When you are selling your home, a spring cleaning is in order regardless of the time of year. Clean places that you would not normally think to clean, such as dusting around the trim of doors and shining door knobs. Clean all the light bulbs, so they show as much light as possible, remember to turn the lights on during every showing and open house. Also, have the carpets professionally cleaned; this will help to eliminate any odors in the house from pets or cooking. Potential buyers are sure to notice your extra work.

The 14^th Annual Newport Beach Wine Festival will be taking place at the Balboa Bay Resort. From Friday, May 26^th through Sunday, May 28^th, the annual Newport Beach Wine Festival will entertain, educate and sparkle. Events kick-off on Friday night with a Winemaker Dinner and Reception from Far Niente and Nickel and Nickel. The evening will feature a four course meal with wine pairings from Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom and master mixologist James Woods. On Saturday, events will include an afternoon Winemaker Luncheon from Trinitas Cellars, and a grand tasting with a preview reception and a harbor cruise. On Sunday, events culminate with a champagne brunch, with a seafood buffet with sparkling wines from Mumm in Napa Valley.  Balboa Bay Resort is located at 1221 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: http://meritagecollection.com/balboabayresort/newport-beach-wine-festival/.

Pelican Hill is home to several luxury residential developments and the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course. The Pelican Hill Resort has been ranked the number one spa and golf course resort in California by Conde Nast Traveler. Located at 26 Shoreridge, this 6,600 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest development. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2001. Attention to detail can be seen in the French limestone floors, beamed ceilings and French doors. The library opens to a private courtyard. The chef’s kitchen has custom cabinetry, Viking, Bosch and Sub-Zero appliances. The home has views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, surrounding hills, city night lights and gorgeous sunsets. This home sits on an oversized 17,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, there are multiple flagstone patios, covered loggias and two water features. There are just 166 homes in Pelican Crest and this is a 24 hour guard gated community.

Potential buyers will decide within in 60 seconds of pulling up in front of the house if they like it or not. Curb appeal is very important, make the most of it. Create an inviting front yard and front door area, which welcomes potential buyers to enter the home. Make sure that the house numbers can be seen easily from the street, people can’t tour the home, if they cannot find it. Clean the front door area, remove dirt and cobwebs. Add a container of flowers and a seasonal wreath. Potential buyers will notice your attention to detail.

Hornblower Cruises is offering John Wayne’s birthday cruises abroad the Wild Goose. The cruises are being offered from Thursday, June 18^th through Sunday, June 18^th. There are three cruises options available; John Wayne’s Birthday Cocktail Cruises, John Wayne’s Birthday Brunch Cruises and John Wayne’s Birthday Dinner Cruises. All the cruises will take place on John Wayne’s former yacht, the Wild Goose. The dining cruise will have Madame Tussauds John Wayne wax figure in full Western attire for pictures. The cocktail cruise is a two hour sunset cruise.  A portion of the proceeds from all the cruises will be donated to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. The cruises range in price from $40 to $93. Hornblower Cruises is located at 24331 West Coast Highway. To make a reservation or to find out more information about the John Wayne Birthday cruises, see their website at: https://www.hornblower.com/port/category/nb+john-wayne-birthday-cruises.

Pelican Hill is group of luxury developments with a Mediterranean and Tuscan flair. This group of residences is adjacent to the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course. Located at 1 Shoreline, this 4,500 square foot home is part of the Pelican Point development. This four bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 1998. Attention to detail can be seen in the wrought iron banisters, stone fireplace and travertine flooring. The chef’s kitchen opens onto the dining area with views of the outdoor garden. The home sits on a 9,800 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy relaxing by the swimming pool, spa and strolling amongst the professional, custom landscaping. This home is within walking distance to Crystal Cove State Park. The many shopping and dining options in Corona del Mar are just a short drive away. Pelican Point is south of Corona del Mar just off the Pacific Coast Highway on the coast side. There are just 48 homes in Pelican Point.

Welcome potential buyers into your home with an inviting front entry. This needs to one of the best looking areas of the home; this is the first place that potential buyers will spend time, so wow them. Begin by giving the entire area a good cleaning; removing cobwebs, outdoor debris and dirt. Re-paint or stain the front door, if necessary. Add a seasonal wreath to the front door. Add a container of colorfully blooming plants and if the front entry is large enough, add a couple of chairs or a bench. Remember to polish the door knobs.

