North Hills Brea  is a well kept secret in many ways.  Home are set at the base of the hills which separate Orange County from Los Angeles County over the hills to the North.  Located primarily between the streets of Puente to the West and Berry Street to the East it's a quiet residential community of one and two-story homes. Several different builders developed in this area beginning in the late 60's  through the early/mid-eighties depending on the builder. Some homes, yet not all (also depending on the builder) are in a  home owner's association with amenities like pools, clubhouse, tennis courts, playground/tot lot as examples.   Floor plans range from a the smaller single story plan with  3 bedrooms 2 baths at about 1,800 square feet to the larger models up to 5 bedrooms 3 ½ baths a... 08/16/2008

I will be a part of the City of Brea's 'Brea Fest', Friday, August 15th.  It is an evening of music, food and activities for adults and children.  Tickets are sold at the event which you can use to sample the foods from the many restaurants in Brea, like TAPS, The Yard House, and Octopus.  There are games for the kids, located in the upper levels of the City Hall.  There are live bands, local dancers and singers and two stages to view. I have volunteered for this event for over 10 years, and it is always one of the events I look forward to.  All the proceeds go to the Brea Arts Foundation.  The event runs from 6PM to 10PM.  It is located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Brea, CA 92821.  You are more than welcome to come and join in on the fun.  For more information, you can go to www.cityofbr... 08/11/2008

Brea's own Curtis Theatre announces the 2008~2009 lineup. 2008 Schedule ~ Elvis ~ The King of Rock and Roll ~ It's Scott BruceOctober 3, 4 & 5 th Friday: 8 p.m.; Saturday: 5 & 8 p.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m. Adults $35 ~ Seniors $32 ~ Children $30 No Sex Please, We're British A funny English comedy that will make you laugh!October 17-19, 24-26 & 31, November 1 & 2 Friday & Saturday: 8 pm & Sunday Afternoon  2 p.m. Adults are $20 ~ Seniors $18 (not appropriate for children) The Wonder Bread Years,by former Seinfeld writer Pat HazellNovember 14, 15 & 16 Friday & Saturday 8 pm Sunday 2 pm Adults  $28 ~  Seniors ~  $25  Children $23 Christmas with The Alley Cats~ Back in Brea Once Again as a Holiday FavoriteDecember 4, 5, 6, 7 Thursday & Friday 8 pm ~ Saturday 2 & 8 pm Sunday afternoon  2 pm Adults ... 08/11/2008

Brea, Ca Real Estate        Being the Buyer's Market that it is, one of the top questions I'm asked by families moving in to the area is "How are the schools?" The other comment given by families moving in to bigger homes are "I'd like to keep my kids in the Brea Olinda School District."  So I know this is very important in many peoples minds. Education is important to me and my family. My wife and I have a daughter that is 7 months old, so what school she'll be going has been mentioned. Plus my my wife is a six grade school teacher in La Habra, Ca at Washington Middle School, so it's of big concern.   It's still all about Location, Location, Location and now a days people can be picky. With the increase of housing affordabilty and homes on the market, people are finding homes at a good... 08/05/2008

Brea, CA Residential Real Estate Sales Report  ~ Home Sales for July 2008 ~ Single Family Home Sales Up as Inventory Decreases. July brought about the highest number of closings for single family homes in ten months, while closings for condos/town-homes dipped.   Brea is a City is well known for excellence in education. The schools have been a strong draw for residents in our community. Like to shop? We've got it here, the Brea Mallis the second highest grossing mall in Orange County. It's often said Brea enjoys some of the bigger city benefits, yet maintains a small town atmosphere. Many of us who live here feel it's the best of both worlds.  Single family sales activity for July 2008, prices range from $315,000 to $2,450,000 although 90% of the homes in the city are priced under $1,00... 08/04/2008

Brea, CA Homes LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Growing up all my life in Southern California, it was important to know how long it takes to get to the hot spots of California. The feeling I always had is that you want to be close to the action but far enough that you can still enjoy some of the finer things of life. I've come to find living in Brea it really fits many lifestyles. The location of Brea is suited for all types of people. For the action adventure type you can definitely drive to the beach in no time, spend your morning on the wonderful beaches of California, and drive up to the mountains to hit the slopes. For those that have family and friends from out of town Brea is close to three major airports, and is just minutes away from Disneyland, and other well known tourist attract... 08/03/2008

    Being new to the blogging world, I'm excited for the opportunity to write my thoughts about the real estate market and the many topics I love to talk about. My first topic I'd like to add is about the city I live in. After sitting with my wife in outlining "Ten Things That Make Brea Great." I found it overwhelming to narrow it down to just ten the things that Brea, Ca has to offer.  After reviewing I figured I'd start with a broad overview of the ten things and over the next week or so expand on each individually. I hope you'll find Brea, Ca really has much more to offer then you might have expected, for a place to live and/or vist.   The Ten thing That Make Brea, CA Great  Location  Schools  Safety  Events/Entertainment  Shopping  Restaurants  Parks/Recreational  Opportunities  Cul... 08/02/2008

