When setting times for an open house at your home, during the fall season, be sure to work closely with your realtor.  They can help guide you to picking the best times.  Often afternoons on Saturdays and Sundays are better than weekday evenings, this time of year, because of busy family schedules and that it gets dark earlier.  However, remember to consider sports events and other autumn events, for best attendance.  In addition, provide a small album of warm weather photos of your home, so potential home buyers can easily imagine living there during other seasons.

Crystal Cove State Park has many upcoming events during the month of November.  If you are interested in learning about the fun and diverse animals living in the State Park, on November 1^st, 8^th and 29^th, Rangers will host a beachside chat on this topic.  Every Wednesday, take part in a free sea glass jewelry making class, from 10 am to 4pm held at the Education Commons in the Historic District. Family Hikes will be held on both November 9^th and November 30^th, these hikes are the perfect time to learn about the plants and animals in the park.  Archaeology Day at Crystal Cove State Park will be held on Saturday, November 15^th.  This is full day of activities starting with a two mile hike, to help assess the condition of the some of the archaeological sites within the park.  The day continues with educational activities that focus on the pre-history of the park with an examination of fossils and bones. These are just a handful of the activities that will be held at the park this month; see their website for a complete list and specific times: http://crystalcovestatepark.com/.

Crystal Cove is a luxurious and fun filled area of the Newport Coast. Home to the Crystal Cove State Park, this area has 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of woodland, used for hiking and horseback riding.  There is an underwater park, tide pools and a pristine beach, for visitors to use.  Located at 50 North Timor Sea, Newport Coast, this 3,800 square foot home is part of the Windward development.  This four bedroom, five bathroom home, has dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, coastline, white water, Catalina Island and wonderful sunsets.  The chef’s kitchen has a beautiful wood beamed ceiling, marble countertops and stainless steel appliances.  Homeowner’s have private beach access. Windward is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood.  The homeowner’s association provides residents with an Olympic size swimming pool, spa, tennis courts and a clubhouse.  Residents of Windward are invited to take part in all the resort style activities at The Canyon Club, as are all Crystal Cove residents.

During the fall, it is important to keep the exterior of your home clean and picked-up.  This is the first thing a potential home buyer will see, so it is important to make the best first impression.  In the fall, landscaping will have more die-off, so cut back dead and decaying leaves and plant matter.  Fill in blank areas with fall plants such as mums or pumpkins. Keep the driveway, lawn and sidewalks free from leaves. Clean all porches, decks and siding to keep them free from mildew and mold.

The Island Hotel at Newport Beach is hosting a black tie gala to support the Laguna Playhouse.  The gala will take place on Saturday, November 1^st beginning at 6pm. The theme will be A Night at the Coconut Grove. There will be big cocktails, a speakeasy and cigar lounge, and complimentary champagne.  The evening will begin with a silent auction, move onto a white-glove dinner service with a live auction and conclude with dancing.  This big band gala will feature the music of the 1930’s, 1940’s and early 1950’s.  The live entertainment includes Johnny Holiday and his 12 Man Big Band and the 10 Satin Dollz Pin Up Girls.  For more information about this event see the Laguna Playhouse website at: http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com/support/Events/.

Crystal Cove is situated between the Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean in Newport Coast, just north of Laguna Beach. The Franco Team of real estate professionals will help you find your perfect home in the Newport Coast real estate market. Located at 8 Timor Sea Square, Newport Coast, this 5 bedroom, 8 bathroom home is approximately 5,500 square feet. In addition, the home has a home theater, guest casita, integrating lighting and music systems.  The home is set on an elevated bluff, giving the home extensive views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, Pelican Hill Golf Course, Palos Verdes and picture perfect sunsets.  Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy an infinity edge salt-water pool, and two large view decks. This home is part of the exclusive Crystal Cove neighborhood of Watermark.   Watermark was built in 1999 by Taylor Woodrow Homes and has just 33 homes in the development. All Crystal Cove Resident’s can take advantage of the Canyon Club Recreational Center. The Recreational Center is a social hub and offers resort like recreational activities.

