If you are debating selling your home, you probably have questioned your need for an open house. An open house is the best way to show off your home to potential buyers if your property is presentable. It increases your chances of selling the property for a multitude of reasons. At I Love OC Homes, we’ve broken down some important reasons why having an open house is beneficial for a home seller!

Creates a Casual Browsing Environment

Just like the car-buying process, the way we search for our new home has now changed. Now that we have the internet, we shop online first to save time and narrow down the properties we like that work in our budget and location. With an open house, it provides an environment that is much more relaxed, for you’ll have multiple viewers at once if you advertise well. Home shoppers can transition from casually browsing the internet at home to casually viewing the property in person without any pressure. It’s beneficial for you as well because it saves time from having to schedule multiple, individual showings for weeks on end. 

Sets Your Home Apart From the Rest

Even if you have a professional photographer come and capture the beauty of your home, online photos won’t do it justice. Allowing people to stop by, take a look around, and picture themselves living there will give them a better feel that the property is right for them. It also gives you a chance to set your home apart from the rest. This can be done with the right staging to really catch the viewers’ attention and increase the odds of a good offer. 

Shows Off the Neighborhood

Hosting an open house gives buyers the opportunity to explore the neighborhood and get to know the area. If you have neighbors who will help paint a picture of how great the neighborhood is, it would be helpful asking them if they can stop by and chat with viewers during the open house. 

Turns Your Browsers into Buyers

Sometimes viewers at an open house stop by simply to browse and aren’t seriously looking to buy. Hosting a proper open house could turn these browsers into buyers if they fall in love with your home! 

If you are looking to work with a real estate team, we know the ins and outs of hosting a successful open house. We will do everything we can to sell your current home, and I (Tim De Shazer) am available anytime to answer questions and make the processes as seamless as possible. Please give me a call at (562) 881-8252. 

We are excited to share the story of Bob and Julie Varden and the recently sold Le Floss listing in Downey, CA. 

An expired listing is a property that has not sold by the end of the period agreed upon in the listing contract between the seller and the listing agent. After this particular listing contract had expired with a previous agent, I Love OC Homes stepped in and saved the day! Tim got the property under contract and into escrow in no time. Not only that, but the home also sold at $30,000 more than the price set in the prior agent’s contract! 

The Vardens are thrilled to share their experience:

I Love OC Homes: Tell us about your first meeting with Tim of I Love OC Homes, and how did you hear of the team?

Julie Varden: We first met Tim at our house when he came over to talk about possibly using his services.  We found out about him through a mutual friend.  

I Love OC Homes: Tell us about your search for the right real-estate agent and how you came to a conclusion to work with Tim?

Julie Varden: We had actually hired another agent, but after our contract was up with her (3 months), we decided to find another agent who could help us sell.  

I Love OC Homes: Did I Love OC Homes offer a certain level of advice, services, support, and market knowledge?

Julie Varden: Tim was very down to earth and knowledgeable, and he was sure he could sell the house for the price we wanted.  

I Love OC Homes: What was your overall experience working with the I Love OC Homes declutter specialist and handyman?

Julie Varden: Tim had a team that worked on the house - a cleaner and stager.  They both did a great job!  

I Love OC Homes: Share your overall experience working with Tim and the I Love OC Homes team?

Julie Varden: The house received some good offers, and we ended up selling for more than we asked for!  

I Love OC Homes: How likely are you to refer Tim and the team at I Love OC Homes to friends?

Julie Varden: We are so thankful to Tim and the whole team and will definitely recommend I Love OC Homes and Tim to all our friends!

Is the contract with your current agent about to expire? Our team at I Love OC Homes can help by putting your selling needs first again. If you or someone you know needs advice on where to start the process, give our team a call at (562) 881-8252.

If you’re looking for something active to do during the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend in Orange County, we’ve got you covered. 

Come run off all that turkey and pumpkin pie at the 2019 Turkey Trot in Huntington Beach on Friday, November 29th. If you’re still stuffed from Thanksgiving, walkers are allowed as well! There will be runners of all speeds. The race is held by A Better World Running, established by runners for runners in 2011. Their mission is to make a positive impact on the consciousness of humanity by sharing their love for running with others. 

