The beauty and magic of the pride of Pasadena, of course the Tournament of Roses aka the Rose Parade (and been there myself many times over the years and took this photo to the right at street level) may or may not at times have much of an impact on home prices in Southern California

The “weather” dividend as it’s also known has come and in someways gone (imho) over the years along with the inflated home prices for our  (mostly) postage stamp size lots right along with our traffic clogging freeways. Yet seeing the sunny skies of Southern Cal has got to be appealing to those in the frozen tundra of the east this time of year. I can only imagine what it must be like to shovel your way out of the house vs. saying “please pass me the sunscreen Wilma…”

Those of us who’ve lived here all our lives at times take our “winter weather” for granted,  yep when it gets down below the 60′s during the day we think we’re freezing, yet that’s almost balmy in Chicago for Jan.  And believe me I know that after visiting the Windy City in early Jan. a couple of years back  locals were boasting about sunshine and 37 degree temps!

So I guess only time will tell if the 2012 real estate market will be much different from 2010 and 2011 which reflected relatively similar numbers for home prices and sales according to the data from the So Cal Multiple Listing Service (one of the largest real estate data bases in the country).

Now for me personally, even though selling So Cal real estate for living has been my livelihood for decades, I think we have more than enough people here right now, I’d just like a few more them to be buying homes at this point. So if you’re interested  contact me, Lynda@PreferreHomeBrokers.com.  However if you’re making the trek out west to the left-coast and need a great (rather immodest) REALTOR, you can contact me too. My company is Preferred Home Brokers and we’ve been representing home buyers and sellers in SoCal communities now for decades in Southern California, the land of sunshine among other things.

So I guess only time will tell if the 2012 real estate market will be much different from 2010 and 2011 which had relatively similar numbers according to the data from the So Cal Multiple Listing Service (one of the largest real estate data bases in the country). Until then…enjoy the weather wherever you are!

As an experienced Broker I understand the  probate process and knowledge  of helping families at difficult times like this.  I’ve also had the personal experience as a Broker and a Successor Trustee myself along with the experience working with reverse mortgages when it comes to senior and probate home sellling.

Take a quick look at this probate home selling video:

My company is Preferred Home Brokers and we’ve been serving home buyers and sellers including probate sales for more than 35 years in Southern California. We’re one of the longest established independent residential brokerages in Orange County under the same ownership. And with the ups and downs of the real estate market place and economy over the decades we take pride in the fact we’ve survived (where others have failed) by continually serving our loyal clients and their personal referrals.

When it comes to senior real estate and probate sales, we’ve also created a special website California Senior Real Estate, it’s filled with helpful tips and information created specifically to meet the needs of seniors and their families. Home Selling 101.com is another great place for more home selling help with more tips and videos. Please check it out for yourself and I’d love to hear from you.

Thursday, August 12th is the date, the downtown Downtown Disney District is the place for this great event. It’s the 3rd annual “taste” event to support the extraordinary CHOC ~ Children’s Hospital of OC. 

Anyone who’s ever experienced the great things that take place at CHOC knows all to well its an amazing place with dedicated and caring professionals.  We know that first hand for ourselves, the photo is one I took one day  in the 3rd floor playroom. This was a special day for the kid’s the “Angel Girls” paid a visit.

So head on out  for the evening to taste the famous fares from the  likes of   House of Blues, Catal Resturant & Uva Bar, ESPN Zone (this one needs no explanation, right?),  Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (btw, one of my faves) and Tortilla Jo’s + others.  Like wine and sprits? Look no further for selected parings of  wine, sprits and beer.

If desserts are more your style, you will be happy to know there will be an array of delicious and decadent desserts to please any palate.

All this + entertainment for a bargain price of  just  $50 bucks, that’s right!  Click here to find out about ordering tickets.

• Event begins at 6:00 p.m.
• Complimentary valet parking is available.
• Check in at the CHOC Welcome Table at the Valet Loop

Hope to see you and for friends there!

If you’re looking to learn more about Living in So Cal, contact me!

Here’s a list of local markets to cruise around in northern Orange Co.   I’ve been to many of these myself and never been disappointed!

Brea ~ Tuesdays 4:00-8:30 ~location is Birch Stree in downtown Brea. It’s a happening place for local produce and some of the best doggone cakes (you’ve got to try these) I’ve ever tasted. 

Fullerton ~ Thursday 6:30-8:30  ~ location is on Wilshire (downtown Fullerton) between Harbor & Pomona, and this is also one of the larger markets  around.  Enjoy local produce, entertainment, kid’s activities and a wine & beer garden to boot.

Placentia ~ Saturday 9:00 am-1:00pm  ~ location is at the corner of Bradford and Santa Fe in old Placentia.  In addition to local fresh fruits and vegtable they’ve got baked goods and other fine foods. This one is new, check it out.

Yorba Linda ~ Saturday 9:00 -1:00 pm~ location  is on Main St. and Imperial Hwy.  Certified produce, crafters and more, you can see it right off of Imperial Hwy. in the old part of town just off of Yorba Linda Blvd.

