Newport Beach Real Estate News - Newport Beach Market Report Newport Beach real estate has come a long way since it began in 1906. Back then, bayfront houses sold for as little as $500. Today, homes in this area are priced in the millions of dollars as the area is considered prime, Pacific Coast property. Areas of Newport Beach include Corona Del Mar, Balboa Island, Lido, Newport Coast, San Joaquin Hills and Balboa Peninsula. For those looking for a home along Orange County's Gold Coast, Newport Beach real estate offers choices for a variety of homebuyers. Luxury homes on the sand, bayside estates with yacht slips, elegant town homes on the golf course are all possibilities in Newport Beach. The real estate market in Newport Beach is enhanced by a variety of environmental, recreational,... 04/09/2010

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Needs Newport Beach Residents Support The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure which is held in September annually in Newport Beach, the City of Newport Beach has previously waived all its fees including permit fees, fire inspection,  police,and other personnel costs for the Race for the Cure to be in Newport Beach. This year, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure has been informed the City of Newport Beach may not waive the fees unless Newport Beach residents and business owners notify the Newport Beach City Council and Newport Beach Mayor that this is an important fund raisesr which should continue to operate in Newport Beach. By sending an email or  letter to the Newport Beach City Council, we can notify them of the importance of the Race for the Cure... 04/08/2010

One of Newport Beach’s Best Kept Secret   Cherry Lake Cherry Lake is an area of Newport Beach which is located in the upper Newport - back bay area of Newport Beach. Cherry Lake is bordered by Lake Park Lane, Heather Lane, Lake Park Lane and an extension of Tustin which is a Private Road. It is not a gated community. There are nineteen Newport Beach homes located on the lake. These homes all have views of  Cherry Lake and enjoy the secluded and serene lifestyle of this area.  The lake is spring fed and professionally maintained. These homes in Newport Beach have views of Cherry Lake from their homes, balconies, and docks. These homes have docks which are used for swimming, fishing, paddle boats, and kayaks. In this area of Newport Beach, it almost feels like you are in the mountains at ... 04/08/2010

Newport Shores - Close to the Beach and the Canal   Newport Shores is located just across Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from the beach and is just south of Huntington Beach. It is a neighbohood of 440 homes, and is surrounded by the Newport Salt March Wildlife Preserve, which many residents refer to simply as the canal.         Newport Shores homes are eclectic, ranging from the homes originally built in the 1960's, to homes which have been remodeled and updated to completely custom homes as you'll see below.  Some have ocean views, and some residents are fortunate enough to have homes along the canal and enjoy the wildlife which comes to visit.     Growing up, I lived in four Newport Shores homes and visited what feels like the majority of the rest of them.                         This i... 04/06/2010

The Newport Beach Film Festival is soon starting. Seven days of pure film bliss--starts April 22-29.  You can purchase tickets on line at http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/ Opening night starts off withthe film  Five Star Day on Aprill 22 at 7:30pm at the Edwards Big Newport. Also attend the opening night gala at Bloomingdales courtyard in Fashion Island and enjoy food from 25 Newport Beach restaurants along with a fashion show! This is a great start to our Spring and Summer season in Newport Beach!                 04/05/2010

Versailles - Newport Beach - Close to the Ocean   The Versailles is a lovely community located adjacent to Superior Avenue and Hospital Road, only a few blocks from the ocean next to Villa Balboa and across Superior Avenue from Newport Crest.   The homes are available in studio, one, two and three bedrooms models and were built in the early 1970s. Many of the homes come with ocean and Catalina view, enhanced by large windows and private balconies.       .           These homes are accessed via interior hallways, similar to those of nice hotels with subterranean, shared parking.   The amenities of the Versailles include pool, jacuzzi, a gym, a lovely clubhouse and tennis courts all located in a park-like setting in a gated community.  Though the area behind the gates is shared with Villa... 04/04/2010

I've been using DocuSign but I just registered for a webinar with ExpressDox e-Sign Training & e-Certification Webinar by Settleware.  Do you have any feedback on DocuSign Settleware Any other e-signing service? The main problem with e-signing is that the banks (who are far behind on the technology) do not accept electronic signatures as valid, even though they are legal. Please post your experiences so we can learn from each other! Thanks, Regina P. Brown 04/03/2010

