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Some of the Most Unique Homes in America

Have you ever walked through an open house or a showing and seen a uniquely odd, custom feature to a home that made you scratch your head? Although the homes we list are some of the most beautiful properties we’ve ever seen, we have still seen our fair share of atypical custom additions. With this in mind, we thought it’d be fun to take a departure from the pristine luxury homes we typically present, to venture through some of the most eccentric and sometimes, flat out bizarre, architecturally designed homes across America. These unique homes are truly one of a kind!

Smith Mansion – Cody, Wyoming

Located in the beautiful Wapiti Valley, Smith Mansion is the former home of builder and engineer Lee Smith, who became enthralled with his building project after starting to build a home for his wife and children using locally gathered logs and wood. After completing the base of the home, he got inspired and continued to add on extra floors and balconies. Fed up with how much time and energy he was putting into the construction of the house, Smith’s wife divorced him. This, however, only fueled him to keep adding more layers of staircases and scenic terraces. Tragically, Smith fell to his death while working on one of the upper balconies. The Smith Mansion has since sat empty, collecting myths and legends about ghosts and madmen. However, Smith’s daughter, Sunny Smith Larsen, has begun a preservation campaign for the site in hopes of keeping her father’s creation from being destroyed.

Sculptured House – Golden, Colorado

Sitting on the top of Genessee Mountain, the Sculptured House was built in 1963 by architect Charles Deaton and is often called “the Flying Saucer House” or “the Spaceship House.” The futuristic, modern movement style home has appeared in a number of movies, TV shows, and photoshoots. It was most famously featured in Woody Allen’s science-fiction comedy, Sleeper. Deaton ran out of money while working on the home, so the interior is less interesting than the exterior. It remained unlived in until 1999 when the home was purchased by entrepreneur John Huggins, who worked alongside Deaton’s daughter to finish the interior. Today, the house is not lived in, however, hosts private events on occasion.

House on the Rock – Spring Green, Wisconsin

During the 1940s, a man named Alex Jordan decided to build a house on Deer Shelter Rock, a sandstone formation within the scenic Wyoming Valley, after discovering a 60-foot chimney of rock. Jordan built the house as a weekend retreat, never intending it to be a tourist attraction. Peoples’ curiosity peaked as they caught wind of his construction and began visiting in order to see this architectural innovation. However, people kept coming to see the architectural wonder they had heard about. What started as a 14-room house, has turned into a complex of many buildings, exhibits and garden displays. It is said it can talk multiple hours to walk through the entire property, and there is so much to see, it can’t be done in one day. In December of 1988, Alex sold The House on the Rock to longtime associate Art Donaldson, a collector and a businessman, who continues to build on Alex’s dream of expanding and entertaining visitors from all over the world.

The Mushroom House – Perinton, NY

Located in the town of Perinton, NY, The Mushroom House (also called The Pod House) is a retro-modern designed home, which was fashioned after Queen Anne’s Lace. The notable design has been featured on TV and in books due to its whimsical appearance. The house was constructed for attorney-artist couple Robert and Marguerite Antell between 1969 and 1972 and was designated a town landmark in 1989. The unique structure sits in a wooded ravine adjacent to Powder Mills Park. The unusual design of the house features four 80-ton pods which rest on reinforced concrete stems. The larger pods spread out into smaller pods, which serve as the typical living spaces. With the exterior of the home being made of concrete, it is very soundproof. This one of a kind property is actually available for rent for $6,000/mo if it happens to call to you!

The Pavilion/Mushroom House – La Jolla, California

Located within the cliffs of Black’s Beach, this uniquely shaped home was designed and built in the 1960s by architect Dal Naegle for General Mills heir Sam Bell to serve as the guest home to the main house that is located at the top of the beach’s cliff. A 300-foot tram running down the side of the cliffs links the two properties. Originally called the Pavilion, the structure was built to withstand not only naturally occurring rock slides, earthquakes and waves, but also teenagers! It was purposely built on a remote section of the beach so as to avoid any disruptions. Now, more commonly coined The Mushroom House, the house was last said to be owned by UC San Diego, for use as a place for professors and administrators to take a sabbatical.