Local farmers markets are a great way to find local/fresh produce and fun entertainment, art & crafts while enjoying the outdoors in So Cal. It can be a fun time for the whole family Check these out in your local areas.

Brea Relay For Life

The event will kick off at 10:oo a.m. with the Survivors Lap, young and old all are invited to particpate. During the next 23 hours each team entered will have at least one member of the team on the track through out the event. 

Teams are usually comprised of family, friends, co-workers, civic groups all of which agree to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

Our own team is Ohana Aloha, check it out here.

This is the 2nd year for our team and we would love your participation and support. If you’re interested in forming your own team, that great visit the 24 Hour Relay For Life. You will be glad you did!

 Wish I could actually sing that, but there’s not a chance it could happen. So instead, here’s a list of local holiday craft fair events and boutiques,  in and around SoCal. So here’s your opportunity to get a head start (if you haven’t already) on your holiday shopping and enjoy yourself at the same time, these are always fun events!

~ Orange County ~

Anaheim ~ First Annual Christmas Holiday Boutique, Saturdays Nov. 21st & 28th, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Location, Community of Faith, 701 W. Broadway Ave. , Anaheim.  Over 40 booths and lots of yummy goodies to buy all day!

Brea  ~  Nutcracker Craft Boutique, Friday Nov. 21, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm & Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Location: Brea Community Center, 695 E. Madison Wy, Brea (center is behind the Brea Post Office)

Brea ~ Brea-Glenbrook Holiday Bazaar, Rain or shine, Sat. Dec. 5th  9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Location Glenbrook Clubhouse, 1821 E. Greenbrier, Brea 92821. Click here for more info on Brea Glenbrook Club. 

Costa Mesa ~  Annual Holiday Boutique, Friday Nov. 13th. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Location: Orange County Dept. of Education, 200 Kalmus Dr., Board Rm., Costa Mesa, 92626.

Huntington Beach ~ Annual Craft Fair,  Saturday Nov. 14^th. Location: St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 714-842-3956.

 Irvine  ~ Holiday Faire Boutique,  Friday Nov.  6th,  5:00-9:00 pm, Saturday Nov. 7^th,   9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Location: Irvine Fine Arts Center, 14321 Yale Ave. Irvine, CA  92604 (949) 624-1901

 La Habra ~ Craft Fair & Chili Cook-Off, Saturday Nov. 14^th, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Location: United Church, 631 N. Euclid Ave. , La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 691-1797.

La Habra ~ Sonora Cheerl 16th Annual Holiday Boutique on Dec. 5th, from 9:00 am to 3:00. Location 401 S. Palm, La Habra, 90631. For more info visit here, Sonora Cheer Holiday Boutique.

La Habra ~ Walnut House of Treasures Home Boutique, Friday Nov. 20, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sat., Nov. 21, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Location: 521 N. Walnut St. La Habra, 90631. (Between Whittier Blvd. and La Habra Blvd).

Lake Forest ~ 15 th Annual Santiago de Competela Church Holiday Boutique,  Week-end of  Nov. 13th 4:40 pm to 9:00 pm, Nov. 14th 9:00 am to 6:30 pm, Nov. 15th 8:00 am to to 2:00 pm. Location: 21682 Lake Forest Dr. & Trabuco Rd. Lake Forest.

Mission Viejo ~ Annual Holiday Gifts & Goodies Boutique,  Rain or Shine, Indoors!  Saturday Nov. 21st, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Location:  Norman Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Vieho, for more info visit click here. 

Santa Ana ~ Ebell Holiday Boutique, Friday Dec. 4th, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Location: Historic Ebell Facility, 625 French St. , Santa Ana, CA.

Tustin ~ Holiday Boutique, Saturday Nov. 7^th, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Location: Tustin Area Senior Center, 200 S. “C” Street, Tustin,  92780 (714) 544-5341.

Tustin ~  Jamestown Village Vintage Flea Market,Nov. 22, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Location: 474 El camino Real, Tustin, CA.

Yorba Linda ~ Annual Craft Fair, Saturday Nov. 7^th, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Location: Yorba Linda Community Center, 4501 Casa Loma, Yorba Linda,  92886.

~ Other So Cal Counties ~

Arcadia ~ Gingerbread Boutique, Nov. 27, 28 & 29.  Location: 50 W. Duarte Rd. Arcadia, CA. Visit www.holidaytraditionsshows.com

Del Mar Fairgrounds ~  Seasons of the heart Holiday Craft & Antique Fair, Fri. & Sat. Nov. 13th & 14th, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sun. Nov. 15th 10:00  to 4:00. Location, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Building The Activity Center, 2260 Jimmy Durante Dr., Del Mar 92014.  Admission FREE.

Lakewood ~ Timeless Treasures Boutiques, Nov. 11th – 14th, Dec. 9th – 12th. Wed. thru Fri. 10: 00 am to 8:00 pm. Sat. 9:00 am to 1:30 am. Location: Lakewood Country Club, 3101 Carson, Lakewood CA 90712. FREE admission, NO strollers please.

