Even when selling your home during the winter months, open up all your blinds and curtains and let in as much light as possible. Although the days are shorter, natural light still adds to the home’s atmosphere, creating a warm and welcoming feeling. It is difficult sometimes to schedule open houses and showings during daylight hours, but if possible opt for daylight showings. Clean the windows both inside and outside, this will be make the home brighter. Finally, even during daylight showings and open houses turn the lights on.

Roger’s Gardens is hosting another installment in the My Edible Garden series on Saturday, February 4^th.  Master Horticulturist Steve Hampson will be discussing cool season vegetables, beginning warm season vegetable seeds, insect control and fertilizing fruit trees. This will be an interactive class that will include information on “what, where and when to plant, prune, feed and harvest.” Feel free to bring a list questions to have answered, as well your own tips and tricks.  The class begins at 9am and runs until 10am. This class is free to attend. Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road in Corona del Mar. For more information about this program or the many others that are offered at Roger’s Gardens, see their website at: http://rogersgardens.com/seminars-events/my-edible-garden-with-steve-hampson-february/.

Crystal Cove is a luxurious area in Newport Coast; it is just north of Laguna Beach. Crystal Cove is home to the Crystal Cove State Park, which has 400 acres of bluffs, 2,400 acres of canyons, 18 miles of trails, 1,400 acre Marine Park and 48 historic cottages. Located at 16 Sidra Cove, this 3,300 square foot home is part of the Seascape development. This three bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 2002. The home has recently been updated with new carpet and paint. This villa has wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, white water, city night lights and picturesque sunsets. This home sits on a lot with a corner location with greenbelt views and a very private setting. Outdoor’s, homeowners will enjoy entertaining on two oversized patios. Seascape, like all Crystal Cove developments, is a 24 hour guard gated development. All Crystal Cove 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 for Crystal Cove. Students living in this area attend El Morro Elementary School, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School. The Crystal Cove Promenade is within walking distance of Seascape, with a variety of shopping and dining options.

When you are getting ready to sell your home, make de-cluttering one of your top priorities. Remove all personal items and knick –knacks, especially photographs, you want potential buyers to look at your home not your items and family photos. Clear off bathroom and kitchen counter tops, they will appear larger and cleaner. If you are looking for an accessory try a vase of flowers in the bathroom and a bowl of fruit in the kitchen. When you are grouping objects and accessories, use groups of one, three and five, this is more visually appealing.

The Newport Beach Central Library art exhibit through the end of January is “Transitions” by Mark Leysen. Mark Leysen’s art has been exhibited throughout California, including at the University of California, Irvine, the Orange County Museum of Art, the Laguna Art Museum, and Chapman University. Leysen has been an artist in residence at the UCI Storefront Gallery in Irvine. Art writer’s have described Leysen’s work as “already large image seems even more immense because our eyes continue moving upward and outward, following each shape beyond the space of the canvas.” The exhibit will close on Friday, January 27^th. This exhibit is presented in conjunction with the Newport Beach City Arts Commission. The Newport Beach Central Library is located at 1000 Avocado Avenue. For more information about this exhibit, see their website at: http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/events.

Crystal Cove is filled with parks, luxury residential areas and world class shopping and dining. Crystal Cove is part of Newport Coast and is just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 12 Tasman Sea, this 4,900 square foot home is part of the Windward development. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2001. This two level home has a Mediterranean architectural style. Recently, the home has been completely remodeled taking full advantage of the functional floor plan. The gourmet kitchen features a large center island, breakfast nook and is open to the family room. In addition, the home has a wine cellar and a formal living room and dining room. The home has excellent views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, city night lights and photograph perfect sunsets. This home sits on a 9,200 square foot piece of property. Windward, as are all Crystal Cove developments, is a 24 hour guard gated community. Windward offers many amenities including a club house, swimming pool, fitness room and spa.

During the winter months, the days are shorter and often open houses and especially showings are scheduled during the evening hours. Light up the house brightly for all showings and open houses. Don’t forget to turn on the outdoor lights, as well. Lights welcome potential buyers to the home and encourage them to explore the entire home. Try using light timers to turn on the lights, so that if you are at work and can’t make it home to turn on the lights prior to a showing, the lights will automatically turn on.

The Crystal Cove Alliances has some neat events upcoming in January. If you are interested in learning more about local birds in the new year, the Crystal Cove State Park birders are holding their first guided winter bird walk of season on Saturday, January 7^th. The bird walk will get underway at 8am and participants will gather at the Berns Amphitheatre. Also on January 7^th, the rangers will lead a workshop on the wildlife that call the Crystal Cove State Park home. The workshop begins at 12noon and ends at 3pm and will meet at the Historic District Education Commons. In addition, every Wednesday there is a Sea Glass Jewelry Making Class. The 3^rd Sunday of each month there is a Historic District Walking Tour.   For more information about either of these events or the many others that are offered at the State Park, see their website at: http://www.crystalcovealliance.org/events.

