29096 Alfieri Street, Laguna Niguel, CA

4 BEDROOMS | 3 (2 FULL, 1 ¾ BATH ) BATHROOMS | 2711 SQUARE FEET

Impeccably maintained and improved 4 bedroom, 2.75 bathroom home located in the highly desirable Laguna Crest Estates neighborhood. Features include a chef’s kitchen, spacious bonus room and magnificent panoramic views of Saddleback Mountain, hills and city lights. Follow the stone path through the nicely landscaped front lawn complete with a sprinkler system for easy maintenance. Step through the upgraded solid wood entry door into the dramatic formal living room and dining room featuring vaulted ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and designer carpet. Entertain around the cozy wood-burning fireplace surrounded by beautiful marble detail or step outside onto the patio and take in the amazing view. Elegant crown molding and electric shades finish this open and inviting space. Continue into the chef’s kitchen and prepare your favorite meals surrounded by Corian countertops, warm wood cabinetry and updated appliances including double ovens, a gas range, trash compactor, and a dishwasher. A garden window above the sink provides an excellent view of the backyard while rich hardwood flooring and recessed and under cabinet lighting complete the space. Enjoy smaller meals in the breakfast nook offering convenient access to the patio. Step outside onto the spacious patio for easy outdoor dining and grilling. Entertain or relax while surrounded by a recently sodded and manicured lawn with unbelievable views. Back inside, unwind in the cozy family room featuring a stately brick fireplace, wet bar and built-in cabinetry for displaying books, pottery or artwork. A guest room complete with plantation shutters and a bathroom offer comfort and privacy for overnight guests. The upper level of this home offers a spacious and open bonus room featuring built-in cabinets and bookshelves. Perfect for a game room or additional family room! End the day surrounded by panoramic views in the serene master suite complete with a vaulted ceiling and walk-in closet. French doors lead to the luxurious master bathroom offering a double vanity, whirlpool bath and separate shower. Two additional bedrooms, one with hardwood flooring and wood blinds, share an adjacent full bathroom complete with a double vanity. Do not miss the attached direct access three-car garage for all of your vehicles and toys. This exceptional home also offers a central vacuum system, intercom and security system. Residents of Laguna Crest Estates enjoy award winning schools and close proximity to beaches, restaurants and local resorts!

Don’t you think it’s funny that as soon as you decide to buy an Orange County home, everyone seems to have advice for you? Be wary of what you hear, which includes internet advice! Your best bet is to contact us, your Orange County real estate team, or a local mortgage lender, so you obtain home-buying advice straight from a professional source in the area.

False mortgage advice is everywhere. Realtor.com put together a list some of the most common mortgage tips that are wrong, and dangerous to your future. See if you’ve heard any of these, and learn why they have been debunked:

Myth 1: Don’t bother getting pre-approved. You just started shopping for an Orange County home, so why waste your time getting pre-approved? While it might not be officially what you’re approved for later on, it will help you avoid issues while you shop for a home. One, you’ll know what budget you should shop in, so you won’t fall in love with a house you can’t afford. Two, you’ll have an up on other buyers who aren’t pre-approved. Sellers will feel more confident choosing you in a bidding war.

Myth 2: Just get your mortgage from the bank you have an account at. This is the easiest option, since you’re already familiar with the bank, and they’re familiar with you. But just like with shopping for a home, you should shop around for a mortgage loan. While this is more work, it means that you might find more favorable terms elsewhere, which could save you tons of money in the long-run.

Myth 3: Always go with the lowest interest rate. In theory, the lowest interest rate means the lowest monthly payments, right? Not always. Some lower rates come with strings attached. For example, an adjustable rate loan might be the lowest option right now, but it could come with a price shock down the road. Also, some low rates require more money per month, and lower down payments might require insurance. It’s smart to carefully consider all of your options.

