Newport Beach is a great place to spend the Fourth of July though it's important to understand the ins and outs of a terrific celebration. When I was younger, much farther back than I may want to admit, Newport Beach had fewer rules for Fourth of July.  Every year, we lit off fireworks in front of my grandparents' home on the beach on the Newport Peninsula with dueling cannons booming from both ends of the block. I thought that was a good as it could get.  Then, as I got older, I discovered that there was another side to Newport Beach's Fourth of July celebration, party after party along Seashore. Along the way, I learned a few things, some the hard way, some by observation. Given all of the changes that have come over the intervening years, I wanted to share some wisdom for those about... 07/03/2009

For decades, Newport Shores has celebrated the Fourth of July with an annual Parade and Celebration.  This year is no different.                             It is something that my siblings and I anticipated every summer and always spent the night before decorating our bikes and, sometimes, ourselves. The Parade This year, the parade starts at 9:00 am at the clubhouse.  Coffee and doughnuts will be available. Get your bikes, scooters, wagons and yourselves decorated and get ready to celebrate. The Evening Beginning at 5:00 pm, catering will be available from TK Burgers, so come enjoy a full dinner for only $13.    So make sure you go out and enjoy this great tradition.   For more Orange County Fourth of July events, see: Costa Mesa Fireworks Newport Beach Fourth of July Celebration - Fr... 07/03/2009

Newport Beach is a great place to be, especially to enjoy the sunshine, hiking, running and biking trails, and the beach too. Sometimes I see another person's nice localism post with photos that I enjoy and want to share.    Check out this article with photos about bike ride loop, Newport Beach, Back Bay, with ascent to Corona del Mar (click here) ~ which was posted by Ryan (last name unknown) at Wordpress on June 27, 2009.  Ryan described his good experiences about the 23 mile local ride and shared photos too.  I've been on this nice trail for running and hiking and the same area for biking many times.  Thanks to Ryan for this post.     ____________________  Harrison K. Long, Explore Group Properties, Coldwell Banker Previews, Irvine, CA. www.ExploreTheOC.com     06/28/2009

  Newport Beach Open House214 62nd StreetNewport Beach, CaliforniaSaturdayJune 27, 20091:00 to 4:00 pmCome and enjoy the sunshine this weekend in Newport Beach. Come and view this mid-century modern home in Newport Beach. This home is located across the street from a very popular beach location in Newport Beach. This home in Newport Beach is a great opportunity to own a single family home in the Newport Shores area.This single family home has there bedrooms, and two bathrooms. This home has new carpet and new paint. There is a two car garage, and nice patio to enjoy the California climate and outdoors.Living in Newport Shores is an opportunity to take advantage of the beach lifestyle. Some popular activities include jogging, walking along the beach, or riding your bicycle along the boar... 06/27/2009

Loans with a balance between $417K and 729K will no longer be subjected to a 1% add to the rate. This is a great improvement as we move towards ending the recession in the housing industry. The lenders still require loans to be fully documented and clients have to have a high FICO score with an equitable position of less than 80%. This is an excellent opportunity for folks who want to refinance or buy a single family residence in Southern California. The rate today 6/26/09 is 5.375 fixed for 30 years.   Further information; please call 714-404-6099 RE License # 01508012   06/26/2009

The Newport Wedge is located at the mouth of Newport Harbor.  It is a man made jetty built by the Army Corp of Engineers in the early 1900's. As a result of the way it was a built, it has unique properties which cause huge waves a few times a year. Waves can reach all the way up to 10 or 20 feet, bringing out some of the world's best body surfers. On other days of the year, the Wedge is a great place for any one, but on those particular days, any amateurs would be well advised to stay away and leave it to the experts. Whether you want to try body surfing or skim boarding, fishing from the rocks or just watch the boats come in and out of the harbor, the Newport Wedge is one more beautiful place in the magical city that we call home, Newport Beach.  To see what the Newport Wedge is all ab... 06/23/2009

There are not many places in the world where you can enjoy a carnival atmosphere next to a beautiful bay just minutes from a world class beach. The Balboa Fun Zone is one of those rare places, although those of us fortunate enough to have been raised here may occasionally forget how special it is. The Balboa Fun Zone's ferris wheel has been a landmark in the area since 1936. I have decades of memories of coming to the Balboa Fun Zone to play skee ball, ride the ferris wheel, take the Balboa Ferry over to Balboa Island and enjoy a Balboa Bar while staring out at the Newport Bay. Take a look at the video below to see just what a special place this is and all that the Balboa Fun Zone has to offer.    Looking for more things to do with your kids? See: Top 5 Things to Do in Newport Mesa A Fo... 06/22/2009

 Community with some of the most beautiful and pleasant weather, homes and beaches, in all of Southern California. Local Housing Market Report ~    May 2009 activity ~ seeing signs of improvement as compared to May 2008. Number of Homes listed for sale during May 2009 ~ 133 homes    Average list price during May 2009 ~ $2,200,615    Number of homes listed for sale during May 2008 - 127 homes Homes sold during May 2009 ~ 50    Average sold price during May 2009 ~ $1,517,000 Homes sold during May 2008 ~ 47    Average sold price during May 2008 ~ $1,487,000 REO homes sold during May 2009 ~ 3    Ave. price of REO home sold May 2009 ~ $478K (3 homes sold) REO homes sold during May 2008 ~ 1    Ave. price of REO home sold May 2008 ~ $640K (one home sold) Short listings during May 2009 ~ 20    ... 06/18/2009

