Congratulations to Michael Franco of Keller Williams Newport Beach who recently sold an Ocean Heights, Newport Coast villa as the realtor representing the buyer. The property located at 6 Overlook Drive closed late last week, 8/20/15, for 2.5 million dollars. This Ocean Heights Tuscan architectural style villa home has three bedroom and 3.5 bathrooms. The home is situated on an oversized 12,000 square foot lot. This home was made for entertaining, with a floor plan that flows seamlessly from indoors to outdoors. There is a wonderful outdoor fireplace and waterfall, for homeowners and guests to relax by. There is a separate guest casita, for additional privacy. Ocean Heights is a 24 hour guard gated community. The Crystal Cove Promenade is nearby with many shopping and dining choices. Ocean Heights students attend schools in the award winning Newport Mesa Unified School District.

Michael Franco specializes in Newport Beach, Newport Coast and Laguna Beach real estate. This includes the Newport Coast communities of Ocean Heights, Crystal Cove and Pelican Hill. Ocean Heights consists of the three developments of Cassis, Perazul and Strada. Ocean Heights homes have Mediterranean, Tuscan, Spanish and Santa Barbara architectural styles. There are many amenities offered to residents through the homeowners’ association including swimming pools, spas, tennis courts and a clubhouse.  For more information about buying and selling a home in the Newport Coast and Laguna Beach areas, please call Michael at 949-200-2383 today.

When selling your home in the summer time, keep the air temperature in the house pleasantly cool. Potential home buyers will be comfortable looking at the house and not rush through if the home is a comfortable temperature, not too hot or cold. Also, this will show the air conditioning has been properly maintained and in good working order. During the hot days of summer, put out bottles of cold water or a pitcher of cold water or lemonade for potential buyers to enjoy, you will create an inviting environment that buyers can see themselves in.

The Crystal Cove Alliance is hosting their annual Beach Bazaar on August 22^nd and 23^rd. The Beach Bazaar will have a variety of art on display and for sale. The mediums represented will include driftwood items, artisan jewelry, pottery, vintage signs, photography, oils and watercolors. There will be free sea glass wrapping demonstrations. There will be children’s activities throughout both days. The Beach Bazaar begins at 10am and closes at 4pm, each day. The Beach Bazaar will be held at the Education Commons in the Crystal Cove State Park Historical District. All proceeds will benefit Crystal Cove State Park. This event is free to attend. The Crystal Cove State Park is located at the crossroads of Pacific Coast Highway and Los Trancos. For more information about this event or the many others offered through the Crystal Cove Alliance, see their website at: http://www.crystalcovealliance.org/events/beach-bazaar/.

Crystal Cove is situated in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Crystal Cove is just north of Laguna Beach. Located at 30 Cliffhouse, this 4,000 square foot home is part of the Oceana neighborhood. This four bedroom, five bathroom home has a four (non-tandem) garage. This home has a mix of Mediterranean and contemporary architectural styles. The home is entered through a private courtyard with a fireplace. This is a two story home, which can be used as a one story home. This home has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, north coastline, south Coastline and gorgeous sunsets. Oceana homes have larger lots. Residents are within walking distance to the Crystal Cove Promenade with many shopping and dining choices. As with all Crystal Cove communities, Oceana residents are invited to enjoy all the resort style recreational activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center.

Before beginning the home search process, have all your finances in order and get pre-approval for financing. By being pre-approved you will know what price range to begin your home search in. Also, this shows home sellers that you are a serious buyer and gives you a strong position to start negotiating from. Home sellers, in general are more willing to negotiate price or other terms if they are assured that financing is set-up and ready to go.

The Newport Beach Public Library is hosting a “Let’s get loud in the library!” event on August 4th. The Friends of the Library program is sponsoring a live music presentation by One World Rhythm. The program is designed to be very interactive. Drums and other instruments will be provided for children, so they can help create music with the band.  The event takes place at the Central Library Friends Room. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The program begins at 10:30am. There are no reservations accepted, seating is first come, first serve. This event is open to the public and free to attend. All summer programs are funded through donation from the Friends of the Library. For more information, see their website at: http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/.

