When selling your house, make sure every room has a defined purpose easily recognizable to potential buyers. Whether you are using a room as a catch-all or storage area, when it is time to sell it is important to make sure that potential buyers know the intended purpose for that room. Make that spare bedroom into an office, kid’s room or a guest room. Pick neutral colors for the room and then add a pop of color with spring colored throw pillows and a vase of fresh flowers.

The Debra Huse Gallery is featuring a new collection by Randall Sexton, entitled “California Vibes.” The gallery will have the collection of display from Saturday, March 26^th through Sunday, April 17^th, 2016. This exclusive collection from award-winning artist Randall Sexton is of expressive paintings which focus on the everyday beauty of California. The scenes are from Bay Area through California to the Southern California coast. His paintings are known for their rich use of color and artful brushwork. Randall Sexton teaches at Pixar Studios and leads workshops around the world. The Debra Huse Gallery is located at 229 Marine Avenue in Newport Beach. The Gallery is open Thursday through Monday. For more information on this event, see their website at: http://www.debrahusegallery.com/debrahusegallery/Debra_Huse_Gallery.html.

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast area in Newport Beach. Newport Coast has a population of just 10,000 residents, giving it a close-knit feel with still having all the amenities of Newport Beach proper. Located at 6 Kingsport, this 5,100 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge community. This five bedroom, six bathroom home was built in 1996. This custom built estate has an open floor plan which combines form and function. The chef’s kitchen features a large island, Sub-Zero refrigerator and double dishwasher.  The attached family room has a wet bar and beverage refrigerator. There are terrific views of the Pacific Ocean, surrounding canyons, white water, city night light and evening sunsets. The home sits on an oversized 11,000 square foot piece of property. Outdoor’s homeowners will enjoy a gorgeous pool with a waterfall spa, courtyard, outdoor fire place and barbeque area. Pelican Ridge is a 24 hour guard gated community planned and developed by the Irvine Company. The community amenities include a clubhouse, guard gate, swimming pool and tennis court.

When preparing to sell your home, look throughout the home at the furniture, artwork and accessories. Perhaps these items would look better in another room or fill a need in another room. A living room arm chair might be perfect for a master suite sitting area. Tables can be re-purposed as a library table or desk. Be creative in your staging, using items your already have in the home. Potential buyers will be able to see how to use the space and spend longer looking at the home.

Fashion Island will be hosting the Easter Bunny from Friday, March 4^th until Saturday, March 26^th. This is a terrific way to ring in the spring season. Fashion Island will have photos with the Easter Bunny in his spring garden.  The Easter Bunny’s garden will be on the Atrium Lawn. The Easter Bunny picture area will be open from 11am to 8pm, Monday through Thursday, 10am to 8pm on Friday, 10am to 7pm on Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. Fashion Island is located at 401 Newport Center Drive. For more information about the Easter Bunny Photos, see their website at: http://www.shopfashionisland.com/Events/Details/5232.

Pelican Hill is made up of five smaller developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. This area offers a multitude of options in the way of view, amenities, styles, and price, it is best to work with an experienced realtor, like the Franco Team, to get the very best results from your home search. Located at 3 Rim Ridge, this 11,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Hill development. This six bedroom, nine bathroom home was built in 2001. This estate has a neo classical architectural style with resort style amenities. Attention to detail can be seen in the rock crystal chandeliers, ironwork, and limestone work. The home has a one and half story library, theater and private guest quarters. This custom built estate sits on an oversized 27,000 square foot lot. This home has 225 feet of unimpeded front row span with views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Newport Bay, city night lights, surrounding canyons and the Pelican Hill Golf Course. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy over 1,700 square feet of covered decks and loggias, fountains, infinity edge pool, spa and sports court. Pelican Hill is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood. Shopping and dining is nearby at Fashion Island.

Winter time can be a great time to sell your home because there are always new potential buyers coming to the market and there is less competition during the winter months. With that in mind, work on staging your home properly for winter.  Outside, keep the yard and gardens neat, they might not be in bloom; however a well pruned garden is more visually appealing. Indoors, keep the temperature comfortable for the majority of potential buyers, which is between 65 and 70 degrees.  Visually add warmth to your home by using textured fabrics in warm colors for throw pillows and afghans.

On Sunday, March 6^th, Roger’s Garden will have another installment of their My Edible Garden Series with David Rizzo. David Rizzo is a well known horticulturist who will give a workshop on edible plants including vegetables, herbs, fruits, berries and other edible plants. All the edible plants in this workshop are appropriate for warm season vegetable gardening and should be planted now. In addition, this class will cover vegetable container gardening, small space vegetable gardening and fruit trees.  My Edible Garden is a once a month workshop, each month will have a different focus, geared specifically for the current season. These are interactive classes and audience participation is encouraged. The class begins at 10am and last one hour. Admission to this workshop series is free. Roger’s Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road in Corona del Mar. For more information about this gardening series, see their website at: http://rogersgardens.com/seminars-events/my-edible-garden-series-with-david-rizzo/.

