If you are selling your home in nice weather months be sure to stage outdoor spaces, just as you would stage indoor spaces.  Potential buyers have an interest in outdoor spaces for entertaining and extending their square footage. Features to make the most of are dining and seating areas, grills, barbeque areas, water and fire features. Another tip, if you are selling your home in poor weather months, put photos out of outdoor spaces and gardens in the summer months, so potential homeowners’ can see how useable the space is.

The Annual Summer Concert Series at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is underway. This is the longest running music series in California and features some of the most revered musicians in Southern California. There will be variety of music including jazz, smooth jazz, acoustic, vocals and contemporary. The concerts take places every Friday Night, June through October. Concerts begin promptly at 8PM. The SHOR American Seafood Grill will be offering a three course dinner prior to the show. For further information, see their website at: http://www.series.hyattconcerts.com/.

The line-up includes:

July 24^th: Michael Franks

July 31^st: Craig Chaquico

August 7^th: Najee,  Gary Taylor

August 14thL Esperanza Spalding Presents Emily’s D+Evolution

August 21^st: Rubben Studdard

August 28^th: The Sax Pack

September 4^th: George Benson

September 18^th: Rachelle Ferrell

September 25^th: Jazz Attack

October 2^nd: Al Jarreau

October 9^th: Chris Botti

Pelican Hill is group of luxury communities in Newport Coast section of Newport Beach. The five neighborhoods are Pelican Hill, Pelican Crest, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates.  Residents are located near some of the most coveted outdoor activities, shopping and dining in Newport Beach. Located at 24 Fairway, this 8,700 square foot estate home is part of the Pelican Hill development.  This six bedroom, nine bathroom home has an inviting floor plan.  Enter this custom built estate through a formal foyer continue through the library and formal dining and living rooms. The chef’s kitchen features a dining nook which opens onto the family room.  There are fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, the Pelican Hill Golf Course and lovely evening sunsets.  Outdoors homeowners will enjoy a backyard a loggia, swimming pool, spa and built in barbecue area. Pelican Hill is a 24 hour guard gated community.  There are just 140 custom built estates in this development. Residents are near the Crystal Cove State Park with over three miles of pristine sandy beaches.

Beyond looking for a home or selling a home, the local community and neighborhood make a difference.  Having several companies in the area and a good long term job look is a real positive for selling a home.  Check out the local schools, are they in high demand and rated well.  Is there convenient local shopping and dining options, to your potential new neighborhood? What types of amenities are offered by the homeowners’ association?  Think about what you can live with or can’t live without and add this to your checklist for the perfect home.

The Newport Beach Civic Center is hosting the Newport Beach Concerts on the Green series this year. The next concert will take place on Sunday, July 12^th from 6pm to 7:30pm.  The 2015 Concerts on the Green series is presented by the Newport Beach City Arts Commission.  Bring a picnic dinner, beach blankets and chairs and sit back, relax and enjoy the music.  The July 12^th concert, the 2^nd concert of the summer, Sligo Rags will be performing.  They are a Celtic Bluegrass fusion band, who has been named one of the top acoustic bands in Los Angeles by Folkworks Magazine.  There will be two more concerts during the summer, one in August and one in September.  Also, the Arts Commission is beginning their search for 2016 concert performers.  For more information about the concert series, see their website at: http://www.newportbeachca.gov/index.aspx?page=143.

Pelican Hill is a fabulous group of luxury developments in Newport Coast, near the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.  Located at 5 Pelican Drive, this 13,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest community.  This custom built estate has six bedrooms and ten bathrooms.  The architectural style of the home is a modern interpretation of a French Chateau. The oversized lot has a private cul de sac setting. The home has a wood paneled library, theater, wine cellar and exercise room.  There is a commercial elevator that moves between all levels of the home.  The home has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Newport Coast, Newport Harbor and Catalina Island. On clear days, the views stretch to Palos Verdes. Outdoors, homeowners can enjoy the gorgeous views while relaxing by the pool and spa.  Pelican Crest is one of five Pelican Hill neighborhoods.  There are just 166 custom built estates in Pelican Crest. This is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood. There is nearby by shopping and dining at the Fashion Island Shopping Center. Presented by the Newport Beach City Arts Commission

When thinking about selling your home, take the time to get your home in its best shape to sell, by taking this preparation time, you will increase your chances of getting top dollar in the shortest amount of time on the market.  Start by giving the home a deep cleaning.  Next, walk through the home with your agent, to make a fix-it and staging list.  Next, de-clutter the home and make repairs. Finish, with staging the indoors and outdoors.  Now, your home is ready for the real estate market.

