Orange County is one of the best places in the country to own a home — but every year I watch buyers overspend on the wrong home, in the wrong spot, for their situation. Here are the five mistakes I tell my own clients to avoid.

The median San Clemente home sold for $1,852,500 last month. Here's an honest look at what that money buys, the real pros and cons, the neighborhoods, the schools, and who this Spanish Village by the Sea is actually right for.

Thinking about moving to Orange County but Irvine prices aren't working? Lake Forest offers the same quality of life — good schools, safe neighborhoods, 10 minutes from Irvine — at $200K–$400K less. Here's the full breakdown.