Our Attitude of Gratitude

The new year is just days away. As we get ready for 2014 we couldn't help but reflect upon 2013. A year ago, we partnered up with a common goal of creating a one-of-a-kind real estate experience for you.

Because of you, we have made incredible leaps. Your support, your business and your referrals have taken The Monica Diaz Team to a whole new level. We can't begin to tell you how grateful we are for you. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!

We also wanted to wish you a wonderful and safe holiday season. We hope you take this time to be grateful for everyone and everything in your life.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call. We want to be your real estate resource! Get ready for 2014; it's going to be another great year because remember, MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN!

Why Do You Need Title Insurance?

Why Do You Need Title Insurance?

Welcome back! Today we have with us Kelly Davidian from Lawyer's Title. Buying and selling a home has a lot of steps. It's important to me that you understand and are comfortable with every step in the process. That's why I asked Kelly to join us. She is going  to explain what a title is and why you need it. 

What is a title? 

Title insurance is required on every single real estate transaction. What it does is protect both the buyer and the lender. Title insurance is also used in refinance cases. It protects you from different issues that may arise such as leans, easements, etc. We work closely with the escrow company to make sure everything is taken care of. 

Why do you need a title?

Imagine if there wasn't any title insurance on a home. If the previous owner didn't pay his taxes or perhaps didn't pay child support from a divorce, without any title insurance, you are responsible for those items. So as you can see, it's very important. 

Why Lawyer's Title?

Lawyer's Title is one of the largest and most reputable title insurance companies. Every member of our staff has years of experience and we always make sure to put you as our #1 priority. We know how important buying that new is to you.

We hope you found this information helpful! We can't thank Kathy enough for coming in today! She is one of the best we've worked with and is always there whenever we or one of our clients has a question.

So if you are anyone you know is thinking about buying or selling real estate, give the Monica Dias Team a Call because remember MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN!

Should I Sell Now or Wait Until Next Year?

Should I Sell Now or Wait Until Next Year?

Thanks for joining us today. Year after year we get asked whether it’s better to sell during the holiday season or wait until after the first of the year.  

The truth is it really depends on your situation. That’s why we wanted to talk about the pros and cons of both selling now and waiting.

Most people assume that the real estate market is dead during the holidays; who is looking for homes?

While there may be fewer buyers on the market, those that are looking are serious.  Think about it; who wants to take time out of their holiday plans to look at homes and deal with the loan process? Those buyers need to buy whether it’s for tax purposes, relocation, etc.

Do you know what else is great about selling during the holidays? There’s less competition. Tons of people decide to wait until spring to sell their home.  With more homes on the market, there is less demand for yours.

Let’s think about supply and demand. If you put your home on the market now, when there is low inventory, there is a high demand for your property. That means more money for you! If you list during the spring, when there are a lot of others homes, yours isn’t nearly in as much demand. That means less money for you.

Homes also look great during the holidays. With lights, decorations and the smell of cooking, buyers become emotional. It makes it so much easier for a buyer to fall in love with your home.

You may be worried about the seasonality. What if there aren’t enough buyers out now? In reality, because we have so many international buyers now playing a role in our market, the time of the year doesn’t have a huge effect.

These are just a few reasons why selling now could be a great way for you to get the most money on your home. We want you to give us a call, though. We can talk about your situation; create market analysis to find out whether selling now or waiting is the best option for you.

Remember if you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell real estate, give the Monica Diaz Team a call because remember MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN!

I Want to Wish You a Happy Thanksgiving!

I Want to Wish You a Happy Thanksgiving!

The season of giving is upon us and I wanted to give thanks to you and everyone else that has touched our lives this year. I hope you also take this time to offer thanks to the people who have helped you through this past year. I wish you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and you can watch my latest video to hear my holiday message!

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell, keep Team Diaz in mind because remember MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN!

How to Maximize Your Home’s Appraisal Value

How to Maximize Your Home’s Appraisal Value

One of the most important elements of pricing your home to sell is your appraisal value. Both buyers and their lenders want to know your home is worth the price tag. So how can you maximize your home’s appraisal value? There are eight simple, yet effective ways to getting a higher value.

Step 1:Make sure your home is clean and offers great curbside appeal.
First impressions are important. Make sure to maintain your landscaping. Remove your cars from the driveway to reduce the appearance of clutter.

