July Events at Pavilion Park | The Boutique Real Estate Group

COOKING DEMO | Ode to the BurgerUnleash your inner chef. The theme of this month’s cooking class will be Ode to the Burger. Perfect for cooks of all levels. July 5 10:30am-12:00pm
YOGA IN THE PARK | Self NavigationYoga and meditation that will focus on self navigation. Perfect for beginner and intermediate yogis. July 12 9:00-10:15am
FRIDAY NIGHT HAPPENINGS | Honky Tonk NightCountry music is about storytelling. Join us for a night of music in the great southern tradition, by the Freightshakers. Plus a convoy of food trucks, including GD Bro Burger, Bear Flag Fish Co., the Viking Truck, and Drive Me Cookie. And pottery demonstrations. July 18 6:00-9:00pm
YOGA IN THE PARK | Strength and SoftnessYoga and meditation that will focus on strength and softness. Perfect for beginner and intermediate yogis. July 19 9:00-10:15am
GARDEN WORKSHOP | Surviving the Summer HeatThe heat of summer can take a toll on gardens and gardeners. Discussion to include irrigation techniques, how to operate irrigation timers, water conservation, runoff friendly hardscape, and the benefits of mulching. July 19 10:30-11:30am
YOGA IN THE PARK | Creating SpaceYoga and meditation that will focus on creating space. Perfect for beginner and intermediate yogis. July 26 9:00-10:15am
Please register in advance for Cooking Demos, Garden Workshops and Yoga Classes.

Best Places to Watch Fireworks In Orange County

Written By:  Melissa Sims

The 4th of July is the ‘unofficial start of summer’ – the smell of barbecue, the sounds of waves at the beach and fireworks somehow signal that summer has begun. Orange County has so much to offer on this patriotic holiday – there’s just about something for everyone.   It was hard to narrow down, but here are my best picks for watching fireworks in the OC.  And if you think I’ve missed a great spot, let me know!  I’d love to add to this list for reference in the future!  Wherever you enjoy your holiday, remember to be safe, and have fun!

The Boutique Real Estate Group

Dana Point Harbor

Watch the skies over Dana Point Harbor for a spectacular show beginning at 9:00 pm.  Presented by the City of Dana Point, this is an annual show that draws large crowds – and it’s well worth it!  Doheny State Beach is a great vantage point, but you’ll need to make a day of it – forget trying to get a parking spot after 10:00am.  Not interested in a full-day affair?  You can watch from along the cliffs of Blue Lantern Park or Heritage Park, or even book a dinner at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott for terrific views of the fireworks as they light up the night’s sky.  Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, book a dinner cruise and watch from the water.  Visit http://bit.ly/DanaPointFireworks for more info.

Ladera Ranch – Founders Park

The Fireworks Spectacular in Ladera Ranch is just that – absolutely spectacular.  It has long been a favorite in South Orange County, and this year, the city is hosting a 5k/10k run, with proceeds to benefit Laura’s House & the Ladera Ranch Education Foundation.  Registration for the run begins at 6:00am and the 10k race starts at 7:00am.  This day is chock-full of activities, ranging from parades, to teen zone entertainment, to live music.  Get there early to snag a spot, it will definitely be a full house.  Fireworks begin at ‘dark’ – usually 9:15 – at Founders Park.  Visit http://bit.ly/LaderaFireworks for more info.

Newport Beach 4th of July Celebration

Disco AND Fireworks?  How can you go wrong???  This year, KC and the Sunshine Band will be headlining the Newport Beach Independence Day on the Back Bay extravaganza.  In addition to great music, the event will offer great dining options and lots of great activities for the kids.  The event is a bit on the pricey side, so if you’d like to take advantage of the fireworks show without having to open your wallet, just snag a spot in Newport Beach with a great view of Back Bay and you’ll be just fine.  Visit http://bit.ly/NewportDunesFireworks for more info.

Lake Mission Viejo

A long-standing tradition in Mission Viejo, the 4th of July Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular is a safe, fun-filled, patriotic celebration that includes food, game booths and live music.  Festival begins at noon and the fireworks begin at 9:00pm.  Admission is free, as well as a free shuttle service operating from 1-8:00 pm surrounding Lake Mission Viejo.  Visit http://bit.ly/MVFireworks for more information.