Symphony on Birch Street! That right Sunday, August 3rd it's time for the whole family to enjoy the sounds of the Pacific Symphony and enjoy the outdoors on a late Sunday afternoon. Come early for a good seat, (some seats are reserved) some are first come first served. Family activities begin at 5:30 PM with the Children's Musical Workshop and entertainment. The Pacific Symphony  begins at 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. General Admission is FREE ~ Over 700 seats are available on a first come-first-serve basis. Reserved Seating is Available ~ In a variety of Ways: Individual Reserve ~ $35 and you will receive a $20 Yard House Gift Certificate Seating for Two & Seating for Four including chocolate desserts from the Melting Pot, (been there myself several times and loved it!) by clicking here for mor... 08/02/2008

Brea, CA Residential Real Estate Sales Report  ~ Home Sales for June 2008 ~ Home Sales Up & Inventory Down. Brea is a City is well known for excellence in education. The schools have been a strong draw for residents in our community. It's often said Brea enjoys some of the bigger city benefits, yet maintains a small town atmosphere. Many of us who live here feel it's the best of both worlds.  Single family sales activity for June 2008, prices range from $315,000 to $2,450,000 although 90% of the homes in the city are priced under $1,000,000. 93 re-sale homes currently for sale, (lowest inventory in past 9 months) down from prior of months 102/114/122/134/132/150/156/161/156 respectively.   27 pending sales, currently in escrow, the highest in 9 months. Compared to 24/17/23/12/6/9/9/6/8 ... 07/19/2008

Featured Bank Repo: Country Hills Estates - Brea        Five bedroom four bath house.        Nice family room centered around fireplace.          Nicely redone kitchen with new granite countertops.    Backyard has good potential.     Great price: $579,900   Beautiful home in Country Hills Estate community. Features: upgraded kitchen with granite counter top, huge master bedroom, large size bedrooms, high ceilings, plantation shutters throughout, recessed lights, great neighborhood and much more. Close to freeway. Priced to sell. 07/18/2008

July 2008 Newsletter HOUSING MARKET HAS ITS WOES, BUT HAS ITS OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL... Every cloud has a silver lining and the real estate market is no different.  Sales volume took a jump in May (the latest full month available) over April, although sales were still off approximately 10% from May of '07.  However, most agents who are actively working the foreclosure market will tell you that 8 to 20 offers is not unusual for any house priced under $500,000.  The papers will tell you the market is dead, the economists are predicting doom and gloom for another 18 months.  I'm here to tell you, don't believe everything you read.  Having said that, yes this is a market to approach with caution.  You should know exactly what you want, and what you can afford.  But, there are definitely deal... 07/09/2008

Orange County Real Estate CA Brea Real Estate   Fullerton Real Estate   Placentia Real Estate Yorba Linda Real Estate Anaheim Real Estate    La Habra Real Estate Anaheim Hills Real Estate Located in beautiful North Orange County, with offices in Brea, La Habra Heights, and Placentia, Coldwell Banker Excellence services all of North Orange County and surrounding areas with professional offerings unsurpassed by the competition.  Our knowledgeable, courteous agents are well-equipped with the tools, training, and expertise to guide you through the process of buying and selling real estate. Coldwell Banker Excellence is the standard by which "excellence" is created. We are about providing the best possible real estate experience for our clients through highly skilled professionals, years of ... 06/28/2008

Last night I met a few friends and fellow Rainer Marlene Bridges for a guilt-free dinner at Brea's Fitness Grill. I say guilt-free because diners have the opportunity to make informed decisions based on the carbs ~ fat  ~ and protein ~  listed for each dish on the menu. Well I guess everything except for the cocktails and maybe the wine. The healthy and tasty menu is well rounded, there's something for everyone! Are you a free-style pasta or a fitness pizza lover? You will find them both here. Salads? Of course, they're a full meal in themselves.  Fresh fish and grilled chicken are a specialty.  The unique combination of fresh herbs and spices help makes this menu really special. I can honestly say every single mean I've ever ordered has been an exception. Dining is available indoors an... 06/15/2008

