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.

A Colorful Combination - Speechless Sundays

A Colorful Combination - Speechless Sundays

 

 Speechlesss Sundays

 

I was joking today that my son must have gotten his desire to dress comfortably today when he showed up in the get up above.  As I said this to him, he very quickly replied, "Grandma got me the shoes 'cause there green, my favorite color."

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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.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

  1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
  2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
  3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

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

9 comments • Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 • May 13 2012 11:15PM

M&Ms Ole! - Wordless Wednesday

M&Ms Ole! - Wordless Wednesday

 

M&Ms Ole

 

I was walking through the airport a few weeks ago, when I caught sight of this decked out M&M. Regardless of where I was, I just didn't expect to see an M&M in a sombrero.  It touched my funny bone.  Perhaps it will touch yours too.  Let me know.

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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.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

  1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
  2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
  3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

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

6 comments • Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 • May 09 2012 11:32PM

Are Realtors® Really Expensive?

Are Realtors® Really Expensive?

 

Have you thought that Realtors® are expensive and wondered why they earn the big bucks?

Let me ask you some questions.

What would you do if someone offered you the opportunity to work 100 hours knowing that you might never get paid for that work? What if during that time, you had the opportunity to spend money on gas, marketing and other expenses again knowing you might never get paid?

What would be enough for you to take that risk? Would you take it?

This is what a real estate professional faces each day. We go out and spend money to market your home in print, online, on the MLS. We hold open houses and we take numerous phone calls, with the hope that we will sell the house and earn our commission.

With buyers, we drive from house to house with gas over $4/gallon, spending our evenings and weekends away from our families hoping to find a home on which you will put your best foot forward and have your offer accepted. With buyers, some real estate agents don't even have a contract that ensures that if the buyer buys, he'll use that agent.

What would you charge for this risk?

There is a risk/reward in selling real estate. We use our knowledge, our time, and our money to help clients buy and sell homes with the hope and expectation that after we put out this effort, time and money, that we will be rewarded. Since we put all of the risk upfront, our "reward" tends to be higher than might be the case if we were being paid with certainty on hourly basis.

Consider further that we are helping our clients with what is likely the most expensive purchase they will make, and that the right real estate agent will be knowledgeable and has likely put in many hours of training, additional education each year to stay current on the market and the rules and then think about whether your Realtor® is really expensive or if we are simply paid based on our worth and the risks we are willing to take to help our clients.

Am I expensive? I don't believe that my clients think so. Please see what they have to say below.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Orange County, please give me a call at 714-319-9751.

   

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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.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

  1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
  2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
  3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

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

45 comments • Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 • May 07 2012 09:38PM

Where on Earth Was Christine Donovan - Take 3 - Speechless Sundays

Where on Earth Was Christine Donovan - Take 3 - Speechless Sundays

 

 

Speechless Sundays

 

So, if you've been following my travels over the past week, you may have had some guesses about where I was.  I figured I'd give you one more chance to change your mind before I fess up to where I have been.

Where on Earth Was Christine Donovan

Where on Earth Was Christine Donovan - Take Two

 

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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.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

  1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
  2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
  3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

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

10 comments • Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 • April 29 2012 09:59PM

Where on Earth was Christine Donovan (Take 2) - Speechless Sundays

Where on Earth was Christine Donovan (Take 2) - Speechless Sundays

 

 

Crocodile Central

 

For myself, these critters are better seen from a distance away, or perhaps because of my small taste cajun upbringing, fried and on a plate.

To me, these are fascinating creatures who have changed almost not at all over the millenum.

 

For more clues, see Where on Earth was Christine Donovan - Part One.

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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.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

  1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
  2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
  3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

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

13 comments • Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 • April 22 2012 06:37AM

Where on Earth Was Christine Donovan - Speechless Sundays

Where on Earth Was Christine Donovan - Speechless Sundays

 

Grand Canyon??

 

They say, "Sometimes you gotta dance!"  I say, sometimes you just need to get out and go somewhere different and experience what the world has to offer.

And, if you have any guesses or even know for sure, please let me know.  And, for those of you who already know, no fair letting the cat out of the bag.

 

For more clues, see Where on Earth was Christine Donovan - Part 2.

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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.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

  1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
  2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
  3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

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

5 comments • Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 • April 22 2012 06:30AM

Kids and Animals Just Delight Each Other - Speechless Sundays

Kids and Animals Just Delight Each Other - Speechless Sundays

 

Speechless Sundays

These two seem to be communicating with each other just fine, or maybe my son is communicating and the donkey simply wants to get away. 

It seems that they are both eyeing each other; all while not looking directly at each other.

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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.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

  1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
  2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
  3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

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

10 comments • Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 • April 15 2012 09:41PM

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Ain't Got Nothin' on Me and Short Sales

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Ain't Got Nothin' on Me and Short Sales

 

In the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones plays David to the Nazis' Goliath as they all search for the Ark of the Covenant which will make the Nazis invincible. 

When I think of Raiders of the Lost Ark, I always think about adventure, beating the odds and a certain weekend in Mexico (but that story's for another time).  This is the same way I feel about short sales.  I feel like my sellers and I are David and the banks are Goliath with the power to say "NO" and foreclose on my clients' homes if we can't beat the odds and obtain a short sale approval.

Trying to get through the short sale process and successfully close can be like navigating the adventures that led Indiana to the Lost Ark, a journey filled with booby traps and explosive moments, never mind snake pits, and surely the banks don't need to be any more invincible.

Whether it is BPOs, gathering financial paperwork, finding the right buyer to wait through the long process, holding for the bank for hours on end, or the myriad of other details that go into a successful Orange County short sale, it takes perseverance and is always an adventure.

Still, when I successfully navigate the maze and complete the quest by successfully selling the home for my clients, even Indiana Jones couldn't match the exhilaration of the moment, when I realize I've done it!

 

 

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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.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

  1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
  2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
  3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

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

6 comments • Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 • April 14 2012 07:31PM

Happy Easter - Speechless Sundays

Happy Easter - Speechless Sundays

 

 

Happy Easter

 

From our family to you and yours, Happy Easter!  I hope you enjoy your day whether spent hunting eggs and chocolate, at brunch or dinner, in church or a combination of all of the above.

We've been celebrating Easter all weekend and having a great time doing it.

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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.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

  1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
  2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
  3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

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

8 comments • Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 • April 08 2012 01:58PM

Newport Beach Sunset - Gorgeous Even on a Hazy Day - Speechless Sundays

Newport Beach Sunset - Gorgeous Even on a Hazy Day - Speechless Sundays

 

Newport Beach Sunsets

 

I am so lucky to have grown up in a place where nature provides us a gorgeous show so many days of the year.  Sunny, rainy, hazy . . .  it doesn't matter.  I've travelled the world and still find Newport Beach to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

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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.

Federal Government Disclaimer (MARS) 

  1. You may stop doing business with us at any time. You may accept or reject the offer of mortgage assistance we obtain from your lender [or servicer]. If you reject or accept the offer, you do not have to pay us.  
  2. Christine Donovan, DonovanBlatt and Donovan Group are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender; and 
  3. Even if you accept this offer and use our service, your lender may not agree to change your loan.

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

20 comments • Christine Donovan Costa Mesa CA Homes Broker/Attorney 800-610-7253 DRE01267479 • April 01 2012 11:31PM