Myth 4: Borrow as much as you’re approved for. True, a bigger loan means you get to buy a bigger and better home in the Orange County real estate market. But, the sad truth is, sometimes you’re offered more than you can actually afford, especially once you take other costs into consideration, like property taxes, repairs, utilities and so on. It’s always smarter to live slightly below your means, so you’re ready for financial curveballs or repair needs.

For more myths and details, check out this Realtor.com article. When you’re ready to buy an Orange County home, or to ask questions about the home-buying process, contact us! We’re your Orange County real estate team, standing by, ready to help you each step of the way.

Timeless elegance and fabulous views surround this 4 bedroom/3 bathroom home located in the much sought after Beacon Hill Summit neighborhood. Features include a gourmet kitchen, designer master suite and a private backyard oasis. A covered brick walkway and nicely landscaped front lawn compliment this desirable Plan Two home strategically placed on an oversized park-like lot encompassing approximately 16,000 square feet on a quiet cul-de-sac. Step into the grand two-story foyer onto natural stone floors and take in the open concept living area featuring a vaulted ceiling, recessed lighting and upgraded baseboards. Entertain with ease in the spacious living room offering a cozy fireplace, new designer quality carpet and a beautiful arched window for plenty of natural light. The dramatic formal dining room features French doors into the kitchen and onto the patio. Prepare your favorite meals in the extensively remodeled gourmet kitchen complete with custom white cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances including a gas cooktop range, oven, microwave and dishwasher. A walk-in pantry keeps all of your cooking essentials organized and can easily be converted into a wine closet. A custom tile backsplash and recessed lighting finish the room. The sunny breakfast area offers an excellent view of the backyard and easy access to the patio. Unwind in the inviting family room featuring a warm brick fireplace and a built-in entertainment center with shelves for displaying books, pottery or artwork. The first floor bedroom provides comfort and privacy for overnight guests and features plush carpet and plantations shutters. A nicely appointed full bathroom and a convenient laundry room with a sink, gas and electric appliance hookups completes the main level. The second level of this home features the luxurious master suite complete with a vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet and a sitting area with built-in shelving. Relax on the private deck while enjoying the peaceful view of the backyard. Melt away stress in the large soaking tub or separate shower in the master bathroom. A large vanity with dual sinks and ample storage finishes the room. Two additional bedrooms, one with a cathedral ceiling and arched window, share an updated full bathroom. Step outside onto the covered patio for easy outdoor dining and grilling. The private fully fenced backyard offers plenty of room for activities or gardening and features a separate seating area in the back. Don’t miss the attached three-car garage for storing vehicles and toys and the large driveway for easy guest parking. A newer furnace, central air-conditioning and a sprinkler system keep this home comfortable and looking it’s best all year. Enjoy all that this ocean close Laguna Niguel community of Beacon Hill Summit has to offer including extensive parks, walking trails, greenbelts, three pools and spas (including one adults only), and six lighted tennis courts. Do not miss your opportunity to own this unique home close to award winning schools, shops, restaurants and hiking and biking trails to beaches and local resorts!

Warm and inviting 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home situated on an interior corner lot on a single loaded street within The Gables. Features include a luxurious master suite and a private backyard with a built-in BBQ. Relax on the covered front porch and take in the garden area surrounded by a charming white picket fence. Step inside onto rich wood flooring that continues into the living room and dining room. Plantation shutters and a neutral color palate can be found throughout this home. Entertain in the spacious living room complete with a cozy gas fireplace and plenty of natural light. The adjacent formal dining room can easily accommodate large and intimate gatherings and offers access to the patio. Prepare your favorite meals in the eat-in kitchen where marble flooring compliments the wood cabinetry. A convenient powder room for guests finishes the main level. The second level of this home features a luxurious master suite complete with a large walk-in closet. Melt away stress in the soaking tub or separate shower in the master bathroom. A double vanity and recessed lighting complete the room. Three additional bedrooms share a nicely appointed full bathroom. Perfect for overnight guests! A laundry area with built-in shelving completes the second level. Step outside into the private fully fenced backyard featuring a built-in BBQ area and spacious tiled patio for easy entertaining. Don’t miss the attached two-car garage for all of the extras! Association amenities include a pool, spa, picnic areas and playgrounds, tennis and sports courts, hiking trails and more! This exceptional home is air-conditioned and just a short distance from all Ladera Ranch has to offer including shops, restaurants, parks, schools and Town Green!