Honorable Mentions: Disneyland and Anaheim Stadium

If you are lucky enough to have tickets to either attraction this Friday, you are in for a special treat.  Disneyland puts on a special version of their nightly fireworks display at 9:25pm.  Best places to see the fireworks are from main street, right in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.  The Angels will be playing against the Houston Astros this Friday night at 5:15pm, with a special fireworks display immediately following the game.

Kelly Enciso | The Boutique Real Estate Group | www.TheBoutiqueRE.com

Kelly Enciso, Realtor

 

Introducing Kelly Enciso. Watch her video here: http://bit.ly/1nE1mJu

Connect with Kelly today at http://TheBoutiqueRE.com/Kelly-Enciso

Kelly Enciso believes that home ownership is essential to a thriving, growing community. She understands that purchasing a home is a massive decision, and she is thrilled to be able to step in and help individuals and families find not just a house, but a place they are truly able to call home. Kelly has a background in both architectural and fashion design. She began her career by working on the design team for large multi-family residential luxury homes. With this keen sense of design, she is able to see the potential in any property. Kelly has a strong ethical standard, and has the ability to connect with clients and listen closely to their needs.
Kelly is a native of Orange County, and enjoys the different dynamics of this diverse place we call home. When not working, you can find Kelly enjoying time with her husband and daughter, or diving into a book or magazine at a local coffee shop.

Introducing: 2014 Inman News Innovator Of The Year Awards Finalists

Inman News is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2014 Innovator Awards in five categories. Winners chosen from the list of finalists below will be announced during the Real Estate Connect conference in San Francisco, which takes place July 16-18 at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square.

This year’s award categories are:

  • Most Innovative Real Estate Agent
  • Most Innovative Brokerage or Franchise
  • Most Innovative MLS or Real Estate Trade Association
  • Most Innovative Real Estate App, Tool or Vendor
  • Most Innovative Use of a New Technology

An additional annual award, the Innovator of the Year Award, recognizes an individual who embodies the spirit of real estate innovation. This award, which is not open to nominations, will be announced at the Real Estate Connect conference.

2014 Inman News Innovator Awards

 

Lindsay Bergeron, founder and associate broker, Military Movers Real Estate LLC, @lindseybergeron

Lindsay Bergeron is out to be the go-to broker for military families. She’s planning to turn her Alaska-based brand, Military Movers Real Estate, into a national franchise.

Brandon Doyle, Doyle Real Estate Team, Edina Realty, @DoyleRealtor

Brandon Doyle, who has a degree in real estate degree from St. Cloud State University, says he enjoys helping first-time home buyers, and using the latest technology to market his team’s listings. Lately he’s been using drones to shoot aerial photography that can be incorporated into MLS listing detail pages.

Gary Gold, executive vice president, Hilton & Hyland, @soldbygold

Gary Gold is a marquee name in Beverly Hills real estate and one its most successful technology marketers. He’s an internationally recognized marketing and luxury real estate expert in Beverly Hills real estate, Bel Air real estate and Sunset Strip real estate.

Anthony Lolli, founder and CEO, Rapid Realty, @Anthony_Lolli

A colorful character who casts himself as the embodiment of the American Dream and gives raises to employees who have themselves tattooed with company’s logo, Anthony Lolli launched New York City-based Rapid Realty as a franchisor in 2009, and is now in cities including Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and San Diego.

Brian Murray, agent, Houlihan Lawrence, @BrianSMurray

Brian Murray produces listing videos that transform home tours into short stories. His portfolio includes a spoof on a Nike commercial and a home tour starring golden retrievers.

Mauricio Umansky, CEO, The Agency, @MauricioUmansky

One of California’s leading agents by sales volume, Mauricio Umansky has expanded from his Beverly Hills base, opening offices Shanghai, Cabo San Lucas, Venice, Marina del Rey, Palm Springs and Las Vegas.

Zach Schabot, CEO, Go Realty, @zachschabot

Go Realty is known for its responsive website, blogs, videos, community outreach, and creative use of social media including Pinterest and Vine. Zach Schabot is the author of “My Brand New Home,” an interactive children’s book designed to teach kids about the homebuilding process. He’s also developed a free agent app, “GoConnect,” with comprehensive transaction checklists.