Whether you’re in shape to run a half marathon, 15k, 10k, or 5k, the Turkey Trot is meant to be a friendly, fun racing atmosphere. They offer free photos and medals for everyone! You’ll also receive a goodie bag of cool swag, including snacks, beverages, and personal care product samples. However, maybe the most exciting part about this race is how beautiful the views are as you make your way to the finish line along the coast. The starting location of the Huntington Beach race is on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Warner Avenue. You just can’t beat those ocean views!

The race organizers offer affordable costs, too! Their goal is to create a racing environment that encourages positivity and helps spread the love for running, setting and reaching goals, and meeting new friends. They offer group discounts, a rewards program, and free race registration to anyone with a family member or friend who is willing to volunteer and help with the event. 

The Turkey Trot is family-friendly, and they accept same-day registration as long as the run is not full. If you can’t make the race in Huntington Beach, they offer races in Long Beach and Santa Monica, as well. Visit their event calendar for more information on specific locations, dates, and times. 

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Huntington Beach area or surrounding Orange County cities, give me (Tim De Shazer) a call at (562) 881-8252. 

Moving can be stressful for you and your family. What many forget is that your dogs, cats, and smaller animals may be overwhelmed by the change too! Our team at I Love OC Homes has put together steps you can take to make sure they are prepared before, during, and after the move. 

Your pet may find a house full of boxes chaotic, as it’s a dramatic change in their safe environment. While packing up before the big move, try your best to pack things from room to room. Keep your pets separate and comfortable in the room that you plan to pack last. 

Consider preparing a bag for your pets. This can be a simple backpack packed with food, litter, or toys that you may want easily accessible and set aside from all your other boxed belongings. Remember to update any microchipping contact information, including addresses for tags on collars and labeled pet belongings as well. 

You should also contact your current veterinarian to obtain the medical records for each of your pets, and ask them if they have any recommendations for vets in your new area. Our team has already done some research for you and found a highly recommended vet in the Los Alamitos area, VCA Rossmoor-El Dorado Animal Hospital. You can even visit their website for a $25 coupon towards your pet’s first exam. 

While moving, make sure your pets are put away in a safe place. There will be a lot of unknown commotion with boxes and furniture moving out of the house, and we certainly don’t want your furry friends to slip out an open door unnoticed. Also, be sure when introducing your pet to the new home and neighborhood that they are leashed or still crated until safely inside. 

If you’re starting a new job and need a pet sitter in the OC area, I suggest finding a local daycare or boarding facility, so your pet feels comfortable in their new home while you are away. Bark City Dog Daycare and Boarding of Huntington Beach is one of Orange County’s highly recommended dog daycares. You can find their pricing, location, and contact information here. 

If you are new to the area and want more details about local dog parks, reputable veterinarians, or pet boarding and daycare, contact me (Tim De Shazer) at (562) 881-8252. 

November is officially here, and we’re moving on from Halloween and on to everyone’s favorite feast- Thanksgiving. This year, our team is leaving the cooking to the professionals, as we’ve rounded up the best local spots to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at so you can skip the mess and enjoy time with your loved ones. Plus, there is an option for everyone’s preference

Orange Hill 

Make this Thanksgiving bubbly at Orange Hill’s Thanksgiving Day Champagne Buffet. Choose from turkey, prime ribs, crab legs and more, and top it off with bottomless mimosas. Be sure to make your reservation online. Uniquely situated, Orange Hill offers sweeping views of Catalina Island, Downtown Los Angeles, Disneyland's magical firework show, and our beautiful California coastline. Orange Hill offers a fine-dining experience that you will never forget.

Seal Beach Chamber 

The holidays are all about giving back, and the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce kicks off the season by hosting its annual Thanksgiving meal at St. Anne’s Chruch for those in our community who cannot be with family or friends on the special day. There will be bingo, dinner, and good company to enjoy the day with. The Chamber is also encouraging attendees to bring a canned food item to donate to local charities. Please RSVP by November 23.

