All posts by Marilee Iseley

School’s Out Now What?

Just for Fun, , , , , , , , , , ,
Source: Jason Tucker (https://www.flickr.com/x/t/0090009/photos/abstrakone/26091723/)
Source: Jason Tucker (https://www.flickr.com/x/t/0090009/photos/abstrakone/26091723/)

It seems that every family waits in anticipation for summer.  Exciting outdoor activities, pool parties, and beach days make for wonderful family memories in beautiful Orange County.  I can’t help, but notice the number of families that find the need to get creative around this time of the summer to keep their busy kiddos occupied with meaningful, safe, and inexpensive activities.  Below are some of my favorite summer pastimes:

 

Concerts in the Park – I have always been impressed with Orange County cities and their emphasis on community building activities.  One of my favorites is “Concert in the Park”.  On Sunday afternoons, we can be found packing up the stroller with a picnic blanket, beach chairs, and enough snacks to feed a small army.  Next, we head to Aliso Viejo’s Grand Park for a relaxing concert and picnic dinner.  Activities for the kids include face painting and various games in the large grass area at the top of the amphitheater.  Nothing says summer time like good music, fun, and laughter!

 

Camping – Another favorite summer activity is camping.  Whether you are looking for the real camping experience or are better suited as a GLAMper, Orange County offers it all.  From beach to wilderness, all you need for camping is a warm sleeping bag, tent, and an organized family member who can plan out the meals.

 

Outdoor Mall Entertainment – With our beautiful Orange County weather, it is sometimes hard to stay inside.  Why not hit up the outdoor malls in the area.  The Spectrum, Fashion Island, and Kaleidoscope, all offer restaurants, air conditioned shopping, and of course, water features!  Specifically, “Kaleido Kids” offers free activities for children at the Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo from July 24th– August 26th.  Don’t forget about the OC Fair!  There is something for every member of the family.

 

There are countless opportunities for families to get involved in fun summer events.  It is no wonder Orange County is valued as one of the best places to raise a family.  What are your favorite summer pastimes?

Chasing Dreams

Buying, Investing, Just for Fun, Selling, , ,
Source: Photo by Anthony Iseley Pictured: Christian Walsh welcomes one of the first guests at the Iseley & Walsh Launch Event.
Source: Photo by Anthony Iseley
Pictured: Christian Walsh welcomes one of the first guests at the Iseley & Walsh Launch Event.

On Friday, June 20, 2014 over 125 family members, friends, and clients of Marilee and Chris Iseley and Stephanie and Christian Walsh gathered at The Tastings Room in Los Olivos Village Irvine, CA to launch a residential real estate and investment company, Iseley & Walsh Real Estate Group. The Iseley & Walsh team was overwhelmed with the excitement and support of their guests!

One of the best qualities of Orange County is that it is filled with families following the American Dream. Many times during Friday’s event, I was asked how our company originated. After explaining Christian and Chris’s knowledge of the housing market as well as their business strengths and how they compliment each other, I found it appropriate to also describe this leap of faith by stating,

“we are simply chasing dreams”.

I feel extremely honored to be a part of such a unique opportunity. As we planned for the launching event, I learned that the attention to detail, preparation and consideration for our guests, and desire to have a little fun are all sincere characteristics of the team of individuals who make up Iseley & Walsh Real Estate Group.

Source: Photo by Anthony Iseley Pictured: Cupcakes by 'Licious by Laurel
Source: Photo by Anthony Iseley Pictured: Cupcakes by ‘Licious by Laurel

This event was made possible by professionals who worked tirelessly to create, coordinate, and compile our vision. These Orange County based companies include Fork in the Road Catering, ‘Licious by Laurel Cupcakes, Hi Time Wine Cellars, and Forget- Me-Not Iseley Floral Designs. Their expertise provided a relaxed evening with delicious treats and memorable décor.

Source: Photo by Anthony Iseley Pictured: Decor by Forget-Me-Not Iseley Floral Designs
Source: Photo by Anthony Iseley
Pictured: Decor by Forget-Me-Not Iseley Floral Designs

Thank you for showing your support and believing in us as we chase our dreams and find you the perfect home that fits yours!

One Stop Shop

Just for Fun, , , ,
source: http://realestate.about.com
source: http://realestate.about.com

Ever feel like you are driving 

all over town to complete 

your list of errands?

You are likely to feel that way especially if you have braved the process of investing in residential real estate. Families are often seen racing from one Open House to the next instead of spending well-deserved weekend hours in the Orange Country sun. Then, escrow begins and you are expected to organize conference calls and document signings, schedule appraisers, inspectors, and contractors. The list goes on and on and on and on…

In 2009, while looking for a home to purchase, my husband and I spent many afternoons traveling around the quaint residential communities of Aliso Viejo. It had been a day of searching, hoping and tracking down Open House signs. Perhaps the signs for this particular house were not easily seen OR we were in deep conversation about our dreams of home ownership. Regardless, we were brought back to reality in a foyer when an agent (followed by a concerned couple) walked down the stairs and questioned us,

“What are you doing?

This isn’t an Open House!

It’s a private showing.”

After leaving the property (and the frightened couple who were no longer interested in living in an area where random couples walk through your home), we realized the sign displayed in the front yard did indeed read, “For Sale” NOT “Open House”. That was the last time we walked into an unknown house with an open door before carefully checking the signage!  With all the hustle and bustle surrounding the many tasks of buying a home, we (like so many other families) were likely to make many mistakes.

Buying/selling a home can be a stressful process especially when you are making many stops along the way both during your search for a property and during escrow. The team members at Iseley & Walsh Real Estate Group understand and are devoted to making your experience simple, successful and enjoyable.

Our team consists of:

  • Brokers
  • Agents
  • Transaction Coordinators
  • Lenders

Iseley & Walsh Real Estate Group has the resources that set us apart from other agencies and are focused on being your one stop shop for residential real estate!

Taking a self-guided tour of a home that was not an Open House was truly a surprise to us. What surprises have you encountered while searching for a home?