During the fall, the days get shorter, nights are longer and this can be a positive for home sellers.  Prepare for this by lighting your rooms well, which will actually make them look larger.  Well lit rooms are also very inviting for potential buyers to view.  When showing your home in the evening, make sure front of house is lit up, this is welcoming to home buyers as they arrive.

On October 17^th, the Balboa Bay Resort is hosting the Evening of Wishes Gala, which benefits the Make a Wish Foundation. This gala specifically benefits Orange County and the Inland Empire. The evening begins with a silent auction followed by dinner and live auction, and concludes with dancing.  The cocktail hour and silent auction begins at 6:30pm. Purchase your tickets early, as this event regularly sells out.  To purchase tickets or provide sponsorship, see their website at: http://ocie.wish.org/ways-to-help/attend-an-event/2014-evening-of-wishes-gala.

Pelican Hill is a collection of luxury neighborhoods with a strong Mediterranean style in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill is well known for its amazing views and wonderful location near the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Courses. Located at 7 Via Brezza, Newport Coast is a five bedroom, six bathroom stunner.  This home has been extensively customized with hand crafted Venetian plaster, limestone, marble and wrought iron finishes. The expansive views from this home include the Pacific Ocean, San Pedro, Catalina Island, white water and picture perfect sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the saltwater pool, spa with a fountain, complete outdoor kitchen fireplace and loggia. This home is part of the Montecito development in the Pelican Heights neighborhood.  Montecito is home to 97 estates built between 2000 and 2001.  Students attend schools in the Newport Mesa Unified School District, specifically Newport Coast Elementary and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School.

When it comes to staging your home for sale, a fresh coat of paint is always a great investment.  In the fall, if you are repainting, try colors such as caramel or cream, these colors are still neutral while being warm and inviting.  Go for a pop of color with accessories in deep reds or oranges.

Fig and Olive is celebrating the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.  On October 1^st, from 7pm to 9pm, Fig and Olive will be hosting a four course dinner.   Begin the evening with complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne.  Dinner begins with Lobster Bisque and a Zucchini Carpaccio.  Dinner continues with a Crab and Heirloom Tomato salad with Beef Carpaccio. There are several entrees being offered including Truffle Risotto, Chicken Tajine, Yellow Fin Tuna and Filet Mignon. Dinner will conclude with a Mixed Berry Crostata and Chocolate Pot de Crème. Be sure to enter to win tickets to the Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic on October 11^th at the Will Rogers State Historic Park. To purchase tickets or find out more information, see their website at: http://www.figandolive.com/wp-content/uploads/NPB_Lunch_PF.pdf.

Pelican Hill, along with Crystal Cove, is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill is made up of Pelican Ridge Estates, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Hill, Pelican Crest and Pelican Point. Locates at 6 Seastar Court, Newport Coast,  this 6,400 square foot home is part of the Pelican Ridge Estates community. The home has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The chef’s kitchen features a large center island with granite countertops, Subzero refrigerator and Viking ranges.  The kitchen opens onto a large great room with 2 foot ceilings. Outdoors homeowners will enjoy the swimming pool, spa, full outdoor kitchen and loggia dining area. 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.  Students in this area attend Newport Coast Elementary School, Ensign Intermediate School and Newport Harbor High School.  Pelican Hill is located conveniently to SR 55 and SR 73, giving residents easy access to all of Orange County.

Before listing your home, be sure to have the home prepped, staged and scrubbed.  Make every effort to fix caulking, touch up paint, added potted plants and plant flowers outside.  Take the time to clean the windows, inside and out, pressure wash the driveway and edge the walks.  This gives your home that finished look and makes buyers feel welcome.

The 17^th Annual Newport Beach Fire and Lifeguard Appreciation Beach Party will be held on Wednesday, September 24^th.  The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is hosting the Beach Party.  During the evening the firefighter and lifeguard of year will be honored. There will be live music provided by Blue Daddy and there will be an area for dancing. A gourmet barbeque dinner will be served.  Stay into the evening and enjoy the bonfire.  The event begins at 5:30pm.  To purchase tickets, sponsor table or find out more information see their website at: https://www.newportbeach.com/events/17th-annual-newport-beach-fire-lifeguard-appreciation-beach-party/.

