Believe it or not, we are just a couple of weeks away from pumpkin spice lattes, all schools back in session, and leaves starting to change colors. When most people think of the fall, they don’t think of peak real-estate season.  This week our team at I Love OC Homes is sharing why we’re just as sold on helping families find a new house in the fall. 

It’s no secret that spring is when the competition is at an all-time high for purchasing; that’s the first great thing about looking in the fall. All of the attention is on you! We even encourage our clients to make lower offers because most people looking to sell have had their homes on the market since the beginning of the year and are just plain worn out. After months of no action, any seller is ready to make a deal - especially if they have to move for personal matters. 

Do you know what else comes in the fall? Back to school sales, holiday discounts, and Black Friday deals. This is the perfect time to score big on new furniture, appliances, or upgrades that could potentially increase the value of your home down the road. It’s not always easy finding a home with every single box checked off your list, but with the end of year sales, you can make improvements to your new house on a better budget.

Fall is also a safer time of year. You might be wondering what safety has to do with buying a new home, but the neighborhood you live in is important. Peak burglary season is high in the summer months, buying a home in the fall gives you plenty of time to install that new alarm system, and get comfortable in your new home. 

Last but certainly not least, our favorite benefit of buying in the fall is being able to spend the upcoming holidays with your family and friends in your dream home. If you’re ready to break out the decorations and get into your new home, give me (Tim De Shazer) a call at (562) 881-8252.

Every week, our team loves to share a market update and our favorite listings in our local communities. This week we’re spotlighting Los Alamitos and our top three favorite listings that all fall under 2 million. If you see something you like, say something. Each home has something special to offer families who are looking to move to the area. 

11882 REAGAN STREET, LOS ALAMITOS, CA 90720

This elegant two-story Craftsman home (featured on the cover) is beautifully upgraded throughout the home. It’s located on an A+ lot location in the Rossmoor Highlands. This five-bedroom three-bathroom home features a light and bright open floor plan with a stunning kitchen that has stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, a breakfast bar, and island; as well as separate living and family rooms with hardwood floors. If you are looking for your forever home - this could be it! 

11280 MAPLE STREET, LOS ALAMITOS, CA 90720

This spectacularly remodeled 2000 sq. ft. four bedrooms, three bath pool home has it all - including a pool to cool off in after long hot beach days. It features a massive kitchen with all new modern cabinets, over 20k Viking appliance package, a huge workstation sink with 2 faucets, custom Calcutta quartz slabs with waterfalls, and large Italian tile backsplash. Everything is quality thru-out the entire home. Don’t believe us? See for yourself!

11362 PINE STREET, LOS ALAMITOS, CA 90720

See this exquisite Los Alamitos home that was rebuilt in 2001 and designed for family living at its best! If you love to entertain, there are four spacious bedrooms which include a master bedroom on each floor, large closets, and three and a half baths. Both of the huge master suites have spacious walk-in-closets and matching bathrooms. This amazing home is close to schools, shopping, and parks and has easy freeway access. This is a must-see!

Los Alamitos is one of our favorite neighborhoods to recommend for young families. It’s quite close to the beach and has one of the best school districts in Orange County. If you are interested in viewing any of these, give me (Tim De Shazer) a call at 562-881-8252.

If you are anything like us, you’re soaking up these last days of summer with your kids, and preparing for fall and the inevitable - back to school! Now is the perfect time to start making a list and checking it twice, so you send your kids back prepared and ready to learn.

Our team at I Love OC Homes has put together our pro tips for back to school in our local neighborhoods of Orange County.

First day of school:  

●      Huntington Beach Union High School District - August 28

●      Huntington Beach City School District - September 5

●      Los Alamitos Unified School District (all schools except Weaver) - August 7

Pro Tips

First things first; If you’re new to the school, visiting the school before the first day will ensure a smooth start to the year.  This will help your kids feel comfortable and familiar when they go back. It will also give parents a nice lay of the land. Additionally, this is a good time to cover safety measures with your family for pick up, drop off, etc. Have a plan in place before the first day, so there are no surprises when the bell rings.

Back to school night is the perfect time to introduce yourself to your kids’ teachers, and if you can’t make it in, sending an email or connecting via phone is a good way to start that relationship for the school year. This will come in handy when you need to check in on tasks or communicate when your child may be out.