Flintstone House – Hillsborough, California

In 1976, the Bay Area architect William Nicholson built this unique 2,700-square-foot home using a building technique known as monolithic dome construction. Throughout the years, the home was updated a bit, with the exterior ultimately painted red, purple and orange. This led to it being dubbed “The Flintstone House” after the famous cartoon. The new owner has gone even further, as after purchasing the house for $2.8 million in 2017, Florence Fang decided to install 15-foot dinosaur statues; a giant metal woolly mammoth and giraffe; a garden of colorful, oversize mushrooms; and a rainbow and peacock sculpture. She has now found herself in a legal battle with the town of Hillsborough, who wants her to remove the animal statues, as they pose as ‘eyesores’. I guess her neighbors think it’s a “Yabba-dabba-DON’T”.

What do you think? Do you find these properties creatively cool or gratuitously obscure? While we assume most of you out there aren’t actively looking for a mushroom house or a property replicating your favorite cartoon, we do know everyone has their individualized needs and desires when it comes to buying a home. We are confident that we can find the perfect marriage of your unique tastes and what the current market offers to place you in your own unique home. If you’re looking to buy or sell, we’ll hope you’ll think of us!

The Best Newport Beach Neighborhoods: A Look at West Newport

You’ve decided to make the move to Orange County and you’ve even started browsing some houses for sale in Newport Beach. If you’re new to the area, the next step in your house hunting journey you may be thinking, “What is the best neighborhood for me?” We’re here to help!

Welcome to the next edition of our Neighborhood Spotlight Series, where we provide a little insight into some of the best neighborhoods Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar have to offer, so you can feel more comfortable in the purchase of your new home in Orange County.

This month we will be featuring West Newport, a neighborhood in Newport Beach that boasts over two miles of coastline and some of the best beaches in Newport. West Newport is ideally located where the coastline splits into the mainland and Balboa Peninsula, giving it a ‘beach city’ culture. This means West Newport residents enjoy the best of both worlds, with the convenience of quick access to the rest of Newport Beach, as well as the restaurants, shopping, and attractions that the peninsula offers.

We have created an infographic to provide a quick glimpse into some of the housing and residential statistics that a potential homebuyer may be interested in. We hope you find this information helpful!

We happen to have a beautiful property currently on the market, that’s located on the edge of West Newport, but in a prime oceanfront location. This spacious multi-unit property at 2212 W. Oceanfront totals approximately 3,200 square feet and includes a 2-bed double-master unit with 3 baths upstairs, as well as a 3-bed, 2-bath unit downstairs. Both the upper and lower units feature a chic updated interior and stellar ocean views. The prime waterfront location provides convenient access to hip shops, restaurants and bars. Wake up with a stroll along the shore and an espresso at Urban Cup, pop in for lunch at local favorite Dory Deli, or enjoy a night out at newly-opened Fable & Spirit nearby. Whether you choose to rent both units or keep one for yourself, one thing is for certain: your residents will love waking up to the beach right outside their door.

We know that trying to settle on the right Newport Beach neighborhood as you’re looking at homes for sale in Orange County can be tricky, but here at The Stavros Group we’re here to provide a helping hand and make the process of buying the Newport Beach home of your dreams as easy as possible. Please do not hesitate to give us a call!

How to Improve Your Credit Score for an Orange County Home Purchase

When you are looking to buy a home in Orange County, the first step in the process should be evaluating your finances to determine just how much house can I afford? If you haven’t always had a clean payment history or have significant debt, you may be asking how to improve your credit score. Because a credit score is extremely important to lenders, this is an area for immediate attention. Credit scores affect lending rates, the amount you are eligible for, and often the payment terms. With a low score, you will be at a disadvantage when looking to secure funds for a new Laguna Beach or Newport Beach home.