Pelican Hill is a group of luxury neighborhoods located in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Newport Coast is home to approximately 10,000 residents.  Pelican Hill is made up of five neighborhoods: Pelican Hill, Pelican Crest, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Ridge Estates and Pelican Point. Located at 21 Island Vista, Newport Coast, this 7,800 square foot home is part of the Pelican Crest development. This five bedroom, seven bathroom home has a Santa Barbara inspired architectural style.  All bedrooms are en-suite, in addition there is private main level guest suite with a fireplace. The home is designed for entertaining with beautiful formal spaces and for everyday living with a large great room opening to a chef’s kitchen. There are wonderful views from both the home and property of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, city night lights and amazing sunsets.  Views stretch all the way to Palos Verdes. Pelican Crest is a 24 hour guard gated community with only 166 custom designed homes.

Home sellers should be prepared to make some concessions to the buyers if necessary.  However, before making any decision, discuss any and all options with your professional real estate agent, their insight into the local real estate market will be invaluable.  Some options to offer buyers include an appliance allowance, paying closing costs, a remodeling credit and seller financing.  Your real estate agent will have even more ideas of making your home sale offer attractive to buyers.

The Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club is having yacht cruise weekend beginning on Friday, September 19^th and running through Sunday, September 21^st.  Events get underway on Friday at 2pm, at the Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club.  The evening concludes with CBYC’S famous “Cook Your Own” dinner buffet.  Diners cook their own entrée on the grills on the outdoor patio. Saturday events include a morning walking tour of Cabrillo Marina, local tide pools and touring the USS Iowa. For more information about this event, see their website at: http://www.balboayachtclub.com/.

Pelican Hill is a group of luxury neighborhoods in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  There are five individual communities in Pelican Hill: Pelican Crest, Pelican Point, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge and Pelican Ridge Estates.  The home located at 18 Via Burrone, Newport Coast has five bedrooms and five bathrooms.  This estate has a Mediterranean architectural style. The kitchen has recently been renovated with designer finishes. The home has views of the surrounding canyons. Outdoors, homeowner’s will enjoy the built-in barbeque area and outdoor fireplace. The home has an attached four car garage. This home is part of the Monticeto neighborhood which is part of Pelican Heights and is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood. Monticeto is a small development of just 97 homes.  Students attend schools in the Newport Mesa Unified School District, specifically Newport Coast Elementary School and Corona del Mar Intermediate and High School.

Make sure that your real estate agent is technologically savvy and will promote your listing in multiply ways using social media and other online selling sites.  The Franco Team will help you make the most of this type of marketing.  Make a You Tube video of your home and easily get the word out about your house sale through email.  Check out the several new smartphone apps that review real estate listings and perform searches.

The 21 Oceanfront Restaurant is hosting a Trefethen Wine dinner on August 21^st, 2014. Both, 21 Oceanfront Executive Chef Miroslav Rusev and Kazia Schulhof from Trefethen Winery will speak during the evening.  Dinner begins with gazpacho and shrimp bruschetta paired with a dry Riesling. The first course is Thai scallops served with Chardonnay.  The second course is an orange glazed halibut paired with Pinot Noir. The entrée course is beef medallion with caramelized risotto with a Cabernet Sauvignon. The dessert course is a cherry walnut brownie with gelato and a late harvest Riesling. The dinner begins at 6:30pm.  Tickets are $95 per person and reservations are required. Check their website for reservations: www.21oceanfront.com.

Pelican Hill is a section of Newport Coast; along with Crystal Cove many other neighborhoods such as Belcara, St. Laurent and Strada. Located at 21 Avalon Vista Square, Newport Coast, this custom built estate has over 11,000 square feet of living space.  Set in the neighborhood of Pelican Crest, this home has six bedrooms and nine bathrooms.  The estate has a climate controlled wine cellar, game room, a Sony 4K projector and garage with motion censored lighting. Homeowners will enjoy the gourmet kitchen, library and master retreat.  There are outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean, white water, city night lights, Catalina Island and colorful evening sunsets. Outdoors, there is an infinity edged pool, outdoor kitchen with built in barbeque and TV.  There are just 166 custom built homes in Pelican Crest.

