America’s Family Pet Expo Orange County April 19 –22 in Costa Mesa   The 24th annual America’s Family Pet Expo returns April 19-21, 2013 to the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. The event promises to boast more than 1,000 animals on display including cats, dogs, fish exhibit, rabbits, miniature horses, bird show, exotic lizards, splash dogs, petting zoo, pony rides, and animal celebrities. Bring the family and enjoy.   ·       General Admission: $13.00 ·       Seniors 60 and over: $11.00. ·       Children 6-12: $8.00 ·       5 yrs and under: free ·       Parking: $5.   *The expo kindly requests that visitors leave all pets at home as they will not be allowed into the event.   OC Fair and Event Center   88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626   Show hours: Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-... 04/17/2013

Things to Do in Costa Mesa - 66th Annual Lion's Club Fish Fry       The 66th Annual Lion's Club Fish Fry will take place between May 31 and June 2, 2013.  It will feature rides and game, as well as a baby contest as well as food including the fabulous fried fish.   The Fish Fry this year will take place at Fairview Park.  For more information, please see Lion's Club Fish Fry.   04/14/2013

Things to Do in Costa Mesa - Costa Mesa Community Run   The 6th Annual Costa Mesa Community Run will take place on June 2, 2013 and will feature 2k, 5k and 10k runs through Fairview Park.    This will be hosted in conjunction with the Lion's Club Fish Fry.  The races begin at 8am.  Proceeds go to Costa Mesa Schools and the Costa Mesa Community Foundation.   For more information, please see Costa Mesa Community Run.     04/14/2013

Things to Do in Costa Mesa - 4th Annual West Coast Rockabilly Showdown       On June 1, 2013, the 4th Annual West Coast Rockabilly Showdown will begin at the Orange County Marketplace.  There will be several days of competition.   There will be 12 unsigned and/or independent label bands competing for prizes up to $2500.   Tickets are $2.  Please call (949) 723-6616 for more information. 04/14/2013

Things to Do in Costa Mesa - Gem Faire       The Gem Faire is coming to the Orange County Fair Grounds on May 10, 2013 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.  There will be approximately 200 exhibitors selling all types of stones.  There will even be jewelry repair on the premises.   Tickets are $7 for a weekend pass.   For more infomation please call 503-252-8300. 04/14/2013

Things to Do in Costa Mesa This Week - Sleeping Beauty Puppet Theater   On April 20, 2013, the famed Marionetas de la Esquina of Mexico City will present their version of Sleeping Beauty via the magic of pupeteering at the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts.   The price is $20 per ticket, and the production is at 1:00 pm.   For more details, please call 714-556-2787. 04/14/2013

As a Costa Mesahomeowner prepares a property for sale, he or she faces the inevitable series of tradeoffs. One of the major ones is the decision about how much time and budget to devote to interior vs. exterior renewal. In cases where the inside is going to get the lion’s share of attention, it’s good to remember that there are ways you can make simple changes to your backyard that can markedly raise the whole property’s overall appeal. As with all Costa Mesahousing for sale, this can mean the difference between a so-so and a great outcome. One inexpensive idea for larger yards is to install simple gravel or bark pathways.  Costa Mesa housing for sale boasting gently curved pathways around the edges of the lawn look more interesting than plain yards — especially those with predictably ... 04/12/2013

      Links       30,000 more homes online Foreclosed Homes Instant Value of my property Our Recent Videos       SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Larry Weichman Description       Discover the versatility of this bright and airy single-level located in the wonderful State Streets of Mesa Verde. This well-designed home sits on a pleasant, quiet street where the only sounds are of friendly neighbors. Comfort and style join forces here with the freshly painted interior that allows you to look good while taking it easy. Enjoy the large bedrooms and den which could be used as a 4th bedroom. The dual dining & living room fireplaces are a design highlight and attracts cozy gatherings. Come see all the many other advantages offered such as Bamboo hardwood flooring, central air conditioning, permitted bonus r... 03/29/2013

Spring Fling and Egg Hunt on Saturday on 3/30/13 at SoCo       If you're looking for something to do this weekend, why not consider the Spring Fling.  It starts at 11am this Saturday, 3/30/13 and goes until 3:00pm.  It is located at SoCo at 3303-3323 Hyland in Cota Mesa.     There will be a treasure hunt with clues and an egg hunt which starts at noon.  There will also be face painting and balloons as well as raffles and prizes.   Winning tickets will be announced at 2:00pm. 03/28/2013

   This 1500 SQFT two story condo is move in ready.  Light, bright and neutral with bamboo floors, updated kitchen and baths.  Bottom floor has a spacious living area, eat in kitchen, two bedrooms and a full bath.  The second floor is a large master retreat with spa like bath, large walk in closet and french doors to an outdoor balcony. Call Shannon Daniele at 562 256 5779.           03/26/2013

Mesa Verde Inner Loop Home for Sale - 3 Bd         This Mesa Verde Inner Loop home is perfectly located on a cul-de-sac with a large living area and a large lot.  This home is in original condition and is ready for a new owner to come in and make it their new home. It is also well priced to reflect the condition of the property.  As the home next door sold a few days ago for $698,000 and is similar in size.   This home features two separate living areas and lots of space along with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.   Please contact Christine Donovan at 714-319-9751 for a private showing.     03/17/2013

