Balboa Island - Live on Newport Bay - 04/25/10 08:38 PM
Balboa Island is a lovely place to call home located in the middle of the Newport Bay which is one of the largest pleasure yachting harbors in the world.
 
 
Balboa Island is actually made up of 3 artificial islands - Balboa Island, Little Balboa Island and Collins Island. In 1916, Balboa Island became part of Newport Beach.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balboa Island is connected to the mainland by a two lane bridge off of Jamboree on the northeast of the island. On the … (2 comments)

Huntington Beach Real Estate Minute - Huntington Beach Market Report - 04/25/10 07:16 PM
Huntington Beach Real Estate Minute - Huntington Beach Market Report
Huntington Beach well known as “Surf City USA” with its excellent surfing has 8.5 miles of beaches and over 200,000 residents with 11 million visitors annually coming to see events such as the US Open of Surfing, the Surf City USA Marathon and AVP Pro Beach Volleyball.


It is also known as one of the 10 safest cities. Huntington Beach Real Estate offers a wide variety of housing from moderately priced condos to multi-million dollar estates.
Below is the current Huntington Beach Homes report:

The real estate market … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Costa Mesa Market Report - 04/25/10 02:43 PM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Costa Mesa Market Report 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 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.
The … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Central Costa Mesa Homes Report - 04/25/10 02:33 PM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Central Costa Mesa Homes Report
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 Homes 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 … (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report - 04/25/10 02:16 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report 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 … (3 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Homes Market Report - 04/24/10 01:49 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Homes Market Report
The Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa was largely built around the Mesa Verde Country Club, a private club and golf course Costa Mesa Country Club, which is a public course, is also located within Mesa Verde's boundaries.
Most Mesa Verde Costa Mesa homes 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 … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Westside Costa Mesa Market Report - 04/24/10 01:40 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Westside Costa Mesa Market Report
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 real estate market report for Westside … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate - Eastside Costa Mesa Real Estate News - 04/24/10 01:33 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate - Eastside Costa Mesa Real Estate News
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 … (0 comments)

My LIFE! By DESIGN - Grandma Had It Right and I Still Need Some Work - 04/23/10 10:34 AM
In reading the exerpt of Tom Ferry's new book - LIFE! By DESIGN, I realized a few things about myself and my life - both good and bad.
 
 
It appears that the focus of this book is to take control of your life by focusing on the things that you are not doing by choice or by design, and I realized as I read this chapter, that I am guilty of this in some areas of my life.  Recognizing this allows me the opportunity to begin to change that.
 
 
However, one of the questions of the book, … (6 comments)

Should You Buy an Orange County House Just Because You're Tired of Shopping? - 04/18/10 11:45 PM
Should You Buy an Orange County House Just Because You're Tired of Shopping?
 
I've helped many buyers, both first time buyers and others who have bought before, and they buy for many different reasons.  They may buy because they are getting married, because they are having another child, because they want a second home, a beach house, a retirement home, to build equity, for security.  There are many, many reasons to buy a home.
But, there are also reasons not to buy a home. 
Should you buy a home because the home buyer tax credit is expiring?  This may be … (5 comments)

Huntington Beach Real Estate Minute - Huntington Beach Market Report - 04/18/10 07:00 PM
Huntington Beach Real Estate Minute - Huntington Beach Market Report
Huntington Beach well known as “Surf City USA” with its excellent surfing has 8.5 miles of beaches and over 200,000 residents with 11 million visitors annually coming to see events such as the US Open of Surfing, the Surf City USA Marathon and AVP Pro Beach Volleyball.


It is also known as one of the 10 safest cities. Huntington Beach Real Estate offers a wide variety of housing from moderately priced condos to multi-million dollar estates.
Below is the current Huntington Beach Homes report:

The real estate market … (2 comments)

Newport Beach Real Estate News - Newport Heights Market Report - 04/18/10 06:31 PM
Newport Beach Real Estate News - Newport Heights Market Report
Newport Heights encompasses the area between 15th Street and Pacific Coast Highway and from just West of Superior Avenue all the way to Dover Drive.
It is located conveniently near John Wayne Airport, severa freeways including the 405, the 73 and the 55.
 

It encompasses the area around Newport Harbor High School and that around Hoag Hospital . Many of the homes are fortunate to have lovely views of the ocean, the bay and Catalina Island.
Newport Heights is in the Newport Mesa Unified School District and feeds to … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Costa Mesa Market Report - 04/18/10 10:47 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Costa Mesa Market Report 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 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.
The … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Central Costa Mesa Homes Report - 04/18/10 01:34 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Central Costa Mesa Homes Report
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 Homes 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 … (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report - 04/18/10 01:26 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report 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 … (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Homes Market Report - 04/17/10 02:53 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Homes Market Report
The Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa was largely built around the Mesa Verde Country Club, a private club and golf course Costa Mesa Country Club, which is a public course, is also located within Mesa Verde's boundaries.
Most Mesa Verde Costa Mesa homes 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 … (4 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Westside Costa Mesa Market Report - 04/17/10 02:43 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Westside Costa Mesa Market Report
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 real estate market report for Westside … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate - Eastside Costa Mesa Real Estate News - 04/17/10 02:36 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate - Eastside Costa Mesa Real Estate News
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 … (0 comments)

Will the California Home Buyer Tax Credit Run Out Quickly? - 04/16/10 12:58 AM
Will the California Home Buyer Tax Credit Run Out Quickly?
 
