• Newport Beach Condominiums – Condos in Orange County are generally one unit within a larger building. The ownership of common areas (such as the interior and exterior walls, roof, swimming pools, gardens, lobby, etc.) is shared by all owners of units within the building. Assessments are paid monthly in order to keep up with the maintenance of these areas. In Orange County you will generally find condos in Costa Mesa and many newer condos in Irvine. One thing to understand about Newport Beach condos, though, is that what is typically known as a condo elsewhere (within high rise buildings, for instance), is not always the case here. In fact, many people consider their home a condo with only one shared wall.
• Newport Beach Townhomes – This type of property will usually have shared walls with connecting dwellings, and be built in a row. They may share amenities such as a pool or gardens and will often share the cost of maintenance for things such as the roof, or driveways. You’ll find some lovely Corona del Mar townhomes on the market with lovely ocean and city lights views.
• Newport Beach Single Family Homes – This term is used to define a detached property, upon its own lot, which shares nothing with surrounding properties. Most often, the owner is responsible for all maintenance and upkeep of the property, and can potentially improve and extend the structure. Find single family homes in Newport Beach as well as throughout all other Orange County communities.

These three terms describe the three main forms of home ownership within the area of Newport Beach. Depending upon your lifestyle and financial situation, one may be more beneficial for you than the others, it is suggested you contact a professional Orange County REALTOR® for further information.

• Condominiums – Condos in Orange County are generally one unit within a larger building. The ownership of common areas (such as the interior and exterior walls, roof, swimming pools, gardens, lobby, etc.) is shared by all owners of units within the building. Assessments are paid monthly in order to keep up with the maintenance of the common areas.

• Townhomes – This type of property will usually have shared walls with connecting dwellings, and be built in a row. They may share amenities such as a pool or gardens and will often share the cost of maintenance for things such as the roof, or driveways. You’ll find some lovely Corona del Mar townhomes on the market with lovely ocean and city lights views.

• Single family homes – This term is used to define a detached property, upon its own lot, which shares nothing with surrounding properties. Most often, the owner is responsible for all maintenance and upkeep of the property, and can potentially improve and extend the structure. Find single family homes in Newport Beach as well as throughout all other Orange County communities.

These three terms describe the three main forms of property ownership within the area of Newport Beach. Depending upon your lifestyle and financial situation, one may be more beneficial for you than the others, it is suggested you contact a professional Orange County REALTOR® for further information.
With Halloween happening tomorrow, have a happy and safe day trick or treating with your family!

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.

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.

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.

Newport Beach Taxes

What is the tax costs encountered when living in Newport Beach?  What is the overall cost of living?  Can you afford it and still keep your commitments?

Newport Beach Schools

If you have children then you need to find out about the educational facilities in the area, not just for this year, but for the entire education of your child.  Newport Beach has easy access to a full range of excellent schools.  There are many public, private and charter schools in and around Newport Beach.

Entertainment & Recreation

Are there entertainment and recreational facilities close at hand that satisfy your tastes?  If you are a keen practitioner of a particular sport or hobby, are you able to continue with it when you move to your new home?  If nightlife is your thing, there is plenty to choose from in the Newport Beach area.  What about dining?  Are there restaurants close by that serve your favorite food and can supply an eating experience that is within your budget?

The decisions that need to be made when moving to a new home, are far greater than simple defining the style and requirements of the property itself.  You need to make sure your lifestyle is catered for and every amenity you need is available in the new area.

Think about the size of the home you require.  A large home means more work.  If you are a working family you may need a maid or a gardener to help with the upkeep of a large home.  What style of home are you looking for?  Something with more visual appeal than practicality or a property that is a home first and a work of art second?  Check which architectural styles are available in the area where you wish to relocate and decide which you like best.

How should the living space be divided?  How many bedrooms do you need?  Remember to allow for future expansion and the possibility of visitors or new additions to the family.  In a similar way, work out how many bathrooms you require and where they should be situated.  Do you require a large garden?  Remember that a large garden is hard work to maintain, especially if it contains a swimming pool.  Next we move onto the bricks and mortar.  What type of materials would you prefer your home be constructed from?  What type of roofing?  Does it need to be double glazed or insulated?

As you can see, there are almost as many questions as there are answers when trying to decide upon the shape of your perfect new home, answering as many as possible will ensure you do not buy a property that is unsuitable for your needs.  Keep in mind, though, most homes will not have everything that you desire or need.  Differentiate between your family necessities and desires so that you do not pass up on the perfect home for lack of something you don’t truly need.