One of the most important things for fall is getting everyone to bed on time. While summer may understandably be a free for all, try incorporating the school schedule the week before your kids go back, so it’s not as hard on the first day. Routines are everything!

Making healthy meals is also a key ingredient to mastering back to school. Concentrating in the classroom is much easier on a full stomach, and studies show kids who eat balanced and healthy meals perform better in school.

If you just moved to Orange County or it’s your child’s first year at one of the local schools, feel free to give me (Tim De Shazer) a call at 562- 881-8252 with any questions you may have!

We come across a lot of clients who are scared of the “D” word and others who can’t welcome it soon enough. Yes, this week we're helping answer the question, “Is it time to downsize?” Our team at I Love OC Homes is talking about when might be the right time for you!

Empty Nester

You spend your entire life growing up wanting that freedom out of your parent’s home. Now, I can’t imagine the day my own two kids go off to college. However, if you live in a big house that had a room for every kid and then some, and now it’s just you - it may be time to downsize.

Keeping those memories alive may add to your sadness of becoming an empty nester. Not to mention, it’s costly. Cleaning out the unused space and starting the next chapter of your life could be just what the doctor ordered. You can always purchase a home with one guest bedroom for frequent visitors.

Retirement

While retiring is a great feeling and achievement, most scenarios come with a smaller, fixed income to live off of. Why spend it on a huge house when now you can use it for your spare time to travel and do new things with your free time?

Home Improvement

When you are in your late twenties, moving into your first home is so thrilling, you can't wait for projects around the house. One day, that all changes. Years of home improvement, mowing the lawn, hiring a pool man, replacing every little fixture yourself, will eventually not be high on your priority list. Moving to a home that is less maintenance not only frees up your time, but it also saves you money.

Age

Aging is just a part of life we all face. If you live in a two-story house, it may be time to downsize to a home that is single-story or has a master on the first level. Life takes a toll on our bodies, and your home should cater to your needs, not hinder them.

If you are currently experiencing any of these scenarios, it might be time for you to downsize. Our team will help find you your new dream home that fits the latest chapter of life, whether that be a house with no yard or it must have a guest room.

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, including our decluttering specialist or handyman.

After two open houses, a new roof, and lots of love- I Love OC Homes has sold this beautiful three bedrooms, one bath house in a great neighborhood in Norwalk. This home features a remodeled kitchen and bathroom, two-car garage, big back yard, solar panels, and central air with a Nest thermostat. It's located within the highly-rated ABC School District that is convenient to shopping, freeways, and restaurants.

The wonderful couple who was selling this home to move out of state was kind enough to give their feedback on the experience of working with our team. Meet the Viernes! 

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?

Viernes Family: I actually know Tim from grammar school.  We recently reconnected, and I found out he was an agent.  When we decided to sell our home, I thought of him first.

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

Viernes Family: For me, it was about the comfort level with the agent. Knowing him prior was definitely a plus, but I think even if I didn't know him, I would feel comfortable.  He was laid back, knew his job, and assisted us where it was needed.

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

Viernes Family: The declutter specialist came in and did her thing.  Many of the items she pointed out we already knew, but there were a few that she mentioned that we didn't think about.  The handyman was wonderful.  He was there when needed and reasonably priced to get the job done.  I plan on keeping his number in my back pocket for future use.

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

Viernes Family: We had several unforeseen roadblocks regarding our sale. Tim and the I Love OC Homes team were wonderful the entire time. They stayed focused and helped us navigate to finally close.

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

Viernes Family: Their level of service and support was superior.  They went above and beyond to make sure we closed on time here, for our out of state purchase to close.  As stated above, we had several unforeseen issues, and it came down to the wire (literally hours).  But they kept their cool and helped us to keep it as well.

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

Viernes Family: I am very likely to refer Tim, and in fact, we already have.  My parents will be using him as well when they go to sell in a month. My husband and I appreciate all that Tim and the I Love OC Homes Team have done for us.  They definitely worked hard for this one.Whether we’ve known you our entire lives or just met, our team at I Love OC Homes will put your buying or selling needs first. If you or someone you know needs advice on where to start the process, give our team a call at (562) 881-8252.

Every year, thousands of people come from all over the world for one week of surfing, a massive vendor village, and good times in Huntington Beach for the Vans US Open of Surfing. Our team at I Love OC Homes has all of the information you need to know about this historical event.

