The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Deadline is approaching on April 30, 2010.

Who qualifies for the first time home buyer tax credit?

An eligible taxpayer must purchase, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2010. This transaction must be closed no later than June 30, 2010.  For purchases which qualify in 2010, taxpayers have the option of claiming the credit on either their 2009 or 2010 tax return. Please consult your tax advisor for details.

Because there is a large inventory on the market, this is a great opportunity to consider purchasing a home and taking advantage of this first time home buyer tax credit. Remember, you must be under contract before April 30, 2010 and close the transaction by June 30, 2010.

If I can answer any questions about this first time home  buyer tax credit, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Are You Looking for a Serious Gym in the OC? How about Gold’s Gym!

Are you looking for a serious gym in Orange County? I highly recommend Gold’s Gym in Huntington Beach. Gold’s Gym is located just a short drive from Newport Beach and offers a great environment for an excellent work out. Gold’s Gym is located at:

Gold’s Gym Huntington Beach

8875 Adams Avenue

Huntington Beach, CA 92646

Phone: 714-378-4784

www.goldsgym.com

Gold’s Gym has a wide range of hours to accomodate the fitness schedule of each member. The hours are as follows:

Monday – Thursday: 5:00 am -12:00 am

Friday: 5:00 am -10:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm

Gold’s Gym offers a variety of different fitness training for all levels. Gold’s Gym has a variety of different cardio equipment including treadmills with an adaptor to plug in your ipod so you can either watch your own music videos or listen to your music while working out. There are eliptical trainers, rowing machines, stationary bicycles, and stair climbers so there is every opportunity to vary your work out. Gold’s also offers Spinning classes which I highly recommend, and enjoy taking. The spinning classes are fun, motivational, and offer a fantastic workout – can you say burn calories? Beginning spinners are always welcome, and the spin instructors take the time with each person to make sure the bike is adjusted appropriately, and they understand the class. Gold’s gym has a variety of different fitness classes including Body Pump and Body Step. There are “Rowbics Classes” which is another great cardio workout on rowing machines. Good for the mid-section. And of course, there is also personal training if you decide you would like to work with a trainer.

I have been a member at Gold’s Gym for some time and I highly recommend it. Gold’s Gym is clean, the weights are re-racked, the members and staff are friendly, and there are some very good choices for changing your work out. Gold’s Gym also does sell some apparel as well.

If I can answer any questions about Gold’s Gym in Huntington Beach, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

As a result of an 8.8 magnitude earthquake which shook the sea floor off Chile, Tsunami warnings  were issued throughout the Pacific including the Hawaiian Islands, the entire West Coast. The city of Newport Beach were ordering people off the beach, and were preparing for the possibility of a tidal surge surge in the Newport Beach area. I received a telephone call from the City of Newport Beach Police Department stating that there had been an earthquake, and there was atsunami advisory , and it warned residents to stay off the beaches in the event of a tidal surge. They were not ordering evacuation.

At the Newport Beach Pier, Lifeguards had prepared by parking all of their units on the pier – I have never seen that before.

There was also one Newport Beach Lifeguard unit on the beach which was warning visitors to leave the beach.

The tide was out in Newport Beach, and the water had a discoloration to it, however they may have been as a result of the rain storm that we experienced today.

At about 12:30 pm, small tsunami waves did hit the Newport Beach area, and then lifeguards closed the beach as they were expecting a 6-8′ tidal surge. The concerns were also from the strong currents in the ocean.

The tsunami advisory was a result of the earthquake off Chile, and this earthquake was the fifth largest earthquake since 1900.  

Make sure you listen to the Newport Beach lifeguards, and keep off the beaches

I was out previewing homes in Newport Beach last week in Dover Shores in Newport Beach, and there was a garden out in front of a home that was just beautiful.  I thought the flowers were so incredibly beautiful, that I wanted to share them. Despite all the weather that we have had here in the Newport Beach area, and across the country, I thought I would share some beautiful spring time flowers. And I know we are looking at some more rain this weekend, and the east Coast is getting pounded with snow!

The photo below is my favorite, there is so much detail on this flower. It is nature’s perfection.

If I can answer any questions about the Newport Beach area, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Are you considering building a new home in Newport Beach? The property at 801 West Bay in Newport Beach was demolished this morning in preparation for building a new home which will have a view of Newport Harbor.

 The demolition was completed this morning by Tight Quarters in Santa Ana - and I must say it really is an appropriate name for the company. The fact that the houses have a three foot set back on this area of the Balboa Peninsula, and the operator of the back-hoe was very skilled how he took the home down. The staff from Tight Quarters sprayed water on the site to minimize the dust from the demolition.

You can see the progress as the home was taken down. They were extremely cautious of the surrounding structures and homes.

The new home at 801 West Bay in Newport Beach was designed by R.A. Jeheber in Newport Beach and this property will have a bay view of Newport Harbor. Located across from the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, this home is in a very desirable location in Newport Beach, one block to the beach, across from the bay. 

The owners of the property worked with R.A. Jeheber to design their home, and obtain all necessary permits.