Old World

Join Old World Huntington Beach for an "All You Can Eat" Thanksgiving Day Buffet. Enjoy turkey, ham, and all the trimmings. Don’t forget pumpkin pie for dessert! Enjoy all the traditional holiday dinner delights as well as some special German treats the restaurant and bakery have been known for. Space is limited, so make your reservations ASAP.

There’s nothing like being able to walk off Thanksgiving dinner with a beautiful sunset on the beach. For more Orange County holiday festivities, follow I Love OC Homes on Facebook and Instagram, so you never miss a beat. 

We’re not going to lie; buying a home is not always a walk on the beach. However, when you work with a professional agent and team, the processes can easily be managed step by step. This week, our team at I Love OC Homes is breaking down the home-buying process. 

Step One

Start your research early by reading websites, newspapers, and magazines that have current listings. Make notes of homes that interest you and see how long they stay on the market. Then you want to decide how much house you can afford and make this determination based on your financial situation. This is also a great time to look at your future commute to work, the schools in the area, and the community.

Step Two 

Find the right real estate agent to provide you with helpful information on homes and neighborhoods that isn’t easily accessible to the public. Their knowledge of the home buying process, negotiating skills, and familiarity with the area you want to live in can be extremely valuable.  

Step Three

Before you start looking for a home, you will need to know how much you can actually spend. Get prequalified and preapproved for credit through your Mortgage Lender. 

Step Four 

Shop for your home in your price range and desired neighborhoods. Next, work with your real estate agent to negotiate a fair offer. Once you and the seller have reached agreement on a price, the house will go into escrow. 

Step Five

Your real estate agent usually will help you arrange to have a home inspection conducted within a few days of your offer being accepted by the seller. This is solely for the buyer’s protection. Your lender will also order an appraisal to make sure the home comes to market value.

Step Six

There is a lot of paperwork involved in buying a house. Your lender will arrange for an escrow company to handle all this coordination. At closing, you will sign all of the paperwork required, including your loan documents. It typically takes a couple of days for your loan to be funded after the paperwork is returned to the lender. Once the check is delivered to the seller, you are ready to move into your new home!

Give me (Tim De Shazer) a call at 562-881-8252 if you have any questions. We will help you every step of the way.

Each fall, we get together as a community in Los Alamitos for the annual Trunk or Treat. Not only do the kids love it, but it’s a great opportunity for our team to meet other wonderful families in the neighborhood. Did we mention we will be handing out a special treat to make sure your Halloween rocks?

Memorial Care Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, along with AYSO Region 159, have graciously sponsored the annual fun this year on Saturday, October 26, from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Little Cottonwood Park (4000 Farquhar Ave). 

This event is free to attend for any locals and visitors to Los Al. Come out to enjoy fun family activities for all ages, including a costume contest with categories for 0-3 years, 4-7 years, 8-12 years, and there’s even a family division. Not to mention, there will be a pie-eating contest, train rides, trunk or treating, prizes, food trucks, inflatables, and a photo booth! Don’t miss out on the scary fun. 

Other contributing organizations include Grateful Hearts, the Los Alamitos Senior Club, and Oriental Trading for providing products for the Trunk or Treat Game Prizes! This event wouldn’t be possible without these local businesses volunteering their time and donations. 

To get inspiration for the costume contest, check out last year’s winners here! 

For more information, please call the City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430-1073.

If you or someone you know are interested in buying or selling a home in Los Alamitos or surrounding Orange County cities, stop by the I Love OC Homes booth during the event to speak with me (Tim De Shazer). I look forward to meeting you. 

If you can’t make it by, give me a call at (562) 881-8252 whenever you are ready.

Orange County fully embraces Halloween season with many pumpkin patches offering extra seasonal fun beyond finding "the great pumpkin." Our team at I Love OC Homes has rounded up a few of our favorites that are easily accessible no matter where you live. 

