One very special feature about the Island is that when you are looking out over the water at night….you have a view. A view of the lighted docks, a view of the lights across the bay and the canals and a view of the boats in the Harbor. And the Pavilion has lights all year around. It is so magical to walk around the boardwalk at night.  This time of year with all the Christmas decorations……it is such a Beautiful sight!

One of my favorite Holiday events is the Newport Harbor Boat Parade. It starts December 17th and goes until December 21st. The parade starts at 6:30 on the North Bayfront, then goes to the Bay and South Bayfront and then back to the starting point, ending about 9:00. All the restaurants take reservations so you can enjoy a meal and watch the parade. All the private Yacht Clubs have parties and rooms can be rented at the Boy Scouts facility on Pacific Coast Highway. It is free to walk around Balboa Island and watch it from both sides. Plus many of the shops are open late and all the restaurants take reservations. Parking is always an issue, so please park off the Island and take a cab or walk.   

There is more information on the Newport Harbor Chamber of Commerce web site.

 Another Beautiful property just came on the maket last week. It is on a private Island with 23 private bayfront homes. It is such a unique experience. No cars allowed. You have parking off the Island and walk or drive your golf cart on. This home has a beautiful private sandy beach and views that go on forever. The Bay and the Hills! A six bedroom home with a beautiful kitchen, large living area with view, Master bedroom and sitting room also have the fabulous view of the Bay and Hills. This home has elevator access also. All for the amazing price of $6,750,000.

As of right now….there are a total of 29 active listings on Balboa Island. There are actually 2 Islands….the “Big Island” and the “Little Island”. They vary in size and style and that is what makes the Island so special! The prices range from $1,695,000 to $5,695,000. 5 of these properties are on the Bayfronts or the Grand Canal.

Open House this Sunday October 26th!! Many of the agents are getting together and holding Open Houses this Sunday. If you get a chance……come visit us and see what life on “The Island” is all about. Ask for Sue….I’d love to meet you!!

Sitting on 504 acres with sundrenched terraced hillside and fabulous views of the Pacific ocean, the resort offers Hotel Bungalow suites and 2,3,4 bedroom villas….. all ocean-view terraces!

Other amenities include a “Spa of unequaled indulgence”, 36 holes of Tom Fazio designed golf (with all holes experiencing a view of the pacific), 4 dining experiences and a magnificant 136 ft. circular coliseum pool.

I can’t wait to see it! I’ll keep you updated!

Another unique home in Corona Del Mar (Newport Beach area) went into escrow a few days after it hit the market. The rumor has it, the sale was around $13 million cash! I’ll have more information for you and some pictures of some beautiful homes in Crystal Cove next.

Keep thinking positive and remember….if you have a good down payment and good credit….this is an excellent time to buy Real Estate!

I get asked that question many times a day and my answer is…………….

It depends……..Are you buying?? Selling??? Or Investing??

Obviously, the answer is different for all. Unfortunately (or fortunately), no one has the “Magic 8 Ball” or can predict for sure. That has always been the case. The only constant is that Real Estate has always recovered and retained its value. The great thing about owning a Home is you can live in it, enjoy it, raise your family in it and you have the tax benefits,

One of the determining “market” factors is where you live or where you want to live. At this point the California Coastal Communities are holding their values much more than the Inland areas. If you are not looking to “flip” and want to live in it and enjoy it until the right time to sell and you find a HOME that you like and want to live in…….then this is a GREAT time to BUY!!!

Thinking of selling your home??? What is your motivation? Are you testing the market or do you need to sell? Right now…..”testing the market” is probably not a great idea. Pricing is the #1 key. The first two weeks are crucial!! If an agent or buyer thinks you are over priced….they won’t come back and will move on and you have lost your competitive advantage. EGO aside….how motivated are you? I know it varies in different areas, but I have heard sellers say “I’ll price it High and tell them to “make an offer”. The problem with that is…..buyers are saying “why bother”, I’ll look elsewhere. Please remember, when you are selling…..The Buyers determine the price. On a “positive note”, there are always reasons that people are buying and selling.

To name a few:

• Getting Married
• Getting Divorced
• Starting a family
• Expanding a family
• Empty nesting
• Job transfers
• Losing a loved one
• Increase in income
• Decrease in income
• And Many More!!

Thinking of investing??? Investors are back!!! This is a “shift” in the market!! If they are back, then they think…..like Warren Buffett and Donald Trump …..this is the Best Time to Buy!!!!

What do you think????  What have you experien