When getting your home ready to sell, take the time to de-personalize it.  Take away items such as family photos, religious decor and kitschy knick knacks, these items can easily distract buyers.  Buyers need to see themselves in your home and that is much easier to do if personal items are removed.

The Crystal Cove State Park is having an Introduction to Outdoor Photography class at the park.  The theme of this class is Snap, Shot, and Water, to learn to capture water pictures in all its many forms.  You will begin by learning the basics of digital photography.   The instructors will offer tips and tricks throughout the class to help you make the most of your water photography.  Participants will capture photos throughout Crystal Coves watershed.  All photos will be eligible for entry into the Snap, Shot, Water photography contest, sponsored by the Crystal Cove Alliance.  Participants will need to bring their own cameras and the owner’s manual to the class.  The next class takes place on August 23^rd from 8am to 2pm. For more information about this class or any of their other classes, see their website at: http://www.crystalcovebeachcottages.com/calendar&tours/.

Pelican Hill is part of Newport Coast, along with Crystal Cove.  Located at 16 Sail vista, Newport Coast, this custom built estate is part of Pelican Crest.  The home has recently undergone a complete remodel and upgrade.  This California Contemporary features imported white European aged Oak and marble flooring, Piet Boone wall coverings and Calcutta Gold marble counters. The kitchen has a La Comue French range with matching hood, Bosch dishwashers and Sub Zero refrigerators.  The home has four bedrooms and five bathrooms with an optional fifth bedroom or office. The views include the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, piers, golf course, Catalina Island and spectacular evening sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners are sure to enjoy the salt water swimming pool and spa. Pelican Crest is one of five neighborhoods in Pelican Hill and has just 166 custom built homes.  This is a 24 hour guard gated neighborhood.

Staging Tips:  Buyers love pedestal sinks.  Pedestal sinks are a great way to make the most of the square footage in a small bathroom.  Pedestal sinks have a good return on investment.

The Newport Theatre Arts Center is performing Cinderella’s Glass Slipper from July 31^st   through August 10^th. Cinderella’s Glass Slipper is directed by Lissa Supler Slay, the music director is Sarah Hall and the choreographer is Chelsea Moore.  There will be complimentary coffee, cold beverages and cookies at intermission. Newport Theatre Arts Center opened in 1979 and has been offering high quality community theater ever since. The theatre seats 90 people.  It is conveniently located near many fine restaurants.  For tickets or more information about the upcoming season at Newport Theatre Arts Center, check out their website at http://www.ntaconline.com/index.htm.

Pelican Hill is a group of luxury neighborhoods in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill is home to the world-class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.  The home at 21 Avalon Vista, Newport Coast is located in the Pelican Crest neighborhood.  The home is approximately 11,000 square feet with six bedrooms and nine bathrooms. The home has a wine cellar, a private theater with a state-of-the-art Sony 4K projector and a game room.  The large chef’s kitchen opens to the family room.  This custom built estate has endless views of the Pacific Ocean, whitewater, Catalina Island and beautiful evening sunsets. Outdoors, homeowners will enjoy the infinity edge pool and outdoor kitchen cabana. There are just 166 home in the Pelican Crest community. All neighborhoods within Pelican Hill are 24 hour guard gated areas.

On Saturday, July 12^th, 2014, the American Legion Post #291 is having their next Troop Shipping event.  Located at the Newport Beach American Legion, members will be gathering and packing supplies for care packages for our troops. The American Legion will open at 9am, to begin accepting donations.  By sending care packages to our troops, we are reminding them that they are always in our thoughts and prayers. On the recommended list of needed items are: unscented baby wipes, Neosporin, toothpaste, tooth brushes, shampoo, socks and chapstick.  Food items are also needed such as power bars, trail mix, nuts, crackers, beef jerky, M&M’s, coffee and crystal light.  Anything that reminds people of home is a great idea.  Donations will also be accepted to defray the costs of shipping.  For a complete listing of requested items and further information see their website at: http://www.al291.org/index.php?id=116.

