During open houses and showings, help set the mood in the house by playing music quietly in the background. Choose the music carefully; try jazz or classic music, so that you appeal to the majority of potential buyers. The music will help to set an atmosphere and create a mood which will help potential buyers picture themselves living in the house. It will also encourage people to linger longer and spend more time in the house. 

The Environmental Nature Center is offering a Little Naturalists Fabulous Fall program. On Tuesday, September 20^th, the Little Naturalist will have their September program. This is a hands-on class has exploration activities which encourage discovery and enrich physical and cognitive skills. Activities include storytelling, nature crowns, tie dying and a hike. This program is specifically designed for children ages three to five years old. Children will need to be accompanied by an adult guardian. The class begins at 9:30am and runs for one hour. The program costs $6 per child or $5 for members. The Environmental Nature Center is located at 1601 16^th Street in Newport Beach. For more information on this program or the many others offered at the Environmental Nature Center, see their website at: http://encenter.org/blog/events/little-naturalists-fabulous-fall/.

Crystal Cove is an exclusive area in Newport Coast filled with luxury residential developments, parks, shopping and dining. Crystal Cove is just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 2 Twilight Bluff, this 4,100 square foot home is part of the Nautilus community. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2004. The Mediterranean architectural style gives the home a sophisticated design. This is a plan 3 model with two levels. Attention to detail can be seen in the extensive use of French doors, custom built- ins, and designer lighting. The chef’s kitchen features a Thermador stove with a custom hood, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, and vaulted ceiling. There are forever views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, city night lights and vivid evening sunsets. This home sits on a 9,500 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting and adjacent to the greenbelt. Outdoors, homeowner’s will enjoy entertaining on the many view terraces and patios, cooking on the barbeque island or relaxing by the swimming pool and spa. Nautilus is a 24 hour guard gated development, as are all Crystal Cove developments. Among the numerous amenities offered in Crystal Cove are a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, barbeque area and fitness center.

Keep in mind that potential buyers will most likely be looking carefully at the kitchen, family room and formal living room because these rooms generally get the most use. Using this fact, stage the home appropriately. Family rooms and living rooms can be both a family space and an entertaining space. Paint the rooms in sophisticated neutral colors. Remove all personal photos and knick knacks. Draw potential buyers’ attention to the fireplace, if the room has one by adding a piece of art to the mantel or creating a seating area in front of it. The goal is to make it easy for potential buyers to picture themselves in this space.

The Newport Theatre Arts Center will be performing I Do! I Do! throughout September. The story follows two soulmates beginning right after their vows through their life together. The score has been called “tuneful and charming.”  This musical was created by the same writers of The Fantasticks. The music is by Harvey Schmidt and the book and lyrics were written by Tom Jones. The Broadway production received seven Tony nominations.  The performances will begin on Friday, September 9^th and run through October 9^th. The Gala Opening Night tickets are $30 and regular tickets are $25.There will be both evening and matinee performances. Performances take place on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Newport Theatre Arts Center is located at 2501 Cliff Drive in Newport Beach. For more information about this performance, their upcoming season or to purchase tickets, see their website at: http://www.ntaconline.com/i-do-i-do.

Crystal Cove is made-up of the Crystal Cove State Park and a group of luxury developments. Crystal Cove is situated between the Pacific Ocean and Pacific Coast Highway just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 22 Cruisers, this 4,900 square foot home is part of the White Sails development. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2004. The home is entered through a gated entry courtyard. The house features an office, gym, and a great room. The kitchen has a butlers’ pantry, granite countertops and Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. Attention to detail can be seen in the crown molding, vaulted and beamed ceilings and travertine flooring. The home has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Newport Coast coastline, the surrounding hills and gorgeous sunset views. This home sits on a large 11,000 square foot piece of property on a cul-de-sac. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy relaxing by the swimming pool, spa and under the shaded loggia with a fireplace. White Sails, like all Crystal Cove developments, is a 24 hour guard gated community. White Sails residents have access to the Canyon Club Recreational Center, which offers resort style activities and is a great place for socializing. White Sails residents have easy access to Crystal Cove Preserve for large array of outdoor activities.

