When you are selling your home during the spring season, make an effort to create a warm and welcoming entry way.  Begin with a good cleaning to remove spider webs and other winter debris.  Repaint or re- stain the front door if necessary.  Create a space for potential buyers to put wet umbrellas, coats and shoes. Finally add a container of blooming plants and a fresh door mat to the front entry.

The 47^th Annual Police Appreciation Breakfast will take place on Thursday, March 29^th. The Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring this event to honor the Newport Beach Police Department and to show how much the residents and local businesses appreciate their hard work. Honorees include Officer of the Year, Reserve Officer, Civilian, Supervisor and Volunteer of the Year.  This year the Police Appreciation Breakfast will be held at the Hyatt Regency.  The breakfast begins at 7:15am and continues until 9am. This event is open to the public. Single tickets are $50 and table sponsorships are $600, which includes eight guests and four police officers.  The Hyatt Regency is located at 1107 Jamboree Road in Newport Beach. To purchase tickets or find out more information about this event, see their website at: https://www.newportbeach.com/events/47th-annual-police-appreciation-breakfast/.

Pelican Hill is a 24 hour guard gated group of developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Due to its high bluff setting, Pelican Hill homes have gorgeous, long reaching views. Located at 7 Rim Ridge, this 9,900 square foot home is part of the Pelican Hill neighborhood. This seven bedroom, ten bathroom home was built in 2007. The home was designed by Brion Jeanette. The glass elevator accesses all three floors. The lower level features a media room, gym, sauna and multi-purpose room.  There is a guest suite with a kitchenette. The home and property have amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Balboa Pier, Newport Bay, the 8^th hole of the North course, Catalina Island and lovely evening sunsets. This home sits on a very large 19,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool with a lap lane, half court basketball court and large yard. Pelican Hill is home to 140 custom built estates.

Located at 12 Cruisers Bluff, this 5,600 square foot home is part of the White Sails community in Crystal Cove. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2004. This home was built by EBTA architects. The gourmet kitchen features Wolf appliances, Sub-Zero refrigerator, and granite countertops. There is also a separate casita with a full bath. There are terrific views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, city night lights, white water and stunning evening sunsets. This home sits on a large 13,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, the backyard was designed and landscaped by Roger’s Gardens, there is a cabana with a fireplace, swimming pool, spa and built-in barbeque. White Sails 24 hour guard gated development.

When your home is for sale on the real estate market, make an effort to make the curb appeal positive regardless of the season. Money invested in maintenance and keeping the front door and garage doors in working order and great in appearance, is well invested. Keep the sidewalks, driveways and walkways clean and free of landscape debris and toys and other items. Make sure the house numbers are clearly seen from the street. And all the outdoor lighting is in working order.

Aqua Lounge will be hosting a NCAA March Madness A tournament beginning on Tuesday, March 13^th.  On Tuesday, the 13^th, from 3pm to 11pm, Aqua Lounge’s will feature all the excitement of March Madness alongside drink specials. Aqua Lounge’s March Madness special will continue throughout March Madness ending on Monday, April 2^nd. Aqua Lounge is located at 690 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach. Wear your teams gear and receive 50% off of select beers from 3pm until closing. For more information or to see their line-up of events, see their website at: https://www.aqualoungenb.com/events/calendar/.

Pelican Hill is nestled in the hills above Crystal Cove State Park and Beach. The Crystal Cove State Park offers over three miles of sandy beaches and 18 miles of trails. Located at 1 Gallery Place, this 7,800 square foot home is part of the Pelican Hill development. This six bedroom, seven bathroom home was built in 1998. Enter the home into a two story foyer. Included in the sale are renderings, floor plans and HOA architectural approval from the HOA. The master suite has an ocean view.  There are views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights, Newport Bay, Catalina Island, Pelican Hill Golf Course and evening sunsets. This home sits on a very large 24,500 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy entertaining around the swimming pool, spa, water features, and poolside bar with built-in barbeque area. Pelican Hill is a 24 hour guard gated community with 140 custom built homes.

Located at 110 Via Palermo, this 1,400 square foot home is part of the Lido Isle community in Newport Beach. This three bedroom, two bathroom home was built in 1955.  This house is a rare find, it is still largely original, so new owners could remodel to their tastes. The home is filled with natural light.  It features open beamed ceilings. This home sits on a 3,500 square foot lot, large for Lido Isle. There is 40 feet of bay front footage. There are 850 homes on Lido Isle.

