Last month I posted this entry which detailed out my recent tour of the soon to be completed Pelican Hill Resort.  Surterre Properties has an alliance with the resort which can yield you an extra goodie or two when you book your stay through me.  If you would like further details, please feel free to contact me.  You can also click here for an enlargement of the image below which describes some of the wonderful things that you can expect from the Pelican Hill Resort.  Reservations are available starting November 26th, 2008.

Earlier in the year, I discussed my listing at 37 Silver Pine in a post. Since then, I’ve purchased a hand held video camera. I happened to be conducting a showing at the listing last week and took the time to record the view…one of the best parts of the house. I wanted to share it here:

If you cannot see the video, try following this link: 37 Silver Pine View

I had the pleasure of walking with a friend today in Newport Beach. What a day it was! My experiment with video continues - I brought along my flip cam on my walk in an effort to illustrate how gorgeous it was today and show you just one of the reasons it is so great to live in Newport Beach.

This first video is taken while on the walk at Castaway’s Park:

Alternatively, here is a link to the video.

This video attempts to show the sunset from Cliff Drive…didn’t come out quite as radiant on video as it did in person, but the view is great nonetheless (and it actually came out quite well in print as this photo shows): 

Here is a link to the sunset video.

And, just for fun, here is a video of me in my car on my way home (I’m still experimenting with my video ways…lesson learned from this one is be sure to put some attention into hair and makeup before recording yourself!)

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!

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.