Costa Mesa's Neighborhood Blog

A blog about Newport and Costa Mesa with an emphasis on Costa Mesa Real Estate and Newport Beach Real Estate, written by a lifetime local resident of coastal Orange County whose knowledge of the area, combined with a strong background in mortgages, real estate and being an attorney, gives her clients many advantages.

Knowing Who to Call is at Least as Important as Knowing What to Do!

Knowing Who to Call is at Least as Important as Knowing What to Do!

 

 

Last week, when I was called by Nightline for an interview in just a couple of hours, I was in no way ready for primetime (or late night tv).  I was dressed very casually without much any makeup, flip flops, tank top, etc.  I didn't have any appointments and hadn't put myself together.

 

I could have done this myself, but knowing I had limited time, I also knew that I didn't have time to do it myself.  Sometimes doing it yourself (whether getting dressed up, making repairs, or selling a home) just isn't the best option.  Often it takes longer or isn't done as well.

 

Fortunately, I have a large list of experts to contact for many different needs.

 

That day, I contacted Lori Mazalewski, my Nordstrom Personal Shopper.  I quickly explained to her that I had very limited time to look my best, and I was at least a half hour away.  She calmly began to outline a plan.  She asked me to run home for a couple of items; she would take a quick lunch, have clothes and a makeup artist waiting for me when I got to Nordstom.

 

 (I thought about putting in a before shot, but Vanity just wouldn't do it. So, you'll get the finished product below.)

 

I arrived, and as always, Lori had the perfect outfit for me.  I didn't bring any jewelry, no problem.  She and her assistant, Kristin, handled that too.  They were clipping tags off of me and ringing me up in no time.  Dressed in my new outfit, I knew that I was headed for a smashing interview.  How could I miss feeling like a million bucks?

 

Lori, then walked me down to cosmetics and introduced me to Natasha Dressler of Smashbox.  This was a woman who had worked as a makeup artist in Hollywood!  How perfect was that?

 

Lori quickly explained to Natasha that I had very limited time to be in full makeup and on my way to my interview. 

 

Natasha asked me a few quick questions to get an idea of my personal style and then quickly went to work.  Thirty minutes later, my new look matched my new outfit.  I felt completely ready for my interview.  She had kept my look pretty natural in keeping with my personal taste and yet complemented my features and coloring.

 

 

 

Orange County Short Sales Nightline Interview

 

I'm sure that anyone who saw me come into Nordstrom just a little more than an hour before, would not have recognized the person who left.

 

Could I have gotten all of this done myself in the limited time frame?  Probably, but would I have done it as well?  Probably not, and probably without a lot more fuss and stress.

 

This was a good reminder to me, that the do it yourself method is not always the best whether it's getting ready for a big national televsion interview, home repairs or selling your home.

 

I'm fortunate to have gathered a great group of professionals around me who are available to help me and my clients in almost any situation.

So, if you are feeling the need to spruce up your wardrobe, please call Lori Mazalewski at 714.549.8300 and be sure to tell her Christine Donovan sent you.  If your makeup needs updating or you just want a new look, give Natasha Dressler a call at the same number.  And, when you walk out, be sure you have somewhere to go other than straight home because you're going to want to show off the new you!

 

If you need any other recommendations for other professionals in the Orange County area, please give me a call at 714.319.9751.

Click the link for more information on my Nightline Interview on Orange County Short Sales

 

 

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.

Options for Avoiding Orange County Foreclosure - A Video Blog

Options for Avoiding Orange County Foreclosure - A Video Blog

 

 

Orange County Real Estate Brokers Christine Donovan and Rob Magnotta have teamed up to bring you lots of information about real estate in general and Orange County real estate in particular, served up with a little bit of humor.

This video is about options for avoiding foreclosure.

 

 

 

 

 

Please let us know what you think, what other topics you would like to hear about and any ideas for improving our show.

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.

Herd of Elk on the Side of the Road?!

Herd of Elk on the Side of the Road?!

 

 

 

 

Elk in the Redwoods

 

 

There may be some who find it normal to find a herd of elk sitting in the shade on the side of the road, but this Southern California native is far from use to finding this sight on the side of the road.  So along with about two dozen others who seemed to find this intriguing, we stopped to take photos up in the redwoods.

 

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.

How is a Real Estate Transaction Like Dating?

How is a Real Estate Transaction Like Dating?

 

 

I heard an analogy today that just made me smile.