Fall is a full of fun reasons to decorate, however when you home is for sale, a little decoration can go a long way.  Decorate your front porch or landing with a fall hued wreath with a few pumpkins for a pop of color, skip making the front yard a pumpkin patch with hay bales and scarecrows.  Bring the fall season into your home with a few accent candles, throw pillows and some fall colored foliage, avoid over the top Halloween decorations.

On October 16^th, from 6pm to 8pm. Leslie Christen will be sharing her styling secrets at Bardot in Newport Beach.  This event, “Edit, Organize, Style, Wear” is a personal styling class taught by Orange County’s most sought after stylist, Leslie Christen.  Ms. Christen has been a fashion editor or Riviera Magazine, Greer’s OC and VisitNewportBeach.com. The workshop will help to define your style, tips for different body styles and how to properly mix and match outfits.  All guests will take home a gift bag filled with items from Bardot, A. Dorn Nails and much more. For more information see her website at: http://lesliechristen.com/.

Crystal Cove is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  The most distinguishing feature of Crystal Cove is the Crystal Cove State Park which encompasses 3.2 miles of the coastline, inland canyons and the historic district of beach cottages.  In addition, the park has a 1,400 acre marine conservation area with an underwater park.  Crystal Cove is the perfect place to begin your Newport Coast real estate search. Located at 24 Cliffhouse Bluff, Newport Coast, this four bedroom, four bathroom home is part of the Oceana development.  This 3,700 square foot home has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island and vibrant evening sunsets.  The home has a distinctive Santa Barbara architectural style with custom interior paint finishes, custom fabrics, designer wall coverings and woodwork.  The outdoor spaces are filled with a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and outdoor living room with a fireplace. Oceana is known for its oversize lots.  As with all Crystal Cove neighborhoods, all residents of Oceana are invited to join in the resort style recreational activities at the Canyon Club Recreational Center.

When staging your home during the fall for a home sale, avoid adding to many fall or holiday decorations to the home.  Extra festive decorations will take people’s focus off of your home and its best features.  Instead, go with a few fall accents to highlight the home’s best features.  Try using vases of fall foliage or bowls of seasonal fruit for a pop of color.

The 53^rd Annual Sandcastle Contest will be held on Sunday, October 5^th from 11am to 4:30pm.  The contest is being held at the Corona del Mar State Beach. This year’s theme is “It’s a Beach Party.”  The event is put on by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. All levels of expertise are invited to join in the fun from novice to professional.  All types of teams are accepted: families, friends, work, church or school groups.  All participants will be given a t-shirt with registration fees. For a list of rules, registration information or directions, see their website at: https://www.newportbeach.com/events/53rd-annual-sandcastle-contest/.

Crystal Cove is a group of exclusive neighborhoods which are part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Crystal Cove includes White Sails, Oceana, Seascape and Nautilus. Crystal Cove is located above the Crystal Cove State Park between the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Coast Highway. Located at 20 Scenic, Newport Coast, this 5,100 square foot home has four bedrooms and six bathrooms. This home is part of the Watermark development.  The home has expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, the coastline, city night lights, Catalina Island and lovely evening sunsets.  Outdoors, residents will enjoy a beautiful pool, spa, cabana, with fireplace and a barbeque area.  Watermark is a 24 hour guard gated community, built in 1999 by Taylor Woodrow Homes.   There are only 33 homes in this neighborhood.  Watermark residents are within walking distance to all the shopping and dining options of the Crystal Cove Promenade. Begin your Newport Beach real estate search at Watermark.

Staging is now including outdoor spaces as well as indoor areas.  Interest in outdoor living areas is on the increase.  Buyers are looking for seating areas, dining areas, fire pits, grilling or barbeque areas and water features.  Use throw pillows and cushions to make a space cozy.  Give a fountain some extra color by planting flowers by it.