On Thursday, June 25^th, Design 4A Cause will hold their 5^th annual fashion show and auction to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.  The event includes a fashion show, live auctions and drinks and tasty bites from a variety of Orange County restaurants. The fashion show will include outfits by couture fashion designers from Los Angeles area, featuring Walter Mendez. The Essex Skyline located in South Coast Metro, Costa Mesa will host this event. The event begins at 6:30PM.  General Admission tickets are $25.00, VIP tickets at $100.00. For more information or to purchase tickets, see their website at: http://funnightsout.com/events/.

Pelican Hills is a group of luxury developments in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  This exclusive area is near both the Pelican Hills Resort and Spa and the Crystal Cove State Park.  Located at 11 Shoreridge, this 6,700 square foot home has a Neo-Classical architectural style.  This four bedroom, five bathroom custom built estate is part of the Pelican Crest neighborhood.  Enter the home through lush gardens that lead to glass and iron front doors. The estate has terrific views of the Pacific Ocean, white water and colorful evening sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy spending time by the outdoor bar with barbeque area, swimming pool, spa and in the mature gardens. Pelican Crest has just 166 custom built homes.  This is 24 hour guard gated neighborhood.  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 you are searching for the a new home or property, if you want to view the most variety, the months April through July, generally see more listing than any other time of the year. However, this is also the busiest buying season, so you will have to be prepared to act quickly.  That being said, you will always find new listings throughout year, however, you might have to be a little more patient to find the perfect home.

The Coliseum Pool and Grill at Pelican Hill Resort and Spa will be serving a special brunch buffet on Father’s Day.  On Sunday, June 21^st from 7am until 3pm, the Coliseum Grill will be serving brunch. Chef Micah is known for his playful menus filled with both childhood favorites and haute American cuisine. The Coliseum Pool and Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, either indoors, poolside, on the heated terrace or under a private cabana. The restaurant has views of the golf course and the Pacific Ocean and coastline.  Prices will be $65 for adults and $30 for children under 12. To make reservations or for more information, see their website at: http://www.coliseumnb.com/.

Newport Beach consistently ranks highly in both property values and family income.  Newport Beach is home to some of the best view developments in Orange County, such as Corona del Mar, Newport Coast and Pelican Hill. Located at 21 Vista Luci, this 5,000 square foot home is part of the Pelican Heights development.  With seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, this custom built estate sits on a prime corner lot. The home was completely renovated in 2007. The estate has wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, the Newport Beach coastline, city night lights and lovely sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners have endless choices from the pool or spa, to the outdoor fireplace or cooking in the outdoor kitchen with dedicated barbeque area. Pelican Heights has wonderful amenities and is within working distance to the Pelican Hill Resort and Spa.  Students in this area attend Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School.

When planning to sell your home, take time to return all the wall colors to a neutral color scheme.  Soft, neutral colors will appeal to largest number of buyers. When staging rooms after painting, position furniture, so buyers easily know the use of room. Place accessories using the rule of threes.  By following this rule, accessories such as plants, look pleasing to the eye without being cluttered.

The 54^th Annual Athletic Awards Dinner for Newport Harbor, Corona del Mar and Sage Hill High Schools will be held on Thursday, June 4^th from 6pm to 8:30pm. Outstanding student athletes will be honored for their athletic and academic achievements.  During this ceremony, coaches will be honored, as well.   The evenings featured speaker will be Angels Baseball Chairman, Dennis Kuhl. Mr. Kuhl resides in Newport Beach and is active with several local charities. The awards ceremony and dinner will be held at the Radisson Hotel Newport Beach. There are both individual tickets and whole tables available for seating. For more information about this annual special event, see the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s website at: https://www.newportbeach.com/events/54th-annual-athletic-awards-dinner-featuring-angels-baseball-chairman/.

