JoeMelendezrealtor

Earlier this year we were blessed with our first grandbaby, Deakon! Even more blessed is he lives close to us, so we get to spend time with him.

Considering that his dad, our son Derick is over 25 years old, so it has been a while since we had little ones around our home, but what a joy it has been.

I think when your own kids are young, you are so busy figuring it all out that you forget a lot of the day to day time you spent with them and how much energy they take haha.

I guess there is a reason you have kids when you are younger right?!?

I personally know how hard life can be at times and all the challenges we face with the day to day and the expensive nature of the current world and also realize it is soooo much harder for many and I am reminded every day to be grateful and to find ways to give back to those who are struggling.

I am reminded to take a few moments and look at life through the innocent eyes of a child and all the wonder and excitement that abound through their eye's.

My hope for you at this time, is having a few of those magical moments. And if you or your family are struggling, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t hesitate to reach out. There is always room at our dinner table no matter who you are and if I can help in other ways, I will!

Wishing you a life filled with child like joy and happiness!

Warmly,

Cheryl & Joe

Looking for simple projects to boost your home's value? To get you started, here are 7 improvements that you can complete in a weekend: ⁣
⁣
🚪 Paint your front door a classic shade of black or mid-tone brown. ⁣
⁣
🛠️ Upgrade dated hardware and lighting for a modern look. ⁣
⁣
🛁 Refresh your bathroom with new fixtures and a clean, modern aesthetic. ⁣
⁣
🎨 Give your kitchen cabinets a makeover with a fresh coat of paint. ⁣
⁣
🏡 Enhance your curb appeal with simple landscaping updates. ⁣
⁣
✨ Refinish worn wood floors for a like-new look. ⁣
⁣
🧼 Clean or replace grimy grout in your bathroom and kitchen. ⁣
⁣
Ready to get started? Check out our latest blog post for tips and tricks for each of these projects! ⁣
⁣
🔗 https://joemelendez.myagent.site/7-weekend-projects-to-boost-your-property-value/

As real estate professionals, we know what can go wrong with a home purchase. 🙈 So, here are 3 things we would never do when buying a home: ⁣
⁣
❌ Hold out for a “unicorn” property.We decide what features matter most and focus on those. ⁣
⁣
❌ Go with the first mortgage quote.We’ve seen how much terms and closing costs can vary, so we’ll always shop for the best deal. ⁣
⁣
❌ Let emotions drive our decisions.We know how beneficial it is to stay rational and reasonable when negotiating a transaction. ⁣
⁣
Whether you’re purchasing your first home or your fifth, we’re here to provide expert advice and help you avoid pitfalls. Reach out for a free consultation. ⁣
⁣
📲 (562) 640-1466 ⁣
📧 [email protected]

Did you know that while some home improvements can decrease your insurance premiums, others can raise them? ⁣
⁣
Improvements that can lower rates include:📉 Upgrading your electrical system📉 Adding a security system📉 Replacing your roof ⁣
⁣
Improvements that can raise premiums include:📈 Adding a pool or water feature📈 Building an extension📈 Installing a fireplace or woodstove ⁣
⁣
To learn more and get tips to save on home insurance, check out our latest blog post! ⁣
⁣
🔗 https://joemelendez.myagent.site/6-strategies-to-save-on-home-insurance-premiums/

📈 Mortgage rates have remained stubbornly high. ⁣
⁣
But did you know that homebuyers can take over certain types of mortgages from the seller—at their original interest rates? ⁣
⁣
These loans, called assumable mortgages, may include U.S. government-backed FHA, VA, and USDA loans when certain criteria are met. ⁣
⁣
If you have an assumable loan with a low interest rate, it could be an important selling point for your home. Reach out for a free consultation to learn more! ⁣
⁣
📲 (562) 640-1466 ⁣
📧 [email protected]

As real estate professionals, we know what works (and what doesn’t). Here are 3 things we would never do when selling our own homes: ⁣
⁣
❌ Skip the prep work.We understand that buyers want a well-maintained, clean, and clutter-free home—and are turned off by anything less. ⁣
⁣
❌ Fail to keep our property available and show-ready.We know that when a home isn’t available for a buyer to tour, they can quickly move on to the next option. ⁣
⁣
❌ Set an asking price that’s too high.We recognize that pricing a home properly is the best way to achieve a fast and profitable sale. ⁣
⁣
Now that you know what we wouldn’t do, find out what we WOULD DO! Reach out to schedule a free home seller consultation. ⁣
⁣
📲 (562) 640-1466 ⁣
📧 [email protected]

