Make your entryway and the front of your home as inviting as possible.  Prospective buyers make their first impressions of a home within 10-20 seconds of seeing it.  Keep all sidewalks, steps and the driveway, clear of toys, other objects and free of leaves and other debris.  Give the front door a fresh coat of paint.  Make sure all outside lights have working light bulbs and are clean. Give planters a makeover with fresh flowering annuals for a pop of color.

The Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles will be performing on Saturday, March 7^th at the Newport Beach Central Library. The Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles is made up of local young musicians, in grade 6 through 12. These musicians experience an innovative artistic environment where their musical and personal growth is the focus. The Youth Ensembles include three different performing groups; Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble and the Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings. All three groups come under the artistic direction of Carl St. Clair.  They perform at the Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, as well as many venues throughout Newport Beach and Orange County. For more information about this program or the many others they offer at Newport Beach Library see their website at: http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/events.

Pelican Hill is located in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Newport Coast has a population of just 10,000 residents while overall Newport Beach has a population of 86,000 people.  Situated in the San Joaquin Hills, Newport Coast properties have some of the best views in Newport Beach.  Located at 2 Morning View Drive, this four bedroom, six bathroom home is part of the coveted Pelican Ridge Estates development. This 5,800 square foot home has a custom designed iron gate entry to the motor court leading to an eight car garage. The custom built estate has dual staircases, an elevator and four fireplaces.  There is custom cabinetry throughout the home, with an all Walnut library. Homeowners will enjoy the very private cul-de-sac setting.  The well designed property features mature landscaping, fountains, an outdoor fireplace and pool. Pelican Ridge Estates is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood designed and developed by the Irvine Company. The homeowners association provides resident with a pool, tennis courts and clubhouse.

Preparing your home for sale can be a daunting task.  Often having a list of priorities to work from can make this task easier.  Professionals say that the living room and kitchen are the most important rooms to focus on.  After you have tackled those rooms, focus on the master bedroom, dining room and the bathrooms.  Finish up with guest bedrooms and children’s bedrooms.

The Aqua Lounge is having a Fat Tuesday celebration, on Tuesday, February 17^th.  This will be the ultimate Southern Style Fat Tuesday Party in Newport Beach.  Aqua Lounge is bringing the Bayou to Orange County, with tons of beads, Southern Comfort cocktails and southern comfort foods. Guests will receive beads upon arrival and with every food and drink purchase.  The lounge is cooking up short rib beignets, fried green tomatoes and charred Shishito peppers.  Drink specials include The Bayou, Southern Aqua and Life’s a Beach.  This is the place to be for Mardi Gras. Festivities begin at 8PM.  For more information about this exciting event, see their website at: http://www.aqualoungenb.com/events/mardi-gras.

Pelican Hill is an exclusive group of neighborhoods located in Newport Coast.  There are five luxury developments to choose from: Pelican Crest, Pelican Ridge Estates, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Hill and Pelican Point.  Located at 5 Oceancrest, this 9,700 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest community.  This 5 bedroom, 7 bathroom estate has been designed to be timeless.  The attention to detail can be seen in the European interiors with artisan finishes. Car lovers will enjoy the five car garage complete with turn table. In addition, there is home theater, wine room and a professional kitchen. The home is set on an extra large, 18,000 square foot lot.  The views from this estate include the Pacific Ocean, coastline, whitewater, city night lights and picture perfect sunsets.  Views stretch from Catalina Island to Newport Harbor.  Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy relaxing by the pool and spa with water features, on the heated loggia or in the outdoor kitchen and bar with a fireplace.  Pelican Crest has just 166 custom built estates. This is a 24 hour guard gated community.

No matter the time of year, it pays to be a savvy home buyer.  The first step in your home buying process is finding a great real estate agent, who works well with you, such as the real estate agents at the Franco Group.  Plan early and carefully for a mortgage, allocate plenty of time to search for that perfect home, be open to listening to and considering advice, and keep your emotions in check during this process.   Remember, this is major investment and should be treated as such.

Celebrate Valentine’s with your sweetheart learning about World Class Sweet Peas with Steve Hampson.  Roger’s Garden will hold a talk with horticulturist Steven Hampson, who has been growing and training various sweet peas varieties for the last decade. He specializes in new cultivars that have been bred for a large, ruffled and fragrant bloom, that are perfect for cutting. Mr. Hampson will be speaking about seed sowing, soil preparation, insect control, disease prevention, staking and support systems and growing sweet peas in containers.  Sweet peas are a cool weather plant that is perfect to plant right now. Also, onsite at Roger’s Garden on Valentine’s Day is the Cousins Maine Lobster truck, to enjoy a delectable lunch.  For more information about this talk or their other programs, see their website at: http://rogersgardens.com/events/world-class-sweet-peas-with-steve-hampson-2/.

