Looking for something the whole family can do for New Years Eve?

Here's a fun option for the entire family, Knott's Berry Farm is throwing a New Years Eve party!  Bring the kids and watch them light up as they ring in the new year with a midnight fireworks display.  

Click on the picture below for details

. 

I hope everyone has a great and safe New Years Eve and a blessed 2013!  

Another home sold, another happy customer!

This perfect family home is officially sold!  I'm so lucky to have such special clients, I love my job!

What's trending in Luxurious lifestyles

Looking to add some luxury to your home?  Click the link below to check out the top trends for luxury amenities.

Realtor Magazines 5 Popular Luxury Amenities 

 

What's your architectural style?

In today’s article I would like to discuss some of the different types of Architectural styles we see in homes. Architectural design is one of my favorite parts of the real estate industry and knowing the differences can help you hone in and define your personal style. For example, what is the difference between a bungalow and ranch style home? What would a Spanish style home offer that you won't find in a English Tudor home? Today I would like to go over some of these styles and help you to decipher what design esthetic you prefer.

Ranch homes

Let's start with the most popular American style home; the ranch home. It has maintained its high demand status throughout this country for good reason, its ease and simplicity makes it a great fit for American families. Ranch homes are one story with long rectangular silhouettes and commonly L or U shaped floor plans. Because of their width and shape these homes are usually built on wide open lots and usually have porches, patios and 2 car garages. While their exteriors are not considered highly decorative like the Victorian or Spanish styles, the appeal is the functionality and efficiency of these homes. Its one story makes it a go to choice for families with small children, the elderly or people with disabilities while its simplicity makes the upkeep minimal and the affordability high. It's no wonder why we find different variations of the ranch style home in just about every type of neighborhood throughout the country.   Below are some examples of a ranch style home.

 

 

 

 

Bungalow homes

Bungalows became a housing craze throughout the country in the late 1800's due to their simplicity and affordability. Their different styles include the California Bungalow and the Craftsman Bungalow. The original California Bungalows were small one to one-and-a-half story homes with porches that stretch across the front of the home with a square shape silhouette and a low roof. The Craftsman Bungalows are usually a little larger than the Californian style with a rectangular silhouette. They traditionally have tapered columns on their long porches and are characterized by their exposed rafters. Many people are attracted to the beautiful entrances of the gorgeous Craftsman Bungalows because of their use of false or decorative beams supported by the distinctive trapezoid shaped columns over the porch leading up to the front door.  Below are some examples of bungalows.

California Bungalow

Craftsman Bungalow

 

 

 

Contemporary homes

Contemporary homes tend to be easiest to categorize by the average civilian despite the fact they are one of the broadest types of architectural stye. These homes are asymmetrical, clean and simple. They usually have flat or very low roofs and are commonly multiple stories. These homes tend to be highly distinctive works of art. They have become more and more popular as the modern movement continues to sweep through architectural design. Contemporary homes use different materials and continue to evolve into different shapes and styles and continue to push the envelope of design concepts to create new, inventive and stunning homes. Below are some examples of contemporary homes.

 

 

 

Tudor homes

The classic English Tudor home can be distinguished by the half timbered exteriors placed in unique deigns commonly over plaster or patterned brick. Their rounded doorways, prominent chimneys and multiple steep triangular shaped roofs are also a trademark of this esthetic. There is definitely a medieval flare to these homes and suggest their owners appreciate lots of character and charm.  Below are some examples of Tudor homes.

 

 

 

Cape Cod homes

Originated in New England in the 1600's, the colonial style Cape Cod home is a elegant and classical choice that evokes historical value and charm with its admirers. With its rectangular shape and steep roof, this home is most commonly recognized by its multi-paned windows framed by shutters on either side of its centered front door. Generally, the exterior of these homes are wood covered in clapboard siding and originally one-and-a-half stories with all living spaces down stairs. This half story is why it's not uncommon to see dormers which add a little more detail to the otherwise elegant simplicity of the Cape Cod home.  Below are some examples of Cape Cod homes.

 

 

 

Victorian homes

Victorian style homes were originally built between the 1830's and early 1900's and infamously chocked full of details meant to show off the luxurious lifestyle of the super wealthy of its time. These details include patterned shingles, lots of columns, spindles, and ornamental moldings with lots of gingerbread trim work. They often have porches with decorative railings, however one of the most noticeable trait of the Victorian style homes is their steep pointed roofs with tall pointed towers. When you think of the Victorian style home you can't help but think about the infamous “postcard Row” in San Francisco California but these ornate gems can be found throughout Southern California as well.