Villa Balboa - Newport Beach - Overlooking the Ocean   Villa Balboa is a gated community in Newport Heights which is located mere blocks from the ocean off of Superior Avenue.  The homes are accessed via interior hallways, similar to those of a nice hotel.  Each building has subterranean garages whic are shared parking.  The association has several amenities including a clubhouse, a state-of-the-art gym, two pools, two jacuzzis and tennis courts, all located on the park-like grounds.         Many of the homes in Villa Balboa feature lovely ocean and Catalina views and many of them have been remodeled and highly upgraded and feature large balconies from which to enjoy the lovely Newport Beach weather.         Built between 1979 and the mid-1980's, Villa Balboa is located just down the st... 04/02/2010

On A Clear Day . . . The weather has been beautiful here in Newport Beach over the past few days. It has been cool, and incredibly clear and there was a great view of Newport Harbor, and in the distance Catalina Island. The photos were taken from a look out area on Kings Road in Newport Heights. It is so clear that you can easily view Catalina Island which is 26 miles from the Newport Beach area. Catalina Island is a destination area, and easy to get there via the Catalina Flyer. The Catalina Flyer is a high speed boat and it takes about an hour to get there. You can obtain tickets for the Catalina Flyer from Tickets2fun.com. Residents of Newport who have their own boats go to Catalina Island. There is a mooring area at Avalon. Also, it is very popular for anglers as well. There are di... 04/02/2010

Balboa Peninsula Point – A Coveted CommunityBalboa Peninsula Point is located at the end of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach.Balboa Peninsula Point in Newport Beach is a desirable community located at the end of the Balboa Peninsula. There are beach front homes and bay view homes as well in this area.The homes that are ocean front are right on the sand, and there is no boardwalk in front of these homes.Balboa Peninsula Point does have a voluntary community association. This Balboa Peninsula Point Association does  host a few events per year: these events include the Fourth of July parades, an Easter egg hunt, and Tuesday evening gatherings on the bay side of the beach.There are beautiful homes at Peninsula Point in Newport Beach. The photo above is at the park that many of the resi... 04/02/2010

Newport Crest Homes - Enjoy Ocean Breezes   Newport Crest is a community of town homes that allows its owners to enjoy ocean breezes year round and is just blocks from the ocean.   It is bordered by Superior Avenue and 15th Street and is located above Pacific Coast Highway. Ticonderoga is the entrance in to the community.      Newport Crest features 2 and 3 level homes that are 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms and was built in 1973 by Bob Grant.   For those looking for a home that is an easy walk to the beach along with a home with an open, spacious feel, Newport Crest is a wonderful choice.     The homes feature vaulted ceilings as well as large windows and large balconies from which to take advantage of the mild Orange County weather, and many have wonderful ocean views.   There are 460 homes in t... 03/31/2010

Balboa Peninsula Homes - Steps to the Pacific Ocean   Balboa Peninsula, also known as the Newport Peninsula or simply the "Peninsula", is a three mile stretch of land that encompasses some of the most expensive homes in the world as well as "The Wedge", a world famous body surfing spot, located at the jetty at the end of the Balboa Peninsula and a great deal of commercial areas as well. The Peninsula has two piers, the Newport Pier and the Balboa Pier as well as the Fun Zone which is like a miniature Coney Island located right on the Bay.  In addition, there is the boardwalk for strolling, biking or roller blading along the beach and another along the Bay.   At the Fun Zone, you can play in the arcade, ride the ferris wheel, see the Victorian style Balboa Pavilion which is over a centur... 03/28/2010

Cape Code Style Homes in Newport Beach – The Castaways The Castaways in Newport Beach is a guard gated community  located in Newport Beach. The Castaways is located near the Dover Shores area of Newport Beach, and is bordered by Dover Drive. The Castaways has 119 homes, and they were originally built in 1997 and 1998 by Taylor Woodrow. There are five different models ranging in square footage from 3292 square feet to 4208. There are variations of each model as well. Four of the models have main floor bedrooms, seven of the models have three car garages, and the remaining six have two car garages. The style of architecture of these homes is Cape Cod. The Castaways in Newport Beach is surrounded by a walking trail, it is a beautiful to take a walk or run while taking in the incredible vi... 03/28/2010