As part of the Newport Coast, Pelican Hill offers a fabulous choice of luxury developments in the Newport Beach real estate market.  Pelican Hill has five communities to choose amongst: Pelican Crest, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge Estates and Pelican Point.  Located at 2 Peninsula Square, this 4,900 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge development.  This four bedroom, five bathroom home has a very private cul de sac setting.  Homeowners will love to entertain in the gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances and granite countertops. Outdoors, relax by the Pebble Tec pool and spa.  This home and property have tremendous views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport coastline, Catalina Island, city night lights and amazing sunsets. All Pelican Hill neighborhoods, including Pelican Ridge Estates, are 24 hour guard gated communities. Pelican Ridge was developed by the Irvine Company in the mid-1990’s.  Residents have use of a clubhouse, pool and tennis courts. 

Winter is a terrific time to sell or buy a home or property.  This is often a slower time and real estate agents will have fewer clients and be able to focus more on your real estate transaction.  In addition, home buyers will often find that home lenders are more accessible for questions or assistance. Also, both home buyers and sellers should be aware that many movers run winter time specials.

The Orange County Museum of Art is gearing up for a busy month of February.  One of the new exhibits that will be open beginning in February is Alien She.   The exhibit will highlight the lasting impact of the pioneering punk feminist movement, called Riot Grrrl.  Alien She is the first exhibition of this kind. Seven contemporary artists will exhibit works in multiple types of media including; visual art, music, documentary film, mew media, writing and performance.  There will approximately 900 historical and contemporary objects on display.  Among the artists will be Miranda July, Faythe Levine, LJ Roberts and others. This exhibit will continue through May 24^th. For more information about this exhibit or their other exhibits and programs, see the OCMA website at: http://www.ocma.net/exhibition/alien-she.

Pelican Hill ideally set in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach and is home to some of the most desirable properties in the area.  Pelican Hill is made-up of five luxurious and unique communities: Pelican Hill, Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Ridge Estates and Pelican Crest.  Located at 22 Shoreline Drive, this three bedroom, four bathroom home is wonderful combination of architecture and art.  The 4,900 square foot home has an open floor plan that flows well from indoors to outdoors for entertaining.  The home and property have amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, golf course, the coastline, Catalina Island and breathtaking evening sunsets. Outdoors, the patio is framed by large oak trees, roses and gorgeous gardens. This home is part of the Pelican Point development.  Pelican Point is surrounded by four holes of the Pelican Hill Ocean Golf Course. Pelican Point residents have private access to the Crystal Cove State Beach.

Michael Franco has once again, earned a Top Producer Title.  In 2014, Michael Franco had over 20 million dollars in sales. Among his sales this past year, are a 7.5 million dollar oceanfront estate in Rancho Palos Verdes and 6.85 million dollar Shady Canyon home.  A combination of Michael’s area knowledge and ability to connect with his clients, make sales like this possible. Michael Franco understands the Orange County luxury real estate market and can help you find your perfect home whether it is an existing property or new construction.

When selling your home, make sure you provide added information which can give potential buyers a better impression of your property.  Attach printed cards to items or put in rooms, that add extra information that buyers may miss or don’t know.  An example would be, adding a card near a dining room chandelier giving specific information about it, such as manufacturer, designer and age.  Your realtor can help you choose when and where to place information cards.

Sherman Library and Gardens is having an Ikebana class on Wednesday, January 7^th.  Instructor Janelle Wiley will teach this flower arranging class. Ikebana is the Japanese style of flowering arranging. This flowering arraigning art form uses the principles of harmony of color, form and texture.   Each student will create a floral arrangement to take home.  While you are the garden, enjoy strolling the 2.2 acres of plant collections, patios and conservatoires. The class begins at 9am. Both members and non-members are invited to take part in the class.  For more information about this program or the others Sherman Gardens offers, see their website at: https://slgardens.worldsecuresystems.com/BookingRetrieve.aspx?ID=35991.

Pelican Hill is a group of luxury communities, situated in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill has five different developments including Pelican Crest, Pelican Point, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge, and Pelican Ridge Estates.  Located at 33 Vista Luci, this 5,000 square foot home is part of the Montecito neighborhood.  This four bedroom, five bathroom home has an ideal cul-de-sac setting.  The home has a Mediterranean architectural style with both hardwood and limestone flooring. Homeowners will love entertaining with both a formal living room and dining room and gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances.  This home has outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island, Palos Verdes and stunning sunsets.  Montecito is part of the Pelican Heights community, which is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood.  There are just 97 homes in Montecito.  Students attend schools in the Newport Mesa Unified Schools, specifically Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School.

Staging your house for sale during the holidays can be lots of fun and make your home shine during the holiday season.   Wreaths and garlands hung on doors, mailboxes and railings are a terrific addition. Put bowls of seasonal fruit on the kitchen and dining tables.  Use fruits such as apples, pomegranates or persimmons.  Add a winter floral arrangement to an end table or coffee table.