While there are many prospects when considering Orange County homes for sale, the reality of the situation is that the cost of living in California is high and the better your credit, the higher budget you will most likely have to work with. When consulting with a real estate agent, like myself, we will try to get you the most for your max allowance in terms of a price point, but you need to be certain that you will be approved for the needed funds. There are few things you can do to improve your overall credit score before looking to buy a home in Orange County.

Avoid Late Payments

Your overall score is determined by several areas, but the history of how you pay your bills is the most significant impacting factor. Your bill payment history is equal to about 35% of your total credit score. Making monthly payments for outstanding debt on or before the due date will do a lot to increase your score.

Check Your Credit Score

There are several sites that offer free credit score reporting, and by staying on top of the activity, you will know how to address any problems. This can keep your score from developing errors.

Correct Errors in Reporting

If your score has dropped, look at the different areas and find out why. You can sometimes contact your company and ask them to remove reported late payments. You can even open disputes on items that are incorrect.

Reduce Your Level of Debt

The second largest area making up your credit score is the debt ratio. This is equal to about 30% of your score and takes several factors into consideration. This will look at the number of open accounts you have and the amounts that have been utilized for each account. The rule of thumb is to keep your credit accounts 30% or below the available limit.

Keep a Strong Credit History

As the saying goes, there are many things that improve with age, and your credit score is one of those things. The longer your accounts remain open and in good standing, the higher your score will go. It is hard to keep something on your history, such as a car or house that has been paid off, but some of your revolving credit accounts can be of help to your financial situation. This category determines approximately 15% of your total score.

Balance Your Types of Credit

Install loans and revolving credit are the two types of accounts reported. By having both loan types on your credit, it displays a sense of familiarity with the lending and payment process. This improves your score and establishes credibility for lenders.

Reduce Credit Inquiries

Every time you open a new account or apply for financing, it puts a mark on your credit score. These marks will drive down your score. It is suggested to only make an inquiry once every six months or so.

Use a Personal Loan

If you are looking for a quick way for how to improve your credit score, getting a personal, secured loan might be the answer. With a lump-sum loan, you can pay off higher-interest debt accounts and manage payments. This still leaves you with credit history but allows you to remove negatively impacting accounts.

By improving your credit score, you become desirable to lenders. Not only will they provide a favorable loan rate, you will have increased access to higher limits and offers. This extension of funds will go a long way in ensuring you are able to purchase the Orange County home of your dreams. If you’d like to discuss your options in the Orange County real estate market, please feel free to give me a call!

Do I Need a Realtor When Buying a New Construction Home in Orange County?

Buying a home is a big decision with a lot of money on the line so it’s important to make sure that you are always protecting your own interests throughout the process. While most house hunters make use of a realtor when browsing Laguna Beach or Newport Beach homes for sale by owner, in order to receive assistance in finding just the right fit, buyers contemplating new construction homes in Orange County sometimes think that this means they don’t need a realtor. This is not the case.

A realtor’s work in your house hunting process is about a lot more than simply finding the home you are looking to buy. Your realtor is an expert in the field, capable of helping during every step of the process, many of those steps still present even when you’re buying one of the new construction homes in Orange County. Hiring the right realtor can help you avoid a big mistake and save you money on the right decision. Below we’re breaking down some of the important reasons that you may want to take into account before jumping into buying new construction!

All Representation is Not Equal

The main reason buyers opt to forgo a realtor when buying new construction is to save money, however, this is a mistake. Many builders’ model homes have real estate representatives working for them and although it may sound tempting to just work with this person throughout your home buying process, there are some things you should know. When you opt to work with a builder’s representative, you are working with someone who is representing the builder rather than you. This means that they have the best interest of the builder in mind, not the buyer. Deciding to hire your own real estate agent is electing to have someone that looks out for your best interest, working to get you the best value while making the process a stress-free one for you. That’s exactly what you get when you work with me.

