Mission Viejo Library - Living In Mission Viejo

Hi, I’m John Alesi and welcome to my channel where I talk about living, working and playing in Mission Viejo California and the surrounding South Orange County area.

 

And Today, I want to take you to one of my favorite places in town, the Mission Viejo Library.

 

Located at the corner of La paz Rd and Marguerite Parkway, the library shares the site with the Mission Viejo Civic Center and City Hall complex.

The building is a contemporary style with a sweeping curved roof, stacked stone pillars and a wall of windows that look out over the Saddleback Mountains. 

 

The library building was built in 1997 and expanded in 2002 up to its current size of 42,000 sq feet. This includes the main library with book stacks, meeting rooms and research areas as well as a separate wing with larger meeting rooms and performance and lecture halls. 

 

Unfortunately we can’t go inside at this time but I’ll tell you about the many resources that are available. 

 

You can check out books, magazines, entertainment and educational videos, books and music on CD, video games for xBox, Nintendo and PlayStation4, and something called a Storytime in a Bag, 

 

which contains books, puppets and other items for the young ones. 

 

There are plenty of online resources like the Virtual Activities page with things like read aloud videos.... you can participate in the  Kids Reader Challenge, use online resources for families and kids, watch art classes and join GoodReads discussion groups. 

 

There’s also a resource link for Tutor Dot Com to help families who are teaching their children at home.

 

With the online catalog web page, you can search for all the available library resources, books, DVDs, periodicals and CDs, right from your computer, tablet or phone. Many books even have the Google Preview feature so you can read part of the text.

 

Other services available through the library include issuing of passports, reservable meeting and study rooms, programs for early childhood and elementary students, book clubs, Homework help and tutoring, computers and wifi, genealogical reference and assistance, research assistance and veterans resources.

 

in the Civic Center courtyard there’s plenty of green grass, shady trees  and a serene water feature if you prefer to read outdoors. Parking is plentiful with the beautiful cobblestone streets lined with tall palm trees.

 

For more detailed information, check the library’s web site as part of the Mission Viejo city page at: City of Mission Viejo

and also visit their Facebook page for the most up to date information. 

How to Organize Garage Tools & Hardware

How to Organize Garage Tools & Hardware



I think everybody I know has some "organizational issues" when it comes to your garage. Many, like me, use the garage as a storage space and rarely park your vehicles inside. But there comes a day when you decide you must get the mess under control. This short video will give you a starting point to begin the process of regaining your garage for it's original purpose.

10 Things To Do Before You Sell Your Home In Rancho Santa Margarita

10 Things To Do Before You Sell Your Home In Rancho Santa Margarita

Are you planning on putting your home up for sale? The current market in Orange County California and especially Rancho Santa Margarita, is red hot! Properties are literally flying off the shelf (as if they could fly!) because of continued low interest rates and a critically low inventory level. Most for sale listings I have visited in the past few weeks are getting multiple offers (many that are over asking price) and are opening escrow just after a few days on market.

I am also seeing open houses with 75-100 visits (groups/families...not individuals) on a Saturday AND Sunday. And the agent is asking for all offers to be submitted by the following Monday! This "perfect storm" of supply, demand and interest rates is a wonderful opportunity for sellers to get their home on the market and get it sold quickly.

