Top 5 Buying Tips for Summer

Summer is far from over! There’s so much left of this beautiful season, especially in California where the weather is pretty warm all throughout Fall as well. The real estate market does tend to change from season to season, so if you are considering buying a home, whether it be your first or your last, there are some things to think about. Summer can be a great time to not only look at potential homes, but also make a purchase! We’ve compiled a list of tips and advice on why buying a home during the Summer can be your best decision yet!

1. Options are Helpful

During the Summer months many homes are put on the market which is a great thing for buyers. Although sometimes options can seem overwhelming, especially if you are not exactly sure what you want in a home, you can only benefit from them in the end! Many sellers also choose Spring or early Summer to remodel parts of their home before putting it on the market. So, if you are touring homes closer to the end of Summer, you are most likely getting the ‘cream of the crop’ (aka the best properties with updates and new features).

2. Easier to Walk the Property

Although we previously mentioned California doesn’t exactly have fluctuating weather, it’s always nicer to look at your potential family home in the best light. During the Summer the flowers are blooming, the grass is fresh and most things like water features, pools and fire pits are running. Walking a property during the warmer months allows potential buyers to get a well-rounded feel for the land and everything the home has to offer.

3. Show the Whole Family

Many times during Fall, Winter and Spring local listings offer available showing during the days. Although one or two family members may be able to see the home, the kids have to attend school. A benefit about viewing a home during the Summer is that you can bring the entire family to take a look and see what they think. Kids may be able to point out a benefit or downfall about the property that you don’t initially think about.

4. Pricing

Many families are strayed away from looking at homes during June, July and August because Summer is considered “peak season” for selling homes, but there are actually benefits for exploring during this time. If you are not ready to settle on a home, but are just looking, Summer is a great time to do so because you can get a feel for what’s on the market, how much it costs and how much you can afford. Planning for your dream home during peak season is beneficial because it allows you to prepare for the worst, so anything less will give you extra money to spend on the home.

5. Location

Even if you have an idea about the area in which you want to look for houses, it can always be helpful to broaden your horizons. In Summer, people are typically more willing to travel to new locations or neighborhoods to look for homes because of time and encouraging weather. It is a small factor in theory, but can actually make a big difference in the long run.

For more buying tips or for selling advice, get in touch with one of our agents today! We have worked with both sides and can find the price, location and size that’s right for you!

4 of the Best Brunch Spots in Brea

Brea has got it all! Including some of the best brunch spots in Orange County. Whether you need some place to take the family on the weekends, or you need a great spot to meet up with the girls, there is a place for every occasion! Here’s a short list of some of our favorite brunch destinations regardless whether it’s the middle of the week or a sunny Sunday. We’ve also included our some of our favorite menu items!

Kimmie’s Coffee Cup

The charm and quaint atmosphere at Kimmie’s is one of the many reasons why they have so many regulars that continue to come back each week. Kimmie’s is a great breakfast or brunch spot that serves some of the best eggs in town. The cafe closes at 2 pm, so if you’re a late riser on the weekends, make sure to get there with enough time to be seated and eat your hefty meal. A crowd favorite at Kimmie’s is the short stack of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and the Irish Benedict! However, if you aren’t as big of a fan when it comes to breakfasts foods, Kimmie’s offers plenty of lighter options.

TAPS Fish House and Brewery

As one of Brea’s most popular restaurants in town, TAPS is a top brunch destination on the weekends! Brunch is offered each Sunday from 9:30 am-2 pm. Reservations are a good idea if you’re thinking of bringing the crew to TAPS for brunch, because the restaurant fills up very quickly. TAPS is a crowd favorite among adults because the brunch menu has it’s own list of craft cocktails. One of our favorite drinks is called “There’s Always Money in the Banana Stand,” which is a mix of Pisco, passion fruit, banana, Jamaican bitters and lime. The food is even more extreme than the cocktails. Two of the most popular menu choices are the Philly Cheesesteak Omelette and the Trainwreck Burrito. One of the craft cocktails paired with any of the decadent food items makes for a brunch you won’t forget.

Bruegger’s Bagels

Looking for a more low-key breakfast/brunch spot? Bruegger’s Bagels is the perfect place to grab food in the mornings if you’re on-the-go or want a quiet place. This spot is also perfect for the early risers because Bruegger’s opens weekdays at 5:30 am, Saturdays at 6 am and Sundays at 7 am. Bruegger’s offers a selection of fresh bagels, breakfast sandwiches, coffee and more! Whether you’re running to work or just want a place to sit and read a book, Bruegger’s is great!

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern

If none of these places have quite sold you yet, Jimmy’s will. Although it’s a chain, each restaurant has it’s own special flare, and the location in Brea is one of the best! Sunday brunch at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern lasts from 11 am-3 pm, so it’s a great place to go if your family doesn’t wake up very early on the weekends. The atmosphere at Jimmy’s is fun and loud, so it’s a great place to bring the kids. However, for those parents that need an extra kick in the morning, the early bird happy hour means mimosas and bloody mary’s are only $7 before noon. For the ultimate weekend brunch-goers, you can get bottomless mimosas for only $15 with any entree! And if you’re struggling to decide on an entree, you can never go wrong with The Bubba, which is a biscuit filled with fried chicken, cheese, sausage gravy, bacon and a sunny side up egg.

 

For more information on Brea or to learn more about the area, check out our other blogs here!