Step 2: Keep and Maintain an itemized list of all updates and upgrades you’ve done to your home.
Be prepared to show the money you’ve invested to increase your home value.

Step 3: Do your homework.
Keep comps on hand of homes similar to yours to show the appraiser. Every bit of information helps increase your appraisal value.

Step 4: Pay attention to the improvements that will increase your home’s value.
There are certain upgrades you can do that increase your value and yield better returns on investment: hardwood floors, lighting, plumbing fixtures, kitchen and bathrooms.

Step 5: Always apply the $500 rule.
Any repairs that cost more than $500 actually account against your home’s value. Fix what needs to be fixed, such as broken windows or any structural damage.

Step 6: Play up your location.
If there have been any recent changes to the neighborhood such as a new school, retail store or if your home is near a landmark, make sure to mention it to the appraiser.

Step 7: Make the appraiser feel at home.
This is one of the most important steps. Make sure the home is at a comfortable temperature. If you have a pet, board it for the day.

Step 8: Ask questions after the appraiser has appraised your home.
I know you may get excited or anxious to talk to the appraiser while they are inspecting your home, but wait. Don’t follow the appraiser around your home. They are there to do their job; let them do it. Once they have completed the appraisal, you can ask your questions.

If you’re thinking about making improvements to your home, make sure you don’t ‘over-improve.’ Call me and we can discuss what repairs your home actually needs. Your home should match your neighborhood’s environment.

If you have any questions about how to maximize your home’s appraisal value or if you need referrals for some great appraisers, call me. I’m here to be your real estate resource.

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell, keep Team Diaz in mind because remember MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN!

Will a Foreclosure or Short Sale Stop You From Purchasing a Home?

Will a Foreclosure or Short Sale Stop You From Purchasing a Home?

We are fully aware of the trend from years past of foreclosures and short sales, but what does it mean for you and your credit? Today, I wanted to talk to you about how you can improve your credit score if those blemishes are present and also what your options may be. To help with this, I have Adrian Enriquez and Lauren Lazalde of American Financial Network here to educate you on how to move forward in the event of foreclosure, short sale and even medical collections you haven’t been made aware of.

“Our goal when getting you prequalified is to point you in the right direction and tell you the exact steps you need to take in order to close escrow and to be put in the position to purchase a home,” Lauren stated. When we look at your credit, our main objective is to improve it so you are able to obtain a better interest rate and be in the best position possible to purchase your next home.

“We to make sure we address all issues before you open escrow so we do not drag you through a ten day process and you find out that you have these collections on your credit report that are randomly popping up,” Adrian added. “With FHA and conventional, there are a couple different ways you can go about it and they are each going to have their own seasoning,” Lauren continued. She also explained that if you were current on your payments with your short sale, you can immediately move towards an FHA purchase.

It is also phenomenal that with a 20% down payment on a conventional loan and a foreclosure from the past year, you are still able to move forward. In regards to an FHA purchase, the underwriters will compare purchasing scenarios in order to prevent people from taking advantage of the market. Do keep in mind that FHA requires three years from your most recent short sale or foreclosure and Adrian outlined that you have to be current with your trade lines, reestablish your credit and have a minimum FICO score of 620 to move forward. We will be there for you beforehand to address any of these issues.

For example, if a first-time buyer was to enter the market with a credit score of 630, there is a limit of investors we can sell the loan to as their credit score needs to be above 640. If the buyer is in the 620-639 range, there is a FICO hit because it is considered “risk-based pricing.” Adrian explained that as direct lenders, they will work to raise your credit score and ultimately achieve the customer a lower interest rate. This may be in the form of paying down debt and addressing any derogatory comments on your credit report by identifying whether they are valid or not.

“Even more specifically, we are going to look at your trade lines where you have a high credit limit and the balance is very close to that high credit limit, those are the triggers that those are the accounts when paid down, they will yield the most points to your credit score,” Lauren added. The lenders are able to run scenarios and obtain the specific number of FICO points that will raise your credit score to be done in preparation to ensure you are able to make offers right away. This process can be completed within 3 business days, the points will show on your credit score.

If you have questions pertaining to your FICO score, I strongly suggest contacting Adrian Enriquez or Lauren Lazalde. Discover how you can proceed in purchasing your next home and live in a way you never deemed possible. And Remember, when looking to buy or sell a home, Monica makes it happen!

Why is American Financial Network our Preferred Lender?