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast area.  Residents living in this area can take part in activities at both Crystal Cove State Park and Pelican Hill Resort and Golf Course.  There are five neighborhoods in this luxury community: Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Ridge Estates and Pelican Point. Located at 4 Via Brezza, this 5,300 square foot home is part of the Montecito development in Pelican Heights.  The custom built home has a main home with a separate guest residence for a total of six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The home sits on one of the largest lots in Pelican Heights complete with a pool, spa, built in barbeque and entertainment area.  The home has panoramic canyon views. There are just 97 homes in Monticeto. Students living in Monticeto attend Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School, both part of the distinguished Newport Mesa Unified School District.

If you are thinking about selling your home, begin with setting up a pre-sale inspection.  This way you will know about and will be able to choose fix all problems with the house, before buyers even walk in the front door.  Be sure to provide your realtor with a copy of the inspection, repair receipts and any explanations, so the home price can be adjusted accordingly.  Buyers will appreciate all your forethought.

The Castaways Park will be the site of the 6^th Annual Field of Honor on Saturday, May 16^th.  The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor will host this special event in conjunction with Armed Forces Day. One thousand, seven hundred and seventy six, three foot by five foot United States flags will be flown in honor of all military men and women. The ceremony takes place at noon. Castaways Park is located at Dover Drive and 16^th Street.  Flags are available for dedication at their website.  All proceeds from this event will be donated to US service men and women, their families, Americanism projects and youth charities in the local community. For more information about this event or to dedicate a flag, see their website at: http://www.nhexchange.org/.

Pelican Hill is one of the most pristine and one of the most protected coastal area along the California coast.  Pelican Hill is part of Newport Beach, near the border with Laguna Beach.  Located at 6 Sunset, this 10,000 square foot estate is part of the Pelican Hill neighborhood.  This four bedroom, six bathroom home has a wrap around floor plan that accentuates the astounding views.  The resort style master suite features a spa tub, fireplace and walk-in closets. The estate also has a game room with a built in bar, wine cellar with 1,500 bottle capacity of storage and a home theater. Among the beautiful views are the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Golf Course, Newport Harbor and lovely sunsets.  Pelican Hill sits above the Crystal Cove State Park.  Pelican Hill is home to just 140 custom built estates and is a 24 hour guard gated community.

Before putting your home up for sale in the local real estate market, carefully eliminate extra furniture, clutter and over-stuffed closets. Pack up all out of season clothes, pair down in-season clothing and put all extra items in an off-site storage facility. Remove all personal photos and other types of personal item clutter. These steps will help your home to look its best.

The Back Bay Bistro is having a Mother’s Day Brunch Celebration of Sunday, May 10^th. Brunch will be served from 9am to 3pm. Among the delicious items are an omelet bar, pancake bar, seafood station, antipasti display, crepe station, carving station and dessert buffet. The Back Bistro is part of the Newport Dunes Resort. Enjoy brunch with Mom out on the waterfront patio, with 15 foot high panoramic windows and a retractable roof. For more information about this special event or other upcoming events, see their website at: http://www.newportdunes.com/back-bay-bistro/specials-events/.

Pelican Hill is part of Newport Coast which is known as the “Pacific Riviera.” Newport Coast is a 7,700 acre community located between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach. Located at 11 Shoreridge, this custom built estate has four bedrooms and five bathrooms.  This 6,700 square foot home had a neoclassical architectural style. Homeowners enter the home through spectacular iron and glass doors, opening onto a grand two-story foyer. The gourmet kitchen has professional grade appliances. There are views from several rooms of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, surrounding canyons, city night lights and stunning sunsets.  Outside, enjoy strolling through gorgeous front gardens and recently renovated rear gardens.  In addition to the rear gardens, there is a pool, spa, outdoor bar and built in barbeque in the backyard. Pelican Crest is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood, as are all Pelican Hill communities. There are just 166 custom built estates in Pelican Crest.  Pelican Crest sits on the ridge above the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.

When selling your home in the spring time, bring some of the outdoors in.  Spring comes with many nice fragrances; bring one into your home.  Scents have an effect on mood and can change the overall feel of an indoor space.  Bring scents in with fresh cut flowers, plants or candles.  Buyers can be sensitive to smells, so check with your realtor before selecting scents for the indoors. 

