by Jeff Pittman | Jun 29, 2015 | Events
Events In Orange County July 2015 This month there are tons of summer fun events in Orange County to enjoy plus Independence Day is coming up which means even more city spectaculars and of course fireworks! Check out the events going on in Orange County during July 2015 starting with the all the 4th of July events and fireworks shows in each city. 4TH OF JULY EVENTS & FIREWORKS OC BLOCK PARK 3-11PM at Angel Stadium Food, vendors, performances, live art installations from the OC Artwalk carnival games and more will be going on all day at Angel Stadium. Tickets are $7 presale and $10 at the door. The night ends with a fireworks spectacular. All ages, family friendly event that’s going to be even bigger, better and more spectacular than last year! Event website: ocblockparty.com IRVINE HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT ON THE GREEN & FIREWORKS FESTIVAL 3PM at the Irvine High School Stadium Food court, live music by The Derek Bourdeaux Group, kids games and activities, and of course fireworks at 9PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids 13 and under and kids 2 and under are free. Event website: irvinepa.com PACIFIC SYMPHONY CONCERT 8PM The musical force of the entire Pacific Symphony orchestra will be giving a tribute to Journey with hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Wheel in the Sky” and more. The band will also play some patriotic favorites and end the show with a fireworks finale! Gates open at 6PM if you want to picnic on the lawns before the show. Event website: pacificsymphony.org ANAHEIM HILLS 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION 7AM-10PM at Canyon High...
by Jeff Pittman | Jun 29, 2015 | Sellers
How Do You Pick The Best Offer In A Bidding War? Last month we talked about bidding wars and strategies for homebuyers on how to stand out in the crowd. With low inventory in SoCal, more and more home sales and attracting bidding wars. But what if you’re the one having to choose from all those competing offers – How do you make the decision? Most people think highest price, right? Well, not necessarily. There are several different factors to consider when trying to pick the best available offer. Don’t just an offer by the price on the cover, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. There is no magic formula but here are the most important points to look out for: CONTINGENCIES A good closing date, little to no contingencies and a mortgage approval are all contingencies that pan out in your favor. By waiving contingencies, buyers have less wiggle room and the deal is more likely to go off without a hitch. And if one or more of the bidders asks for a contingency to keep the deal on hold until his or her property sells, that’s an easy buyer to eliminate from consideration. You don’t want to be caught waiting for the domino to fall, because it might not. FINANCING Earnest money, cash and secure financing. Earnest money isn’t a down payment but it is a sign that your buyer is seriously committed. As for cash, it’s not always the best option but it’s definitely one of the easiest. If you choose a cash offer that means there’s no need to wait for a loan approval and...
by Jeff Pittman | Jun 22, 2015 | Homeowners
How To Transform Your Bathroom With A Touch Of Luxury Your home may not be a contestant to win for Most Beautiful House of the year, or be in the same class as those luxury homes in magazines, but what really sends the lux factor over the edge is an amazing bathroom. Even if you have a simple bathroom, there are tips you can follow to create a transformation. You can turn this practical room in the house into a posh living space with a spark of creativity. FLUFF IT UP Source: decozilla.com One of the simplest ways to add a touch of class to your bathroom is by giving your bath mat and towels a little attention. Pick up a bathroom rug, bath towels, and hand towels that complement each other with an assortment of neutral colors. Choose thick, fluffy items that will make you feel like you have stepped into a spa. It might be worth the extra cost of these items since they’ll usually last longer. Enhance the whole picture by updating your paint scheme to match your accessories. PICK UP A TOWEL WARMER Source: houseofturquoise.com You don’t have to spend a fortune to feel like you’ve fallen into the lap of luxury. Spend $100 or less and you can add the welcome feature of a towel warmer to your bathroom. Imagine how good it will feel to step out of the shower in the morning and have a toasty towel waiting for you. When you have guests, they will feel like they are at a resort. MOOD LIGHTING Source: architonic.com Think about the bathrooms you see...
by Jeff Pittman | Jun 22, 2015 | So Cal Cities
Unwrapping Orange County’s Most Decadent Chocolate Shops If your sweet tooth has a penchant for chocolate then it’s time to you clued into the highest quality chocolate shops right here in Orange County. Whether you’re in need of a sweet fix yourself or are on the hunt for the perfect gift, a trip to one of these chocolatiers is a must. From delightful drinks to pure chocolate straight from the bean, these shops are the best in town. Chocolates and coffee go hand in hand so most of the shops on this list also have a coffee bar – what more could you want? Speaking of brews, if coffee is your true passion, then definitely check out our list of artisan coffee bars in Orange County as well. CHOCXO ChocXO makes their own chocolate bars one small batch at a time using genetically pure beans right here in Orange County. They use only high quality beans to make high quality chocolate and coffee roasts. They roast their coffee in Lake Forest and produce their chocolate at the Irvine factory. Yep, ChocXO is the only chocolate factory in Orange County and it’s worth the trip. Take the guided factory tour for a day trip or just pop in for a treat. LOCATIONS: Costa Mesa Lake Forest Irvine chocxo.com VALENZA CHOCOLATIER Discover the authentic Italian inspired artisan chocolates tucked into Costa Mesa’s Hood Market at Valenza Chocolatier. These handmade confections are made from the best local and imported Italian ingredients paired with the purest single bean origin, fair trade chocolate and no added preservatives. If you’re in the mood to venture from founder Amy...
by Jeff Pittman | Jun 17, 2015 | Homeowners
Planning The Perfect Kid’s Bedroom Remodel Whether your child’s bedroom remodel is a part of a full house rearrangement or the arrival of new family member, every parent knows it should be done carefully and with love. Although it seems like a kid’s bedroom is entertaining enough when it’s full of toys and different colours, when you take the time to plan it right, your designs become playthings too. Here are some tips to help you transform your kid’s space from ordinary to extraordinary. HAVING A BALL WITH THE BOYS Boy equals blue, right? Sure, but if you start with a blue room don’t be afraid to mix and match with several different shades, textures and looks. One solution is to paint the walls a bright blue and then choose an accent color like orange for the rest of your furniture and accessories like your desk, chairs, shelves or bedding. It’s important to keep your kid’s bedroom interesting and fun but not cluttered and claustrophobic. If your baby boy already has plenty of colorful toys and trinkets, use white or ivory shelves filled with colorful wicker baskets and boxes to add storage and order to an otherwise chaotic space. It’s also a good idea to keep the bed, wardrobe and cabinets in the same materials and colors and use accessories to bring in a few of your son’s favorite things and hobbies. Source: apartmenttherapy.com Whether your little one loves dinosaurs, Star Wars or sports, you can add personality in the details. It can be sculpture of cartoon or strip character, themed linens and carpet, paintings, or even completely customized furniture....