This week, we have a very special treat for you. As you know, we partner with the very best in the industry and part of that is some of the lenders we refer our clients to. With thousands of lenders available, why do we choose to work with American Financial Network?

“As you know, Monica Diaz is known for being very aggressive, effective in getting you into escrow and delivering the greatest customer service that is available, and we are an extension of that,” Lauren Lazalde of American Financial Network . “We are excited to get you into that home as much as you are to get those keys. We want to tell you exactly how you are going to get there,” she continued. American Financial Network will aggressively represent you in getting you into escrow, following up with the listing agent and if need be, adding a per diem to ensure you have a firm offer on the table. Another reason I choose American Financial Network is because they work 24/7; your hours are their hours.

“We as a direct lender have access to guidelines, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America,” Arian said. This means if one bank denies your application, American Financial Network can prequalify you and utilize the access of all other banks to assist you in your phone purchase and “putting you in a program that best suits your needs,” Adrian added.

Also, Adrian explained that their specific branch has four underwriters on staff to aid volume. American Financial Network is local and their underwriters are just a walk down the hall to provide immediate answers to our client’s questions.

If you have any questions for Adrian or Lauren, please give them a call. I am putting my reputation and my name at stake because they are truly amazing. Remember, Monica makes it happen!

What To Expect Upon Entering Escrow

What To Expect Upon Entering Escrow

Hello it's Monica Diaz!  Welcome to my video blog! 

In a recent video we offered you the point of view of our exclusive escrow partner Juliana Tu of Viva Escrow.  Today we wanted to talk about what you can expect as a Buyer upon entering escrow.

The first thing to understand is you are fully immersed in the transaction. Escrow is open and there are necessary time frames to observe along with initial steps to take before you become a new homeowner.

Most importantly, you must be aware of all the terms stated in the contract you just signed.  Are there contingencies? If there are, what are the time frames of these contingencies? 

For example there may be contingencies for the loan, the appraisal and perhaps the inspection.  You must be able to deal with any one of these contingency scenarios.  For example on a loan contingency, are you prepared to deal with your lender and the various requests for documentation needed to fulfill the closing of your loan?

Now you understand the specific terms of your contract, your first step is to deliver your "Good Faith Deposit" to the Escrow Office.  You've already agreed to this amount in your purchase contract.

Upon delivering your GFD to Escrow you will have disclosures provided to you by the seller.  Make sure you take the time to read and familiarize yourself with all the details of the disclosures. Ask questions to your agent if you are not completely clear on any of the details.

Once you've read and familiarized yourself with the disclosures, it's important to order your home inspection so a licensed professional can thoroughly inspect the property and offer a professional opinion as to the condition of the home.  You can order as many professionals as you want to report on the condition of the house i.e. a roofer, plumber etc.  Keep in mind it is totally your right as a buyer to request the seller to fix or credit you for any issues you are concerned with.  But you also don't want to frustrate the seller by wanting to make an old house new.  This is also the crucial time for you as a Buyer to decide if this is a home worthy of purchase.

Now that your Home Inspection is done and you've decided you are 100% committed to purchasing, the next step is make sure the appraisal supports your purchase price.  If it does, you will need to make sure your loan is approved.  Once it is, you will be asked to remove any remaining contingencies by the seller.  It is here you will want to meet or speak to your agent so you understand what this means to you.

You have now entered the home stretch...once your loan is approved and released for loan documents, you will make an appointment with escrow to sign at escrow or with a mobile notary (which is an added charge).  Make sure and schedule your walk through with your agent to ensure the home is essentially in the same condition as when you entered into escrow and/or any agreed upon repairs were completed. 

The final step is waiting for your loan to fund and then record!  Once the sale has recorded, your possession period depends on what was agreed upon in the contract.
Congratulations...you now own your new home!

As always, if you ever know of a friend, co-worker, relative or even a member of your social communities like Facebook, interested in buying or selling property, connect with me today!

AND REMEMBER-"MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN"!!!

Government Shutdown: True or False?

Hello it’s Monica Diaz! Welcome to my video blog! By now most of you not living on a deserted island have heard all you wanted to hear about this Government shutdown nonsense.

A lot of my peers have also produced some informative videos detailing how it may effect certain segments of the population.

