Melissa Fort Homes

Local insight from someone who lives here.

Meet Melissa

Real estate guidance shaped by daily life in the Village

I live and work in Laguna Woods Village, which gives me a true insider’s perspective when helping clients buy or sell here. With over 20 years of real estate experience and a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®)designation, I combine professional expertise with firsthand community knowledge.

I focus almost exclusively on Laguna Woods Village — helping people move in, move out, or move within the community. My goal is simple: to guide you with clarity, care, and confidence every step of the way.

Google Reviews | Trusted by Laguna Woods Clients

★★★★★

I worked with Melissa to purchase a property in Laguna Woods. She is knowledgeable, communicative, and timely, and offered very sound business advice throughout the transaction. She accurately predicted the process and guided me through the registration steps after closing. Buying in Laguna Woods isn’t like a typical transaction, and her expertise made all the difference. Highly recommend. – C. M. | Laguna Woods, CA

★★★★★

Melissa was very helpful at guiding me through an overlapping purchase of one Laguna Woods co-op as I was selling another. She helped me with staging the place I was selling and everything went smoothly. – S.H. | Laguna Woods, CA

★★★★★

Melissa Fort did an excellent job helping us find a home in Laguna Woods. She is knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and very responsive. With a tight timeline, she guided us smoothly and found a perfect fit. Highly recommend. – B.M. | Laguna Woods, CA

★★★★★

Melissa was wonderful to work with. She showed me many properties in Laguna Woods Village, answered all of my questions, and guided me through the HOA paperwork.

I’m not very comfortable with computers, but her knowledge, patience, and attention to detail made the entire process easy and stress-free. Thanks to her expertise, I found the perfect home. I highly recommend her to anyone considering a move to Laguna Woods Village. – C.C. | Irvine, CA

★★★★★

After living in my home for nearly 30 years, the idea of downsizing felt overwhelming. A friend introduced me to Melissa, and spending time with her learning about Laguna Woods Village truly opened my eyes to what this next chapter could look like.

Melissa is patient, knowledgeable, and generous with her time. She answered all my questions and explained every step clearly. Touring properties and learning about the community helped me see how much there is to enjoy here. As we age, community is everything, and I’m very grateful for her guidance. – N. C. | Mission Viejo, CA

Local Insight: Buying & Selling in Laguna Woods

Is Laguna Wood Village different from buying or selling elsewhere in Orange County?

Yes. Laguna Woods Village operates differently than a traditional real estate market — not complicated or intimidating, just unique. Home types, community guidelines, and the overall process don’t function the same way they do outside the Village.

That’s why working with an agent who actually lives in Laguna Woods Village matters. Living here provides firsthand understanding of how real estate works day to day, helping clients move forward with clarity, confidence, and fewer surprises.

Common Questions About Buying & Selling in Laguna Woods

What makes Laguna Woods transactions more complex than a typical Orange County sale?

Laguna Woods operates under unique co-op and condo structures with specific HOA rules and approval processes. Because I live here and work almost exclusively in the Village, I help clients navigate those details upfront so there are fewer surprises and a smoother transaction.

Do buyers need to pay cash, or is financing available?

Financing is available for certain properties, but it depends on the ownership type and lender guidelines. I help buyers understand their options early and coordinate with lenders familiar with Laguna Woods so expectations are clear from the start.

Why are the HOA fees higher here than in other areas?

HOA fees in Laguna Woods cover far more than exterior maintenance — including amenities, security, transportation, and extensive community services. I help buyers and sellers understand what’s included so they can make informed decisions with confidence.

Why Laguna Woods Village

Laguna Woods Village is one of Southern California’s most desirable 55+ communities, designed for an active, connected lifestyle in a secure, gated setting.

Residents enjoy:

Resort-style amenities and beautiful surroundings
An active social lifestyle with 250+ resident-led clubs
A strong sense of community where neighbors genuinely connect
Low-maintenance living with much of the upkeep handled for you
A variety of housing options, including condos, co-ops, and standalone homes
Easy access to Laguna Beach and the surrounding Orange County coast

This unique blend of affordability, convenience, and community supports a flexible lifestyle — whether you’re retired, semi-retired, or still working and simply want to live well.

Let's Connect!

Melissa Fort, Realtor | DRE #02182215

Century 21 Rainbow Realty, Laguna Woods, CA (each office independently owned/operated)

Servicing Laguna Woods and surrounding areas

If you’d like my short insider guide for a brief overview of Laguna Woods Village, email your request and I'll get it right to you.

Email Me

for more information or questions.

Book a Zoom Visit Here

To watch the official LWV video, visit

www.LagunaWoodsVillage.com and

select "Tour Laguna Woods Village"