Over the past few years, Orange County has seen a large decline in median home values.  Newport Beach, though perhaps more insulated from the decline due to its location next to the coast, has also seen a decline, and this becomes more obvious when looking at the number of short sales. Only 44 of the 472 homes for sale in Newport Beach, short sales, meaning that less than 10% of the homes for sale are short sales.  When compared to other local cities, this is a much smaller number.   When looking at the homes that are currently in escrow or under contract, however, the number of short sales take a huge jump.  53 o the 110 homes in escrow in Newport Beach, or nearly 50% are short sales. When viewing the number of homes that have sold in the last 12 months, we again see a number closer to... 02/09/2010

Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-Outs Under Way! The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-Outs are under way at Newport Harbor High School Pool. The dates of the try-outs are found below: Sunday, February 7th – 9:00am – 12:00pm Sunday, February 14th – 9:00am – 12:00pm Tuesday, February 16th – 7:00pm – 8:30pm Sunday, February 21st – 9:00am – 12:00pm Tuesday, February 23rd – 7:00pm – 8:30pm Sunday, February 28th – 9:00am – 12:00pm There are still have several more opportunities to try out and this is a reminder of the dates. The try-outs are for the program which begins in June, 2010. Find more information about the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard try-outs at the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard website.  The time requirements for the swim try-outs are as follows: “A” (14-15 year olds): 1:35... 02/09/2010

Newport Beach officials to discuss Newport Beach CA Water Taxi   Tonight, Newport Beach officals will discuss whether or not to put the issue of a Newport Beach Water Taxi in front of residents and business owners. Newport Beach Water Taxi service could start as early as this summer.         Share your thoughts about the Newport Beach Water Taxi. Will you use the Newport Beach Water Taxi? Do you use the current ferry?  Do you think the Newport Beach Water Taxi will be competition for the ferry? Marina del Rey currently operates a water taxi during the summer months. In this economy, will all of the layoffs, short sales, and foreclosures, do you think there is a need for a Newport Beach water taxi?  Of will it help bring revenue to the city? For a fun outing, try renting a Duffy Boat! 02/09/2010

The median list price for the Balboa Island zip code is $2,595,000 compared to the Lido Isle zip code at $2,195,000. Both these communities are on the water in Newport Beach. Why the difference? I'm not sure. Maybe it's the fact that Balboa Island is more of a little city.  It not only has residential properties but you will also find many retail shops and restaurants on Marine Avenue. Lido Isle is only residential. Although not far from the Lido Village shops! At times prices were about the same at both locations but today Balboa Island is pricier. Take a look!   Balboa Island 92662 and Lido Isle 92663 Take a look at the inventory for both zipcodes For more information on Balboa Island or Lido Isle feel free to contact me, there is no obligation! 02/08/2010

 Newport Beach leads Orange County with the most million dollar mortgages in foreclosure.Are the sellers just unmotivated to make those big payments.     Wednesday2/10/2010 12:00:00 PM Address: 20 TALMONT UNIT 157 City: NEWPORT BEACH State: CA Zip: 92657 County: Orange APN: 934-33-133 Sale Status: Postponed to 02/10/2010(Mutual Agreement) TS Number: 20090159903404 ASAP Number: 3103342 Notice of Sale Amt: $1,207,025.27 Opening Bid Amt: 0 Sold Amt: 0 Sale Location: At the North front entrance to the County Courthouse, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA. Trustee: NDEx West, LLC Trustee Phone#: (866)795-1852       Thursday2/11/2010 12:00:00 PM Address: 308 SOUTH BAYFRONT City: NEWPORT BEACH State: CA Zip: 92662 County: Orange APN: 050-042-28 Sale Status: Postponed to 02/11/2010(Mutu... 02/08/2010