Pelican Hill, along with Crystal Cove are both part of the Newport Coast community. Pelican Hill is made-up of five luxury developments which are near the Pelican Hill Spa and Resort and overlook the Pelican Hill Golf Course. Located at 32 Shoreridge, this 6,400 square foot estate is part of the Pelican Crest development. This five bedroom, five bathroom home was built it 2000.  The home sits on an oversized, private, 16,000 square foot cul-de-sac piece of property. This custom built home was completely remodeled in 2015. Attention to detail can be seen in the antique pavers, Maine plank floors, and 18^th century fireplaces.  The 18^th century fireplaces were imported from the Bordeaux region. This home has views of the Pacific Ocean, surrounding hillsides, city night lights and gorgeous evening sunsets.  Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a courtyard pool, poolside room, an olive grove and a rooftop retreat. Pelican Crest is home to approximately 166 custom built estates. Among the amenities offered in Pelican Crest are 24 hour guard gate and security, a clubhouse, swimming pool and spa.

During winter months, when windows are not opened as frequently or the heat is turned on, home odors can become trapped in the home and are unappealing to potential home buyers. To eliminate odors, keep pets well groomed.  When strong cooking odors occur, use the kitchen fan to help minimize them. Keep your home clean. Scented candles can be lit prior to open houses and showings. Never leave lit candles unattended. Fresh, clean scents make a good first impression for potential home buyers.

The Environmental Nature Center is having a President’s Week Camp for kids, Monday, February 15^th through, Thursday, February 18^th. The Environmental Nature Center will have an educational, outdoor camp for children ages five to twelve. Day campers will be divided into small groups by age and will rotate through stations with age appropriate hands-on activities. There will be a “Native American Adventure” including a lesson on the native people of California. Another adventure will focus on “Nature Play” and another will create “Nature Crafting.” There are both half day and full camps available.  The Environmental Nature Center is located at 1601 16^th Street, Newport Beach. For more information about this nature camp or to enroll, see their website at: http://encenter.org/.

Pelican Hill is a group of five exclusive developments adjacent to the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course. Pelican Hill communities are part of Newport Coast.  Located at 42 Pelican Point, this 8,800 square foot home is part of the Pelican Point development. This four bedroom, six bathroom estate was built in 2002. This custom built estate sits on a large 13,400 square foot property. The home has a European Baroque style. The entry is designed to sweep homeowners and guests away to 16^th Century Europe. Attention to detail can be seen mosaics, hand blown glass windows, and trompe I oeil style paintings. The home has a theater, wine cellar and subterranean five plus car garage.  The views from this estate are of the Pacific Ocean, white water, 12^th hole of the Pelican Hill Golf Course, Newport Beach coastline, Catalina Island and evening sunsets. Pelican Point is a 24 hour guard gated development. There are just 48 custom built estates in Pelican Point, all at least 8,000 square foot in size.

Curb appeal means a lot when you are selling your home; this is where potential home buyers have their first impressions of your home. You want their first impression to be as positive as possible. Start with a general clean up of the front yard, clearing away debris, pruning shrubs and trees and planting winter blooming annuals. Make sure the house numbers can be seen clearly from the street. Place a new door mat at the front door, paint the front door if necessary and place a pot of colorful blooming annuals near the front door. This will invite potential buyers into the home.

The 16^th Annual Newport Beach Jazz Party will take place from Thursday, February 11^th through Sunday, February 14^th. There will be three days and four evenings of Jazz entertainment. The day time events will take place outdoors and the evening events will take place indoors at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel ball room. This is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day weekend. There will be over 30 concerts, a Valentine’s Day Dinner and Show, two pool side sessions and two jazz brunches. The hosts will be Joe Rothman and John McClure.  The hotel is located at 900 Newport Center Drive. For more information about this four day event, see their website at: http://www.newportbeachjazzparty.com/.

Pelican Hill is home to some of the most luxurious and sought after real estate in Orange County, California. Pelican Hill, along with Crystal Cove is in the Newport Coast area of Newport Beach. Located at 32 Shoreridge, this 6,400 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest development. This five bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2000. This custom built home is situated on an oversized 16,000 square foot piece of property. This home was completely remodeled in 2015. Attention to detail can be seen the antique pavers, Maine plank wood floors and antique French fireplaces. Guests will enjoy the private casita with a private entrance. This custom estate has views of the Pacific Ocean, city night lights, surrounding hills and gorgeous evening sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, poolside room, olive trees and rooftop deck. Pelican Crest is home to 166 custom built estates. This is a 24 hour guard gated community. Pelican Crest is located conveniently to the Fashion Island Shopping Center, John Wayne County Airport and major highways.  This neighborhood is situated on the ridge above the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.

