What Should you know about Home Inspections

What Should you Know About Home Inspections

If you are a seller, it is best to do it before you sell to make sure there is not hidden problems. If you are a buyer, if one has not been done you would want to have one of your own to make sure you know what you are buying.

Make sure you:

• Hire a professional home inspector

 

Your Realtor usually knows and can recommend an inspector that is licensed and knows the legal requirements

1. Inspectors will point out flaws and unknown conditions

He will check out all major appliances, electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, water pressure, gas safety, and all Safety issues but he will not invade the walls. No home is perfect so he may also note such as cracked tile but these are cosmetic and donot affect the structural integrity of your new home.

1. Home inspection reports

The inspector will give you a report that will start from the outside, visually roof, exterior, soil touching the stucco, cracks of the exterior, garage, home entrance, foyer, floors, walls & ceiling for signs of cracks or water stains. Electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, windows for ease of operation and jeopardization, Kitchen major appliances for operation and leaks. Bathrooms and laundry for leaks. Air conditioning and heating. They go thru crawlspaces and attics.

You should also get a condensed version of the more serious and safety items for ease of viewing

• Home inspectors Code of Ethics are to the person paying the fee

 

Even though the report will still disclose all system failures he is only required to give the report to the person who pays him. It is only public knowledge by court of law of if submitted to the third party. If there is a failure of a system in the home, the owner/seller is still legally must disclose it to the prospective buyer.

1. The home inspection is a great tool for Buyers and Sellers

Most buyers are not electricians, or plumbers or AC professionals. They do however need to know if the repairs of the findings are going to make the home they are interested in, worth what they offered for the home.  In California, all home purchases are in “AS IS” condition so even though you as a buyer can request to repair the problems, the seller may or may not work with you on that. The inspection helps you to decide to stay with the home purchase or possibly renegotiate the price or the cost of the repairs; or you can walk away if it is all too much to deal with. The expense of an inspection if very reasonable will be worth it for your peace of mind (that the home has no hidden problems) or save you from a bigger expense problem if you go thorough with the purchase

 

By all means, use professionals in a Real Estate Transaction and trust your Real Estate Professional. So start with one you can Trust.

MarleneDietrichRealEstate.com

Be Prepared for that well deserved Vacation this Summer

Summer is upon us and Vacations will be starting as soon as school is out. With this in mind you need to prepare not only for the Place to go to but the place you will be returning to.      Important steps should be taken to keep your home Intruder proof while you are away.

1. Make your home look like its occupied. Multiple timers on lights in different locations
2. Music on for background noise
3. Be careful of who you give advance notice of your vacation (ie Facebook,etc…)
4. Tell a trusted neighbor or friend so they can watch your home
5. Stop all mail and newspapers and have a neighbor park in your driveway
6. Close blinds and shades on first floor so no one can peak in
7. Pack your suitcases and such while the car is in the garage so as not to alert passersby
8. Lock all doors, gates, garage and storage.

If you take precautionary measures you will be able to enjoy your vacation without worrying about the security of your home while you are away.

 

MarleneDietrichRealEstate.com

 

According to Marlene Dietrich Whats happening in Real Estate in June

According to Marlene Dietrich June “What’s Happening in Real Estate”

 

The word is that buyers are anxious for summer to begin since they believe that is the best time to buy. Interest rates are down. Economic News is a mixture with very little going on.  There has been Nothing to scare or excite anyone.  If the market falters, the rates could drop again.

 Buyers who are parents are making decisions based on the affect upon the children first and foremost. They are more interested in the immediate affect upon their children than long term results.

The Feds are using a number of tools to try and predict and maneuver the market and lower interest rates. The Economy is sluggish but the housing market sales are still positive. We are not seeing the double digit price increases we saw in 2013 but we will be seeing a 4% increase on an average and some areas a 7-9% increase.

We are on the road back to normal again. It is slow but it is headed in the right direction.

Trust us with your Home purchase or sale.

Inventory in OC California up 70%

 

Inventories Rise 70.3% in Orange County

According to  National Housing Trend Report of .Realtor.com  single-family homes for sale in Orange County, California are on the rise, indicating a healthier real estate marketplace than a year ago.  It also signifies a strong confidence of sellers. The inventory of Homes here in Orange County for-sale pver 70% in April compared to year-ago.