Tanaka Farms

Cultivate memories each weekend from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. this fall at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. Experience wagon rides, a barnyard educational exhibit, corn maze, and a u-pick vegetable patch. They also have games, ATV rides, face painting, arts and crafts, and the pumpkin cannon! Enjoy amazing food from the Tanaka Grill, including shaved ice, burgers, BBQ pork sandwiches, hot dogs, churros, and more. 

Pa's Pumpkin Patch

Though it’s technically located in LA County, Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Long Beach takes over a field on Pacific Coast Highway near Seal Beach-every year and has become a favorite with Coastal North Orange County residents, like those from Huntington Beach. Whether it's the welcoming banjo beats on the event or the prime location, Pa's keeps crowds returning year after year. There are various rides and games to entertain little ones, along with a petting zoo, pony rides, and a snack bar. Hours through October 16 are Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. From October 17 through October 30, hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Halloween hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch: Orange 

Located at the historic Irvine National Park, this pumpkin patch sprouts up behind the train station and wins for scenery and activities. Admission to the patch is free, and pre-picked pumpkins are priced by weight. Entertainment includes a free haunted house and hay maze, train, hay, and pony rides, pumpkin ring toss, John Deere tractor racers, Halloween bounce house, cookie decorating, carnival games, face painting, panning for gold, and of course lots of food. Hours are Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

If you are new to the area or want more details about the communities we live, work, and play in download our free e-book or contact me (Tim De Shazer) at (562) 881-8252. We hope you enjoy this festive season with family and friends.

Seal Beach is a small beachside community wedged between Long Beach and Huntington Beach. These unique homes all have easy walkability to Main Street, the Library, the beach, and surrounding shops and restaurants. Not to mention, they are located within the award-winning Los Alamitos and Seal Beach school districts.

507 OCEAN AVENUE, SEAL BEACH, CA 90740

This contemporary, coastal home is located steps from the sand with views from a large roof-top deck of Catalina Island & Pacific Ocean. This exquisite home was renovated from top to bottom. You are welcomed to a state-of-the-art family room, with La Cantina doors and tile flooring that flow out to a tranquil, perfectly manicured front patio. The downstairs living area also includes a walk-in wine cellar. A newly added kitchenette opens to a separate family area with a guest bedroom and a remodeled bath. This space is the perfect guest suite. This home is a mix of extraordinary design coupled with a warm, inviting ambiance, the perfect home for entertaining. 

12280 OLD HARBOR COURT, SEAL BEACH, CA 90740

The beautiful community of Old Ranch, with grand two-story homes, is neatly tucked away in Seal Beach. This is one of the best-kept secrets in the neighborhood. Once you leave Seal Beach Boulevard and turn on to Plymouth, you will have a sense of calm and quiet. Pass through the Old Ranch gates to find this entertainer's dream home! The formal dining room, kitchen, and family room all open for you to host friends and family. The master bedroom – just like vacationing at the Ritz. A large sleeping area with a trey ceiling and a sitting area with a second trey ceiling with 6” molding and romantic fireplace. The large bathroom separate shower, soaking tub, separate toilet room, dual sinks, and his and her closets. This home is the epitome of good taste.

400 CENTRAL AVENUE, SEAL BEACH, CA 90740

Four blocks from the sand and situated on a lot and a half, this charming property in Seal Beach is the ideal family home. This house showcases blooming curb appeal in a whimsical beachside house. Inside boasts warm wood floors and an open flow with authentic character blended with traditional design. The updated kitchen and spacious family room open out to the private enclosed pool and spa, creating a perfect indoor/outdoor entertaining space. Take the spiral staircase up to the rooftop deck and savor sunsets and cool ocean breezes from the quaint outdoor space.

If you are interested in viewing any of these, give me (Tim De Shazer) a call at 562-881-8252.

In our business, referrals are the name of the game. I recently had the privilege to reconnect with an old childhood friend from grammar school to help sell her home. After doing so successfully, she referred her parents who were also relocating out of state, to work with our team at I Love OC Homes. 

Meet the Rieglers!