As an Orange County homeowner, you are aware that certain features of your neighborhood can affect the value of your Orange County home, such as a stellar school system or nearby access to public parks. However, a new report shows that access to healthy food can amp up your real estate value as well!

We already saw this to be true when a report came out that your home value could increase if a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s opens near you, but this is now true for healthy restaurants as well. You can read more about the report in this RISMedia post.

As Orange County real estate agents, we are pleased to share this information, as Orange County has no shortage of healthy places to grab a bite to eat! Just a quick Google search will show you a plethora of lists with healthy restaurants.

California Paleo Kitchen has a list of their top five favorite restaurants in Orange County. Here’s a rundown of their options:

1. Nekter – They’ve got veggie-packed smoothies, juices and juice cleanses

2. Slater’s 50/50 – This burger joint has build-your-own burger options, with plenty of veggie toppings

3. True Food Kitchen – They promote an anti-inflammatory diet with clean, organic and fresh ingredients

4. Carmelita’s Kitchen – A healthy Mexican food option with margaritas as clean as possible

5. Sol Cocina – Another Mexican place that will bring you plantain chips if you are avoiding corn

Gayot also published a list of the 2016 top 10 heart-healthy restaurants in the OC area. This list included:

• Bluewater Grill in Newport Beach
• Hamamori Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Costa Mesa
• Lemonade in Newport Beach
• Native Foods in Costa Mesa
• Provenance in Newport Beach
• Seasons 52 in Costa Mesa
• SLOWfish in Huntington Beach
• True Food Kitchen in Newport Beach (which made it on California Paleo Kitchen’s post as well)
• Veggie Grill in Irvine
• Zov’s Bistro in Tustin

Yelp has its own list of the best healthiest restaurants in Orange County, based on real reviews from consumers, and this list includes places like Green Tomato Grill in Orange, Crave Restaurant in Santa Ana, Pom & Olive in Costa Mesa, Urban Plates in Irvine and many more.

In Locale Magazine’s list of the healthiest places to eat in Orange County, restaurants that made the cut include Seabirds Kitchen, True Food Kitchen again, Daphne’s California Greek, Crave Restaurant & Café, Active Culture and many more.

The lists go on and on, and as you can see, there aren’t too many overlaps on these lists! This means that the number of Orange County restaurants with healthy options is beyond extensive. This is great news for Orange County homeowners who want reassurance in their home values.

What healthy restaurant in Orange County is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

Enjoy dining out on healthy, guiltless options in OC, especially during the holidays when you need a reprieve from sweets and leftovers. When you are ready to sell your Orange County home, or when you’re ready to buy an OC home, contact us! We are your Orange County real estate team, ready to help you now or in the New Year.

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, the winter holiday season is ready for us! Here in Orange County, you can find a plethora of festive holiday events and activities to keep you busy from now until New Year’s Eve. As your Orange County real estate team, we’d like to fill you in on some of the best in the area, so that you can enjoy all the merriment you can handle in the OC area.

Here’s a list to get you started:

1. Gather the family for Santa’s Village by the Sea on Dec. 3 in San Clemente! There are actually numerous events in one. Enjoy photos with Santa, holiday entertainment, crafts, hot cocoa and cookies, snow hill sledding, holiday games, tree lighting at 8 p.m., live holiday music, outdoor movie, train rides and more!

2. Dec. 3 is also the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony from 4:15 to 9 p.m. in San Juan Capistrano. Enjoy listening to singing from local groups, a holiday stage production and the official tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Then enjoy activities throughout the downtown area, such as photos with Santa, a puppet show, a Christmas train ride, crafts and much more.

