Victoria Elementary School Movie Night     Victoria Elementary is having its first movie night of the year this Friday.    Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase beginning at 6:30pm, and the movie will begin at dark. The movie is "Gnomio and Juliette". Don't forget to bring your blankets, chairs and jackets as we're leaving summer behind, and the evenings can be cool.   If you have any questions about buying or selling a home in Westside Costa Mesa, please contact Christine Donovan at 714-319-9751.   Originally published at Victoria Elementary Movie Night. 09/27/2011

    Road-paving’ ceremony to mark the first of $11.5 million in Costa Mesa road improvements   COSTA MESA, CALIF.—The City of Costa Mesa will hold a "road-paving" ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday on Mesa Verde East (near Boa Vista and the Balearic Center) to highlight the some of $11.5 million in road improvements that will be done to city streets and alleys this fiscal year and next’s.   The media is invited.   The short ceremony will detail the various improvements that will be undertaken city wide, including the $3 million project currently underway to repave more than 100 streets in the Mesa Verde community. The city’s contractor will be on hand to demonstrate the work involved in returning a Costa Mesa street to top condition.   The funds for the road improvements came from non-general... 09/27/2011

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Costa Mesa Market Report     Originally no more than a way station built by Spanish missionaries, Costa Mesa's first real estate development occurred in the 1880s. This failed to prosper, but Costa Mesa has thrived.       Long time residents may remember when the area was called Fairview and Paularino, but today, the city is a focal point in Orange County with the Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory Theatre and South Coast Plaza as major drawing points. It is hard to believe that Costa Mesa was once nicknamed "Goat Hill" because of its rural flavor.       The modern day Costa Mesa real estate market began as beach bungalows just minutes from the ocean. Even then, Costa Mesa, bordering Newport Beach, captured the best of Newport Beach... 09/25/2011

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Central Costa Mesa Homes Report   Central Costa Mesa is an area of the city, triangular in shape, which is bordered by Harbor Boulevard, Baker Street and Newport Boulevard/ the 55 Freeway. The Market Report for Central Costa Mesa Homes is below:       Based upon general definitions, it appears that Central Costa Mesa is in a Sellers’ Market though many still think it is a Buyers’ market, except for those who have lost out to multiple offers. See below for HOMES CURRENTLY FOR SALE IN COSTA MESA. Market reports for additional areas of Costa Mesa and nearby cities: Central Costa Mesa Homes Costa Mesa Homes Mesa Verde Costa Mesa Real Estate Report Westside Costa Mesa Homes Eastside Costa Mesa Homes South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Homes Huntington Beach Real Estate... 09/25/2011

Costa Mesa Real Estate - Eastside Costa Mesa Homes   Eastside Costa Mesa is a charming area of Costa Mesa which borders Newport Beach, and, as a result, tends to have higher property values than some other areas of the city. It is bounded by Irvine Boulevard on the east, Newport Boulevard on the west, 15th Street on the south and Mesa Drive on the north.   Most of the original lots in Eastside Costa Mesa are around 10,000 square feet, a large size lot in Orange County, which allows for space to expand smaller, older homes if desired.   Eastside Costa Mesa is known for wide streets and lovely, mature trees, homes with picket fences and an eclectic mix of different types of homes.   The current real estate market report for Eastside Costa Mesa Real Estate is below:     Sales  inventory ha... 09/22/2011

COSTA MESA CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE, SAVE MONEY NOW AND LATER!   Before you begin what should be the fun process of buying a home, consider a couple finer points to help save you money, both upfront and down the road.  One issue relates to your credit score and its impact on your financing, and the other relates to the condition of your home and the cost of repairs.   First, know your credit score in advance of house hunting, and take immediate steps to improve it if it’s less than good.  During your loan application is not the time to find any surprises.    Correct any errors on your credit report, pay down some revolving debt, and don’t make any other major purchases (like a car) until your loan paperwork is complete and you’ve closed on your home.  This is important because borrowers ... 09/21/2011

Selling a Costa Mesa Home Can Anything Go Wrong After Contingencies are Removed?     So, you've listed your home, you've waited patiently during open houses and showings, keeping your home clean and "show ready" the whole time, you've received an acceptable offer, the physical inspection is done and so is the appraisal, and now the contingencies are being removed.    Is it time to breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that everything's done and soon your home will be sold?   Not quite, the loan still needs to have all of its contingencies removed. The loan needs to be funded, and title needs to record. However, you've been through most of the trials and tribulations of selling a home.   And, there is one piece of good news for the seller. Once contingencies are removed, if the liquidated da... 09/18/2011