Huntington Beach, otherwise known as "Surf City," is one of the premier surfing breaks in Orange County. The pier is known for having the perfect shape and regularly having waves while the rest of the coast is flat. For this reason, Huntington Beach hosts the Vans US Open — a nine-day surf competition and largest action sports festivals that’s been a tradition since 1959.

This year the US Open will run from Saturday, Jul 27, 2019 – Sunday, Aug 4, 2019, the world's largest surf competition and lifestyle festival. The event includes world-class surfing, skateboarding and BMX competitions, movie premieres, retail and art exhibitions, and product demos and samples from your favorite action sport industry brands, including title sponsor Vans. The best part is, the event is free to attend.

Huntington Beach has a plethora of luxury resorts and affordable hotels you can stay at including the Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel, Kimpton Shorebreak Resort, Paséa Hotel & Spa, and the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa along with popular places to eat and shop. This event attracts nearly 500,000 from all over to watch some of the best surfers in the world duke it out while surfing the pier in North America’s largest action sports event.

Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, water, a camera, appropriate footwear, and sunglasses each day of the event. For more information on local happenings, OC hotspots, and all things real estate. Follow I Love OC Homes on Instagram and Facebook.

If you or someone you know are looking to buy or sell a home in Orange County, give me (Tim De Shazer) a call at 562-881-8252. Our team would love to assist you through the process.

Photo by Celina Kenyon

The weekend is the perfect time to shop around for your next home.  If you are looking to buy a home, do you know what stage you are in? How can our team at I Love OC Homes  help? We’ve put together the most common stages a home buyer will experience during this process in order to take the next steps forward.

Just A Dream

We all are guilty of living in this stage. Dreaming about our perfect home, where it will be, how much it will cost, etc. This is the perfect time to start jotting down your wants and needs of your dream home, so when it’s time to start looking you know what is a must-have and what you can live without. This can be anything from how many bedrooms to the color of the cabinets. The more specific you are, the easier it will be. However, it’s also important to be realistic about what needs are bigger than others.

Seeking Information

When you start seeking information on how to bring your dream home to life, it starts becoming more real. You are probably exploring neighborhoods, commutes, school districts, and important lifestyle factors to go with your dream home. If you are a first-time home buyer, you might be looking for help understanding the process and real estate market. While there are a plethora of online resources, working with a team who knows the communities and market will give home buyers a better experience.

Just Looking

Even when potential clients say they are just looking, this is a good sign that they are ready for something more tangible to come to life. Does this sound like you?  This is the stage where home buyers will most likely look for a real estate agent to show them listings and represent them. If you have made it this far, the chances of them purchasing a home are significantly higher than in the prior stages. Working with a professional will always have more benefits than trying to do the above on your own.

Active Buyer

After going through the dream phase, gathering the correct information, and finding the perfect agent that understands your needs, you become an active buyer.

Our team at I love OC Homes wants to show you Orange County! If you’d like to learn more about what it's like to live and work here, download our ebook for an inside look at some of the wonderful communities we specialize in. We're happy to help you discover your next home! If you have any questions about any of the four stages of the home buying process give me (Tim De Shazer) a call 562-881-8252. I’m happy to talk any time.

We take Fourth of July very serious at the beach, and this year’s calendar will not disappoint. Our team at I love OC Homes has rounded up the holiday’s events in our local neighborhoods. Chances are, you will run into us at one if not all of the below!

Huntington Beach

The annual parade will march down the streets of downtown Huntington Beach beginning at 10 a.m. on July 4th. The largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi River features bands, floats, equestrian groups, film and television celebrities, and community organizations. After the parade, entertainment on the pier will continue until 9 p.m., when the 4th of July fireworks show begins.

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy and Fred's Mexican Café are hosting the exciting, annual Fourth of July Brunch! Enjoy ocean views, an all you can eat champagne brunch, and unobstructed views of the Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade! Fred's Mexican café will donate 100% of the proceeds to support the Conservancy's education and restoration programs.

If none of this is up to your festive standards. you can be one of 30 passengers on a beautifully restored vintage yacht to experience a dinner cruise to the 4th of July Fireworks by the Queen Mary. The voyage begins in Huntington Harbour with a cruise through a calm harbor with exquisite views of the harbor and sunset. They will serve a BBQ pulled pork and chicken slider buffet with side dishes and dessert while cruising to the Queen Mary. Enjoy spectacular views of the fireworks returning to Huntington Harbour around 11:00 p.m.

