.

Who is the broker at Orange County Real Estate, Inc.?

Eric Engelbert owns the company and is the broker of record. He has been licensed since 1998 and a broker since 2003, and he handles each transaction himself from the valuation through the negotiation.

What areas does Orange County Real Estate, Inc. serve?

The brokerage is based in Costa Mesa and works throughout Orange County, California, including Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, Dana Point, and the surrounding cities.

How do you decide what my home is worth?

We start with an instant online estimate for a range, then verify it against true comparable sales, the condition of the property, and current activity on your street. Each comparable is adjusted for condition, lot position, view, and upgrades, the way a lender or appraiser would.

Is the Orange County Housing Report really free?

Yes. It is written by Eric each week and published in full on this site, with no email form and no subscription required.

Can you help me buy and sell at the same time?

Yes. Many of our clients are move-up buyers or downsizers running two transactions at once, and when the timing does not line up we can often arrange short-term financing so a purchase does not depend on a sale closing first.

Do you work with buyers relocating from out of the area?

Yes. We handle tours, inspections, and contractor follow-ups on the ground for out-of-area buyers, and we start with neighborhood fit, commute reality, and school district research before anyone gets on a plane.

Have a question about your property or the market?

No pressure and no pitch. If you are a year away from doing anything, that is a fine time to start the conversation.

Call or Text 949-430-7500

Prefer to schedule? Book a 15 minute call

Orange County Real Estate, Inc.  |  Eric Engelbert, Broker  |  California DRE 01241208 and 01527370

Ten New Orange County Listings

$958,000
2 Beds 3 Baths OC26202236 MLS Active Status
Experience the best of coastal Orange County living in this beautifully appointed 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome located in the desirable Vista Pointe community of Laguna Niguel. The inviting interior offers a wonderful blend of comfort and style, with a welcoming living room featuring a cozy fireplace, creating the perfect setting for relaxing or entertaining. The beautifully updated kitchen features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a farmhouse sink, combining style and functionality. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite feels like a private retreat with high ceilings, an en-suite bath featuring a relaxing soaking tub and dual-sink vanity. Second en-suite has a private balcony. The private backyard, a wonderful space to unwind, entertain friends and family, and enjoy beautiful Southern California sunsets. Direct access to the 2-car garage adds convenience and additional storage. Enjoy resort-style community amenities including a pool, spa, and tennis courts, all within a highly regarded school area. Ideally situated just a few miles from Dana Point Harbor, world-renowned beaches, and beautiful Salt Creek Beach, this home puts dining, shopping, recreation, and the Southern California coastline within easy reach. Whether enjoying a sunset from your backyard, relaxing by the fireplace, spending an afternoon at the community pool, or heading to the beach, this exceptional townhome offers a wonderful opportunity to embrace the Laguna Niguel coastal lifestyle.

3 Via Palma, Laguna Niguel

$1,348,000
3 Beds 2 Baths OC26205374 MLS Active Status
UPGRADED FAR BEYOND THE ORDINARY! This distinctive Laguna Niguel home blends extensive infrastructure improvements, custom craftsmanship, amazing attention to detail, and true SoCal indoor-outdoor living. Situated on a private corner lot, it offers custom mahogany doors, slate patios, a garden area, low-maintenance 3-hole putting green. Inside, newly refinished wood floors, top-of-the-line Andersen windows, wood window & door casings, 6-inch baseboards, Baldwin door hardware, custom recessed dimmable LED lighting, linen sconces, and an 8-color custom paint scheme showcase exceptional attention to detail. Three living-room skylights bring in abundant natural light, complemented by NEW Velux solar-powered venting skylights with blackout shades in bedroom 2 and the primary. A hand-set dry-stacked stone fireplace with high-efficiency gas logs and soaring ceilings anchor the living space. The top to bottom custom kitchen features Viking Professional 4-burner cooktop with center griddle and convection oven, custom cabinetry, Venetian-plaster range hood and a one-of-a-kind Brazilian granite countertop from "Ridge of the Golden Veil." Both baths offer custom cabinetry and stonework, Gnutti-Sebastiani tub fixtures, and deep soaking tubs, including a Kohler cast-iron/porcelain tub in the primary bath. The primary suite features a HUGE walk-in closet with custom built-ins and etched-leaf glass doors; secondary closets also have custom built-ins. Major improvements include NEW TPO roof with 20-year leak-free warranty, NEW 10.1 GPM tankless water heater with recirculating pump, NEW Wellspring whole-house water filtration and salt-free conditioning system, ALL copper water piping (not in slab), heavily insulated interior/exterior walls, and 2-stage furnace with 13 SEER A/C, just serviced. Finished garage includes upgraded jackshaft low-voltage opener and HUGE finished attic/storage space with automatic lighting. Tesla wall charger and custom-installed Starlink included. Built-in surround sound, Yamaha patio speakers, and Christmas-light outlets under the eaves add convenience. Enjoy custom 16x16 slate patios and new wrought-iron entry gate. PRIME LOCATION from the community pool & spa, Yosemite Park/playground at the end of the street, direct community access to Regional Park & Lake, extensive shopping within approx. 1 mile, and just 3 minutes to the 73 toll road. A rare combination of craftsmanship, technology, infrastructure, and lifestyle.