Brea ~ California Celebrates the Summer of 2008 Cool Summer Day Camp ~ Fanning Elementary School For ages 5 - 12 supervised activities including excursions weekly, and fun with games, crafts, swimming, music and computer fun. Dates begin June 23 through August 22. Cost weekly, $130 from 8:00-5:00 ~ $140 7:00-6:00 Summer Fun Club ~ Brea's Beautiful Community Center Dates June 23 ~ 30 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Kids in K-First Grade attend Monday and Wednesday Second & Third Grades attend Tuesday and Thursday. Cost: $135 for 6 weeks. Family Films for Free at Arovista Park begin this month. June 27 ~ Surf's Up (G) July 4 ~ It's the holiday, no movies tonight. (Head on over to Brea's Country Fair at City Hall Park) July 11 ~ E.T. The Extra Terrestrial  (PG) July 18 ~ The Water Horse (PG) July 2... 06/11/2008

The City of Brea anounced this week that the Plunge (A wonderful community pool of of Brea Blvd) has completed a $1.2 million rehibilitation and is now open again.  This could not come at a better time since the tempurature has been climbing each week that we get closer to summer.  As a Brea community member, I would like to say thank you to the City of Brea for making this wonderful project a priority for our community.  Brea continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, shop, and dine. Here is an article from the City of Brea's website about the Plunge Project. The Brea City Council, the Parks, Recreation and Human Services Commission, City officials and Brea residents will mark the re-opening of the Brea Municipal Plunge with a ceremony and plaque dedication on Monday, June 23, 2... 06/11/2008

"Crusin Brea" has become a Father's Day favorite in Orange County, CA.  It's a good time for all. Hosted by the Orange County Mustang Club  this fun event will showcase classic cars from every make and model you can imagine. Just think about it, for some it's like a step-back-in-time just seeing your favorite "57 Chevy".  Dwane Roberts from Yorba Linda, CA is one of my all time favorites. Dwane's 57 is well known as the "Best of Show" throughout the southland. I hoping he will be there again in 2008. If you're celebrating Father's Day, remember this event could be one of Dad's favorites. Crusin Brea set for Father's Day ~ June 15 Location: Brea's Downtown on Birch Street (Just West of Brea Blvd. and North of Imperial Hwy.) You know it's where you will find all the theaters and the fun e... 06/05/2008

  3038 E. STEARNS ST., BREA  $$979,900        Walden Estate BEAUTY! 4000 Sq Ft with thousands of thousands of upgrades. Double entry door opens to a foyer complemented with elegant custom banisters. Great room has a large stylish fireplace and entertainment cove for your super sized flat panel TV and accessories. Gourmet kitchen features custom cabinets, top of the line stainless Thermador subzero refrigerator, double oven, microwave, butler and walk-in pantries. Master suite offers cozy remote control fireplace, his and hers walk-in closets, granite master shower, and spa. Guest/maid's quarters on the first floor with private bathroom, was built with the opinion that could be converted to a suite. 5 BEDROOMS, 5 BATHS !!! Directions New development, not on map. From 57 Fwy, East on Lamb... 06/05/2008

It was another Memorial Day in Brea  remembering those who serve. Every year on Memorial Day, Memory Gardens in our City of Brea is bold in the beauty with red white and blue.  Large American Flag fly all around the cemetery, up and down each street and drive. The flags have been dedicated over the years in the memory of a local Veteran. This year the American Legion Post 72 and local Boy Scouts participated in the event. The day before the holiday small white crosses were also added to each Veteran's grave. Each and every year Old Glory is on display just like this. I just came from a short trip to my office and stopped on the way back to take a couple of photos. Last year I had family member at the house for a bar-b-que, on the way they passed the cemetery and asked me about it. We de... 05/26/2008

The South Brea Lofts near DownTown Brea were auctioned the weekend of May 3, 2008. Here are the pre-sale listed prices and auction posted prices. While the officical numbers have not come out yet, a little birdie gave me the low down. The owner of the complex pulled 5 homes before the auction to increase demand for the remaining units. The 20 which sold at auction went for an average of $563,000. Of the remaining 5 units - 1 has already sold traditionally at the new price range of $560,000 - $590,000. For those of you looking to be close to DownTown Brea, and who would like to operate or lease business space this is a great opportunity. Adam BrettRE/MAX NOCFullerton, CA714-496-8116800-977-ADAMwww.RealtorBabble.com 05/17/2008

It's a new year and many buyers are thinking of selling.  Maybe they are considering moving up to a home since they have outgrown their current property.  Perhaps they are thinking of moving out of area and cashing out on the equity of  their home before prices slide any further.  They may be an investor ready to pounce on the drop in home prices and the overall increase in rents. The question is: do you buy now, or wait in case prices drop further?  In order to decide, let's look at the 3 T's. Terms As we speak rates are at historic lows. They may not be the lowest they have ever been (that was March 2003) but they are very close. Prices may, and probably will, decline, but there is no guarantee rates will drop or even stay at this level. In the previous two declines (1991-1997 and 19... 05/13/2008