The File Group guides investors and developers through the full life of a project in Coastal Orange County, from sourcing an off-market lot or teardown to selling the finished home.
That involvement at every stage is what separates us from teams who hand over a listing sheet and step back. We help you find the opportunity. We tell you what the finished product is realistically worth before you commit capital. We stay at the table through design and construction. Then we bring the completed home to market.
The difference between a strong project and a break-even one is usually decided long before the first permit is pulled. With more than 20 years of appraisal experience behind every valuation and longstanding relationships with the builders and architects working in these neighborhoods, we can tell you early which sites pencil out and which do not.
Whether this is your first ground-up build or your twentieth, our all-local team works alongside you from the first walkthrough to the closing table.
Every Stage of the Project
A development project is a long sequence of decisions, and each one narrows what the finished home can sell for. We stay involved through all of them.
The best development sites rarely reach the open market. We source off-market lots and teardown candidates through direct owner outreach, our relationships with local builders and investors, and the Compass network. We also flag properties being marketed as homes that are worth more as land, a distinction many buyers miss in neighborhoods where improvement value has fallen well behind lot value.
Before you commit, we tell you what the site actually supports. Drawing on more than 20 years of appraisal work, we assess current fair market value, probable value once complete, and the spread between them. We look at lot size and setbacks, view corridors, height and single-story restrictions, and recent comparable sales at the finished price point, so the numbers you plan around reflect how this market genuinely trades rather than how it is advertised.
Design choices decide resale value. We work alongside your architect, builder, and design team, and we can introduce you to the high-end local builders we have worked with for years. Our role is to keep every significant decision tied to what buyers on that specific street will pay for, from floor plan and ceiling heights to finish level, indoor-outdoor flow, and how the primary suite captures the view. We stay reachable throughout the build so questions get answered while they are still inexpensive to answer.
When the home is finished, we bring it to market. That means pricing supported by appraisal-level analysis rather than optimism, a full marketing program including staging and professional photography, and exposure through the Compass network. We know how to position a new build against the resale inventory it will compete with, and we know what the top of this market rewards.
You can bring us in at any point in that sequence. Many clients come to us with a site already under contract and want a second opinion on the numbers before the design is locked.
Our valuation work is the reason the rest of it holds up. Janelle File has over 20 years of appraisal experience, which means we read a property the way an appraiser does rather than the way a listing does. We can establish both fair market value today and probable value on completion, which is what allows our clients to move decisively on a time-sensitive opportunity instead of guessing.
We started this business with $90M in new construction opportunities, working directly with investors and builders to identify sites and carry them through to sale. That is still the core of what we do. Paired with firsthand knowledge of these communities, Compass brokerage support, and our marketing and negotiation work, it lets us take a piece of land and turn it into a finished home that competes at the top of its market.
We live in Corona del Mar and we work at the top of this market. In 2022 we handled the highest recorded sale in Corona del Mar at $23M, and our team has closed more than $945M in total sales. That track record matters on a development project, because a finished home in this market has to satisfy the most discerning end of the buyer pool, and the details that satisfy that buyer differ from street to street and view corridor to view corridor.
Whether you are adding one project to your portfolio orbuilding a long-term development pipeline, we bring the same attention to theunderwriting, the build, and the sale.
Our reach extends well beyond Orange County. ThroughCompass we are connected to a network of more than 340,000 real estateprofessionals, which lets us assemble deals and source local expertise inmarkets across the country. If a project takes you to another market, we canput the right people in front of you.
We know how to run these processes from start to finish,and we know how to make them straightforward. Whatever moves you, and whereverit moves you, we can take you there. Contact us today to learn more.
Working with Bre Roberts to secure our home in Corona del Mar was a masterclass in local expertise. Because it was a brand-new construction in a highly competitive market, we knew we needed an edge. Since Bre’s team also represented the listing, her intimate knowledge of the property’s design and history was unparalleled. She provided insights no other agent could have, giving us total confidence in our purchase. Securing a stunning, brand new construction home on a popular street is no easy feat, but Bre made it happen. We couldn’t recommend Bre and The File Group more highly!
I recently worked with Jon Marble and The File Group on the purchase of my home in Laguna Beach. Jon and his team were exceptional. As a Laguna Beach resident, Jon has deep, firsthand knowledge of the city’s neighborhoods and nuances, which proved invaluable throughout the process. He was consistently proactive—keeping me informed of new and upcoming listings—and demonstrated real diligence by immediately flagging a property that had fallen out of escrow, which ultimately became the home I purchased.
Jon’s patience, demeanor, and judgment truly set him apart. He understands that buying or selling a home can be stressful and approaches his work with calm, thoughtful guidance and a genuine commitment to his clients’ best interests. He offers measured, practical advice and works hard to build trust. Jon and The File Group are best-in-class, and I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone buying or selling a home.
Working with Jon Marble and The File Group was the best decision I could’ve made for selling my property. Jon actually lives here in Arch Beach Heights, so he really understands the neighborhood. He knew how to market the house and got us multiple offers, including one at full price. He guided me through everything, from pricing and staging to marketing and timing the listing. I truly felt supported every step of the way. I absolutely recommend Jon and The File Group to anyone thinking about selling in Laguna Beach or anywhere in Coastal Orange County.
