Author: Kovacs

July Events 2023

Posted on | by Kovacs

Festival of Arts
Laguna Beach
July 5 – September 1, 2023

Discover the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach- a juried fine art show featuring 140 of Orange County’s top artists in an open-air gallery setting. A world-renowned art destination, visitors can take tours of the exhibit, catch an art demonstration, dine at one of the on-site restaurants, create their own masterpieces, or simply sit back and enjoy the creative atmosphere. Weekends are jam-packed with live music and special events providing entertainment for all.

LOCATION:
650 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

INFORMATION:
800-487-3378

Pageant of the Masters “Art Colony: In the Company of Artists”
Laguna Beach
July 7 – September 1, 2023
Shows Nightly at 8:30 pm

The Pageant of the Masters is arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. Each evening during the summer season, classic and contemporary works of art are faithfully re-created with theatrical illusion and real people posing as living pictures. Enjoy art that comes to life under the stars in the Pageant’s outdoor amphitheater. In 2023, the Pageant of the Masters will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the first presentation of “living pictures” at the Festival of Arts. From that humble beginning, the Pageant has continued to evolve and grow into the world-class entertainment it is today. The 2023 production, “Art Colony: In the Company of Artists,” will acknowledge the deep connections and memorable stories of artists assisting one another throughout the world and throughout history.

Tickets start at $35 per person (Includes season pass to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show)

LOCATION:
650 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

TICKETS / INFORMATION:
www.foapom.com
(949) 497-6582, (800) 487-3378

Festival of Arts Wine and Painting Nights Fridays, July 7 – August 18, 2023
8:30 pm

Uncork your creativity this summer at the Festival of Arts! Enjoy a fun painting workshop while surrounded by beautiful art. Learn easy painting step-by-step processes, as taught by Nikita Young. Participants must be 21 and older. Reservations are required. The class size is limited to 12 participants- so reserve early. Beginners and all levels are invited – take home your finished masterpiece!

Cost: $80 per person and includes supplies, complimentary wine or beverage, and Festival admission. Participants must be 21 and older

LOCATION:
Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Festival of Arts Pints, Pinots, and Prints Saturdays, July 8 – August 19, 2023
8:30 pm

Create a beautiful one-of-a-kind print at the Festival of Arts! Using a variety of colorful handmade papers and hand cut relief blocks, students will learn the basics of monoprint, collage, and overprint techniques in this creative printmaking class. Beginners and all levels are invited – take home your finished masterpiece!

Cost: $80 per person, per class, and includes supplies, complimentary wine or beverage, and Festival admission. Reservations are required. Participants must be 21 and older.

LOCATION:
Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Festival of Arts Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate Thursdays, July 13 – August 31
5:30pm

Chocolate, wine, and all that jazz sweeten up the Festival of Arts this summer! On Thursday nights, indulge your senses at the “Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate” series. Sample a wide variety of wines specially selected and paired with gourmet chocolates.

Cost: $25 (does not include Festival of Arts admission or reserved seating). Limited “nightclub” seating is available in reserved sections for $50 per person per concert.

LOCATION:
Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Festival of Arts Adult/Teen Classes – Oil Painting – Laguna Beach July 14, 2023
3 :00 pm – 5:30 pm

Learn the timeless art of oil painting with Festival Exhibitor Carol Heiman-Greene. This class offers a fun and accessible way to explore the medium of oil paints, with step-by-step guidance from the instructor. You will learn the techniques used by master artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt to create vibrant and stunning paintings. By the end of the class, you will have created a beautiful painting to take home and showcase your newfound skills. This class is perfect for anyone looking to learn or improve their oil painting techniques. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your creativity with oil paints!

Cost: $65 fee per person, per class

LOCATION:
Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

The Orange County Fair – Costa Mesa
July 14 – August 13, 2023
Wednesdays-Sundays

It’s Time for Fun!! Tickets for the annual OC Fair are on sale, but with limited daily capacity this year, days could sell out. The annual Orange County Fair is the premier family attraction in Southern California, offering a wide variety of exhibits, foods, entertainment, rides, and hands-on activities. There is something for everybody at the Fair, including the summer headline concert series, working farm and petting zoos, thrill rides, contests, and games.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. There will be no transaction fees on Fair admission! Fairgoers should make sure to get tickets for special days and group adventures now.