According to Bankrate, U.S. home insurance premiums are up an average of 23% in 2024. 😧 ⁣
⁣
But, you can still save on rates if you’re strategic. Here are a few of our top tips: ⁣
⁣
🛍️ Shop AroundWe recommend that you review at least three estimates while taking into account any differences in the policy terms. ⁣
⁣
💸 Increase Your DeductibleAccording to Nerdwallet, raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500, for example, could save you an average of 11% each year. ⁣
⁣
🔨 Make Strategic Home ImprovementsSome projects—like updating your electrical system—can reduce your rates by making your home safer or less prone to damage. ⁣
⁣
Check out our blog post for even more ways to save on home insurance! ⁣
⁣
🔗 https://joemelendez.myagent.site/6-strategies-to-save-on-home-insurance-premiums/

Just saw this and thought I’d share.for anyone who wants to know what Professional Realtors do for Sellers and Buyers to EARN commission’s that are agreed to by the Sellers. It is a little long but you will get a taste of what Professional Realtors do for clients.

There is a lot of talk in the news about real estate agent commissions. They LOVE what they do and they do it because they LOVE helping people but there is almost always a huge misconception on what they do and how they get paid. It's not a secret so here ya go...😊

The average FULL TIME REALTOR’s earnings last year was $31,900 @ 40+ hours a week. (Notice I wrote full time 40+ hours not 0-20 hours a week) which is well below the living wage. As a REALTOR they do not get paid a hourly wage or salary and they
only get paid if they sell a home and it closes. They can only get paid by broker to broker. As an agent you could work with someone days, weeks, months, or years with no guarantee of a sale ever.

Essentially they wake up each day unemployed going on Job Interviews and they deal with constant rejection. They dedicate time away from family, use our time, gas, pay for babysitters, miss dinner and weekends and rarely take vacations. They are on 24/7! You constantly need to be on, or you could miss an opportunity. Once they do close a home, half goes to the other persons agent from the remaining half. They have lots of upfront expenses that must be paid out before they even get paid:

Their Managing Brokers Splits and Fees
Office rent and utilities
MLS Fees
NAR Fees
Local Association Fees
E&O Business Insurance
Extended Auto Insurance
Self-Employment Tax
State Licensing Fees
Advertising Fees
Showing Service Fees
Website Fees
Assistant's Salaries
Showing partners
Transaction coordinator
Yard Signs
Photographers
Videographers
Office Supplies
Business Cards
Property Flyers
Electronic Lockboxes
Continued RE Education
Legal Fees
Gas
Income taxes are not taken out so they have to put that aside around 25-30%.

Don’t forget health insurance if you don’t have a spouse who provides it.

As a listing agent they have lots of tasks far more than just selling a home.

1. Prepare Listing Presentation for Sellers
2. Research Sellers Property Tax Info
3. Research Comparable Sold Properties for Sellers
4. Determine Average Days on Market
5. Gather Info From Sellers About Their Home
6. Meet With Sellers at Their Home
7. Get To Know Their Home
8. Present Listing Presentation
9. Advise on Repairs and/or Upgrades
10. Provide Home Seller To-Do Checklist
11. Explain Current Market Conditions
12. Discuss Seller’s Goals
13. Share Your Value Proposition
14. Explain Benefits of Your Brokerage
15. Present Your Marketing Options
16. Explain Video Marketing Strategies
17. Demonstrate 3D Tour Marketing
18. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships
19. Describe the Buyer Pre-Screening Process
20. Create Internal File for Transaction
21. Get Listing Agreement & Disclosures Signed
22. Provide Sellers Disclosure Form to Sellers
23. Verify Interior Room Sizes
24. Obtain Current Mortgage Loan Info
25. Confirm Lot Size from County Tax Records
26. Investigate Any Unrecorded Property Easements
27. Establish Showing Instructions for Buyers
28. Agree on Showing Times with Sellers
29. Discuss Different Types of Buyer Financing
30. Explain Appraisal Process and Pitfalls
31. Verify Home Owners Association Fees
32. Obtain a Copy of HOA Bylaws
33. Gather Transferable Warranties
34. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
35. Verify Security System Ownership
36. Discuss Video Recording Devices & Showings
37. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions
38. Agree on Repairs to Made Before Listing
39. Schedule Staging Consultation
40. Schedule House Cleaners
41. Install Electronic Lockbox & Yard Sign
42. Set-Up Photo/Video Shoot
43. Meet Photographer at Property
44. Prepare Home For Photographer
45. Schedule Drone & 3D Tour Shoot
46. Get Seller’s Approval of All Marketing Materials
47. Input Property Listing Into The MLS
48. Create Virtual Tour Page
49. Verify Listing Data on 3rd Party Websites
50. Have Listing Proofread
51. Create Property Flyer
52. Have Extra Keys Made for Lockbox
53. Set-Up Showing Services
54. Help Owners Coordinate Showings
55. Gather Feedback After Each Showing
56. Keep track of Showing Activity
57. Update MLS Listing as Needed
58. Schedule Weekly Update Calls with Seller
59. Prepare “Net Sheet” For All Offers
60. Present All Offers to Seller
61. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Buyer’s Agent
62. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Qualifications
63. Examine & Verify Buyer’s Lender
64. Negotiate All Offers
65. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company
66. Check Buyer’s Agent Has Received Copies
67. Change Property Status in MLS
68. Deliver Copies of Contact/Addendum to Seller
69. Keep Track of Copies for Office File
70. Coordinate Inspections with Sellers
71. Explain Buyer’s Inspection Objections to Sellers
72. Determine Seller’s Inspection Resolution
73. Get All Repair Agreements in Writing
74. Refer Trustworthy Contractors to Sellers
75. Meet Appraiser at the Property
76. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals
77. Confirm Clear-to-Close
78. Coordinate Closing Times & Location
79. Verify Title Company Has All Docs
80. Remind Sellers to Transfer Utilities
81. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time
82. Resolve Any Title Issues Before Closing
83. Receive and Carefully Review Closing Docs
84. Review Closing Figures With Seller
85. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made
86. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues
87. Attend Seller’s Closing
88. Pick Up Sign & Lock Box
89. Change Status in MLS to “Sold.”
90. Close Out Seller’s File With Brokerage

