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.   01/20/2010

Southern California Gets Pounded with Storms Is this seriously Southern California? The weather has been very unusual, wet and treacherous over the last few days. The news media and weathermen have been fairly accurate about predicting the storms. Yesterday was unbelievable. It started raining in Newport Beach at about 1:00 pm and then the rain became torrential right away. I was in a meeting in the Prudential office, and my colleague commented that the rain was going side ways! I turned to look, and it was being blown side ways! As it turns out, there were water spouts, and reports of tornadoes in the Orange County waters. There was damage to buildings in Costa Mesa including Play it Again Sports on Harbor Boulevard – the windows were blown out. Boats were overturned in Huntington Harb... 01/20/2010

Tryouts for the Newport Beach Junior Life Guard Program will be held:  At Newport Harbor High School - Rain or ShineSunday, February 7th - 9:00am - 12:00pmSunday, February 14th - 9:00am - 12:00pmTuesday, February 16th - 7:00pm - 8:30pmSunday, February 21st - 9:00am - 12:00pmTuesday, February 23rd - 7:00pm - 8:30pm Sunday, February 28th - 9:00am - 12:00pm The Junior Lifeguard Swim Test consists of: Swimming 100 yards under the time standard for the participants age group; and Treading water for 3 minutes Age as of June 28, 2010  9 Year Olds - 1:5510 - 11 Year Olds - 1:4512 - 13 Year Olds - 1:4014 - 15 Year Olds - 1:35 Fees for the 2010 Junior Lifeguard Program*Newport Beach Residents - $645Non-Newport Residents - $750 If your kids have never done this program, it's a must. Not only do th... 01/19/2010

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,... 01/10/2010

2010 is finally here! There are plenty of Newport Beach homes for sale and they are selling at reduced prices. I started to think about our local real estate market in Newport Beach. I particularly wanted to look back at the Dover Shores area, mainly because that's the area I live in.Within the area there are other tracts: Dover Shores, Westcliff, Baycrest and Harbor Highlands. These numbers reflect them all. I researched back to 2005 and this is what I found: Units sold 2005-672006-562007-372008-322009-47 Notice something? Yes sales are picking up! Although the average sales price was at it's peak in 2005 at $678.38 a square foot in 2009 the average square foot sold was $510.95. It takes no genius to figure that this is a great time to buy. Believe me when I say there are investors in ... 01/03/2010

Celebrating New Year’s In the Newport Beach AreaWhile we are  still amidst the holiday season, bringing in 2010 at New Year’s is right around the corner. There is still time to make plans and bring in the New Year in style. There are many wonderful restaurants to enjoy and appreciate here in the Newport Beach area, and of course many of the hotels and clubs have organized New Year Eve activities planned.The following are some restaurants that you may want to contact for New Year’s Eve reservations.Billy’s at the Beach2751 West Coast HighwayNewport Beach, CA 92663-4753Phone: (949) 722-1100Rusty Pelican2735 W Coast HighwayNewport Beach, CA 92663Phone: (949) 642-3431rustypelican.comThe Chart House2801 Coast HighwayNewport Beach, CA 92663Phone: (949) 548-5889thecharthouse.comNewport Landing... 12/28/2009

Newport Harbor - Shines in Christmas Lights   If you missed the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, never fear.  The Newport Harbor homes are still decked out in their festive Christmas lights. So, if you would like to see the lights, grab your yacht or rent a Duffy, and take a spin around the harbor. Linda Isle, Balboa Island, Collins Island are all ready to provide you with a feast for your eyes. The Balboa Pavilion never disappoints.  The yacht clubs will also draw your eye with all of the decorations.  From Santa and his reindeer circling the roof in continuous motion to giant candy canes, there is so much to see.     We enjoyed a two hour tour through Newport Harbor, and no matter how many times I have seen these homes, it never ceases to amaze me.  The spectacular light shows are... 12/27/2009