They’ve Seen it All Before

There are lots of little details to consider and small problems to keep an eye out for, even when buying new construction homes in Orange County. A professional realtor, like myself, can bring their years or even decades of experience to the table to help make sure that nothing slips by and comes back to bite you.

They Can Help Catch Warning Signs

A realtor’s most valuable asset when you want to buy new construction homes in Orange County is their experience. Because I have no doubt seen hundreds of homes and encountered innumerable problems in those homes, I know when something which seems small can be a sign of a big problem. There’s nothing more disheartening than thinking you’ve found the right home only to have it fall apart during contract because inspection reveals problems you missed the first time. You get your hopes up for nothing and waste time chasing down a doomed-to-fail option.

Negotiations Can Make or Break You

When shopping for new construction homes in Orange County you’ll ultimately end up at the same point as if you were buying from a previous owner when you reach negotiations. It is vitally important to have a professional working on your behalf when submitting bids and counteroffers in order to make the best possible decisions.

They Can Help Find Financing

The benefits of choosing a realtor don’t end just because you enter contract when buying new construction homes in Orange County. I have connections in the home financing field who we can put you in contact with. This allows you to get a trusted financing partner and helps to simplify the process of searching.

Expert Eyes For Inspections

Just as I have specific financiers that I would recommend working with, I can also offer you assistance during the inspection as well by serving as another set of eyes to look out for troubles which were missed during your pre-purchase tours. By calling on my prior experience of problems, which have been found in homes my clients were in contract for, I have a long internal list of red flags that I can help check for to avoid unfortunate surprises after you move in.

New construction homes in Orange County are an excellent real estate opportunity for home buyers, allowing you to truly make a home your own by being its first resident. If you find yourself in the position of contemplating buying a new construction home in Newport Beach or Laguna Beach, then I hope you’ll think of me to assist you in this venture. With my years of experience and savvy negotiation skills, I promise to leave no stone left unturned, working tirelessly for your best interest until you’re comfortably settled in your brand new home!

A Tour of Some of the Most Beautiful Past Presidential Homes

With the July 4th holiday marking America’s 244th birthday this week, we thought it’d be interesting to take a look back at some of the beautiful old homes once lived in by some of our founding fathers. It’s fascinating to see how real estate trends have changed over the years, however certain influences have also remained steady. Many of these historic homes have been preserved over the years and are even open to the public.

Whether you’re traveling outside of Orange County, planning to watch fireworks in Newport Beach, or spending some quality time on the shores of Laguna Beach with friends and family, we hope you have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Adams ‘Old House’ – Quincy, MA

Peacefield, also called Old House, is a historic home in Quincy, Massachusetts that served as the former residence of U. S. President John Adams and his family for four generations. It is now part of the Adams National Historical Park. The oldest portion of the house was built in 1731 by Leonard Vassall, a sugar-planter from Jamaica, and acquired by John and Abigail Adams in 1787 after its loyalist owners had abandoned Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War. The house was given by the Adams family to the United States in 1946, and is now open to the public as part of the Adams National Historical Park operated by the National Park Service.

Lincoln Home National Historic Site – Springfield, IL

Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the historic-site house that Abraham Lincoln lived in with his wife, Mary Todd, from 1844 through 1861, before moving to Washington, DC to serve as the 16th President of the United States. This historic house, located in Springfield, IL, was the only home that Lincoln ever owned. While it was first built in 1839, Lincoln purchased the 12-room Greek revival, located 200 miles south of Chicago, in 1844; it was later restored in 1860. In 1887, Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln donated the family home to the State of Illinois under the condition that it would forever be well maintained and open to the public at no charge. Today, the home has been completely restored to look like it would have in 1860.

