What Features Do You Value Most

  • October 8, 2013
  • devinlucas

Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Orange County real estate Buyers and Sellers – What features do you value most in a home?  Here’s a neat graphic from the California Association of REALTORS® with some recent survey results. -Devin Lucas Author Devin R. Lucas is a Real Estate Attorney, Broker and REALTOR®, specializing in Newport Beach, … Continue Reading

Home Seller Staging Tips Using Feng Shui

  • September 17, 2013
  • devinlucas

Article Source: California Association of Realtors | Karen Rauch Carter, Feng Shui Palace www.KarenRauchCarter.com. Image Source: iStock The ancient Chinese art of feng shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is over 3,000 years old. This method of arranging inner and outer environments so they consistently support the possibility of all the good things in life encourages health, … Continue Reading

Survey Results: California Homebuyers’ Motivation in 2013

  • August 13, 2013
  • devinlucas

What’s motivating California homebuyers in 2013 to move to such pristine neighborhoods as Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Orange County?  According to the California Association of REALTORS® 2013 Home Buying Survey, here are the top five reasons home buyer’s purchased in California this year: Price Reductions – 38% Favorable prices and/or financing – 12% Desire … Continue Reading

Robust Real Estate Market = Americans Are On The Move

  • July 30, 2013
  • devinlucas

Americans are feeling more financially secure with real estate and looking to relocate somewhere ideal, such as Costa Mesa or Newport Beach, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the California Association of REALTORS®.  1.4 million more households moved in 2012 than in 2011. Consumer confidence in real estate is key, with 54 percent of … Continue Reading

What To Do In Your Yard?

  • July 10, 2013
  • devinlucas

A neat graphic from the California Association of REALTORS® and PLANET, the Professional Landscape Network, giving ideas and survey results for what to do in your back yard.  Perfect ideas to bring to your Costa Mesa, Newport Beach or Orange County home.  Enjoy! -Devin Lucas Author Devin R. Lucas is a Real Estate Attorney, Broker … Continue Reading

Loan Modification Scams Involving Attorneys on the Rise; Some Easy Steps to Be Vigilant

  • June 4, 2013
  • devinlucas

Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Orange County homeowners watch out!  I hate to shock any readers, but there are some unscrupulous attorneys out there.  As in any profession or large employment setting, a few bad apples can ruin otherwise high professional standards.  There have been an alarming number of loan modification and/or foreclosure prevention scams, and complaints … Continue Reading

Top Ten Reasons to be Optimistic About the Housing Market, From the California Association of REALTORS®

  • June 4, 2013
  • devinlucas

From the California Association of REALTORS®, Top Ten Reasons to be optimistic about the housing market.  These factors are especially true in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. -Devin Lucas Author Devin R. Lucas is a Real Estate Attorney, Broker and REALTOR®, specializing in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Orange County, serving individual, investor and small … Continue Reading

Interest Rates Creeping Back Up; Highest in One Year

  • May 30, 2013
  • devinlucas

Those record-low interest rates, which are partly driving the real estate recovery, especially in locations such as Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, may be heading for the rearview mirror as the economy “recovers” and rates are back on the incline. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.81 percent with an average 0.8 … Continue Reading

California Legislature Proposes More Real Estate Transfer Taxes

  • May 29, 2013
  • devinlucas

They’re at it again… the California State Legislature wants more of your money. This time, via a proposed additional $75.00 tax on any county real estate filing including refinancing, transferring into or out of a trust, liens, quit claim deeds, etc. It’s cleverly called “SB-391: California Homes and Jobs Act of 2013.” However, the same … Continue Reading