Confidence is up, inventory is up, Interest rates are down, Perfect time to buy and sell. Don’t just expect the possible from your Realtor, expect the impossible. Contact me MarleneDietrich@Realtor.com 949-400-1021

Our Client appreciation BBQ day in Newport Beach

Saturday, May 17th we hosted our Client Appreciation BBQ at our home from 1:00-5:00….Thanks to all who attended.

 

Fun, Food and Drinks; we enjoyed BBQ brisket and BBQ chicken not to mention julienne veggies, scallop potatoes, salad as well as cookies, brownies and chocolate cake for desert.
The game of “Who Are You” with name tags on our backs of famous people was a great ice-breaker!   Everyone received a raffle ticket and those who guessed their famous person,  got another raffle ticket.  We had badminton, frisbees and a driving range setup in the backyard as well as bubbles and coloring books/crayons for the younger kids.

 

Thanks you to our supportive team, we were able to raffle eleven different gift cards starting at  $100, $50 and so on along with a picnic bag!  Our thanks goes to Adam Vaughn of Mariners Escrow, Cam Hunter from Cal-title, Lilly McBee Lender from Sterns, Randy Orchen Lender from Pinnacle, Roberta from First American Home Warrantee, Todd Burns Lender from JMJ Financial and Stacey Glenzer at Pickford Escrow. The Marlene Dietrich Real Estate team contributed the Grand Prize of an Apple iPad.  

Looking forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s (2015) Annual Client Appreciation BBQ, 

2014 Mortgage rates hit bottom this week

2014 Mortgage rates hit bottom this week

The 30-year, fixed rate loan average fell to 4.21% from 4.29% last week. This rate hasn’t been this low since November. If you want to save money and pay off your home in 15 years you would benefit with the 15-year, fixed rate mortgage which hit 3.32%.

With the week US Economic recovery and Global unrest, U.S. Treasury bonds, which are used as the benchmark to set mortgage interest rates has dropped

The Ukraine situation, China’s slow growth all contribute to the pulling the rates . While this sounds like bad news it is Good news for the buyers and people wanting to refi.  Their payments would be about 20% lower with these rates than they would be with a normal economy at the normal 6% rate.

The best thing to do is clean up your credit because the best rates are given to borrowers with High FICO scores. If you already have FICO scores of over 720, call us and let’s get going while the getting is good!

Marlene Dietrich 949-400-1021   We will do the possible and the impossible.

The Market according to Marlene Dietrich, Newport Beach Realtor

How is the Market according to Marlene Dietrich

Orange County housing market perked up a bit in April, higher than March but less than last year’s April. Prices edged up slightly which is a good thing, still showing strength but not stressing the affordability level. Less investors allows buyers to get a better deal; sellers still getting a good price.

Even though sales have increased 1.4% Sales have fallen on a year over year basis for 7 consecutive months with last month being the smallest decline since last October. We are still below an average level but moving in the right direction. If inventory grows, which is likely; it will be a lot easier for sales to reach and average level. Factors affecting this are affordability, lenders restrictions, gas prices, less investor activity. Good news are employment is rising, more people can qualify to buy after doing a short sale or a foreclosure and families are growing.

Last year’s prices rose 23%, this year prices are slowing to a more reasonable increase. Now instead of double digit increases we are recently seeing single digit, still a positive move but a more reasonable rate. Credit conditions appear to have eased in recent months.

Foreclosures, short sales, investor flipping have all dropped tremendously. With lenders like Wells Fargo doing 7.3% and Chase about 4% plus many more offering about $6.2 Billion in Mortgage money available, it is easier to get a loan than it has been. The federal government is artificially keeping the rates down so now is the time to get that loan and buy that home. Distress market indicators are continuing to decline and adjusting for inflation mortgage payments are actually 34% below the typical payment of 1989.

So What are you waiting for? Contact us at 949-400-1021 MarleneDietrich@Realtor.com

Visit us as www.MarleneDietrichRealEstate.com

A Housing Slowdown may be a good thing

A Housing Slowdown may be a good thing

 

Even though home sales and housing starts have weakened recently, it may be a good thing.

