Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 27, 2009 - Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/28/09 08:46 PM
Originally no more than a way station built by Spanish missionaries, Costa Mesa's first real estate development occurred in the 1880s. This failed to prosper, but Costa Mesa became an agricultural center known for apples and lima beans.
Long time residents may remember when the area was called Fairview and Paularino, but today, the city is a focal point in Orange County with the Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory Theatre and South Coast Plaza as major drawing points. It is hard to believe that Costa Mesa was once nicknamed "Goat Hill" because of its rural flavor.
… (4 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 27, 2009 - Central Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/28/09 08:36 PM
Central Costa Mesa is an area of the city, triangular in shape, which is bordered by Harbor Boulevard, Baker Street and Newport Boulevard/ the 55 Freeway.
The Market Report for Central Costa Mesa is below:

Based upon general definitions, it appears that Central Costa Mesa should be in a Sellers' Market though it still appears to be a Buyers' market. Given all that is going on in the credit market and the banking industry, we are in an unusual time and will have to see what happens over the next few months as things hopefully begin to stabilize.
Market reports … (1 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 27, 2009 - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/28/09 08:29 PM
South Coast Metro is an area that encompasses both Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. However, the South Coast Metro area in Costa Mesa usually refers to the area east of Bear Street and north of the 405 (San Diego Freeway). It is at the junction of Orange County's 55 and 405 freeways. It is the area of Costa Mesa closest to South Coast Plaza. In this unique neighborhood, premier office space and world class shopping vie with first class dining and performing arts venues to form a cosmopolitan blend of culture and business.The Market Report for South Coast Metro is below:
… (1 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 27, 2009 - Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/28/09 03:04 PM
The Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa was largely built around the MesaVerde Country Club, a private club and golf course Costa Mesa Country Club, which is a private course, is also located within Mesa Verde's boundaries.
Most of the homes in Mesa Verde were built in the 1960's and 1970's, with several of the homes actually built right along the golf course.
Mesa Verde is bordered by Fairview Regional Park and the Costa Mesa Golf Course on the south, Harbor Boulevard on the east, the Santa Ana River to the west, and the 405 (San Diego Freeway) on the north.
The Estancia Adobe, … (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 27, 2009 - Westside Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/28/09 02:32 PM
Southwest Costa Mesa, better known as the Westside or Westside Costa Mesa, is a wonderful area of Costa Mesa which borders both Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. It is typically quantified as being West of Newport Boulevard.
It encompasses Fairview Park and the Talbert Nature Reserve.
It has a wide mix of homes ranging from single family homes, to condos and apartment buildings. The homes overlooking the bluffs, have beautiful views of the ocean and wildlife in the Santa Ana River.
The current market report for Westside Costa Mesa is below:

Based upon general definitions, it appears that Costa … (1 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 27, 2009 - Eastside Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/28/09 02:24 PM
Eastside Costa Mesa is a charming area of Costa Mesa which borders Newport Beach, and, as a result, tends to have higher property values than some other areas of the city. It is bounded by Irvine Boulevard on the east, Newport Boulevard on the west, 15th Street on the south and Mesa Drive on the north.
Most of the original lots in Eastside Costa Mesa are around 10,000 square feet, a large size lot in Orange County, which allows for space to expand smaller, older homes if desired.
Eastside Costa Mesa is known for wide streets and lovely, mature trees, homes … (1 comments)

$8,000 Tax Credit for First Time Buyers - 02/28/09 02:14 AM
As part of the stimulus package, the Federal Government has approved a new $8,000 federal tax credit for first time buyers.
Below are the basics:
The Federal Government approved up to an $8,000 tax credit for first time buyers who meet certain criteria.  The credit is 10% of the purchase price or $8,000, whichever is less.  
A first time buyer is a person who has not owned a property in the last 3 years.  
The property purchased must be your primary residence.  
The tax credit is available to individuals with adjusted gross income under $75,000 ($150,000 for joint … (4 comments)

You Can't Handle the Truth, or Can You? - 02/26/09 11:21 PM
Do sellers truly want to know what their home is worth, or do they only want to hear what they hope it is worth?
Here in Southern California, most would agree that our real estate market has been hard hit over the past few years.  Prices are down.