Selling our 23-year family home in Laguna Beach was a significant decision. We lovingly raised our kids in the home, did a full remodel, and had put a lot of care into details that made our home special. From our very first meeting with Janelle and Brandon, we felt completely supported and confident in their expertise and capabilities. Their entire team saw and felt how special this home is, and they developed a strategy and marketing plan to showcase our home's unique features. Their deep understanding of the local market was evident, and they guided us to invest in several important upgrades to the home which enabled us to price our house at the top of the competitive range.
What truly impressed us was their attention to detail, their relentless work ethic, and their marketing. They handled everything from the professional staging and photography, which made our home look absolutely stunning, to coordinating showings with minimal disruption to our lives. Their communication was exceptional – we were always kept informed of every development, and they were always available to answer any questions we had.
They skillfully navigated multiple offers and ultimately helped us secure a price that exceeded our expectations. The entire transaction, from listing to closing, was handled with professionalism, efficiency, and genuine care.
Selling a home can be stressful, but The File Group made the entire process remarkably smooth and even enjoyable. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication, hard work, creativity, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for us. If you're looking to sell your home, we wholeheartedly recommend The File Group. Their knowledge, commitment, and personalized service are truly unmatched.
Janelle and her team did a fantastic job from the listing appointment up until the day we closed. Janelle is very knowledgeable about the local RE market and it showed when we went from the for sale sign in the front yard to the closing table in 26 days. Janelle and her team members were always available day and night to answer any questions or concerns we had. Janelle also had a great inner circle for all of our needs from painters, handymen, trash haulers and many more. I would highly recommend Janelle and her team if you are either looking to sell or purchase.
Brandon and Janelle were extremely professional from start to finish. I would highly recommend then to help you sell your home. They sold my home in a record closing time. I am not sure any other team could have done what they did.
Janelle was great to work with on the sale of my property. She was able to find a lot of potential buyers in a short time, and was always honest with me in communicating what the buyers felt about my property. There was absolute trust on both Janelle's side as well as mine, and that will always make any business transaction a successful one. She handled everything in an expedient, thoughtful manner, and completed the sale successfully. There is no one else I would rather work with in Corona del Mar and the surrounding area.
I have recommended Janelle and Brandon many times already. They are the best! Brandon takes care of any detail that requires attention right away. They contacted us 8 months after one short chance meeting when something came available we had described to them. That is now our home and it wasn't on the market. When we wanted help renting out another property, they had it done the first week end to our ideal tenant. Whenever we need a resource (handyman etc) they have a recommendation and never fail to help us. I would highly recommend them.
Brandon and Janelle are the go to team in Corona del Mar, Newport Beach and the surrounding communities!! We just closed on our house and there were multiple competing offers. I truly believe we would not have gotten the home if it weren’t for their experience and their relationship with other agent. We couldn’t be happier with the service and the follow up. Highly recommend them!!
Janelle and Brandon are true experts and make the home buying/selling process enjoyable. Brandon consistently made himself available for showings, always followed up with emails, and worked great with the other agents. Janelle's appraisal expertise ensured that the offer I presented was fair and Brandon negotiated the transaction perfectly. I always felt 100% supported and couldn't have asked for a better team in my corner.
Engaging The File Group was hands-down the best decision we could have made when searching for our new home. Janelle and Brandon were not only super informative, insightful, patient and willing to roll with us as we figured out what we wanted, but they also made the entire process as simple and streamlined as it could possibly be, from search to offer to negotiation to mortgage application to inspection to closing. And, even after closing, they consistently checked in to make sure we had everything we needed and were happy with our new home. I have regularly and confidently recommended The File Group to my family and friends — all of whom have had glowing reviews of their own.
Our experience with Brandon and his team was near flawless. We went from discussing the market to close on our first home in under 35 days and we couldn't be happier with the way things worked out. I met Brandon several months prior to even considering making a real estate purchase with my wife. Over the course of that period of time he made a clear effort to learn about my business, connect me with other professionals, and genuinely took an interest in being of service should the need ever arise. In early June of this year, I began to evaluate our entry into the market and reached out to Brandon in an effort to make an educated decision about whether or not to pursue our first potential purchase. During that conversation, he demonstrated a clear understanding of the local area, the current financial climate, and how this purchase fit into our family's long-term goals. Beyond that, I got the strong sense that he was able to separate and prioritize our best interests over the desire to just sell us a house. In action, Brandon was a strong asset, his personal presentation and professionalism provided us with a tangible advantage in the way that other agents viewed us as potential buyers. He was thorough and rational in his evaluation of potential properties helping to keep us thinking critically about our options. Ultimately, after hearing horror stories from friends viewing hundreds of houses and making multiple offers only to be outbid by a cash offer, we got really lucky. We fell in love with a house, made a very well-educated offer thanks to Brandon and his team, and presented a very appealing package that made the homeowners comfortable with our plans for their home. Then the stressful part started. One of the best parts of working with Brandon was the incredible team behind him at Surterre. They gave us the confidence to agree to expedited closing and made sure that we did not sacrifice at all on our due diligence. He was proactive in scheduling and attending every inspection and walk-through and found great professionals that we could trust did a thorough job. We bugged the crap out of him, calling/texting constantly because we were inexperienced regarding the process and he handled our demands with patience and clearly explained everything to us. As I said, we were the lucky ones and got to enjoy the process and found a great home that we absolutely love. Thanks to Brandon, Janelle, and everyone at their office.