 

Inspecting available possibilities         =                    Previewing Homes

Starting to Date                                =                    Open Listing

Going Steady                                   =                    Exclusive Listing

Engagement                                    =                    Escrow

Marriage                                         =                    Close of Escrow

 

 

Weddings are Like Close of Escrow

 

Separation                                      =                    Notice of Default

Divorce                                           =                    Foreclosure

 

Can you think of any other ways that a real estate transaction is like dating?

 

 

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.

Catalina Island Pelicans

Catalina Island Pelicans

 

 

Catalina Island Pelicans

 

I have been fortunate to live around the Pacific Ocean nearly my entire life and never tire of the beauty that is available at any time here.  This day, I was fortunate to capture a picture of two pelicans who apparently share my appreciation of the ocean.

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.

Huntington Beach Real Estate Minute - Huntington Beach Market Report

Huntington Beach Real Estate Minute - Huntington Beach Market Report

Huntington Beach well known as “Surf City USA” with its excellent surfing has 8.5 miles of beaches and over 200,000 residents with 11 million visitors annually coming to see events such as the US Open of Surfing, the Surf City USA Marathon and AVP Pro Beach Volleyball.

Surf City USA

It is also known as one of the 10 safest cities. Huntington Beach Real Estate offers a wide variety of housing from moderately priced condos to multi-million dollar estates.

Below is the current Huntington Beach Homes report: Huntington Beach Homes,Huntington Beach Real Estate

orange county real estate,orange county home value

The real estate market in Huntington Beach has been adding inventory slowly but steadily over the last few months. This may begin to help the competition buyers have been experiencing, especially at the lower price levels.

Click Huntington Beach homes to see homes currently for sale.

Market reports for nearby cities:

Central Costa Mesa Homes

Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Real Estate Report

Westside Costa Mesa Homes

Eastside Costa Mesa Homes

Costa Mesa Homes

South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Homes

Huntington Beach Real Estate News

Newport Beach Real Estate News

Fountain Valley Real Estate News

Balboa Peninsula Real Estate Report

Newport Heights Real Estate News

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale. Copyright © 2010 by Christine Donovan, All Rights Reserved. Huntington Beach Real Estate News- HUntington Beach Market Report.



For more information about buying and selling Huntington Beach homes, please contact Christine Donovan at 714.319.9751. Originally published at Huntington Beach Homes.

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Costa Mesa Market Report

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Costa Mesa Market Report

Originally no more than a way station built by Spanish missionaries, Costa Mesa's first real estate development occurred in the 1880s. This failed to prosper, but Costa Mesa has thrived.

Long time residents may remember when the area was called Fairview and Paularino, but today, the city is a focal point in Orange County with the Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory Theatre and South Coast Plaza as major drawing points. It is hard to believe that Costa Mesa was once nicknamed "Goat Hill" because of its rural flavor.

The modern day Costa Mesa real estate market began as beach bungalows just minutes from the ocean. Even then, Costa Mesa, bordering Newport Beach, captured the best of Newport Beach living at a fraction of the cost. While Costa Mesa may be more affordable than comparable homes in Newport Beach or Corona Del Mar, this is a relative matter as all of Orange County real estate is perceived to be some of the most desirable in the United States.


The market report for Costa Mesa is below:

Costa Mesa Homes,Costa Mesa Real Estate

orange county real estate,orange county home value


Based upon general definitions, it appears that Costa Mesa Real Estate should still be in a Sellers' Market based on the level of inventory, many still seem to believe we are in a Buyers' market. However, I am starting to see more inventory in the last few weeks, which is moving Costa Mesa more toward a stable market rather than a buyers' or sellers' market. Given all that is going on in the credit market and the banking industry, we are in an unusual time and will have to see what happens over the next few months as things hopefully begin to stabilize.


Market reports for additional areas of Costa Mesa and nearby cities:

Central Costa Mesa Homes

Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Real Estate Report

Westside Costa Mesa Homes

Eastside Costa Mesa Homes

Costa Mesa Homes

South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Homes

Huntington Beach Real Estate News

Newport Beach Real Estate News

Fountain Valley Real Estate News

Balboa Peninsula Real Estate Report

Newport Heights Real Estate News

See below for HOMES CURRENTLY FOR SALE IN COSTA MESA.


Click for a free list of Orange County foreclosures or a free list of Orange County short sales or e-mail Me!

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale. Copyright © 2010 by Christine Donovan, All Rights Reserved. Costa Mesa Real Estate News- Costa Mesa Market Report.



