Mercedes Van Pelt Real Estate

We conquered the bridge in San Pedro this morning. So fun!!! Gotta do this one again!

Housing costs represent the biggest portion of most of our budgets. They also represent almost a quarter of the increased cost of the American Dream in the past decade, or $25,104.....up almost DOUBLE in 10 years. Over the past decade, the American Dream now costs 36% more, or an additional $47,000. The good news: The median household income has grown 46%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The bad news: Only about 1 in 8 households earned enough 10 years ago to pay for the dream, according to Census Bureau estimates and that ratio hasn't significantly changed. The one area where prices have not gone up much? Clothing. (not Hèrmes, though!) (USA TODAY)

Coming Soon in West Torrance! 🏡

Get ready to fall in love with this perfect, starter townhome that includes 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms in the highly sought-after neighborhood of West Torrance! From the cozy fireplace and vaulted ceilings to the bright kitchen with granite countertops, this home has all the comforts you need. ☀️🏖️

Enjoy barbecuing on your own balcony or take a dip in the complex pool. Plus, you’ll have your own private laundry room, storage, and four parking spaces! 🚗🧺

Just minutes from the beach, award-winning schools, dining, and shopping—this is a fantastic opportunity to get started owning your own home in the South Bay.

Stay tuned, you won’t want to miss this one! ✨

Mercedes Van Pelt | DRE # 01835336
📞 +310-600-1223

This will make you laugh, this will make you cry but most of all, this will make you love Jason Bateman!

Kamala Harris is "Just Normal" - Narrated By Jason Bateman | The Daily Show Kamala Harris didn’t just fall out of a coconut tree. The Democratic candidate has led a full and shockingly normal life. From her birth in a year that makes...

“Your goal at the end of the day is not a ledger that feels more equal. Your goal at the end of the day is to be surrounded by people who you actually want to be with.” Dr. Ruth
I just loved this - so true!

In Los Angeles, 9 inches of rain fell over the course of just 3 days in February. Thanks to the replacement of concrete with dirt, plants and “spreading grounds,” the city was able to capture 8.6 billion gallons of stormwater, enough to provide 106,000 households with water for a year. (reasonstobecheerful.com)

I’m so thankful to have been part of a special journey with clients who trusted me not just once, but twice over the years! 💛

From their first condo to now securing their forever home, it's been an honor to guide them through every step, especially in a competitive market.

Building lasting relationships is what I love most about my work, and I'm so grateful to have so many join and stay a part of my real estate family. Here's to creating lasting memories in their beautiful new home! 🏡✨

Ok Gen Xers (my people), this info is for you:
"Gen Xers are worse off financially than their baby boomer predecessors. The median household net worth of Gen Xers between 45 and 54 years old was about $250,000 in 2022, about 7% lower than that of baby boomers at the same age in 2007. The oldest Gen Xers are about to turn 60 next year. Gen X is the first generation to almost fully experience both parents working and being responsible for their retirement. About 72% of Gen Xers own a home."
Isn't that crazy to know!

Helping you find your first home is a journey I’m honored to be a part of! 🌟

Grateful for the trust and patience that made securing the perfect place possible.

From navigating a multiple offer situation to making sure your new home is move-in ready, it was a joy to guide you every step of the way. 🏡✨

Here’s to new beginnings and endless happiness in your new home!

Mercedes Van Pelt | DRE # 01835336
📞 +310-600-1223

Exciting news! 🎉

This beautiful property is now in escrow!

I'm thrilled for my Seller as we move one step closer to closing the deal. It’s been an amazing journey getting here, and I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made together.

Looking forward to a smooth closing and handing over the keys to the new owners soon! 🏡🔑

Mercedes Van Pelt | DRE # 01835336
📞 +310-600-1223

Just goes to show all these reality shows DO NOT speak to all the hard work real Agents put into helping their clients. I’m so tired of the false narrative.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=920943096745503&id=100064894624064&mibextid=cr9u03

Victims of a real estate investment scheme involving multiple HGTV stars, including Christina Hall and Tarek El Moussa, have been awarded more than $12 million in refunds by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The ex-couple, known for their hit show "Flip or Flop," were among several reality TV stars recruited by Utah-based Zurixx LLC to promote home-flipping seminars.

