Likeability is a subjective term.  Who’s likeable and how important is it? According to Best selling author and psychologist, Richard Wiseman, in his book "59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot", 30 years of research says it doesn't always come down to qualifications, experience, education or a host of other criteria. Often times. it comes down to likeability. Likeability has also been linked to the success of presidential candidates in a presidential race (as predicted in Gallup poll). Likeable people are reported to be far less likely to get a divorce, or be sued by malpractice. Likeable people are easier to work with and trusted more. So instead of cutting your commission or adding even more designations behind your name to get business, you may want to try being irresistibly pe... 06/27/2013

  Five Ways to Keep Pets Cool   Water play, shade and tasty treats… In the heat of the summer, you may be cranking up the air-conditioning to stay comfortable, but don’t forget about your four-legged pals — especially if they're spending a lot of time outdoors. Consider these five fun and easy ways to keep them cool and happy.   H2O and treats It may sound obvious, but your dog and other pets need access to plenty of fresh, cold water. On a really hot day, you might toss a few ice cubes in the bowl to keep the water even colder. There are also ice cream treats designed specifically for dogs, or you can find recipes online to make your own. Here’s one clever idea — fill an ice cube tray with chicken broth or beef broth and then toss your dog a “pop” once the individual squares are froze... 06/26/2013

Homes For Sale In Bear Brand Laguna Niguel Want to see all of the homes for sale in Bear Brand Laguna Niguel?  As of today, June 13th, 2013, there are 9.   Bear Brand in Laguna Niguel is one of the most exclusive, sought after neighborhoods around. Here is the least expensive home for sale in Bear Brand Laguna Niguel                   This absolutely stunning home has all the attention to details:  Price:  $3,559,000 1.  4 bedrooms2.  5 Bathrooms3.  .385 lot size4. gorgeous pool and view Click here to see more photos and info on 5 Burning Tree  --One of the homes for sale in Bear Brand Laguna Niguel                                                                             This Incredible Estate has so many fabulous amenities you just need to see it in person to believe it! Priced at a... 06/13/2013

Find Homes In Laguna Niguel For Sale If you are in the market for a great home and are looking to find a home in Laguna Niguel, you've come to the right place to browse.  Did you know that the market has picked up quite a bit but inventor is low?  There are a total of 38 condos and townhouses one market as of today? Click...... Find Homes In Laguna Niguel  for the condos.  Here is a short breakdown:                    Least expensive condo is $224,900                           Here is the most expensive condo/townhouse in Laguna at $1,599,000 1 bedroom and 1 bath                              * 3 bedroom and 3.5 baths  728 square feet                                      * 3183 square feet concrete floors                                         * PANORAMIC VIEW FROM SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND T... 06/11/2013

Road Noise in Laguna Niguel – Is it really so bad?Road noise seems to be one of those make-or-break items for home buyers. I’ll agree that living next to a freeway may not be your ideal choice of locations but is a little road noise really such a bad thing? Think of it is a rushing stream, or gentle waves breaking on the beach, or just background noise. I know people who have the TV on all day or the radio on all day or music constantly playing – just background noise.I have a listing in Links Pointe, a gated community in Laguna Niguel, Ca., that fronts to a busy street. This side of the house can definitely sound like a speedway, especially on the weekends when the motorcycles are out. But as soon as you enter the home the noise magically disappears.At a recent Open House many of the p... 05/28/2013

Thank a VET for your property rights! Have you ever seen the email that goes around this time of year which says,It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. - And More!    I would add that you can thank a Veteran for your property rights. This time of year I think of my uncle Donald Hollenbeck who received a silver star posthumously. He died on a bridge in Germany in the Battle of the Bulge, holding back a German tank column while the engineers wired the bridge for demolition. Had the heroes of WWII failed in their task, that evil regime which took property rights away from the Jews for no reason, before taking life itself, might not have been stopped.  Apparently the definition of prope... 05/26/2013

Laguna Niguel / Dana Point Housing Market Report    In Laguna Niguel there are 103 detached homes for sale and 55% of those single family homes are over One Million Dollars. In Dana Point there are 110 detached homes for sale and 73% of the homes for sale are over One Million Dollars. Search million dollar homes.          Laguna Niguel as of May 22th has 44 attached homes on the market of which two are REO properties and one is a short sale. There are 103 detached homes on the market today and only five are distressed properties. Also, there are only 21 detached homes under $800K for sale today and only four of those are under $600K. Laguna Niguel has 23 properties over $2.5 Million actively for sale.      Dana Point has 110 detached homes for sale today. Only 16 are under $800K and the... 05/22/2013

Just Listed – Laguna Niguel short term rental in Beacon Hill. This 2 bedroom townhome is available for rent now through December 2013. This desirable home offers 2 bedrooms, 2 and 1/2 baths, and 1259 square feet of living space. Excellent views can be enjoyed from the spacious rear patio and the large balcony off the master bedroom which has distant ocean views. Beacon Hill is a wonderful community offering an HOA pool, and multiple tennis courts that are located in close proximity to the unit. Beacon Hill is served by some of the best public schools in Orange County. This townhome is conveniently located close to shopping, restaurants, and the area’s best beaches. There is a large 2 car attached garage, with ample storage. Call today as short term rentals are very hard to find and this... 05/14/2013

  Is your medicine cabinet filled with expired drugs or no longer needed medications?  Did you know that you are not allowed to flush any medications or pharmaceuticals down the toilet or drain?  These substances are bad for our environment, the ground, water, air and for the fish and sea life.    The proper way of disposing medications are:   1.      Take medication out of the original container.   2.      Mix medication with a substance like cat litter or used coffee grounds.   3.      Put the mixture in a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, plastic food container or sealable storage bag.   4.      Conceal or remove personal information, including Rx number from the prescription bottle with a permanent marker or by peeling or scratching label off.   5.   ... 04/26/2013