10 Things To Do Before You Sell Your Home In Rancho Santa Margarita:

1. Start De-cluttering rooms. Pack up personal belongings and family photos. Remove extra furniture so that rooms will appear spacious. Neatness makes a room look bigger. Remove jewelry, collectables, art work, firearms and other valuables now before the parade of visitors begins. Get these items stored safely or perhaps in a safe-deposit box or storage unit. You could also hit up a trusted relative or friend for temporary storage.
2. Kitchen Clean Up. Do whatever possible to make your kitchen sparkle. Many buyers judge the entire home viewing experience by what they see in the kitchen. Fresh paint or even just the trim will help. Clean appliances so they are spotless including stove, oven, inside of microwave, sink and faucets. Don't forget the hood vent...these can be greasy and retain cooking odors. BTW, don't leave food, dirty dishes, pots and pans out on showing days. Be alert to cooking odors on those days as well.
3. Bathrooms - Thoroughly clean mirrors, counters, sinks, toilet bowls, etc. Check with a porcelain repair service if items are chipped. Put out fresh/new towels and remove trash cans and laundry hampers. Replace dim lights with higher wattage bulbs that all match.
4. Walls - Patch and repaint cracks and holes in drywall. If you remove photos, art work or wall mounted TVs, fix the holes ASAP.
5. Windows and Doors - Make sure all windows slide or crank open easily. Same for doors...get out the 3-In-1 oil and eliminate squeaking hinges. Wash all windows inside and out so they sparkle.
6. Garage -  This may be difficult if you are storing items from your de-cluttering project (#1). Sweep or wash floor before you begin your packing. Fix damaged/broken garage doors, hinges and automatic openers. Find all of the remote opener controls and keys.
7. Carpet and Flooring - If possible, have your carpets professionally cleaned. Repair any loose or damaged thresholds between rooms. If you have laminate flooring, check for loose fitting planks and missing trim pieces. Hardwood can be resurfaced if needed or just waxed to a bright shine. Replace cracked ceramic, travertine or stone floor tiles.
8. Exterior - Check the exterior paint on walls, doors and trim. Repair stucco, replace damaged trim and repaint as needed. If you can't repaint the whole house, just try the trim or only the front door. Install new, shiny address numbers. All landscaping should be immaculate - it shows pride of ownership. Trim hedges, trees, grass or hire a service for a month to keep the lawn and garden looking great. Fresh, colorful flowers, especially at the front entry are wonderful.  Clean built in bar-b-ques or neatly stow/cover portable units.
9. Roof - I'm always surprised when home owners don't realize the condition of their roof. Check to find the age of the roof and acknowledge any repairs. Look for loose tiles, shingles, etc. A buyer may call for an inspection at their own expense. Better to know ahead of time what the roof condition is and not be caught off-guard with a demand/request to fix a roof.
10. Termite Inspection - California is termite heaven. EVERY house has termites! All financial institutions will demand a clear termite report before a new loan is funded and the home owner usually pays for the repairs. Again, better to know ahead of time. Many home owners are ordering the termite inspection and having the report available to serious buyers.

This is a good head start on getting your home ready to sell in Rancho Santa Margarita or in any other city. As home owners know, there's always something to do. Make sure to check with city regulations and permit requirements before making repairs. Every jurisdiction is different but it is your responsibility to be in legal compliance.

*   *   *   *   *

John Alesi - REALTOR®

949-510-2154

CENTURY 21 Award

Search for homes at: Your OC Home Search website

         

DRE# 01730187

Copyright 2013 by John Alesi. Text and images may not be copied with out consent.

Mission Viejo Homes can Recycling Electronic at Saddleback College

Mission Viejo Homes can Recycling Electronic at Saddleback College

Start your Spring cleaning now!

Do you have old, unused electronics clogging up the back of your closets? Are your crawl spaces loaded with unwanted, out-of-date computers? Is that giant screen TV just collecting dust because it hasn't worked in years?

Recycle this old stuff this Saturday, January 5, 2013, at Saddleback College Parking Lot #1 from 10am-3pm.

Do you have computers, keyboards, mice (not the live ones!), speakers, hard drives, discs and diskettes? How about cell phones, pagers, PDAs?  Any TVs, DVDs, VCRs, stereos radios or cameras? Fax machines, photo copiers, scanners or telephones?  Bring them all to Saddleback College on Saturday.

Clean out your Mission Viejo home today and make a fresh start in 2013.
John Alesi
CENTURY 21 Award
John@OCHomeAndCondoSearch.com
www.OCHomeAndCondoSearch.com

South Orange County Fireworks 2012 - July 4th Fireworks shows in South Orange County

Are you ready to celebrate Independence Day? This is my favorite holiday of the year...warm weather, great food on the bar-b-que, gathering with friends and watching the sky explode in color from the fireworks extravaganzas throughout the area.

This year we will be fortunate to see 4 or 5 fireworks shows from the comfort of a friends back yard. All the visual excitement without the parking hassles of being onsite. I know it's not quite the same as having your face blasted with the color bombs but it's still a great night.