It is time for the Newport to Ensenada Race Week, Sunday, April 23^rd through Sunday, April 30^th.  The week will begin with a Kick-Off Party on Sunday, April 23^rd from 12noon to 4pm. The Kick-Off party is held in Marina Park. The Skippers Luncheon will be held at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club with lunch, speaker and a raffle on Wednesday, April 26^th. Also on Wednesday, will be the VIP Reception for boat owners held at Sterling BMW. On Thursday, April 27^th, the Pre-Race Party for Skippers and Crew will take place at the American Legion Yacht Club. The 125 mile overnight race will start from Balboa Pier at 11am on Friday, April 28^th. There are more than 50 trophy categories including several for monohulls, multihulls, and cruisers. There are racers for all skill levels from first time racers to experienced professionals. On Saturday, April 29^th, the Hotel Coral and Marina will host the Baja Playa Fiesta. The events culminate on Sunday, April 30^th with the Trophy Presentation.  For more information, a list of race events and registration, see their website at: http://newporttoensenada.com/.

Pelican Hill is in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. The Pelican Hill community is made-up of five luxury home developments adjacent to the world-class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course. Located at 26 Shoreridge, this 6,600 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest development. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 2001. The chef’s kitchen has Viking, Bosch and Subzero appliances. Attention to detail can be seen in the French limestone floors, beamed ceilings and private courtyard. The library opens to the private courtyard. The first level guest suite has a separate entrance. The custom estate has views of the Pacific Ocean, surrounding hills, city night lights and picture perfect sunsets. This home sits on an oversized 17,000 square foot piece property. Outdoors, the private property has many entertaining spaces from flagstone patios to covered loggias. In addition, there is a grassy lawn and two water features.

Spring can be a rainy season.  If you are selling your home during this time of year, be prepared.  Put a new doormat outdoors and one indoors.  Provide a place for wet umbrellas and jackets, so they do not drip all over your clean floors. Provide either shoe covers or make a spot for potential buyers to remove their shoes. This way, all the hard work you put into preparing your home will not be ruined with one messy weather day.

             Orange County’s largest film event is almost here. The 18^th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival will have 350 different films and 50,000 film fans attend the festival. The festival begins on April 20^th and runs through April 27^th. The Newport Beach Film Festival was founded in 1999. The eight day festival shows the best local, new, international and critically acclaimed films, locally right here in Newport Beach. There will be short and full length movies, short movies are at least 40 minutes long and full length movies are at least 100 minutes; there will 100 different full length films played during the festival. There will be other events during the film festival such as meeting with film makers, documentary subjects, pre-screening parties, book signings and much more.  For more information about the festival or for movie schedules, see their website at: https://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/.

             Pelican Hill is home to some of the most luxurious homes in Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill is adjacent to the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course, giving residents access to wonderful amenities. Located at 1 Barrington Court, this 7,500 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge development. This seven bedroom, eight bathroom home was built in 1998. This home has been completely updated. The home features a gym, home theater and an executive office suite. There are two guest suites on the first level. The second level master suite has dual showers, a custom designed closet and a sunken bathtub. This home sits on an oversized 21,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy entertaining by the swimming pool and spa and in the barbeque area. The backyard is professionally landscaped with hard-scaping and a fountain. Pelican Ridge is a 24 hour guard gated community and is across the street from Pelican Crest. Pelican Ridge was designed by the Irvine Company.

When you are preparing your home for a home sale, try to create a neutral space, so that potential buyers can easily imagine themselves in this space. Begin by re-painting the inside of the home in neutral colors such as ivory and light beiges. These colors will appeal to the majority of potential buyers. You can always add a pop of color with a bed spread, a vase of fresh flowers, colorful throw pillows or an afghan.

Cucina Enoteca is running a sip and support special during the entire month of March. For each glass or bottle of the Cucina private label wine sold, the restaurant will donate $1 to a local charity. During the month of March, the local charity benefitted will be Human Options. Human Options provides programs for abused women, children and helping people to rebuild their lives. Cucina Enoteca is located in the Fashion Island Shopping Center at 951 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach. Cucina Enoteca is one of four restaurants in the Cucina collection. For more information about this program or the restaurant, see their website at: https://www.urbankitchengroup.com/cucina-enoteca-newport-beach/.

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast of Newport Beach. Newport Coast is situated in the San Joaquin Hills above Crystal Cove State Park just south of the main section of Newport Beach. Located at 9 Skycrest, this 6,800 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest development. This six bedroom, seven bathroom home was built in 2001. The house has been renovated and was previously used as vacation home only. The chef’s kitchen has professional grade appliances, granite countertops and a large center island. The living room is double height. Attention to detail can be seen in the four fireplaces, marble floor and house wide built-in speakers. The large master suite has a dual fireplace, and a view terrace. In addition, the home has great room with a wet bar, wine storage and built-in media center. The home has views of the surrounding canyons and mountains. This home sits on a very large 24,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoors, homeowners’ will enjoy relaxing by the swimming pool and spa and cooking on the built-in barbeque. Pelican Crest has just 166 custom built homes. This is a 24 hour guard gated community.

