Valentine's Day Suggestions for Newport Beach and Orange County

Newport Beach and Orange County Valentine's Day Suggestions for 2008

With Valentine's Day coming up in a little more than two weeks - here is a list of suggestions on what to do and where to spend it with your Valentine in Newport Beach or the Orane County area.

There are suggestions for bed and breakfasts, dining, flowers, and spa activities.

There are more suggestions for Newport Beach restaurants here.

Start making your plans for dining in Newport Beach now as the restaurants will fill up.

For more information about Newport Beach Luxury Real Estate, please visit my website at www.SharonintheOC.com.

Begin your home search for Newport Beach Real Estate, and Newport Beach homes for sale.

Please contact me for more information on the community of Newport Beach and Newport Beach Real Estate.

New California Laws for 2008

New California Laws for 2008

There are some new California laws that have gone into effect for 2008. Please click on this link for a complete update of the new laws for California.

Some of the laws include - no smoking in the car with minor children, and beginning on July 1, 2008 - California will prohibit drivers from using their cell phones without a hands free device.

For more information about these California Laws for 2008 - please visit this page.

For information on Newport Beach luxury home search, Newport Beach Real Estate, please visit my website at www.sharonintheoc.com

Begin your Newport Beach Luxury Home Search.

Subscribe to my Newport Beach Real Estate Newsletter.

Newport Beach Luxury Real Estate - Turtle Ridge

142 Coral Rose

Irvine, California

Available for $590,000 to $645,876

There are tremendous opportunities for Newport Beach luxury real estate right now in this market with the interest rates being at historic lows. There is also a high probability the feds will cut the rates again next week. This is an opportunistic market because of the inventory, the housing prices that have declined, and the number of homes on the market. A great opportunity to view luxury real estate will be open this weekend. The details are as follows:

142 Coral Rose

Irvine, California

Value Ranged Priced at $590,000 to $645,876

This beautiful 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom condo which is located in the Turtle Ridge area of Irvine is in the Ashton Greene builder tract. There is a beautiful courtyard entering this condominium in Turtle Ridge. There are granite counters, stainless appliances, refrigerator and washer/dryer included.

Open House this weekend

January 26, 2008

1:00 to 4:00 pm

For more information on this property, please visit my website at www.sharonintheoc.com

To begin your property search for Newport Beach Luxury Real Estate, please visit this page.

Fed Cut Interest Rates Today

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates today by three quarters of a point. This cut is the biggest cut since October, 1984. This cut also was announced before the regularly scheduled meeting, and it is a possibility that the Fed will cut the rate even more. For more information on this interest rate cut, please visit this site.


For more information about Newport Beach Real Estate, and luxury home search in Newport Beach, please visit this site.

To begin your home search today in Newport Beach for luxury homes, please visit this site.

With this interest rate cut, it is a great opportunity to invest in Newport Beach Real Estate, and luxury homes in Newport Beach.

Newport Beach Real Estate Market Trends

Newport Beach Real Estate Market trends are posted on this page. For more information on these market trends, please visit this page.

There is information about Newport Beach Real Estate, Corona del Mar, Aliso Viejo and the other coastal communities of Orange County. Please view these market trends to review number of properties that are available on the market now, properties that are in escrow or pending, and number of closed transactions for the past month.

This information provides additional information with regards to Newport Beach Real Estate.

For more information about any real estate needs in the Newport Beach area, please visit this site.

To begin your home search for Real Estate in Newport Beach, please visit this page.

Please contact me for your real estate needs in the Newport Beach area at Sharon@SharonintheOC.com.

1018 Nottingham Road, Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach Property Available

Dover Shores Area, Newport Beach

Newport Beach Property Available

1018 Nottingham Road

Newport Beach, California

This beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom single family home which is located in the Dover Shores area of Newport Beach, California.

The kitchen has been upgraded with beautiful stainless appliances, cabinetry and granite counter tops. The flooring is hardwood floors as seen in the photo of the family room.

This home is ideal for entertaining. It offers privacy as it is located on a corner lot. There is also a three car garage.

The Dover Shores area of Newport Beach offers the award winning elementary school Mariner's Elementary School in Newport Beach. Additionally, it is located right next to the new Newport Beach public library.

For more information on this home, or any home in Newport Beach, please visit this site.

Begin your home search today for properties in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Corona del Mar, and Costa Mesa.

To view my monthly newsletter, please visit this page, and if you would like to subscribe to my monthly newsletter for information on Newport Beach Real Estate, please subscribe here.

This home is value range priced at $1,899,000 - $1,999,000

12 Napoli, Newport Beach, California

12 Napoli, Newport Beach, California

Listed at $3,249,000

This beautiful and contemporary single family home, located in the guard gated community of Harbor Ridge Homes.. This spectacular home features 5 bedrooms, and 4.5 bathrooms.

This home features an upgraded kitchen with granite counter tops, and travertine flooring.

This Newport Beach home also has two family rooms, formal living room, beautiful backyard with pool and spa and built in barbecue. This home features a mountain view.

The rooftop in this Newport Beach home also has solar panels to create more efficiency.