Los Alamitos / Seal Beach

The Los Alamitos 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will be held at the Joint Forces Training Base (11200 Lexington Drive, Los Alamitos, CA 90720). Bring your family and friends to the free event, hosted by the cities of Los Alamitos & Seal Beach on the flight line at Los Alamitos Army Airfield. The event will feature live music on the main stage beginning with the King Salmon Band and followed by the 40th Infantry Division Band.

The Family Fun Area will have face painting, balloon twisting, caricature artists, a magic show, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. There will also be several food vendors that will be serving a variety of dinner options, desserts, and snacks. The event’s climax begins promptly at 9:00 p.m. with one of the best and longest fireworks display in Southern California blasting fireworks 800-1,000 feet into the night sky.

Let freedom ring and the Fourth of July events commence! If our team can be of any more assistance to you regarding the holiday or home buying/selling process, give me (Tim De Shazer) a call at 562-881-8252 if you are interested.

It’s a buyers market, and our team at I love OC Homes recently helped Nicholas Casale move into his new home in Laguna Hills. Nicholas then took the time to answer some questions about his experience working with Tim and our team.

Here’s what he had to say:

I Love OC Homes: How did you hear of Tim and I Love OC Homes?

Nicholas Casale: I know Tim from church. He introduced me to I Love OC Homes.

I Love OC Homes: Were there other real estate agents you met besides Tim? Why did you decide to work with Tim DeShazer and I Love OC Homes?

Nicholas Casale: Yes, but I chose Tim this time because it was a hassle with the last agent.

I Love OC Homes: Was Tim on time and did he make quality appointments?

Nicholas Casale: All the time on time.

I Love OC Homes: Did Tim show you homes in your price range?

Nicholas Casale: He did!

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

Nicholas Casale: The handyman was awesome.

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

Nicholas Casale: Awesome experience.

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

Nicholas Casale: He gave me everything I needed.

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

Nicholas Casale: Highly.

I Love OC Homes: Please feel free to add any additional comments!

Nicholas Casale: My washer is broken. Unfortunately, the contractor couldn't replicate the problem, of course. My house was flooded about three times. I am hoping to have the issue solved soon and I need to call them back out.  Tim offered to call them, which is great if I get any trouble. He always stuck with what we agreed even if we didn't sign something. Very trusting.

Thank you, Nicholas, for talking with us.

If you or someone you know needs advice on where to start the home buying or selling process, give our team a call at (562) 881-8252. We are here to help every step of the way and would love to earn your trust and business.

Some say that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and if you are looking to sell your home, it may be time to upgrade yours. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms a potential buyer looks at and can greatly affect the listing price and offer. With cooking shows and new trends, the kitchen is the new living room and should be one of the first areas you focus on before putting your house on the market.

Our team at I love OC Homes has created the below guide to get your kitchen in tip-top shape.

Wear & Tear

Since more time is being spent in the kitchen, it’s normal for it to experience some damage. The cabinets may have chipped paint, or you have a couple of loose hinges. These are easy fixes to go through and update. Grab a screwdriver and tighten everything up as potential buyers will open them during a walkthrough. If you really have the time and money, painting the cabinets with a fresh coat will make the kitchen look like new.

Space

If you live in an older home, the chances are your kitchen is small with very little counter space. However, with all the new innovative kitchen appliances that people can’t live without, more space is necessary. Consider adding an Island. You can have one installed or even purchase a mobile one.

Appliances

Nothing grabs a buyer’s attention like a new shiny appliance. If yours are outdated, this is another simple upgrade you should think about when going to sell your home. It may even increase the overall value.

Decor

Long gone are the days of the cookie, salt, and condiment jars all over the kitchen counter. We are living in a more modern day where the Marie Kondo method is a way of life. Aka - less is more. If it doesn’t have a purpose such as an espresso machine, or toaster, find a new home for it!

Take all of these recommendations into consideration and your kitchen will be wowing buyers in no time. If you or someone you know is looking to sell your home, give our team a call at (562) 881-8252. We also have de-cluttering services we offer every client free of charge.