LOCATION:
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA

INFORMATION:
714-708-FAIR

Dachshund Races – Huntington Beach Sunday, July 16, 2023
12 pm check-in. The race starts at 1 pm.

Great Family Fun! Come see these short-legged but swift ‘wiener dogs’ race to the finish line once a month at Old World Village.

The Wiener Dog Races are always one of the most popular attractions at Old World, and while the races are usually held once a month, during Oktoberfest, you’ll enjoy the ‘Running of the Wieners’ every Sunday between 3 pm – 4 pm. Placed into one of four weight classes, the Dachshunds run a 22-yard course with their owners at the finish line, luring their dogs to run toward them with colorful toys, food, cheers, and the occasional begging. Entry and admission prices vary.

LOCATION:
Old World Village Festival Hall
7561 Center Avenue #49
Huntington Beach

Festival of Arts Adult/Teen Classes – Oil Painting – Laguna Beach July 28, 2023
3:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Learn the timeless art of oil painting with Festival Exhibitor Carol Heiman-Greene. This class offers a fun and accessible way to explore the medium of oil paints, with step-by-step guidance from the instructor. You will learn the techniques used by master artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt to create vibrant and stunning paintings. By the end of the class, you will have created a beautiful painting to take home and showcase your newfound skills. This class is perfect for anyone looking to learn or improve their oil painting techniques. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your creativity with oil paints!

Cost: $65 fee per person, per class

LOCATION:
Festival of Arts
650 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Your Needs Matter More Than Today’s Mortgage Rates

Posted on | by Kovacs

If you’re thinking about selling your house right now, chances are it’s because something in your life has changed. And, while things like mortgage rates are a key part of your decision on what you’ll buy next, it’s important to not lose sight of the reason you want to make a change in the first place.

It’s true mortgage rates have climbed from the record lows we saw in recent years, and that has an impact on affordability. With rates where they are right now, some homeowners are deciding they’ll wait to sell because they don’t want to move and have a higher mortgage rate on their next home. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“. . . homeowners who locked in a 30-year fixed rate in the 2-3% range don’t necessarily want to give that up in exchange for a rate in the 6-7% range.”

But your lifestyle and your changing needs should matter more. Here are a few of the most common reasons people choose to sell today. Any one of these may be more important than keeping your current mortgage rate.

As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, says in a recent tweet:

“First-time and move-up buyers are both active . . . the latter driven by life changes. Divorce, marriage, new higher paid job, and existing home unsuitable all referenced.”

Relocation

Some of the things that can motivate a move to a new area include changing jobs, a desire to be closer to friends and loved ones, wanting to live in a dream location, or just looking for a change in scenery. 

For example, if you live in suburbia and just landed your dream job in NYC, you may be thinking about selling your current home and moving to the city for work. 

Upgrading

Many homeowners decide to sell to move into a larger home. This is especially common when there’s a need for more room to entertain, a home office or gym, or additional bedrooms to accommodate a growing number of loved ones.

For example, if you’re living in a condo and decide it’s time to seek out a home with more space, or if your household is growing, it may be time to find a home that better fits those needs. 

Downsizing

With inflation driving up everyday expenses, homeowners may also decide to sell to reduce maintenance and costs. Or, they may sell because someone’s moved out of the home recently, and there’s now more space than needed. It could also be that they’ve recently retired or are ready for a change.

For example, you’ve just kicked off your retirement, and you want to move to somewhere you can enjoy the warm weather and have less house to maintain. Your new lifestyle may be better suited for a different home. 

Change in Relationship Status

Divorce, separation, or marriage are other common reasons individuals sell to buy different homes.

For example, if you’ve recently separated, it may be difficult to still live under one roof. Selling and downsizing may be better options.

Health Concerns

If a homeowner faces mobility challenges or health issues that require specific living arrangements or modifications, they might sell their current home to find one that works better for them.

For example, you may be looking to sell your home and use the proceeds to help pay for a unit in an assisted-living facility.

With higher mortgage rates, there are some affordability challenges right now – but your needs and your lifestyle matter too. As a recent article from Bankrate says:

“Deciding whether it’s the right time to sell your home is a very personal decision. There are numerous important questions to consider, both financial and lifestyle-based, before putting your home on the market. . . . Your future plans and goals should be a significant part of the equation . . .”

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to sell your house so you can make a move, let’s connect so you have an expert on your side to help you navigate the process and find a home that can deliver on what you’re looking for.

