Clean up the yard for a late fall home sale. Trim and mow the lawn, mow it diagonally if possible. Remove fall debris, rake leaves and remove spent plants. Add a little color with plants such as kale, mums or marigolds.  This is a good time to remember to clean out the gutters, as well. Fall is a wet time in many climates, be sure to have a door mat both indoors and outdoors.

The 17^th Annual Christmas Luncheon and Boutique to support Breast Cancer Angels will take place on Saturday, December 2^nd. This special event is filled with a tasty lunch, many raffles and a large shopping extravaganza. The luncheon will be held at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, located at 21100 Coast Highway, in Huntington Beach. The event begins at 10am. Reservations are required. Tickets are $75.00 per person or $700.00 for a table of ten. To purchase tickets, see their website at: www.breastcancerangels.org.

Crystal Cove is a collection of exclusive developments in Newport Coast. Crystal Cove is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Laguna Beach.  Crystal Cove is home to many parks, beaches, residential areas and upscale shopping and dining. Located at 22 Tide Watch, this 6,100 square foot home is part of the Sea Point development. This six bedroom, seven bathroom home was built in 2007. The home has a ground level master suite. The gourmet kitchen features a Miele espresso machine, stainless steel appliances and French doors. There is a separate casita perfect for guests, with a bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and kitchenette. The home has views of the surrounding hills. This home sits on a very large 32,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Crystal Cove Sea Point is a small enclave of just 27 estates built by Laing Luxury Homes. Residents also are just a short distance from Crystal Cove State Park, which has over 18 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, in addition to acres of sandy beach.

Located at 43 Blue Heron, this 6,800 square foot home is part of the Shady Canyon Custom community in Shady Canyon. This four bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2004. Attention to detail can be seen in the adobe plaster, handmade adobe bricks and post and beam construction. The central courtyard has loggias and a fireplace. There are views of the surrounding canyons and hills. This home sits on a large, 26,000 square foot piece of property with a corner lot setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy entertaining around the resort-style pool.

Fall is upon us. When selling your home during the fall season, it is very important to maintain good curb appeal, so clean up all that fall yard debris. Keep the driveway, sidewalks, and walkways free from leaves and branches. In the yard, rake up all the leaves and remove all the spent plants. Trim back perennials that are past their prime. For color add some fall blooming annuals or other colorful plants such as mums and kale. Add a pumpkin or squash for a little filler.

The Williams Sonoma Cookbook Club will be meeting on Wednesday, November 15^th. This month the cookbook featured is Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook. There will be a meet and eat at the store.  The ticket price is $60 and includes a copy of the book. The menu this evening include Jamie Oliver’s recipe for turkey with get ahead gravy, cranberry sauce and apple pie. The event gets underway at 6pm. The Williams Sonoma store is located at 8032 Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: https://www.williams-sonoma.com/stores/us/ca/newport-coast-crystal-cove/.

Crystal Cove is a collection of exclusive neighborhoods in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 9 Del Mar, this 15,000 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Estate Collection. This six bedroom, nine bathroom home was built in 2010. Attention to detail can be seen in the salt water aquarium, mahogany study and game room with a golf simulator. There is a gourmet kitchen, formal living room and formal dining room. The views are amazing of the Pelican Hill Golf Course, the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes and city night lights. This home sits on a large 30,000 square foot piece of property which is west of the peninsula and is a front row lot. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy entertaining by the infinity edge pool, in the pool pavilion, and with the multiple entertaining terraces. In addition, there is a 3,300 square foot subterranean garage. The Crystal Cove Estate Collection is a 24 hour guard gated development as are all developments in Crystal Cove. In addition, to the neighborhood amenities, all Crystal Cove residents are invited to join in the resort style recreational activities of the Canyon Club.  The Canyon Club is the social gathering spot for the Crystal Cove collection of neighborhoods.

Shady Canyon is a group of luxury developments in the Turtle Rock Village in the city of Irvine. Shady Canyon is an 800 acre development with three different developments: the Master’s Collection, Sycamore and the Villas of Shady Canyon. The Master’s Collection was built by John Laing Homes in 2005 and 2005. Sycamore was built by Greystone Homes in 2004. The Villas of Shady Canyon are approximately 4,500 square feet with four bedrooms and golf course views. In addition, the area has a Shady Canyon Country Club and Golf Course. Shady Canyon is a 24 hour guard gated community.

Before you purchase a home or sell your home, get to know the real estate market where you are looking or where you live. Working with a local, professional real estate agent, such as those at the Franco Team, is the best way to accomplish this. Real estate agents can help you with pricing, local neighborhood knowledge and advice on staging and financing options.