Crystal Cove is a special community that combines the surrounding natural beauty with luxury real estate. Crystal Cove homes have wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes and evening sunsets. Located at 11 Clear Water, this 12,000 custom built estate is part of the Crystal Cove Estate Collection. This seven bedroom, twelve bathroom luxury home was built by Rodeo Homes. Crystal Cove is guard gated neighborhood.  The chef’s kitchen has professional style Thermador appliances. The home has a wine cellar, private gym, sound studio and home theater. This home has commanding views of the Pacific Ocean, city night lights and gorgeous sunsets. Crystal Cove students attend El Morro Elementary School, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School. All residents of the Crystal Cove are invited to join in the resort style recreational activities available at the Canyon Club.

When staging your home for a sale in the summer time, make the most of the long, bright summer days.  Take the time to showcase the homes natural lighting, which generally shows off the home better than artificial lighting. Open all the curtains, drapes and blinds, so the sun can shine in. In conjugation with opening all the blinds, make sure the windows are clean, this makes the home look well cared for and lets all that natural light in.

The Crystal Cove Alliance offers classes in the Education Commons every Wednesday in both July and August.  There are many different classes available from sketching to dancing.  There is also a focus on historical activities with traditional craft classes and historic radio shows. There will be some science classes on exploring the science of Crystal Cove State Park.  Classes will continue into the fall and winter, but the focus will change to the art of sea glass wrapping.  Summer classes take place from 11am to 3pm. For more information see their website at: http://www.crystalcovealliance.org/events/community-days-2/.

Crystal Cove is situated half way between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Crystal Cove is home to stunning beaches and high bluffs, giving home amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. Located at 10 Shadowcast, this 4.400 square foot home is part of the Pienza neighborhood. This four bedroom, five bathroom home has a French Provencal architectural style. The home has formal living room, dining room and library. Homeowners will love to entertain with custom built wine cellar and outdoor cooking area.  In addition to the cooking area, the outdoor space has a barbeque area, outdoor seating area with a fireplace, resort style pool and spa. Pienza is part of the Pacific Ridge development.  Pacific Ridge has an active community association with community pool and barbeque area. Students attend Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School.

When you are looking for a new home develop a method for keeping track of what you have seen.  Make a pros and cons checklist or keep a small notebook, make notes on each home you see while you are still there.  Give each house a rating on a 1 to 10 scale.  When it comes time to compare homes and make a choice you will know which feature went with which home and eliminate confusion.

The 80^th Annual Flight of the Lasers will take place on July 19^th. The Newport Harbor Yacht Club and the Commodore’s Club of the Newport Chamber of Commerce invite sailors to enter this annual race. After the race, enjoy refreshments during the awards ceremony at Newport Harbor Yacht Club. The race is open to all ages, with an award category for the youngest boy and youngest girl. Other award categories include: First Ten Finishers, First Girl, First Married Couple, Best Costume, First Parent/Child Team, Best Decorated Boat, Oldest Skipper and Bravery in the Face Danger. The race begins at 1pm; the race ends one hour after the first boat crosses the finish line or 4pm, whichever is earlier. For further information, see their website at: http://www.flightofthelasers.org/.

Crystal Cove is a wonderful mix of luxury housing and nature.  Crystal Cove has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding coastal hills. Located at 19 Castellina Drive, this 3,400 square foot home is part of the Strada development.  The home has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. This house has a Tuscan Villa architectural style.  The entrance is framed with olive trees.  The house is built around an interior court yard, that access from five sets of French doors.  The courtyard has a fountain and a fireplace. The chef’s kitchen has a 6 burner range, double oven and large granite center island.  There is a main level Casita with a private entrance, bedroom and bathroom.  Strada is a 24 hour guard gated community. Students living in Strada attend Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School.

The beautiful summer weather means lots of swimming and outdoor activities.  If you are selling your home during the summer, make sure all the outdoor gear and swimsuits are properly put away, before showing your house.  Keep the pool area in pristine condition, with toys, beach towels and swimsuits cleaned up and not tossed around the pool deck. 