Westland Mansion – Princeton, NJ

Westland Mansion was the home of Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, from his retirement in 1897 until his death in 1908. The house is located in the historic district of Princeton, New Jersey, and is a National Historic Landmark also known as the Grover Cleveland Home. The house, built by Robert F. Stockton in 1856, was patterned after a nearby 18th-century mansion and was described as being a 6,345 sq. ft., 2-½ story, stone structure covered with yellow-painted stucco, twin parlors on the first floor, spacious rooms, high ceilings, and handsome marble mantelpieces. Cleveland named it “Westland” in honor of his friend Andrew Fleming West, a humanities professor at Princeton University who assisted Cleveland in securing the purchase of the home. During Cleveland’s time there he made several changes, including updating the building’s façade in the Italianate style popular at the time. In 2015, it was sold for $4,325,000. It is not currently open to the public.

Springwood Estate – Hyde Park, NY

The Springwood Estate in Hyde Park, NY was the birthplace, lifelong home and burial place of the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt. The estate was purchased by FDR’s father, James Roosevelt, in 1866 for $40,000, at a time when a textile worker’s earnings were less than a dollar a day. The estate remained the center of Roosevelt’s life through all stages of his career. In 1915, much of the home was remodeled and the exterior was altered to look like a mansion in the Colonial Revival Style. In 1943, Roosevelt donated the estate to the American people under the condition that his family maintained a lifetime right to usage of the property. Today, the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, which was established in 1945, preserves the Springwood estate.

Wheatland – Lancaster, PA

Wheatland, or the James Buchanan House, is a brick, Federal style house outside of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, that served as the home of the 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan, for two decades. The house was constructed in 1828 by William Jenkins, a local lawyer, and later purchased by Buchanan in 1848. Wheatland is a Federal style that includes design elements, such as lunette windows, that show the influence of various architectural styles that were prevalent in the early 19th century. Wheatland was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Today it is open to the public for tours and is filled with original furnishings and personal artifacts to help tell the story of Buchanan.

The Best Newport Beach Neighborhoods: A Look at Dover Shores

You’ve decided to make the move to Orange County and you’ve even started browsing some houses for sale in Newport Beach. If you’re new to the area, the next step in your house hunting journey may be, “What is the best neighborhood for me?” We’re here to help!

This month we will be featuring Dover Shores, a charming residential neighborhood in the heart of Newport Beach. Although mostly quiet and very family-friendly, Dover Shores is not short on beauty and things to do. With the Upper Newport Bay (or Back Bay to the locals) bordering just to the east, you’re close to ten and a half miles of some of the most picturesque running and biking trails in Southern California. Many homes are even lucky enough to boast panoramic views of the Back Bay area. The community also has three private beaches, all which feature summer lifeguard service and are perfect for families. You’re also only a stone’s throw from Irvine Avenue, which boasts a wide variety of restaurants, shops and other retail needs. Or if you’re looking for a night on the town, head over to Fashion Island for some world-class shopping and dining. This is becoming a desirable neighborhood, so bear in mind that Dover Shores homes for sale go quickly!

We happen to have a beautiful home in the Dover Shores neighborhood that will be yours for the taking when it hits the market on July 8. Completed in 2019, this exceptionally appointed home at 2101 Leeward Ln., showcases on-trend style and state-of-the-art smart-home technology. Curb appeal is off the charts, with Modern Farmhouse architecture complementing a soft-contemporary interior with 6 bedrooms, 4 baths and a bonus room in approx. 4,226 s.f. Discover light European oak wood flooring, white walls and millwork, a formal living room, large family room, and an enormous chef’s kitchen with marble countertops and stainless steel appliances. Entertaining is a delight in the backyard with a pool, spa and raised deck.

The Best Bold Kitchen Trends for Your Orange County Home

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where traditionally families come together to cook and eat the majority of their meals. Now, due to the recent trend of open concept in Orange County homes, it has become one of the focal points of the home and a place where people spend much of their time, serving as the hub of the home. While all white has dominated the kitchen decor market for some time, there seems to be a recent trend to the opposite side of the spectrum in darker colors. Recently, homeowners are getting bolder in their choices of design features and even bringing back some vintage trends. Whether on the hunt for a new home in Newport Beach or making updates before putting your Laguna Beach home for sale, we’re sharing some of the latest bold Orange County kitchen design trends that could give your cooking space a whole new style.