28122 Carpenteria Court, Laguna Niguel

$1,649,000
3 Beds 2 Baths PW26197302 MLS Active Status
Set on a generous 0.59-acre lot in a quiet cul-de-sac neighborhood, this original 1948 North Tustin ranch house is rich with vintage character and offers plenty of room to enjoy, entertain, and imagine future possibilities. Offering 3 bedrooms plus an enclosed patio room, 2 bathrooms, and 2,130 square feet, the home blends its original appeal with thoughtful recent improvements, including fresh interior paint, new LED lighting, and updated electrical. The wonderfully oversized living room is the heart of the home, with original hardwood floors, a fireplace, and walls of glass on multiple sides that frame the surrounding greenery and create an almost garden-room feel. A separate formal dining room provides a dedicated setting for gatherings, while the galley-style kitchen offers extensive cabinetry, generous counter space, and an adjoining informal breakfast room for casual everyday dining. The enclosed patio room adds valuable flexibility and could easily serve as a home office, workout room, playroom, hobby space, reading room, or second lounge. Outside, the expansive 25,821-square-foot setting is a rare find in North Tustin, with broad lawns, mature landscaping, and an abundance of open space for entertaining, gardening, recreation, or future expansion possibilities. A separate outdoor patio with a brick fireplace creates a wonderful gathering area, while the detached garage provides additional parking and storage. Although the property fronts 17th Street, its primary access is tucked at the end of a cul-de-sac behind the home, giving the property a more private and distinctive feel. Also has an access gate off of 17th street that could be used as RV parking. With its original 1940s character, generous land, flexible living spaces, and unique indoor-outdoor connection, 18012 E. 17th Street is a truly special 1 of 1 North Tustin property.

18012 E 17th Street, North Tustin

$1,999,888
2 Beds 3 Baths PW26205210 MLS Active Status
Exceptional Ground-Floor Single-Story Home in Coveted Sea Island. Fantastic purchase opportunity in the highly sought-after, 24-hour guard-gated community of Sea Island. This spacious ground-floor, single-story residence offers 2 bedrooms, 2½ baths, a den/office, and an exceptional indoor-outdoor layout surrounded by mature landscaping. A double-door entry opens to elegant marble flooring, leading into a generously sized living room featuring a fireplace and sliding glass doors that open to a large private backyard patio. The formal dining room overlooks a lush, verdant courtyard, while the separate den/office offers additional flexibility with a wet-bar with mirrored shelving, a brass sink, a small refrigerator and sliding glass doors opening to the courtyard. The spacious primary suite is designed as a private retreat, featuring a fireplace, retreat area, walk-in closets, and direct access to the backyard. The primary bath includes a separate soaking tub, walk-in shower, and dual-sink vanity. The second bedroom is en-suite and features a tiled vanity bathroom, while a convenient guest powder room serves the main living areas. The bright, open kitchen offers a center island, abundant cabinetry, recessed lighting, and an adjacent dining area with a French-style sliding door leading to the backyard. Additional highlights include an inside laundry room with side-by-side washer and dryer, built-in office desk, forced-air heating and central air conditioning, and thoughtful storage throughout. The attached 2-car direct-access garage includes built-in storage cabinets and is complemented by a full driveway. Residents of Sea Island enjoy resort-style amenities including two swimming pools, two tennis courts, a clubhouse, and 24-hour guard-gated security. The community also offers a spectacular vantage point for Newport Beach’s annual Fourth of July fireworks. Ideally situated across from the Hyatt Regency, near the Back Bay Golf Course, Palisades Tennis Club, and adjacent to the Newport Country Club, this exceptional location provides convenient access to the Back Bay, Fashion Island, Balboa Island, and Corona del Mar. Enjoy the year-round ocean breeze, nearby restaurants, entertainment, shopping, golf, tennis, and the relaxed coastal lifestyle that makes this area so desirable. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to own a single-story home in one of Newport Beach’s most desirable gated communities.