In a time when:
44% of all homes in Orange County are distressed (ie. short sale or foreclosure), 70% for homes under $500,000 the median home price in Orange County is down 38% from the peak in June 2007 Notice of Defaults for failure to pay a mortgage were up 80% last … (14 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 21, 2009 - Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/21/09 11:48 PM
Originally no more than a way station built by Spanish missionaries, Costa Mesa's first real estate development occurred in the 1880s. This failed to prosper, but Costa Mesa became an agricultural center known for apples and lima beans.
Long time residents may remember when the area was called Fairview and Paularino, but today, the city is a focal point in Orange County with the Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory Theatre and South Coast Plaza as major drawing points. It is hard to believe that Costa Mesa was once nicknamed "Goat Hill" because of its rural flavor.
… (8 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 21, 2009 - Central Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/21/09 11:34 PM
Central Costa Mesa is an area of the city, triangular in shape, which is bordered by Harbor Boulevard, Baker Street and Newport Boulevard/ the 55 Freeway.
The Market Report for Central Costa Mesa is below:

Based upon general definitions, it appears that Central Costa Mesa should be in a Sellers' Market though it still appears to be a Buyers' market. Given all that is going on in the credit market and the banking industry, we are in an unusual time and will have to see what happens over the next few months as things hopefully begin to stabilize.
Market reports … (1 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 21, 2009 - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/21/09 11:27 PM
South Coast Metro is an area that encompasses both Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. However, the South Coast Metro area in Costa Mesa usually refers to the area east of Bear Street and north of the 405 (San Diego Freeway). It is at the junction of Orange County's 55 and 405 freeways. It is the area of Costa Mesa closest to South Coast Plaza. In this unique neighborhood, premier office space and world class shopping vie with first class dining and performing arts venues to form a cosmopolitan blend of culture and business.The Market Report for South Coast Metro is below:
… (1 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 21, 2009 - Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/21/09 11:08 PM
The Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa was largely built around the MesaVerde Country Club, a private club and golf course Costa Mesa Country Club, which is a private course, is also located within Mesa Verde's boundaries.
Most of the homes in Mesa Verde were built in the 1960's and 1970's, with several of the homes actually built right along the golf course.
Mesa Verde is bordered by Fairview Regional Park and the Costa Mesa Golf Course on the south, Harbor Boulevard on the east, the Santa Ana River to the west, and the 405 (San Diego Freeway) on the north.
The Estancia Adobe, … (1 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 21, 2009 - Westside Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/21/09 09:51 PM
Southwest Costa Mesa, better known as the Westside or Westside Costa Mesa, is a wonderful area of Costa Mesa which borders both Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. It is typically quantified as being West of Newport Boulevard.
It encompasses Fairview Park and the Talbert Nature Reserve.
It has a wide mix of homes ranging from single family homes, to condos and apartment buildings. The homes overlooking the bluffs, have beautiful views of the ocean and wildlife in the Santa Ana River.
The current market report for Westside Costa Mesa is below:

Based upon general definitions, it appears that Costa … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 21, 2009 - Eastside Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/21/09 09:24 PM
Eastside Costa Mesa is a charming area of Costa Mesa which borders Newport Beach, and, as a result, tends to have higher property values than some other areas of the city. It is bounded by Irvine Boulevard on the east, Newport Boulevard on the west, 15th Street on the south and Mesa Drive on the north.
Most of the original lots in Eastside Costa Mesa are around 10,000 square feet, a large size lot in Orange County, which allows for space to expand smaller, older homes if desired.
Eastside Costa Mesa is known for wide streets and lovely, mature trees, homes … (2 comments)

Happy Valentine's Day - 02/15/09 12:38 AM
So, today's Valentine's Day which makes most people thinks of hearts and flowers, romance and candy. 
It's a day that single people may dread wondering whether or not they'll have a Valentine.
I still don't understand how this day has become so romantic as it is the celebration of Saint Valentine.  I Googled it, and still am not totally clear.  Except that I did learn that Geoffrey Chaucer may have been the first to associate romantic love with Valentine's Day in Parlement during the English Renaissance in Parlement of Foules. 
Though I have a wondeful Valentine in my husband, Steve, we often don't celebrate on … (26 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 14, 2009 - Central Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/15/09 12:16 AM
Central Costa Mesa is an area of the city, triangular in shape, which is bordered by Harbor Boulevard, Baker Street and Newport Boulevard/ the 55 Freeway.
The Market Report for Central Costa Mesa is below:

Based upon general definitions, it appears that Central Costa Mesa should be in a Sellers' Market though it still appears to be a Buyers' market. Given all that is going on in the credit market and the banking industry, we are in an unusual time and will have to see what happens over the next few months as things hopefully begin to stabilize.
Market reports … (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 14, 2009 - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/15/09 12:09 AM
South Coast Metro is an area that encompasses both Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. However, the South Coast Metro area in Costa Mesa usually refers to the area east of Bear Street and north of the 405 (San Diego Freeway). It is at the junction of Orange County's 55 and 405 freeways. It is the area of Costa Mesa closest to South Coast Plaza. In this unique neighborhood, premier office space and world class shopping vie with first class dining and performing arts venues to form a cosmopolitan blend of culture and business.The Market Report for South Coast Metro is below:
… (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 14, 2009 - Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/14/09 11:59 PM
The Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa was largely built around the MesaVerde Country Club, a private club and golf course Costa Mesa Country Club, which is a private course, is also located within Mesa Verde's boundaries.
Most of the homes in Mesa Verde were built in the 1960's and 1970's, with several of the homes actually built right along the golf course.
Mesa Verde is bordered by Fairview Regional Park and the Costa Mesa Golf Course on the south, Harbor Boulevard on the east, the Santa Ana River to the west, and the 405 (San Diego Freeway) on the north.
The Estancia Adobe, … (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 14, 2009 - Westside Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/14/09 11:44 PM
Southwest Costa Mesa, better known as the Westside or Westside Costa Mesa, is a wonderful area of Costa Mesa which borders both Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. It is typically quantified as being West of Newport Boulevard.
It encompasses Fairview Park and the Talbert Nature Reserve.
It has a wide mix of homes ranging from single family homes, to condos and apartment buildings. The homes overlooking the bluffs, have beautiful views of the ocean and wildlife in the Santa Ana River.
The current market report for Westside Costa Mesa is below:

Based upon general definitions, it appears that Costa … (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 14, 2009 - Eastside Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/14/09 11:21 PM
Eastside Costa Mesa is a charming area of Costa Mesa which borders Newport Beach, and, as a result, tends to have higher property values than some other areas of the city. It is bounded by Irvine Boulevard on the east, Newport Boulevard on the west, 15th Street on the south and Mesa Drive on the north.
Most of the original lots in Eastside Costa Mesa are around 10,000 square feet, a large size lot in Orange County, which allows for space to expand smaller, older homes if desired.
Eastside Costa Mesa is known for wide streets and lovely, mature trees, homes … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 14, 2009 - Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/14/09 11:15 PM
Originally no more than a way station built by Spanish missionaries, Costa Mesa's first real estate development occurred in the 1880s. This failed to prosper, but Costa Mesa became an agricultural center known for apples and lima beans.
Long time residents may remember when the area was called Fairview and Paularino, but today, the city is a focal point in Orange County with the Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory Theatre and South Coast Plaza as major drawing points. It is hard to believe that Costa Mesa was once nicknamed "Goat Hill" because of its rural flavor.
… (0 comments)

Can't Pay Your Mortgage? Come to a Free Seminar in Costa Mesa and Learn About Your Options - 02/14/09 02:04 AM
FREE SEMINAR
 
If the bank is calling or you're being threatened with foreclosure, attend this seminar to learn how to survive in today's economic climate.  A foreclosure could affect your credit, your job and your security clearance, but learn about loan modifications, short sale, forbearance and reinstatements.

For more information, see Is Your Home Fading Away?
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About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.
For more information on Costa Mesa homes or the value of a particular home please visit Costa Mesa home … (6 comments)

Local Radio Station KOCI Discusses the Real Estate Market with Broker Christine Donovan - 02/14/09 01:28 AM
Tomorrow, Saturday February 14, 2009 at 10:00 am, on local radio station KOCI 101.5FM, Dr. Barry will be discussing the new Stimulus Bill, its provisions and what it all means for our local economy. 
I was excited to be asked to join this discussion and talk about our local real estate market and what is really going on here in Orange County.
So, if you would like to hear more about the Orange County real estate market and how the Stimulus Bill may effect it, join us tomorrow at 10:00 am on KOCI 101.5FM.
 
 
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About the author: Christine Donovan is a … (4 comments)

Does "As Is" Mean I Can't Have an Inspection when I Buy a House? - 02/14/09 01:12 AM
If it says the home is sold "as is", does the buyer have to buy it without knowing what's really wrong with the home?
 

 
The terms "as is" is found in many listings these days, especially on REO/bank owned homes and short sales.
Many in the real estate industry may think this is pretty standard language, but I have had more than one client ask me if this means that they can't have an inspection done on the house.
Their concern is that after viewing the home one or maybe two times without professional assistance they have to … (4 comments)

Is Your Home Fading Away? Are You Having Trouble Meeting Your Monthly Obligations? - 02/07/09 11:59 PM
Are you one of the 1 in 10 people who are currently unable to pay their mortgage?  Is the bank threatening to take away your home and force you in to foreclosure?
 

Do you know the 8 possible solutions to this problem?
 
Reinstatement - pay the loan and all past due amounts, charges and fees to bring your mortgage current Forebearance - obtain an agreement with the bank for a payment plan while you get back on your feet. Modification - obtain an agreement from the bank to modify the terms of your loan whether it's the amount of … (6 comments)

Orange County Rainstorm Blows Out and Leaves a Blue Sky Day - 02/07/09 11:57 PM

 
It has been raining fairly steadily for the past few days here in Orange County, and as I write this post, I hear it starting again.
But, this afternoon, the rain stopped, the sunny, blue skies for which we are famous were in full glory, and I took the opportunity to take walk out on the Newport Pier and enjoy the beauty for which this area is justly famous.
Take a look at these pictures, and you'll see why those of us who live here feel so lucky for the place we call home.
 