On Tuesday, November 2^nd, Le Dinner en Blanc will be held as a pop-up dining event. This is first edition of one of the most sought after events of the fall season. This event is part upscale picnic, part mystery tour, and part pop up feast. This event was created in Paris 30 years ago; it is now taking place in 80 cities in 30 countries. The local event is being coordinating by Tiffany Brown. The event “promotes friendship, elegance and gallantry.” For more information, see their website at https://orangecounty.dinerenblanc.com/.

Crystal Cove is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Laguna Beach. Crystal Cove is home luxury residential developments, shopping, dining, parks and beaches. Located at 9 Del Mar, this 15,000 square foot home is part of the Coral Canyon community. This six bedroom, nine bathroom home was built in 2010. Attention to detail can be seen in the salt water aquarium, mahogany study and subterranean garage. The home features a 3D home theater, game room and billiards room. There are fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Beach Harbor, Palos Verdes, Catalina Island, and the Pelican Hill Golf Course. This home sits on a large 30,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors homeowners’ will enjoy the infinity edge pool, waterfalls, fire features, and mature canary palms.  Coral Canyon is a 24 hour guard gated community with just 28 luxury homes. This community was designed by Bob White Architects and built by The New Home Company.

Located at 117 Via Quito, this 2,900 square foot home is part of the Lido Isle community. This four bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 1949. Recently remodeled, this home has double French doors, new landscaping and is on a bay front property. This home sits on a 4,700 square foot piece of property near the clubhouse. Outdoors, the home has an entertaining size patio and lap pool. Lido Isle offers many amenities including tennis courts, clubhouse and private beach.

Back Bay is a community in the Eastside area of Costa Mesa. Eastside Costa Mesa neighbors Newport Beach and is home to 17^th Avenue which is home to Old Town. Back Bay has many types of developments from condos, to townhomes and single family homes. Most neighborhoods have a swimming pool, spa, and tennis courts. The students in this area attend Kaiser Elementary School, Ensign Intermediate School and Newport Harbor High.

Located at 1 Via Brezza, this 5,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Heights development of Pelican Hills. This four bedroom, five bathroom was built in 2001. The home has a formal living room, dining room and gourmet kitchen. The home features a custom designed full-service entertainment bar, custom built-ins chef’s outdoor barbeque. This home sits on a large 14,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting.

It is time to put away bright and light summer colors and stage your home with deep fall colors to inspire feelings of warmth in potential buyers. Accessorize with colors such as deep reds, deep oranges and deeps yellow. Also put out fresh cut fall flowers such as mums accessorized with pine cones, nuts and candles. De-personalize the space prior to staging the room with fall accents.

The Aqua Lounge is having a Casino Royale inspired Halloween Party. On Saturday, October 28^th from 9pm to 11:30pm, the Aqua Lounge will be turned in a Vegas style casino. With a James Bond theme, this party will feature signatures drinks; an Aqua Old Fashion and a Dutch Mule and a DJ. There are VIP tickets available. Tickets range in price from $20 to $250. The Aqua Lounge is located at 690 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: http://www.aqualoungenb.com/. 

Crystal Cove is known for its extraordinary views due to its high bluff setting. Located at 11 Clear Water, 12,000 this square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Custom home community. This seven bedroom, eleven bathroom home was built in 2011. This home was built by Rodeo Homes. Attention to detail can be seen in the granite finishes, promenade and in the classical architecture. There is a temperature-controlled wine cellar, private gym and home theater. Views from this custom built estate include the Pacific Ocean, city night lights, Catalina Island and gorgeous sunsets. This home sits on a large 21,000 square foot piece of property. All Crystal Cove developments are 24 hour guard gated communities. All residents are invited to join in all the resort style recreational activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center which acts as the social hub of the community.

Located at 5212 Chablis Circle, this 3,000 square foot home is part of the Ranch development in the El Camino Real Village in Irvine. This six bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1969. The newly remodeled kitchen features granite countertops, custom cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. This home sits on a 6,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. El Camino Real is bordered by the I-5 Freeway on the west, Culver Drive, Jeffrey Road and Irvine Center Drive.  There are No Mello Roos fees or HOA payments in this development.

Located at 2 Morning View Drive, this 5,800 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge Estates development in Pelican Hill. This four bedroom, seven bathroom home was built in 1999.This home has an eight car garage, walnut library and an elevator. The gourmet kitchen features a center island, custom cabinets and walk-in pantry.  There are wonderful views of the surrounding canyons and mountains. This home sits on a 16,000 square foot piece of property with a corner setting.  Pelican Ridge Estates is a 24 hour guard gated development.