Temecula ~ Hope Women of ELCA 18th Annual Holiday Boutique,  Sat. Nov. 14th, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Location: Hope Lutheran Church, 29141 Vallejo Ave. , Temecula. 

Upland ~ Seasons & Holidays, Dec. 3rd – 5th. Location 800 Arrow Hyw., Upland.

 Much of time (if you’re a reader of my blog) you know I write a lot about real estate, yet I love to write about local events and happenings you know things that would be important to someone living in so cal.

• It’s important to note that many of these events are charity fundraisers and may charge a token amount for admission.

Happy Shopping!

If you have a craft show or event coming up you would like to add to the list, send me an email, I’d be happy to help out.

If you’re looking for help with So Cal real estate, let me know, text or direct , 714 595-1494.

Beat the heat, head to the

This event  is an annual happening for me, attending with friends and this year was no exception.  Heading  south on the I-5 to Laguna for the 2009 event, I got lucky, the OC traffic seemed light for a change.  Each year I plan early enough to make the Sawdust Festival prior to attending (later that evening) the spectacular nearby Laguna Pagent of the Masters.

Both events are always a treat, and a great way to beat the late summer heat.  What could be a better way to cool off among beauty of mother nature and amazing art!

The Sawdust Festival (dating back to the mid 1960′s) always offers and eclectic array of artists showcasing their cretive talents in many ways.

Hungry, there are plenty of eats to consider view the food and refeshments  available along with entertainment featured on three stages, something for everyone!

• Location: 935 Laguna Canyon Rd. Laguna Beach, CA. 92651
• For more info call  (949) 494-3030 Fax: (949) 494-7390
• Admission for adults is $7.50 for the day ~ seniors $6 ~ children 6-12 $3

Living in So Cal this is an ongoing event for me and one thing for sure you never know exactly what you’re going to find at the Sawdust, all except for a dog-gone good time!

If you’re interested in learning more about living in So Cal and Orange County real estate, contact me at PreferredHomeBrokers.com. I’m a life-long So Cal resident and broker of more than thirty years.

Beautiful Orange County California recently experienced unbelieveable surf conditions in picturesque Newport Beach.

I’ve loved living in So Cal all my life and can’t really remember very many times like this.  On Friday the 24th (one of the biggest wave days) I biked from Huntington Beach to the Wedge at the South End of Newport to see the action myself along with several thousand spectators that day.

Along the way I stopped at the Newport Pier and then again in Balboa.  Sand berms had been constructed nearest the pier  to break the waves.   In some places you could see where huge waves had breached the walls of sand as the waves crashed over. 

It was quite an experience.

A few days later I headed back to the same spots only this time is was life as usual.

The beach pictured to the left at the Wedge was almost deserted.  Such is life…living in So Cal!

If you live in the OC, either central or northern Orange County your probably familar with the friendly sounds of summer each and every night.

That’s right, every single night it happens at 9:30!

I’m one of those who has lived in So Cal all my life, and I’ve grown accustom to the clock setting institutions like the fireworks from the “friendliest place on earth” Disneyland of course,  in nearby Anaheim.  Just ask anyone within 10 to 12 miles from Anaheim, we all can hear it.

For me it’s fun and friendly sound at 9:30 nightly, just hearing those fireworks brings a smile to my face.

The imagination of Walt Disney was unparalled at the time back in the 1950′s choosing the orange groves of  Anaheim as the site for his dream. A place for fun, families and amusement which continues to be a global attraction.  Since then Anaheim has grown to one of the largest cities in California, actually 10th in the state by population within about 52 square miles.

Today Anaheim is also known as home to the Angels baseball and the Might Ducks among others. 

If you lived in Anaheim you would be about 15 miles from John Wayne Aiport in Santa Ana and about 30 miles west of  LAX, Los Angeles Int’l Airport.

• Home prices today in Anaheim, CA average about $303,000 for a 3 bedroom 2 bath home, 1,400 square feet.
• Data source is based on closed sales for the first six months of 2009 from the SoCal Multiple Listing Service of 1155 transfered properties in Anaheim. 
• It should be noted that although Anaheim Hills is located within the Cit of Anaheim, prices differ dramatically with a $541,000 average price for a 3 bedroom 3 bath home for the same period of time.

If you would like to learn more about Anaheim, need to buy or sell your Anaheim home, contact me!

It’s a great day at Brea’s Relay For Life in support of the American Cancer Society!

Just take a look at the early participants. Cancer survivors kicked of the 10:00 a.m. start with the first lap! Look at them go, survivors of all ages.

Surviving Leukemia both Kristen and Katie jog the first lap! Both of these “K” girls are surviving cancer thanks to the efforts and contributions of many along the way.

This event takes place over 24 hours from 10:00 a.m. today (6/27)  until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow (6/28)  and raises funds for the American Cancer Society.

There is plenty of time to join the fun, come on out to Brea-Olinda High School at 789 Wildcat Way, Brea 92821 and check out the event!

Many thanks go to all the volunteers, sponsors and walkers!

• You all make a difference!