After the demolition of the building, the company will also take out the existing slab, and then complete a site clean up in preparation for building the Newport Beach home.

I was amazed how fast the building came down. I am looking forward to the progress of the new home being built.

If you are considering building a home, I can put you in contact with the right resources – please contact me. If you need any assistance with finding a property for sale in Newport Beach, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard try-outs begin this weekend on February 7, 2010 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards try outs will be conducted on at Newport Harbor High School, Newport Beach, California.

If you have a child who is going to try out for the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguards, then hopefully they have been conditioning for the test. There are several pools to practice at, and the pools are heated in preparation for the Junior Lifeguard try-outs. The children can practice at Newport Shores Community pool in Newport Beach, Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, Newport Harbor High Pool in Newport Beach or the pool at Corona del Mar High School.. There are several dates throughout the month of February, they are located at the Newport Harbor High School Pool in Newport Beach, California, and these dates can be found below.

 For the swim try outs, a child must be 9 years old by June 28, 2010 (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 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 olds): 1:35 (one minute, 35 seconds)

“B” (12-13 year olds): 1:40 (one minute, 40 seconds)

“C” (10-11 year olds): 1:45 (one minute, 45 seconds)

“D” ( 9 year olds): 1:55 (one minute, 55 seconds)

 There are conditioning programs as well. For more information, please feel free to contact me directly. This is a fantastic opportunity for children to learn ocean and beach safety, and summer will come very quickly here in Newport Beach. Just so you know, Huntington Beach has both State and City Junior Lifeguard programs, and I will be posting about those try-outs as well.

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

The times for the swim test are below, and are held at the Newport Harbor High School Pool (rain or shine)!!

Sunday, February 7th – 9:00am – 12:00pm

Sunday, February 14th – 9:00am – 12:00pm

Tuesday, February 16th – 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Sunday, February 21st – 9:00am – 12:00pm

Tuesday, February 23rd – 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Sunday, February 28th – 9:00am – 12:00pm

Both of my daughters participated in this program, and I cannot give it enough accolades. The children get in great physical shape, and at the same time learn about ocean and beach safety, and make great friends a long the way. My older daughter Heather is now a Huntington State Beach Lifeguard, and has had some wonderful experiences as a result of this program and competes in national Lifeguard events.

If I can answer any questions about the Newport Beach Junior Lifeguard program, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949-280-0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Guidelines for Home Improvements

 When you are considering listing your home for sale, there is much to be considered to make your home as attractive as possible. This is a common question that I receive from home sellers who are considering selling their home.

The answer and consideration is – any improvements that increase the home’s attractiveness and overall size to the general buying public will increase its value. The following is a list which includes some guidelines to consider when preparing your home to sell:

•   Select a neutral color, paint on the inside and out.
• Have trim painted for a fresh look.
• Make sure that carpet and flooring are clean.
•  If you are replacing carpet, use a neutral color carpet to appeal to the general buying public.
• Consider light window treatments.
• Use mirrored wardrobe doors on closets to enhance space.
• Organize cupboards, closets, drawers, and laundry room and maintain the organization.
• Add healthy house plants in strategic locations to create a warm feel.
•  Add colorful plants to exterior of home, and spruce up exterior landscaping· Utilize seasonal flowers to keep landscaping up to date.
• Trim trees if needed (check with Arborist to be sure it is the correct time of year to trim trees or bushes)· Keep windows and screens clean inside and out.
• Replace screens if needed – and be sure to keep screens clean as well for optimum view
•  Keep all mirrors clean throughout home· Make sure glass shower doors are clean and without hard water spots.
• Add decorator mirrors in strategic locations to enhance openness of home
• Keep fireplace clean if wood burning, and add unburned wood.
• De-clutter every room to ensure home looks more spacious. This is probably one of the most important considerations when preparing a home for sale.
• Put away personal photos so prospects don’t get distracted.
• Keep your home neat and orderly at all times.
• Make sure your home smells fresh and clean and does not have any odors. If there are are odors, that may offend a potential buyer.

Keep in mind, that the majority of buyers cannot really visualize what “it will look like”.

If I can answer any questions about preparing your home to sell, offer recommendations for home improvement, or answer any questions about real estate in the Newport Beach area, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

Cucina Alessá is an Italian Restaurant that has located in the Newport Shores area of Newport Beach. It is located at 6700 Coast Highway in Newport Beach, this restaurant features a fabulous menu with a spectacular selection of Italian food.

The owner and Chef Alessandro Pirozzi greets his customers and creates a warm and inviting environment. I have had the Pollo Marsala and it is amazing. The Julius Caesar salad is also a favorite with excellent flavors. The Dover Sole is a special and it is my all time favorite! Excellent fish served with spinach, the flavors are amazing.

Cucina Alessa in Newport Beach is a great environment, fantastic chef, and wonderful service. There is an outdoor area to enjoy the great food, and the fabulous weather.

For more information, please view Cucina Alessá website. Cucina Alessá is located right in the Newport Shores area on Coast Highway.