The upper level of the Central Newport Beach Library location is presenting a photographic exhibit.  Aging as Art focuses on photographs representing a life well lived.  This photographic journey looks at “the diversity, dignity and beauty of the aging experience.”  There will be professional, amateur and student works on exhibit. This photographic exhibit will run from June 19^th through July 10^th.  The Council on Aging – Orange County is sponsoring this show.  There will be a total of 60 photos on display.  For more information about this exhibit, see their website at: http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/events#/?i=1.

Crystal Cove is set in picturesque Newport Coast.  Newport Coast is defined by its luxury residential developments and amazing views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.  Crystal Cove is home to several exceptional residential developments and the Crystal Cove State Park.  Located at 28 Tideline Bluff, this 4,000 square foot home is part of the Nautilus II development.  This five bedroom, six bathroom home is an entertainers delight.  The open floor plan has a great room that opens onto the chef’s kitchen with a large island, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and Thermador six burner range.  The home has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, coastline, white water, city night lights, Catalina Island and gorgeous evening sunsets. The spacious backyard has a surround sound system, barbeque area, spa and fire pit area with seating. Nautilus II is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood. The amenities offered by the homeowners’ association include a swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, clubhouse, fitness center and barbeque area. Homeowners are just minutes to the El Moro Trails, Crystal Cove State Beach and the Fashion Island Shopping Center.

When deciding to sell your home setting the home’s selling price can be difficult decision to make.  Set the price to low and you walk away leaving money on the table.  However, setting the price to high makes the home hard to sell in any season.  Studies suggest that homes priced 5% above market value compared to those priced 15% above market, have a 10 times greater chance of selling.  Working with a professional realtor who knows the local market, is the best way to choose an accurate selling price.

The Balboa Bay Club is having a special Father’s Day Brunch.  The brunch will take place in the Member’s Grill from 10:30am to 1:30pm. Brunch will include Champagne, several stations, salads and delicious desserts.  There will be second brunch choice available in the Waterline restaurant.  This brunch will have a barbeque theme with choices such as their special barbecue New York steak and beer combo.  Brunch will be serve in the Waterline restaurant from 10am to 2pm. Make a day of it, by pairing brunch with the Balboa Bay Resort’s 8^th Annual Father’s Day Classic Car and Vintage Motorcycle show. There will be an A&O beer booth, full service bar, music with a live DJ and father/son tire change challenge. For more information or to make reservations, see their website at: http://balboabayresort.com/newport-beach-ca-hotels/southern-california-events/.

Crystal Cove is just off of the Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach. Crystal Cove is a unique combination of urban luxury residences surrounded by wooded canyons, coves, cliff sides and sloping hills.  Located at 20 Scenic Bluff, this 5,100 square foot home is part of the Watermark development. This five bedroom, five bathroom home sits on a double lot.  This custom built estate has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island and vibrant evening sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, outdoor barbeque area and a cabana with a fireplace. Watermark is a 24 hour guard community.  There are just 33 homes in this development. Watermark residents are within walking distance of the Crystal Cove Promenade, Crystal Cove State Park and the Canyon Club.

Work with your professional realtor, such as those at The Franco Team, to develop professional style marketing materials for your home sale.  Make sure all print materials featuring your home are in color, color materials are more eye catching than black and white. Add seasonal photos to the online photo galleries in addition to home photos, so potential buyers have a good idea what the home looks like year round.

The Russo and Steele Newport Beach 2015 Car Show and Auction will take place June 3^rd through 7^th.  The show will be held at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. This sophisticated car show has a large variety collectible cars including European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and custom cars. Auction registration is available on Wednesday with a preview day on Thursday. The auction will begin at 11am on Friday. The show opens promptly at 9am each day.  General admission tickets are $20. For more information, see their website at: https://russoandsteele.com/.