Young buyers still have to pay for student loans, some live with their parents to save money for a down payment which gives them less concern of going underwater; with home prices growing slowly and interest rates holding at a still historically low level, they will be able to buy soon.

The Job market is strengthening, the household formation is growing but it may take time to reach normal. We are still 1/3 of the 2006 average level but it is still growing according to the Census Bureau date.

Even though there is concern about the housing recovery by the top economists, they don’t expect it to reverse course. They don’t expect to keep up the pace started in 2011 but more of a gradual rebound this year. A slower increase in prices is a good thing because it is still in a positive climb without being outrageously quick and high and would definitely offer us a better opportunity to avoid another bubble and bad economy. Growth is good even if it is small.

Economist Stuart Hoffman told USA Today “he expects housing to make up some ground this year as job growth allows more buyers to qualify for loans”.

The key to recovery is CREDIT availability: FICO scores, product choices, income-verification levels – have made lending standards “exceedingly tight. Debt to income ratio is important so pay off that credit card debt and don’t buy a new car til after you buy a home. About half of the decline in household turnover rate between 2001 and 2012 was due to tighter lending standards; while the other half of decline from demographic changes or cyclical changes.

You need to clean up your credit, pay off your credit cards, save for your down payment and get preapproved ahead of time so that you know your qualifications and your goals.

Contact a Real Estate agent like MarleneDietrich@Realtor.com who believes that you should not only expect the possible but the impossible from your agent.

www.MarleneDietrichRealEstate.com

Jazz, Cinco de Mayo, lots happening in Orange County May 2014

Complete Festival Schedule and Tickets Click Above

Barbara Morrison to perform JAZZ WEDNESDAY WINTER Wednesday, April 30, 2014, 6:00-8:00 pm; doors open 5:00 pm. The distinctive [seven-degrees] event facility, 891 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach Buy tickets now and enjoy Great Music for a Great Cause Jazz and blues legend Barbara Morrison on April 30th. Proceeds will support Live! Music & Kids, a music education program offered, at no charge, to children at the Boys & Girls Club and Laguna schools. The  dazzling Barbara Morrison has been featured on over 20 recordings in almost every genre from traditional jazz and blues to gospel and pop.  Her melodic voice, with its two-and-a-half-octave range, are known  worldwide, as are her rich, unique, soulful and highly spirited interpretations of  both, familiar jazz and blues classics, and original contemporary tunes.  Most striking is her ability to belt out down-home, soul-stirring Blues.  Breathtaking are her impassioned renditions of old and favorite torch songs. Pam  Estes, Executive Director for the Boys & Girls Club, comments, “Without  Laguna Beach Live! there would be no music at all here – and music is such an important part of life.  Music transcends so many factors –  language, culture, age — and brings us all together. Thankfully, Laguna Live! has opened that door for so many young ones here at the  Boys & Girls Club.” The  Morrison concert is in the cabaret club setting, 6:00-8:00pm, at [seven-degrees], 891 Laguna Canyon Road. Tickets are $30 online and a  special VIP package for $100 includes premier seating, a visit with the  artist and a signed CD. A special menu and full bar are available. For tickets,  visit www.lagunabeachlive.org or call 800-595-4849. For additional information, call 949-715-9713. New Venue [seven-degrees] is offering a choice of several delicious dishes for $10: A Full Bar will also be available.  Cash and credit cards accepted. Self-serve. Parking: metered  parking on Laguna Canyon Rd and the frontage road is $1.25/hour until 7  pm (quarters or credit cards). Laguna shopping stickers are valid. There is also parking in nearby city lot. The Series Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and can be ordered at www.lagunabeachlive.org or by phone at 800-595-4849. Information line: 949-715-9713     Segerstrom Center for the Arts Ever wonder what inspiration looks like? Click above for complete schedule and tickets BOOK OF MORMON comes to Segerstrom Center! Get your tickets early for The Book of Mormon 5/13/2014 – 5/25/2014 From the creators of South Park and winner of nine Tony Awards®, The New York Times calls THE BOOK OF MORMON “the best musical of this century” and Entertainment Weekly says it’s “the funniest musical of all time.” 44th Annual Childress M.A.C.Y. Awards 6/1/2014 – 6/1/2014 The MACY Awards, founded in 1969, is dedicated to  encouraging, recognizing and rewarding achievement and excellence in  high school musical theatre. Orange County School of the Arts Season Finale 6/7/2014 – 6/7/2014 This dynamic annual performance showcases the  school’s artistically gifted students in a compilation of this year’s  best presentations. Student performances and works of art from each of  the school’s conservatory programs will be featured. Jersey Boys 6/24/2014 – 7/13/2014 JERSEY BOYS contains authentic “profane Jersey language” and may not be recommended for all ages “TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!” raves the New York Post  for JERSEY BOYS, the 2006 Tony Award®-winning Best Musical about Rock  and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons and how they became one of the  greatest successes in pop music history. Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev 7/25/2014 – 7/27/2014 Dance’s reigning power couple return to  Segerstrom Center in a special world premiere event created to showcase  their matchless talents. Ghost The Musical 7/29/2014 – 8/10/2014 Relive the iconic and magical moments from the Oscar®-winning movie Ghost  in this brand-new Broadway musical, which features an original pop  score from multiple Grammy Award® winners Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard. Frankie Valli 8/16/2014 – 8/16/2014 Once 8/19/2014 – 8/31/2014 Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards® including Best  Musical, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience and an  unforgettable story about going for your dreams… not living in fear…  and the power of music to connect all of us. The Best of Jethro Tull Performed by Ian Anderson 9/18/2014 – 9/18/2014 Jethro Tull’s legendary frontman returns with an concert of Tull classics and songs from his new album, Homo Erraticus. Engelbert Humperdinck 9/20/2014 – 9/20/2014 Anaheim Cinco de Mayo Fiesta   Talent Show Special Free Admission   Gano Excel Event   This Saturday Free Admission for OC BUZZ and Stay Connected OC Readers Click above   FRIDA CINEMA PRESENTS COMIC BOOK ART SHOW Free Admission   Santa Ana Cinco de Mayo Festival  Free entrance, lots of  Food, Music and Entertainment! Begins Friday May 2nd with Street Carnival Downtown Santa Ana, Main & 4th Streets   For Informational Purposes Only OC BUZZ does not endorse any candidates but welcomes information regarding candidates and propositions that effect Orange County   Danzantes Del Sol  Aztec Sun Dancers The public is invited to enjoy the nationally recognized Danzantes Del Sol at a Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Legendary Moreno’s Restaurant in Orange, CA on May 3rd, 4th & 5th.  For more information call 714-639-2181 Irvine Barclay Theater Click above for tickets and all Barclay Theater Information