Celebrating the Holidays at the Beach Christmas Decorations In and around Newport Beach In Southern California in the coastal areas, we really don't experience the change of seasons as other parts of the country, however  it is always evident that the holidays are here. There are tree lighting ceremonies, holiday programs, and holiday decorations that are everywhere and always an opportunity to enjoy the holidays.One of my favorites is the wreath on the lifeguard tower in Laguna Beach. It is located on main beach, and is so festive with the waves in the background. It is truly Christmas at the beach! Fashion Island also has beautiful holiday decorations. The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Santa’s house, and the beautiful tree and decorations, Fashion Island is a wonderful place to enjoy... 12/18/2009

Newport Shores Home for Sale Newport Beach, California 11.14.2009 New Listing for sale in Newport Shores   Offered at $1,300,000   This home in Newport Shores has a very nice entry which has a nice open front patio, with a dutch door to enjoy the California climate. The entry of this home has pavers on the entry patio as well as the back patios.     This four bedroom, three bathroom is located on a very desirable street in an excellent location in Newport Shores. Walking distance to the Newport Shores clubhouse and pool, it is in a great location. Walk to the clubhouse and pool or walk to the beach. This is an area to enjoy the beach lifestyle. This home also faces west to enjoy the afternoon sunsets and ocean breezes. This Newport Shores home features a large kitchen island with granit... 12/14/2009

Lido Island is a man made island in Newport Beach California. The island was incorporated as part of Newport Beach in 1906. Lido Island is only residential. There are tennis courts and a club house with a private beach for residents. Needless to say owning on Lido is pretty spectacular. Not only can you have the bay as your front porch, but you also have the ocean in walking distance. Lido Island Real Estate is a great investment. Whether a full time residence or a vacation home, you will love the Lido Island life style! Last week while I was on Realtor Preview, I saw a home on Lido Island that I have fallen in love with, I can't stop thinking about it.  It is your typical beach house in Newport Beach. It's of Cape Cod style, (my favorite) and it is located in a very desirable location ... 12/10/2009

Newport Beach's Joe's Crab Shack  whos owner was Danny Pang was auctioned Wednesday morning for 7.3 million.  Thus ended the latest chapter in the saga of the late Danny Pang, who bought the restaurant and other properties in what may have been a Ponzi scheme. The owner of a property in Newport Beach on Newport Bay was up for action and the owner Danny Pang and his wife are linked to a scandal.   The property is Joe's Crab Shack site it was assessed at 12.9 million. The sale of properties formerly owned by Pang or his firm is the latest development in the SEC action that alleged that the Irvine based investment manager of cheating investors out of $823 million.  The SEC was able to freeze all of Pang's assets.  The estate was turned over to a receiver who will try to turn the assets int... 12/10/2009

I subscribe to a wonderful Real Estate Market Update Report for Newport Beach that gives me information on the real estate market in Newport Beach or any city I desire.  I receive it weekly. My website and Blog visitors can also receive this report free, by just simply filling out the form below and it will come to your email weekly or monthly, you decide. Some of the information you will receive with this Real Estate Market Update Report are things like: Median list price in Corona Del Mar-$2,495,000   Average list price- $3,661,55 Median list price in Newport Beach-$1,992,500   Average list price- $2,813,759 Median list price in Newport Coast- $3,495,000   Average list price- $4,902,388 You can also see the supply and demand by zip code and If you are thinking of selling your Newport ... 12/08/2009

AVOID FORECLOSURE, ALLOW A CERTIFIED DISTRESS PROPERTY EXPERT REAL ESTATE AGENT TO HELP EVALUATE YOUR OPTIONS •    Are You Going To Fall Behind Your Mortgage Payment?   •   •    Have You Received A Certified Letter From Your Lender or Servicer?    • •    Are You Going Through Any Hardship Situation That Is Contributing To Miss Your Mortgage Payment?    •      •    Are You In Pre-Foreclosure or Foreclosure Procedures?    • •    Have You Received Correspondence Of Notice Of Default?    •     •    Is Your Company Relocating You Or You Need To Relocate?    •    •    Not Enough Equity To Refinance or Sell?    • No matter what your current situation is, my team and I are ready to help you overcome even the toughest situation. Let's work together to analyze your current financial condition, pr... 12/08/2009

What is a Self-Directed IRA and how can you use one to purchase real estate? Join expert business coach, Larry Gassin, as he interviews Kaaren Hall, president of uDirect IRA Services. Go to this webiste - http://www.justaskkaaren.com/ - and enter your question then listen to the live interview Monday December 14th at 4:00pm PST. http://www.justaskkaaren.com/ 12/08/2009

