The year is off to a promising start at Covenant Hills in Ladera Ranch, as the gated community has seen significant foot traffic from potential buyers in the past few weeks. In fact, the Covenant Hills Sales Gallery, open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., has reported a 127% increase in visitors when comparing the end of January 2012 to the end of January 2013. "Like many communities in Orange County, we've witnessed a decrease in inventory and an increase in demand at Covenant Hills," explains Gary Legrand, President and CEO of Surterre Properties® - a leading real estate firm in Southern California that represents Covenant Hills custom homesites, among many other luxury properties throughout Orange County. "After a strong 2012, we're invigorated by the fact that Covenant Hills has already experienced growing interest in its one-of-a-kind custom homes and homesites." The launch of the Legacy Collection by Warmington Residential last year - a significant milestone for Covenant Hills that offers single-story luxury homes from the low $1 millions - also helped ramp up interest among prospective homebuyers. In addition to the closed sales at 13 custom lots and 11 custom homes in Covenant Hills in 2012, Warmington Residential reported the sale of 16 homes. With current demand at an all-time high in the community, activity does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Recognized as one of the most unique and exclusive communities in southern Orange County, homeowners are drawn to Covenant Hills for its open space and natural beauty. This extraordinary environment for relaxed living is exemplified in the community's numerous parks, private recreation facilities, and hiking trails. Surrounded by more than 1,600 acres off pristine, protected ridgelines, many are surprised by how easily accessible Covenant Hill's Ladera Ranch location is to Orange County's beaches and shopping destinations. This combination of unparalleled lifestyle in such a panoramic setting is a true distinction of living in Covenant Hills at Ladera Ranch. To reach Covenant Hills in Ladera Ranch from the I-5 Freeway in south Orange County, exit Crown Valley Parkway and proceed east approximately 2.5 miles to Antonio Parkway. Turn right onto Antonio. Turn right onto Covenant Hills Drive and proceed to the East Gatehouse. Signage will direct you to the Custom Sales Gallery, which is located at 63 Bell Pasture Road, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694. Learn more about Covenant Hills at www.CovenantHills.com