 

 

 

Spanish homes

Most have come to know and love the Spanish style home by its light colored stucco exterior, red barrel tilled roofs, arched doorways and windows and dark wood with wrought iron details. They commonly surround beautiful courtyards and have exposed ceiling beams, archways and terracotta tile throughout. These homes are a stunning option for those looking for rustic elements with a unique and cultural rich flare.  Below are some example of Spanish homes.

 

 

 

Mediterranean homes

The Mediterranean home is a blend of styles such as Spanish, Italian and Greek which makes it a little harder to distinguish between others like the Spanish style home we spoke of earlier. As a matter of fact, I think this home is the one I get the most questions about. So what is different about the Mediterranean home? It's really the overall visual impression you get. Though the Mediterranean generally have terracotta roof tiles, light colored stucco walls and arched windows and doorways which immediately suggest the Spanish style home, the Mediterranean has a more tropical feel to it. And despite the fact it esthetically shares much of the Spanish elements, as you can see below there is still something very different and distinctive about Mediterranean homes.

So tell me, what's your favorite type of home?  Would you like to check out a particular type of home?  Click HERE to send me an email and I'll get right back to you.

Newport Beach News and Events

What's going on in our little piece of paradise

 

 

This weekend is the Susan G. Komen race for the cure September 23, 2012. Come out and enjoy our beautiful weather while running or walking for a worthy cause that has touched so many of our lives. This event attracts a large community and includes something for everyone from a 5K to a 1 mile fun walk. It all kicks off at 6:30AM at Fashion Island.  If you would like more information go HERE.

 

 

 

 

Want to learn how to surf? Well this Sunday September 23rd Vibe&High will host a free learn how to surf seminar at 10^th street on the Balboa peninsula. This kicks off at 8AM and will also include beach exercise circuits. It's a great way to take advantage of these beautiful beaches we live on!

 

This Monday September 24^th from 10-11:30AM the Newport Beach public library foundation will be offering a free eight week financial literacy workshop. Would you like to expand your knowledge on topics such as annuities and mutual funds, long-term care, fixed income investing and equity investing? Well this is a great place to learn some invaluable financial planning information. We all have questions, they have answers. For more information go HERE.

 

 

With so much to do who would want to live anywhere else?

 

 

 

Neighborhood spotlight: The Village at Corona Del Mar

 

Why do I love the village at Corona Del Mar?

What's not to love? This coastline community seamlessly combines a laid back lifestyle with the elegance you expect from Newport Beach. These tree lined streets surround the Pacific coast highway and where ever you are in this area you're going to feel the ocean breezes and hear the waves. While I love the beautiful cozy cottages some of the more extravagant beach front estates never cease to amaze me.

This is a know your neighbor kind of community with kids playing out in the streets and home owners who take great pride in their properties. Here you're going to see many white picket fences and some beautiful landscaping all set against the backdrop of the amazing Pacific ocean. When you're here you will see many people enjoying a active lifestyle from walking and jogging to biking and surfing, it's all here.  Don’t feel like driving? Walk to a choice of superior restaurants such as Banderas, The Bungalow, The Quiet Woman, El Ranchito and the Summer House just to name a few. You are just a short drive away from even more dinning and some of the best shops at Fashion Island and if that's not enough, you're just right across the street from Corona Del Mar Plaza. There’s just so much entertainment here you will never be bored.

As parents the school system is often the first information we seek out. The Newport-Mesa unified school district offers a top notch education and includes:

• Abraham Lincoln elementary school
• Harbor view elementary school
• Corona Del Mar high school

Corona Del Mar high school was recently ranked #32 in California and raked #158 nationally out of 22,000 public schools evaluated according to the annual US News report. With a teacher student ratio of 27:1 and college readiness index at 64.3 it's no wonder this school district is sought out by parents looking for the best education for their children. With low crime rates, tons of parks and beaches right out your front door, you can feel good about choosing the Village to raise your kids in.

 This weekend I will be holding a open house Saturday and Sunday at:

602 Narcissus Ave

Corona Del Mar, Ca 92625

This home is a beautifully charming cottage that embodies everything the Village at Corona Del Mar has to offer. Come take a look or if you prefer a private viewing at a time of your convenience email me at minamullinax@gmail.comor give me a call at 949-478-8873.

