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• Make sure your home has a nice flow. A home wherein you can walk around with ease leaves a great impression for homebuyers.
• Get rid of unnecessary clutter. Use your garage or a storage facility to store unnecessary items or furniture. The key is to create bright, open living spaces.
• Let there be light. You want to make your home bright and airy. Open up your windows, repaint rooms using light-colored paint, and add more lights.
• Give your patio a fresh, new look. Simple touches like new décor, lounge chairs, or more plants go a long way in creating a stylish patio.
• Enhance your home’s curb appeal. A home with fantastic curb appeal stands a great chance of attracting more buyers. Give your exterior a fresh coat of paint, add a walkway, plant more flowers – anything to make your home look more attractive.
• Add new kitchen appliances. Replace your old, worn-out kitchen appliances and give your kitchen a brand new look. New kitchen appliances are a big plus for many homebuyers.
• Give old appliances a new look. If new appliances don’t fit your budget, apply a stainless steel stick-on cover on the old ones. These cost just around $20, and are a great way of adding a more modern look to any kitchen.
• Stain your old kitchen cabinets. Instead of replacing kitchen cabinets, give them a shiny new look by staining them.
• Give your old fireplace screen a new look. After wiping the dust off your old fireplace screen, a simple can of heat-resistant spray paint can do wonders.
• Add a light coat of paint to your brick fireplace. Use a rag to rub in a light shade of paint to each brick in your fireplace. This adds a subtle new tone, and doesn’t create an overpowering appearance.
• Get rid of the grime. Get rid of mold by spraying a mix of one part water and one part bleach to your tiles, add a new coat of paint, and your bathroom walls now look newer and much more appealing.
• Scour your shower door. Instead of replacing your shower door, just use a bit of muriatic acid mixed with plenty of water to scour away the grime.
• Paint your tiles. Apply primer and use ceramic epoxy paint to give your tiles a new look – much more affordable than replacing them.
• Add space to small bathrooms. Get rid of your old vanity and replace them with pedestal sinks – a great way to make small bathrooms more spacious.
• Give old hardwood floors a new look. Sand and stain your old hardwood floors to give them an entirely different appearance.
• Accessorize accordingly. Don’t use any home accessories that stand out too much. Use décor that shows off your home’s built-in features.
• Furnish for functionality. Display a room’s functionality by adding furniture. Don’t add anything that draws too much attention to a single area.
• Get rid of old wood panels. A cheaper alternative to replacing wood panel walls is by covering them up. Use wood filler to cover gaps and cracks, and cover it with a new coat of paint.
• Use painter’s tape to visualize furniture arrangements. Instead of sapping your energy by actually moving around furniture, create outlines using tape, to get a feel of how a room may look like in terms of space.
• Make use of vinyl tiles. Using vinyl tiles is a cost-effective solution to give your home an updated look.
• Give each room a clear purpose. Avoid creating extra rooms that have no clear purpose, as buyers might get confused, which hurts your chances of closing a deal.
• Pet odors will drive buyers away. If you own a pet, replace any carpets that might trap any unpleasant odor.
• Add tons of storage. Buyers are attracted to homes with plenty of storage space. Clean out your closets, organize your shelves, and show off your home’s storage capabilities.
• Use the floor to create better flow. You can combine two areas simply by giving them a single floor appearance.
• Master bedrooms should attract both genders. Use neutral-colored paint and non gender-specific décor and furniture for your master bedroom, in order for it to attract people of both genders.
• Clean your fireplace. Give your fireplace a good scrubbing with soap and water, and polish the bricks to give it a shiny new appearance.
• Granite countertops are a great investment. They might be pricey, but granite countertops add a touch of class to any kitchen.
• Show off the view. Make the windows the focal point if you’d like to show off the great views surrounding the property.
• Add cost-friendly upgrades to your yard. Simple upgrades can make your yard look welcoming and attractive. Add outdoor lights, lounge chairs, and more plants to entice buyers.
• Set up the dinner table. An empty dining area can look too boring. Set up the table with fancy dinnerware as if you’re preparing for a big feast.

The Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park is a favorite destination of many outdoor enthusiasts. The park has a very relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, which is perhaps its biggest draw. For those looking for a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of daily life, there’s no better way to unwind than feeling the cool breeze while walking under the shade of soaring trees and taking in sweeping views of lush rolling hills and picturesque ridges at the Riley Wilderness Park.

Hiking

Hikers visiting the park are in for a treat as there are several well-maintained trails that go all throughout the area. Depending on your preference, you can choose whether to go on an easy, relaxing hike or trek through more technical terrain as the varying spectrum of trails allows you to create your own hiking path. To help you navigate the park’s many trails, grab a park map, which can be found at each trailhead.