Hosting the Perfect Summer BBQ: A Guide to Memorable Outdoor Gatherings

Posted on | by Kovacs

Summer is on us, and what better way to enjoy the warm weather than hosting a fantastic backyard barbecue? Whether planning a small gathering with close friends or a larger event for your entire neighborhood, organizing the perfect summer BBQ requires careful planning and attention to detail. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through hosting a memorable outdoor gathering, from planning the menu to creating a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. Get ready to fire up the grill and create unforgettable summer memories!

Choose the Ideal Date and Time
Picking the right date and time for your summer BBQ is crucial. Consider weekends when most people are likely available and check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Afternoon to early evening is a popular choice, as it allows guests to enjoy the sunshine and avoid excessive heat.

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
Transform your backyard into an inviting space that reflects the spirit of summer. Set up comfortable seating areas, provide shade options such as umbrellas or canopies, and decorate with vibrant, summery colors. Play some upbeat music to create a lively ambiance, and consider adding outdoor games like cornhole or badminton to keep guests entertained.

Plan the Menu
When it comes to the perfect summer BBQ, the menu plays a central role. Consider a mix of classic favorites and unique dishes to satisfy a range of tastes. Grilled meats like burgers, sausages, and marinated chicken are always popular. Don’t forget to include vegetarian and vegan options, such as grilled vegetables, tofu skewers, or veggie burgers. Side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, fresh salads, and corn on the cob complement the main course perfectly. Offer a variety of condiments, sauces, and toppings to allow guests to customize their meals.

Beverages and Refreshments
Keep your guests hydrated and refreshed by offering a variety of drink options. Prepare a cooler filled with chilled water, sodas, and juices. Create a self-serve beverage station with pitchers of iced tea, lemonade, or fruit-infused water. If you’re looking for a more festive touch, set up a DIY cocktail station where guests can mix their own refreshing summer cocktails.

The Art of Grilling
The grill is the heart of any summer BBQ, so make sure you have the right equipment and techniques to master the art of grilling. Clean your grill thoroughly before use, and have all the necessary grilling tools and accessories on hand. Experiment with different marinades, rubs, and sauces to enhance the flavor of your meats. Keep an eye on the grill to ensure everything is cooked to perfection, and remember to offer both well-done and medium options to cater to different preferences.

Entertainment and Activities
Keep your guests engaged and entertained throughout the event by organizing fun activities and games. Set up a DIY s’mores station for a delightful dessert experience, or create a sundae bar where guests can build their own ice cream creations. Consider having a small area for lawn games like bocce ball or frisbee, or even provide a projector for an outdoor movie night under the stars.

Comfort and Safety
Ensure the comfort and safety of your guests by providing ample seating, shade, and insect repellent. Have a designated area for garbage and recycling bins to keep your outdoor space clean and organized. If you’re planning an evening BBQ, provide adequate lighting to keep the party going after the sun sets.

Gracious Hosting
As the host, it’s essential to make your guests feel welcome and appreciated. Greet everyone warmly, introduce guests to one another, and ensure everyone has what they need.

The Benefits of Selling Now, According to Experts

Posted on | by Kovacs

If you’re trying to decide if now’s the time to sell your house, here’s what you should know. The limited number of homes available right now gives you a big advantage. That’s because there are more buyers out there than there are homes for sale. And, with so few homes on the market, buyers will have fewer options, so you set yourself up to get the most eyes possible on your house.

Here’s what industry experts are saying about why selling now has its benefits:

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Inventory levels are still at historic lows. Consequently, multiple offers are returning on a good number of properties.”

Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic:

“We have not seen the traditional uptick in new listings from existing homeowners, so undersupply of housing will continue to heighten market competition and put pressure on prices in most regions. Some markets are already heating up considerably, but price premiums that we saw last spring and summer are unlikely.”

Clare Trapasso, Executive News Editor at Realtor.com:

“Well-priced, move-in ready homes with curb appeal in desirable areas are still receiving multiple offers and selling for over the asking price in many parts of the country . . .”

Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist at Zillow:

“. . . sellers who price and market their home competitively shouldn’t have a problem finding a buyer.”

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling your house, let’s connect so you have the expert insights you need to make the best possible move today. 

