The auction for this luxurious custom estate begins onJanuary 22 andwill be held entirely online at our residential real estate website, FRE.com. That is all I can say about this exquisite coastal mansion for now, but here is some info about the home’s spectacular location in southern California’s Dana Point.

The beach town of Dana Point is situatedbetween Los Angeles and San Diego in south Orange County. Encompassing less than seven square miles, the small town of Dana Point has a well-deserved reputation for easy living, and is set against a romanticbackdrop of rolling hills and coastal bluffs.Here a few highlights to check out before we can pass alongmore specificdetails next week:

• Newly opened walking trails and funicular at The Headlands
• The Festival of Whales
• The Dana Point Harbor and its several amenities such as:
  • Two marinas
  • The Ocean Institute
  • Dozens of restaurants
• Famous beaches and surf spots like Salt Creek and Doheny State Beach
• Dozens of public parks
• The award winning Dana Hills High School

Check back in with usfor a newpost about this property next week. We’ll also have a post up explaining the differences between reserve and absolute auctions.

Photo Credit: by buzzjackson

Photo Credit: by Tom Lowe @ Timescapes

While I can’t spoil all of the details before the auction campaign is underway, there are a few clues that I can share about these beautiful properties.

For starters, the auction for both of our new properties will begin on December 16th on FRE.com. What’s more, each property has a second floor view of the Newport Beach Harbor in Orange County, California!

Located in the heart of southern California coastal living, there are dozens of great restaurants and some of the West Coast’s most famous surfing within walking distance. Eateries like Blue Water Grille, the Cannery, 21 Oceanfront, Rudy’s Pub and Grill and TK Burger recently voted, “the best burgers in L.A. and the O.C.“, are just a few to name.

Be sure to check back in with us when the auction starts on December 16th, at FRE.com. In the mean time, look out for our signs during the 101st Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade!

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About this author: Casey Flynn is the Communications Manager for the LFC Group of Companies. He also coauthors on CommercialAuctionListings.com and RealEstateNoteAuctions.com

Photo from WSD_GM at Flickr.com

Inman News posted an article back on Oct. 14 titled, The First Home Online. The article simply read:

“Who was the first person to post a for-sale home listing on the Internet? Inman News Publisher Brad Inman (@BradInman) posed the question in a Twitter post today.”

That being said, I don’t know who first listed their home online but I can narrow down speculations as to what inspired them to list online. Here is a list of the main reasons why I think the first person moved to an online listing format and away from the traditional classified ads:

• Online listings are an effective and alternative marketing tool for selling real estate
• By hosting listings in an online platform, prospective buyers have millions of listings right at their finger tips
• Buyers no longer have to travel to open houses across town, the country or the world to “visit” a property
• Listing your home online will act as a catalyst for speeding up the research on homes such as prices, sizes, photos, documentation, etc. before prospective buyers move forward with a visit to your property or talks with an agent.

It’s no secret that the internet reaches every far corner of the world and that the first step in researching anything is to “Google it.” Let’s face it, research has moved to the internet.

In turn, websites have become an essential for every company. However, websites do not replace the face-to-face interaction or having a tangible means of communication with someone involved in real estate.

Listing a home for sale online is crucial in order to maximize the property’s exposure when selling one’s home, and as the recession continues, I predict more and more companies will discontinue their traditional print ads to save money.

Why or why not would you list your home online?

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About this author: Casey Flynn is the Communications Manager for the LFC Group of Companies. He also coauthors on CommercialAuctionListings.com and RealEstateNoteAuctions.com

Enjoy the resort lifestyle at an unbelievable price!

The Sea Villas is an exclusive collection of 18 privately-owned residences adjacent to the exquisite grounds of the world class St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort. The intimate collection offers an opportunity to live the luxurious resort lifestyle that until now has only been experienced by guests of the St. Regis. The Sea Villas offers the epitome of style and service where owners receive preferred privileges including access to the attentive service and first class amenities available at the resort. Recreational amenities include ocean view golf, tennis, shuttle access to the Monarch Bay Club, three heated pools and services within Spa Gaucin. The 18 Sea Villas residences are tastefully blended into the resort environment in an enclave overlooking the majestic fairways and spectacular resort grounds with the Pacific Ocean beyond.

Located in Dana Point, California, the Sea Villas are conveniently located to nearby Laguna Beach & Newport Beach — home to world-class shopping, dining, sporting and cultural experiences.

As a year-round beach and dining club, the private Monarch Bay Club is the place to enjoy your daily vacation. Located on one of the most beautiful crescents of beach along the coast in Dana Point, the Monarch Bay Club is close to home, yet very much removed from the stresses of daily life. Offering members an exclusive sandy beach and casually elegant clubhouse with full-service dining and banquet facilities, the Monarch Bay Club provides a host of amenities and activities for members to enjoy. Spend a summer afternoon lounging on the beach or get active with surf lessons, snorkeling or a peaceful kayak outing. The beach coordinator can assist you with whatever you desire for your beach activity.