For more information on this beautiful home, please contact me at Sharon@Sharonintheoc.com

For all your Newport Beach Real Estate needs, please visit my website at www.Sharonintheoc.com.

Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-Outs 2008 Update

Update on Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-Outs

The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard tryouts are beginning in three weeks. The dates are as follows:

February 3, 2008 9am - 12pm

February 10, 2008 9am - 12pm

February 17, 2008 9am - 12pm

February 24, 2008 9am - 12pm

February 7, 2008 7pm - 8:30pm

February 21, 2008 7pm - 8:30pm

The try outs will be conducted on at Newport Harbor High School, Newport Beach, California. The children can practice at Newport Shores clubhouse pool in Newport Beach, Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, or Newport Harbor High Pool in Newport Beach. There are several dates and they are located at the Newport Harbor High School Pool in Newport Beach, California.

For the swim try outs, a child must be 9-15 years of age by June 23, 2008 (per the Newport Beach Lifeguards). And you must bring valid identification (for example a birth certificate or passport). Also, you must provide valid proof of Newport Beach residency (for example - car registration, driver's license, utility bill, or car registration). You need to provide three different items for proof of residency.

Each group is categorized A, B, C, D by their age. The swim consists of 100 yards (two complete laps - four lengths in a pool) and they must be completed in the following times. The following are the required swim times for each age group:

"A" (14-15 year old): 1:35 (one minute, 35 seconds)
"B" (12-13 year old): 1:40 (one minute, 40 seconds)
"C" (10-11 year old): 1:45 (one minute, 45 seconds)
"D" (9-10 year old): 1:55 (one minute, 55 seconds)

This test is conducted "rain or shine"

For more information, please feel free to contact me directly at Sharon@SharonintheOC.com or visit my website for more details. This is a great opportunity for children to learn marine and beach safety. Summer will be upon us in Newport Beach.

Lastly, there is limited enrollment of 1250 Junior Lifeguards, and registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

Download the Junior Lifeguards Release Form Here:

To Review:

1. Bring your child prepared to swim at one of the dates posted above.
2. Bring three forms of matching identification for proof of residency in Newport Beach.
3. Bring the Registration Form - completely filled out.
4. Bring proof of your child's age with either a passport or birth certificate.

For information on any of your real estate needs or Newport Beach Real Estate, please visit my website at www.SharonintheOC.com.

Newport Beach Real Estate

142 Coral Rose, Irvine, California

Open House this Weekend

Saturday, from 9 am to 1 pm

Open House this Saturday, January 12, 2008

9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Come and see this beautiful 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom condominium located near Turtle Ridge and Summit Park in Irvine, California.

This property features two bedrooms, and two and one half bathrooms

This home is completely upgraded with stainless appliances, cherry wood cabinets, beautiful granite counter tops. There is a large dining area, and the living room features twenty foot high ceilings, fireplace, and custom blinds. There is also a desk area.

The third level has a master suite, with a walk in closet. There is also a custom master bathroom. There is also a two car garage.

Located very close to Fashion Island in Newport Beach, just off the 73 freeway, please come and view this property.

This property in Irvine, California is listed at $675,876.

For more information on this property or any real estate in Newport Beach, please visit my website at http://www.sharonintheoc.com/.

16754 Bayview, Huntington Beach, California

16754 Bayview, Huntington Beach, California




Available for Lease

This three level condominium is available for lease for $3000 per month. There are two bedrooms, and 2 and one half bathrooms. There is travertine flooring which accent the downstairs as well as the living area on the third floor.

The gourmet kitchen features stainless kitchen aid appliances, granite counter tops as well as beautiful wood cabinets. There is lighting under the cabinets which accent the kitchen. There is also a fireplace in this home

This property in Huntington Beach is located in the Sunset Beach area near Huntington Harbour.

For more information about this property or any property listed, please contact me at Sharon@sharonintheoc.com.

Please let me know if you would like a comparative market analysis on your home.

Home Security Checklist

The following is a Home Security Checklist. Please utilize it for your possessions to ensure that you are prepared in the event of burglary.

1. Have you reviewed your home owner’s insurance policy? What does it cover?

2. If you are a renter, do you have renter’s insurance to cover your contents?

3. Do you have a security system? Do you utilize it?

4. Do you have a neighborhood watch program, if not, then, you may want to establish one with your local law enforcement, and your neighbors.

5. Do you have motion-detector lights on your property?

6. Do you keep your garage locked? Does your garage have a keypad for egress? If so, how often do you change the code on the key pad?

7. Do you leave your keys in your car if your car is in the garage?

8. Do you have a garage remote in your car? Do you bring it in at night if your car is parked outside in a driveway or on the street?

9. Do you leave valuables in your car when it is parked anywhere? Even a cell phone in plain site may incite someone to break into your vehicle. A perpetrator can also obtain your address by your vehicle registration information.

10. Have the locks been changed since you moved in? How many people have a key to your home?

11. Do you have deadbolt locks on all doors? Are the windows locked at all times?

12. Have you kept your keys guarded against unauthorized duplication?

13. Do you ask who is knocking on your door prior to you opening it?

14. Are there automatic timers controlling your lights when you are out or away?

15. Do you have a complete inventory of your possessions? How is that stored? Do you have a video inventory of your valuables? Are your possessions insured?