Raj Qsar, founder, The Boutique Real Estate Group, @RajQsar

Raj Qsar employs an in-house production team to create storytelling videos that creates a better experience for buyers and sellers. He has also digitized the entire real estate experience for his agents, in-house staff and also for their clients.  The Boutique is recognized as an International Luxury Real Estate Brokerage has has won awards and distinguished accolades year in and year out and they continue to make their mark on the real estate industry.

Nick Segal, founding partner, Partners Trust, @nicksegal

As founding partner and president of Partners Trust, Nick Segal says he’s out to create a company that “strives to raise the bar of professionalism at every touch point of a real estate transaction.”

Hans and Steve Wydler, The Wydler Brothers

The Wydler Brothers team functions as a high-end boutique within Long & Foster Real Estate, allowing the small team to combine hands-on, high quality and professional service with the marketing horsepower and resources of Long & Foster. Their use of branded Starbucks cards, and of drones to produce neighborhood video tours, are examples of their innovative approach.

$20,0000,000 Home In Yorba Linda | 5005 Hidden Glen Ln | Yorba Linda, Ca 92887

Everyone always asks?  Who owns that big old white house on the hill in Yorba Linda?  How much is it worth?  Well, that home, 5005 Hidden Glen Ln has just hit the open market at a staggering $20,000,000.00.  This home has 9 Bedrooms, 12 Bathrooms, and is over 19,000 square feet in size on over a 1 acre parcel of land at the very heights of Yorba Linda.  If you do the math that is $1,033.81 per square foot.

Here is the MLS description from the listing agents on this home:

One of the Most Iconic and Famous Homes in the City of Yorba Linda, CA, known as the Satsang has just been released for sale. This architectural masterpiece visually soars from the 91 FWY & is perched among the highest elevation in the Hidden Hills Estates and boasts Amazing 270 Degree Panoramic Views of Yorba Linda and Catalina Island. The Steel & Glass Panel Construction and Massive 19,346 Square Feet Interior Structure make it one of California’s Most Unique and Stunning Homes. The estate is entirely energy efficient with over eighty solar panels and additional features include an Elegant Ball Room and Center Stage, Enormous Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Jetted Spa, Sauna, Steam Room, Private Elevator, 12 Seat Theater Room, Coffee & Tea Bar Area & Much More! The exterior grounds are like a Private Resort complete with its own Basketball and Tennis Sport Courts. The Grand Courtyard and Free Flowing Patio Areas can easily entertain several hundred guests with Lush Palm Trees, Manicured Green Grass, Enchanting Water Fountain and relaxing Gazebo. Guests will be able to view the nightly fireworks displays from Disneyland. This One Of A Kind Estate is Incredibly Secluded, Private and Conveniently Located near OC Freeways to make it easily accessible.

5005 Hidden Glen Lane, Yorba Linda, Ca 92887

 

For a private showing of this unique home please call Raj Qsar at 714-412-5019 or email Raj@TheBoutiqueRE.com

Laguna Beach | The Boutique Real Estate Group | Chris Kwon

Laguna Beach Lifeguard Tower

Laguna Beach is like no other place in Orange County. Take a moment and soak this in. The landscape, culture, people and the colors (ohhh the colors), makes it even hard to compare even to it’s neighboring cities. Even the scent of the ocean is different. The people of Laguna Beach know what I’m talking about, so this may be a odd concept to picture if you’ve never been here before.

But for those of you that live here and had to narrow down the best thing that this city has to offer, what would it be? Would it be the effect that the cool crisp air has across your skin as you open up the door for the first time in the morning? Or what about the grains of sand in between you toes as you walk along the beach? Maybe it’s the sound of the splashing waves as they hit the shore?

For me Laguna Beach is like a botanical garden. So alive, surrounded by diversity as every element changes so subtly. A collection of organic specimens that thrive and flow freely like a poem in harmony. Nothing ever stays the same but nothing really ever changes either.

So have I done it? Have I lost you in translation? Good, because this is the essence that makes Laguna Beach so unique and abstract. Everything that this city has to offer culminates to understanding this concept. But to understand this, you have to come and experience it for yourself. Your path might be different but you will all end up in the same place. You will understand that magnificence is a word that falls short in describing this city and all that it has to offer.