Crystal Cove is wonderful area in Newport Coast, filled with parks, residential areas and world class shopping and dining. Crystal Cove is between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway. Located at 60 Sidney Bay Drive, this 2,700 square foot home is part of the Seabourn development. This three bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 2001. This Mediterranean style home has recently been remodeled. The remodel was complete in early 2016. Attention to detail can be seen in the crown moldings, custom hardwood floors, and travertine floors. The gourmet kitchen features Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, custom cabinetry and a breakfast nook.  This home sits on a 5,000 square foot piece of property. Seabourn residents are invited to participate in all the resort style activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center, which acts as the social hub for the Crystal Cove community.  Students living in this development attend schools in the Laguna Beach Unified School District, specifically El Morro Elementary School, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School.

Selling your home in winter, can be more difficult because of the weather and fewer buyers. However, winter buyers are more motivated often and also there is a lower inventory of homes available on the real estate market. Winter selling tips include keeping the outdoor areas as well maintained as possible. Keep the sidewalks and driveway, clean and free of debris and toys. Continue outdoor maintenance by keeping the gutters clean and the front door area ready to receive visitors.

Start out 2017 with different dining options at the Balboa Bay Resort. A&O Kitchen and Bar will be offering breakfast burritos and bloody mary specials. There will great food and drinks and plenty of football. Breakfast will be served from 10am to 1pm on Sunday, January 1^st, 2017. The Waterline Restaurant is offering a New Year’s Day Champagne Brunch. Brunch will be served from 10am to 2pm. This is a bottomless champagne brunch. Both A&O Kitchen and The Waterline Restaurant are located at 1221 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach. For more information about the many happenings over the holidays at the Balboa Bay Resort, see their website at: http://meritagecollection.com/balboabayresort/newport-beach-ca-hotels/southern-california-events/.

Crystal Cove is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 12 Tideline Bluff, this 4,000 square foot home is part of the Nautilus development. This four bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 2004. The home has a Mediterranean architectural style. There are two master bedroom suites, one being on the first level and one being on the second level. The gourmet kitchen features granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and an island with seating. Almost every room of this home has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Newport Harbor, the city night lights and gorgeous evening sunsets. This home sits on a 6,200 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, there is entertaining space and a spa. Nautilus is a 24 hour guard gated community, as are all Crystal Cove developments. Among the many amenities offered in Nautilus are a community pool, tennis courts, fitness center and clubhouse.

When you are considering selling your home during the winter months, work closely with your realtor to take advantage of the lower inventory of homes for sale during the winter months. A local, professional realtor such as those at the Franco Team will help you to make your home’s listing stand out amongst comparable listings. Think about what unique features your home has, how highly your school district is rated or how conveniently your home is located; make sure those are included in your listing. These advantages will make your home stand out to potential buyers.

Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Commodores Club will be sponsoring the 108^th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights. This is one of the oldest annual occuring events which takes place in Newport Beach and is “one of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation.” Boats of all varieties participate in the parade including kayaks, canoes, boats, sailboats and yachts. The parade follows a 14 mile route through the harbor. The Christmas Boat Parade will take place during evening hours from Wednesday, December 14^th through Sunday, December 18^th. The parade begins at 6:30pm each evening and continues until 9pm. The parade takes place in Newport Harbor. For more information about this annual tradition, see their website at: https://www.christmasboatparade.com/.

Crystal Cove is just north of Laguna Beach in Newport Coast. This community has luxury residential neighborhoods, world class shopping and dining and is home to the Crystal Cove State Park. Located at 11 Clear Water, this 12,000 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Estate Collection. This seven bedroom, eleven bathroom home was built in 2011. Rodeo Homes built this custom estate. The home features a wine cellar, home theater and gym. The gourmet kitchen has Thermador appliances and the laundry room has granite finishes. The views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, coastline, Newport Harbor, white water, city night lights and sunsets are amazing. This home sits on an oversized 21,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners’ will enjoy relaxing by the swimming pool and spa. Estate Collection residents, like all Crystal Cove residents, will enjoy all the resort style recreational activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center.

Create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere in your house when you are selling it. Invite potential buyers into the house and keep that feeling going throughout the house. In the living room, create a seating area in front of the fireplace; try setting a vase of fresh flowers on the coffee table or try putting two champagne glasses and a champagne bucket on the coffee table. In the bathroom, add two fluffy robes and plush towels to the room to create a spa like feel. Add blooming winter flowers, such as paper whites, to other rooms. By creating this type of atmosphere, potential buyers will be able to picture themselves in the home.

