Newport Beach Christmas Boat will Celebrate 101st AnniversaryThe Newport Beach Holiday Boat Parade is the oldest and largest of its kind in the country. Scheduled this year for Dec. 16-20, the parade will start off Bay Island at 6:30 and finish about 9 PM each evening. This year's theme will be the "Joys of Christmas Toys." Higher Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & FHA Loan Limits ExtendedCongress passed a resolution this week to extend the "jumbo" loan liits for the 3 government lenders. The resolution would extend the present conventional loan limits for Fannie and Freddie through the 2010 calendar year at 125 percent of local median home sales prices, up to a maximum of $729,750 in high-cost areas. The floor for FHA is $271,050; the floor for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loan limits is $417,000.
California Home Sales Up 2.1%While the median price of existing homes throughout the state declined 7.3%, existing single family home sales rose 2.1% compared with September, 2008. The statewide median price increased 1.1% over August, 2009. The unsold inventory fell to 4.2 months in Sept, vs 6.5 months last year. Wellness Choice Center OpensThe Wellness Choice Center, an advanced chiropractic and wellness facility has opened up the first of many planned locations in Newport Beach. Specializing in CBP (chiropractic biophysics), the Wellness Choice Center is one of only a handful of chiropractic facilities in Southern California that focuses on corrective rehabilitation of the spine, and also treats those with severe headaches, migraines, carpal tunnel, general fatigue, insomnia, high blood pressure, and disc herniation. Visit www.WellnessChoiceCenter.com. Newport Beach Restaurant Week underwayUntil Thursday, Oct. 22, enjoy "Savor the Flavor" where you can order bargain 3-course lunches and dinners at close to 75 of the best Newport restaurants. They will be serving special menus at $10, $20, $30, and $40 plus you get a gratuity card worth 20% off after the promotion ends. Spiny Lobster Season Starts in So CalPearson's Port in the harbor of Newport Beach specializes in spiny lobster in the winter (spot prawns in the summer). The season is open, the price hasn't gone up from last year - $17.99/lb - and they are plentiful. In addition to Pearson's, local fish markets will also carry the lobsters, when available. 2010 California Housing ForecastCalifornia Assn of Realtors has released the forecast for 2010. Pres. James Liptak indicated the state continued its strong sales rebound this year, because of the fast pace of distressed properties flooding the market. But he expects sales to moderate to a more sustainable pace in 2010, with a modest median price increase of 3.3%. Read the blog I just wrote on the market, with a map to search Newport homes for sale.
Largest California home price gains for August include 5 in Orange CountyNewport Beach was among the Top 10 cities in California for medium home prices in August, at $1,040,000. Five cities in the state's Top 10 for median home price gains in August were in OC: Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Placentia, Laguna Hills, and San Juan Capistrano. 1st time buyers have been the driving force, and the median price statewide has risen 6 months in a row. 18th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Sept. 27 - 30,000 participated!
One of Southern California's leading fundraisers, this year's goal of $3.1 million will hopefully be reached by every participant pledging to raise $125. The event was at Fashion Island. Visit www.komenoc.org for details.Target Free 2nd Sundays
A good way for Orange County families to enjoy art together. Free admission, 2nd Sunday of every month, 11 AM - 5 PM, 850 San Clemente Dr.3 Orange County Homes named among Top 10 Coolest Beach HomesA home on Oceanfront in Newport Beach won #1 for Coolest Beach Home of the Top Ten Real Estate Deals. The home has cabana, spa, pool, saltwater aquarium, and is priced at $19.5M. The other two OC homes were in Laguna Beach. One of the Cleanest Beaches in US The Natural Resources Defense Council, in its latest report "Testing the Waters 2009" named Newport Beach one of the cleanest in the country, receiving a 5-star rating. The beaches near Balboa Pier and Newport Pier both were awarded 5-star ratings. Bicycle Sharing The Brandenburger Foundation has chosen Bixi Bike System to set up the program in Newport. For rates and how it will work, read LAist.com. Coastline Community College to add Learning CenterCoastline Commnity College plans to build a 60,000 sf center on the SW edge of Newport Beach, to feature everything from foreign language programs to an art gallery. It will replace the Costa Mesa learning center. Funding would come from Measure C, a bond measure passed in 2002. New Report from California Coastal CommissionCovering Orange, San Diego, and LA counties, the new report from the California Coastal Commission titled "Beaches and Parks in Southern California" includes more than 50 color maps, 300 color photos, info on plants and animals on the coast, public access, parks and trails. It's an indispensable resource. U of CA Press, $24.95. Diamond & Pearl Ball 2009 hosted by Beckstrand Cancer Foundation
Held at the Balboa Bay Club & Resort on Oct. 17, 2009, the fundraiser gala will celebrate the noteworthy contributions of select members of the community. The black-tie event, which will be set against an ethereal yet whimsical fantasy backdrop, will be highlighted by a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions. Contact Beckstrand Cancer Foundation at 949.955.0099 or visit www.Beckstrand.org. Hoag Memorial Wins AwardHoag Memorial Hospital has been named as 1 of 4 hospitals in LA and Orange counties, and 1 of 12 in California, as a "top" hospital in a list of 125 nationwide, by Consumer's Checkbook. The honor is based on multiple performance measures using over 30 million records of hospital stays by Medicare enrollees. |