 

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About the … (12 comments)

Online Relationships vs. Offline Relationships - which Deliver more? - 02/07/09 11:29 PM
This post was inspired by Tina Gleisner's How Are Online Relationships Different from Offline?
It got me thinking about whether it's better to develop a relationship online or offline, and I think the answer is they both have something to offer.
 

Earlier this week, I received 3 referrals and 2 online leads in the course of a few hours.  The referrals came from offline relationships - a client, my success coach - Brett Noel, and a member of a networking group.  The two online came from two of my websites.
The referrals I received come from the relationships and trust … (4 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 7, 2009 - Central Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/07/09 10:14 PM
Central Costa Mesa is an area of the city, triangular in shape, which is bordered by Harbor Boulevard, Baker Street and Newport Boulevard/ the 55 Freeway.
The Market Report for Central Costa Mesa is below:

Based upon general definitions, it appears that Central Costa Mesa should be in a Sellers' Market though it still appears to be a Buyers' market. Given all that is going on in the credit market and the banking industry, we are in an unusual time and will have to see what happens over the next few months as things hopefully begin to stabilize.
Market reports … (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 7, 2009 - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/07/09 09:58 PM
South Coast Metro is an area that encompasses both Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. However, the South Coast Metro area in Costa Mesa usually refers to the area east of Bear Street and north of the 405 (San Diego Freeway). It is at the junction of Orange County's 55 and 405 freeways. It is the area of Costa Mesa closest to South Coast Plaza. In this unique neighborhood, premier office space and world class shopping vie with first class dining and performing arts venues to form a cosmopolitan blend of culture and business.The Market Report for South Coast Metro is below:
… (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 7, 2009 - Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/07/09 09:49 PM
The Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa was largely built around the MesaVerde Country Club, a private club and golf course Costa Mesa Country Club, which is a private course, is also located within Mesa Verde's boundaries.
Most of the homes in Mesa Verde were built in the 1960's and 1970's, with several of the homes actually built right along the golf course.
Mesa Verde is bordered by Fairview Regional Park and the Costa Mesa Golf Course on the south, Harbor Boulevard on the east, the Santa Ana River to the west, and the 405 (San Diego Freeway) on the north.
The Estancia Adobe, … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 7, 2009 - Westside Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/07/09 09:40 PM
Southwest Costa Mesa, better known as the Westside or Westside Costa Mesa, is a wonderful area of Costa Mesa which borders both Newport Beach and  Huntington Beach.  It is typically quantified as being West of Newport Boulevard.
                                                                              It encompasses Fairview Park and the Talbert Nature Reserve.
                                                                             It has a wide mix of homes ranging from single family homes, to condos and apartment buildings.  The homes overlooking the bluffs, have beautiful views of the ocean and wildlife in the Santa Ana River.
                                                                                                                                                                The current market report for Westside Costa Mesa is below:
                                                                                                                                                                                           
                                                Based upon general … (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 7, 2009 - Eastside Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/07/09 09:32 PM
Eastside Costa Mesa is a charming area of Costa Mesa which borders Newport Beach, and, as a result, tends to have higher property values than some other areas of the city. It is bounded by Irvine Boulevard on the east, Newport Boulevard on the west, 15th Street on the south and Mesa Drive on the north.
Most of the original lots in Eastside Costa Mesa are around 10,000 square feet, a large size lot in Orange County, which allows for space to expand smaller, older homes if desired.
Eastside Costa Mesa is known for wide streets and lovely, mature trees, homes … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate Minute February 6, 2009 - Costa Mesa Market Report - 02/07/09 06:05 PM
Originally no more than a way station built by Spanish missionaries, Costa Mesa's first real estate development occurred in the 1880s. This failed to prosper, but Costa Mesa became an agricultural center known for apples and lima beans.
Long time residents may remember when the area was called Fairview and Paularino, but today, the city is a focal point in Orange County with the Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory Theatre and South Coast Plaza as major drawing points. It is hard to believe that Costa Mesa was once nicknamed "Goat Hill" because of its rural flavor.
… (2 comments)

 
Orange%20county%20realtor%20christine%20donovan Ambassador_large

Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479

Costa Mesa, CA

More about me…

Donovan Blatt Realty

Address: 250 E. 17th St., Ste. 295, Costa Mesa, CA, 92627

Office Phone: (800) 610-7253

Cell Phone: (714) 319-9751

Email Me

Author Bio: Christine Donovan is a real estate broker and attorney. She is a lifetime local resident of Orange County, and the head of the DonovanBlatt Team which specializes in real estate sales and purchases in the Orange County area with a focus on Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.

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