When you are selling your home, especially during the summer months, keep your yard and outdoor spaces well maintained. Invite people to the front door, by placing a container of colorful annuals by the door. When you mow your lawn, try mowing it on a diagonal, this makes it look better. Clean up the flower beds and be sure there are some colorful plants in them. Finally keep the driveway and sidewalks clean and free from outdoor toys and bikes.

On Tuesday, August 16^th, the Newport Chamber of Commerce will have a 2016 Newport Beach City Council Candidates Forum. The forum will feature candidates running in the 2^nd, 5^th and 7^th districts. This is an interactive session, designed to show the experience and positions of the candidates.  The forum will take place at the Newport Beach Public Library, in the Friends Room. This branch is located at 1000 Avocado Avenue. This event is free to attend, however space is limited; make a reservation to save your place. The forum begins at 7am and runs until 9:30am. There will be a free complimentary breakfast served during the forum. For more information about the forum or to make your reservation, see their website at: https://www.newportbeach.com/events/2016-newport-beach-city-council-candidates-forum/.

Crystal Cove is set high on a bluff in Newport Coast. The exclusive residential developments overlook Newport Harbor and Pacific Ocean. 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. In keeping with the style in Crystal Cove, this home has a Mediterranean architectural style. There is an option for either a first floor or a second floor master suite. The gourmet kitchen features granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a large center island with seating. Both the home and property have wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, city night lights and evening sunsets. The home sits on a 6,200 square foot piece of property on a cul-de-sac. Outdoors, homeowners’ will enjoy relaxing in the spa. Nautilus is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood. Neighborhood amenities include a beautiful pool, spa, tennis courts, clubhouse, fitness center and BBQ area.

Prior to listing your home of the market, be sure all outdoor lighting is working.  Also, make sure all pathways are lit up, so people can easily see their way, if they are touring your home during the evening hours. Prior to open houses and showings, turn on the outdoor lights. Light up the house number, so potential buyers can easily see them from the street. This will go a long way in making potential buyers feel welcome and invited to the house.

The Newport Beach Civic Center is presenting the Symphony in the Cities on Sunday, August 14^th.  The Symphony for the Cities is a joint effort between the city of Newport Beach and the Pacific Symphony. The Pacific Symphony will be performing under the direction of Music Director, Carl St. Clair. The evening’s performance will be “Musical Playground.” This performance is interactive and has hands-on activities for children.  There will be an opportunity for kids and adults to meet the musicians. Kids will have a chance to help lead the orchestra in the playing of “Hands Across the Sea.” Also being performed are selections for “The Sound of Music” and patriotic favorites. The concert will begin at 5:30pm and continue to 8:30pm. This concert is free and open to the public; in addition there is free parking at the Civic Center.  The Newport Beach Civic Center is located at 100 Civic Center Drive. For more information, see their website at: http://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/library-services/cultural-arts.

Crystal Cove is part of Newport Coast and is home to several luxury developments and the Crystal Cove State Park. The park has tide pools, several beaches, bluffs, paved and unpaved trails. This is a terrific place for hiking, biking and horseback riding. 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 by Rodeo Homes. There is a home gym, theater, and temperature controlled wine cellar for homeowner’s to enjoy. The gourmet kitchen features Thermador appliances, granite and large island. The estate has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, Newport Beach coastline, city night lights, white water, Catalina Island and year round sunsets. The home sits on an oversized 21,000 square foot piece of property. Homeowners will enjoy relaxing by the swimming pool and spa.  All Crystal Cove neighborhoods are 24 hour guard gated communities. All residents of Crystal Cove are invited to partake in the all the resort style activities offered Canyon Club Recreational Center, which is the social hub of the community.

People become emotional when buying and selling homes. It is important to try and distant yourself emotionally from home sales and approach them in a clear headed way.  Homes sales are major financial decisions and should be treated as such. Emotions can affect a person’s ability to make the financial decision. Do not become obsessed with a paint color or the backyard; instead look for a great house at a great value.  Working with a professional real estate agent, like those at the Franco Team, will help you to avoid this kind of mistake.