When you are selling and begin to receive offers, carefully read them with your professional realtor, such as those at The Franco Team. Remember, each offer is an opportunity to negotiate. Other than reducing the price of the home there are many other things you can offer. You can consider paying for a buyer’s closing costs, doing extra repairs around the home, adding in furniture or an early or late closing date. Also, as a seller, remember you will need to find new housing, consider factoring in a rent back option in negotiating the final sales contract. There are many options available to you, work with your realtor to find the best set for your situation.

21 Oceanfront and Cakebread Cellars are teaming up to bring you a fabulous wine dinner. On Tuesday, March 21, 21 Oceanfront will be serving a five course dinner with wine pairings provided by Cakebread Cellars. Executive Chef Miro Rusev created this menu. During dinner, the speaker will be Justin Wilson from Cakebread Cellars. The meal will begin with smoked diver scallops and Sturgeon caviar. The second course is a duet of lamb chops with a truffle risotto. The salad course will be a little gem salad with avocado and grapefruit. The entrée course will be a petite filet mignon and colossal Australian prawn with grilled asparagus. Finally, dessert with be a Torta Nocciola, which is layers of hazelnut cake with hazelnut cream, chocolate cream and fresh berries. Dinner will begin at 6:30pm. 21 Oceanfront Restaurant is located at 2100 West Oceanfront in Newport Beach. Tickets are $129 per person. For more information or to make reservations, see their website at: http://www.21oceanfront.com/wineCalendar.htm.

Pelican Hill is in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. This is a small section of the city with a population of just 10,000 residents as compared with the 85,000 residents in Newport Beach. Located at 54 Coral Reef, this 2,600 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge development. This four bedroom, three bathroom home was built in 1997.  Homeowners and guests enter the home through a private entry and courtyard. Attention to detail can be seen in the Brazilian marble floors, mosaic inlaid entry and wide plank hardwood floors. The gourmet kitchen features Dacor and Fisher and Paykel stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and custom glass front cabinets. This home has panoramic views of the surrounding canyons. This home sits on a 5,200 square foot home with a cul-de-sac setting. Homeowners have access to a private path leading to a secluded park with ocean views. Pelican Ridge is a 24 hour guard gated community.

Even when you are selling your home during the winter season, it is important to have your yard looking its best. Curb appeal counts in every season, this is when potential buyers become forming opinions about house and property. Clean up the yard; remove all winter debris, prune back shrubs and trees, especially anything touching the house. Add some blooming cool weather annuals to flower beds for a touch of color. Keep the driveway free from toys, garbage cans and other items.

Tomatomania, A Tornado of Tomatoes is back again at Roger’s Gardens. Described as “the largest and most fun tomato seedling sale” of the year. The 5^th Annual Tomatomania is put together by Scott Daige and his staff; it will feature over 250 varieties of heirloom and hybrid tomatoes. There will be new varieties for 2017. Experts will be on hand throughout the weekend to answer all your tomato questions. All weekend, Friday, March 3^rd through Sunday, March 5^th, Tomatomania will run from 9am to 6pm each day. Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road. For more information about this event and other upcoming garden workshops, see their website at: http://rogersgardens.com/seminars-events/tomatomania-3/.

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Pelican Hill is home to five luxury home communities: Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located at 12 Fairway Point, this 13,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Hill development. This seven bedroom, nine bathroom home was built in 2002. The main floor of the features a gourmet kitchen, theater, wine and bar area and opens onto an outdoor entertaining area. Views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes, city night lights and sunsets can be seen from the house and property. This home sits on a very large 36,000 square foot piece of south facing property. Outdoors, there is a swimming pool, multiple loggias and entertainment spaces. Pelican Hill is a 24 guard gated community. The Pelican Hill’s neighborhood is positioned near the Crystal Cove State Park, which provides the area with over three miles of pristine sandy beach and 2,400 acres of undeveloped land for outdoor activities.

When you are staging your home prior to selling it, begin by removing personal items, such as photographs and also consider removing extra furniture. By removing extra furniture, rooms will look larger. Potential buyers also tend to think the home does not have adequate storage, when rooms are packed with furniture and other items. Generally, it is better to move your packed items to a storage facility rather than storing them in the garage, because a large garage is also a selling feature. Remember, you can always put everything back out when you are settled in your new home.