When you are selling your home, be sure to provide specific information about it, so potential buyers can act more quickly. Begin adding tent cards or printed cards to items or room, which provide further information. For example, if you have custom or antique lighting fixtures, put cards out describing the fixture, its age and if is part of the home sale or can be purchased with the home.

On Friday, March 2^nd, the Lincoln Experience Center will be offering an evening of wine and art. The event gets underway at 6pm. The Wine and Canvas event mix art with wine tasting. There will simple, step by step directions with the art instruction, so that is open to all levels of ability. The Lincoln Experience Center is located at 139 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach (in Fashion Island by Hopdoddy and Macy’s.) You must be 21 or older to attend this event. For more information or to register; see their website at: https://www.lincoln.com/experiencecenter/default.aspx.

Pelican Hills is a group of exclusive developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. The developments of Pelican Hills surround the Pelican Hills Resort, Spa and Golf Courses. Located at 7 Shoreview, this 11,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Point development. This six bedroom, nine bathroom home was built in 2003. With classic style architecture, this home is filled with natural light. Attention to detail can be seen in the custom lanterns, walnut and ebony floors and glass mosaic pool. The home features multiple media rooms, a gym and elevator access to all floors. This estate sits on a large 24,000 square foot piece of property with gardens. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy entertaining around the swimming pool, in the lush gardens or on the view terrace.   Pelican Point is home to 48 custom built estates and has 24 hour guard gated security.

Located at 35 Tide Watch, this 6,800 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Sea Point development within Crystal Cove. This five bedroom, seven bathroom home was built in 2008. There is a gourmet kitchen, formal living room and formal dining room. Attention to detail can be seen in the Bisazza tiling, copper framed windows and custom draping. The estate has views of Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, white water, city night lights and evening sunsets. This home sits on a 17,000 square foot piece of property.  Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the infinity edge pool, outdoor fireplace, built in barbeque area and outdoor lounge area. Crystal Cove Sea Point is a 24 hour guard gated community with 27 estate style homes.

During any time of year, but especially during the winter season, it is important to have the heating system in tip top condition. Have the HVAC system, furnace, and roof inspected prior to listing the home for sale and make any necessary repairs prior to listing the home. Other items to have checked out include window caulking, gutters and changing air filters. A pre-inspection is often the best way to find out what needs repair.

The February edition of WAKE UP! Newport will feature John Wayne Airport Director Barry Rondinella. The February WAKE UP! Edition will take place on Thursday February 1^st, from 7:15am to 8:30am. Rondinella will be speaking about airport operations, the settlement agreement and changes to the take off pattern. John Wayne airport is the 40^th busiest commercial airport and the 30^th busiest airport for total operations in the nation. They have a budget of 242.2 million dollars annually and 178 employees.  Rondinella has more than three decades of aviation experience. The meeting will be held in the Friends Room, at the Newport Beach Public Library, located at 1000 Avocado Avenue in Newport Beach. This event is open to the public but reservations are required. Breakfast will be provided by Delightful Bites. For more information, see their website at: https://www.newportbeach.com/events/february-wake-newport-john-wayne-airport-director-barry-rondinella/.

Pelican Hill is a coastal community in Newport Coast with five exclusive neighborhoods. This area is home to Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located at 3 Whiteshore, this 5,200 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge Estates development. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 1994. Attention to detail can be seen in the marble work, geometric wall coverings and light fixtures.  There are tremendous views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island and the evening sunsets. This home sits on a large 11,200 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, entertaining is great around the infinity edge pool, under the covered loggia, and around the built-in barbeque. Pelican Ridge is a 24 hour guard gated community developed by the Irvine Company in the 1990’s. Among the many amenities in Pelican Ridge Estates are tennis courts, swimming pool, and clubhouse.

Located at 400 Via Lido Nord, this 1,300 square foot home is part of the Lido Isle community in Newport Beach. This three bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1940.  There is a large bay front patio and a two car garage. This one story, bay front beach cottage has a wonderful setting with great views of the bay and of the city night lights. This home sits on a 3,600 square foot piece of property. Residents are in very close proximity to Lido Marina Village.

When you are selling your home, getting a pre-inspection can lead to a quicker sale, saving money and a faster and smoother closing. Have your home pre-inspected prior to listing it.  Fix all the items you can, without the pressure of an impending home sale. Your home will show better because it is in good repair, leading to a higher selling price and no need to negotiate home repairs. 