The 12^th Annual Crystal Cove Alliance Gala is happening on Saturday, September 27^th, 2014.  The event will be held at The Resort at Pelican Hill, in Newport Beach.  This year’s theme is Back to the Beach.  There will be an opportunity drawing, to win a three night stay in Cottage #14, the “South Beach Suite,” on Crystal Cove Beach.  In addition, the evening will begin with a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres at the Montage, Laguna Beach.  The evening will continue with dinner at The Resort at Pelican Hill and includes a live auction, entertainment and dancing. The event begins at 5:30pm.  To purchase tickets or learn more about the Crystal Cove Alliance, see their website at: http://www.crystalcovebeachcottages.com/gala/.

Crystal Cove is part of Newport Coast.  Crystal Cove is home to the Crystal Cove State Park, which contains over 400 acres of bluffs, 2,400 acres of canyons, 18 miles of trails and a 1,400 acre Marine Park.  The Crystal Cove Historical District is home to 48 historical cottages, built in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Located at 14 Cliffhouse Bluff, this 4,000 square foot home is part of the Oceana neighborhood.  This four bedroom, five bathroom home has a beautiful greenbelt property offering great privacy.  The large open plan kitchen and great room are terrific for entertaining.  The views from this home include the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, Catalina Island, city night lights and gorgeous sunsets.  Outdoors home owners will enjoy two covered loggias, a water feature, two outdoor fireplaces and entry courtyard.  Crystal Cove residents have access to a recreation center with a full gym, pools, basketball and tennis courts. There is also private gate access to the Crystal Cove State Beach.  Students in the Oceana neighborhood attend schools in the Laguna Beach Unified School District, specifically El Morro Elementary School, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School. 

In a seller’s market, lowball offers often eliminate your offer from consideration.  When faced with a counter offer, respond quickly, to keep other buyers from entering the picture. If a bidding war occurs, be prepared to get fewer concessions from the seller and pay more money.  Always, have a few home options in mind, so you have a choice.  Work with your realtor, so when a new home comes on the market, you are first in line.

With the beautiful weather, get outside for a kayak tour of Crystal Cove.  The Crystal Cove Alliance, in conjunction with REI, offers kayaking tours of the coastline.  You will discover sunny coves, craggy headlands, see views of Catalina Island and forests of giant kelp. Among the many animals seen are dolphins, seals and pelicans.  As you kayak, you will learn about water quality, kelp monitoring, marine protected areas and much more.  The tour uses sit-on-top kayaks that are launched from El Moro Beach.  This is class is for the more experienced kayaker. See either of these websites to sign-up for the tour: http://www.rei.com/class/55787/market/162 or http://www.crystalcovebeachcottages.com/calendar&tours/.

Crystal Cove is filled with parks, residential areas, fine dining and world class shopping.  Part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach, Crystal Cove is well known for the State Park located there.  Situated at 8 Baffin Bay, this five bedroom, six bathroom home is part of the Seabourn neighborhood.  This home has a very private cul-de-sac setting.  The home is approximately 4,000 square feet with formal living room, dining room and large family room.  The gourmet kitchen features a large center island, stainless steel appliances and a breakfast nook.  This luxurious home has wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, coastline, Catalina Island and colorful evening sunsets.  On clear days, views stretch to Palos Verdes.  Seabourn is a wonderful community in which to begin your Crystal Cove home search. Seabourn is a 24 hour guard gated development.  As with all Crystal Cove neighborhoods, residents of Seabourn are invited to join in all the resort style recreational activities at the Canyon Club Recreational Center.

Sellers these days are often getting multiple offers, so don’t always jump at the first offer.  Discuss any and all offers with you realtor so that you make the most informed decision possible.  Also, it is ok to give a little something back to a buyer, such as an early move-in date.  However, never make an offer until you are asked and have discussed it with your realtor.

Take an afternoon and explore Crystal Cove State Park with a Naturalist Guide.  The Crystal Cove Alliance and REI have joined together to create this wonderful hiking experience. Hikers will learn about Lower Moro Canyon, the plants and animals that call this area home and learn about restoration efforts taking place here.  All this takes place with gorgeous Pacific Ocean vistas in the background. These hikes are designed for hikers of all ability levels.  See the Crystal Cove Alliance website for more information about this activity or many of the others they offer: http://www.crystalcovebeachcottages.com/calendar&tours/.

