LOCAL HOMES · LOCAL LIFE North OC Notes BREA · YORBA LINDA · PLACENTIA · CARBON CANYON MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026 / ISSUE 02
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What's changing around the corner Hi everyone, A proposed Costco at Birch and Kraemer is moving into environmental review, and Brea Plaza is celebrating its reopening this Thursday. This week’s notes take a closer look at both, plus September's Orange County market, one useful question before your next offer, and three homes worth exploring. | ||||||||||||||||||
01 / THE BIG PICTURE A lower price or help with closing costs?Before making an offer, it can be useful to compare two approaches: a lower purchase price, or an eligible seller credit toward closing costs or financing. The better fit depends on your cash needs, monthly budget, and how long you expect to keep the loan. For example, an eligible seller credit toward a temporary payment buydown or discount points may be worth comparing with a price reduction. Ask your lender to show the upfront cost, monthly payment, and total cost over the time you expect to keep the loan. A temporary buydown ends, so the full payment needs to fit your budget too. A helpful guide to points and credits. Rates still matter: Freddie Mac's October 1 national survey averaged 7.28% for a 30-year fixed mortgage; individual quotes vary. With clear numbers and the right preparation, you can decide whether a move makes sense on your own timeline. I'm happy to help you explore the possibilities. Mortgage survey. | ||||||||||||||||||
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02 / OUR LOCAL MARKET Prices rose. New listings slowed.September brought some encouraging price news alongside a slower sales pace in Orange County. The median detached-home sale price rose 3% from August, while closed sales eased 2%. Here’s a quick look at the broader picture:
September also recorded 917 pending sales. Taken together, these countywide figures are a reminder to look beyond the headline price: new supply and sales activity matter, too. The most useful comparison is with homes in your neighborhood and price range. Source: California Title, September 2026 Orange County market update, October 5. Countywide figures; the median price measure is for detached homes. Changes in the mix of homes sold can affect price statistics, so these percentages do not measure the change in any individual home's value. The best perspective is still close to your own street. If you're curious where your home fits, send me a note, or explore your home's estimated value. | ||||||||||||||||||
03 / AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD Brea's proposed Costco: a chance to weigh inThe city has released an environmental review notice for the proposed Costco at 200 S. Kraemer Boulevard, southeast of Birch and Kraemer. The plans call for a roughly 160,000-square-foot warehouse, a 40-pump fueling station, and 943 parking spaces.  Conceptual site plan from the City of Brea's notice. Source: Ware Malcomb / PlaceWorks, 2026. Click to view the full notice. This is a proposal entering environmental review. The notice does not announce final approval or an opening date. The public scoping open house is Thursday, October 15, from 5–7 p.m. at the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, 1 Civic Center Circle, second-floor Community Rooms A and B. The comment period runs October 5–November 5, with written comments due by 5:30 p.m. November 5. If traffic, neighborhood access, or other environmental questions are on your mind, this is an opportunity to raise them while the study's scope is being developed. See the city's notice, plans, and comment instructions. | ||||||||||||||||||
04 / OUT & ABOUT Two dates for the weekBash at Brea Plaza · Thursday, October 8, 4–6 p.m. The Brea Chamber is celebrating the plaza's grand reopening with a ribbon cutting at 1639 E. Imperial Highway. It's free and open to the community, with an RSVP link on the event page. A nice reason to stop by and see what's new. Event details and RSVP.  Official event flyer from the Brea Chamber of Commerce. Tap for details and RSVP. Placentia Heritage Festival · Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Head to Tri City Park, 2301 N. Kraemer Boulevard, for this year's festival. The celebration marks Placentia's centennial and America's 250th with the theme "Stars, Stripes & Stories." Festival information. All times are Pacific. Check the event links for updates before heading out. | ||||||||||||||||||
05 / HOMES WORTH A LOOK Three price points, three different possibilities$1,095,000 · 114 N. Pauline Street, Anaheim  4 bedrooms · 2½ bathrooms · Approximately 1,870 sq. ft. A detached home in a gated neighborhood, with an updated kitchen and a generous lot near the end of the cul-de-sac. The listed HOA is $258 per month. Listed by Bradley Feldman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. CRMLS #OC26166162. Photos and listing details. $1,579,000 · 19782 Burleigh Drive, Yorba Linda  3 bedrooms plus a bonus room · 2½ bathrooms · Approximately 2,401 sq. ft. A main-floor primary suite, an oversized upstairs bonus room, and a spacious backyard with a covered patio and spa make this one worth exploring. The listing describes possible future bedroom conversions; it is currently offered as a three-bedroom home. Listed by Lori Fenn, NextHome Pacific Estates. CRMLS #PW26212506. Photos and listing details. $2,668,000 · 17218 Blue Spruce Lane, Yorba Linda  5 bedrooms · 4½ bathrooms · Approximately 4,856 sq. ft. Room to spread out, with two main-level bedrooms, including the primary suite, and a private pool with a waterfall. A three-car garage adds practical space alongside the larger gathering areas. Listed by Heather Moran and Edward Moran, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. CRMLS #PW26192473. Photos and listing details. Listings and photography courtesy of the agents and sources named above. Public listing details checked October 4; prices and availability can change. All measurements are approximate. Want to compare one with other options? Send me a note. | ||||||||||||||||||
06 / ONE MORE THING Have a local favorite?If there's a local restaurant, shop or event you'd recommend, send it my way. I'd like to include a few reader suggestions in an upcoming issue. Thanks for reading. If someone comes to mind who would enjoy occasional curated updates on the housing market and local real estate trends, please forward this along. Chris | ||||||||||||||||||
Chris Treister Enjoyed a forwarded copy? Sign up for North OC Notes. Prefer fewer emails? Let me know and I'll take you off the list. Equal Housing Opportunity. Cover artwork is an AI-created seasonal scene, not a property for sale.  |