Get Creative With Backsplash

Backsplashes have been popular for a while now, but the way homeowners are using them to vamp up their kitchen is evolving. Rather than just a small slab behind the counter, people are becoming adventuresome by extending them all the way up the wall. The portion of the wall in which tiles are used isn’t the only thing increasing in size — we now see larger slabs of tiles as well as a variety of textures and patterns taking over. If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your cooking space, this may be the way to do it, as you can pick from virtually any color tile to complement your kitchen area. Large slabs, such as quartz, marble, wood, glass, and stainless steel, are also becoming increasingly popular. With the endless amount of color, texture and material options, it’s no surprise that backsplashes are causing such a big, well, … splash.

Darken the Mood

Another decor trend that provides a multitude of options to be creative and have a little fun with is with paint colors. Slowly we see homes doing away with all traditional beige or grey walls, instead leaning towards more darker, moodier colors like navy, black and dark green. Check out our recent blog post about some of the hottest paint color trends to help spur your inspiration. Although pristine white kitchens are still popular at the moment, we’re seeing more and more people get in touch with their darker side, as well. If you’re looking for a bold update to your kitchen space, try a dark green wall or navy cabinets with gold hardware. It’ll surely make your space pop.

Add a Pop of Color

Remember the days that having all stainless steel appliances was the new, modern craze? Though their popularity still remains high, as they provide a sleek, modern look, some homeowners are becoming a bit more daring and opting for bold colored appliances such as red or blue. This 70’s era trend may not be for everyone, but for those looking to liven up their kitchen area a bit, going with one or even a few bolder appliances may provide the pop that you are looking for. Have fun with it a little and start with a blue or green toaster. If you find you like it then take the next step by replacing one of your larger appliances. One thing to remember, though, is that you want to ensure that your love for that red refrigerator will remain intact for the life of the appliance!

What are your thoughts on where kitchen trends are going? Do you like the bolder, more textured and patterned designs that are taking place or do you prefer the sleek, white, clean kitchen aesthetic? Whatever your preference, here at the Stavros Group, we aim to locate the perfect home for you, complete with either the kitchen of your dreams or a space you can envision once you add your personal touch. If and when the time comes for you to buy or sell, we would love to be of service!

The Best Apps to Make Your Orange County Home Search Easier

With over 3,000,000 people living in Orange County, the competition for homes for sale in Orange County is high. This constant struggle for housing means that the old ways of looking for properties are out. Looking for signs in the yard or reading the local paper no longer gets you the house you are looking for, and house hunters have now turned to technology to aid in their search.

As your Orange County real estate expert, it’s our mission to match you with the perfect home. That’s why we scour the market every day, attend private tours, and maintain a wide professional network of local realtors. We understand that sometimes during the house hunting process it’s only natural for buyers to want to browse the market themselves. There’s no doubt that looking through the gorgeous Laguna Beach or Newport Beach oceanfront homes for sale is exciting. With all kinds of real estate apps available these days, it makes it easy for our house hunting clients to browse through the inventory and bring ideas to us. Although nothing replaces the knowledge, experience and personal customer service that you gain from working directly with a realtor, there are some benefits in utilizing these apps in conjunction with your agent.

Since you may be inclined to browse the market in your spare time, we’ve listed some of the key features of the most popular home-search apps. Have a look:

Zillow

Many people consider Zillow to be the best home searching app. Zillow provides what it calls a Zestimate, which allows you to see the estimated worth of the property you are interested in. (Read a comparison we did on a few online home value estimators.) Bear in mind that this is just an estimate, so it’s always smart to work with a realtor to come up with the most accurate home value based on the current market and your needs. Tools on this app also give you the opportunity to look up various statistics and even search properties based on certain specifications, such as property type, price, region, and features. You can create your own account on Zillow to keep track of your searches and the information you gather.