Located at 4721 Dorchester Road, this 3,000 square foot home is part of the Cameo Highlands development in Corona del Mar. This three bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1961. Attention to detail can be seen in the lush courtyard, French doors vaulted ceilings.  This home sits on an 8,300 square foot piece of property. Outdoors there is a swimming pool, spa, entertaining area, water features and outdoor fireplace.  There are 142 homes in Cameo Highlands, which are all single level, so that all homes maintain their views.

Just because it is turning to fall outside, don’t forget about the curb appeal.  Potential buyers begin forming opinions about the property as soon as they pull up to the curb. Keep the lawn mowed, diagonally if possible, it is more visually appealing. Keep leaves raked up, and the yard, sidewalks and driveways free from fall debris, kids’ toys and other items. 

The Kick-off evening for the Bayside Restaurant launch of their month long Hurricane Harvey Relief. All day Monday, September 30^th, Bayside will begin their month long event to help in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Executive Chef Paul Gustrein has a special menu for the event with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey Relief. The Bayside Restaurant is located at 900 Bayside Drive in Newport Beach.  For more information about this month long event, see their website at: https://baysiderestaurant.com/.

Crystal Cove is situated in Newport Coast which is in the southernmost tip of Newport Beach. With its high bluff setting, Crystal Cove is well known for its amazing view properties. Located at 1 Shell Beach, this 9,500 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Estate Collection. This six bedroom, nine bathroom home was built in 2012. Built by Rodeo Homes, this home is entered through elegant gardens that lead to two story foyer. Attention to detail can be seen in the inlaid limestone and hard wood floors, coffered ceilings and Venetian plaster. This home has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Newport Harbor, the Newport Beach coastline, city night lights and stunning sunsets. The custom built home sits on a large 16,000 square foot piece of property with a corner setting. Outdoors, homeowners’ will enjoy relaxing by the zero-edge swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen with a barbeque area and bar area.  The estate collection residents are encouraged to participate in all the resort style recreational activities at the Canyon Club, which also acts as the social hub for Crystal Cove.

Located at 11 Needle Grass, this 12,500 square foot home is in the Shady Canyon area of the city of Irvine. This five bedroom, eight bathroom home was built in 2013. This home features a wine room, indoor game room and a master suite wing. There are near panoramic views of the Catalina Island, Newport Beach, the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding hills. This home sits on a very large, 47,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, the yard is filled with gardens of olive trees, French Lavender, boxwood hedges and multiple entertaining areas.

Located at 15 Photinia, this 3,600 square foot home is part of the Somerton development in the city of Irvine. This five bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 2000. This home was built for a family with a large kitchen which opens onto the family room. This home sits on a corner lot which is 5,600 square feet on a cul-de-sac. Somerton is a 24 hour guard gated community in the Northwood Point Village. Northwood Pointe is bordered by Portola Parkway on the north, Jeffrey Road on the east, and Culver Drive on the west.  This is one of the newest developments in the Northwood area.  Northwood Pointe was designed and developed by the Irvine Company in the 1990’s.

Pelican Point is one of five luxury developments in Pelican Hill. There are just 48 custom built estates in Pelican Point. Homes here have extraordinary views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, City Night Lights, Newport Bay, Newport Harbor, Crystal Cove State Park, beautiful sunsets and Pelican Hill golf courses. Pelican Point is a 24 hour guard gated community.

When you are staging your home for a fall home sale, choose autumn accent colors to add a pop of color to your interiors. Try colors such as oranges, deep reds and golden yellows. Add these colors in accents such as throw quilts, throw pillows of vases of fresh cut flowers. Even a fall wreath with dried flowers and pine cones adds a fun fall touch.

iL Farro Caffe Trattoria’s Wine Battle Round Two will be taking place on Thursday, September 21^st. This will be a California versus Italian wine battle. The wine battle will take place between 6pm and 9 pm. Comparative side by side tastings will be done with tasting notes.  Wine will be served alongside a fresh pasta bar and antipasti selection. The Newport Chamber of Commerce will be onsite for all the fun.  Il Farro Caffe is located at 111 21^st Place in Newport Beach. Tickets are $30. For more information or to make reservations for this event, see their website at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cal-ital-wine-battles-tickets-36596737828?aff=erelexpmlt.

Crystal Cove is a collection of exclusive neighborhoods in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 102 Archipelago, this 4,200 square foot home is part of the Strand development. This three bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 2004.  The open floor plan is filled with natural light and is set up for entertaining. There is a separate casita perfect for a guest suite or home office. There are views of the surrounding bluffs, canyons, the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island and great sunsets. The home sits on an 8,700 square foot piece of property with a corner setting. Outdoors, homeowner’s will enjoy the two seating areas, one with a view and one with a fireplace. The home has a four car garage. The Strand has just 42 homes with large lots. This is a master planned community with 24 hour guard gated security.