In 2019, the FTC and the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Consumer Protection sued Zurixx’s owners, Cristopher Cannon, James Carlson, and Jeffrey Spangler. The lawsuit alleged that false earnings claims were used to lure participants into “spending thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in a relatively short amount of time.”

Some participants also alleged that the reality stars used to promote the seminars did not actually attend the coaching sessions, according to Deadline.

The FTC’s investigation revealed that Zurixx enticed consumers with free courses before pressuring them to pay for additional training, sometimes costing tens of thousands of dollars. Over 25,500 people will receive refunds as a result of the FTC's action.

Other reality stars, including Hilary Farr from HGTV’s "Love It or List It" and Peter Souhleris and Dave Seymour from A&E’s "Flipping Boston," were also involved in promoting similar programs.

Despite customer complaints reported by ABC in 2017, Hall and El Moussa defended the program, claiming it was based on their own successful system for flipping houses. However, the FTC has since barred Zurixx and its owners from teaching or promoting these programs, with Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, warning consumers to carefully evaluate money-making promises before investing.

Ever find yourself questioning the real story behind those real estate headlines? 🏡

Let's strip away the fluff and get straight to the facts. Stay sharp with the latest trends and insights, so you can navigate this ever-evolving market with confidence.

Whether you're buying, selling, or just keeping an eye out, we’re here to keep you in the know with all the real estate scoop. 📈✨

Mercedes Van Pelt | DRE # 01835336
📞 +310-600-1223

I never think of us having that many tourists but these numbers are cool:
Florida - the entire State - welcomed 140 million visitors last year, with about 40% of them hitting the beach. California state welcomed 270 million tourists in 2023. 62 million people visited New York City - just the city - in 2023. (USA TODAY)

It takes six or seven years to get your
permits to build in Malibu - isn't that crazy!! Who wants to wait that long!!

The taxation of Social Security benefits began in1983 under Ronald Reagan - not exactly someone known to raise taxes - and it did not include an annual inflation adjustment provision. If it had, the $25,000 exemption in 1983 would be the equivalent of $78,859.18 in 2024 dollars..... (WSJ) Jesus! (that's me speaking).

COMING SOON! 1402 Stanford Avenue - This Remodeled Gem Won't Last 🏡

Get ready to fall in love with this fully remodeled, 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom Townhome ideally located in the heart of Redondo Beach. You'll want to come see the designer finishes hand picked by the owner to perfection!

📅 Stay tuned for more details! Please contact me for more information.

Mercedes Van Pelt | DRE # 01835336
📞 +310-600-1223

Congratulations to my wonderful Buyers on securing this fantastic property at 3201 W. 178th St.! This charming home is now officially In Escrow, and I couldn't be more thrilled for my clients. 🌟🏡

Now we are on to inspections, reviews and negotiations. Love the opportunity to be by their side and help these First Time Homebuyers make their dreams come true!

If you have any questions or are looking for assistance with your home purchase, feel free to reach out. Happy to share how to make it happen in this competitive market.

Mercedes Van Pelt | DRE # 01835336
📞 +310-600-1223

Just Closed! 🎉🏡🔑

I’m so happy for my clients on this hard-fought negotiation for this home they just closed on in Southwood!

Went up against multiple offers and they came out the winners! This is the second time I've had the pleasure of helping them on their homeownership journey.

From their first condo years ago to now a beautiful, single-family home, it's been amazing to see their dreams come true.

Congratulations to my clients on this exciting new chapter! I can’t wait to see all that they do with this home!