Crystal Cove is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  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 Beach. Located at 8 Rockshores Bluff, Newport Coast this four bedroom, four bathroom home is approximately 3,800 square feet.  This Santa Barbara style home has large great room with a fireplace, library and a gourmet kitchen. The kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances, opens onto a lovely outdoor courtyard. This home has 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, city night lights, Catalina Island and gorgeous evening sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the landscaping designed by Southwinds.  This home is part of the Oceana neighborhood. Oceana is a distinctive and luxurious area to begin your Newport Coast real estate search. Residents of Oceana, as with all Crystal Cove neighborhoods are encouraged to take part in all the resort style activities offered at the Canyon Club Recreational Center.  Students in the Oceana neighborhood attend schools in the Laguna Beach Unified School District, specifically El Morro Elementary School, Thurston Middle School and Laguna Beach High School. 

Your real estate agent is a wealth of information, pay close attention to what they say.  Experienced real estate agents, such as those of The Franco Team, know your geographical area; know the homes there and the surrounding areas.  Follow all their recommendations to get the most from your home sale.

Concerts on the Green are continuing throughout August.  The concerts are held at the Newport Beach Civic Center.  Bring your own picnic dinner, blankets and beach chairs to enjoy the evening filled with music. The August 17^th concert will be performed by Southland Opera.  They have just added a concert for September 7^th, featuring Desperado. The concerts are sponsored by the Newport Beach City Arts Commission.  Concerts begin at 6pm and end promptly at 7:30pm.  All concerts are free to attend. For more information about the concert series, see their website at: http://www.newportbeachca.gov/index.aspx?page=1434.

Crystal Cove is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach, along with Pelican Hill.  Crystal Cove is home to several luxury neighborhoods.  Located at 27 Tide Watch, Newport Coast, this 6,400 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Sea Point neighborhood.  This six bedroom, seven bathroom home is extremely private.  The home has extraordinary views of the Gold Coast, Pacific Ocean, white water and vibrant evening sunsets.  This home was built in 2008 and features custom millwork, marble, custom Parquet, stone and travertine.  In addition, to a terrific view first floor master suite, there is a great room, formal dining room, media room and office.  Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a courtyard, dining loggia, infinity pool and spa. Sea Point is wonderful community of just 27 luxury homes. As with all Crystal Cove neighborhoods, residents of Sea Point are invited to join in all the resort like activities at the Canyon Club.

Staging Tip:  Get your old deck fixed up and re-stain it.  A great looking deck is a selling feature while an old beat up deck is a liability. Be sure to replace worn boards, sand the whole deck and then re-stain it.  Finally, furnish for entertaining, buyers will fall in love.

The Newport Beach Public Library has many different Summer Reading Program choices. The kids program has a fun game sheet to keep tract of summer reading with great prizes, the program is themed “Paws to Read.”. This program is designed for kid’s age toddler to 12. The teen program encourages reading for fun, then rating the books and entering to win prizes. For every three books read, each teen wins a free paperback.  Parents are encouraged to also read their kids books and leave an online review.  Each time you submit a review, you are entered into a prize drawing.  All the programs are available online. For the online submission forms or more information see their website at: http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/srp.

Crystal Cove is comprised of several luxury neighborhoods, in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Let the Franco Team of real estate professionals help you find your perfect home in the Crystal Cove real estate market. The home at 8 Coral Ridge, Newport Coast is 13,000 square feet with five bedrooms and five bathrooms.  The home has one the highest lots in Crystal Cove, giving it outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, city night lights and beautiful evening sunsets.  On clear days, the views stretch to Palos Verdes.  Rarely found in Newport Coast, this home has a 35 foot building height.  Homeowners will enjoy entertaining with the formal living room and dining room and the chef’s kitchen.  The estate features a wine cellar, private theater and game room with a bar.  Outdoors, there is a resort style pool with a built-in barbeque area under a loggia. This home is in the Crystal Cove Estate Collection.