Don't Get Represented by a “Yes-Agent”!

We all know the type. The person who just says “yes” to anything, never challenging or questioning an opinion or strategy. These people-pleasers agree with anything suggested; while they may be nice friends, in real estate a yes-man or yes-woman can actually cost you money. Often a lot of money. No one likes to leave money on the table, but having an agent who doesn’t challenge unrealistic expectations is not serving the client. So, how can you spot these yes-agents? These yes-agents can take many forms. On the seller side, they could be the agent that lists a home at an unrealistic price. Well-priced homes are selling quickly, but that does not mean that a seller can add 10% or more to recent sales and expect to sell the home. Over-pricing a home can cost precious time as potential buyers forgo viewing the property in favor of well-priced options. As the home lingers on the market, the seller must eventually lower their price to market value. Buyers often assume the seller is desperate to sell and offer lower prices than they might have at the beginning of the listing. Buyers represented by a yes-agent could find themselves writing unrealistic offers as well. There is danger in writing a low-ball offer just to “see if it sticks.” The yes agent might be willing to send over the offer, but the seller is just as likely to assume the buyer isn’t serious and move to more realistic offers. The yes-agent just cost the buyer the home. Spotting a yes-agent, and avoiding them, can save real estate clients time and money, and ensure they achieve their real estate goals.

Motivated Seller - Make Me an Offer!

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Even in a strong seller’s market, a homebuyer might hear the words, “Make me an offer.” For a nicely appointed home that is well priced, this can be a surprise. Being invited to write an offer can often give the buyer pause. Most buyers will immediately wonder if something is wrong with the home. Did they miss something that is causing the home to take longer to sell? While it could be that something is wrong with the home, it most likely just demonstrates the seller’s readiness to move. It could be that they have found another home or are motivated by a relocation, but it might also be that they are tired of keeping the home show-ready and are just anxious to be done with it. In this situation, it’s important for the homebuyer to listen to their agent. A buyer who hears, “Make me an offer,” often assumes this is an invitation to write a lowball offer. The assumption is that the seller will take any offer just to get the home sold. The buyer thinks they’ve probably got this one in the bag! The buyer’s agent will be able to add context to the situation and provide reasonable suggestions for price and terms. Even when invited to write an offer, home sellers will not discount their home if there is no need to do so, and sending an offer below market value might insult the seller and prevent a counter-offer or acceptance—causing the buyer to miss out on a desirable home. Buying and selling real estate is emotional on both sides. Serious buyers and sellers are both eager to find the right deal, but foolish bargains are rare. When hearing, “Make me an offer,” the best move is to consider the home and then rely on the advice of the buyer’s agent about the next steps.

Welcome to 210 Tuberose!

Have you been waiting to time the market? WAIT NO MORE! This gorgeous 4 BD 3BA DETACHED home is nestled in the serene, tree-lined community of QUAIL HILL boasting sweeping views of mountains, trails & sunsets. This RARE OPPORTUNITY offers a comfortable living space for everyone. A formal living room featuring a fireplace, high ceilings, plenty of natural light & across is a formal dining room perfect for ENTERTAINING. The kitchen is appointed w/ granite countertops, double ovens, kitchen island and french doors that lead to a courtyard ideal for RELAXING or dining al fresco. Separate living areas provide a layout for EASY FAMILY LIVING and plenty of space. CONVENIENT full bath downstairs & direct 2 car garage access makes this floorplan highly desirable. Upstairs master bedroom boasts a Juliette balcony, huge walk-in closest w/ custom built-ins, dual sinks, and secondary balcony to take in fresh air. In addition to four bedrooms, a full laundry room & sink all conveniently located upstairs. The Solstice neighborhood w/in the prestigious hillside Quail Hill community is HIGHLY DESIRABLE & rarely on the market. RESORT-LIKE amenities walking distance w/ pools, gyms, parks, hiking trails, baseball fields, soccer fields & Quail Hill shopping center & only minutes from Irvine Spectrum, Oak Creek Golf Club, UCI & tons of dining & shopping. Irvine is known as one of the SAFEST cities and is also recognized as an AWARD-WINNING school district. OPPORTUNITY is knocking, don't miss out!

Thankful Thursday

When I first started my business, I thought the best part would be setting my own hours. But today, it goes much deeper. My favorite thing about being a Real Estate Broker is that I get to help my friends achieve their personal homeownership goals. However, this time was even more special for me because my client is one of my dearest friends and also happens to be my accountability partner. I have so much gratitude for this amazing family, and it brings me so much joy to be apart of their journey. I wish them many years of love & laughter in their beautiful new home! THIS is why I love what I do.

Share the LOVE!

