[quote author="IrvineRealtor" date=1213051682][quote author="awgee" date=1213050513]I just did a rough calculation of how many multi-million dollar, (let's say over $2M) homes are <strong>FOR SALE</strong> in Orange County and I got 1494. I don't how many buyers of over $2M homes are presently looking for a home, or even how over $2M home buyers there are in a year in Orange County, but something tells me it ain't 1500 or even 1000 or even 750. I dunno.</blockquote>
A quick SoCalMLS search with limits on OC, a wildcard for city, and minimum $2M pricetag shows 1163 active listings as of 8:45 this morning. (Many Newport Beach active listings are not included in this figure since they typically list only in the ValetMLS system.)</blockquote>
I guess that most people who buy multi-million dollar homes are not financing the full amount. I would be surprised if the downpayment wasn't at least 50% on average. Ok, you'll ask how do you get $1M or $2M for downpayment? I think it's possible if you started making good money early; invested your money wisely and you built a good portfolio. Also, some people really made a lot of money with RE. Most people are buy-up buyers (really!?!?). Anyhow, I think that a household making $300k can buy something in the $2M range.
I agree that the inventory is way too much compared to the pool of buyers. However, I don't think that looking at the sales of the last few months represent the potential pool of buyers either. You don't make a ton of money and waste it on a home when it is clear it will lose value. People who make that much money are bright (in general) and can recognize a good vs a bad deal.
Final point, Shady Canyon is WAY overpriced compared to Newport Coast and Pelican Hill. An ocean view home is worth so much more IMO.