The Newport Beach Film Festival will take place from April 23^rd to April 30^th.  The Newport Beach Film Festival brings the best classic and contemporary films from around the world to Orange County. Among the goals of the film festival is to show the public first class international films, be a forum for cultural understanding and provide educational opportunities.  There are both studio and independent films included in the festival.  There is a Family Film Series as part of the festival that provides entertainment for film goers of all ages.  The film festival works with local community and educational institutions to stimulate an interest in the of film making.  There are opportunities to learn about the directors, actors and producers.  For more information, see their website at: http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com/2015/.

Situated in Newport Coast, Pelican Hill is a group of five luxury developments. Pelican Point, Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates make up the Pelican Hill area.  This area is well known for its amazing estates, endless views and world class resort style amenities.  Located at 10 Peninsula, this 7,900 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge Estates neighborhood.  This six bedroom, nine bathroom home has a very private cul-de-sac setting.  The large chef’s kitchen has a kitchen office, breakfast bar, five ovens and dual dishwashers.  In addition the estate has a home theatre and billiards room.  Outdoor homeowners will enjoy pool, spa, dining area with fireplace and built in barbeque. Pelican Ridge Estates has many amenities including a clubhouse, pool and tennis courts.  This is a 24 hour guard gate community. 

When selling your home, make sure you use the internet to your advantage. 90% of people searching for a home begin their search on the internet. However, if you are a buyer, do not rely solely on the internet for you search.  In a busy real estate market, you need to move quickly, work with a trusted real estate agent who knows the local market for the very best results.

The April installment of Wake Up! Newport will be breakfast with the Border Patrol.  On Thursday, April 2^nd, the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce welcomes a special guest panel made up of representatives from Department of Homeland Security, US Coast Guard, US Border Patrol and Us Customs. They will discuss issues affecting local waterways and beaches.  Wake Up! Newport is a free opportunity to meet one on one with legislative and government officials, so you can stay up to date on local, state and federal issues.   The event begins at 7:15am and will end at 8:30am.  This Wake Up! Newport breakfast event will be held in the Friends Room of the Newport Beach Public Library, central branch.  The event is free but reservations are required. Breakfast will be provided by Le Pain Quotidien. To learn more about this event or make reservations, see their website at: https://www.newportbeach.com/events/.

Situated in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach, the Pelican Hill is made up of five exclusive developments: Pelican Crest, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge Estates and Pelican Point.   Located at 3 Rim Ridge, this 11,400 square foot custom built estate sits on an oversized lot. This six bedroom, nine bathroom home has near panoramic views.  The amazing views from this home include the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, the bay, surrounding canyons, city night lights and the golf course. Enjoy gorgeous sunsets next to the infinity edge pool and spa. The home’s interior features inlaid limestones, marbles, granites, rock crystal chandeliers and ironwork.  As part of the Pelican Hill neighborhood, homeowners have 24 hour security.  There are just 140 custom built estates in this community.

When preparing to sell your home, make sure all the windows are clean.  This includes cleaning the drapes, curtains and blinds.  Clean the windows inside and out. Open and close all windows, to be sure they are in good working order.  This will let the sunshine in and fill your home with natural light, which potential home buyers are sure to love.

The Big Canyon Country Club is hosting a wine and dine evening event to benefit Laura’s House.  This very exclusive evening wine event will feature wine tastings, a silent wine auctions and dinner reception. The Big Canyon Club is a private golf club founded in 1971; they take great pride in hosting exceptional events. In 1991, several local women formed the South Orange County Domestic Violence Action Committee and in 1994 the vision for Laura’s house began to take hold.  Laura’s House is dedicated to being a shelter and resource for battered women.   For reservations and to purchase tickets, see the Laura’s House website at: www.laurashouse.org.

Welcome to Pelican Hill, this is a group of luxury home developments near the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses.  There are five distinctive communities which make up Pelican Hill; Pelican Crest, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Ridge Estates, Pelican Hill and Pelican Point. Located at 3 Masters Circle, the nearly 12,000 square foot estate is part of the Pelican Hill development.  The custom built home has seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. This contemporary style estate will appeal to the most discerning home buyer with a wine room, home theater, and game room with its own bar. The elevator accesses all levels of the home. The views from this estate include the Pacific Ocean, white water, Catalina Island, Newport Harbor and the 7^th fairway of the Pelican Hill Golf Course. Views stretch all the way to Palos Verdes. Pelican Hill has a 24 hour guard gate.  There are just 140 custom built estates in this community.  Let the Franco Team show all Pelican Hill has to offer.