For more information about buying and selling Costa Mesa homes, please contact Christine Donovan at 714.319.9751. Originally published at Costa Mesa Homes

.

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Central Costa Mesa Homes Report

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Central Costa Mesa Homes Report

Central Costa Mesa is an area of the city, triangular in shape, which is bordered by Harbor Boulevard, Baker Street and Newport Boulevard/ the 55 Freeway.


The Market Report for Central Costa Mesa Homes is below:


Costa Mesa Homes,Costa Mesa Real Estate

orange county real estate,orange county home value



Based upon general definitions, it appears that Central Costa Mesa should be in a Sellers' Market though it still appears to be a Buyers' market. Given all that is going on in the credit market and the banking industry, we are in an unusual time and will have to see what happens over the next few months as things hopefully begin to stabilize.

Market reports for additional areas of Costa Mesa and nearby cities:

Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Real Estate Report

Westside Costa Mesa Homes

Eastside Costa Mesa Homes

Costa Mesa Homes

Central Costa Mesa Homes

South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Homes

Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Real Estate Report

Newport Beach Real Estate News

Fountain Valley Real Estate News

Balboa Peninsula Real Estate Report

Newport Heights Real Estate News

Huntington Beach Real Estate News

See below for HOMES CURRENTLY FOR SALE IN COSTA MESA.


Click for a free list of Orange County foreclosures or a free list of Orange County short sales or e-mail Me!

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale. Copyright © 2010 by Christine Donovan, All Rights Reserved. Costa Mesa Real Estate News- Central Costa Mesa Market Report.



For more information about buying and selling Costa Mesa homes, please contact Christine Donovan at 714.319.9751. Originally published at Central Costa Mesa Homes

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report

South Coast Metro is an area that encompasses both Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. However, the South Coast Metro area in Costa Mesa usually refers to the area east of Bear Street and north of the 405 (San Diego Freeway). It is at the junction of Orange County's 55 and 405 freeways. It is the area of Costa Mesa closest to South Coast Plaza. In this unique neighborhood, premier office space and world class shopping vie with first class dining and performing arts venues to form a cosmopolitan blend of culture and business.

The Real Estate Market Report for South Coast Metro is below:

South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Real Estate,South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Homes,Costa Mesa Homes,Costa Mesa Real Estate

orange county real estate,orange county home value

Based upon general definitions, it appears that the South Coast Metro Costa Mesa homesshould be in a Sellers' Market though it still appears to be a Buyers' market. Given all that is going on in the credit market and the banking industry, we are in an unusual time and will have to see what happens over the next few months as things hopefully begin to stabilize.

Clickhomes for sale in South Coast Metro Costa Mesa to see homes currently for sale.

Market reports for additional areas of Costa Mesa and nearby cities:

Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Real Estate Report

Westside Costa Mesa Homes

Eastside Costa Mesa Homes

Costa Mesa Homes

Central Costa Mesa Homes

South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Homes

Huntington Beach Real Estate News

Newport Beach Real Estate News

Fountain Valley Real Estate News

Balboa Peninsula Real Estate Report

Newport Heights Real Estate News

Click for a free list of Orange County foreclosures or a free list of Orange County short sales or e-mail Me!

Copyright © 2010 by Christine Donovan, All Rights Reserved. Costa Mesa Real Estate News- South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report. Originally published at South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Homes

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.

Newport Pier Sunset - Nature's Palette on Display

Newport Pier Sunset - Nature's Palette on Display

 

 

 

Newport Pier Sunset

 

 

 

We are so fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.  Few things could be better than walking through the surf while enjoying the beauty that only nature can provide. This is a photograph of the Newport Pier at sunset.

***************************************************************************

About the author: Christine Donovan is a California Residential Real Estate Broker with experience in assisting clients buy and sell residential real estate.

Are you upside down in your home? Is it worth less than you owe? Are you concerned about making your mortgage payment? For more information see Options to Foreclosures, understanding short sales or contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com to discuss your options.

If you want to buy a home or to list your property for sale, please click Newport Beach homes, Costa Mesa homes, Huntington Beach homes or Orange County homes.  Click the link if you are interested in buying a home at a courthouse auction sale.

Contact me at christine@donovanblatt.com or 714-319-9751 to learn about her system which will make your buying and selling experience easier.

Disclaimer: All information in this blog is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. This blog is not intended to offer any legal, tax or other advice.

Click Orange County homes for sale to view all OC homes for sale.