43 Seabrook, Newport Beach

$2,200,000
4 Beds 2 Baths OC26202880 MLS Active Status
FIRST SHOWINGS WILL BE AT OPEN HOUSE ON SATURDAY 9/19/26 at NOON. Thank you! Enjoy sweeping ocean views from Lantern Bay to Cotton Point from the front yard, with additional ocean views from the backyard of this beautifully maintained single-story home. Ideally located just one walkable mile from Doheny Beach and Dana Point Harbor, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the Dana Point coastal lifestyle. Meticulously maintained and extensively upgraded, the home has been thoughtfully prepared for its next owner. A brand-new, code-compliant roof with new plywood, fire protection and venting was recently installed in July. During the roof replacement, the home was also professionally tented and the entire attic was rehabilitated with sealing, cleaning, disinfection, and new insulation was installed. Additional improvements include a new garage door, new A/C system, fresh interior and exterior paint, and a completely redesigned backyard featuring a paver system, step-up deck, and drought-friendly landscaping and draining system. Inside, the bright and inviting single-story floor plan offers generous spaces, excellent natural light, and an ideal separation between the living areas and private bedroom spaces. The circular main living area creates an exceptional flow for entertaining, while multiple family spaces open directly to the backyard, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living. With no HOA and no Mello-Roos, this home combines thoughtful upgrades, functional single-level living, and a prime coastal location. Downtown Dana Point, Doheny Beach, and Dana Point Harbor are approximately seven minutes away. Move-in ready and ideally positioned for enjoying everything Dana Point has to offer—this is coastal California living at its best.

33261 Ocean Hill Drive, Dana Point

$749,000
2 Beds 2 Baths OC26204726 MLS Active Status
Coastal Elegance Meets Effortless Living. Welcome to exceptional 62+ coastal living offering refined comfort, captivating ocean views, and an unparalleled maintenance-free lifestyle. Ideally positioned on the top floor (entry level) this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence combines sophisticated living with the ease and convenience of resort-style amenities. A spacious, light-filled living room welcomes you with vaulted ceilings, creating an airy and expansive ambiance. Step outside to the private covered balcony to enjoy ocean views throughout the year—an idyllic setting for morning coffee, afternoon relaxation, or spectacular sunset evenings. The primary suite also features an ocean view, two generous closets and a private en-suite bath. The versatile second bedroom is perfectly suited for guests, an office, or a creative retreat. The well-appointed kitchen offers functionality and convenience, complemented by in-unit laundry for effortless everyday living. Beyond the residence, the exceptional level of service at Sea Bluffs allows you to enjoy life with fewer responsibilities and more freedom. Residents enjoy breakfast everyday plus 20 additional chef-prepared meals each month, weekly housekeeping, transportation within a 7-mile radius, general condo maintenance, and all utilities (with the exception of internet). This gated community offers 24 hour security/concierge and 1 underground reserved parking space per condo. Community services handle all maintenance of the plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and appliances, providing true peace of mind and a remarkably convenient lifestyle. In addition to the purchase price, this property has a MANADATORY SEA BLUFFS MONTHLY SERVICE FEE of $5629, as well as MONTHLY HOA of $720, and SECOND OCCUPANT FEE of $2100.00, if applicable. Buyer requires a 45 day lease back with all offers.

25422 Sea Bluffs Unit 307, Dana Point

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Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of . This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.