Roger’s Gardens is hosting a Children’s Garden Series throughout July with a potted veggies and summer garden journal class.  The Saturday, July 23^rd workshop will be focusing on summer garden journals and takes place from 10am to 12noon. The all new Children’s Garden Series is completely hands-on and designed to introduce children to gardening. Kids will begin this workshop by designing and decorating their journal in which they can capture summer memories and sketches. At the end of the workshop, kids will get to plant and take home some summer vegetables for their home garden. This workshop is designed for children ages 4 through 8 and is designed to have a parent present during the workshop. Pre-registration is required for this program. This workshop costs $30 per child. Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road in Corona del Mar. For more information or to register, see their website at: http://rogersgardens.com/seminars-events/childrens-garden-series-summer-garden-journals-potted-veggies-2/.

Crystal Cove is a wonderful area in Newport Coast filled with parks, beaches, luxury residential areas, shopping and dining. Crystal Cove is located between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway. Located at 16 Gondoliers Bluff, this 5,500 square foot home is part of the White Sails community. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2004. This Mediterranean style home is a plan 3 model, which offers the largest floor plan in White Sails. There is a two bedroom suite on the first floor with a private courtyard entrance, perfect for guests. This home has views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, white water, city night lights and gorgeous evening sunsets. The home sits on a large 13,000 square foot piece of property on a cul-de-sac. Outdoors, homeowner’s will enjoy a resort style swimming pool, with spa and water features, a large entertaining area and an outdoor kitchen. White Sails is situated directly below The Tides development. White Sails is a 24 hour guard gated development which was built in 2004. Students living is this area attend schools in the Laguna Beach Unified School District, specifically Harbor View Elementary School. Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School.

When you are staging your home for a home sale, pay special attention to unusual spaces, such as space beneath the stairs, a nook space or an alcove. Rather than leave them empty and having potential buyers unsure how to use that space, show them how versatile this space is and how it extends the living space. Ideas for these spaces are a small home office area, a computer desk, adding built in shelving for books and creating a reading area.

The Back Bay Contemporary Fine Art Show and Sale will be taking place on Saturday, July 16^th and Sunday, July 17^th. This show is put on by the SOCAL PAPA association, Southern California Plein Air Painters Association.  The art show will be held at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The show will showcase of hundreds of works by 44 local artists. There will be a juried competition during the show, which will focus on local scenes.  These works will be on display for the week prior to the sale, from July 9^th through July 15^th. During the weekend show, there will be free children’s art classes. Reservations for the art classes can be made prior to the show at 949-923-2269. Proceeds from this event benefit the Back Bay Conservancy. The Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is located at 22301 University Drive in Newport Beach. This event is free to attend. The art show is open from 10am to 4pm each day. For more information about this art show, see their website at: http://www.socalpapa.com/.

Crystal Cove is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. A large percentage of the Crystal Cove is made-up of the Crystal Cove State Park. The state park has 3.2 miles of beaches, 18 miles of trails and 2400 acres of canyons. Located at 9 Currents, this 7,900 square foot home is part of the Sea Crest development. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2007.  This estate home has a Mediterranean architectural style with Santa Barbara flair. Enter the home through a hand carved wooden gate which leads to a courtyard complete with a water feature. There is a detached home office with a bathroom. Attention to detail can be seen in the dark hardwood floors, natural stone and multiple fireplaces. This semi-custom home sits on an oversized 19,000 square foot piece of property on a cul-de-sac. This home has beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes and gorgeous evening sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners’ will enjoy relaxing by the swimming pool and spa, and entertaining in the large outdoor kitchen. Sea Crest is a 24 hour guard gated development with just 29 custom built homes. Sea Crest residents, as are all Crystal Cove residents, are invited to join in all the recreational activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center.

When you are staging your home for a home sale, pay special attention to unusual spaces, such as space beneath the stairs, a nook space or an alcove. Rather than leave them empty and having potential buyers unsure how to use that space, show them how versatile this space is and how it extends the living space. Ideas for these spaces are a small home office area, a computer desk, adding built in shelving for books and creating a reading area.