Orange County's Million Dollar Homes Head to Auction - City of Newport Beach   Newport Beach's million dollar homes in Foreclosure as of 02/08/2010.   Monday2/22/2010 12:00:00 PM Address: 5 LONGBOAT City: NEWPORT BEACH State: CA Zip: 92657 County: Orange APN: 477-051-16 Sale Status: Postponed to 02/22/2010(Bankruptcy) TS Number: CA09261681ED ASAP Number: 3172307 Notice of Sale Amt: $3,560,696.66 Opening Bid Amt: 0 Sold Amt: 0 Sale Location: At the North front entrance to the County Courthouse, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Trustee: Quality Loan Service Corporation Trustee Phone#: (619)685-4800   Tuesday2/23/2010 12:00:00 PM Address: 6 PAVONA City: NEWPORT BEACH State: CA Zip: 92657 County: Orange APN: 478-261-09 Sale Status: Postponed to 02/23/2010(Mutual Agreement) T... 02/08/2010

Happy Superbowl Sunday Everyone – Go Saints! Today, February 7, 2010 is Superbowl Sunday. This is a highly anticipated event every year, as family and friends get together to watch the game. This year it is even more exciting as this the first time the New Orleans’ Saints are playing in the Superbowl.  The first Super Bowl was first played on January 15, 1967, and this is the first appearance for the Saints at a Superbowl. Go Saints!As a result of Hurricane Katrina, the Superdome (where the Saint's played) was damaged. The New Orleans Saints scheduled 2005 home game (and opening game) against the Giants was moved to the Giant's Stadium.The 2005 remaining games were played at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, and the Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Lousianna.  The New Orleans Saints did... 02/07/2010

  The Castaways Newport Beach One of my favorite neighborhoods in Newport Beach is the Castaways. Situated at the top of a bluff which offers many of the residents panoramic Bay and Ocean Views! The Castaways Neighborhood is in a guard gated community located near the Ocean, shopping, and award winning schools. Homes range from 3200 square feet to 4200. There are 5 floor plans to select from and within each plan you will find 2-3 variations. You will find walking trails along the front row homes with amazing views. At the end of the trails there is the Castaways park. Presently there are only 2 homes for sale in the neighborhood both with views and both priced $2,750,000. For more information on The Castaways visit my website. 02/05/2010

Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard  Try-Outs Approaching Quickly . . . This is a reminder to you that the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-Outs are beginning this Sunday on February 7, 2010 – that’s right – on Superbowl Sunday! There is plenty of time to take your child for the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-outs then go and watch the game! Go Saints! The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard try-outs are going to be held at the Newport Harbor High School Pool deck. Make sure to bring: Your child’s proof of age. 3 forms of identification (i.e. driver’s license, a utility bill). Be sure you are prepared! Hopefully, your child has been swimming and is ready to meet the requirements set by the Newport Beach Lifeguards. The requirements are to swim four laps – a total of 100 yards in the time se... 02/03/2010

   All photographs are taken and posted by Sharon Paxson, copyright© 2009.  All rights reserved. Photographs may not be copied, or reproduced without the express, written permission of Sharon Paxson, Realtor, Prudential California Realty, Newport Beach.  Contact Sharon Paxson for permission for use of photograph, and permission may be granted in writing. 02/03/2010

Giant Squid Invasion in Newport Beach Giant Squids have become very prevalent in the waters off Newport Beach. Anglers are catching these Giant Squids. The Giant Squid on the average weigh between 20-40 pounds, and some being caught are as large as 60 pounds. There are articles and photos of fisherman holding them up, and they are several feet long! Some of these giant squid can be as large as 100 pounds. There was a representative from Newport Landing Sportfishing told a local newspaper that anglers in Southern California area have caught approximately 400 giant squid since Friday night. So I am not so sure now is the time to go Scuba diving in these Newport Beach waters – that would be scary to see a 60 pound giant squid! Originally posted at NewportBeachrealestatecafe.com 02/01/2010

Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-Outs The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard try-outs begin this weekend on February 7, 2010 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The other dates which are held through out the month of February are posted below. This is the ONLY time when an applicant can try out for the program, so if your child wants to participate, now is the time! The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards try outs will be conducted on at Newport Harbor High School, Newport Beach, California. If you have a child who is going to try out for the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards, then hopefully they have been conditioning for the test. There are several pools to practice at, and the pools are heated in preparation for the Junior Lifeguard try-outs. The kids can practice at Newport Shores Community pool in N... 02/01/2010