“Cirque de la Symphonie” It’s a magical treat for the eyes and ears when Pacific Symphony  delivers a stunning fusion of cirque acts synched to classical music’s  finest masterpieces-“Cirque de la Symphonie” Music soars to stunning new heights along with aerial fliers and acrobats, when they (plus contortionists, dancers, jugglers and strongmen)  perform their death- and gravity-defying Cirque feats to popular  classical masterpieces-all live, on stage and dramatically backed by a  full orchestra for Pacific Symphony Pops. This jaw-dropping  fusion of two art forms wows Symphony audiences of all ages for a third  time, as the internationally recognized and award-winning artists of “Cirque de la Symphonie”  take to the air and push themselves to the limit in a “spectacular  event” that couples the “magical musical styling of Pacific Symphony”  with the “playfulness of acrobats sharing the same stage,” according to A Taste of Dawn Magazine in a review that followed a performance in April 2012.   Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman leads the orchestra through stirring repertoire featuring audience favorites including John  Williams’ “Flight to Neverland” from the movie “Hook,” Tchaikovsky’s  Waltz from “Swan Lake,” scores from Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide” and  Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Baccanale” from “Samson and Delilah”and “Danse Macabre,” among other classical pieces. “Cirque de la Symphonie” dazzles Thursday through Saturday, May 1-3, at 8 p.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall    For the complete Pacific Symphony information, schedule, performers and tickets, click here.     For Soka Complete Schedule Click Above Up Coming Events! An Evening w/Branford Marsalis Friday, 5/9/14 8:00PM   City of Mission Viejo Earth Day/ Arbor Day  Community art project celebrates earth, the environment During this year’s Arts Alive Festival, residents will have the opportunity to tap their artistic sides by creating a community art project that pays homage to Mother Earth.   The popular festival takes place from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 4 at Oso Viejo Community Park on the Village Green and at the neighboring Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.   This year’s festival celebrates the 1970s and will give volunteers the chance to create an Earth Day Promise Tree mural out of clay, recycled wood and copper.  Honoring the earth and environment, folks can write short thoughts or words on some of the pieces that will be incorporated into the finished creation.  Volunteers will also make and paint the leaf shapes and stain the wood pieces that will be melded into the project. The project echoes the City’s commitment to the environment and fits nicely with the Arts Alive ’70s theme since Earth Day was started in that era.   The project will kick off this month at the City’s Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 26 at Coronado Park, 26652 Las Ondas Drive. The Earth Day Promise Tree Mural moves to Arts Alive May 3-4 where people can contribute their talents and leave their marks on the project beginning at noon.   For more information about the Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration, visit http://cityofmissionviejo.org/green/. Information about Arts Alive is available at http://discovermissionviejo.com.   Wit, Intellect, and Satire at Saddleback College! All the Timing One-Act Comedies  Wit, Intellect, and Satire at Saddleback College! The Department of Theatre Arts at Saddleback College is thrilled to present All in the Timing by David Iveson May 2nd-10th  in the Studio Theatre. Directed by Mark McQuown, this  critically-acclaimed, award-winning evening of one-act comedies combines  wit, intellect, satire and just plain fun. “Theatre  that aerobicizes the brain and tickles the heart. Ives is a mordant  comic who has put the play back in playwright… A wondrous wordmaster.”  -Time Magazine.   The five one-act plays include:   Foreplay or the Art of the Fugue. Chuck, a would-be Don Juan, in three rounds of seduction with three different women on a miniature-golf course.   