I have a new listing that is a great buy in a very convenient location to share with you. Take a look:

1309 Corte Alemano
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

3 bedrooms | 2.5 baths
Approx. 1547 sq. ft.
Built in 2004
2 car direct access garage
$505,000

This is a beautiful and spacious townhome in upscale gated community of The Laurels at Providence Park in South Coast Metro. This quality townhome built in 2004 by Standard Pacific features sought after amenities such as granite kitchen counters, stainless steel appliances, plantation shutters, top of the line stainmaster carpet, recessed lighting, fireplace, air conditioning, upstairs laundry room, high ceilings, and no mello-roos tax. The huge master suite features a walk-in closet, double sink vanity with custom tile detailing, and spacious glass shower. Enjoy ample storage in the extra-large two car direct access garage.

The home includes an attractive front patio complete with association provided furniture and room for a BBQ and outdoor entertaining.

Ideal for anyone who wants quick access to everything, this community is commuter friendly with quick access to both the 405 freeway and John Wayne Airport and is just minutes away from world class shopping at South Coast Plaza, popular dining, theaters, the Orange County Performing Arts Center, distinguished schools, and renowned beaches.

• Automatic set-back thermostat
• Energy-efficient, low-E dual glazed windows
• Energy-efficient water heater
• Fully insulated exterior walls and exterior ceilings at living areas
• Low flow toilets

Please contact me for further information or to schedule a showing!

Last week, Surterre Properties launched a revamped, and much improved web presence .  The site is a great step forward in reflecting the brand, values, and service value that Surterre and its agents prides itself on.  Two of the great new website features are an eco-blog which is an extension of Surterre Properties eco-centric philosophy, and a direct link to the weekly Best Buy’s list which represents active properties in the Coastal Orange County market that represent the best value available as selected by Realtor peer review.  Check out the new site (and look for my profile!) at www.SurterreProperties.com.

I have just co-listed an fantastic new property in the Corona del Mar Village to announce:

718 Larkspur
Corona del Mar, CA 92625

4 bedroom | Office | Bonus Room
4 full + 2 half baths
Approx. 3,400 sq. ft.
Built in 2004
$2,195,000

Quality and warmth radiate from this spacious family home located in the Corona del Mar Village. The open and functional floorplan features 4 bedroom suites with an additional office, bonus room, family room and den.

Beautifully designed with high quality finishes and amenities such as a modern chef’s kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, convection oven, warming drawer, large center island with bar seating, and built-in desk area for coordinating the day’s activities.

Additional amenities include crown molding, elevated ceilings, ample storage throughout, two fireplaces, recessed lighting, generous master suite, security system, Cat 5 high-speed wiring throughout, and large front patio with built in barbeque perfect for entertaining.

Thoughtful details include a Jacuzzi ready rooftop deck from which to enjoy lovely ocean/sunset views and 4 parking spaces (large 2 car attached garage plus covered 2 spot carport parking). This home offers the perfect location from which to enjoy all that Corona del Mar has to offer.

For further information, or to schedule a showing, please contact me.

I’m often asked how much does it take to get into the Newport Beach market. I created this flyer to give a summary overview of Newport Beach’s most affordable communities. It generally represents entry level purchase prices into the market and gives some summary details on each of the community, including approximate age of the community, number of units, and typical association dues.

• The locals know that people live either on the “west side of the bay” or the “east side of the bay” (see pdf map for a visual). In general (there are certainly examples that prove otherwise), property on the east side of the bay is slightly more expensive than property on the west side of the bay. This generalism holds true for the entry level communities.
• Rock bottom entry level is in the high $200,000 for a studio/1bd apartment of approximately 500 square feet (two properties have closed under $300,000 in 2008 in Newport Beach - one for $270,000 and another for $279,000).
• Average entry level pricing in Newport Beach is around $650,000-$700,000 which will give you a several options in the 1-2 bedroom category.
• The most affordable community in all of Newport Beach is the Versailles building on the west side of the bay. This is an multilevel building that has a variety of studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units. It is possible to get into a 1 bedroom in the Versaille building in the low $300,000’s. The location is close to the beach, and this is a popular location for those who want easy access to the Newport Peninsula and a Newport Beach zip code. It also is a popular place for 2nd home owners who just want a small place near the beach with low maintenance.
• One of the best kept entry level communities is Bayridge on the east side of the bay. An attractive Cape Code style community, the location is supurb. Surrounded by many high end communities, the location offers easy access to Fashion Island and Corona del Mar, the 73 freeway, UCI, and Irvine.

Four great properties in Coastal Orange County made this week’s best buys list: two from Laguna, one in Newport Beach, and one in Irvine in the exclusive community of Shady Canyon. For further details on any of these listings, please contact me.