When your home is for sale, during open houses and showings, create a cozy interior environment. Start by keeping your home a pleasant temperature, 65-70 degrees is good for the majority of potential buyers. Turn on all the lights both indoors and outdoors for showings and open houses. Turn on classical music and put out treats, such as a bowl of candy or cookies and bottles of water for potential buyers to snack on. Finally, add a few tasteful holiday decorations for corresponding season.

The Newport Beach Public Library is offering a delicious crafts class on Tuesday, January 26^th from 4pm to 5pm. Join in all the fun as instructors work with participants to create tasty treat inspired craft projects. This hands-on class is perfect for children ages three to eight. An adult must accompany the children. This class will take place at the Mariners Branch. The Mariners Library Branch is located at 1300 Irvine Avenue, Newport Beach. Delicious Crafts is a free class to attend and a snack will be served. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library Foundation. No registration is required for this class. For more information about this event, or their many others, see their website at: http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/. 

Pelican Hill is a group of luxury developments, attached to the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course. The five developments include Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located at 16 Skyridge, this 13,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest development. This six bedroom, 10 bathroom estate was built in 2006. The estate sits on an oversized 26,000 foot property. This home has recently been remodeled and updated. The estate has a wine room, home theater and eight car subterranean garage. The home features an indoor pool and spa with a sauna. This estate has views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, the Newport Beach coastline, Newport Harbor, city night lights and beautiful evening sunsets. There are 166 luxury estates in Pelican Crest.  All the homes in Pelican Crest are custom designed and built. This is a 24 hour gated community.

Michael Franco closed out 2015 on a high note, once again being named a Top Producer for the year. In 2015, Michael Franco had over 30 million dollars in sales. Among his sales this past year, are a Newport Coast, Ocean Heights home which sold for 2.4 million dollars and a Crystal Cove, Watermark home which closed for 7.295 million dollars. Michael Franco uses his local area real estate market expertise and his ability to connect with his clients to reach these of sales. In 2016, let Michael help you find your perfect Orange County property.

Before listing your home on the real estate market, make sure all trees and shrubs are pruned.  This helps for multiple reasons; the outdoors will appear clean and neat, giving potential home buyers a positive first impression. It is also important to let as much natural light into the home as possible, especially during the darker winter months.  Also, trim back any foliage that is covering the house numbers, it is difficult to sell a home if potential buyers can’t find it.

The Orange County Museum of Art is having a special exhibit of R. Luke DuBois pieces through February 28^th, 2016.  The exhibit entitled, R. Luke DuBois – Now, is the first solo exhibit for this artist.  It has been said that his works defies categorization. In the last decade, he has composed music, created large scale public installations, dabbled in film and produced generative computer works. This exhibit encompasses the body of his work. DuBois is a New York based artist. This exhibit was organized by The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and this will be the only showing on the west coast. The Orange County Museum of Art is located at 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach. For more information about this exhibit or about the museum, see their website at: http://www.ocma.net/.

Pelican Hill, along with Crystal Cove and several other luxury developments, make-up the Newport Coast area of Newport Beach. There are five luxury communities which are part of Pelican Hill; Pelican Crest, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Ridge Estates, Pelican Hill and Pelican Point. Located at 9 High Water, this 7,500 square foot home is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. This five bedroom, five bathroom home was built in 2013. The home sits on a large lot which is 21,143 square foot in size. This estate features a media room, gym and casita. Attention to detail can be seen in the ten-foot ceilings, alder beams and Richard Marshall plank hardwood floors. This home is located in a 24 hour guard gated development. The surrounding area has nearly 7,400 aces of dedicated coastal green space. The homeowners’ association has parks, pools, tennis courts and direct beach access for residents to use.

Even though winter often does not have the best weather, it is still necessary to keep the outside neat and clean.  Although, winter tends to be a slower real estate market, there are still many potential buyers out there.  Don’t let a messy driveway and sidewalk deter potential buyers from seeing your home.  Keep the driveway and sidewalks free from branches and leaves. Provide a receptacle for wet umbrellas near the front door and both indoor and outdoor mats for wiping wet feet. Potential buyers will feel welcomed in your home and have a positive first impression.

On New Year’s Eve, Darya will host a spectacular celebration to ring in the New Year. On Thursday, December 31^st, Darya will offer a very special New Year’s Eve three course dinner. Entertainment will be provided throughout the evening by celebrity DJ Mike Soltani. The party is for adults ages 18 and over. Reservations are required for this dinner celebration.  Darya has been offering some of the finest authentic Persian cuisine in Orange County for more than 20 years. The restaurant is known for its classy and romantic surroundings. For more information about the evening or to make reservations, see their website at:  http://daryasouthcoastplaza.com/.