As a buyers agent they also have many tasks.

1. Schedule Time To Meet Buyers
2. Prepare Buyers Guide & Presentation
3. Meet Buyers and Discuss Their Goals
4. Explain Buyer & Seller Agency Relationships
5. Discuss Different Types of Financing Options
6. Help Buyers Find a Mortgage Lender
7. Obtain Pre-Approval Letter from Their Lender
8. Explain What You Do For Buyers As A Realtor
9. Provide Overview of Current Market Conditions
10. Explain Your Company’s Value to Buyers
11. Discuss Earnest Money Deposits
12. Explain Home Inspection Process
13. Educate Buyers About Local Neighborhoods
14. Discuss Foreclosures & Short Sales
15. Gather Needs & Wants Of Their Next Home
16. Explain School Districts Effect on Home Values
17. Explain Recording Devices During Showings
18. Learn All Buyer Goals & Make A Plan
19. Create Internal File for Buyers Records
20. Send Buyers Homes Within Their Criteria
21. Start Showing Buyers Home That They Request
22. Schedule & Organize All Showings
23. Gather Showing Instructions for Each Listing
24. Send Showing Schedule to Buyers
25. Show Up Early and Prepare First Showing
26. Look For Possible Repair Issues While Showing
27. Gather Buyer Feedback After Each Showing
28. Update Buyers When New Homes Hit the Market
29. Share Knowledge & Insight About Homes
30. Guide Buyers Through Their Emotional Journey
31. Listen & Learn From Buyers At Each Showing
32. Keep Records of All Showings
33. Update Listing Agents with Buyer’s Feedback
34. Discuss Home Owner’s Associations
35. Estimate Expected Utility Usage Costs
36. Confirm Water Source and Status
37. Discuss Transferable Warranties
38. Explain Property Appraisal Process
39. Discuss Multiple Offer Situations
40. Create Practice Offer To Help Buyers Prepare
41. Provide Updated Housing Market Data to Buyers
42. Inform Buyers of Their Showing Activity Weekly
43. Update Buyers On Any Price Drops
44. Discuss MLS Data With Buyers At Showings
45. Find the Right Home for Buyers
46. Determine Property Inclusions & Exclusions
47. Prepare Sales Contract When Buyers are Ready
48. Educate Buyer’s On Sales Contract Options
49. Determine Need for Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
50. Explain Home Warranty Options
51. Update Buyer’s Pre-Approval Letter
52. Discuss Loan Objection Deadlines
53. Choose a Closing Date
54. Verify Listing Data Is Correct
55. Review Comps With Buyers To Determine Value
56. Prepare & Submit Buyer’s Offer to Listing Agent
57. Negotiate Buyers Offer With Listing Agent
58. Execute A Sales Contract & Disclosures
59. Once Under Contract, Send to Title Company
60. Coordinate Earnest Money Drop Off
61. Deliver Copies to Mortgage Lender
62. Obtain Copy of Sellers Disclosure for Buyers
63. Deliver Copies of Contract/Addendum to Buyers
64. Obtain A Copy of HOA Bylaws
65. Keep Track of Copies for Office File
66. Coordinate Inspections with Buyers
67. Meet Inspector At The Property
68. Review Home Inspection with Buyers
69. Negotiate Inspection Objections
70. Get All Agreed Upon Repair Items in Writing
71. Verify any Existing Lease Agreements
72. Check In With Lender To Verify Loan Status
73. Check on the Appraisal Date
74. Negotiate Any Unsatisfactory Appraisals
75. Coordinate Closing Times & Location
76. Make Sure All Documents Are Fully Signed
77. Verify Title Company Has Everything Needed
78. Remind Buyers to Schedule Utilities
79. Make Sure All Parties Are Notified of Closing Time
80. Solve Any Title Problems Before Closing
81. Receive and Review Closing Documents
82. Review Closing Figures With Buyers
83. Confirm Repairs Have Been Made By Sellers
84. Perform Final Walk-Through with Buyers
85. Resolve Any Last Minute Issues
86. Get CDA Signed By Brokerage
87. Attend Closing with Buyers
88. Provide Home Warranty Paperwork
89. Give Keys and Accessories to Buyers
90. Close Out Buyer’s File Brokerage