Redfin

This app is helpful because of its holistic nature. The app updates every 15 to 30 minutes to keep you on top of the game. You can also draw a box around the area you are searching, and only see homes within that perimeter. Search on Redfin for homes for sale in Orange County, and get a thorough list of short sale alters, foreclosures, and sale-by-owner properties. Discuss your favorites with friends, family or your realtor by using the sharing tools that the site provides.

Realtor.com

The National Association of Realtors designates this app as its official search engine. Additionally, the organization has various connections with Multiple Listing Systems, meaning the app updates faster and lists more properties. Connect to your Google Chromecast through this app and stream information to your television. Filter your search based on price, square footage, or even schools in the area.

Trulia

This app is a great choice for those actively seeking to buy an Orange County home. The tools that the app provides have the sole purpose of helping you find the perfect home to purchase. One tool, for example, allows you to filter for very specific features, such as type of flooring. You can also utilize the mortgage calculator as you become more serious about a property, as well as take a thorough look at the home through the various photos and immersive video tours.

LoopNet

This option is great for those looking for properties with multiple units. It provides a wider range of detail about these properties than many of the other apps. LoopNet offers data on traffic, financial details, street views, and geography of Orange County real estate. The app allows the opportunity to consider these commercial or multi-unit properties whether you live in the area or not.

HomeSnap

This app is especially useful for buying a home with your partner or getting input from family and friends. HomeSnap has special features specifically designed for sharing and messaging not only home listings but also home features and details. The app also has the capability of displaying details of a home from just a quick photo of the exterior. Take a picture and see the estimated home value, related schools and ratings, taxes, interior photos, and more.

While nothing compares to the personalized experience you get from working with a seasoned Orange County real estate agent, in certain situations utilizing these apps may be beneficial in helping you get ideas on the type of home, price range, and the area you want to target. Having an idea of what you are looking for, whether it be one of the gorgeous Laguna Beach ocean view homes for sale or a brand new Corona del Mar home, although not a requirement, often makes the job of the real estate agent easier in locating your dream home, as well. Whatever step you are at in your house hunting process, we are honored to help you get you where you want to be. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today so we can discuss your home buying plan and get you into the Orange County home of your dreams!

The Best Newport Beach Neighborhoods: A Look at Balboa Island

You’ve decided to make the move to Orange County and you’ve even started browsing some houses for sale in Newport Beach. If you’re new to the area, the next step in your house hunting journey may be, “What is the best neighborhood for me?” We’re here to help!

Welcome to the second edition of our Neighborhood Spotlight Series, where we provide a little insight into some of the best neighborhoods Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar have to offer. This way you can feel more comfortable in the purchase of your new home in Orange County.

This month we will be featuring Balboa Island, a charming little island community in Newport Beach. This harborside neighborhood may be small, running only 2.6 miles in circumference, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm. An iconic Newport Beach destination, this man-made island is densely-packed with a unique mix of charming cottages and modern, newly-renovated homes. This quaint yet vibrant community has a small-town feel with still being only minutes from the excitement that Newport Beach has to offer. After setting one foot on this island, you’ll be looking at Balboa Island homes for sale!

We have created an infographic to provide a quick glimpse into some of the housing and residential statistics that a potential homebuyer may be interested in for this community. We hope you find this information helpful!

One of the charming, highly sought after homes in the Balboa Island neighborhood is this one of a kind property at 1305 Park Ave. This charming coastal cottage is one of the most attainably priced homes for sale on Balboa Island. Just one block from the beach, mere steps from the classic Village Inn, and a quick stroll to Hersheyâs Market, you have tons of wonderful amenities within reach!

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Home in Newport Beach?