The 109^th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Awards Dinner and Auction will take place on Friday, January 26^th, 2018.  This dinner celebrates the Christmas Boat Parade and Ring of Lights Winners and is a fund raiser for next year’s parade. The Awards Dinner and Auction will be held at the Island Hotel Newport Beach. There will be both a silent auction and a live auction, with such exciting items as hotel stays, art, jewelry, fine dining, and travel opportunities. The event ends with dancing to live music.  This event is open to the public. The Island Hotel is located at 690 Newport Center Drive. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: https://www.newportbeach.com/events/2017-newport-beach-christmas-boat-parade-awards-dinner-auction/.

Pelican Hills is a group of luxury communities in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  The five residential developments include: Pelican Point, Pelican Hill, Pelican Crest, Pelican Ridge, and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located at 7 Shoreview, this 11,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Point development. This six bedroom, nine bathroom home was built in 2003. Attention to detail can be seen in the custom stonework, artisan lanterns and the walnut, stone and ebony flooring. The home features a formal dining room, formal living room and master retreat with two fireplaces and a sitting room. There is elevator access to all levels of the home. There are views of the Pacific Ocean, the golf course, white water, city night lights and stunning sunsets. This home sits on a large 24,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the glass mosaic-lined pool, covered porticos, casita and many gardens. Pelican Point is a 24 hour guard gated community. There are 48 custom built estates in Pelican Point.

Located at 231 Via Lido Soud, this 3,500 Square foot home is part of the Lido Isle community in Newport Beach. This three bedroom, four bathroom home was built in 1992. The home features a wine cellar, a gourmet kitchen and a great room. The kitchen has granite countertops, glass and stainless steel cabinets and Wolf range.  Attention to detail can be seen in the crown moldings, beamed ceilings and wood flooring. The bay front home has views of the Harbor, the city night lights, and evening sunsets. This home sits on a 3,400 square foot piece of property near the local park. There is a boat dock attached to the property. In addition, outdoors, there is a large patio with a retractable awning and deck off the master bedroom.

When you are marketing your home, for sale on the real estate market, work closely with your local, professional realtor, such as those at The Franco Team, to create the right feeling with the verbiage. Avoid words such as unique, needs TLC, investment or potential, these words have been known to lead to lower sale prices, by as much as 7%. However, words such as luxurious, exclusive, captivating can add to the homes selling price.

The Newport Beach Restaurant Week is coming soon. The “Culinary Journey” kickoff event will be held on Thursday, January 11^th. The event begins at 7pm and ends at 9pm. The “Culinary Journey” will be held at Fashion Island’s Lincoln Experience Center, it is located at 139 Newport Center Drive, in Newport Beach. This restaurant week kick-off event is brand new this year. There is a limit supply of tickets; just 100 are available to the public. Get to be among the first to taste event exclusive specials from Nobu, Sessions West Coast Deli, Cucina Enoteca, The Bungalow, Balboa Lily’s, Mayor’s Table at Lido House Hotel and Andrea at The Resort at Pelican Hill. Participants who receive a stamp from each vendor will be entered is an event raffle. Tickets are $35, which includes entrance fee, tastes from each booth and two glasses of wine. To make reservations or to find out more information, see their website at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nbrw-culinary-journey-kickoff-event-tickets-41477669827.

Pelican Hill is a Newport Coast community which is home to five luxury developments and the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses. The five developments are Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located at 17 Sailcrest, this 10,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest development. This six bedroom, eight bathroom home was built in 2001. Attention to detail can be seen in the coffered ceilings, Lalique glass sinks and marble flooring. The home features a library, steam room and wine cellar. There are views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, Newport Coast coastline, Palos Verdes, city night lights and picture perfect sunsets. This home sits on a large 17,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors there are numerous loggias, an infinity edge pool, spa and built in barbecue. Pelican Crest is a 24 hour guard gated community designed by the Irvine Company with 158 custom built homes.

Located at 17 Coral Ridge, this 6,500 square foot home is part of the Crystal Cove Custom community in Crystal Cove. This six bedroom, seven bathroom home was built in 2017.  Attention to detail can be seen in the French limestone fireplaces, Gaetano old birch wood floors and reclaimed wood ceiling beams. The home features a floating staircase, guest casita and elevator. There are views of the surrounding mountains and hills, Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island and sunsets. This home sits on a 23,000 square foot piece of property with a corner setting. Outdoors there is an entry fountain, swimming pool and Bevolo gas lanterns.