Crystal Cove is an exceptional private group of neighborhoods in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Set in the coastal hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Crystal Cove is the combination of luxury housing and natural beauty. Located at 8 Surfspray Bluff, this 4,000 square foot home is part of the Nautilus neighborhood.  This four bedroom, five bathroom home has a floor plan that flows seamlessly from indoors to outdoors. The extraordinary attention to detail can be seen in the exotic granite and marble countertops, custom stone mantels and limestone flooring.  The home has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, the coastline, city night lights and beautiful evening sunsets. Views stretch to Palos Verdes. Homeowners will enjoy relaxing by the saltwater pool and spa.  Nautilus is a 24 hour guard gated development.  Among the many amenities offered by the homeowners’ association are a pool, tennis courts and fitness center.  Additional outdoor activities are available the Crystal Cove State Park.

When purchasing a home, it is just as important to check out the community as it is the home.  By working with agent who is knowledgeable about the local neighborhoods, such as those at The Franco Team, you will learn as much about the neighborhood as the home.  Be sure to check out the local school district, how quickly homes in the neighborhood are selling, is there are mix of young families and older couples in the neighborhood.

Young Dubliners will be performing at Lido Live at 9pm on Saturday, May 16^th. The Young Dubliners have been called the hardest working band in Celtic Rock. Their music has both Irish and Celtic influences, but is intended to have a hybrid sound. They will be performing tracts from their latest album Nine. The band has performed twice on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and had their music featured on multiple TV shows.  Lido Live is located at 3459 Via Lido. For more information about Lido Live or their many upcoming performances, see their website at: http://www.lidolive.com.

Crystal Cove is made up of a State Park and luxury residential area.  Crystal Cove is home to several beaches, which residents are invited to enjoy inclusion Reef Point, Moro Beach and Pelican Point. Beaches are a terrific place to sun, read, swim and enjoy local wildlife. Located at 20 Scenic Bluff, this 5,100 square foot home is part of the Watermark neighborhood.  This five bedroom, five bathroom home sits a spacious double lot.  The 180 degree views from this incredible home include the Pacific Ocean, white water, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island, city night lights and stunning sunsets. Outdoors, there is a pool, spa, cabana with a fireplace and barbeque area.  Homeowners are within walking distance to the Crystal Cove State Park and the Crystal Cove Promenade.  As with all Crystal Cove homes, residents have access to the Canyon Club recreational center.  Watermark is a 24 hour guard gated community. The homeowners’ association provides residents with a pool, spa, clubhouse and tennis courts.

Making your home move-in ready is one factor that leads to a quicker sale. Do repairs prior to even listing your home for sale. Both the inside and outside are equally important.  A clean, clutter free home is far more appealing to potential home buyers, than a cramped and cluttered home.

Rogers Gardens is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a pepper plant give away. On Tuesday, May 5^th come to Rogers Gardens for a free organic spicy pepper plant. This is a first come, first serve opportunity, while supplies last. While there, stroll through grounds filled with flowering plants, colorful foliage plants, fountains and pottery. Rogers Gardens has been part of Newport Beach for more than 50 years. The garden is open from 9am to 6pm on May 5^th. For more information about this or the many other events and classes at the gardens, see their website at: http://rogersgardens.com/seminars-events/cinco-de-mayo-pepper-giveaway/.

Crystal Cove is part of Newport Coast in Newport Beach.  Crystal Cove was named in 1927 by Elizabeth Wood, in an attempt to capture the beauty of the area in words.  Located at 2 Shore Walk, this 6,100 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove community of Sea Crest.  This four bedroom, five bathroom home has a Santa Barbara architectural style. This is a single level home with great room that leads to the large kitchen and on to the covered loggia.  The home has unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, Catalina Island, Newport Harbor, city night lights and dazzling sunsets. On clear days, views stretch to Palos Verdes.  Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy strolling through the lush garden filled grounds with citrus trees. Sea Crest is home to just 29 custom built estates. Sea Crest is a 24 hour guard gated development.  Sea Crest residents are encouraged to participate in all the resort style recreational activities at the Canyon Club Recreational Center.