Sure Thing. A  classic of contemporary comedy. Two people meet in a café and find  their way through a conversational minefield as an offstage bell  interrupts their false starts, gaffes, and faux pas on the way to  falling in love.   A Singular Kinda Guy. A monologue about a man who believes he is actually a typewriter   Variations on The Death of Trotsky,  directed by Shadi Ghaheri. The Russian revolutionary on the day of his  demise, desperately tries to cope with the mountain-climber’s axe he’s  discovered in his head.   The Philadelphia. A  young man in a restaurant has fallen into “a Philadelphia,” a Twilight  Zone-like state in which he cannot get anything he asks for. His only  way out of the dilemma? To ask for the opposite of what he wants.   Speed-The-Play. A parody of the works of American playwright David Mamet; his major works are each lampooned.   Dates:   May 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 4 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can  be purchased by calling (949) 582-4656 (noon-4 Wednesday-Saturday) and  online at www.saddleback.edu/arts.  Prices are $15 general; $10 students/seniors.   The  Department of Theatre Arts program at Saddleback College produces  several fully-staged shows each year.  All students are given the  opportunity to audition for every production yet Theatre Arts students  are given priority in the casting process.  In addition there are  numerous opportunities for students to contribute in backstage  activities through the Entertainment and Theater Technology program. Saddleback  College is located at 28000 Marguerite Pkwy in Mission Viejo, just east  of Interstate 5 at the Avery Parkway exit.  Free parking is available  in Lot 12.  Take Avery Parkway to Marguerite Parkway turn  left to the third traffic light, which is Saddleback’s Marguerite  entrance. Turn right into the campus and take the third left to Theatre  Circle, turning right into Lot 12.   “FROM SCREEN TO SCORE”: FOUR MAJOR FILM COMPOSERS TAKE BREAK FROM HOLLYWOOD TO PRESENT NEW CONCERT WORKS FOR PACIFIC SYMPHONY’S 14TH AMERICAN COMPOSERS FESTIVAL ACF spotlights four of Hollywood’s biggest and best on May 8-10:  Elliot Goldenthal, James Horner, Howard Shore and John Williams Pacific Symphony’s critically-acclaimed American Composers Festival (ACF) continues for the 14th year with “From Screen to Score: New Concert Music by Famous Film Composers”-who happen to be four of today’s biggest Hollywood heavy-hitters: John Williams (“Star Wars,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “E.T., the Extra Terrestrial”), Howard Shore (“Lord of the Rings,” “The Hobbit,” “Hugo”), James Horner (“Titanic,” “Star Trek,” “Apollo 13”) and Elliot Goldenthal (“Alien 3,” “Batman Forever” and “Batman and Robin”). Together, these iconic composers boast 11 Oscars and countless billions of box office dollars. They also hold the ironic position of simultaneously being the most-heard orchestral composers ever (the soundtrack for “Titanic” sold 30 million copies), yet their music is the least performed. Although once disregarded by the modernist school of composition, film music has without a doubt come into its own as a fully recognized art form. And, of course, this recognition is not just academic. Millions of filmgoers have been exposed to and enriched by orchestral music through the movies. But debates over the value of film music versus concert music or what constitutes “commercial,” “serious” or “artistic” rage on. It is this controversy that lies at the heart of this ACF, as these extraordinary, if not revolutionary, composers prove their mettle through not film music but symphonic concert works.   “From Screen to Score” takes place Thursday-Saturday, May 8-10, in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall; a preview talk with Alan Chapman begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25-$99. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org   For more information, visit http://www.goinnative.net Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival May 30- June 1 For Ticket information click here