Home Prices in Laguna Niguel CA April 2013 Real estate market data for Laguna Niguel CA by Ron Buck at Keller William Realty.   Home Prices in Laguna Niguel CA   We have seen over a full year of increasing prices in Laguna Niguel and Orange County in general and we don’t expect things to slow down anytime soon.  It all started when the national talking heads called a bottom to the real estate market back in March 2012. Previously, short sales and foreclosures had been ranging from 20% to 60% of the market depending on neighborhood. For the last 18 months the distressed property market has been shrinking to the point where we have only a very few coming to market. Today most all of the new listings are standard or "equity" sales. In Laguna Niguel prices rose anywhere from 10 to 15% in 20... 04/05/2013

  Ventana Coastal Properties is pleased to have represented the buyer on the sale of this beautiful home located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Laguna Niguel. This beautiful townhome is located on a quiet street in the Beacon Hills Vistas development which is always in demand because of its great HOA amenities and excellent schools. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1259 square feet of living space that opens to the beautiful rear patio with views to the ocean. It is located close to the ocean and centrally located close to shopping and restaurants. Beacon Hill is a charming neighborhood with an HOA pool/spa, tennis courts, and community park. This home sold on March 27, 2012 for $380,000.           View Beacon Hill Homes for Sale     View all Laguna Niguel Real Estate       Call me t... 03/31/2013

LOL… Hoping this Easter brings you some springtime weather. Happy Easter weekend! 03/30/2013

List your Laguna Niguel home with an experienced Broker, Over 15 years experience in your corner.Ann Urias offers a1% to Listing office - Full service listing agreement2.5% to Selling officeTotal commission paid to sell your home is 3.5% total!!Let us help you save $$$More info call 714 588 7676 or click on http://www.annurias.com/ lic 01451803 03/27/2013

  Just imagine, if Jupiter was the same distance away as the moon... A little overwhelming, right?  This is why we need balance in our lives.  Just a thought...   Photo credit: Time 4 Learning 03/20/2013

View all Laguna Niguel Homes for rent – all rentals that are listed on the MLS are accessible at Ventana Coastal Properties Laguna Niguel Real Estate community page. Ventana Coastal Properties is an area specialist in Laguna Niguel rental listings including homes and condominiums for rent. Laguna Niguel is an upscale community located in South Orange County and offers a family friendly lifestyle with abundant parks, HOA amenities, and excellent schools. Laguna Niguel has an excellent selection of rentals available in both condos and executive homes. You are invited to browse all available Laguna Niguel rental listings below and simply email or call David Grbich if you find a rental that you would like to view. I look forward to working with you to find your perfect rental home or lease.... 03/18/2013

  Happy to announce that I Sold the late actor Larry Hagman’s home in 30 days!     Please click on link below...   http://www.surterreproperties.com/blog/actor-larry-hagmans-santa-monica-home-sold.html    03/13/2013

Village Niguel Gardens Townhomes in Laguna Niguel CA Village Niguel Gardens Townhomes are beautiful two story, two car, large townhomes in a safe gated community in Laguna Niguel CA. The townhomes are all two story and there is no residence above or below. Most are in four-plex style with two middle units and two end units. All have patios and generously sized rooms. They sell quickly so the search above shows sold units for six months back. Village Niguel Gardens Townhome community is in the north part of Laguna Niguel and affords easy access to freeways, the 73 toll road and all kinds of shopping. Also it is only a short 4 mile drive down to Dana Point Harbor. Laguna Niguel Regional Park and lake are also in walking distance.          Search for Laguna Niguel Townhomes. Village Niguel... 03/06/2013

Who’s hungry? Meatloaf & Mashed Potato Cupcake with green sprinkles!!!  Yummm....   Photo courtesy of Incredible Recipes   03/06/2013

Real Estate Trends for Laguna Niguel January 2013   The median sales price for homes in Laguna Niguel for Nov 12 to Jan 13 (2012-2013) was $552,000. This represents an increase of 10.4%, or $52,000, compared to the prior quarter and an increase of 21.1% compared to the prior year. Sales prices have depreciated 3.2% over the last 5 years in Laguna Niguel.   Average listing price for homes in Laguna Niguel was $1,242,550 for the week ending Feb 13, which represents an increase of 15.6%, or $167,474 compared to the prior week and an increase of 19.4%, or $202,304, compared to the week ending Jan 23. Average price per square foot for homes in 92677 was $309 in the most recent quarter.   92677, Laguna Niguel Recently Sold Homes 92677, Laguna Niguel Recently Sold Homes 92677, Laguna Niguel Re... 03/02/2013

      March is a prelude to spring when Mother Nature begins to shed some of her winter coat and prepares for spring's renewal.  It’s time to begin preparing your garden for spring's big bloom.   Time to plant summer bulbs and specific flowers. Time to Fertilize citrus and fruit trees, roses and perennials. Prune evergreens this month, but avoid pruning them later on in spring and summer. Deadhead winter annuals. Weeding.   Herbs: They're not all the same      An herb is a flavorful plant used to season food in cooking or a plant used as    medicine.    Herbs come in all different types of vegetation. Certain herb varieties grown better in pots and some thrive in the ground.   Do you know your perennial herb from your annual herb?    Trees: Sweet bay is a small tree used in cooking and ... 02/28/2013