3. Dec. 3 is also the Winter Festival and Tree Lighting in Dana Point! You can enjoy activities all day, from 12 to 7:30 p.m. It’ll include visits and photos with Santa, ice skating, a petting zoo, crafts, food, live entertainment, carnival games, cookie decorating and more, with the tree lighting at 5:15 p.m.

4. Need to relax after holiday shopping? Enjoy a family-friendly holiday play at Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano! Miracle on 34th Street will tell the beloved tale of Kris Kringle, the Santa Claus hired by Macy’s that ends up in court because he says he’s the real Santa. It runs through Dec. 18!

5. The Annual Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point Harbor will take place on Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. each night. Watch as OC boaters cruise through the harbor with holiday lights lighting up their boats! You can watch from the shore, from a local restaurant, or from a boat!

6. Choose a date between Dec. 14 and 18 to head to Newport Beach for the Annual Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade! This is free to the public. Grab a spot along the harbor and watch as boats cruise through the water, all lit up for the holidays. It begins at 6:30 p.m. each night and lasts over three hours!

7. Cruise of Lights will take place through the waterways of Huntington Harbour. Hop on a cruise and enjoy viewing holiday lights on Orange County homes from the water! These special holiday cruises will take place Dec. 16-19 and 22-23.

This is just a selection of all the fun, festive events and activities you can enjoy in the coming month in Orange County. Enjoy your holiday season, and when ready to buy an OC home, sell your OC home, or both, we are your Orange County real estate team, here and ready to help you out!

Do you have hardwood flooring in your Orange County home? Hardwood is popular among homeowners and buyers, not only because it is visually appealing and comes in many options, but also because it is easier to clean and better for avoiding allergies.

However, although hardwood is easier to keep clean than carpeting, there is still a right and wrong way to care for your hardwood floors. As your Orange County real estate agents, allow us to fill you in on the best techniques, straight from the National Wood Flooring Association.

If you are new to hardwood flooring, or you just don’t feel like yours looks as quality as it should, here are some techniques that you might need to adjust:

• Remove debris – Just because you don’t have carpet to vacuum, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to clean your hardwood floors regularly! They need regular maintenance too. Specks of dirt act like sandpaper on hardwood. They scratch the surface, and over time, hardwood will appear dull. Vacuum and sweep regularly. If you vacuum, be sure to use the hard surface setting!
• Wipe spills immediately – Just like with carpeting, spills should be cleaned up immediately, and properly, not just with a paper towel. Certain substances can eat away at the top coat of polish, including milk, mustard and pet urine. Purchase cleaning products that are safe for hardwood floors!
• Mop correctly – The best method for mopping is to use a damp mop with the proper cleaner. If you use a sopping mop, the hardwood could remain damp in bottom layers and begin to mold. The worst offense is a steam mop, which opens pores in the wood and damages the finish.
• Use the right cleaner – A cleaner with isopropyl alcohol is recommended, as it dries quickly. For a DIY cleaner, mix a capful of white vinegar with a gallon of water. To remove shoe scuffs, rub them with a tennis ball. Don’t just go for any polish, as this will make the floors look clean and shiny only temporarily. Ask a hardwood floor specialist rather than just reading the claims on labels.
• Refinish – If proper cleaning still doesn’t make your hardwood floors look polished and clean, you might need a refinishing job. Experts recommend doing this every 10 years or so, or even every two to five years if the floors get a lot of traffic from kids or pets. This means sanding down the top layer and then covering with a sealant.

For more tips and information, check out this Realtor.com article about hardwood flooring. Proper care of your hardwood floors is important all the time, but you especially want them to look top notch when trying to sell your OC home! These tips are a good place to start.

Ready to sell? Ready to buy an Orange County home? Either way, contact us, your OC real estate agents! We are here and ready to help with all of your Orange County real estate market goals this fall.