Mercedes Van Pelt | DRE # 01835336
📞 +310-600-1223

Searching for that perfect home? 🏡

You should know, no house is ever truly perfect. There’s always going to be something you’d like to change. 🛠️

It’s time to consider the potential instead of holding out for perfection. A house that needs a little elbow grease could be a hidden gem. 💎

With an open mind and an expert guide, we’ll find the right home for you. 🗝️✨

Mercedes Van Pelt | DRE # 01835336
📞+310-600-1223

In Escrow Alert! 🚨

Congratulations to my Buyers on securing their dream home! 🏡✨

This stunning property is officially in escrow, and my clients are one step closer to making it theirs. 🎉🔑

Stay tuned for more updates as we move through the process.

If you're looking to buy or sell a home, contact me today and let’s make your Real Estate dreams a reality!

Mercedes Van Pelt | DRE # 01835336
📞 +310-600-1223

So happy for my clients who are now officially In Escrow on this beautiful property in Southwood! 🏡🔑

I have now represented these Buyers for the second time on their journey to own a single family home. They started with me many years ago to buy their first condo and now I can't wait to see all they do in their new home. Southwood is such a fantastic community, and I know they'll love it here.
Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with this exciting process!

Mercedes Van Pelt | DRE # 01835336
📞+310-600-1223

The US 10-year treasury dipped to around 4.17%.....and the DOW hit new records yesterday almost 41,000.....and the NASDAQ over 18,500....WOW! Almost every American benefits by strong markets as states and local governments, pension, retirement and other public funds are all invested in the markets. And all in the midst of 2 wars, elevated - but dropping - inflation, low unemployment, rising wages and hyper-political division.... We like some good news! (CNBC)

Congratulations to my Buyer on securing this beautiful home! 🎉

It's always a special experience working with a past client on their next home purchase. So happy for my client on securing their dream home in this beautiful neighborhood.

Can't wait to see all the wonderful memories they'll create and the fun times ahead!

I came across this stat today: "In April, buyers paid entirely in cash for 64% of the homes sold in Manhattan". (Marketproof) And then wondered what it is for Los Angeles County since I have seen SO MANY more All Cash Offers recently and according to the Los Angeles Times, "23% of homes sold in February were all cash." May I ask people - where is everyone getting all this cash???

Happy 4th of July! 🎇

As all my friends know, I LOVE fireworks AND I love my country!!

Today, we celebrate the land of the free and the home of the brave and I couldn’t be happier.

Enjoy the fireworks, BBQs, and time with loved ones. Let's honor our nation's independence and the spirit that unites us all.

Wishing you a day filled with joy, pride, and patriotic fun! ❤️🤍💙

Celebrating Disability Pride Month! 🌟

This month, we honor the strength, resilience, and achievements of the disabled community. From someone in my family who amazes me every day with the strength in which she embraces life, I honor all those who navigate this world not quite built for them.

Let’s amplify voices, share stories, and advocate for inclusion and accessibility for all.

Together, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and empowered. It is absolutely possible!!💪❤️

A day of reflection, celebration, and progress. ❤️💚

Let’s continue to educate, uplift, and unite. ✊🏿

Happy Juneteenth! 🌟

New price $4,400,000!! 💰🏡

Don’t miss out on this rare gem in a prime location in the coveted City of El Segundo. 🌟

This 7 bedroom, 9 1/2 bathroom single-family home sits on an impressive 12,600 sq. ft. lot. 🛏🛁

Boasting 7,162 sq. ft. of living space and a full remodel in 2024, this home provides numerous options for a multi-generational family. 🏠

Come explore this beautiful home and check out the fabulous school district, cute Main Street, and proximity to the beach in fabulous El Segundo! 📚🏖

Mercedes Van Pelt | DRE # 01835336

LOVED THIS!!
After graduating college, Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph got a “handwritten list of instructions” from his Dad, he wrote in a 2019 LinkedIn post.
1. Do at least 10% more than you are asked.
2. Never, ever, to anybody, present as fact opinions on things you don’t know. Takes great care and discipline.
3. Be courteous and considerate always — up and down.
4. Don’t knock, don’t complain — stick to constructive, serious criticism.
5. Don’t be afraid to make decisions when you have the facts on which to make them.
6. Quantify where possible.
7. Be open-minded, but skeptical.
8. Be prompt. (CNBC)

Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there! 🧍🏼‍♂️❤️