Are You Preparing Your Home to Sell? Guidelines for Home Improvements  When you are considering listing your home for sale, there is much to be considered to make your home as attractive as possible. This is a common question that I receive from home sellers who are considering selling their home. The answer and consideration is - any improvements that increase the home’s attractiveness and overall size to the general buying public will increase its value. The following is a list which includes some guidelines to consider when preparing your home to sell:  · Select a neutral color paint, and paint on the inside and out. · Paint trim and baseboard for a fresh look. · Make sure that carpet and flooring are clean. · If you are replacing carpet, use a neutral color carpet to appeal to the g... 02/01/2010

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,... 01/30/2010

The Calm after the Southern California Storms Southern California had a week long of rain last week, and it dumped on us again yesterday in Newport Beach. It did not rain as much as last week, however enough to close the roads to the mountains once again. It may be inconvenient when it rains, the beauty of the snow on the mountains is absolutely incredible after it clears up. The air temperature has been low enough for the snow to blanket the mountains.  These are views of the mountains this morning looking out from my Newport Shores deck. It is awesome to wake up and look out and see the snow capped mountains in the distance from the beach. If I can answer any questions about Newport Beach Real estate, Newport Shores homes for sale, please contact me. Phone or Text: 949.280.0681 Email:... 01/27/2010

Newport Shores Market Update – Newport Beach November, 2009 – January 26, 2010 Newport Shores is a beach community located in Newport Beach. It is across the street from one of the more popular and desirable beaches in Newport Beach. Also, located near a popular surf store - the Frog House. Also, located near a very popular surf spot called the Jetty is walking distance from Newport Shores. Currently, there are 10 active listings in Newport Shores. 215 62nd Street – Priced at $699,000 This home features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, located just two blocks from the beach. 329 Colton Street - Priced at $750,000 This home has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a roof top deck to enjoy the California sunshine. 337 Colton Street – Priced at $799,000 This home has two bedrooms and two bat... 01/26/2010

Newport Beach, Newport Coast and Corona Del Mar home prices were not affected like other areas. Although they did have a decrease in home prices they have recently  been pretty steady. Except Newport Coast. Home prices have  recently been climbing up. Take a look at my chart below.   While prices have been steady and rising in Newport Coast, inventory is getting smaller. Take a look at the inventory in Newport coast! One thing all three cities have in common is the decrease in price in homes presently listed. This goes to show that it still is a buyers market and homes cannot be over priced. For more detailed information on any area, please simply fill out the form below and you will receive a free market report in your email. Also feel free to visit my website at www.YourNewportHome.com 01/25/2010

Check Out the Wildlife in Newport Shores in Newport Beach Awesome Wildlife This past weekend was finally the reprieve from the continued the Southern California storms that we had here all last week. However, many areas were (and probably still are) feeling the effects of the storms. Newport Shores in Newport Beach is surrounded by a Canal which is fed by the tide. As a result of the storms, the water became very murky. On Sunday, we were looking out over the Canal and noticed something swimming in the water. At first, we thought it was a shark. Then as we were watching, it was a  sting ray  of some type. Then after taking a number of photos, It may have been some type of  eagle ray  as the head was different than a sting ray. The Ray was at least three feet across, so it was fairly go... 01/25/2010

  NEWPORT MESA BUSINESS CENTRE. Newport Beach. Industrial.   Property: Superior Avenue 1,600 sq ft. Features: Reception, 2 private offices, 2 large open areas, wetbar, shower, 1 restroom, storage, warehouse, 1 truck door, HVAC Price: $1,840/mo, $1.15 MG, $94 monthly Common Area Charge Property: Monrovia Street 2,500 sq ft.  Features: Reception, 2 private offices, large work areas, HVAC, 2 restrooms, warehouse, 1 truck door  Price: $2,250/mo, $0.90 MG, $150 monthly Common Area Charge   01/22/2010

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,... 01/21/2010