On Saturday, November 26^th, The All American Boys Choir will be performing at Roger’s Gardens. Spend an afternoon strolling through Roger’s Gardens Christmas Boutique and listen to the sounds of the season; this is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Roger’s Gardens is creating a wonderful atmosphere to begin your holiday shopping while listening to seasonal favorites and classics performed by the world class All America Boys Choir. Performances will begin at 1:30pm and continue throughout the afternoon. All performances are free to attend and open to the public. Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road in Corona del Mar. For more information about this choral event or the many other holiday events they are having, see their website at: http://rogersgardens.com/seminars-events/the-all-american-boys-choir/.

Crystal Cove is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is home to Crystal Cove State Park, which is has 3.2 miles of coastline, 2,400 acres of canyons, 400 acres of bluffs and three miles of beaches and tide pools. Located at 41 South Sur, this 6,800 square foot home is part of the Sea Point development. This four bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2008. This two level home was recently been updated. The chef’s kitchen features three Sub-Zero refrigerators, 1,200 bottle wine closet and a Wolf range. The home has fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Beach coastline, Newport Harbor, city night lights, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes and spectacular sunsets. The home sits on very large 23,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners’ will enjoy relaxing the saltwater swimming pool and spa. Sea Point is a 24 hour guard gated development, as do all Crystal Cove neighborhoods. Sea Point is home to just 27 luxury homes built by Laing Luxury Homes. The Crystal Cove Promenade is in close proximity with many shopping and dining options.

When you are selling your home, begin by working with a professional, local realtor, such as those of the Franco Team. Realtors know which rooms are the most important to potential buyers; concentrate your efforts on these spaces. The two most important spaces are the kitchen and the master bathroom.  Before investing in a costly updates or remodeling, your realtor can help you to spend wisely, so that you get the most back for your investment. Always start the process with de-cluttering, this can a long way in improving a space. Lower cost updates, such as new cabinet hardware, faucets and lighting fixtures can make a huge difference with a smaller monetary investment. Also, consider what staging the space will add.

The Newport Theatre Arts Center is performing God of Carnage, a comedy of manners … without manners. This plays follows “the course of a superficially civilized get-together of two sets of parents meeting to discuss their children’s playground fight.” The satire filled play takes you on a ride as the evening devolves into dislike and name calling. The play is written by Yasmina Reza and won a 2009 Tony. This is an adult performance with adult language. Phyllis Gitlin is the director of this show. The play runs from Friday, November 11^th through Sunday, December 11^th. Tickets range in price from $20 to $25.  There will be a gala opening night performance and matinee performances. Newport Theatre Arts Center is located at 2501 Cliff Drive in Newport Beach. For more information about this play or their upcoming season, see their website at: http://www.ntaconline.com/god-of-carnage.

Crystal Cove is an area filled with parks, luxury residential developments, a state park and beach and tasteful shopping and dining. Crystal Cove is in Newport Coast, just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 12 Tasman Sea, this 4,900 square foot home is part of the Windward development. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2001. The two level home has a Mediterranean architectural style. The home features a wine cellar, library and bonus. The gourmet kitchen has a breakfast nook, large center island and opens onto the family room.  The home has wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, white water, Newport Coast coastline and vibrant evening sunsets. The home sits on a 9,200 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy entertaining in the landscaped back yard with ocean views. Windward, like all Crystal Cove developments, is a guard gated community. Crystal Cove is part of the Laguna Beach Unified School District.  This award winning school district offers two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school; Top Of The World Elementary, El Morro Elementary, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School. Laguna Beach High School is the lowest enrollment high school in Orange County. Thurston Middle School was recently named a “Model Campus” among all California state schools.

During the fall season, as the days get shorter, it is important to light up your home as much as possible during showings and open houses.  Begin, by opening shutters and shades, clean the windows both inside and outside, to make sure you allow as much natural light in as possible. Be sure to turn on the lights in the home prior to showings. If you have a dark corner, add table or standing lamp to that area. Also, double check outdoor lights to make sure they are in working order. It is also a good idea to keep the sidewalks and the driveway well lit, this is both welcoming to potential buyers and a good safety feature.

The Friends of the Library Organization for Newport Beach Library is having their quarterly book sale on November 4^th and 5^th. On Friday, November 4^th, the book sale will be open from 1pm to 4pm and this sale will be for Friends of the Library members only. On Saturday, November 5^th, the sale begins at 9am and runs until 2pm and it is open to the public on this day. On Saturday, the sale will feature their “2 Bucks a Bag” sale special, all day. The Used Book Sale is held at the Central Branch of the Newport Beach Library in the Friends Meeting Room. Sales are held throughout the year, other sales are held in February, May and August. In addition, the Friends of Library maintain a bookstore located in the Central Library branch which is open seven days a week. For more information about this book sale, see their website at: http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/support/friends.