Pricing your home is often one of the hardest things to do when selling your home. Price it to high and potential buyers will not look at it, price it to low and you leave money on the table. Work with your professional realtor, such as those at The Franco Team.  A professional realtor will know comparable homes that have sold in the area, neighborhood knowledge and other information such as school district information.

The Balboa Bay Resort has many offerings to help you celebrate the holidays. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the waterfront resort if hosting many festive holiday dining options for friends and families. Christmas Eve Dinner on Sunday, December 24^th with a five course dinner with a beautiful backdrop of Newport Bay. On Christmas Day, Monday, December 25^th there will also be a special five course dinner with views of the bay. They have several options to ring in the New Year on December 31^st with dinner at the Bay View Room, dinner at the Waterline, New Year Eve’s Bash at A&O and live concert in the Grand Ball Room. Finally, start the first day of 2018 out with a champagne brunch at the Waterline. For more information or to book reservations, see their website at: http://meritagecollection.com/balboabayresort/holidays-in-newport.

Pelican Hill is gated community with five different exclusive residential developments. Pelican Hill is positioned above Crystal Cove State Park giving the area endless views. Located at 33 Canyon Terrace, this 10,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Hill development. This six bedroom, eight bathroom home was built in 1999. Attention to detail can be seen in the two story foyer with a floating wrap around staircase. The gourmet kitchen is perfect for entertaining situated between the large formal dining room and the family room. There are wonderful views of the surrounding canyons and hills.  This home sits on a very large 40,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy entertaining around the swimming pool, spa, in the cabana, the covered loggia and in the barbeque pavilion.

Located at 202 Via Cordova, this 2,300 square foot home is on Lido Isle. This two bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 2008. Entertaining is wonderful in this home with a great room, gourmet kitchen and dining area. The home has two fireplaces in the living room and in the master bedroom.  This home sits on the 2,700 square foot piece of property, which is level with the street. The property is professionally landscaped and there is a patio on the Strada. In addition, the home has a rooftop deck with a spa. Lido Isle offers many amenities including tennis courts, a private beach, a clubhouse and security.

Winter months often bring cooler and wetter weather. Be sure to think about this when your home is for sale during the winter months. Stepping in from the chilly weather is often very welcomed; keep the temperature in your home between 65 and 70 degrees, which is the temperature range most potential buyers prefer. Other ways to create warm and welcoming environment is to open the shades and let the natural light in, add throw pillows and throws in warm colors to the couches. Feature the fireplace without actually setting a fire.

The 109^th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will take place from December 13^th through December 17^th. Each evening the parade will begin at 6:30pm and end at 9pm. The Christmas Boat Parade cruises around Newport Harbor, starting off and finishing at Tip of Lido Isle with a 14 mile route. The first public viewing area is at Marina Park. There are both Dine and Watch and Dine and Walk spots throughout the pathway. Among the many vessels participating are small boats, yachts, kayaks and canoes. The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Commodores Club hosts the event. Each year over one million people come out to enjoy the event. The New York Times calls this event “one of the top ten holiday happenings in the nation.” For more information or a route map, see their website at: https://www.christmasboatparade.com/.

Pelican Hill is a group of five luxury developments surrounding the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course. Pelican Hill sits about Crystal Cove State Park giving it panoramic views. Located at 3 Rim Ridge, this 11,400 square foot home is part of the Pelican Hill development. This six bedroom, nine bathroom home was built in 2001. Attention to detail can be seen in the rock crystal chandeliers, ironwork and inlaid limestone. There are views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Newport Bay, surrounding canyons, city night nights and awe-inspiring sunsets.  This home sits on a very large 27,000 square foot piece of property with 225 feet of unimpeded views. Outdoors, there are 1,700 square foot of protected decks and loggias. In addition outside, there are fountains, an infinity edge swimming pool, spa and a half sports court. Pelican Hill is a 24 hour guard gated security with just 140 custom built homes.

Located 510 Via Lido Soud, this 2,100 square foot home has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, This Lido Isle home was built in 1951. There are views of Newport Harbor, boats and city night lights. Attention to detail can be seen in the moldings, stone work and hard wood floors. This home sits on a 3,000 square foot piece of property and has a corner lot setting. Outdoors there is a south facing patio with a fire pit, seating area and built in barbeque area. There are many amenities on Lido Isle including a tennis courts, a clubhouse, private beach and security.