Check these locations for South Orange County Fourth of July Fireworks shows in the various cities. Most shows start at 9:00pm, but check with the venue website to verify for yourself.

Aliso Viejo - July 4th Celebration and Fireworks - Grand Park

Dana Point
4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza at the Dana Point Harbor Doheny State Beach & Harbor Area

Irvine
28th Annual Concert on the Green and Firework Festival Irvine High School Stadium

Laguna Hills
Fourth of July Celebration at the Laguna Hills Sports Complex

Laguna Niguel
4th of July Summer Concert and Fireworks Crown Valley Community Park Amphitheatre

Mission Viejo
Annual Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular Lake Mission Viejo

Rancho Santa Margarita July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club (residents and guests only)

San Clemente
4th of July fireworks show at the San Clemente Pier

San Juan Capistrano
4th of July Celebration at San Juan Capistrano Sports Park

If you are ready to brave the crowds, DISNEYLAND (9:30pm) and KNOTT'S BERRY FARM (10pm) also have fireworks shows which are best viewed from inside the park with paid admission.

There may be a fee to attend some of these events. Please check in advance about entrance fees and parking fees. This site does not guarantee that these events will not be canceled. Check with the individual event organizers to confirm times and locations.

For additional Independence Day fireworks shows and events throughout the county, visit KABC-TV. Have safe 4th and enjoy South Orange County Fireworks 2012 - July 4th Fireworks shows in South Orange County.

Lake Forest Condo For Sale $219,900

Lake Forest Condo For Sale $219,900

Take a peak at this quick video of a good deal on a condo in Lake Forest, CA. Located close to all of the community ammenities and transportation, this condo is a Fannie Mae / HomePath property that can be purchased with 3% down, no monthly mortgage insurance and no appraisal fee.

 

 

Thanks for viewing this video about a condo for sale in Lake Forest, CA.  My name is John Alesi, a REALTOR with Century 21 Award, the #1 franchise in the system selling homes and condos in Lake Forest, CA

 

This video contains information about a condo for sale in Lake Forest, CA

 

22708 Madrid Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Condominium
$219,900

 

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1033 sq. ft.

 

Spacious lower level, single story Lake Forest condo. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths with detached one car garage. New interior paint, new carpet, and new appliances. Large living room. In-unit laundry closet, charming patio off dining area. Well maintained grounds with pool, spa, and lots of guest parking.

This is a Fannie Mae HomePath  property and can be purchased with as little a s 3% down payment, no mortgage insurance and no appraisal fee. Listing courtesy of Vernazza Realty Inc – Meredith Lancona

This Lake Forest condo qualifies for FHA, Fannie Mae and conventional financing or cash.

For information about this condo in Lake Forest, contact:

John Alesi

CENTURY 21 Award

22342 Avenida Empresa, Suite 150

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

949-510-2154

John@YourOCHome.com

http://www.OCHomeAndCondoSearch.com

 

To view listing information about this property in Lake Forest, CA click this link:
http://www.ochomeandcondosearch.com/listing/mlsid/301/propertyid/S701969/


To view all houses and condos for sale in Lake Forest, CA click this link:

http://www.ochomeandcondosearch.com/community/area/Lake+Forest/

 

To search for condos and homes in Orange County, CA click this link:

http://www.ochomeandcondosearch.com/

 

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Lake Forest, CA or in other cities in Orange County, contact at me for a no cost consultation.

 

Fun-Filled Weekend at Rancho Fest (RanchoFest) 2012

The Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber of Commerce would like to invite the community to take part in Rancho Fest 2012 this Memorial Day Weekend in RSM's Central Park. 


This event runs Friday, May 25 6:00-9:00 and Saturday, May 26 from 11:00-9:00 in Rancho Santa Margarita.

• Live Music Entertainment 
• Performances by Community Schools and Local Groups
• Kids and Adult Fun Zone
• Inflatable Obstacle Courses and Games
• Rock Climbing
• Jousting
• Beer and Wine Garden
• Food Booths Galore
• Shopping From Local Vendors
• And MORE!...

For more information, visit the Chamber of Commerce website.

*   *   *   *   *

John Alesi - REALTOR®

949-510-2154

CENTURY 21 Award

Search for homes at: Your OC Home Search website

         

DRE# 01730187