16. Are your extremely valuable items secured away from home – for example in a safe deposit box?

17. Have you recorded all the serial numbers or identifying marks for all your valuable items? (for example – audiovisual equipment, computers, cameras, iPods, and cell phones are examples).

18. If you are going away for an extended period or on a vacation, are your neighbors informed? Have you arranged to have someone car for your home, pets, and yard? Don’t forget to turn off the newspaper, and bottled water delivery.

19. In the event that there is an unauthorized break in, then report it to your local law enforcement agency. Typically, they will increased the patrolling in your neighborhood if this occurs.

For more information, please visit my website at www.SharonintheOC.com.

If you are interested in a complimentary market analysis, please contact me at Sharon@SharonintheOC.com.

Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Try-Outs 2008

Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard Tryouts

For those of you who have children who are interested in participating in the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard program this summer 2008, the swim test begins next month in February, 2008. That's right, it starts in February 3, 2008. I have provided the dates below for the swim test in Newport Beach.

The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard swim test will be held at the Newport Harbor High School pool which is located in Newport Beach. Proof of age for your child must be provided at the time of the swim test; your child must be 9 years old by June 23, 2008, and you must provide valid identification of your child's age. Bring either a birth certificate or passport. The Newport Beach lifeguards run the swim test and the junior lifeguard program.

The schedule for the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard swim test is as follows:

Sundays:

February 3rd
February 10th
February 17th
February 24th

Thursdays

7:00pm- 8:30pm

February 7th
February 21st

The time requirements are as follows:

For the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards, each group is categorized - A, B, C, D by their age. The swim consists of two complete laps (four lengths in a pool) and they must be completed in the following times. The following are the required swim times for each age group:

"A" (14-15 year old): 1:35 (one minute, 35 seconds)
"B" (12-13 year old): 1:40 (one minute, 40 seconds)
"C" (10-11 year old): 1:45 (one minute, 45 seconds)
"D" (9-10 year old): 1:55 (one minute, 55 seconds)

(This information has been taken from the Newport Beach Lifeguard Website)

There are swimming conditioning programs to help improve the swim times. There are programs at Newport Harbor High School, Newport Shores, and the Balboa Bay Club. For more information, please feel free to contact me directly as I am aware of a number of resources. This is a great opportunity for children to learn ocean and beach safety during an 8 week program during the summer. For more information on the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard program, please visit my website at http://www.sharonintheoc.com/ and click on the lifeguard link.

Some tips to help your child pass the swim test for the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard program:

1. Practice (and not just the week before) the children need some conditioning time. At least a month if they are not competitive swimmers or water polo players.
2. Have your child eat properly prior to and up to the test so that they have the adequate nutrition for the most amount of energy.
3. Provide a swim cap for both boys and girls. Hair actually does create drag.
4. Keep your child warm while standing in line - Ugg boots, towels, and swim caps to help them to stay warm. Your child should not start their swim test if they are shivering - they will not swim their best.

For any other information regarding this or other Junior Lifeguard programs including Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, please visit my website at http://www.sharonintheoc.com/.

Newport Beach Open House, January 6, 2008, from 1-4pm

1637 Lincoln Lane, Newport Beach, California

Open Sunday 1.6.2008 from 1-4pm

This beautiful single family, one story home located in the Baycrest - Dover Shores area of Newport Beach. This single family home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, remodeled kitchen with a Viking professional stove, and a Bosch dishwasher. There are beautiful granite counter tops and cabinetry. There is also travertine flooring. There backyard is an entertainer's delight an outdoor kitchen/barbecue area, outdoor fireplace, and a pool and spa. Enjoy this elegant home.

This home is located in the Newport Mesa School District, and elementary children attend the award winning Mariner's Elementary School which is also in Newport Beach. Mariner's Elementary School is located right next to the new Newport Beach Public Library.

For more information on this property, or any property located in Newport Beach, please visit my website at http://www.sharonintheoc.com/ or email me at Sharon@sharonintheOC.com.

Is Your Realtor Tech Savvy??

The criteria for selecting a real estate agent has changed in 2007 and definitely in 2008. One of the most important criteria is selecting a Realtor is - are they tech savvy? One of the ways you can determine if a Realtor utilizes the benefits of technology is the Internet. Does you Realtor have a web page? You can look at the information on that website and look to see how often it is updated, the content, information regarding specific neighborhoods, etc. Or is it default information that comes from the company which hosts the Real Estate site.

Also, when you are looking for a Realtor on Google or Yahoo, perform a search on that person's web site address or name. If the only information that comes up is their website, and technology is important to you - well then you may consider another Realtor. The web address should come up a multitude of times in different arenas (i.e. blogs, etc).

When you a reviewing a person's website, it is better than a face to face interview. You should be able to determine their philosophy and priorities, and certainly their approach to business.

That being said - I know you are looking for a qualified, tech savvy Realtor who utilizes technology which ultimately benefits you as a client.

Whether you are looking in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley or in any area in Orange County, I look forward to assisting you with your Real Estate needs.