I experienced the ultimate professionalism working with Janelle and Brandon. They are not extremely professional but handled every one of my issues with great care. I highly recommend them if you want to sell or buy a home. What a wonderful experience they provided us. I felt like family to them. Their marketing and selling methodology was exceptional. Additionally, I came to like them as individuals who I knew had my best interest at heart. It wasn’t about making a sale but serving my desires. I can’t recommend them highly enough as professionals and I feel fortunate that they became our friends.
Janelle helped me find a rare opportunity on Balboa Island. It was a highly sought 4-BR unit. She obtained the MLS data and the full data sheet on the same day. She also was available and got me into the place for review within 48 hours prior to the first weekend it was up. So I was able to put an offer in prior to the weekend. And I was selected from a number of applications. Janelle worked directly with the owner on the final terms and was present at the inspection. Very happy with her work on this - I would not have found it without her.
Brandon and his team were absolutely the best. We met Brandon randomly at an open house about 9 months before we bought our home, but he was always responsive when we wanted to see an open house. When we found our dream place, he and his team were incredibly on top of their game. During the closing process, which was very daunting for a new buyer, Brandon was with us 100% along the way. If you can, work with The File Group. You won't regret it. They are amazing!
If you are looking for an honest, professional, full-service, fun real estate agent, look no further. Janelle helped us purchase a home and facilitated a seamless, smooth process going above and beyond for us as we lived out of town. Janelle's previous clients have used her repeatedly for multiple house transactions. We feel so fortunate to have met her as we know she will help us with whatever our future housing needs in Orange County may be.
My experience with the File Group and Janelle was incredible from start to finish. From the first meeting where she and her husband spent time getting to know me, my needs and gave me great insight. The creative marketing they do is impressive and helped drive the right buyers to visit. Their concierge service is wonderful and they are incredibly responsive. It was such a good experience I bought my new home thru her and sold another home.
Brandon did an incredible job guiding us through the buying process of our new home in Corona del Mar. He was accommodating, assisted us greatly in negotiation, and had incredible communication throughout the entire process. Brandon even coordinated with multiple contractors to ensure extensive repairs to the home would be completed by our move-in date. Working with Brandon was a delight and he delivered quality results for us.
Janelle is absolutely incredible. I originally went with the File Group because of their knowledge and reputation in the Corona del Mar Market. Not did they outshine themselves in this aspect, but Janelle and Brandon worked extremely hard to sell me at a record comp and on top of everything - were an absolute pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend The File Group time and time again!
Brandon is exceptionally creative with a strong business sense. He thoroughly understands partnership marketing and is a true believer in the team approach. He is enthusiastic regarding his work and has a true passion for the game of golf. His desire to advance the sport within the college ranks is infectious. His strategic planning and goal-oriented approach are superior to others.
Janelle is a conscientious worker and she always demonstrates a high level of integrity, professionalism, creativity, and self-discipline. She has a focused approach to developing and executing business strategies and is able to motivate and lead her staff to accomplish established goals and objectives - all done with a smile on her face and a positive attitude.
The File Group is extremely professional and easy to work with. Janelle’s responsiveness and drive to make the best deal possible for all parties are incredible. Her appraisal background supports her pricing strategy. We are confident The File Group supported our needs from start to finish. We have now sold 2 homes and purchased 2 homes with their team.
Their marketing and selling methodology was exceptional. Additionally, I came to like them as individuals who I knew had my best interest at heart. It wasn't about making a sale but serving my desires. I can't recommend them highly enough as professionals and I feel fortunate that they became our friends.
Brandon is a visionary, motivational leader who embodies the rare combination of unbridled enthusiasm and unyielding integrity. There is no more solid person whom I know and I am delighted to be able to provide any type of reference for Brandon at any time.
I have known Janelle and members of her team for years. We have done business together prior to her having the courage to start her own and will say she is honest, hard-working and most of all easy to communicate with. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!
The entire file group was very helpful and highly professional. Would use them again! They represented both sides of the deal in a professional manner. We had some repairs to coordinate and all details were covered in a timely manner.
All I can say is "wow" ! not only did Janelle and Brandon operate with a clear, easy-to-flow process, but everything was fully transparent. I had full trust in their professionalism and ability to help us meet our goal.
Incredibly professional and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend The File Group to family, friends, and colleagues looking to buy or sell a home.
Janelle is a hard-working energetic woman who knows how to get the job done.
Pro's from top to bottom and you will never meet more quality individuals.