The Monica Diaz Team wants to put all the rumors to rest by playing a True or False game with you, our viewers. We want you to be FULLY INFORMED of what the shutdown means and how it may or may not affect you as you attempt to negotiate/transact through the situation.

True or False: The IRS is playing a negative role in this escapade.

TRUE. Any mortgage backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac must verify a borrower’s income with the IRS. Because the IRS agents are shutdown, verification paperwork isn’t being processed.

True or False: FHA lenders are also shut down.

FALSE. FHA lenders have the authority to make their own underwriting decisions and don’t need the IRS to verify incomes.

True or False: Borrowers who are already far along in the underwriting process are unlikely to be affected.

TRUE. There are skeleton staffs working at the housing administration level and they are appropriating based on a first in, first out model.  You may experience a slight delay but for the most part your loan should still close within previously established time frames.

True or False: Applying for a Re-Fi right now is good strategy!

FALSE. Anyone applying for a Re-Fi or a New Mortgage is looking at anywhere from 45-90 day wait times (and perhaps longer depending on when the shutdown ends). 

True or False: You should steer clear of Wells Fargo and other TBTF Banks until the shutdown ends!

TRUE. Wells Fargo has already gone on record and stated "new applications will not get completed until after the shutdown ends and borrowers income claims can be officially verified."

True or False: The Government Shutdown will not affect the Housing market very much, or at all.

FALSE. Honestly, if the Shutdown lasts more than a few weeks or even longer, home sales could come to a crashing halt which could significantly weaken our overall economy.

With that said, I implore all of us working inside the Real Estate business to take an active role in being a valuable communicator to your clients as we try and navigate these turbulent times. Be reassuring as much as possible to keep emotions calm asking for patience and logic and reason to rule your decision making.

Your clients will thank you for it long afterwards.

As always, if you ever know of a friend, co-worker, relative or even a member of your social communities like Facebook, interested in buying or selling property, connect with me today!

AND REMEMBER-"MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN"!!!

Interview with Maria Howard of First American Natural Hazard Part 2

Interview with Maria Howard of First American Natural Hazard Part 2

Yesterday, we sent you the first part of our interview with Maria Howard of First American Natural Hazard Company.

Today, we have continued our interview with Maria. Watch part two of our video to learn more about the terms and conditions of the “Natural Hazard Disclosure Report.”

 As always, if you ever know of a friend, co-worker, relative or even a member of your social communities like Facebook, interested in buying or selling property, connect with me today!

AND REMEMBER-"MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN"!!!'

Interview with Maria Howard of First American Natural Hazard Part 1

Interview with Maria Howard of First American Natural Hazard Part 1

Today, I would like to introduce you to Maria Howard of First American Natural Hazard Disclosure Company. Watch part one of our interview with Maria to understand how it affects you as a buyer or a seller!

As always, if you ever know of a friend, co-worker, relative or even a member of your social communities like Facebook who is interested in buying or selling property, connect with me today!

AND REMEMBER-"MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN!!!"

Why a Trust?

Why a Trust?

Hey, everyone! Welcome back to my video blog! Today, I wanted to talk about trusts and why they are preferred over wills.

So, what is a trust? A trust divides ownership of a property into two parts.
1.    Trustee. The trustee holds ownership and control of the property.
2.    Beneficiary. The beneficiary holds the soul right of the enjoyment of the property.

Did you know that often trusts are preferred over wills when ensuring the orderly transfer of property in case of a death? Trusts can be executed immediately and can handle a variety of different circumstances. If you are injured or become incapacitated, a trustee can take over your finances.

Another great thing about trusts is the assets such as personal property are not subject to probate proceedings. This is a HUGE relief in avoiding expensive fees from both attorneys and probate court.

Trusts can also be changed much easier than a will. One simple notarized page from both the trustee and beneficiary is all it takes!

The BEST part about a trust, though, is getting favorable tax treatment! If you have a personal net worth of $100,000 or more, a trust will maximize your estate tax exemptions. It will also ensure at the time of your death, your heirs can inherit the estate and avoid any penalties and fees from our good friends, the IRS.

Take it from me. You don’t want your loved one to lose their home at the time of death to the state due to lack of estate preparation.

As, always if you ever know of a friend, a coworker, relative or even a Facebook friend that is interested in buying or selling a property, connect with us today!

And remember, MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN!

The Truth About Interest Rates

The Truth About Interest Rates

Hello it's Monica Diaz!  Welcome to my video blog.  Today I want to talk about interest rates and their relevance to the current market.