Cypress Village is in the east section of Irvine. This is a more newly developed area of Irvine which is east of I-5 Freeway, at Sand Canyon Road. Construction on this area began in 2013. There are condos, townhouses and single family home developments in this village. Among the many amenities in Cypress are a swimming pool, spa, parks, playgrounds and an outdoor barbeque area. Students are within walking to distance to Canyon View Elementary School and Jeffrey Trail Middle School. Students attend Irvine High School, which is a short drive away.

Newport Knolls is a development in Newport Beach. Newport Knolls is in the Newport Heights area. This condo community is an affordable entry point into the Newport Beach real estate market. There are just 28 condos in this complex. There is a community pool and spa as part of the developments amenities. Residents are within walking distance of the beach.

As summer is coming to a close, we are still having very warm days.  If you are selling your home during this time, keep the air conditioning set at a comfortable temperature. You do not want potential buyers rushing through your home because it is too hot. Keep the temperature set between 65 and 70 degrees; this is the most comfortable range for the majority of potential buyers.

The 2017 Green on the Green Newport Beach Eco Expo and CERT Preparedness Expo will be taking place on Saturday, September 9^th from 11am to 3pm. Local businesses and organizations will be on site to show green products, education materials and new innovations in green technology. There will be an electric and hybrid car showcase. There will be electronics recycling during this event. The CERT Expo will include a workshop on how to build a disaster supply kit. The Green is located at the Newport Beach Civic Center at 100 Civic Center Drive. This event is open to the public and free to attend with free parking. For more information about this event, see their website at: https://www.newportbeach.com/events/2017-green-on-the-green-newport-beach-eco-expo-cert-disaster-preparedness-expo/.

Crystal Cove is made-up several luxury residential developments and the Crystal Cove State Park. This official California State Park has 3.2 miles of coastline, 18 miles of trails and over a thousand acres of canyons. Located at 2 Scenic Bluff, this 6,100 square foot home is part of the Watermark development. This six bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2002. This is a model three floor plan. The estate has views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, city night lights and gorgeous evening sunsets.  This home sits on a very large 21,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy relaxing by the swimming pool, spa, and in front of the outdoor fireplace. Watermark was built by Taylor Woodrow Homes and has 33 residences. This is a 24 hour guard gated community.

Shady Canyon is an Irvine village which is home to the development of Sycamore. Sycamore was built by Greystone homes in 2004. Sycamore homes have four or five bedrooms and are between 4,000 and 6,000 square feet. Among the many amenities offered in Sycamore are a swimming pool, a clubhouse, tennis courts, exercise room and golf.

Mesa Verde is part of the city of Costa Mesa. Located at 3061 Capri Lane, this 2,800 square foot home has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. This home was built in 1969 and has golf course views. There is a family room with stone fireplace, large kitchen and outdoor entertaining space. This home sits on a 13,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting.

Located at 31945 Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, this five bedroom, six bathroom home is part of the South Laguna Bluffs area. This 5,500 square foot home was built in 2011. An elevator services all levels of the home. The home features a home theater, state of the art kitchen, dance room.  The home has a bluff front setting with a large yard with a pool, spa, and private beach.

If you are selling your home during the summer months, play up the outside areas. Outdoor areas add to the square footage of the house. Play up outdoor spaces such as gardens, patios and terraces and the pool area. Stage these areas as you do indoor spaces, so people see how you use and enjoy them. Of course, don’t forget to keep the indoors neat and tidy.

The Summer Beach Bazaar at Crystal Cove is taking place on August 19^th.  The sale begins at 10am and continues until 5pm. There will jewelry, pottery, vintage signs, photography and art. In addition, there will be free sea glass wrapping. There will be activities for children throughout the day. All proceeds from the sale benefit Crystal Cove State Park. For more information about the sale, see their website at: https://crystalcove.org/event/summer-beach-bazaar/2017-08-19/.

Crystal Cove is just north of Laguna Beach. Crystal Cove has a high bluff setting giving it some of the best view properties in Newport Coast. Located at 1 Shell Beach, this 9,500 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Estate Collection. This six bedroom, nine bathroom home was built in 2012. There are views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, white water, city night lights and vibrant sunsets from almost every room. Attention to detail can be seen in the two-story foyer, limestone floors and Venetian plaster. Outdoors, the oversized 16,000 square foot property is filled with an outdoor kitchen, barbeque island, sitting areas and a zero edge pool.