Price: $1,150,000

MLS#: U12003047

Bed:2

Bath: 2

Square Feet: 1,200

Year Built: 1950

Style: Bungalow, Contemporary, Contemporary/Modern, Conversion, Cottage

View: Courtyard View

Beyond charming! This lovely, remodeled cottage is situated on a raised lot, offering privacy without sacrificing convenience. Great open floor plan w/beautiful engineered wood floors, crisp white molding, clean white kitchen with Carrera marble counter tops, new cabinets & lots of open space to cook & entertain at the same time. French doors open out to the front patio where you can really enjoy the So Cal inside /outside lifestyle. This home is open, light & bright, perfect for those w/ discerning taste. Wonderful bathrooms where no details were spared, two fireplaces (including one in the master bedroom), lots of closet space, a private courtyard that is accessible from both bedrooms, a fully-fenced yard & a one-car garage; this cottage is sure to please. It’s just a short walk to the beach and other local venues. See you there

 

 

Newport Beach News and Events

What's going on in our little piece of paradise

Most locals know that the Taste of Newport is a very fun and exciting event and if your new to the area, let me assure you this is not something you want to miss. It kicks off this weekend September 14th at the 500 and 600 blocks of Newport Center drive (Fashion Island) and continues until Sunday September 16th. Walk around and eat some of the most fantastic foods from premiere Newport Beach vendors. For a full list of Restaurants you will see at the Taste of Newport go HERE. This is also an amazing wine tasting event. With so many fantastic wines to choose from, you are sure to find your new favorite. For the full list of wine vendors go HERE. Don't forget about the entertainment on stage, to see the full schedule go HERE. This is a really fun event and one I never miss. See you there!

This month South Coast Plaza is hosting the Festival of Children. This is a great event for the whole family. This Saturday, September 15th the festival is holding “Keep discovering with Element” from 1-5pm. Bring your kids and they will learn how to recycle used skateboard decks, make bracelets out of their old t-shirts and more. The best part is it's all free. For more information go HERE.

 

 

If you're looking for something more active to do, the “Tunnel to Towers” run is going on at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort (1131 Back Bay Drive) this Sunday September 16th from 8am-9am. In tribute to New York City firefighter Stephen Siller, who died on 9/11. The annual run in New York City retraces Siller's footsteps through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in their efforts to save the lives of others. We do our own version right here in Newport Beach to honor those hero's while raising money for the charities that honor their sacrifice. This 5k is fun for the whole family and costs $40 for adults, kids 12 and under are free and active duty military and their families get a discount and run for $20. Half of the proceeds will go to “Building for America's Bravest”, a joint venture between the Stephen Siller Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation. The other half will be donated to the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines.  For more information go HERE.

With so much to do who would want to live anywhere else?

Come see me in this spectacular home in crystal cove today at my open house from 1-4pm.

It really doesn't get more stunning than this! Click the link below to check out this beautiful homes pictures and find out more information


Open House 4 Whalers Bluff, Newport Coast, CA 92657


See you there

The Sawdust Festival is here

If your looking for something to do don't forget about the Laguna Beach Sawdust Art Festival.  Support local artists and have fun!  Kids under 5 are free and adults are just $7.75.  Click the picture below to visit their website.

Here's a great article from Coast magazine about inviting spaces from the owners of Rogers Gardens

The owners of Roger's Gardens know a thing or two about inviting spaces.

BY Terence Loose

 

(click the picture below to read the article)

 

Newport Beach Neighborhood Hot Spots

What a great article about prominent locals revealing their favorite places to eat, shop and Live all around Newport Beach.  Click on the picture below to read the article

Prominent residents around Newport share what
they love best about their piece of paradise.



The Taste of Newport is coming September 14th-16th.  This is an amazing event that will introduce you to just about every type of food and drink Orange County has to offer.  I will definitely be there, will you?  For more information or to buy your tickets just click on the picture below.





Welcome to my Blog!  I LOVE living in Orange County (and I have lived all over the country) and I want to share with everyone why I love calling this beautiful coastline my home.  Here I will be posting about upcoming events, the best hot spots, great deals being offered by local businesses, design tips, tricks and trends, articles about our awesome city and anything else I think my friends might like.   Stay tuned by following my blog, I have a lot of great things in store for you :)
Sincerely,
Mina Mullinax