The Back Bay Contemporary Fine Art Show and Sale will be taking place on Saturday, July 16^th and Sunday, July 17^th. This show is put on by the SOCAL PAPA association, Southern California Plein Air Painters Association.  The art show will be held at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. The show will showcase of hundreds of works by 44 local artists. There will be a juried competition during the show, which will focus on local scenes.  These works will be on display for the week prior to the sale, from July 9^th through July 15^th. During the weekend show, there will be free children’s art classes. Reservations for the art classes can be made prior to the show at 949-923-2269. Proceeds from this event benefit the Back Bay Conservancy. The Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is located at 22301 University Drive in Newport Beach. This event is free to attend. The art show is open from 10am to 4pm each day. For more information about this art show, see their website at: http://www.socalpapa.com/.

Crystal Cove is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. A large percentage of the Crystal Cove is made-up of the Crystal Cove State Park. The state park has 3.2 miles of beaches, 18 miles of trails and 2400 acres of canyons. Located at 9 Currents, this 7,900 square foot home is part of the Sea Crest development. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2007.  This estate home has a Mediterranean architectural style with Santa Barbara flair. Enter the home through a hand carved wooden gate which leads to a courtyard complete with a water feature. There is a detached home office with a bathroom. Attention to detail can be seen in the dark hardwood floors, natural stone and multiple fireplaces. This semi-custom home sits on an oversized 19,000 square foot piece of property on a cul-de-sac. This home has beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes and gorgeous evening sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners’ will enjoy relaxing by the swimming pool and spa, and entertaining in the large outdoor kitchen. Sea Crest is a 24 hour guard gated development with just 29 custom built homes. Sea Crest residents, as are all Crystal Cove residents, are invited to join in all the recreational activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center.

When you are selling your home during the warmer summer months, keep the home cool, so potential buyers are comfortable while they are looking at the home. Most potential home buyers find the most comfortable temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees. Set the temperature in this range so potential buyer are not too warm or freezing cold. A cool, comfortable home will keep potential buyers in the house looking longer, which leads to a quicker home sale.

Celebrate summer with the new rose’ flight put together by the wine experts at Cucina. There are varietals from California, Provenance and Italy included in this flight, which also has a bubbly choice.  The wine experts at Cucina have both an in house flight and a take home package, so you can enjoy these wines no matter where your summer plans take you. The table side flights are $14 and have three choices. The three wines are Fontsainte a Grenache blend, Costaripa, a Gropello and Sangiovese blend, and Bonny Doon, a ‘Vin Gris de Cigare’ Rose’ blend. There are three bottle and a six bottle gift basket choices, as well. Cucina Enoteca is located in Fashion Island at 951 Newport Center Drive. For more information about this fun wine event, see their website at: https://www.urbankitchengroup.com/cucina-enoteca-newport-beach/.

Crystal Cove, along with Pelican Hill, is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. With its high bluff setting, Crystal Cove has some of the best view properties in Newport Beach. Located at 20 Whalers Bluff, this 5,400 square foot home is part of the White Sails. This four bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2004. The home had a Mediterranean architectural style. The master suite is on the first level, along with a home office and bonus room. Attention to detail can be seen in the vaulted ceilings, an Infusion system and Venetian plastered walls. The formal dining room opens onto an outdoor courtyard.  The home sits on a large 16,000 square foot end of the street, cul-de-sac lot. There are amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, surrounding canyon views, city night lights and spectacular sunset views. Outdoors, no expensive was spared to create an oasis with a saltwater pool, spa, waterslide, swim-up bar and cabana. There is an outdoor sitting area with a fireplace, television and heating. The view terrace has access to an outdoor grilling station with a bar. White Sails is a 24 hour guard gated development which is situated right below The Tides in Crystal Cove.

Curb appeal is very important when you sell your home. Potential buyers will not even make it inside the home, if they do not like what they see when they pull up. Regardless of the time of year, the exterior of the house should be well maintained, neat and clean. Keep the driveway, sidewalks, terraces and patios free from debris and if necessary power wash them prior to listing the home. Make sure that house numbers can be easily read from the street and that the light fixtures are turned on for all open houses and showings.