When selling your home during the holiday season, from Halloween through New Year’s Day, keep your home festive while maintaining an elegant display. Do your holiday decorating in a way that helps potential buyers be able to picture themselves celebrating the holidays in this house. Don’t overdo the holiday decorations, use white lights rather than multiple colored lights, for example. Keep front entry decorations to an elegant wreath on the front door.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse is having a special Thanksgiving feast on Thursday, November 23rd. Beginning at 11am, the steakhouse will be hosting a Thanksgiving Day meal. The price fixe menu includes traditional favorites. The three course dinner starts with biscuits with pumpkin butter and honey. Begin with salad or lobster bisque. The entrée has herb roasted turkey, sage and brioche stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes. End dinner with pumpkin cheesecake or carrot cake. There is a kid friendly menu, as well.  Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is located at 455 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach. To make reservations, see their website at: https://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/landing-pages/thanksgiving-2017/?promoid=Thanksgiving.

Pelican Hill is a group of five exclusive developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Pelican Hill is near both, The Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses and the Crystal Cove State Park. Located at 7 Rim Ridge, this 9,900 square foot home is part of the Pelican Hill development. This eight bedroom, ten bathroom estate was built in 1996. Designed by Brion Jeannette, this estate is marvelous for entertaining. The home features home gym, lounge room and sauna. There is a glass elevator which accesses all three levels.  The estate has views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Balboa Pier, Newport Bay, the 8^th Hole of the Pelican Hills Golf Course and gorgeous evening sunsets. This home sits on a large 19,800 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, there is a lap pool and a half basketball court. Pelican Hill has 140 luxury residences.  Pelican Hill is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood.

Located at 5 Coral Ridge, this six bedroom, eleven bathroom estate is part of the Crystal Cove Estate Collection in Crystal Cove. This 13,600 square foot estate was built in 2017. This home was designed by architect Homer Oatman and built by Davita Builders. With an open floor plan, the home is a masterpiece both inside and outside. The estate features a 35 foot building height, two master suites and seven car subterranean garage. There are six interior fireplaces and two exterior fireplaces.  There is a sunken garden. This home sits on a very large 31,000 square foot piece of property.

The change of season and a home sale paired together are a great time to remember to clean all the windows inside and outside. Buyers will notice smudges and dirty windows. Clean blinds and drapes, as well.  During open houses and showings leave all the blinds and drapes drawn, so you let as much natural light in as possible.

The Fashion Island Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on both Friday, November 18^th and Saturday, November 19^th. The Fashion Island tree and the tree lighting ceremony are located in the courtyard between Nieman Marcus and Bloomingdales. The tree lighting ceremony will be hosted by KOST 103.5 FM’s Mark Wallengren.  There will be a 25 minute live musical performance of the Magic of Christmas and will star The Young Americans. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be lighting the tree.  In addition, it will snow each evening. The show begins each evening at 6pm. For more information about the tree lighting ceremony or other holiday season events, see their website at: https://orangecountyzest.com/2016/11/tree-lighting-ceremony-2016/.

Pelican Hill is a luxury development in Newport Coast and sits right next to the world class Pelican Hill Spa, Resort and Golf Courses. Pelican Hill homes offer large lots, golf course and ocean views and security. Located at 7 Rim Ridge, this 9,900 square foot home is part of the Pelican Hill development. This eight bedroom, ten bathroom home was built in 1996. This home was designed by Brion Jeanette. Entertaining is a dream in the gourmet kitchen, great room and large formal dining room. In addition, there is a home gym, media room and sauna. The glass elevator has access to all three levels. This home has expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, white water, Balboa Pier, the 8^th hole of the Pelican Hill Golf Course and Newport Bay. This home sits on an oversized 19,800 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, there is a swimming pool with a lap lane and a half basketball court. Students living in this area attend Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School.

Lido Isle is located in Newport Harbor and has approximately 850 homes. Most homes are Mediterranean and Cape Cod in architectural style. Construction on the isle started in the 1920’s, making it one of California’s very first master planned communities. Many homes on the isle have wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Bay, city night lights and gorgeous evening sunsets. Home prices on Lido Isle range from 1.25 million to twenty plus million dollars. Among the many amenities on Lido Isle are a clubhouse, private beach, tennis courts and security.  Lido Isle is connected to the mainland by a bridge.