Buying a Costa Mesa Home What are Contingencies and Why are They Important?   Basically, contingencies allow a buyer who is buying a Costa Mesa home time to inspect the home and attempt to get a mortgage loan before being fully committed to the purchase of the home.   In California, the California Association of Realtors (CAR) purchase contract typically allows 17 days for all buyer contingencies to be removed. These contingencies usually include: physical inspection, appraisal, finance/loan, a review of title, review of seller disclosures, wood destroying pest (termite) inspection, review of conditions, covenants and restrictions (CC&R's) and any other considerations/inspections the buyer might consider important in determining whether or not to purchase the home.   This time period ca... 09/17/2011

THE WOW FACTOR IN SELLING YOUR HOME! Now is a great time to take care of the exterior details that will make your home stand out when buyers first lay eyes on it.  Starting at the top, make sure your roofing materials are functional and looking good.  Gutters should be cleaned out and repaired, and any signs of water damage eliminated. Little details have a huge impact.  Paint is cheap, but pays off handsomely when you apply it to any trim, railings, shutters, and especially the front door.  A new knob and knocker wouldn’t hurt, and a new mailbox and street numbers make a good impression, too.  Once you’ve improved those details, light it all up with attractive outdoor lighting.  Finally, there’s the front yard and driveway.  Your walkways and driveway set the tone for the rest of the ... 09/17/2011

Tanager Park Costa Mesa   Tanager Park is a great neighborhood park located at 1780 Hummingbird Drive in Costa Mesa. It is a 7.4 acre park that features picnic tables, playgrounds, including a tot lot with swings and climbing equipment, a basketball court and volleyball.   It is part of the Upper Birds area of Mesa Verde.     To see homes currently for sale in Mesa Verde, please see below.     If you would like more information about buying or selling a home in Mesa Verde or in Costa Mesa, please contact Christine Donovan at 714-319-9751. Originally published at Tanager Park Costa Mesa. Originally published at Tanager Park Costa Mesa. 09/16/2011

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Westside Costa Mesa Homes     Southwest Costa Mesa, better known as the Westside or Westside Costa Mesa, is a wonderful area of Costa Mesa which borders both Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. It is typically quantified as being West of Newport Boulevard. It encompasses Fairview Park and the Talbert Nature Reserve.   It has a wide mix of homes ranging from single family homes, to condos and apartment buildings. The homes overlooking the bluffs have beautiful views of the ocean and wildlife in the Santa Ana River.   The current real estate market report for Westside Costa Mesa is below:     Although Westside Costa Mesa homes are still experiencing a sellers' market, the number of homes sold the last three months has slowed down quite a bit.  We'll see what ... 09/10/2011

Vista Park Costa Mesa     Vista Park is located at 1200 Victoria Street in Westside Costa Mesa, just above Brookhurst.   As its name indicates, it has great views of the ocean and Catalina Island as well as down on to the Santa Ana River.   There is a very large lawn at Vista Park for kids to run, dogs to walk and people to play soccer. There are bbq's as well so that you can prepare a meal while enjoying the great weather and views, especially at sunset.   The playground is very nice as well with several slides, swings, a teeter totter, and a jungle gym.       All in all though it is a fairly small play area, Vista Park is a great park with a lot to offer for a neighborhood park.                Please see below for homes for sale in Westside Costa Mesa. If you have any questions about ... 09/08/2011

TEN YEARS AGO TRAGEDY STRUCK AMERICA Come pay tribute to the fallen heroes and victims of the Attacks on 9/11/01   Costa Mesa 9.11.11 Remembers   September 11, 2011 9am - 11am US Army Reserve Base 2651 Newport Blvd. Costa Mesa, CA 92626   Speakers from the Fire, Police and Military   The City is also collecting goods to send to our troops in the 1/5 Battalion Collection Center will be on site   Commemorative T-shirts are available for $10   Order yours today at Cmremembers911@yahoo.com Ask about our programs:   Low as 10% down! Owner will pre-pay your mortgage insurance! Save at least $100 per month!   Down payment assistance available up to $12,510 or 3% of loan amount in the form of a grant, does not have to be repaid.   Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real... 09/08/2011