May 2014 Events in Orange County

Surfboards on Parade Opening Ceremony     May 1 Celebrate the official opening of the full Surfboards on Parade art installation at the Huntington Beach Art Center (538 Main St.) as we hold the official opening ceremony along with a Surfboard Showcase reception. 6-7:30pm. www.surfboardsonparade.org

 

Arts Alive & Street Painting Festival     May 3-4 Celebrate art of the 1970s as creativity fills the Oso Viejo Park with hands-on activities including ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, gardening tips, live entertainments and much more. 12pm. 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo. 949-470-8440 / www.cityofmissionviejo.org/artsalivefestival

iCureMelanoma 5K Run/Walk     May 3 Scenic USATF 5K Run/Walk, Kids Fun Run, & 40+ Member Vendor Fair. Free Skin Cancer Screening to all Registrants. 7am: Competitive Wave. 8am: Open Adult, Senior, & Youth Wave. Raffles & More. 300 Laguna Road, Fullerton. 714-292-6146 / www.icuremelanoma5k.org

Gate & Garden Tour of Crescent Bay     May 3 The Laguna Beach Garden club presents a chance to explore the private gardens of cottages and castles in the historic Crescent Bay neighborhood overlooking the sea. 11am-4pm. Arabella Laguna, 506 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. 949-497-9086 / www.lagunabeachgardenclub.org

OC Marathon     May 4 The 2014 OC Marathon marks the 10th anniversary of the race. The course will once again pass through Costa Mesa, Newport and Santa Ana. There is a full-marathon, half-marathon, 5k and kid’s run. 949-222-3327 / www.ocmarathon.com

Fun, Funky Furnishings Fundraiser     May 4 Opportunity Drawing, Silent Auction, Food, Refreshments and Fun! Treasured, hand-painted furnishings and objects d’art created by LOCA artists will be available for purchase. 3-6pm. Laguna Nursery at: 1370 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. 949-363-4700 / www.locaarts.org

Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling     May 4 Join top professionals, amateurs and excited kids as they race around downtown Dana Point on the best race course in America overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean and spectacular Dana Point Harbor on historic PCH. 619-504-9977 / www.danapointgrandprix.com

Jr Pro & Youth SUP Fiesta     May 4 The world’s top youth stand-up paddleboard athletes, and many first-time SUP surf competitors, will converge on Bolsa Chica State Beach for this unique event. 8am-6pm. www.performancepaddling.com

OC Pregnancy & Beyond     May 4 The best of OC’s mother-baby services and shop from the best pregnancy and baby vendors. Enjoy special guest speakers, classes, and a lactation clinic for new and expecting mothers. 12-3pm. South Coast Collection: 3315 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. www.ocpregnancyandbeyond.com

Cinco De Mayo     May 5 The 24th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration is a cultural day presented by the City of San Clemente and the Cinco de Mayo Committee. Vendor applications will be available online soon. 12-6pm. Max Berg Plaza Park: 1100 Calle Puente. 949-361-8264