The Back Bay Science Center is having another installment in their Citizen Science Academy Voyager Program. The Voyager Program will begin on Saturday, February 11^th and continue through Saturday, March 18^th. This is a great way to learn more about the natural world around you. The Voyager Program is a nature based, hands-on education program. There will be different workshops which “focus on the interrelationships between nature and humans through history, plant and wildlife identification, ecological relationships, human impacts and more.”  The program meets every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 12noon. This program is for ages 14+. The city of Newport Beach and its partners are putting this program on. The Back Bay Science Center is located at 600 Shellmaker Road in Newport Beach. For more information about this program or to sign-up for this series of workshops, see their website at: http://backbaysciencecenter.org/programs/.

Pelican Hill is made-up of five luxury developments which are adjacent to the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course. Pelican Hill is situated in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Located at 32 Shoreridge, this 6,200 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest development. This five bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2000. With a contemporary, French architectural style this home has a dramatic two story entry with a stone floor and stair case. Attention to detail can be seen in the brick walkways, the Bordeaux imported fireplace and the Maine wide plank wood flooring. The home and property have views of the surrounding canyons and the Pacific Ocean. This home sits on a large 16,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoor’s homeowners will enjoy strolling through the gardens and mature olive trees. Outdoor entertaining is wonderful around the swimming pool and spa or under the pergola or in the open air cabana. The outdoor barbeque has a built-in grill and pizza oven. Pelican Crest, as are all Pelican Hill developments, is a 24 hour guard gated community. Pelican Crest has 166 custom designed and built homes.

Potential buyers begin forming opinions about your home, as soon as they pull up to the curb. Give them every reason to form a positive opinion and come into the home to see the rest. First make sure it is easy to see the house numbers from the street and that everything is well it in the evening. Keep the driveway and sidewalks clean.  Make the front entry welcoming with a freshly painted front door with a seasonal wreath. Add a new doormat and a container of colorful blooming plants by the front door. Potential buyers will begin forming a positive opinion as soon as they arrive.

The Hutchins Consort will be performing Bach and Rock. On Sunday, February 5^th, The Hutchins Consort will be performing at St. Mark Presbyterian Church. Maksim Velichkin will be playing piano for this performance. The ensemble plays the works of Johann Sebastian Bach with the rock influence of Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and other legendary rock bands. Hutchins Consort is a violin octet which performs on scaled violins from the smallest treble violin, which is one octave higher than a standard violin to a large bass violin which is one octave lower than a cello.  The concert begins at 3pm. Tickets are $35 for individuals and $60 for family packages. St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church is located at 2200 San Joaquin Hills Road in Newport Beach. For more information about this concert or to purchase tickets, see their website at: http://hutchinsconsort.org/events/bach-rock-newport-beach/.

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. Pelican Hill is home to five luxury developments: Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located at 5 Windemere Court, this 5,400 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge Estates development. This five bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 1994. With a Mediterranean architectural style, this estate has an open floor plan and abundant natural light. Attention to detail can be seen in the polished stone floors, clerestory windows and wide plank floors. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, a large center island and granite countertops. All the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms. There are amazing views from almost every room. This home sits on a large 14,000 square foot piece of property with a cul-de-sac setting. Outdoors, homeowner’s will enjoy entertaining under the pergola with a built-in stone bar. Pelican Ridge Estates is a 24 hour guard gated community. Pelican Ridge Estates are positioned on the ridge above, Crystal Cove State Park.

When you are staging your home for a home sale, it is best to choose neutral colors for the walls and carpet colors. Colors such as cream, caramel and beige are great choices, which appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers. These colors also neutralize the environment and make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves in this space. Add a pop of color with accessories and throw pillows and afghans.

Newport Beach’s 11^th Annual Restaurant Week will take place from Monday, January 16^th through Sunday, January 29^th. This year the theme for the restaurant week is Seize the Dish. Restaurant Week is designed to showcase Orange County’s restaurants, while offering restaurant goers a variety of culinary experiences. There will be special prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Lunches are priced at $10, $15, $20 and $25. Dinners are priced at $20, $30, $40 and $50. There are over 100 restaurants participating this year.  Among the restaurants participating in this year’s restaurant week are 21 Ocean Front, A Restaurant, Back Bay Bistro, Fig and Olive and Pelican Grill.  For more information about participating restaurants or to see their menus, see their website at: http://www.dinenb.com/restaurant-week/.

Pelican Hill is home to some of the most luxurious real estate in Newport Beach. Five luxury developments make-up Pelican Hill along with the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.  Located at 21 Island, this 7,800 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest development. This five bedroom, seven bathroom home was built in 2000. Named Villa Parasio, this Mediterranean style home has a bluff setting. This tri-level home has main floor guest suite with a private entrance. The kitchen features a marble center island. This home has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes, city night lights and beautiful evening sunsets. The home sits on an oversized 13,000 square foot piece of property. Pelican Crest has 166 custom built homes. Pelican Crest is a 24 hour guard gated development, as are all Pelican Hill developments.