From your loggia enjoy golf course views relaxing by your fireplace. Order resort room service or cook in your gourmet kitchen complete with Wolf appliances, Sub Zero refrigerator and granite countertops. Maid and valet service are available. Outfitted with exquisite hardwood floors, crown moldings and upgraded bathrooms, this home offers the finest resort living experience.

This single level – ground floor entry condominium offers a rare opportunity to be surrounded in world-class luxury at a bargain price!

The full details for this Online Real Estate Auction can be viewed at FRE.com

Minimum Bid: $399,000

Minutes from both the Hollywood Bowl and Sunset Boulevard, this delightful townhome brings a modern elegance into the heart of the historic Hollywood Dell; one of L.A.’s hippest neighborhoods. The exterior fa?ßades designed by award-winning colorist Miriam Tate, combines multi-hued pastels and white trim with a classic, Craftsmen style.

As you enter the solid custom 8 ft. door on the first floor, the airy living space naturally flows along the Durango travertine honed flooring into the kitchen. The design opens up the cozy, European inspired home for entertaining. The kitchen includes Kitchen Aid® Architect II stainless steel series appliances, a Kohler® stainless steel farmhouse sink and Santa Cecilla granite countertops. The cabinets are custom Italian shaker style, adding a touch of softness to the subtle modernity of the stainless steel appliances.

The crisp white border panels on the exterior of the development compliment its bright and neutral colored interior. Each room in the home is brightly lit and complemented by custom low energy, dual-panel, Pella windows.

A rich hardwood stairwell, complete with wrought iron railing, leads upstairs to two fully carpeted bedrooms, each with a vaulted ceiling and private bathroom. The second story’s lavish master bedroom includes a luxurious bathroom with dual sinks, spacious walk-in closet as well as a sliding door closet.

Each of the home’s three bathrooms features Durango travertine slab countertops, Kohler® bathtubs and glass shower doors.

Other amenities include an in home security system, subterranean parking with individual storage unit, upstairs hook-up for stacking washer/dryer, patio area, and an elevator in the subterranean parking lot.

The full details for this Online Real Estate Auction can be viewed at FRE.com

Minimum Bid: $399,000

The unique design of this model is evident from the very first look behind the front door. A small entryway leads you up to stairs that guide you to the living space above. All upstairs, the home lifts its residents above the street level, providing the perfect perspective for taking in the clear desert skies.

The stairs lead up to an open living room, which features numerous windows for maximum light and a built-in electric fireplace, an ideal amenity for cool winter nights. The large chef’s kitchen includes GE Profile® stainless steel appliances, cherry cabinetry, granite countertops and backsplash, cooking island, and views out onto the covered patio, a perfect spot for entertaining.

Amenities in this charming unit include two bedrooms, two full baths, an optional third bedroom or den, a laundry room with stone countertops and white cabinets, and an office niche with a built-in cherry wood desk.

In the master bedroom, double doors open out onto a charming covered deck with views of the surrounding mountains. A huge walk-in closet and full bathroom with stone tile countertops, a separate bath and shower, stone mosaic detailing, and dual vanities, make this room truly luxurious.

Other amenities include recessed lighting throughout the house, prefixed wiring for future lighting or ceiling fans, an alarm system, and an attached 2-car garage.

View Full Property Details: Palm Desert California Townhome For Sale

With more than 5,700 square feet of masterfully-crafted living space, 4070 East Chestnut Court perfectly blends rich Tuscan style with its breathtaking Rocky Mountain backdrop. Built on nearly an acre of land in the Greenwood Village community “The Preserve”, this stately estate features four bedrooms; including a sprawling master suite; four full and two half bathrooms, a four-car garage, and both a library and private study.

With a gourmet kitchen, a formal dining room, an outdoor fireplace, and three large common rooms, there is no questioning that this elegant home was designed with entertaining in mind.

Careful attention was also paid to everyday practicality in the planning of this home. Front and rear staircases grant access to the well-planned second-floor living quarters. Inside the master suite, a private sitting area and adjacent wet bar provide a welcome refuge, while a generous master bath and walk-in closet echo the stately theme of this lavish home. A private fireplace and deck round out the master suites many upscale amenities. Also on the second floor, three additional nicely-sized bedrooms are paired with their own full bathrooms. A laundry room and centrally-located open loft with views of the first-floor family room complete the second floor living area.

The full details for this Online Real Estate Auction can be viewed at FRE.com

Minimum Bid: $1,900,000

This 3 story, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1,416 square foot Oakland CA townhome offers a single car garage but is within walking distance of public transportation such as Bart and Emery-Go-Round.

Great location, Great neighbors…

The full details for this Online Real Estate Auction can be viewed at FRE.com

Seller’s Suggested Value: $540,000

This tri-level townhome for sale in Oakland CA offers the best in modern living in a dynamic city environment with unbelievable proximity to the city’s efficient public transportation; BART, Emery-Go-Round and the major freeways.

The full details for this Online Real Estate Auction can be viewed at FRE.com

Seller’s Suggested Value: $530,000

With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 stories and a 2 car garage, this home is a steal at only $291,000. Great for a starter home but equipped to handle a family looking for a little more space.

The full details for this Online Real Estate Auction can be viewed at FRE.com

Seller’s Suggested Value: $291,000