Throughout the paths, hikers will come across acres of open space, a wide variety of wildlife, and a beautiful pond. Several viewpoints along the trails offer incredible views of the Santa Ana Mountains and the greater Orange County area.

Other Features

Riley Wilderness Park is a perfect place to bring your kids. One of its best features is a large nature center, which contains interactive exhibits, displays, and an outdoor butterfly garden. Throughout the year, the park’s non-profit organization arranges different programs and events that serve to educate students and members of the community about the importance of taking care of our environment.

Riley Wilderness Park is truly one of Orange County’s hidden gems. It doesn’t get too crowded, so visitors can look forward to plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature. For people looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience, this is definitely the perfect place.

Coto de Caza is a premier gated community that serves as a relaxing oasis for residents. Sweeping panoramic views of rolling hills and mountain vistas surround the area, giving residents plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature. Along with captivating scenery, countless activities are in store for residents as plenty of parks, hiking trails, beaches, shopping malls, and restaurants are located just minutes away from the community.

If you’re looking for a home to rent in Coto de Caza, here are some of the fine properties currently available:

6 Golden Poppy Drive

Take in sweeping mountain views from this fantastic four-bedroom, four-bathroom Mediterranean-style home located on a quiet cul-de-sac. This home has a wide selection of world-class features, including an expansive master suite with fireplace,gigantic master bath with heated floors, gourmet kitchen, custom landscaped yard, state-of-the-art media room, and elegant dining room. To take advantage of the breathtaking views, numerous windows are found all throughout the house.

This property can be rented at $5,700 per month.

53 Augusta

Nestled in a beautiful location right in front of the Coto Country Club North Course’s tee box, this spacious five-bedroom, five-bathroom home combines style, elegance, and luxury in a harmonious way. The home covers approximately 5,000 square feet, and abounds with top-quality features such as a large master suite with stunning views, elegant master bath with soaking tub, gourmet kitchen, and fully-equipped exercise room and media room. Residents can get some much-needed relaxation in the home’s expansive yard, which has a large pool and an adjoining BBQ area.

The home is available for rent at $7,000 per month.

One of Orange County’s oldest developments, the exclusive community of Coto de Caza is surrounded by acres of lush, natural landscape filled with rolling hills and towering trees. In this private oasis, residents can enjoy a diverse amount of activities and places to visit– incredible beaches, hiking trails, parks, shopping centers, and restaurants are all within the area.

Homes in the area are beautifully designed, and come with picturesque views and spacious lots. Take a look at a sampling of great homes currently available in Coto de Caza today:

31672 Via Pato

This stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom home features gorgeous Craftsman-style architecture and is loaded with first-class features and amenities. Homeowners get to enjoy a life of luxury within intricately detailed French doors.A spacious master suite with Jacuzzi, a temperature-controlled wine closet, a custom wood-burning fireplace, and a scenic backyard with a built-in BBQ pit are just some of its outstanding features.

This property is currently priced at $1,225,000.

3 Oakbrook

This exceptional four-bedroom, four-bathroom contemporary home comes with amazing golf course views and tons of exclusive features. The expansive property covers nearly 4,000 square feet, and is located along the 12th and 13th fairways of the picturesque North Course. Its amenities include a gourmet kitchen with top-quality appliances, Travertine floors, a luxurious master suite, and a resort-style backyard with a sparkling pool, waterfall, koi pond, and BBQ area.

This home is currently priced at $1,575,000.

Get to experience a seamless blend of luxury, relaxation, convenience, and privacy in this spacious, two-story Mediterranean, priced at $890,000. The property features nearly 2,900 square feet of living space, and has four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Exterior and Interior Features

With gorgeous exterior features enhanced by impeccable masonry and beautiful landscaping, this home oozes with curb appeal. The backyard serves as a great place to relax and soak in the incredible outdoor scenery. The space boasts features such as intricate stonework, an alumawood patio cover, a built-in stacked stone BBQ pit, and a saltwater Pebble Tec pool and spa. The home’s garage can accommodate three vehicles, and contains plenty of cabinets for storage.

Inside, the living room serves as a cozy spot to spend intimate moments with friends and family.Enhancing its appeal are features such as vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, and a custom, built-in entertainment center. A downstairs bedroom has been newly remodeled into an office space, which includes built-in desks, cabinets and a granite counter. Kitchen amenities include state-of-the-art appliancesand an in-kitchen dining area.

The expansive master suite exhibits the true definition of luxury, with a double-door entrance, high vaulted ceilings with a lighted ceiling fan, custom drapes and a spacious walk-in closet with built-in fixtures. Its windows open up to breathtaking views of lush, rolling hills.The room is complemented by a newly remodeled master bath with a walk-in shower, a large soaking tub, dual sinks, marble counters and floors, and custom cabinets.