The Orange County Museum of Art is having a special exhibition of The Avant-Garde Collection through January 4^th, 2015. This collection takes in five decades of avant-garde art. 1960’s art focuses on pop culture.  1970’s art is innovating in the areas of performance and installation. The art from the 1980’s includes new media and appropriation; there are also pieces from the 1990’s and early 2000’s. This exhibit is drawn from OCMA’s own extensive collections.  This is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon relaxing during the holiday season.  The museum is open Wends say through Sunday from 11am to 5pm and on Thursdays from 11am to 8pm. For more information about the exhibit or the museum, see their website at: http://www.ocma.net/.

Pelican Hill is part of the exclusive Newport Coast community in Newport Beach.  Five luxury developments make up Pelican Hill:  Pelican Point, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge Estates and Pelican Crest.  Located at 22 Shoreline, Newport Coast, this three bedroom, four bathroom home is part of the Pelican Point neighborhood.  This 5,100 square foot home emphasizes the idea of architecture as art.  The open floor plan allow for gracious entertaining.  Spaces flow seamlessly from indoors to outdoors.  The outdoor gardens are filled with oak trees, roses and perennials. The home has gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, coastline, Catalina Island, Pelican Hill Ocean Golf Course and vibrant evening sunsets.  All Pelican Hill residents’ enjoy private access to the Crystal Cove State Beach.  Pelican Hill is a 24 hour guard gated community of just 48 custom built homes.

Be sure to keep your home warm, when potential home buyers come for a showing.  Use warm colors throughout the home, to create a cozy and warm impression. If safe, and not left unattended, turn fireplaces on.  Also, leave lights and lamps on, both inside and out. These tips will make potential home buyers feel welcomed and comfortable and able to see themselves living in this property.

The Newport Beach Boat Parade and Holiday Lights cruises will take place from December 17^th (Wednesday) from December 21^st (Sunday.)  This is one of the largest Christmas events in both Orange County and Southern California. In addition, to the illuminated boats, there are hundreds of estates lighted up in holiday themes.  There will be a Ring of Lights competition for both the boats and estates, in over a half dozen categories. There are many cruises offered to view lights. Approximately 1.5 million people view the Boat Parade each year. For more information about the boat parade, see their website at: http://www.christmasparadeboats.com/newport_beach_christmas_boat_parade_20offer.html.

Pelican Hill is situated in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach, along with the Crystal Cove groups of neighborhoods.  Newport Coast is just south of the main section of Newport Beach.  There are five exclusive developments in Newport Coast: Pelican Ridge, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge Estates, Pelican Crest and Pelican Point.  Located at 7 Whiteshore, Newport Coast, this 4,800 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge Estates community.  This is a four bedroom, five bathroom home with cathedral ceilings, custom wrought iron railings and beautiful attention to detail.  The estate has fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, white water and vibrant evening sunsets.  Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the rock waterfall pool and spa, Lynx Barbeque Island, wood fired pizza oven and tropical landscaping. Pelican Ridge Estates is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood planned and developed by the Irvine Company. The homeowners association provides residents with the guard gate, clubhouse, pool and tennis courts.

When purchasing a home this time of year, discuss tax ramifications with both your professional realtor, such as those of the Franco Team, and your CPA.  It might be better to close by or on December 31^st or wait to January 2^nd.   

The Balboa Bay Club and Resorts will be serving a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) from 1pm to 8pm.  Indulge in all the traditional Thanksgiving Day favorites while looking out of the lovely sights of Newport Bay. A traditional three or four course dinner will be served in the Bay View Room from 1pm to 6pm and in the Waterline Restaurant from 2pm to 7pm.  From 4pm to 8pm, in the Members Grill, enjoy a casual Thanksgiving Buffett that includes a salad and dessert bar, along with a prime rib and turkey carving station.  There will be live piano music throughout the evening featuring both delightful melodies and family favorites. For more information about Thanksgiving Dinner or reservations, see their website at: http://balboabayclub.com/?src=sl_orangecountynet_link

Pelican Hill is an exclusive group of developments in Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill has a distinctive Mediterranean architectural style throughout the community which is made up of five neighborhoods: Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Crest, Pelican Ridge Estates and Pelican Point. Located at 5 Oceancrest, this 9,700 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest neighborhood.  This five bedroom, seven bathroom home has a five car garage with turntable.  Attention to detail is evident throughout the home with a wine room, home theater and executive office with a fireplace.  There is Smart Home technology with advanced lighting, AV and security systems.  The views from this custom built home include the Pacific Ocean, city night lights, white water, the coastline, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island and wonderful evening sunsets. Pelican Crest is home to just 166 homes with 24 hour guard gated security. Residents are nearby the Fashion Island Shopping Center for world class shopping and dining options. Membership

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