Mary Campbell

If you live in Newport Beach your children should definitely be a part of the Junior Lifeguard program every summer. Both boys and girls ages 9-15 can participate and learn world-class ocean safety education and training.

The requirements are that the can tread water for 3 minutes, and swim 100 yards under the time scheduled for each individual age group. Following are the requirements for kids age as of June 2012

· 9 years old - 1:55

· 10-11 years old- 1:45

· 12-13 years old - 1:40

· 14-15 years old - 1:35

2012 Swim Test Dates

The swim test dates are as follows, held rain or shine at Corona Del Mar high school located at: 2101 East Bluff Drive in Newport Beach.

For more information call: (949) 675-8420

How is the Newport Beach market doing? (is a frequently asked question.) After all for a long time we thought we were not going to be affected by this recession. Not to long ago I wrote a blog about the Dover Shores area and how our unit sales were on the rise. Well the Altos research for this week just came out and it confirmed my previous findings.

The above chart shows the market action in the 92260 zip code. The Dover Shores area falls under this zip code. I believe that this community is doing well due to the immediate pricing of homes. This neighborhood is more affordable than others in Newport Beach and there are many benefits to living here. The school district for one is awesome! It is close to the ocean, Th street shopping, the freeway, and John Wayne airport. Plus, you will own a piece of prime real estate! What else could you ask for?

If you are considering moving to Newport Beach, the 92660 zip code is definitely one to look at, and don't forget to see homes in the Dover Shores area. Feel free to contact me with questions or if you would like a tour of the area. NO obligation!

Balboa Island sales are on the rise this year! I love research, and I had noticed a lot of sales happening on the Island this year so I thought I would look back and see what I could find. I looked all the way back to 2002. I was surprised to see how many units we have sold this year on Balboa Island.

I looked at the first three quarters in every year and the only time we had sold more homes on Balboa Island than in 2011 it was 2004! Since then we had been on a down swing and started heading back up in 2007, with a dip in 2009 and now for the past 2 years buyers have gotten wise and started buying on one of Newport's most desirable real estate locations. How many places can you buy a home on an Island?

Balboa Island is my favorite location in Newport Beach. I guess being surrounded by water, upscale homes, shopping, and some of the best restaurants, are the kind of things that I truly enjoy! If you have not visited Balboa Island, please do. It's charming, it's fun, and some how it will make you feel like you are on vacation every day!

Feel free to contact me with any questions. If you are looking to buy a home on Balboa Island, please visit my website.

You may be wondering what is going on in the Dover Shores Community these days in regards to sales. Well, I am happy to say that unit sales are up. I love to do research so I researched sales back to 2002. Guess what, we are selling a lot of homes! Looking at the first 3 quarters of 2011 compared to every year all the way back to 2002, sales are pretty good! Today we have sold just as many homes for the same period of time as in 2005! Folks this was the peak!

I believe that buyers are getting wise and are taking advantage of today's pricing and the incredible interest rates available. Do you know that you can buy in the Dover Shores Community including Baycrest, Westcliff, and Harbor Highlands at about $498.00 a square foot? It was almost $700.00 a foot at the peak of the market.

For more information on the Dover Shores Community or any Newport Beach neighborhood feel free to contact me.

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage . Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?