Lido Isle - Home on the Bay   Lido Isle is often mistakenly referred to as Lido Island. This a lovely community, located in Newport Beach is a man-made island, which has nearly 800 homes and nearly 1800 residents.  Located in the middle of Newport Bay, approximately 25% of Lido Isle's homes are located on the water. Access to the island from Newport Beach is via a short bridge. Lido Isle takes full advantage of its location on the Newport Bay, better known as Newport Harbor, which is the one of largest and finest pleasure yachting harbors in the world. The island residents are all members of the Lido Isle Community Association.  The association offers a clubhouse with a private beach on the bay, tennis courts, boat dock, boat storage areas, playgrounds and a snack bar. The beach has a s... 03/26/2010

Welcome Home to Newport Shores in Newport BeachWelcome home to Newport Shores in Newport Beach. Newport Shores is a beach style community which is located at the west end of Newport Beach. Newport Shores is located across the street from Coast Highway and Orange Street in Newport Beach.  Newport Shores is walking distance to a very desirable beach in Newport Beach, and a very sought after surfing spot as well – the River Jetty. The Frog House which is located on Coast Highway which sells surf boards, wetsuits, gear, DVD’s, leashes and apparell. Many locals visit the Frog House. The Frog House has been in existence since 1962 in this location and is owned by TK Brimer, and it is located just outside of Newport Shores.Newport Shores has approximately 400 homes located in the area. Most of... 03/26/2010

Newport Terrace - A Little Oasis   Newport Terrace is a condominium association located in an area that many might consider to be Costa Mesa.  However, it is a small oasis of Newport Beach and has much to offer for a very reasonable price. Located at the end of 19th Street, there are 281 homes in Newport Terrace, which is located near the beach and just above the Talbert Nature Preserve.  This is a small enclave which some don't realize is there as the only reason to travel all the way to the end of 19th Street is to reach Newport Terrace.   Originally built in the 1970's these condos started at approximately $25,000.  Currently they are selling from the high $200,000's to the mid $300,000's, a very reasonable price for a Newport Beach address.  When my sister and I lived in Newport Ter... 03/25/2010

I just learned about a new and exciting 4.75% Jumbo loan interest rate program today. Do you want a lower rate? Pay one point and the rate falls to 4.25% I know a few people who are sitting on the fence, because of the Jumbo rates. Maybe it's time to think about taking action! With this great interest rate, you can start looking now for your Newport Beach dream home. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's make sure you like the program. Here are the details: $3,000,000 maximum loan amount Purchase money only at these rates however refinances are available 25% down payment required 680 minimum FICO score Full documentation required for qualifying 3 Year Fixed rate product 4.75% at 0 points loan origination 4.25% at 1 point loan origination 12 month prepayment penalty applies Interes... 03/25/2010

Balboa Island - One of the Gems of Newport Beach Balboa Island - One of the Gems of Newport Beach Balboa Island in Newport Beach is a wonderful place to live, and many people also vacation there, it really is a gem. In fact, many of the streets on Balboa Island are all named after semi-precious gems such as Abalone, Jade, Topaz and Agate to name a few. Balboa Island in Newport Beach actually consists of three islands – the main island, little Balboa island and Collins Island. Collins Island has only 8 homes that are located on it and it is a private island for the exclusive use of the residents. Balboa Island is joined to the mainland by a two lane bridge. This is actually Marine Avenue and is located off Bayside Drive. Balboa Island in Newport Beach definitely has unique charm to it, a... 03/24/2010

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Deadline Approaching April 30, 2010 The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Deadline is rapidly approaching on April 30, 2010. Now is the time to be out looking for that property. A person who qualifies for this tax credit is an eligible taxpayer who must purchase, or enter into a contract to buy or purchase, their principal residence on or before April 30, 2010. This transaction must be closed no later than June 30, 2010.  For purchases which qualify in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 tax return. Please consult your tax advisor for details. There is a large inventory of homes on the market, and there are some great opportunities to take advantage of this tax credit. This is a great opportunity to consider... 03/23/2010

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day – From Patrick Patrick is my seven year old Irish Setter, and he is a character. He loves going to the beach, swimming, chasing sticks, going on walks (sometimes it is like Marlin Fishing!). Patrick is definitely part of the family.  I thought I would share photos of Patrick today, being an "Irish Setter" and all!   He definitely loves chasing his sticks! Not so good at bringing them to you though! A  walk to the beach - outta there! You might want to visit one of the Newport Beach Irish Pubs for some corn beef and cabbage today! Enjoy the day and be safe! Happy Saint Patrick’s Day Everyone! 03/17/2010