In this column, you have noticed a steady activity of properties being placed into escrow.

What we have found is that there are three essential ingredients to a listing being sold. First is to be priced realistically and properly. Second is to be strong on commission. Third is to be open to terms (for example, owner paying closing costs or carrying financing).

One of the challenges that all sellers face is that some buyers may make an offer excepting the seller to accept without negotiating.

The following update on local real estate information is based on Multiple Listing Service data as of Monday.

PLACENTIA

Properties available: 128

Condominiums: 37

Houses: 91

Short Sales: 52

REOs: 11

Median condo price: $249,000

Median house price: $500,000

Average time on market: 98

Least expensive condos: One of the least expensive condos features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 845 interior square feet and association dues of $298 per month. This condo is listed under short sale terms for $110,000.

Least expensive houses: One of the least expensive homes features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,060 interior square feet on a 5,500-square-foot lot and a 2-car garage. This home was built in 1923 and is listed for $208,000.

Price range of available properties:

Under $500,000: 80

$500,000 – $749,999: 42

$750,000 – $999,999: 6

$1,000,000 and over: 0

Properties put into escrow last week: 10

List price range: $99,500 – $715,000

Description: 2 condos, 8 houses

Average time on market: 74

Most expensive properties: One of the most expensive properties put into escrow 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,541 interior square feet on a 7,000-square-foot lot and a golf course view. This Alta Placentia home is listed for $715,000. The actual sales price cannot be disclosed until after the property closes escrow.

YORBA LINDA

Properties available: 317

Condominiums: 88

Houses: 229

Short Sales: 85

REOs: 25

Median condo price: $259,000

Median price of house in 92886 area: $749,000

Median price of house in 92887 area: $699,000

Average days on market: 105

Least expensive condos: One of the least expensive condos features one bedroom, one bathroom, 552 interior square feet, one assigned parking space and association dues of $196 per month. This condo is listed under short sale terms for $150,000.

Least expensive houses: One of the least expensive homes in the 92886 area features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1,000 interior square foot on a 3,500-square-foot lot and a 2-car garage. This home is listed under short sale terms for $275,000.

Price range of available properties:

Under $500,000: 114

$500,000 – $749,999: 98

$750,000 – $999,999: 50

$1,000,000 – $1,499,999: 27

$1,500,000 – $1,999,999: 17

$2,000,000 and up: 11

Properties put into escrow last week: 19

List price range: $139,900 – $1,388,000

Description: 6 condos, 13 houses

Average time on market: 71

Most expensive properties: One of the most expensive properties put into escrow features 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, 5,000 interior square feet on a 15,739-square-foot lot and a pool and spa. This highly upgraded home is listed for $1,388,000. The actual sales price cannot be disclosed until after the property closes escrow.

Steve Vartanian and Terry Short are Realtors with First Team Real Estate. You may contact them at 714-693-1271, e-mail vartanian1@aol.com or visit their website at www.gotosteveandterry.com.