As you have likely heard recently, rates moved up a bit from the historic lows of early spring.  So what does this actually mean to the average home buyer or someone thinking about a re-fi?

In the overall scope of monthly payments and lifetime cost of the loan-NOT MUCH AT ALL.  It's important to look at everything from this macro viewpoint.  If any of my viewers can remember the market from 10 years ago, (where a 6.5-7% interest rate was something to be really excited about) we should all feel ECSTATIC about current average rates which are anywhere from 4.25-4.75% for 30 year fixed loans.  Doing the math, you are still saving more than $500/month on a similar loan of equal value based on rates from the mid-2000's.

So it's important to keep this is mind when attempting to decide whether you should buy/sell now or wait.

I am very confident if you choose to purchase or Re-Fi with Team Diaz, you will receive the lowest rate possible via our exclusive Lender friends at American Financial Network.

As always, if you ever know of a friend, co-worker, relative or even a member of your social communities like Facebook, interested in buying or selling property, connect with me today!

AND REMEMBER-"MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN"!!!

Six Steps to Represent Your Client with Precision and Efficiency!

Six Steps to Represent Your Client with Precision and Efficiency!

Hello it's Monica Diaz!  Welcome to my video blog!

In a recent video, I discussed why it's such an amazing time to be involved in the Real Estate market in So Cal. Today I wanted to try and help 'pay it forward' by offering some advice to new agents as they navigate this highly competitive marketplace.

For the purposes of this video, I offer 6 steps any new agent can utilize to represent their clients with precision and efficiency. (All of my network should view this so they too can be aware and informed regarding effective agent strategy)

First, make sure you send well written email and text messages to your professional peers.  I can't stress the importance of this enough especially when communicating with clients or other agents when submitting or responding to offers.  Well-constructed and articulately written communication will set you apart 100% of the time.

Second, be informed about the properties you are selling or offering on.  Don't be the agent who can't answer questions about unapproved additions to your listing. And if you are making an offer in an inventory crunched market, do your homework before you call the listing agent.  Ask intelligent and informed questions.

Third, submit offers that stand out.  You stand out by sending an authoritative email or letter with an offer above asking in a tactful and cooperative tone requesting you be given notice immediately if your offer isn't "acceptable" at current terms/offer price.  Let the listing agent know your clients want the property and that you are willing to do what it takes to get it.

Fourth, read the Agent Notes in the MLS clearly and carefully.  Whenever possible AVOID CALLING and communicate via text message/email acknowledging you understand the notes clearly but have a specific question or concern not covered or mentioned.  It is OK to call but make sure when you do you are direct in your communication.  Be respectful of other agent's time ALWAYS.

Fifth, make sure your client is airtight from every angle-whether Seller or Buyer.  Vet them for every possible scenario which could arise.  Be prepared and plan for contingencies based on those scenarios.  Be prepared to go above and beyond for your clients at every opportunity.

Finally, it is absolutely imperative to keep your clients informed and to be honest and transparent with them through every step of the transaction.  It is CRUCIAL to be unattached to the outcome while allowing your client to decide what is best for themselves.

As always, if you ever know of a friend, co-worker, relative or even a member of your social communities like Facebook, interested in buying or selling property, connect with me today!

AND REMEMBER-"MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN"!!!'

4 Bdrm-3.5 Bath Covina Hills Horse Property-Amazing Value @$798k

Don't Miss Team Diaz's Newest Horse Property in Covina Hills!

A Spectacular Single Level Ranch Style Home in the Prestigious Covina Hills Area! Situated on over an Acre of Flat Land! Fully Customized and Upgraded-Ready for IMMEDIATE MOVE IN! This is YOUR NEXT DREAM HOME!

4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bath, with Attached Garage converted into Mother-in-Law Quarters. Fully Upgraded Kitchen with Granite, New Tile and Custom Cabinetry. Brand New Carpet throughout includes Upgraded Bathrooms. Never Run Out of Hot Water with a state of the art Tankless Hot Water Heater! 2 Zone AC System and Recessed Lighting throughout! Home is also Handicapped equipped.

Tranquil Resort Like Back Yard with Professionally Landscaped Grounds, Saltwater Pool and Slate Tile Decking!

You MUST SEE to appreciate! Motorized Wrought Iron Gate Entrance. Also offers HUGE Parking Area for RV or Trailer.