Pelican Hill is a luxurious group of five residential developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill residents are within walking distance of the world class amenities offered at the Pelican Hill Resort and Golf Course. Located at 9 Shoreridge, this six bedroom, nine bathroom home is part of the Pelican Crest development.  This 10,000 square foot custom built estate was built in 2009. Guests are greeted by a two story foyer with a floating staircase.  Attention to detail can be seen in the French limestone flooring, floor to ceiling windows and an onyx fireplace.  The chef’s kitchen features both Viking and Miele appliances. The estate has a gym, sauna, home theater and wine cellar. The views from this home include the Pacific Ocean, white water, surrounding canyons, city night lights and vibrant evening sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy a swimming pool, spa, and fire pit. Pelican Crest is home to just 166 custom built estates.  This is a 24 hour guard gated development. Residents are conveniently located near Fashion Island with wonderful shopping and dining.

Many homeowners have pets, especially cats and dogs.  When selling your home, be sure to make sure your home and pet/pets are clean. Keep your pets regularly bathed and groomed and this will reduce the pet hair and pet smells in the home.  Have the carpets professionally cleaned prior to listing the home; this will also reduce pet smells.  Pick up the yard and pick up dog toys prior to showings and open houses and potential buyers won’t even notice that pets live in the house.

The Newport Theatre Arts Center will be hosting performances of Moonlight and Magnolias from November 12^th through Sunday, December 13^th.  This comedy is set in 1939 and follows David Selznick, a producer who shuts done his production of the movie Gone With The Wind. David locks his creative team of screen writer, Ben Hecht and director, Victor Fleming in his office, making them work day and night to fix his masterpiece. Also, playing at the Newport Theatre Arts Center during the month of December is the Mrs. Claus Presents the 107^th Annual Elf Talent Show.  This show will run on December 18^th, 19^th and 20^th.  Newport Theatre Arts Center is located at 2501 Cliff Drive. For more information about either of these performances, see their website at: http://www.ntaconline.com/.

Pelican Hill is a section of Newport Coast, along with Crystal Cove and other luxury neighborhoods. There are five distinctive developments which make up Pelican Hill; Pelican Crest, Pelican Point, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located at 1 Pelican Drive this 13,400 square foot home is part of the prestigious Pelican Crest development. This seven bedroom, eleven bathroom estate is situated on one of best properties in Newport Coast. The estate has a private movie theater, 1,200 wine cellar, lounge with bar and a gym. This custom built estate has near panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Palos Verde, Pelican Hills Golf Course, Newport Harbor, city night lights and vibrant sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy relaxing by the pool, spa, and barbeque pavilion. Pelican Crest is home to 166 custom built estates. This is 24 hour guard gated community. This is the most formal of all the Pelican Hill developments.

Potential Buyers need to be able to picture themselves n your home. Creating a comfortable and welcoming environment, will definitely help potential buyers to be able to picture themselves living in the home.  Adding little luxury touches can go a long way to making potential home buyers feel at home. Try adding beautiful linens and throw pillows to the beds and plush towels to the bathrooms.

The 19^th Annual Crystal Cove Tree Lighting will take place at the Crystal Cove State Park on Saturday, December 5^th.  The Crystal Cove Alliance will celebrate the holiday season with their traditional tree lighting and holiday bazaar. The tree lighting and holiday bazaar will be held in the Crystal Cove Historic District, featuring vintage holiday decorations from the time period between 1935 and 1955. The holiday bazaar features arts and crafts made by local artisans.  Santa Claus will be making an appearance and posing with children from pictures. Santa Claus and strolling carolers will arrive at 4pm. The family friendly festivities will begin at 10am and continue until 5pm.  This event is free to attend.  For more information about this event see their website at; http://www.crystalcovealliance.org/events/cca-19th-annual-tree-lighting/.

Pelican Hill and Crystal Cove are both a part of Newport Coast.  Five distinctive developments make up Pelican Hill; Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates. Located 11 Skycrest, this 8,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest neighborhood. This five bedroom, seven bathroom custom built home has a very private cul-de-sac setting.  Attention to detail can be seen in the custom moldings, Baccarat chandeliers and custom iron work. This custom built estate has a Mediterranean architectural style. The views from this home include the Pacific Ocean, white water, surrounding hills and canyons, city night lights and gorgeous evening sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners’ will enjoy relaxing by the swimming pool and spa, fire pit, and in the outdoor California Room. Pelican Crest is made-up of 166 custom built estates. This is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood, as are all Pelican Hill developments.