home office photo with 'how remote work has changed the real estate landscape' overlay.

How Remote Work Has Changed the Real Estate Landscape

  • May 12, 2025
  • devinlucas

Five years after the shift to remote work, homebuyers across Newport Beach, Eastside Costa Mesa, and surrounding coastal communities are rethinking what it means to live—and work—at home. From multifunctional floor plans and tech-integrated upgrades to outdoor office retreats, today’s luxury buyers are prioritizing properties that support a seamless work-life balance. Discover how remote work is shaping real estate trends and what features are now must-haves in the Southern California market.

balboa island ferry at sunset with text overlay about pending electrification

Update on a Newport Beach Icon: Balboa Island Ferry Going Electric? — With Help From a $7.9M Grant

  • May 9, 2025
  • devinlucas

The historic Balboa Island Ferry is here to stay—and it’s going electric. Backed by a $7.9 million grant and growing community support, the ferry is preparing for a zero-emission future while remaining fully operational. Learn how this transition impacts Newport Beach real estate and how Lucas Real Estate Group is keeping you connected to what matters most in coastal living.

image of coastal home with "forming an LLC to hold real estate in California" as an overlay

Forming an LLC to Hold Real Estate in California

  • May 6, 2025
  • devinlucas

Thinking about forming an LLC to hold real estate in California? Discover why LLCs are a powerful tool for privacy, asset protection, estate planning, and tax flexibility—especially for high-value properties in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Corona del Mar, and other Orange County coastal communities. This comprehensive guide from Lucas Real Estate Group covers everything from liability and tax benefits to Prop 19 strategies and long-term maintenance considerations.

photo of couple with real estate agent at a kitchen table reviewing documents

The Ultimate Home Seller Checklist: Newport-Mesa Edition

  • April 16, 2025
  • devinlucas

Thinking of selling your home in Newport Beach or Costa Mesa?
From pricing and preparation to marketing and negotiation, our Ultimate Home Seller Checklist walks you through every step of the process—backed by the local expertise of Lucas Real Estate Group. Whether you’re handling a trust sale, family transfer, or traditional listing, we help you maximize value while minimizing stress.

Home Buyer’s Checklist: Touring Homes Like a Pro

  • March 31, 2025
  • devinlucas

Tour Homes Like a Pro: What Every Newport Beach Buyer Should Know
Ready to move beyond online listings and start touring homes in person? Whether you’re buying in Newport Beach, Eastside Costa Mesa, or surrounding coastal communities, this step-by-step checklist will help you evaluate properties with confidence. Learn what to look for — inside and out — and how to spot red flags before making an offer. Written by local real estate attorney and broker Devin R. Lucas, this guide blends real-world experience with professional insight to help you make smart, informed decisions in today’s competitive market.

bag of money next to up arrow and a model house (inferring housing prices going up)

Navigating Fair Market Rent Calculations During California’s Price Gouging Protections

  • January 27, 2025
  • devinlucas

Under California Penal Code Section 396, rental price increases during a declared state of emergency are limited to 10%, with the base rent determined by prior rental history or fair market rent (FMR) as defined by HUD. If a property hasn’t been rented in the past year, the allowable base rent defaults to 160% of the HUD fair market rent. The choice between county-wide FMRs and Small Area FMRs (SAFMRs) depends on local market conditions, with SAFMRs providing more granular, ZIP code-specific data.

paperwork with person completing by hand

When Are Sellers Exempt From Certain Disclosures in California Real Estate?

  • November 19, 2024
  • devinlucas

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.

beach house at sunset

Tips for Buying a Vacation Property: Destination Relaxation

  • October 27, 2024
  • devinlucas

Thinking about buying a vacation home in Newport Beach? From budgeting and location to long-term considerations, there’s a lot to think about before diving in. Our latest blog covers key tips to help you make a smart investment in your ideal getaway. Discover how to find the perfect vacation property and start planning your dream retreat!