Crystal Cove is an exclusive area of Newport Beach located in the Newport Coast section of the city. Crystal Cove is made-up luxurious residential developments and the Crystal Cove State Park which encompasses 3.2 miles of coastline. Located at 16 Gondoliers Bluff, this 5,500 square foot home is part of the White Sails development. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2004. The two level home has a Santa Barbara architectural style and was designed by renowned architects EBTA. Attention to detail can be seen in the vaulted ceilings, spa-like bathrooms and awe-inspiring great room. With its elevated property setting, the home has breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, white water, city night lights and spectacular sunsets. The home sits on a large 13,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. The home flows seamlessly from indoor to outdoors, where homeowners will enjoy the swimming pool and spa, outdoor barbeque area and bar. White Sails, like all Crystal Cove developments, is a 24 hour guard gated community. Students in this area attend schools in the Laguna Beach Unified School District, specifically El Morro Elementary School, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School. White Sails is situated just below The Tides community.

When selling your home, it is not necessary to completely re-furnish as a part of staging, instead use accessories to update your house’s look. Update an older couch with a slip cover or an autumn colored throw and accent pillows. Try out these autumn colors, deep reds, crimson, deep oranges and warm caramels. Other autumn accents can be a bowl of crisp red apples in the kitchen or vase of mums on the coffee table. Add an arrangement of candles, leaves and pinecones to the dining room table. Potential buyers will notice the wonderful fall feel of your home.

The Orange County Museum of Art is currently having a Brian Bress exhibit. This exhibit is entitled Brian Bress: Make Your Own Friends. This exhibit looks back over the last ten years of Brian Bress’s work in video, sculpture and paper. Bress is a Los Angeles based artist. Bress first gained fame in the 1980’s with his fictional children’s characters. The OCM exhibit was organized by Whitney Tassie, the curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and Nora Burnett Abrams, the curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver. This exhibit will run through Sunday, December 4^th. The Orange County Museum of Art is located at 850 San Clemente Drive in Newport Beach. Museum admission is $10; this exhibit is free with membership.  Every Friday is free at the museum. For more information about this exhibit or the others at the museum, see their website at: https://www.ocma.net/exhibition/brian-bress-make-your-own-friends.

Crystal Cove is home to luxury residential developments, upscale shopping and dining and the Crystal Cove State Park. The Crystal Cove State Park is home to 3.2 miles of coastline, over 18 miles of trails and thousands of acres of canyons. Located at 90 Sidney Bay, this 2,800 square foot home is a part of the Seascape development. This four bedroom, four bathroom condo was built in 2001. This condo is a plan 1 model. This condo community has a Spanish and Mediterranean architectural style. Attention to detail can be seen in the hardwood floors, wall to wall carpet and gourmet kitchen. The home has views of Pacific Ocean, white water, green belt and colorful evening sunsets. This condo has a corner placement. Seascape is a 24 hour guard gated community.  Seascape residents, like all Crystal Cove residents, are invited to join in all the resort style recreational activities offered at the Canyon Club, which also acts as the social hub of Crystal Cove. Seascape residents have easy access to the beach. Seascape is part of the Laguna Beach Unified School District; students attend El Morro Elementary School, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School.

Regardless of the time of year, the front door area should be presentable. Begin by cleaning the area up. Next, give the front door a fresh coat of paint or stain, if necessary. Then give the area a pop with a fresh doormat and colorful container of blooming fall plants. Colorful fall plants include mums, kales and pansies. Remember to check to see if the house numbers are easily read from the street. Finally, double check the front lighting fixture, it should be in good working order and turned on for all open houses and showings.

Roger’s Gardens will host a private appearance and signing with artist Lynn Haney. This event is celebrating Lynn Haney’s 30^th Anniversary Collection. Lynn Haney is an American artist. He has created a custom line exclusively for Roger’s Gardens titled “Toys from the Past.” These pieces are available in limited quantities only.  In addition, there will be other pieces including his heirloom Santas. The appearance and signing will be on October 7^th and October 8^th from 11am to 5pm each day.  This event is open to the public and free to attend.  Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road in Corona del Mar. For more information about this special event, see their website at: http://rogersgardens.com.

Crystal Cove is home to the Crystal Cove State Park, luxury residential communities and shopping and dining. Crystal Cove is part of Newport Coast, and is just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 11 Shore Walk, this 8,000 square foot home is part of Sea Crest development. This five bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2006. This custom built estate has a library, home office and separate one bedroom casita. Attention to detail can be seen in the wrought iron work, wood plank floors and custom gas fireplaces. There are wonderful views of Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, city night lights and evening sunsets. This home sits on a large 22,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, in addition to the guest casita, are covered patios, an outdoor fireplace, swimming pool and mature landscaping.  Sea Crest, like all developments within Crystal Cove, is a 24 hour guard gated community. There are just 29 luxury homes in Sea Crest. Students living in Crystal Cove attend Laguna Beach Unified School District schools, specifically El Morro Elementary School, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School.