Looking for something a little different, Alta Vista located in the Eastside area of Costa Mesa. Alta Vista is a condo complex with 16 units built in 1975. Condos range in square footage from 1,058 square feet and 1,500 square feet, with three bedrooms and two or three bathrooms. Among the many amenities offered in this complex area a dog run, barbeque area, picnic area and two green belt areas.

A very different option can be found in Shady Canyon, which is located in the city of Irvine. Located at 22 Tree Fern, this six bedroom, eight bathroom home is 9,100 square foot. Built in 2017, this Santa Barbara style home has an open floor plan filled with natural light. Attention to detail can be seen in the 14 foot high ceilings, custom French doors and sliding pocket doors. There are views of the surrounding canyons and hills, and the Shady Canyon golf course. The very large property is filled with a six car garage, swimming pool and spa.

Pelican Hill is situated in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Located at 15 Skycrest, this five bedroom, seven bathroom estate is part of the Pelican Crest development. Built in 1996, this home has won the Architecture Design Award in Newport Coast. Attention to detail can be seen in the high ceilings, marble flooring and granite usage. There are views of the Pacific Ocean, city night lights and the surrounding mountains. The very large property has a cul-de-sac setting.

It is especially important to keep your property well maintained if you are selling your home during the summer months. Outdoor spaces are a great way to extend the living space of the house and are great for entertaining, so show them off. When staging the outdoors, be sure to set-up areas as you use them, so potential buyers aren’t left guessing how to use this space.

The Lincoln Experience Center is hosting the sweet Sounds of Summer Concert Series. The next concert will be taking place on Friday, July 21^st. All the performers are local artists and delicious desserts will be served at each concert. The concerts begin at 7pm and last for approximately two hours. Concerts will be held every other Friday. The Lincoln Experience Center is located at 139 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach. 

July 21^st  Steve Nieves, smooth jazz

August 4^th  Mo Jo Jackson, California soul

August 18^th  Stepping Feet, blues and American roots

September 1^st  California Dreamers, SoCal rock

For more information about this concert series, see their website at: https://www.lincolnexperiencecenter.com/.

Crystal Cove is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Coast. With its high bluff settings, Crystal Cove is home to some of the best view properties in the area. Located at 6 Surfspray, this 3,700 square foot home is part of the Nautilus development. This five bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2004. The home has recently been remodeled featuring an open floor plan filled with natural light. The upgraded kitchen has stainless steel appliances; Brazilian Verde granite counter tops and opens to the great room. Attention to detail can be seen throughout the home in the Italian marble and hardwood flooring and the European cabinetry. There are wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Newport coastline, Catalina Island and the colorful evening sunsets. This home sits on a 7,700 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors homeowners will enjoy entertaining around the outdoor fireplace, spa and outdoor barbeque area. Nautilus is a 24 hour guard gated community. Among the many neighborhood amenities are a community pool, spa, barbeque area, fitness center and clubhouse.

Keep the temperature of your home comfortable, regardless of the time of year, you are selling your home. This can be trickier in the summer. The majority of potential buyers prefer temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees. Trying cooling the house down a little more prior to home showings and open houses, so noisy air conditioners are running while potential buyers are touring the home.

Concerts on the Green is returning for the summer. The Sunday, July 9^th concert will feature Flashback Heart Attack. Flashback Heart Attack is an 80’s cover band. The concerts are performed “on the green” at the Newport Beach Civic Center. The Concerts on the Greens series is presented by the Newport Beach City Arts Commission. Bring your beach blankets, low beach chairs and picnic dinner to enjoy during the concert. There will also be gourmet food trucks onsite including Barcelona on the Go and Bakery Truck. Concerts begin promptly at 6pm and end at 7:30pm. These concerts are family friendly, open to the public and free to attend. The Newport Beach Civic Center is located at 100 Civic Center Drive in Newport Beach.  For more information, see their webiste at: http://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/library-services/cultural-arts/concerts-on-the-green.

With its high bluff setting, Crystal Cove has wonderful view properties. There are several distinctive developments to choose amongst in Crystal Cove. Located at 30 Cliffhouse, this 4,100 square foot home is part of the Oceana development. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2004.  Recently updated, this home features a main floor master suite, home office and second floor bonus room.  With a southwest facing property this home has near panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Abalone Point, white water, city night lights and breathtaking sunsets. This home sits on a 10,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Homeowners’ will enjoy the large outdoor entertaining spaces with an outdoor bar. Oceana is a 24 hour guard gated development, as are all Crystal Cove developments. The Crystal Cove Promenade is nearby with many fine dining and shopping options.