Yesterday December 6, 2009 was a busy day in Newport Beach and Corona Del Mar. We had the Balboa Island Christmas Tree Lighting and the Corona Del Mar Christmas Walk. I started my morning attending Mariners Church and then my husband and I went to Balboa Island for lunch. We also stopped by to visit our daughter, she works at Magnolia Charlies, a kids clothing store on Balboa Island that has darling things. The main purpose of our visit to Balboa Island was to see the Christmas Tree Lighting but we were a bit early. The shops were open and Christmas shoppers were out. The Island was starting to get ready for the event and the snow had been delivered. We have our snow delivered by truck, mother nature doesn't help out here, but I'm glad because I love warm weather. Just as we were finish... 12/07/2009

Newport Beach Boat Parade 2009   It's time to get ready for the holidays, and one of my favorite traditions is the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade.  Like so many other years, we will bundle up, and take a short trek out to the Bay to watch this wonderful holiday custom while drinking hot chocolate and enjoying the amazing place I call home. The parade includes everything from huge decorated multi-million dollar yachts to small kayaks and canoes with music and people celebrating the holidays both onboard the boats and lining the shores. The 101st Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade runs from December 16th to December 20th, 2009. It starts off Bay Island at 6:30 pm and finishes at the same place at about 9:00 pm.  Click the link for the Newport Beach Boat parade route. You don't want ... 12/06/2009

With today’s real estate market many sellers are wondering whether they should sell or not. My opinion is….It depends! If you are testing the market BIG MISTAKE! It’s a great time to sell your home: If you have equity, If you are being relocated for a job, If your family is growing or shrinking, If you are moving up to a bigger or better home, If you fall in love with a house you have to have and you can afford it! Keep in mind that if you are going to put your home on the market you have to price it aggressively. Buyers do not want to over pay for anything these days; even in Newport Beach they want a bargain. We all think out homes are better than our neighbors but often they are not. Have a neutral person like a Realtor help you with the price. I like to price my listings just under ... 12/01/2009

Newport Shores Holiday Home Tour December 6, 2009 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm The Newport Shores Community in Newport Beach will be having their annual Newport Shores Holiday Home Tour this coming Sunday from 2-5 pm. It is a a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and friends, and tour the lovely homes in Newport Shores which have been decorated for the Christmas Holiday. The proceeds from the Holiday Home Tour proceeds are utilized to provide holiday gifts for the military troops who are stationed in Iraq. Tickets for this event are tax deductible. If you purchase the tickets by noon on Thursday, December 3rd, the cost will be $15. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $20 and can be purchased at 358 62nd Street. It is a fun event, and I have participated in the past by hosting my ho... 12/01/2009

Balboa Island Holiday Home Tour The Balboa Island Holiday Home Tour is going to be held: Sunday, December 13, 2009From 11:00 am to 4:00 pm The Balboa Island Home Tour is an annual event and an opportunity to visit and tour some very beautiful homes on Balboa Island in Newport Beach. This is another holiday event to be enjoyed in Newport Beach. Other holiday events coming up are the Newport Beach Parade of Lights, and the 31st Corona del Mar Annual Christmas Walk. The homes on Balboa Island will be decorated with the holidays in mind. Refreshements will also be served at some the stores located on Marine Avenue. It is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the holiday spirit with friends and family. Tickets are required for this event, and may be obtained from the following establishme... 12/01/2009

101st Newport Beach Parade of Lights The Newport Beach Parade of Lights will be held: December 16 – 20, 2009 The parade begins at Bay Island in Newport Beach at 6:30 pm, and finishes in the same area at approximately 9:00 pm. The parade route is here. Newport Beach has so many holiday events to enjoy. There is the Balboa Island Home tour, the Corona del Mar 31st Annual Christmas Walk , and of course the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Fashion Island which was on November 20 – 21, 2009. The Newport Beach Parade of Lights is coming up soon, so come and join the viewers as you watch these incredibly decorated yachts and boats. Entrants even decorate their kayaks and canoes which is always fun to see. Some boat owners have spent more than $50,000 decorating their yacht for holiday event. ... 12/01/2009