Newport Beach Homes – Harbor Realty

When considering which type of property to purchase in Newport Beach, it may prove useful to have a greater understanding of the types of property available, such as condominiums, townhomes and single family homes. Below are some basic definitions of these types of homes for sale in Newport Beach.

• 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.

When considering which type of property to purchase in Newport Beach, it may prove useful to have a greater understanding of the types of property available, such as condominiums, townhomes and single family homes. Below are some basic definitions of these types of homes for sale in 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 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.
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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.

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.