JACQUELINE KURTH

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

Jacqueline Kurth Executive Agent of the Month

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Jacqueline Kurth J

Written by Haley Freeman - Photography by Ian Wiant

acqueline Kurth has happy memories of growing up in the area now known as Lake Forest, back when it was still a quiet community populated with more orange groves than people. “My parents bought a home in the first housing tract in what used to be known as El Toro. The town was so new, we didn’t have an elementary school. I went to school on the old El Toro Marine base. We drove to Tustin to get groceries. It was truly the beginning of Orange County as we know it now.”

After a successful first career as a travel agent, Jacqueline was introduced to real estate. She started out assisting military personnel and their families with their housing needs. In time, she moved to mortgage lending,

a career that culminated in a large-scale FDIC project for Bank of America. “Once that matter was settled in 2013, I was out of a job. I decided it was time to try real estate again.”

Today, Jacqueline is a broker/associate at boutique Village Real Estate Services, a neighborhood brokerage that specializes in serving the elite retirement community of Laguna Woods Village. She has earned recognition as one of the community’s top sales agents, and she holds credentials as a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), both of which qualify her to deliver the highest caliber of service to the retirees who call Laguna Woods Village home.

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“We are a small, mom-and-pop company located literally within the community shopping center. Buying in Laguna Woods is completely different from buying anywhere else, and we are experts in the neighborhood and the requirements for living there. If you are a couple, at least one person has to be over 55, and children are not allowed. There are also asset and income requirements to buy into the community. There are 90 different models to choose from, from apartments to detached homes. Half of the properties are cooperative shares, and half are condominiums.”

Voted the number two most desirable retirement community in the U.S., Laguna Woods Village is a wonderfully

unique destination that combines Southern California’s balmy temperatures and legendary lifestyle to create a place where moments at home feel like time away.

Located only 10 minutes from the sparkling shores of Laguna Beach, residents can access the area’s distinctive beaches, shopping and dining, or stay right in the Village and enjoy an array of exclusive amenities. Neighbors can join one of over 200 different clubs, with interests ranging from sewing and jewelry-making, to wood shop and gardening, to photography and art. Play a game of tennis or bocce ball, and then stroll over to enjoy lunch at the private restaurant. The monthly activity schedule is packed with classes and events, including fitness, education and entertainment.

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At Home in OC’s Urban Retirement Village “With the exception of nominal fees for horseback riding and golf, all activities are included in your HOA dues,” Jacqueline explains. “For residents who don’t drive, there is free bus service to the entire community at 16 different gates, and a voucher system for purchasing discounted taxi vouchers. It’s a really great community, and I’m totally passionate about what I’m selling.”

Clients often comment on Jacqueline’s caring, genuine and honest approach to helping them find the perfect home in Laguna Woods Village and elsewhere. One commented: “Buying a home is always stressful on so many levels, but working with Jackie makes it so much easier and worry free. She is always very patient, kind, cheerful and understanding. Jackie is very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. We are very grateful to Jackie, and we will recommend her to everyone.”

While Jacqueline’s office is conveniently located in

the heart of the community, her online presence and numerous, outstanding client reviews also draw new clients from Southern California and beyond. One couple was moving to California from the East Coast, and they contacted her via Zillow. They reported: “Jackie was extremely helpful in identifying properties that met our needs, and when we arrived, she had arranged for us to see all available properties that meet our criteria. While we did not get the first property that we wanted, Jackie worked tirelessly to identify new properties as they would come on the market, and after several weeks, we were able to secure our new home in Laguna Woods. Jackie is a great communicator and was always available by phone, text, or email. No doubt about it, Jackie is the best.”

When clients are seeking a home outside Laguna Woods Village, Jacqueline is ready to help. She assists retirees with more affordable options elsewhere, as well as general buyers and sellers with homes throughout Orange County.

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Her extensive lending background is also an asset when someone needs advice about different loan options.

As a seasoned mortgage professional in her own right, Jacqueline has high standards when it comes to the kind of lender she will trust to handle her precious clients. “I work with Jim Thiel at Finance of America Mortgage exclusively,” she says. “He knows his business and is a true professional. I rely on him and trust him completely.”

In her time away from her real estate practice, Jacqueline is a keen tennis player who plays both socially and with a team. She also loves going to local swap meets and hunting for antiques. There’s nothing like the thrill of finding that one-of-a-kind treasure and making it part of

your home. Her compassion for aging people goes beyond her profession and moves her to support the Alzheimer’s Association, where she regularly volunteers with local activities.

Jacqueline now lives in Rancho Santa Margarita, just minutes from the community in which she grew up. Her first-hand knowledge and recollections of South Orange County make her the perfect guide for new residents in the area. “I remember riding my bike through the hills and rugged terrain to a friend’s birthday party when I was only 7 years old. No one would ever let a 7-year-old do that now, but it was rural then and very safe. I still love this community, and I love helping people find their home here.”

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Jacqueline Kurth

Village Real Estate Services, Inc. 24365 El Toro Road, # B, Laguna Woods, CA 92688 Tel: 949-702-0496 - Email: Jackie@vresinc.com Web: www.lagunawoodsinfo.com - CalBRE # 01202711 ExecutiveAgent Magazine