Newport Shores is located in Newport Beach and it is walking distance to one of the finest beaches in Newport. Newport Shores is a community of approximately 440 homes, and is a great community with a home owner’s association and it includes a clubhouse, heated pool, tennis and volley ball court. The residents of Newport Shores walk to the restaurant as well as many of the residents who reside along Seashore in West Newport. also, Cucina Alessa has opened a newer location in Huntington Beach.

So if you are looking for an authentic Italian meal with spectacular service, I highly recommend this restaurant. Also, consider trying Cucina Alessa in Newport Beach for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. Excellent breakfast with an Italian flair, and a delicious latte to accompany your meal.

Cucina Alessa in Newport Beach is located at:

6700 Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA
949.645.2148
cucinalessa.com

Look forward to seeing you at one of my favorite restaurants right here in Newport Shores – Cucina Alessa. If I can answer any questions, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949-280-0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

If you are considering selling your home in Newport Beach, it is important to establish value of your property. There are several ways in which to determine value of your home.

1. Comparative Market Analysis

One of the most important starting points is to talk to a professional Realtor. A Realtor will look at recent sales in the area with homes that are comparable to your home.  A Realtor will consider location, condition, size of home, and will do a CMA and present it to you as the seller. A CMA is a comparative market analysis of similar properties that are active or currently on the market, pending/back up properties - properties which are pending close of escrow, and recent closed or sold properties. With regards to sold properties, an important consideration is how recently they sold. A property has to appraise per the Residential Purchase Agreement, and an appraiser is not going to go back a year for comparables. Typically, when a Realtor does a CMA for a seller, they will go back 4-6 months when reviewing sales.

2. Appraisals

Another manner in which to determine value of your Newport Beach home for sale is to have the property appraised by an independent appraiser. There is a fee for this to the Seller to have the property appraised, however this is a valid  consideration if the Seller wants additional validation of the value of the home. An appraisal will cost the seller approximately $350.00.

As I stated earlier, the property has to appraise for the sales price. There is an appraisal contingency in the Residential Purchase Agreement which stipulates the property has to appraise for the sales price in order for a loan to be secured on the property.

Internet Estimates

There are many internet sites that a consumer can visit in order to establish value of their home. A consideration with utilizing these sites is that they may not be very accurate. Some of these sites such as Zillow will attempt to offer some type of comparables, however they may not be very accurate with the price of your home. I would recommend consulting a professional Realtor who works in the area to do a Comparative Market Analysis. This is a service that I offer at no charge to my clients. Please contact me if you are considering the value of your home.

4. Market Value

Your home is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay for it, and what you are willing to accept for it at a particular time. The market is the market, and if a home is over priced it will sit on the market. If it has been under priced, then you are risking not realizing the actual dollar amount the property is worth.

You don’t want to chase the market!!

Chasing the market down is an extremely important consideration. Pricing your home high or to “test” the market  just to see if you get that amount is not a good idea. When a home is over priced, it will sit on the market accumulating days on market. And if there is a price reduction, however still slightly above the market, you can end up chasing the market down.

When a property sits on the market for too long, the assumption is – what is wrong with it? Why hasn’t it sold? Pricing a house too high handicaps it right from the beginning.

If I can answer any questions about determining the value of your Newport Beach home, please contact me.

Phone or Text: 949.280.0681

Email: Spaxson@roadrunner.com

If you are looking for a kick off to your holiday shopping, why not consider visiting Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Fashion Island is a outdoor shopping area located in Newport Beach. With panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, visiting Fashion Island is always a pleasure. There are many upscale shops, fine dining and dining with a more casual flair. There is something for everyone in Fashion Island.

Fashion Island in Newport Beach recently had their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on November 20th and 21st, 2009. This is an event where the tree is officially lit, combined with entertainment. Due to recent improvements in the Bloomingdale’s courtyard, the Fashion Island Christmas Tree is now located at Atrium Court by Santa’s House.

Fashion Island is also home to a carousel so the families can bring their children to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere. However, there is speculation that this carousel will be taken  down. I am hoping they keep the carousel because to me it is part of the history. I will keep you updated on that topic.

Fashion Island also has a beautiful Koi pond that has tables around it to sit and enjoy the beautiful Koi which reside in the pond.

Fashion Island has upscale stores including Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, and a Nordstrom is under construction set to open in 2010. There is also a Macy’s which is one of the larger stores. There are many boutiques including Z Gallerie, BeBe, BCBG, and Fashion Island in Newport is now home to a True Religion which just opened last summer. There is also a 7 for All Mankind store which just opened on November 25, 2009. And of course there is a very popular Mac Store which is a personal favorite of mine to visit and check out the latest and greatest.

Fashion Island is hosting an event coming up on December 4-5,2009 which is the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation Holiday Gift Drive. The event will be from 11 am to 4 pm, and if you bring a new, unwrapped item, you will receive an offer from a Fashion Island merchant. The Beckstrand Cancer Foundation Gift Drive benefits children  aged  new born to 19 years old.

I hope to see you at Fashion Island, and enjoying the Holiday season.