Archive for September, 2008

Sep 29 2008

Newport Beach Home Styles & Types

Newport Beach Home Styles & Types

With a vibrant mix of architectural styles represented in the homes in Newport Beach, those seeking to purchase Newport Beach real estate are blessed with countless options. Whatever your particular taste, there is bound to be a property that meets your architectural desires as well as your family needs.

Victorian Homes in Newport Beach

There are some incredible examples of Victorian architecture to be found in Newport Beach. Quite often these Victorian homes are of three stories and will feature a wrap around porch, tower structure at one end and beautiful English gardens. Typically, Victorian homes in Newport Beach are found on Balboa Island and Corona del Mar.

English Tudor Homes in Newport Beach

If you enjoy picture book beauty, maybe the Tudor home style is for you. There are many fine examples of Tudor architecture in Newport Beach. The dominating factor of this style of architecture is the Tudor arch and homes of this type often contain oriel windows (similar to bay windows). If you are interested in purchasing Tudor architecture in Newport Beach, check out the community of Crystal Cove in Newport Coast.

Ranch Homes in Newport Beach

The Ranch style homes available in the Newport Beach area can be truly stunning. Many of these are large single family homes built in the true American tradition. Often ranch homes in Newport Beach  provide additional land around the home.

Colonial Homes in Newport Beach

Colonial home styles are also widely available in Newport Beach. There are actually many different types of Colonial homes including the Cape Cod, Garrison, Spanish, New England and French. Think white washed, picture postcard fences, open spaces, but more specifically, stately columns and large wraparound porches.

This is just a basic overview of the main property styles available in the Newport Beach area. You can also find great examples of Greek, Craftsman and Cape Cod architecture, offering something a little less mainstream.

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Sep 22 2008

How much house can you afford in Newport Beach?

There is a quick and simple calculation for working out your actual buying power, although it is advised you make use of the services of a Newport Beach REALTOR® for a fully accurate opinion as to your buying power.
First, it is important to figure in any money from the sale of a previous property.  If you have not yet sold your previous home, you may only be able to guesstimate what the sale value of your home will be.  Then find out just how much you can borrow from a local Orange County Lender, add to this your savings or investments that you can use towards the purchase price of your new home in Newport Beach.  This will give you your total spending figure.

Now, add up all of the costs involved in the purchase, such as professional fees, and the cost of hiring a company to move your belongings.  Deduct this figure from your total spending figure and you will have a rough estimate of the price range you are able to afford.

In reality this is a fairly blunt way to calculate buying power.  The best way to discern what your optimal price range would be is to see a professional Newport Beach REALTOR® as well as a Lender.  By using a REALTOR® in Newport Beach to help with this important consideration, you will be making sure you do not miss any hidden costs, or make incorrect assumptions about the true cost of the process of moving.
Your bank can also be helpful, by explaining to you how borrowing limits are set, and advising you on the best way to raise funding based on your current assets and income.

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Sep 15 2008

Why should you use a REALTOR® when purchasing property?

Purchasing  real estate in Orange County is one of the biggest financial transactions most people will ever be involved in.  It makes logical sense to use the services of a professional REALTOR® to ensure that everything goes smoothly.  To put it another way, if you had a $200,000 legal problem, would you try and handle it yourself instead of hiring an attorney?  A REALTOR® can help you in many ways:

  • An Orange County REALTOR® will be able to help you work out how much you can spend and what you’re buying power actually is.
  • They have access to resources that the general public does not.  Many Orange County properties may be for sale, but not advertised, an Orange County REALTOR® can help you find these homes.
  • Professional advice is given, not just about individual properties, but regarding the area the property is in, such as education, local facilities and other information required to help you choose the right location.
  • The process of negotiation during a property deal can be a minefield for the unwary.  By allowing a professional to negotiate on your behalf, you are assured that everything will be handled correctly and no stone left unturned.

If we take a long hard look at the facts, it is hard to understand why anyone would consider dealing with their own property purchase.  Expert service is available to ensure your home purchase goes smoothly and is executed as swiftly as possible.

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Sep 08 2008

The Steps Involved in Buying Homes in Newport Beach

Anybody who has been involved in the purchase of a property will already know how complicated things can become. It is important to be as prepared as possible prior to committing to the purchase of a home in Orange County. Below is a very basic outline of the process of buying a home, especially useful for first time buyers or those who have not purchased a property in many years.

  1. Make sure you really want and need to buy your own home; in some cases rental homes can be a better option for people.
  2. Decide if you are financially ready. Can you afford the regular commitment? Work out your buying power (get an Orange County loan pre-approval letter) and decide if this will get you the kind of property that suits your needs.
  3. Contact professionals. A good starting place would be an Orange County REALTOR®, who can help you with every step of the home buying process. It is also important to contact your bank or mortgage broker to obtain loan pre-approval. Additionally, learn about the costs associated with home insurance.
  4. Find the right home. This can take a long time for some people; again a REALTOR® in Orange County that is familiar with the areas in which you are interested would be able to help with this considerably.
  5. Making an offer. This involves having your REALTOR® write an offer to buy your home to the seller.
  6. Counter-offers. It is unusual that the first offer made will be accepted. Generally, sellers will counter your offer. You may also choose to counter their offer. Once the offer has been accepted, the actual sale takes place.
  7. Closing day arrives; you take ownership of your new property.
  8. Hire a moving company to help move your possessions or you may choose to do it yourself. If you need to save money, it may be best to move your belongings yourself. However, if you have any items that need special care, such as a piano or other furniture, you may choose to hire a moving company for those specific items.

This is a very basic outline of the entire home buying process. It is advised you get professional advice before embarking on the potentially perilous journey of purchasing your own home. Being prepared, flexible, and having excellent guidance from Harbor Realty can help ensure that you have a good home buying experience.

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