Calling all HUSTLERS!!

Did you know that you can make passive income just by sharing the LOVE about The OC Nest?

Yep, if you have a friend who might be looking to buy or sell real estate and you refer them to The OC Nest, you will receive a finders fee upon close of escrow just for sharing the LOVE!

The OC Nest gives Buyers & Sellers the comfort of working with an experienced Broker, but the personal touch of a friend whose goal is to help you find your perfect “nest”.

PLUS…The OC Nest donates a portion of their commissions towards your referrals closing costs too.

DM The OC Nest TODAY if you want to Share the LOVE and start earning $ while helping your friends save $

Should buyers wait for another 2008 recession to buy?

The Orange County Real Estate market has softened and sales volumes are stagnant.  According to the OC Register, CoreLogic homebuying stats show 2019’s first six months were Orange County’s slowest-selling first half in over 8 years, since just after the Great Recession ended.  Quarter 2 reflects a 13% drop in home sales from 2018.  Many expect that Quarter 3 will show an even larger drop.   This indicates that home prices are high and due for a correction, which means opportunity is on the horizon.

A component of this slowdown is the trade war between the United States and China as new tariffs lead businesses to scale back on investing and hiring. See Trump’s China tariffs are already hitting the housing industry. Furthermore, Chinese cash that previously flowed into Southern California’s economy, driving up real estate, could dry up.   

Although the nature of real estate is cyclical and we may incur a standard recession, there is good news for buyers.   Economists have stated that even if there is another recession, the housing marketing will not bring about housing bargains like in 2008.  Specifically, “The 2008 recession didn’t cause the housing market to go into freefall. The housing market going into freefall caused the recession.” 

It would be a fairly standard recession that has nothing to do with mortgages or the housing market, and its severity is not expected to rival the one in 2008. An upcoming recession would also, encounter a housing market that’s almost the inverse of what it was in 2008: tight mortgage credit instead of loose mortgage credit, housing supply shortage instead of a housing surplus.

Also, keep in mind historic precedent: As far as home prices dropping in the wake of a recession, 2008 is the exception to the rule. During two mild recessions in the early 1980s, for example, home prices actually increased, just as they did in the early 2000s after the dot-com bust. Home prices are less responsive to recessions because housing is an absolute need, and because buyers tend to come from better financial situations that aren’t as damaged by a recession.

The 2008 Great Recession hit the housing market due to mortgage lenders issuing bad loans that were projected to fail and did.  Since then, lending guidelines have tightened up, consumers' best interest is standard practice and integrity is the name of the game. Therefore, waiting for prices to drop to 2008 prices is highly unlikely. 

It has been a buyer’s market in 2019, and we will continue to see a buyer’s market moving forward in 2019 through 2020

Thankful Thursday

Gratitude changes everything! When given the opportunity to work with for someone that puts all of their trust in you, it’s a game changer. I met this sweet Momma some years back as our husbands coached our boys soccer team together. We hit it off and continue to see each other on the fields and about town. I am so grateful to have met this wonderful family. When they contacted me to sell their house I was more than thrilled to get the opportunity to work alongside them in a different aspect other than our established friendship. Together we were able to get their house sold in 7 days and above list price!! Teamwork makes the dream work on and off the field.

Thankful Thursday

This kind & loving couple had to make room for the new addition to their family… so we worked together to sell their house and find them a new “NEST” for them to call home. With lots of trust and communication we were able to accomplish both! I’m so honored to be their Realtor. They are such amazing people and I know this house is where dreams came true for a loving and deserving family. Congratulations on everything!!

Thankful Thursday

What happens when you like the people you work with? You become friends!

There is nothing better than getting an opportunity to spend time working with people you enjoy being around. I am very grateful to have been able to help one of my favorite families find their beautiful home and be apart of something so special!

When experience matters...

Sometimes homebuyers need to sell first. In these circumstances it is important that you work with someone that is experienced to handle coordinating concurrent closings. In this case, we sold their home in 4 days $16,000 above list price and found them a new home, and closed concurrently $15,000 under list price.

Sell & Buy SMART with The OC Nest.

Tuesday Trends

This weekend Fall arrives. How will you greet the season?

Just Listed ...73 Ashdale Irvine

Premier corner lot location boasting 4 spacious bedrooms (optional den/office), 4 bath, conservatory, tech loft and tons of stylish upgrades throughout offering comfortable living space for everyone making this model-like home highly desirable. Conveniently located nearby shopping, recreation, community amenities and award winning schools within walking distance. This pristine home is a rare opportunity. Bring your luck Buyers! HURRY this won't last!

Tueday Trends

Cocktail Pools...the name alone is inviting!