As an Orange County real estate professional, I am often asked when the best time to buy or sell a home in Newport Beach is. It is no secret that the Spring and Summer months are when the real estate market booms — with, statistically, the most homes being purchased and sold in the month of May. There are many reasons for this, including the warmer weather, longer days and kids being out on summer break, that lead to a spike in real estate in these months. While these ‘prime’ months are no doubt a great time to make your big move in the real estate arena, this time of year isn’t the only good time to put your Laguna Beach home on the market and even purchase one of the beautiful Newport Beach oceanfront homes for sale you’ve been dreaming of. There are a variety of considerations that you should factor into your decision that are specific to each family, before determining when is the appropriate time to embark on the next chapter of your lives. We’re breaking down a few of the notable factors you should take into account before making this big life decision.

Finances

Thinking about where you are financially may be one of the biggest driving forces in determining when the right time for you to buy or sell is. When thinking about buying a new home in Newport Beach, some of the questions you may want to ask yourself are:

-Do I have the income and credit score I need to qualify for the loan I want?

-Do I have a down payment saved?

-Can I afford the extra costs that come with homeownership, like property taxes and maintenance?

Another thing to consider are the costs that come along with moving. You may want to take into account whether you’re just moving from one home in Newport Beach to another, or if you’re moving cross-country to a new home in Orange County. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of a move within the state is $2,300, while moving across states costs, on average, around $4,300. Buying a home is a major life decision that should carefully be thought out so that you’re not starting out the new chapter of your life on the wrong foot.

Major Life Changes

However hard you try, it’s not always possible to precisely calculate when you plan to buy a home in Newport Beach. Life often gets in the way, and sometimes plans get disjointed. But what is the right homebuying process or timeline for one family might not be the perfect one for you, which is why it’s critical to take all matters into account and think through if your family may be going through any major life changes in the near future. Some such life events include:

-A new baby: do we need more room to accommodate a growing family? (Or on the flip side, do we want to downsize for the retirement phase?)

-A new job: will I be required to move to be closer to my new job and if so, will this be my forever home or just a temporary position?

-Relocating to provide better schooling opportunities for my children

-Relocating to be closer to relatives in need

Seasonality of the Real Estate Market

As mentioned before, the Spring and Summer months are statistically when most people tend to buy and sell homes. The days are longer, the weather is generally warmer, you’ve recently been issued your tax returns, and kids are out on summer break. Due to these reasons, there is typically a flock of buyers on the hunt during these months, making it a slight seller’s market. However, the fact that sellers may have a slight advantage shouldn’t dissuade buyers from coming out during these months, as there are also numerous benefits to buying during this time. Because of the high demand, there, in turn, are also generally more homes on the market, as well. Depending on the market you’re in, buyers could actually have some bargaining power if the saturation of homes is great enough.

Generally speaking, the winter months tend to be a slight buyer’s market, as there is not as much demand during this season, giving the buyer a bit more advantage. If you are extremely flexible about when you are able to sell your home and/or buy a new home in Orange County, then taking these seasonal trends into account might be key for you. However, life typically makes things a bit more complicated, so while it may be beneficial to take note of these trends, it shouldn’t be your driving force.

Local Market Trends

One of the final factors a potential seller or buyer should take into account is what the real estate market looks like in your area. Interest rates are unpredictable and are a factor you should probably not make your decision based solely on, however, can be a beneficial (or unfavorable) factor in your decision, so should be considered in the process. Are interest rates at an all-time low and expected to rise in the next year? If so, it might be the time to buy property in Orange County! Or vice versa. Interest rates may be extremely high and are predicted to improve over the next year or two, so you’ve been holding off on your home purchase dreams.

Whatever considerations you take into account, the best time to begin house hunting will be unique to each potential homebuyer. If you find that now is the best time for you and your family to buy or sell a home in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach or Corona del Mar, then I’d love nothing more than to help you accomplish your real estate goals, obtaining the best profit on your home and placing you in the new home of your dreams. Please contact me today so we can discuss a plan that best fits your family.