June Events 2023

Posted on | by Kovacs

Are you looking for the perfect way to celebrate June in Orange County? There is no shortage of events this month suitable for all ages! From whale-watching excursions, car shows, street fairs, annual sawdust festivals, and cook-offs – there’s something exciting going on every day. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting for the week, make sure to check out these amazing opportunities to get out and explore everything that Orange County has to offer. Read on to learn more about these June 2023 events and plan your next adventure today!

Huntington Beach – Huntington Beach Concours 

Classic Car & Motorcycle Show
June 3-4, 2023

The Huntington Beach Concours is a fun event where car lovers and enthusiasts can come to enjoy themselves while knowing that they are also helping a worthy cause, The Huntington Beach Library Children’s Resource Center. It is rated # 1 in California. Please help us keep it that way by attending this year’s event.

LOCATION:
Huntington Beach Library
7111 Talbert Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA

Tustin – Tustin Street Fair & Cook-Off 

June 4, 2023
11 am to 6 pm

The event features a one-day Chili Cook-Off, salsa competitions, craft booths, non-profit food vendors, commercial vendors, entertainment, a kid’s area, music, family-friendly contests, wine & beer booths, a family plaza, and carnival attractions.

Admission is free.

LOCATION:
Old Town Tustin
El Camino Real and Main Street

INFORMATION:
(714) 573-3326

Fullerton – Vital Link Fullerton Drone Program 
June 5-8, 2023
9 AM – 12 PM

FREE One Week Drone Academy at Fullerton College open to all 9th-12th grade students

Vital Link in partnership with Fullerton Community College, would like to invite Orange County high school students to join our Regional Drone Academy.

What to Expect
Learn about the FAA Drone Certification
Learn about types of drones
Careers with drones
Drone terminology
Networking opportunities with professionals
Experience a college campus
Learn about the campus and programs offered at your local community colleges

Register here

LOCATION:
Fullerton College

INFORMATION:
949-299-5436

San Clemente – San Clemente Annual Car Show 

June 10, 2023
10 am – 3 pm

What began as a few classic car enthusiasts meeting at the San Clemente Community Center has grown into a beloved annual car show which draws thousands of spectators to view almost 300 cars on historic Avenida Del Mar. From classics, rods, and muscle to exotic cars and vintage trailers, the San Clemente Car Show has something for everyone!

Bring the entire family down to see all the cool cars and the vintage trailers. There will be a fantastic live band and dancing, and Taxpros+ will host a fun slot car racing game for kids of all ages.

LOCATION:
The show takes place in the 100 & 200 blocks of Avenida Del Mar in historic downtown San Clemente

Huntington Beach – Annual Pier Swim 
June 10, 2023
8:30 – 11 am

Get yourself in shape, practice your stroke, and learn the motions of the waves, and you’ll be in good company when the pier swim arrives. Join or watch this annual tradition as groups of swimmers from 12 years old and up swim approximately 1/2 mile around the Huntington Beach Pier. $25 entry fee

LOCATION:
Huntington Beach Pier
Main Street & PCH
Huntington Beach

INFORMATION:
Huntington Beach Community Services Department
714-960-8870

Corona del Mar – Baroque Music Festival

June 18-25, 2023

Founded in 1981, our yearly Festival presents five concerts over eight days in late June. This Festival provides astounding wealth and diversity of the Baroque era in a wide variety of ways. Large-scale works, with and without singers, are offered during Sunday concerts, while three mid-week programs give the opportunity to enjoy solo recitals and chamber music, all performed by the finest musicians in the historically informed Baroque field

LOCATION:
Corona del Mar, CA 92625

Costa Mesa – Lions Club Fish Fry & Carnival 
June 23-25, 2023

Held since 1945, the event features Opportunity Drawing, Beer & Wine Garden, Carnival Rides, Booths & Rock bands throughout Lions Park. The Fish Fry is presented to help raise money for local schools, clubs, and other organizations in the community.

Admission is FREE! Fish Dinners $15

LOCATION:
Lions Park
570 18th Street
Costa Mesa

Laguna Beach – Sawdust Festival 
June 30 to Sunday, September 3, 2023

Outdoor arts and crafts festival. Watch artists create their work and buy directly from the artists while enjoying the wonderful atmosphere.

LOCATION:
935 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach

INFORMATION:
949-494-3030

Dana Point & Newport Beach – Whale Watching 

Gray Whales migrate annually along the west coast of North America. They can be seen from the Orange County coast from December through April.