For a private home tour of Laguna Beach please contact Chris Kwon at Chris.Kwon@TheBoutiqueRE.com

Laguna Beach, Ca

Family Easter Activities in Orange County| The Boutique Real Estate Group | Erica Boisvert

easter

Photo Credit: holidays.co.uk

Easter Egg Hunt at the Fullerton YMCA– April 12 from 11am to 2pm at Fullerton YMCA *FREE* More info at: http://bit,ly+/1lrkImB

2014 Egg-Stravaganza at Disneyland- April 10-April 20 (Park Hours.) Search for special hidden “eggs” themed to Disney characters at Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park. Have fun exploring the parks hunting for “eggs” that portray Disney Characters! Record your discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the specialty themed Egg-Stravaganza map to represent that location. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $4.95, at select merchandise locations. More info at: http://bit.ly/QIGOH2

Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Irvine Park- March 29-April 19 (schedules times.) Held in the Locomotive Loop just behind the train station. You can hunt for eggs, meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy all of the other amenities of Irvine Park. (Bike rentals, wheel boats, etc.) More info (and coupons!) at : http://bit.ly//1pVRhsS

Easter Bunny Activities at South Coast Plaza- March 28-April 19. Ride the carousel, makes crafts and take pictures with the Easter Bunny! More info at: http://bit.ly.1gqUxqO

Easter Egg Hunt at Laguna Hills Community Center- April 12 from 10am-11am. Join Mr. Bunny and friends for some springtime adventure like crafts, an egg hunt, and pictures. More infor at http://bit.ly/1fOUF3Z

Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day in Huntington Beach- April 19 from 9am-2pm. Bring the whole family for live music, games, vendors, photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting, and the popular Easter Hunt. More info at: http://bit.ly/1k3SdOk

Celebrate Easter at Newport Dunes’ Waterfront Resort- April 19 and April 20 (check scheduled times.) A twenty-two year tradition of sand, Easter egg hunting and the Easter Bunny! More info at: http://bit.ly/1h8oiCK

SpEGGtacular Easter in Yorba Linda- April 12 at 9am. 5th Annual Royal Riders Pony Club SpEGGtacular Charity Event. All proceeds will be donated to The Shauna Ann Stuewe Foundation. Ponies, puppies, Easter egg hunt AND Charity? Winner!! More info at: http://bit.ly/PqC7jT

easter3Photo Credit: lovethispic.com

 

Are you prepared for the big one?

Are you prepared for the big one?

By:  Melissa Sims | The Boutique Real Estate Group | @MelissaSimsOC

I am not a California native. I came to California in 1986 for my father’s career. We moved to Arcadia in the middle of one of the hottest summers on record. Coming from Wisconsin, we were not prepared for the heat. Nor, would I learn, were we prepared for earthquakes. I still remember very vividly where I was when the 1987 5.9 Whittier Narrows earthquake hit. I was getting ready for school… out of nowhere, dishes were flying out of cabinets and the floor was seemingly gone beneath my feet. My mother grabbed my sister and I and we all ran outside. I wish I could find words to appropriately explain what I saw…the earth was flipping, side-to-side. Earthquake, you say, mom? What’s that? I was only 7 at the time, and coming from the other side of the country, we never spoke of such things. Tornados? All the time. Needless to say, we were ill prepared – no extra water or canned food on hand, no extra clothing, batteries, blankets…nada. It was a very serious quake, with several deaths and many homes destroyed.

Fast forward 7 years, we are living near Northridge, CA. We must have had a knack to follow where the next big earthquake would be. My mother and I were living alone in a condo, on top of a subterranean parking garage. I was awoken at 4:31 am by being physically thrown out of my bed onto the floor. I looked up and saw a huge free-standing mirror about to crash over me…instinct told me to roll under my bed while the mirror shattered where I had just lain. The intense noise, not just the shaking, is what was so terrifying about this quake – I screamed the entire time, as did my mother, neither of us hearing anything from the other. As we got our bearings and cautiously went downstairs, we had no idea what had happened. How big was that? Is there power anywhere (not here, obviously)? As we scrambled in the dark, I am still thankful that my mom had just recently decided it was time for an ‘earthquake kit.’ We had water, food, blankets, a flashlight, radio and extra batteries. We sat in our doorway for probably close to 3 hours, listening to the battery-powered radio in the dark, trying to find out how bad the quake was, getting tossed over and over with aftershocks. We stayed in the house for over a week with no power or clean water, until the fire department finally made its way to us. To let us know that we couldn’t stay. While the Northridge quake was a 6.7, the ground acceleration of that quake was one of the highest ever recorded in an urban area, making it feel more like a quake in the 7.5 range.

