December can be one of the smartest (and most overlooked) months to buy a home in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. With fewer buyers in the market, more motivated sellers, potential year-end tax advantages, and faster closing timelines, the holiday season may offer buyers a real edge. Here’s why December might be the perfect time to make your move.
Property tax season is here again! Orange County has released the 2025–2026 secured property tax bills, and homeowners in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and the surrounding coastal communities should review their bills now. The County won’t remind you if you miss a payment, and penalties can be steep—especially on high-value homes. Here’s what you need to know about deadlines, online payments, and why December 10 and April 10 are the real dates that matter.
Starting March 1, 2026, the U.S. Treasury’s new FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule will require escrow and title companies to collect and report detailed information on all-cash purchases by trusts and LLCs. Here’s what Newport Beach and Costa Mesa buyers and sellers need to know—and why expert guidance is essential.
Ready to sell your Newport Beach or Costa Mesa home? Discover 8 professional staging tips to attract more buyers, make a stunning first impression, and sell faster with Lucas Real Estate Group—your local legal and luxury real estate experts.
When the Federal Reserve cut rates, many Newport Beach and Costa Mesa buyers expected mortgage rates to tumble—but they didn’t. Learn why rates barely moved, what it means for home buyers and sellers, and how Lucas Real Estate Group helps you navigate today’s market.
📅 The 2025–2026 Newport-Mesa Unified School District Calendar is here!
At Lucas Real Estate Group, we know how important it is for families to plan ahead — from vacations to after-school activities to big moves. That’s why we’re sharing this year’s official NMUSD calendar as a community resource.
Check out all the key dates — from the first day of school on August 18, 2025 to the last day on June 4, 2026 — plus holidays, breaks, and conference weeks to help keep your family organized.
As neighbors, parents, and active community members, we’re proud to support local families both inside and outside of real estate.
California law requires real estate sellers to disclose known material facts about their property, even when certain exemptions apply. While some sellers—like trustees, fiduciaries, or those involved in court-ordered sales—may be exempt from completing forms such as the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS), they are still obligated to disclose any defects that could impact the property’s value. Learn how exemptions work, when they apply, and why tools like the Exempt Seller Disclosure Form are essential for compliance. For trustees, explore our detailed guide to their specific disclosure requirements. Whether you’re selling in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or other coastal Orange County communities, Lucas Real Estate ensures your transaction is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.
What happens when a tenant moves out before their lease ends? In California, tenants remain responsible for unpaid rent and re-rental costs—but landlords must make reasonable efforts to find a replacement rather than simply charging the tenant for the full lease term. Under California Civil Code § 1951.2, landlords have a legal duty to mitigate damages by advertising the property, setting a fair market rent, and considering qualified replacement tenants. If a landlord rejects a viable tenant without good reason, the outgoing tenant’s liability may be reduced. A proactive approach can minimize downtime and financial loss for both parties.
Today’s buyers in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa are looking for homes that combine luxury and sustainability. From energy-efficient kitchens and EV-ready garages to drought-tolerant landscaping and eco-chic materials, green features add real value in Orange County’s competitive real estate market. Discover the top sustainable upgrades that make homes stand out — and why they matter for resale.
Buying a home in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa is exciting—but figuring out how much you can truly afford takes more than a quick online calculator. From understanding your budget and DTI to planning down payments, jumbo loans, and California-specific property taxes, there are critical steps every Orange County buyer should take before starting their search. Our latest guide walks you through 7 smart steps to determine how much home you can afford in today’s competitive Newport Beach and Costa Mesa real estate market.
Lucas Real Estate
2901 West Coast Highway Suite 200 | Newport Beach | California | 92663-4023
info@lucas-real-estate.com | 949.478.1623 office
Devin Lucas BRE No. 01912302 | Courtney Lucas BRE No. 02015514
Lucas Real Estate, a dynamic full-service residential real estate team led by Devin Lucas, REALTOR®, Real Estate Broker, and Real Estate Attorney, and Courtney Lucas, REALTOR® and CPA, offers unparalleled expertise in Newport Beach and surrounding areas.
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