RE/MAX Homes & Estates Pre-Foreclosure Division 9241 Irvine Boulevard, Suite 150, Irvine, California 92618 (714) 588 -7676 ∙  www.orangecountyshortsalerealtor.com   If you are in a situation where: • You lost your job • Your Medical Expenses are too high • Just went through/going through a divorce • You are behind on your payments • You have no equity • You can't afford the cost of selling your home • Your income has been reduced • You are in foreclosure   WE CAN HELP YOU! It's easy and doesn't cost you any MONEY! Our services are Free!!! WHEN THE DEBT EXCEEDS YOUR HOME'S VALUE... we can help is with a SHORT SALE.   Benefits of a Short Sale: • Avoid Foreclosure • Avoid Bankruptcy • Reduced damage to your credit • Postpone your foreclosure sale date • A short sale will stay on your credi... 06/10/2009

All photographs are taken and posted by Sharon Paxson, copyright© 2009.  All rights reserved. Photographs may not be copied, or reproduced without the express, written permission of Sharon Paxson, Realtor, Prudential California Realty, Newport Beach.  Contact Sharon Paxson for permission for use of photograph, and permission may be granted in writing. 06/10/2009

All photographs are taken and posted by Sharon Paxson, copyright© 2009.  All rights reserved. Photographs may not be copied, or reproduced without the express, written permission of Sharon Paxson, Realtor, Prudential California Realty, Newport Beach.  Contact Sharon Paxson for permission for use of photograph, and permission may be granted in writing. 06/07/2009

Many of you have been waiting to buy real estate when you see the market bottom out. Unfortunately the media does not publicize this information until a few months past the bottom. It happens all the time. Take a look at the chart above and notice the price decline in Newport Beach. I don't have a crystal ball so i don't know for sure when the bottom will hit, but I do know that if you see a home that you love and you can afford it, you should probably buy it. Interest rates are extremely low and chances are they will be going up. To get an idea of what homes are available please contact a local Newport Beach Realtor and have them show you around. They should be able to advise you on the current market and wether homes of interest to you are priced properly. 05/31/2009

All photographs are taken and posted by Sharon Paxson, copyright© 2009.  All rights reserved. Photographs may not be copied, or reproduced without the express, written permission of Sharon Paxson, Realtor, Prudential California Realty, Newport Beach..  Contact Sharon Paxson for permission for use of photograph, and permission may be granted in writing. 05/24/2009

Lido Island Market Report1.1.2009 to 5.23.2009 Lido Island is an exclusive area of Newport Beach which features bay front properties as well as luxury homes located on the stradas, this is a beautiful place to live. Located walking distance to the finest beaches in Newport Beach as well as exclusive shopping.  There are private tennis courts, and a private yacht club. There Lido Isle Yacht Club has a private beach and a dock for the children to enjoy during the summer months. Lido Island has approximately 900 homes located on this Island. Currently, there are 41 active listings on Lido Island as specified below. Address List Price DOM 111 Via Lido Nord B  $1,199,500  82  111 Via Lido Nord C  $1,199,500  82  108 Via Xanthe   $1,350,000  129  116 Via Yella   $1,499,000  184  111 Via Lido ... 05/23/2009

Memorial Day Weekend, 2009 in Newport Beach, CAFriday starts the beginning of the three day weekend, and the unofficial start of the summer season here in Newport Beach. If you are looking for things to do in and around Newport Beach, the following activities will be a great and festive way to kick off the summer season. Spend the Memorial Day weekend aboard one of the Hornblower Yachts for a scenic cruise around Newport Harbor. Enjoy the beach weather and California sunshine. This event is their Memorial BBQ Cruise which features live entertainment as well as a buffet. This cruise will be on 5.24.09. For more information, contact (949) 646-0155. You can also enjoy a more sporting adventure by fishing in Newport Beach.  Newport Landing  There are California Sport Fishing boats, day fish... 05/22/2009

All photographs are taken and posted by Sharon Paxson, copyright© 2009.  All rights reserved. Photographs may not be copied, or reproduced without the express, written permission of Sharon Paxson, Realtor, Prudential California Realty, Newport Beach.. All rights reserved.  Contact Sharon Paxson for permission for use of photograph, and permission may be granted with writen instructions. 05/20/2009

All photographs are taken and posted by Sharon Paxson, copyright© 2009.  All rights reserved. Photographs may not be copied, or reproduced without the express, written permission of Sharon Paxson, Realtor, Prudential California Realty, Newport Beach.. All rights reserved.  Contact Sharon Paxson for permission for use of photograph, and permission may be granted with writen instructions. 05/17/2009

All photographs are taken and posted by Sharon Paxson, copyright© 2009.  All rights reserved. Photographs may not be copied, or reproduced without the express, written permission of Sharon Paxson, Realtor, Prudential California Realty, Newport Beach.. All rights reserved.  Contact Sharon Paxson for permission for use of photograph, and permission may be granted with writen instructions. 05/10/2009

It seems it's that time of the year again when buyers are out looking to buy. Interest rates are low, and yes they will go up, and prices of many homes are at a substantial savings you can't afford to pass up. It's no secret that real estate has been down these past couple of years. But lately our open houses are swamped. Multiple offers are happening daily and inventory in many areas is getting slim. If the allure of living in Newport Beach is your desire, then take a look at what real estate is doing here.   05/09/2009

After months of training, I am finally ready to participate in the OC Marathon tomorrow. I will be doing the half marathon. Start line is at Fashion Island and the finish line is at the OC Fair Grounds. The race starts at 6:30 am. Mile 2 goes thru the Corona Del Mar Village Mile 4 Bayside Drive at Balboa Island Mile 9.5 Back Bay dr. at EastBluff Drive Mile 12 Irvine Avenue at University Mile 16.5 South Coast Plaza, Sunflower Mile 18 West Segerstrom Ave. at Thorton Park Mile 23 Gisler Avenue and Santa Ana River Trail I hope to see every one there cheering us on! 05/02/2009