Father’s Day is coming up quickly. Take Dad on a unique adventure this Father’s Day with a Hornblower Father’s Day Brunch Cruise. Cruises will be sailing from Thursday, June 17^th to Sunday, June 19^th. The brunch cruises will sail around Newport Harbor. Menus include tri tip roast, eggs, artisan sausages, adult mac and cheese, French toast, salads, seafood selections and a dessert station. Choose from a brunch cruise or a craft beer brunch cruise. Each Dad gets to take home a complimentary souvenir pint glass. Hornblower Cruises are located at 2431 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach. Cruises depart between 11am and 12noon and sail for two hours. For more information about the Father’s Day cruises or the many others they offer, see their website at: https://www.hornblower.com/port/overview/nb+dadsbrunch.

Crystal Cove is part of Newport Coast. Crystal Cove is situated between the Pacific Ocean and Pacific Coast Highway and is just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 11 Deep Sea, this 10,000 square foot estate is part of the Crystal Cove Custom Community. This five bedroom, eight bathroom home was built in 2010. Attention to detail can be seen in the vaulted ceilings, Venetian plaster and wood inlaid floors. The lower level features a home theater. There is elevator service to all three levels. The family room has glass pocket doors which allow people to move easily from indoors to outdoors. The home and property have endless views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island, white water, city night lights and spectacular sunsets. On clear days, the views stretch to Palos Verdes. The estate sits on an oversized 20,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy an infinity edge pool, and covered loggias. Crystal Cove is a 24 hour guard gated development. All Crystal Cove neighborhoods offer many amenities including pools, private beach access and clubhouses. Students in Crystal Cove attend schools in the Laguna Beach Unified School District, specifically  El Morro Elementary, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School.

When you are starting to think about selling your home, focus on the kitchen. If you choose to remodel your kitchen or have recently done so prior to listing your home, on average kitchen remodels receive approximately 85% return on investment. At times it actually costs less to remodel your kitchen prior to a home sale rather than meets a buyers request to take money off the asking the price. The quickest and most inexpensive kitchen fixes are painting and updating cabinet hardware. If you choose to re-paint use neutral colors for greatest appeal.   Add a finishing detail such as bowl of fresh fruit on the counter top.

On Saturday, May 21^st, Sherman Library and Garden is having a Fuchsia Festival. The Fuchsia Festival will take place from 10:30am until 4pm. This is a family friendly event. The festival will have a fuchsia plant sale, live animal display, activities and a scavenger hunt for kids and a raffle. During the festival the library will be open to visitors, there will be docent led tours of the garden and there will be horticultural lectures. The Tea Garden will be serving homemade crepes from 11am to 3pm.  Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for teens and free from members of Sherman Garden. For more information, see their website at: http://www.slgardens.org/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=7708.

Newport Coast is home to both Crystal Cove and Pelican Hill, along with various other luxury residential developments. The area of Crystal Cove sits just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 20 Whalers Bluff, this 5,400 square foot home is part of the White Sails development. This six bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 2004. This estate style home has a Mediterranean architectural style. Attention to detail can be seen in the vaulted ceilings, Venetian plastered walls and fine finishes. There are amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, surrounding canyon and beautiful sunset views from the home and property. The home sits on an oversized 16,000 square foot corner lot, at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Outdoors, the present homeowner’s spent nearly one million dollars creating an outdoor oasis with a swimming pool, spa, fully equipped outdoor kitchen, cabana, fireplace and much more. There are plans included for a 1,700 square foot addition. The Crystal Cove Promenade is within easy walking distance for White Sails residents, to enjoy fine dining and shopping. As with the other Crystal Cove Neighborhoods, White Sails residents have access to the Canyon Club Recreational Center, which offers resort style activities and is a great place for socializing. White Sails residents have easy access to Crystal Cove Preserve for large array of outdoor activities.  The students in this neighborhood attend the award winning Laguna Beach Unified School District, including Harbor View Elementary, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School.