Looking back on both quakes, I am so thankful that we were more prepared for the second quake. Nothing can prepare you, really, for the disorienting feeling of having the earth beneath you come to life, and rock your senses silly. After this most recent La Habra quake, we are reminded yet again that we live in ‘earthquake country’ and most of us are embarrassingly unprepared for the aftermath of a good shake.

seismograph

Here are some tips for an effective earthquake kit. Some things to remember: you may not have access to water, electricity or emergency services for a few days, if not more.

1. Water. The single most important item you’ll need. Another option: steri pen. Will sterilize water from any source. You’ll need at least one gallon per day per person in your house.

2. Food – canned food (don’t forget an opener), boxed food that has a long shelf life. Pastas, canned tuna, canned vegetables, etcetera. Camping food is another good option.

3. Camp stove and fuel, along with utensils.

4. Whistle, in case of need for rescuers.

5. Extra set of clothing & shoes.

6. Emergency cash, in small denominations

7. Tool kit (to turn off gas/water)

8. Copies of your vital documents.

9. Tarp, plastic bags – in case of rain. Or, if preferred, a tent.

10. Toiletries.

11. Toys – if you have kids

12. Lanterns, flashlights & batteries.

13. Portable radio – don’t think your cell phone will work. You need the good ol’ fashioned antenna radio.

14. Solar panel for charging any items that might still work.

15. Portable power generator. There are solar versions out there as well. Most generators run on gas, and if there is a main break at your local station, no-can-do. There are other personal preference items you can bring, of course, but try to make your kit as accessible as possible. It should be in a waterproof container, easily accessed OUTSIDE. Do not keep it in your garage – you’ll probably not be able to access it if the damage is severe.

Nothing, like I said, will prepare you for the moment a large earthquake hits. The fear and adrenaline are intense and the disorientation is dumbfounding. But, your preparedness for the moments right after a quake can make the comforts of home enough to get you through mother nature’s moody behavior.

To connect with Melissa Sims please email her at Melissa.Sims@TheBoutiqueRE.com

Our Story | The Boutique Real Estate Group | www.TheBoutiqueRE.com

http://TheBoutiqueRE.com 949-612-2535 #tbregourstory
The Boutique Real Estate Group is a boutique real estate brokerage headquartered in Orange County, CA, that focuses on brilliant design, beautiful marketing & luxury services and is set to open their 2nd office in the beach city of Corona Del Mar in Newport Beach. Raj Qsar, Principal & Owner has created a culture that spurs collaboration, technology and social media with a unique marketing approach.

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Our story goes a little something like this… Beautiful design evokes emotion. Emotion stirs the soul and creates a connection between client, agent and the home buying process. The Boutique Real Estate Group has invested heavily in bringing all aspects of the real estate experience completely in-house. From design, staging, photography, cinematography and social media to technology, internet optimization & cloud based transaction management. This not only provides them complete control of the design, marketing & technology of luxury real estate but also gives them the look & feel of a true boutique marketing agency. This design & tech-forward approach has earned The Boutique Real Estate Group accolades & awards worldwide.

Most recently The Boutique Real Estate Group has been recognized as the 2014 Next Generation Real Estate Brokerage by Better Homes & Garden Real Estate and 1000 Watt Consulting. Raj Qsar & Jeremy Lehman, The Boutique’s CTO have both been recognized as Inman News Top 100 Most influential Real Estate Leaders for their work & dedication to raising the bar in the Real Estate industry. And their #GoodbyeHello video was named Top 20 Real Estate Videos in the USA in 2013.

Look for their new office in the beach city of Corona Del Mar in Newport Beach as they launch into the Coastal Orange County Real Estate Market in 2014.

The Boutique Real Estate Group
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Save The Date | Tuesday May 6th | Educational Dinner

Join industry experts as they talk shop about the way our economy is changing. Meet Morris Boladian from CML Wealth Management, Allycyn Bennett from United American Mortgage Company and Raj Qsar from The Boutique Real Estate Group. Tuesday Evening May 6th at The Summit House Restaurant in Fullerton.  Please RSVP to Lisa Ortega at 714.494.2460 or LisaO@CMLwealth.com

 

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