Summer and fall bring the giant blue whales. They can be seen from May through October

Humpback whales, finback whales, & minke whales are viewed year-round. The giant marine protected park provides pristine habitat for whales and dolphins and means a simple 2-2.5 hour cruise is all that is needed to see whales and dolphins from Dana Point and Newport Beach

LOCATIONS:
You can book cruises at the following locations:

DANA POINT:NEWPORT BEACH:
Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari
34451 Ensenada Place
Dana Point, CA 92629		Davey’s Locker Whale Watching
400 Main Street
Newport Beach Ca 92661
Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
34675 Golden Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629		Newport Landing
309 Palm – Suite A
Newport Beach, CA. 92661
$16 Cruise Special!
Click Here

What You Need To Know About Home Price News

Posted on | by Kovacs

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release its latest Existing Home Sales Report tomorrow. The information it contains on home prices may cause some confusion and could even generate some troubling headlines. This all stems from the fact that NAR will report the median sales price, while other home price indices report repeat sales prices. The vast majority of the repeat sales indices show prices are starting to appreciate again. But the median price reported on Thursday may tell a different story. 

Here’s why using the median home price as a gauge of what’s happening with home values isn’t ideal right now. According to the Center for Real Estate Studies at Wichita State University:

“The median sale price measures the ‘middle’ price of homes that sold, meaning that half of the homes sold for a higher price and half sold for less. While this is a good measure of the typical sale price, it is not very useful for measuring home price appreciation because it is affected by the ‘composition’ of homes that have sold.

For example, if more lower-priced homes have sold recently, the median sale price would decline (because the “middle” home is now a lower-priced home), even if the value of each individual home is rising.”

People buy homes based on their monthly mortgage payment, not the price of the house. When mortgage rates go up, they have to buy a less expensive home to keep the monthly expense affordable. More ‘less-expensive’ houses are selling right now, and that’s causing the median price to decline. But that doesn’t mean any single house lost value. 

Even NAR, an organization that reports on median prices, acknowledges there are limitations to what this type of data can show you. NAR explains:

“Changes in the composition of sales can distort median price data.”

For clarification, here’s a simple explanation of median value:

  • You have three coins in your pocket. Line them up in ascending value (lowest to highest).
  • If you have one nickel and two dimes, the median value of the coins (the middle one) in your pocket is ten cents.
  • If you have two nickels and one dime, the median value of the coins in your pocket is now five cents.
  • In both cases, a nickel is still worth five cents and a dime is still worth ten cents. The value of each coin didn’t change.

The same thing applies to today’s real estate market.

Bottom Line

Actual home values are going up in most markets. The median value reported tomorrow might tell a different story. For a more in-depth understanding of home price movements, let’s connect.

Best Flowers to Plant in Your Garden this Spring

Posted on | by Kovacs

Spring is here, bringing beautiful weather and outdoor activities. With warmer temperatures and longer days, now is the perfect time to get your garden in full bloom! To make sure that your garden looks its best this year, why not take advantage of some of nature’s most colorful flowers? Whether you are looking for bold or subtle colors, there are options available across a wide range of palettes. From poppies to California lilacs and beyond, this blog post highlights our top picks for spring gardening.

  1. California Poppies – These vibrant orange flowers are the state flower of California and bloom in the spring.
  2. Freesias – These fragrant flowers come in a variety of colors and can add a sweet scent to your garden.
  3. Sweet Alyssum – This low-growing, white flower has a delicate, sweet fragrance and is perfect for ground cover.
  4. Snapdragons – These colorful, spiky flowers come in a variety of hues and are a great addition to any garden.
  5. Petunias – These trumpet-shaped flowers come in a wide range of colors and can be planted in hanging baskets or containers.
  6. Marigolds – These hardy flowers come in a range of colors and can help deter pests from your garden.
  7. Cosmos – These delicate flowers come in a variety of colors and are easy to grow from seed.
  8. Geraniums – These colorful flowers can thrive in the spring weather and are perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden.
  9. Lavender – This fragrant herb is not only beautiful but also has many culinary and medicinal uses.
  10. California Lilacs – These blue and purple flowering shrubs bloom in the spring and can add a beautiful focal point to your garden.

Buyer Activity Is Up Despite Higher Mortgage Rates

Posted on | by Kovacs

If you’re a homeowner thinking about making a move, you may wonder if it’s still a good time to sell your house. Here’s the good news. Even with higher mortgage rates, buyer traffic is actually picking up speed.

