Paint color plays a powerful role in how buyers perceive a home. Learn which palettes help homes sell in 2026—and which choices can quietly hurt value—in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.
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Selling your home
2026 IRS Gift & Estate Tax Rules: $15 Million Lifetime Exclusion Is Here — What Newport Beach Homeowners Need to Know Now
The rules have changed—and high-value real estate owners should pay attention.
With the new $15 million federal gift and estate tax exclusion for 2026, families owning coastal California real estate now have unprecedented flexibility in estate and tax planning. Here’s what this means for Newport Beach and Orange County property owners.
6 Reasons Why December Might Be the Best Time to Buy a Home in Newport Beach & Costa Mesa
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.
8 Expert Home Staging Tips for Newport Beach & Costa Mesa Sellers
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 Are Sellers Exempt From Certain Disclosures in California 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.
Sustainable Home Features Newport Beach & Costa Mesa Buyers Want
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.
Kitchen Design Trends For Coastal Orange County: Create a Welcoming, Functional Space
A thoughtfully designed kitchen doesn’t just elevate your daily life—it elevates your entire home. In today’s market, smart design is smart investment. Connect With Us Whether you’re preparing your Newport Beach or Laguna Beach home for sale, upgrading an investment property in Costa Mesa, or simply elevating your forever home, today’s kitchen design trends blend … Continue Reading
Can I Sell My House To My Child (Or Anyone) Below Fair Market Value? / Can I Do A Gift Of Equity?
Can I Sell My House to My Child Below Fair Market Value?
Yes — and in fact, many families are doing exactly that using a strategy called a gift of equity. This powerful estate planning tool allows parents to sell a home to a child at a discounted price, gifting the difference — often with no immediate tax consequences. But there are critical rules to follow regarding IRS gift limits, capital gains, property tax reassessment under Prop 19, and proper loan structuring if financing is involved.
Whether you’re in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, or anywhere in coastal Orange County, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — including real-world examples, IRS rules, and expert insights from Lucas Real Estate.
Installment Sales for Real Estate in California
Explore how installment sales—also known as seller financing or carryback notes—can offer powerful tax deferral strategies and negotiation leverage in today’s luxury and investment real estate market. From federal and California tax rules to practical pros and cons, this guide breaks down what every Newport Beach and Orange County property owner should know about using installment sales to close more complex transactions with confidence.
Structured Installment Sales in Real Estate: A Niche Strategy for Tax Deferral
Structured Installment Sales offer real estate sellers a niche tax-deferral strategy with long-term income potential. Learn how this IRS-approved method, backed by IRC § 453, works — and how Lucas Real Estate Group helps Newport Beach and Costa Mesa clients implement it seamlessly.
