Much of what determines the success of a real estate sales career can be found in the location and character of the City and its environs in which the Realtor works (and lives). Here are just a few of the many reasons why so many successful Realtors have chosen Irvine as the ideal place in which to do business!

Central location – just take a quick glance at a map of Orange County and you will see Irvine conveniently located at or near six freeways, the 5, 405, 55, 73, 133 and 241. Irvine’s central location makes it easy to sell real estate anywhere from Newport to Anaheim Hills or Laguna Niguel to Huntington Beach as well as dozens of other cities. Proximity to major transportation corridors is critical to the economic health and growth of an area, and when John Wayne Airport is added to the mix, Irvine clearly has an incomparable location. Also, proximity to great shopping and entertainment such as Fashion Island, South Coast Plaza and the Spectrum add to Irvine’s overall appeal.

Valuation of property – in a time when the home is usually the best and largest investment it is important for buyers to know the fair price for a particular home. In Irvine, that is relatively easy to determine, because Irvine is a “master planned community” and most properties are located in tracts where it is easy to obtain accurate comps, and for agents to have in-depth knowledge of floor plans, community facilities, etc.

Appreciation – because of high demand and chronic tight supply, prices in Irvine are among the most stable in the nation, and are appreciating at a rate that is among the highest as well. As an investment, over time an Irvine home ranks among the best.

High turnover – the only way an agent earns a commission is to sell homes. In an area where people rarely move, this can be a real challenge. Irvine is, and always has been, a city with high turnover – upwardly-mobile executives move in and out seeking new career opportunities, others move up to larger homes as their incomes and families expand, still others sell an older home to move up to a “hot new area” where they can enjoy newer floor plans and features and obtain greater price appreciation potential.

Diverse market – Irvine has a wide diversity of housing and prices – from $200,000 condos to $10,000,000 luxury estates and everything in between, therefore, some segment of the market is always moving. When agents have a wide range of homes to show prospects, they can close more sales. Others may want to live in Irvine for its schools, community facilities, convenient location, etc., and will buy whatever they can afford. Being able to show a wide range of homes increases the possibility of making a sale. Costal cities featuring high priced homes tend to have many “starving” Realtors in slow markets.

Growing market – in addition to all the factors mentioned, and for other reasons such as the promise of a Great Park and/or residential and commercial development at the former El Toro Marine base, development of the former Tustin helicopter base, and hot new residential developments such as Quail Hill, Turtle Ridge and Shady Canyon, Irvine’s prospects for future growth are very bright. It’s always good for agents to work in growing areas as new developments act as a magnet for new businesses and new people to move in.

Business and technology hub – the Irvine Spectrum and other commercial/industrial areas such as those in the John Wayne Airport corridor attract high-income professionals, new businesses and thousands of support personnel, all of whom need a place to live. Irvine is fast becoming the “Silicon Valley” of Southern California, but with a more diverse and resilient mix of enterprises. This bodes well for future growth and a continued strong real estate market.

Schools and “America’s Safest City” rating – Irvine is an education Mecca including exceptional secondary schools and excellent institutions of higher education including UCI, Irvine Valley College and private continuing education facilities such as Concordia University, University of Phoenix, Pepperdine University and others. For the Realtor, home sales become a slam-dunk when working with young families looking for places where their children can learn in a safe and stimulating environment.

For agents who live in Irvine, many other advantages are clearly apparent. For those who live in surrounding communities, it would be a wise career move to work in an innovative firm such as Platinum Properties International where they can obtain the same advantages as those who live here, and build an unusually successful real estate business!

© Copyright 2002, The J. Hartman Company