Larry Weichman is President and Broker of Costa Mesa-based real estate powerhouse Weichman Realtors,”the most trusted name in Costa Mesa Real Estate”. Larry and his highly-trained team of professionals have proudly served Costa Mesa since 1976. For questions about an upcoming sale or purchase, call him directly at 714-241-4532 or email your questions to Larry@TeamWeichman.com. Be sure to visit Larry Weichman in Costa Mesa CA for the latest news and information on the Costa Mesa real estate market.  Search all available listings  Search golf course homes  View all available foreclosures instantly  Search short sale homes in your area  Search recent home sales See community information Now hiring 4 special agents at our new regional Real Estate Center     (714) 241-4532 1503 South Coast ... 03/16/2013

First time homebuyers in Costa Mesa are told a lot of things — “Save your money,” their parents advise. “Location, location, location!” their friend’s friend cautions. Reasonable advice, for certain. But there some important elements of the home buying process which a typical Costa Mesafirst time homebuyer doesn’t usually hear. I’ve listed some of the most important ones, in no particular order: 1.                  Mortgage rates you see advertised aren’t usually what you get The banner ads are everywhere online: “3.2% rates!” “No money down!” But the truth is, mortgage rates vary greatly. The only way you’ll know what rates you actually qualify for is to go through a complete mortgage application including credit pulls and income verification. One more point to consider: online mortga... 03/16/2013

I will be flyging into Orange County on March 13th facilitating a WordPress Workshop.  This is for the Basic to Intermediate Blogger.  Would love to have you there.   You can RSVP to sroach@amerifirst.us or ted@tedcanto.com   03/11/2013

When you are getting near to zero hour for your first open house in Costa Mesa, you should know some of the simple moves homeowners can make to help ensure success. Here are three of them -- three ways you can approach your Costa Mesa open house to make sure it’s a well-attended and effective marketing event: 1. Buy some flowers It might seem extravagant, but when you consider the your Costa Mesa home’s asking price, it may prove well worth it.  The amount you spend on flowers will create an extra lift: the inviting aroma that greets your visitors, together with the burst of color fresh arrangements add in key areas subtly let buyers know you are willing to make an effort for a property that rates star treatment.  Plus, it’s almost springtime, right? 2. Put up signage in advance You wi... 03/11/2013

OCTA Grants Costa Mesa $2.8 Million to Help Reduce Westside Flooding The Orange County Transportation (OCTA) has given Costa Mesa $2.8 million to reduce flooding during the rains. Costa Mesa will match the funds provided by the OCTA, and the plan is to build a catch basin under Lions Park that will reduce potential flooding. This project will also help to keep pollution from the streets from entering the ocean via the storm drains with the addition of filters to the storm drainage system. Construction should begin in late 2014.   Originally posted at: OCTA Grant to Reduce Westside Costa Mesa Flooding. 03/07/2013

It’s pretty common to hear from previously contented tenants who suddenly experience the Eureka! moment – one where they realize they should have bought a home a while back. Eureka! moments happen most frequently around April 15 -- but they can strike anytime. To minimize the lapse between Eureka! and the moment when home ownership became the smart choice, here are some indicators current tenants should watch for: Stability Shift When your long-term job stability changes, your ability to predict future finances changes with it. Current renters should start surveying Costa Mesa homes for sale when the breadwinner becomes newly established in a long-term position. Credit Profile Shift  To qualify for one of the homes for sale in Costa Mesa may not require perfect credit; but a better cre... 02/28/2013

We all know the feeling – the one where guests are due and you haven’t had time to clean the house.  You shove all the…well… stuff into the back bedroom and shut the door (you’d lock it if you could). Now imagine that feeling times 10.  If you are trying to sell your home this spring, and you have rooms full of that…well…stuff -- you’re in for exactly that.  You can prevent it all with just a touch of the staging approach for your Costa Mesahome.  Not everyone has $5,000 or more to spend on professional staging, but then again, you can’t offer your home in “lived in” condition and expect to have buyers racing to write you their high-priced offers. Real estate is in large part an emotional selling proposition – beyond their basic housing requirements, buyers want to see themselves livin... 02/24/2013

Tewinkle Park - Costa Mesa - Speechless Sundays     Tewinkle Park is a wonderful park located in the heart of Costa Mesa, CA across the street from the Orange County Fairgrounds and also across the street from the Volcom Skate Park and the Costa Mesa Bark Park.  In addition to the ponds and hills for walking and climbing, there is also the Angel's Playground for the kids. Plus, it has amazing sunsets! 02/24/2013

Mesa Verde Inner Loop Home for Sale - 3 Bd         This Mesa Verde Inner Loop home is perfectly located on a cul-de-sac with a large living area and a large lot.  This home is in original condition and is ready for a new owner to come in and make it their new home.   This home features two separate living areas and lots of space along with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.   Please contact Christine Donovan at 714-319-9751 for a private showing.     02/17/2013