4 of the Best Workouts in Brea

Summer is a great time to start your health kick and get in shape! Working out can sometimes seem like a drag, but in Orange County there is always a way to make it fun! Brea has some great studios and classes that offer a great workout and a fun time! We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite workouts in the area that will have you motivated to workout!

Tone Barre

 Cardio is one thing, but if you need a workout to tighten and tone your body then Tone Barre is the spot to get fit. Tone Barre offers barre and cycling classes to get your muscles working hard. Barre and cycling workouts are both great because they target muscles that aren’t as commonly worked on a day-to-day basis. If you are someone who is bored of running on a track at the gym or working the elliptical at the gym, then try something new with Tone Barre. Although you’ll most likely be sore after your first class, at least you’ll feel the calories burning!

Crossfit Firestone

 If you want an intense workout regime then Crossfit Firestone is probably the place for you! Lately there has been a lot of popularity surrounding crossfit workouts and the benefits they have on your body. Crossfit Firestone prides themselves on combining functional movements with high level intensity. The large space in downtown Brea offers members or visitors individual or group training classes. The trainers at Crossfit Firestone are knowledgeable and dedicated to helping members reach their goals!  They even offer a free personal training session to get you started!

OrangeTheory Fitness

Looking for a full-body workout? OrangeTheory Fitness, a very popular chain throughout California, offers visitors and members a great workout that combines cardio and strength training to optimize results and intensity. OrangeTheory encourages people who take their class to move at their own rate! The trainers are always there to help, but everyone is welcome to take things as easy or difficult as they wish. Since each workout is individualized to each person, all ages are welcome!

One Body Studios

Workouts don’t always have to be so demanding- there are plenty of workouts that work the body and target specific muscles without as much of the intensity. One Body Studios offers yoga, dance and pilates classes. The yoga classes offer attendees a more relaxing experience that will still work the body and stretch it while incorporating meditation. The dance classes are designed for the ladies and even men looking to have a little fun during their workouts! Finally the pilates classes are designed for those in search of building strength and targeting the core. One Body Studios offers new clients a deal on classes: 30 days for $30!

Although these are some of our favorite workouts in Brea, these are far from the only studios, gyms and classes! Brea is filled with great workouts indoors and great hiking trails and parks if you want a workout outdoors! For more information on Brea and all of the hidden gems Brea has to offer, contact one of our team members today!

 

5 Dessert Spots to Try in Brea

If the divine restaurants in Brea weren’t enough to fill up your stomach, these dessert spots will do the trick! Brea has some great dessert places that offer all kinds of signature and creative twists on classic creations. Once you try one, you’ll want to try them all! Here is a list of five of our favorites!

1. Cinnaholic

 

 

Your cinnamon roll dreams have come true! Cinnaholic serves up the most decadent and delicious gourmet cinnamon rolls in all of Orange County. The idea originated from the tv show Shark Tank, and has come to life in Brea! Customers can choose from a variety of 20 frosting flavors and 22 toppings. The frosting flavors range anywhere from Chai to Lemon and the toppings include crushed cookies, nuts and fruits! The combinations are endless.

 

2. Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour

 

You can never go wrong with a classic banana split! With three locations across Orange County, Farrell’s is not just popular, it’s THE ice cream spot. Farrell’s specializes in the best and most creative ice cream sundaes you can dream of. You can choose from one of the specialized creations, or create your own sundae! This old-fashioned ice cream parlour is a great place to take the kids or go with a big group. Farrell’s most well-known menu item is somewhat of a feat for whoever can finish it. The Farrell’s Zoo includes 30 scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, chocolate, strawberry and marshmallow sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, cherries and bananas! It’s the classic ice cream sundae on steroids!

3. J’s Sweet Treats

 

 

In need of that chocolate cake fix? J’s Sweet Treats has chocolate plus so much more! J’s offers a variety of homemade cupcakes and cakes. However, they do not stick to just your classic vanilla and chocolate flavors. At J’s you can find cupcakes like Chocolate Peanut Butter which is a chocolate cake, filled with Reese’s peanut butter and topped with a peanut buttercream, or the Strawberry Cheesecake which is a strawberry or vanilla cupcake, stuffed with strawberries, frosted with cream cheese buttercream and topped with strawberry drizzle and graham cracker crumbles. J’s Sweet Treats also makes custom cakes for every occasion. You can order a classic size or consult with them about a custom design.

 

4. Kelley’s Kookies

 

Tucked in the Brea Mall, Kelly’s Kookies offers the best gourmet cookies in the area. Whether you’re buying a treat for yourself or a gift set for a friend, you can’t go wrong! The Kelley’s Kookies sets are great gifts, and usually customized around special holidays and events. Our favorite flavors are the pecan shortbread and the melting moments, which is a walnut cookie covered in decadent powdered sugar!

 

5. Creamistry

 

Finally on the list is another franchise, but one that cannot be missed if you are an ice cream connoisseur. Creamistry offers made-to-order liquid nitrogen ice cream that is made right before your eyes! Choose between a base of premium, organic or coconut milk, then add in your favorite flavors and toppings. With over 70 flavors and toppings, and an unlimited amount of combinations you will want to try everything! One of our personal favorite combinations is the Premium base, a combination of cookies & cream and Reese’s peanut butter flavor, and mixed in fresh baked brownie bites!

 

Ice cream, cakes, cookies and cinnamon rolls! Brea has it all. The dessert spots are only the beginning of all Brea has to offer which is why so many residents love living there! For more information on living in Brea or the cost of real estate, get in touch with one of our team members today! Brea could be the perfect place for your family.