What if you could live in North or South Orange County before you buy there?
Buying a home and deciding where to put down new roots is a big decision.
Photos, online listings, and a weekend visit can only tell you so much. What is the neighborhood really like on a Tuesday morning? How long does the commute feel? Do you love the local restaurants, parks, beaches, or downtown? Could you actually see yourself living there?
That’s why we love the idea of “Trying Real Estate Before You Buy.”
Through Flower Den Retreats, we have a collection of furnished vacation and mid-term rental properties in California & beyond that can give you the opportunity to experience an area like a true local before making a real estate commitment.
And because I’m a licensed real estate broker, if your stay turns into a realization “I could actually live here,” I can help you take the next step toward finding a property of your own…while offering you a discount for safely and securely booking your 30 day+ stay OFF vacation rental platforms. The fees alone you’ll save are in the 1000’s of dollars, and you’re booking direct with a licensed broker who has north of 20 years experience in real estate and property dealings.
Stay. Explore. Imagine. Then Decide.
Our current offerings include properties in Southern California and out-of-state destinations, giving you the chance to experience different lifestyles and communities firsthand.
🌴 Pool Home in Mission Viejo, California
Looking for the South Orange County lifestyle?
Our Mission Viejo retreat offers a spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home with a private pool, hot tub, fire pit, BBQ, dedicated workspace, and plenty of room to spread out. It’s close to parks, hiking, Lake Mission Viejo, restaurants, and an easy drive to destinations including Laguna Beach and San Clemente.
When we bought this house, we scouted for months specifically seeking a Tri-level pool home that has a yard AND a pool. This is a rarity in the area, but I can help you find something that specific if we begin working together.
It’s a great way to experience what everyday life in South Orange County could feel like; not just as a tourist, but as someone considering making the area home.
Try the SoCal lifestyle. Then let’s talk real estate.
Here’s some of our favorite places in Mission Viejo, check it out!
🌿 Walkable to Downtown Santa Ana, California
Want to experience the heart of Orange County?
Our Santa Ana property is a charming 2-bedroom home in Henninger Park and just a short walk or bike ride from Downtown Santa Ana. Close to The Orange Circle, South Coast Plaza, Disneyland, Anaheim Convention Center, beaches, and other Orange County destinations.
With a private backyard, workspace, strong Wi-Fi, gated parking, and a convenient central location, it’s a great home base for exploring Orange County and getting a feel for what it’s like to actually live here.
We bought this property because it’s a historical Craftsman in the middle of it all. I can quickly get to Los Angeles, Riverside, or South OC from this location. Plus, Santa Ana downtown is in the middle of revitalization as well as very artist friendly…which I love and appreciate.
Maybe you’ll discover the central location of Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, or Tustin area is exactly where you want to be.
Try Santa Ana living before you buy a historical property.
Here’s some of our favorite places in Santa Ana, check it out!
🏡 Community Centric Historical in Toledo, Ohio
What would it be like to live in Toledo’s historic Old West End?
Our stately duplex property is a furnished historic home dating back to 1912, located near the Toledo Museum of Art and other Old West End attractions.
We bought this property almost exclusively for the neighborhood. It is SO friendly, SO real, SO passionate, SO beautiful. You cannot drive down the streets of Old West End without picking your jaw off the floor in awe of the turn of the century architectural beauty that has been preserved there. Think old mansions, Victorians, and carriage houses.
The community has an active Facebook group, neighbors who both advocate together & do porch crawls, share recipies, and fix up blighted homes together. OWE has a yearly festival with music, food trucks, artisans, and every aspect of the wholesome Midwest you could possibly think of.
The approximately 1,750-square-foot upper-level unit offers two bedrooms, a full kitchen, living, dining, and parlor spaces, dedicated work areas, high-speed internet, and the character of a truly historic home.
It’s particularly well suited for extended stays, remote workers, medical rotations, corporate housing, authors writing time appropriate pieces, or anyone who wants more than a quick weekend visit.
We’ve got great experienced agents we can pair you with during your stay in Old West End – just ask!
Spend some time in Toledo. Explore the Metroparks & Old West End. See if it feels like home.
Here’s some of our favorite places in Toledo, check it out!
✈️ Warren, MI Detroit Metro Area
Thinking about relocating to the Detroit Metro Area?
Our Mid Century modern offering gives you another opportunity to experience the area before committing to a purchase.
I grew up in the Warren, Harrison Township, Mt Clemens, & Richmond areas of Michigan, and it’s a great place to live. Four seasons and summer lake life can be wonderful. Life is more affordable than CA in the Midwest, so I help plenty of clients cash out of California and move to other states. The Great Lakes can still give you lovely water views without the high price tags.
Out-of-state moves can be difficult to evaluate from a few days of house hunting. Staying for a month or longer gives you time to explore different neighborhoods, establish a routine, test your commute, unlock the ability to be a ‘non-contingent’ buyer or seller, and proper time to figure out what you really want in your next home.
When you’re ready to start looking at properties, we can pair you with experienced real estate professionals in the area who know the local market and can help you with the next steps. Here in Michigan, one of my high school besties who has also been licensed over 20 years would be happy to help you!
Try the Warren MI area first. Then decide if you want to buy.
Why Book Direct?
Our properties are available through vacation rental platforms, including Airbnb, but booking directly with us may help you save on platform fees.
When you book directly with me as a licensed real estate broker, we can discuss the property, your dates, your needs, and your future property plans personally rather than simply clicking through a booking platform.
That personal connection can be especially valuable if your stay is part of a bigger plan to relocate, purchase an investment property, or explore a new community.
You’re not just booking a place to stay. You’re establishing a trusted connection where you might want to live next.
Planning to Stay 30 Days or More?
We specialize in helping guests find accommodations for extended stays.
Our inquiry form makes it easy to tell us where you’re interested in staying and exactly when you’d like to be there.
Tell us what you’re looking for:
- Preferred property/location
- Desired move-in/check-in date
- Desired move-out/check-out date
- Number of guests
- Length of stay
- Any pets
- Reason for your stay
- Are you considering purchasing real estate in the area?
- Would you like to be connected with a local real estate professional?
- Have you been preapproved, or do you need a local lender?
- Anything else you’d like us to know
Minimum Stay: 30 Days
When selecting your dates, the minimum rental period is 30 days.
For example, if you would like to begin your stay on October 15, the earliest available end date you can request via this blog would be November 15.
Longer stays are welcome, subject to availability. Shorter stays are also available, but you’ll need to book those on platform.
And If You Fall in Love With the Area…
That’s where the “Try Before You Buy” idea really comes together.
After you’ve spent a month living in a community, you may have a much better idea of what you want—and what you don’t want.
If you decide you’re ready to explore purchasing a home, investment property, second home, or vacation property, I’m happy to help you with the real estate side of the journey.
For our out-of-state locations, we also have experienced real estate agents in the area who we can connect you with so you have knowledgeable local representation when you’re ready to start your search.
Stay first. Explore the lifestyle. Get to know the neighborhood. Connect with trusted professionals. Then decide.
That’s the Flower Den Retreats Try Before You Buy experience.
Ready to try it?
Tell us where you’d like to stay, your preferred dates, and what you’re hoping to experience.
30-day minimum stays. Direct booking available. Real estate guidance available when you’re ready.
Explore our properties:
https://www.flowerdenretreats.com/
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