Pelican Hill is a group of exclusive neighborhoods in the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill is made up of Pelican Crest, Pelican Hill, Pelican Ridge, Pelican Ridge Estates and Pelican Point.  Located at 3 Sea Shell Square, Newport Coast this five bedroom, seven bathroom estate is approximately 10,000 square feet. The home was designed by architect Patrick Sheehey.  Unique to this home is its puzzle room with sunken bar. In addition to the puzzle room, there is a salon/massage room, home office, sauna, steam room, billiard room and wine cellar. There is elevator access to all levels of the home. This custom built home has 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Harbor, white water, Catalina Island and vibrant evening sunsets.  On a clear day, the views stretch from San Clemente to Palos Verdes.  This home is part of the highly sought after Pelican Hill development. There are just 140 homes in Pelican Hill.  All Pelican Hill neighborhoods have 24 hour guard gates.

Hornblower cruises will be holding a very special July 4^th Fireworks Dinner Cruise.  Departing at 7pm, Hornblower cruises will cruise the harbor, while guests enjoy a succulent dinner buffet, then guests will watch the 4^th of July fireworks. The cruise will begin boarding at 6:30pm. The three hour cruise will include a Flavors of America Buffet, boarding glass of champagne, live entertainment and dancing.  Enjoy scenic coastal views while enjoying fireworks from the Newport Beach Dunes. There will be wine and cocktails available for purchase.  The buffet will include several salads, a seafood station, craving block, many side dishes and dessert station.  Tickets are $97.95 per person.  For more information about this cruise or their many other options, see their website at: http://www.hornblower.com/port/gallery/nb+july4dinner.

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill is home to five distinctive neighborhoods and the world class Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.  Located in the Pelican Ridge development, the home 10 Kingsport Drive, Newport Coast has recently been remodeled.  Updated in 2011, this home boasts custom iron work, solid wood doors, custom fixtures and brick arches.  Entertaining is a joy with the gourmet kitchen, wine room and formal living and dining rooms. The master suite is complete with a private sitting room and view balcony. There are wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, white water and vibrant evening sunsets. The home is 6,100 square feet with four bedrooms and five bathrooms. The Pelican Ridge homeowner’s association provides a clubhouse, pool and tennis courts.

Lahaina Galleries is hosting a Ronaldo Macedo Plein Air oil exhibit on Saturday, June 14^th, from 4pm to 7pm.  This exhibit focuses on Macedo’s new collection of sunny beaches and charming seaside locales of Southern California.  Macedo’s work has been acclaimed for his ability to capture the moment and the essence of his subject matter.  Ronaldo Macedo was born in Rio de Janeiro, grew up in Southern California and currently lives in Maui.  He is an avid surfer and outdoorsman.  His work often depicts sandy beaches and beach towns, in both Southern California and Maui.  Macedo paints for light and color, showing his respect for the beauty of nature. Lahaina Galleries is located in Fashion Island, below the Cheesecake Factory. Please RSVP for this event.  For more information about this exhibit or their many others, see their website at: http://www.lahainagalleries.com/.

Pelican Hill is part of the Newport Coast section of Newport Beach.  Pelican Hill is home to the Pelican Hill Resort, Spa and Golf Course.  The spa and golf course were both named #1 in California, by Conde Nast Traveler, in 2012. Located at 26 Fairway Point, Newport Coast has a front row seat to the Pelican Hill Golf Course.  This home boasts both golf course and ocean views. This custom built estate is 7,900 square feet with five bedrooms and nine bathrooms. This home was inspired by architect Wallace Neff. The estate has a wine room, theater, gym and sauna.  In addition, there is a subterranean six car garage. Homeowners’ will enjoy the many resort style amenities offered as part of the Pelican Hill Resort community.  Residents are also near the Crystal Cove State Park, with over three miles of beach and 18 miles of trails.