Data from the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring homes, helps paint the picture of how much buyer demand has increased in recent months (see graph below):

As the graph shows, the first two months of 2023 saw a noticeable increase in buyer traffic. That’s likely because the limited number of homes for sale kept shoppers looking for homes even during colder months.

To help tell the story of why the latest report is significant, let’s compare foot traffic this February with each February for the last six years (see graph below). It shows this was one of the best Februarys for buyer activity we’ve seen in recent memory.

In the last six years, we saw the most February buyer traffic in 2021 and 2022 (shown in green above), but those years were highly unusual for the housing market. So, if we compare February 2023 with the more normal, pre-pandemic years, data shows this year still marks a clear rise in buyer activity.

The uptick in buyer traffic is even more noteworthy considering the increase in mortgage rates this February. The Freddie Mac 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose from 6.09% during the week of February 2nd to 6.50% in the week of February 23rd. But even with higher rates, more buyers were looking for a home.

Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist at Zillow, says the increased buyer activity could continue:

“More buyers will keep coming out of the woodwork. We always see a seasonal uptick in home shoppers in March and April . . .”

If you’re looking to sell your house, seeing buyers still active in the market this year should be encouraging. It’s a sign buyers are out there and could be looking for a home just like yours. Working with a real estate professional to list your house now will help you get your home in front of eager buyers today.

Bottom Line

Rising foot traffic is a bright spot for this year’s housing market and indicates that buyers are looking to purchase this year, even with higher mortgage rates. If you’re ready to sell your house, let’s connect.

May Events 2023

Posted on | by Kovacs

Rancho Days Fiesta – Lake Forest
Saturday, May 6, 2023
11 am – 3 pm

Come explore the rich history of Orange County’s rancho era through hands-on activities, crafts, music, dance, and more at the annual Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historical Park!

Activities and performances include: Native American and Folklorico dancing, Early California ranching with hands-on activities and exhibitors, Music, piñata breaking and crafts for children, Charro horse riding and roping demonstrations, plus Historic buildings will be open, courtesy of the Amigos de la Colina docents

LOCATION:
Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest
949-923-2230

Orange May Parade – Orange
Saturday, May 6, 2023
10 am

A historic parade brought back in 2019. The Orange May Parade is a hometown procession that brings the community together. The Orange May Parade truly is an all-encompassing community event, with local entities joining in the fun.

LOCATION:
Historic Old Towne Orange
Orange, CA

Open Garden Day – Santa Ana
May 13, 2023
10 am – 4 pm

Experience the inviting neighborhoods of West Floral Park and Jack Fisher Park in North Santa Ana. You are invited to stroll through our variety of gardens throughout the day. Tranquil spaces, unique planting ideas and inspiring yard designs are open for your viewing.

This one-day community event offers an array of activities: lovely gardens to tour, garden expert talks & demonstrations, vintage cars to peruse, a street full of vendors selling unique garden treasures, and gourmet food trucks with plenty of tasty treats.

LOCATION:
Neighborhoods of West Floral Park and Jack Fisher Park in North Santa Ana

INFORMATION:
714-836-9777

Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta – San Clemente
May 6, 2023

The Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration showcases live entertainment featuring traditional Mariachis and Ballet Folklorico to Cumbias, Tex Mex, and Salsa dancers. Community groups will be serving up authentic Mexican food fare, and other activities will include a juried Art Contest, Carnival Game booths, and a vendor area.

LOCATION:
Max Berg Plaza Park
1100 Calle Puente
San Clemente, CA

INFORMATION:
949-361-8264

Soka University’s Annual International Festival – Aliso Viejo
Saturday, May 6, 2023

This free, day-long event marks the anniversary of our university’s dedication and is open to everyone! Enjoy eclectic programming of musical performances from contemporary artists, delicious food and drink selections, and a variety of exciting activities for the whole family, including balloon animals, bubble artists, inflatable slides, and a bounce house.

Admission is FREE for everyone! Parking is $10 cash on campus

LOCATION:
Soka University
1 University Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

INFORMATION:
949-480-4081

OC MARATHON – Newport Beach
May 6-7, 2023

Join thousands of other community-minded runners and walkers at the OC Marathon, beginning at Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa just south of Santa Barbara Drive—pledges to benefit eleven local children’s charities through Run for Orange County Kids (ROCK).