Whew…exhausting isn’t it!?! 🤯

✨You don't need to buy or sell a home to support your agents real estate business – here are just a few simple ways to show your support!⁣ By sharing one of their listings, sending a friend or family member their way, letting them connect you with agents outside their area for a broker to broker referral, or leaving them a positive comment or review, this helps them feel seen and supported - (thanks to you)! ❤️✨
, , , , , , , , , , , ,

If you’re a Realtor, please feel free to copy & paste and continue to share this information.

Fun night at the Holiday Bowl watching USC vs Louisville, a yearly tradition.

🛌 3 🛀 2 🚘 2
📍 10509 Tigrina Avenue, Whittier, CA, 90603

My latest sale on
https://rma.reviews/H1QbmS2XAeok
..

🛌 4 🛀 3 🚘 3
📍 1931 Overlook Road, Fullerton, CA, 92831

My latest sale on
..

https://rma.reviews/uB5XV7N4iNTe

3 🛌 2 🛀 2 🚘
📍 10509 Tigrina Avenue, Whittier, Los Angeles County, CA, 90603

My latest listing on
https://rma.reviews/zd4OlcVjzoRZ

Are We Heading for a Housing Market Crash? What Home Sales Data Reveals Sales of new single-family houses in May were 10.7 percentage points above the revised total of 629,000 in April, when new home sales plunged 16.6 percent month-on-month to their lowest level since April 2020, as costs continued rising for both home builders and potential buyers. A crash would be th...

3 🛌 3 🛀 2 🚘
📍 861 Hartford Ln, La Habra, Orange County, CA, 90631

My latest sale on
https://rma.reviews/dv0Ah9n4gb7U

4 🛌 2 🛀 2 🚘
📍 14804 Glenn Drive, South Whittier, Los Angeles County, CA, 90604

My latest sale on
https://rma.reviews/6ny058rllzb4

3 🛏 3 🛀 2 🚘
📍 861 Hartford Ln, La Habra, CA, 90631

My latest listing on
https://rma.reviews/6qacNZJ3XzwV

1 🛏 1 🛀 1 🚘
📍 161/538 Blue Water Lane, Fullerton, CA, 92831

My latest sale on
https://rma.reviews/pbTqJcmK4JUU

2 🛏 2 🛀 2 🚘
📍 390 Terrazo DrIve, Brea, CA, 92823

My latest sale on
https://rma.reviews/5P0kzDPokmTw

Some economists say a recession is inevitable. Should you pay off your mortgage now? Consider these factors first. Financial experts generally recommend clearing debts ahead of an economic downturn, but mortgages might be an exception.

4 🛏 2 🛀 2 🚘
📍 14804 Glenn Drive, South Whittier, CA, 90604

My latest listing on
https://rma.reviews/uqIUosELmnhH

3 🛏 3 🛀 2 🚘
📍 8355 Forest Park Street, Chino, CA, 91710

My latest sale on
https://rma.reviews/BjIv1NIBbrz5

4 🛏 2 🛀 2 🚘
📍 2641 Grayville Drive, La Habra, CA, 90631

My latest sale on
https://rma.reviews/ivkZr1U4qJ3D

My latest review in La Habra
https://rma.reviews/RQ2wsT4fngL2

You always love to see the SOLD sign on another one of your listings. Another very Happy client who Trusted me to SELL the property, Fast, No Stress and Negotiated a Unbelievable Selling Price.
, , , , ,