Other Features

Families who love spending time outdoors will be delighted to know the Riley Wilderness Park is located just across the street. It’s the perfect place to raise children as well, with an award-winning school district serving the area. Other great benefits include a low tax rate and very affordable HOA dues.

Thinking of sending your kids to schools in the Capistrano Unified School District? Here are a few quick facts:About CUSD

Founded in 1965, CUSD is considered to be the second largest school district in Orange County, with a total of 53,785 students in 195 square miles of territory across seven cities.

The  Capistrano Unified School District serves the communities of Aliso Viejo,Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Niguel,  Las Flores,Mission Viejo,  Rancho Santa Margarita,  San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and Wagon Wheel.

CUSD is managed by a board of trustees composed of seven members who represent the seven geographic regions covered by the school district. The board is in charge of establishing policies, the approval of the annual budget as well as the curriculum, construction of infrastructure, as well as decisions regarding employment. These board members serve four years in the office and are chosen via a voting process.

Quick Facts About the CUSD

• Considered as the largest employer in South Orange County, the CUSD employees more than 4,000 people.
• CUSD is considered to be the 12th largest school district in the state of California and the 82nd largest school district in the United States.
• The school district has a total of 35 elementary schools, two K-8 schools, 10 middle schools, six Comprehensive High Schools, one Alternative Education High School, one Adult School, two exceptional needs facilities, one independent study high school and five charter schools.
• For the academic year 2013-2014, CUSD had a total district combined budget of $449.6 million.
• CUSD currently has a total of 23,889 registered elementary students, 12,781 middle school students and 17,115 high school students.
• The districthas one of the highest graduation rates in all of California – higher than that of California’s total average.
• The district has a total of 40 distinguished schools and 11 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

What comes to mind when you think about Orange County? One of the most popular areas in the state of California, the OC is known for its affluent and picturesque communities where you’ll find awe-inspiring mansions situated in exclusive neighborhoods that are truly breathtaking.Homes for the Rich and FamousOrange County has some of the most affluent neighborhoods in the United States. In fact, 8 of the 27 richest neighborhoods in Southern California can be found here, with Cameo Shores, Pelican Hill, Corona del Mar and Harbor Island, all found in Newport Beach taking the 1st, 2nd and 4th respective spots on the list.

With 42 miles of beautiful coastline, outstanding destinations for luxury shopping and world-class dining, a stellar cultural and arts scene, and so much more, it’s no wonder why the rich and famous choose to live in the OC.

Here are just some of the famous celebrities, singers, actors and athletes who call (or have called) Orange County home:

MUSIC

• Gwen Stefani, recording artist
• Alyson Reed, actress and dancer
• Deborah Voigt, opera singer
• KieuChinh, Vietnamese superstar and actress
• Eddie Cochran, early rock and roll legend
• Lee Rocker, Strat Cats bassist
• Whitney Houston, singer
• Jennifer Warnes, singer
• Pat Boone, singer
• Jack Kelly, actor
• Andrew McMahon, musician
• Tim Buckley, singer
• Jeff Buckley, singer
• Lit (band)

ENTERTAINMENT

• Dita Von Teese, burlesque artist
• Cuba Gooding Jr., actor
• Ted McGinley, actor
• AudrinaPatridge, TV personality
• Jeff Lewis, designer and TV personality
• Philip K. Dick, science fiction author
• Kristy Swanson, actor
• Kirstin Cavallari, star of MTV’s Laguna Beach
• Melinda Clarke, actress
• John Raitt, actor
• Joey Bishop, actor and comedian
• Sandra Bullock, actress
• John Stamos, actor
• Norma Zimmer, actress
• Jean Carmen, pin-up model and actress
• Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, comedian
• Claire Trevor, Academy Award-winning actress
• Marlon Brando, actor
• Vicki Gunvalson, The Real Housewives of Orange County

SPORTS

• Mark Sanchez, quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles
• Tito Ortiz, UFC Star
• Misty May-Treanor, Olympic beach volleyball champion
• Dennis Rodman, athlete
• Teemu Selanne, Retired Hockey Player for the Anaheim Ducks
• Rod Carew, Retired Baseball Player for the Los Angeles Angels
• Bobby Grich, Retired Baseball Player for the Los Angeles Angels

Coto de Caza plays host to quite a few golf tournaments in Southern California. The magnificent Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club features two courses that are considered to be the best in Orange County and are often numbered among the foremost courses in the region as a whole.The Coto de Caza Golf  & Racquet Club has and continues to host a wide variety of events throughout the year that let you enjoy the game and contribute to a cause at the same time. Here are just some of them:

• The 27th Annual Golf Tournament hosted by the Orange County regional chapter of the Community Associations Institute. The event is scheduled for March 30.
• The 2015 St. Joseph Hospital Golf Tournament, whose object is to raise funds for the St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Care Center. This has been a community event for over three decades and this year’s tournament will be on April 20.
• The 24th Annual West Coast Golf & Tennis Tournament hosted by the City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry. This year’s tournament will be on June 8 and LPGA Tour Hall of Fame member Amy Alcott will be making a special appearance.
• Other annual tournaments whose details aren’t yet available include: the Annual Swing for Autism Golf Tournament; Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund Charity Golf Tournament; and the Club Corp Charity Classic.

About the Courses

Designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the North and South courses feature beautiful, relaxing scenery and are ideal for golfers of any skill level. The North course has a total of 18 holes and a par of 72. The course spans 7,131 yards and a slope of 147. The course is well loved by players of any skill level, from pros to amateurs. The south course on the other hand, has a total of 18 holes and a par of 72. The course spans 6,950 yards and a slope of 140. It is known to be a shot-maker’s course and is more challenging, with winding doglegs, smaller greens and more water hazards.

Perfect for company golf tournaments or charitable events, the golf club offers a variety of special event packages that event organizers can choose from. For tournaments, the golf club will provide an on-course contest set-up and pre and post-tournament announcements, carts, tournament scoring of various formats (personalized scorecards, cart signs), as well as alphabetized Coto de Caza guest bag tags, locker rooms, bag handling and, of course, unlimited range balls for a truly enjoyable golfing experience.

One of the most effective strategies that home sellers put in place to get more leads and increase interest among buyers is home staging. This involves prepping the home for viewing and making it more appealing to potential buyers. When done right, home staging can get your home sold at a faster rate and can also help you get the most out of the sale of your property.Clean house.
First things first: get cleaning! Before doing any decorating, make the home as pristine as possible. A clean home is a great canvas to work with when it comes to redecorating, so de-clutter and remove any obstructions.

Cleverly utilize space.
It’s advisable to try and maximize the space and to decorate it in a way that enhances its functionalities. You can do this by adding chairs or tables or by adding lighting fixtures and so on. Be as creative as possible! Also, homebuyers tend to prefer homes where they feel like they’re getting more space for what they’re paying for, so allow natural light to flow inside the home, or get rid of heavy-looking bulky furniture to create the illusion of more space.

Curb appeal.
Make a great first impression by making sure your home looks great inside and out. Enhancing a house’s curb appeal is a great way to get buyers interested in knowing more about it. If you get a potential homebuyers’ attention right from the start, they’re more likely to want to go inside and learn more about the home’s other features. Sprucing up your home’s façade doesn’t need to be expensive – you can add more landscape lighting, trim the lawn, or add some boxed flowers – the possibilities are endless.

Remember: there are plenty of ways to prep your home. A fair warning though – don’t spend too much on home staging as you may not be able to get the return of investment that you are hoping for – when in doubt, keep it simple, focus on the basics, and consult your Realtor. Also, don’t underestimate the impact a fresh coat of paint can make!

Market Overview Overall, residential Real Estate sales (including new construction, resale and condominiums) in Southern California have declined from a total of 14,471 homes sold in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties in January 2014 to 13,560 in January of 2015 – a stark difference of 911 homes.The median sales price of homes in Southern California for January 2015 ($409,000), on the other hand, increased by 7.6% from January 2014 ($380,000) and decreased 1.45% from December 2014 ($415,000).

Orange County’s Sales Performance for Jan 2015

Orange County was the second weakest performer in terms of home sales in all of Southern California at the onset of 2015, next to San Bernardino who suffered a -10.40% decrease in home sales for January 2015 compared to that of January 2014.

Compared to the home sales in January 2014, the sales in Orange County for January 2015 have dropped, with a -10.10% difference in home sales from a total of 2,205 home sold in January last year and a total of 1,982 homes sold in January of this year. The median sale prices however, have increased 2.30% from $550,000 last January 2014 to $562,500 in January of this year.

What to Look Forward To

The number of sold homes for January and February may be less than that of 2014’s, but Andrew LePage, a data analyst from CoreLogicDataQuick reassures home sellers and buyers in SoCal that the data reflected in the earlier parts of the year are not reflective of what’s to come – usually, it’s all about timing. With median prices increasing to 7.60% in Southern California, increasing job and income rates, and a decline in mortgage rates, it’s interesting to see how the market will turn out as the year progresses. We’re likely to expect a stronger seller’s market with demand bumping up if inventory remains stagnant.