INFORMATION:
(949) 222-3327

Jurassic Trails & Tales – Laguna Niguel
May 19-21, 2023

Welcome adventurers! Take a step back through time and experience a wild adventure at Crown Valley Park. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to visit the Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Velociraptor, and T-Rex in their natural environment. Be sure to check out our prehistoric crafts and activities. Food will be available for purchase.

Wristbands will be available for purchase in person at Crown Valley Community Center during normal operating hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm starting on Monday, April 17th. You may also purchase wristbands during event hours.

LOCATION:
Crown Valley Park
29751 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA

StandUp for Kids Orange County Car Show 2023 – Lake Forest
May 20, 2023
3-6 pm

Join us for our 3rd Annual Car Show fundraiser benefitting homeless and at-risk youth in Orange County.

Come check out beautiful vintage, classic, and sports cars while enjoying food, drinks, and live music. This year’s car show will be held at Auto Addiction OC, a classic car sanctuary.

LOCATION:
Auto Addiction OC
26862 Vista Terrace
Lake Forest, Ca

INFORMATION / TICKETS:
Purchase tickets online

Tustin LobsterFest – Tustin
Saturday, May 20, 2023

An afternoon of FUN for the family – enjoy entertainment, games, music and prizes.

The Tustin Lobsterfest is an annual fundraiser event that provides financial support for the programs and services sponsored by the Tustin / Santa Ana Rotary Club. All net proceeds from this event help pay for local Rotary programs throughout Tustin and Santa Ana.

LOCATION:
Peppertree Park – Corner of First and C street
Tustin, CA

San Clemente Summer Kickoff Music Festival – San Clemente
May 20, 2023
11 am – 3 pm

The San Clemente Music Festival Summer Kickoff at the San Clemente Outlets will be a great way to get in the Summer mood with Lots of Great Live Bands, Dancing, Community Booths, Free Raffle Prizes and Great Shopping deals. This Free event is Family Friendly and will be great for youth and young adults and adults of all ages.

The booths will have many local organizations that will have many health and wellness awareness for a safe and healthy summer. Each booth will have raffle tickets to give away so you can enter to win a Great prize while attending.

LOCATION:
Outlets at San Clemente
101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa
San Clemente, CA 92672

Balboa Island ArtWalk – Balboa
Sunday, May 21, 2023

Over a mile of art and live music!

The Balboa Island Artwalk is the premier showcase for talented local artists and marks the start of Balboa Island’s summer season. This fine art show features 100 artists exhibiting paintings, fine jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography. Spectators will enjoy live music throughout the day. Admission is free

LOCATION:
Balboa Island, CA

Strawberry Festival – Garden Grove
May 26-29, 2023

The festival is a parade and carnival celebrating the city’s strawberry-growing history. Free admission!

5 Reasons Millennials Are Buying Homes

Posted on | by Kovacs

In the United States, there are over 72 million millennials. If you’re part of that generation and have thought about buying a home, you aren’t alone. According to Zonda, 98% of millennials want to become a homeowner at some point if they aren’t already. But why? There are plenty of reasons you may choose to become a homeowner. Here’s why other millennials have made that decision (see graph below):

This graph shows why millennials are buying homes according to Zonda’s 6th annual millennial survey. The top reasons include building equity, a change in life stage, wanting stability, rising home values, and wanting to make somewhere truly their own. Here’s a look at each in more detail.

Building equity – Homeownership is a long-term investment that allows you to build wealth, increase your net worth, and become more financially stable. Beyond that, the alternative to owning a home is typically renting. With the way rents have risen so dramatically over time, it may make sense to build your own equity instead of the equity of the person you’re renting from.

A change in life stage – As a millennial, you’re reaching your prime homebuying years. That means you may be at the point where you need more space or a different location.

Stability or settling down – This could mean establishing your career or just generally deciding more concretely what you want your life to look and feel like. As that idea becomes clearer, you may want to establish that lifestyle in a particular place and put down roots.

Rising home values – By purchasing a home, you own an asset that traditionally increases in value over time. That can mean your home will have a higher resale value if you decide to move again.

Wanting to make somewhere “mine” – Owning a home gives a sense of freedom because you can customize it however you want, make updates as you see fit, and be yourself in a place that’s solely your own.

Bottom Line

There are plenty of great reasons why millennials are buying homes today. If you’ve thought about becoming a homeowner and any of these reasons resonate with you too, let’s connect to explore your options.