California allocated $100 million for first time home buyer tax credits and another $100 million for those that buy homes that have never been occupied. The credits for the new homes are not limited to first time buyers. All these homes must close escrow between May 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.
Although the home buyer tax credit is not set to expire until the end of the year, C.A.R., the California Association of Realtors® is forecasting that the money for first time buyer tax credits will run out between 10 … (9 comments)

The Recession Won't Be Over Until Home Owners are No Longer Upside Down - 04/11/10 11:46 PM
The Recession Won't Be Over Until Home Owners are No Longer Upside Down
 
 
Some believe the recession is over, and we are in recovery.  Others say we still haven't seen the end of it.
 
I do not have an economics degree, but it seems to me that this recession will not truly be over until the American home owner is comfortable in their own home.
 
The American Dream of owning a home, has become a nightmare to millions of Americans in the last few years.  Instead of being a point of pride and comfort, owning a home … (9 comments)

Newport Beach Real Estate News - Balboa Peninsula Market Report - 04/11/10 11:35 PM
Newport Beach Real Estate News - Balboa Peninsula Market Report 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 … (0 comments)

Thousands of California Sellers May Get Tax Relief - 04/11/10 12:46 AM
Thousands of California Sellers May Get Tax Relief
 
Under the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, under certain circumstance a home owner who sells a home as a short sale or loses it in foreclosure may have a write off for the forgiveness of debt which results in a 1099.
 
However, California homeowners who had a short sale or foreclosure in California, were unable to apply a similar deduction to their state taxes, at least until now.  The result was that those who were in great need of a tax deduction, were being taxed on forgiven debt, on money they … (6 comments)

Huntington Beach Real Estate Minute - Huntington Beach Market Report - 04/10/10 01:16 AM
Huntington Beach Real Estate Minute - Huntington Beach Market Report
Huntington Beach well known as “Surf City USA” with its excellent surfing has 8.5 miles of beaches and over 200,000 residents with 11 million visitors annually coming to see events such as the US Open of Surfing, the Surf City USA Marathon and AVP Pro Beach Volleyball.


It is also known as one of the 10 safest cities. Huntington Beach Real Estate offers a wide variety of housing from moderately priced condos to multi-million dollar estates.
Below is the current Huntington Beach Homes report:

The real estate market … (9 comments)

Fountain Valley Real Estate News - Fountain Valley Real Estate Market Report - 04/10/10 01:11 AM
Fountain Valley Real Estate News - Fountain Valley Real Estate Market Report
Fountain Valley is centrally located in Orange County. It lies between Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. It is known as "A Nice Place to Live".
Fountain Valley homes are fortunate enough to have 18 parks, the greatest of which is Miles Square Park, which has 640 acres, nearby. The Park is home to an archery range, three golf courses, 2 lakes for fishing, picnic areas and numerous other amenities.
In addition, Fountain Valley offers a wonderful Fountain Valley First Time Home Buyer Program with up … (1 comments)

Newport Beach Real Estate News - Newport Beach Market Report - 04/10/10 01:04 AM
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 … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Costa Mesa Market Report - 04/09/10 01:04 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Costa Mesa Market Report 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 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.
The … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Central Costa Mesa Homes Report - 04/09/10 12:57 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Central Costa Mesa Homes Report
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 Homes 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 … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report - 04/09/10 12:45 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report 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 … (0 comments)

Newport Shores - Close to the Beach and the Canal - 04/06/10 11:23 PM
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 … (5 comments)

$18,000 in Buyer Tax Credits for California Buyers - Time is Running Out Fast - 04/04/10 11:57 PM
$18,000 in Buyer Tax Credits for California Buyers - Time is Running Out Fast
 
Last week Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 183 which provides $200 million in tax credits for home buyers. 
 California Tax Buyer Credit
$100 million for first time buyers $100 million for buyers of new homes or homes that have never been occupied - don't have to be first time buyer Homes must be principal residence of buyer Must close on home on or after May 1, 2010. Buyer must be in escrow/have a valid contact to purchase the home no later than 12/21/10 and close no later … (4 comments)

Versailles - Newport Beach - Close to the Ocean - 04/04/10 04:42 PM
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 … (1 comments)

Huntington Beach Real Estate Minute - Huntington Beach Market Report - 04/04/10 02:11 AM
Huntington Beach Real Estate Minute - Huntington Beach Market Report
Huntington Beach well known as “Surf City USA” with its excellent surfing has 8.5 miles of beaches and over 200,000 residents with 11 million visitors annually coming to see events such as the US Open of Surfing, the Surf City USA Marathon and AVP Pro Beach Volleyball.


It is also known as one of the 10 safest cities. Huntington Beach Real Estate offers a wide variety of housing from moderately priced condos to multi-million dollar estates.
Below is the current Huntington Beach Homes report:

The real estate market … (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Homes Market Report - 04/04/10 02:03 AM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Homes Market Report
The Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa was largely built around the Mesa Verde Country Club, a private club and golf course Costa Mesa Country Club, which is a public course, is also located within Mesa Verde's boundaries.
Most Mesa Verde Costa Mesa homes 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 … (2 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Westside Costa Mesa Market Report - 04/03/10 11:35 PM
Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Westside Costa Mesa Market Report
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 real estate market report for Westside … (0 comments)

Costa Mesa Real Estate - Eastside Costa Mesa Real Estate News - 04/03/10 10:23 PM
Costa Mesa Real Estate - Eastside Costa Mesa Real Estate News
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 … (12 comments)

Villa Balboa - Newport Beach - Overlooking the Ocean - 04/02/10 10:29 PM
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 … (6 comments)

 
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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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