Paws in the Garden     May 10 Garden Tour fundraiser for The Ark of San Juan, Companion Animal Rescue. Stroll & ‘Paws’ in beautiful local gardens and historic cottages to support The Ark’s mission of saving San Juan Capistrano’s lost & abandoned pets! 10am-2pm. Los Rios Street. 949-388-0034 / www.ArkOfSanJuan.org

We Care for Kids Golf Tournament     May 12 Tax & Financial Group invites you to participate. Benefits Make-A-Wish Orange County and Inland Empire. Enjoy a day of golf at Mesa Verde Country Club (3000 Club House Rd., Costa Mesa) and an incredible silent and live auction during the banquet dinner! www.ocie.wish.org

Duck-A-Thon: Yankee Doodle Duck     May 16-18 This off-the-pier fundraiser incorporates all the best qualities: sand, sun, surf, food and rubber duckies! The three-day event raises much needed funds for AltaMed’s Huntington Beach Community Clinic. Huntington Beach Pier: 1 Main Street. 714-500-0382 / www.duckathon.org

PBS SoCaL 2014 Gala     May 17 Honoring leaders from the Arts and Entertainment industry, including the Grammy Museum along with a special recognition of the PBS SoCaL’s 2013 Community Champions. 5-10pm. OC Fair & Event Center: 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. www.pbssocal.org/arts-life/events

Eco Xpo Garden Show     May 17-18 Promotes beautiful and beneficial gardens and is part of the City’s Economic Preservation Subcommittee’s efforts to promote the Historic Downtown Area. 9am-4pm. Los Rios Park: 31790 Paseo Adelanto in the Historic District of San Juan Capistrano. 949-606-6386 / www.goinnative.net

Laguna Charm House Tour     May 18 Takes place in North Laguna, and features 5 fabulous homes, from historic Laguna Charm cottages to the renowned Pyne Castle. Buses will leave continuously from 12-3pm. 12-3pm. Festival of Arts: 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. 949-472-7503 / www.villagelaguna.org

The Balboa Island Artwalk     May 18 Premier showcase for talented local artists and marks the start of the Island’s summer season. This fine art show features 100 artists exhibiting paintings, fine jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography. 9am-5pm. South Bay Front, Balboa Island. www.balboaislandartwalk.info

Newport Beach Wine Festival     May 23-25 Celebration of fine wines, spirits, and culinary delights that takes place over Memorial Weekend at Balboa Bay Resort: 1221 Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 949-630-4145 / www.balboabayresort.com

Aloha Paddle For Water 2014     May 24 In efforts to raise money to help provide clean and safe drinking water for developing nations through Charity Water. 12-4pm. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina: 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach. 949-278-0011 / https://piratecoast.webconnex.com/paddleforwater

Remembrance Ceremony     May 25 Remembrance ceremony, candle lighting and the reading of the names of the most recent Fallen Heroes. For your comfort, please bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating in the meadow. Northwood Gratitude & Honor Memorial: 4531 Bryan Avenue, Irvine. www.northwoodmemorial.com

KSBR Birthday Bash Jazz Festival and Taste of the Bash     May 25 Experience what happens when more than 30 distinguished musicians join forces to support south Orange County’s community radio station. The Taste of the Bash will feature over 25 restaurants. 3:30-9pm. Village Green at Oso Viejo Park, Mission Viejo. 949-582-4714 / www.ksbr.org

Memorial Day Observance     May 26 The City of San Clemente will once again host a day to remember our fallen soldiers of war. All public and local organizations are invited to participate in the wreath and floral presentation. The event is free and open to the public. 11am. Community Center: 100 N. Calle Seville. 949-361-8264

Concours d’Elegance Classic Car & Motorcycle Show     May 31-June 1 The family-friendly Concours d’Elegance celebrates its 29th year in Huntington Central Park (7111 Talbert Ave.) A variety of cars, motorcycles and bicycles in different classes. The event also features children’s programs, food, vendors and live entertainment. 714-960-2100 / www.hbconcours.org

Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival     May 31 Wines from over 30 vineyards and an abundance of wine-pairing culinary treats are just the tip of the wine-berg. Enjoy food and wine tastings, drawings and silent auctions, musical entertainment and much more! 2-5pm. Orange County Great Park Hangar, Irvine. 714-571-5220 / www.greatwinefestival.com Courtesy of Marlene Dietrich