Christopher Michael Chocolatier - Costa Mesa   We have a gem located right here in Costa Mesa, the chocolatier to the Grammys and the Emmys, right here in Costa Mesa.   You have heard of milk chocolate, white chocolate and dark chocolate. You've probably had chocolate with nuts, cherries, etc., but what about lavendar, rosemary or chipotle and honey. Christopher creates many different flavors as well as the more common caramel and other flavors. Christopher started in 2006 and uses top ingredients such as Venezuelan chocolate to make his delicious concoctions. He also teaches chocolate classes. I've been fortunate enough to attend classes to learn how to make truffles and chocolate caramels. In addition to the flavors, the chocolates are painted and absolutely gorgeous. So, if you're lo... 09/07/2011

Garage Sale This Saturday 09/10/2011 3040 Killybrooke, Costa Mesa 8 AM to 4 PM!   Lots of household items and clothing!     Ask about our programs:  Low as 10% down! Owner will pre-pay your mortgage insurance! Save at least $100 per month!   Down payment assistance available up to $12,510 or 3% of loan amount in the form of a grant, does not have to be repaid.   Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors,"the most trusted name in Costa Mesa Real Estate". Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976. For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit Larry Weichman in Costa Mesa CAfor... 09/07/2011

Vista Park Has Views - Speechless Sundays     Vista Park is on Victoria just above Brookhurst and in addition to ocean views and Santa Ana River views, it also has amazing sunsets. This was taken with my phone as I just couldn't miss the shot even though I didn't have a "camera" with me. I'm pretty happy with the results, especially since the photo is completely untouched. 09/04/2011

  2011 COSTA MESA PUBLIC SAFETY RECOGNITION BBQ 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2011 Orange County Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA  92626   Recognizing Officers and Employees of the Costa Mesa: POLICE DEPARTMENT   ~   FIRE DEPARTMENT   ~   911 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER On duty or off – all are invited to attend - enjoy lunch – show your support – live entertainment – lots of food & fun Raffle prize drawing only for personnel of Costa Mesa Police, Fire & Communications.   Police, Fire, Communications Personnel:  NO CHARGE Chamber Members, Local Residents & Community Supporters:  $10.00   Sponsorships available starting at just $50!!! Contact Patty Mason for sponsorship opportunities 714-540-8222   Raffle Prizes now being accepted - it's a great way to get adde... 09/01/2011

How Do I Start a Short Sale In Costa Mesa CA One of the toughest decisions facing homeowners in Costa Mesa these days is whether or not to do a short sale. Most homeowners don’t understand the process, but what’s even scarier is that most real estates don’t either. Many agents tend to shy away from short sales because they don’t understand how they work. #1 – SELECT THE RIGHT AGENT Like all other professions, real estate agents are not created equally! A Costa Mesa short sale is a very complicated and arduous type of transaction, and most agents just don’t not where to begin. As a seller, YOU MUST SELECT YOUR AGENT CAREFULLY! Choose an agent that is familiar with the process and who has successfully completed at least a couple of short sales preferably with multiple lenders. Make sure t... 09/01/2011

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - South Coast Metro Costa Mesa Market Report   South Coast Metro is an area that encompasses both Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. However, the South Coast Metro area in Costa Mesa usually refers to the area east of Bear Street and north of the 405 (San Diego Freeway). It is at the junction of Orange County's 55 and 405 freeways. It is the area of Costa Mesa closest to South Coast Plaza. In this unique neighborhood, premier office space and world class shopping vie with first class dining and performing arts venues to form a cosmopolitan blend of culture and business.    The Real Estate Market Report for South Coast Metro is below:        Based upon general definitions, it appears that the South Coast Metro Costa Mesa homes appear to have moved into a sellers’ marke... 08/28/2011

Costa Mesa Real Estate News - Costa Mesa Market Report     Originally no more than a way station built by Spanish missionaries, Costa Mesa's first real estate development occurred in the 1880s. This failed to prosper, but Costa Mesa has thrived.       Long time residents may remember when the area was called Fairview and Paularino, but today, the city is a focal point in Orange County with the Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory Theatre and South Coast Plaza as major drawing points. It is hard to believe that Costa Mesa was once nicknamed "Goat Hill" because of its rural flavor.       The modern day Costa Mesa real estate market began as beach bungalows just minutes from the ocean. Even then, Costa Mesa, bordering Newport Beach, captured the best of Newport Beach... 08/21/2011