This UNIQUE PROPERTY will SELL FAST-especially at this LIST PRICE! Contact us for a Private Showing! — at 20580 East Via Verde Covina CA 91724.

There will be an exclusive open house preview showing Sunday August 18th from 1-4PM.  Don't Miss It!

Viva Escrow Part 3

Hi everyone! Welcome to the third and final part of our interview with Juliana Tu from Viva Escrow and the author of “The Art of Escrow.”

We truly hope you found this informative and if you have any questions, please call me at 626.890.7187 or even Juliana; we’d love to help! Thanks for watching!

Juliana Tu

Like any other industry, we have a lot of competition. There are a lot of escrow companies out there. We like to differentiate ourselves from other companies in that we provide the great service.  We have staff members that speak a vast amount of different languages to help our different clientele. I have had over 37 years of experience and am a senior certified escrow officer; I feel experience is important when you are looking for a good escrow company.

Your transaction is important to you, so it becomes important to us. So all these years in the industry, I realized there wasn’t any type of book to explain the escrow process. When clients enter the escrow process, they find it’s like being dropped into a hole.

So, with all the information I had, I decided I was going to write a book. The book is call “The Art of Escrow” and it came out December 24^th, 2012. The book actually goes through what happens before, during and after the transaction. A good transaction starts with the buyer and seller both doing their homework before they initiate the process.  My book is written to educate and help my clients understand the process and what they can do to alleviate the stress that will come to them during the process.

The book is available on Amazon and I recommend buyers and sellers read it. It is not geared toward real estate agents; the real estate agents know the process. The book tells ‘war stories’, things that can happen during escrow.

If there is knowledge, there is less stress and everyone will be happier!

Viva Escrow Part 2

Hi, everyone! Welcome to my video blog!

Today, I have part two of our interview with the wonderful Juliana Tu from Viva Escrow!

Thank you for watching!

Is there going to be a new loan on the property?

If there is a new loan on the property, the escrow company will be in constant communication with the loan program. We need to make sure we have all the documents needed to approve the loan; they need to have the correct property address, the owner’s name, etc.  Once we have all the documents, we bring the buyer in to sign. We then send the signed information to the bank for funding.

As well as getting the loan documents, we also get all the paperwork necessary for the buyer and the seller to close the contract including an estimated closing statement. This statement is very important because it tells you what the buyer needs to bring in and tells the seller what net proceeds he will get.  The estimated closing statement is one of the most important functions we will perform.

When the seller is ready to sign the deed to transfer ownership, we are coming to the close of escrow.  Once the deed is signed, it gets recorded along with the buyer’s loan information at the county recorder’s office. When that takes place, then we know the file is ready to close and it is time to balance that file.

What does balancing the file mean? We pay off the loans that the seller has, make sure the taxes are paid and we make sure the buyer’s new loan goes on to secure the property. Once the file is balanced, the checks are sent out to all the parties and the transaction is considered close.

Throughout this process, a good escrow agent should follow the three ‘Cs’.

1. Communication: We need to make sure we keep in constant communication with everyone involved in the process: the buyer, seller, listing agent, selling agent, loan broker and even the termite company! 
2. Calendar: We need to know the timing of everything such as when a termite inspection should be done by, when is a physical inspection supposed to be done or when are we going to order the seller’s payoff.
3. Customer Service: It is to our benefit that we provide the best customer service. When our sellers and buyers are happy, we are happy too!

Viva Escrow Part 1

Today, we have an absolute treat for you! As you know we’ve been partnering up with many people in this whole real estate process and in doing so we’ve actually chosen an amazing escrow company to work with. We strongly recommend working with Juliana Tu.

She has years of experience. People on her team can speak many languages. Trust me, once you hear her speak, you’ll know why we’ve chosen her. We want only the best for our clients.

Juliana has so much knowledge to share that she actually wrote a book called ‘The Art of Escrow’ We hope you enjoy this informative interview!

Interview with Juliana Tu

So what is the purpose of having an escrow?

The escrow holder is an impartial third party who handles the transfers of the property and funds between a buyer and a seller. The reason for having this is because there’s usually a lack of trust between the buyer and seller. Because of this, there might be a necessity for having a binding contract, especially when there is a For Sale by Owner.

An escrow also handles the payoff; so we are a clearinghouse for all leans and debts against the seller before the property is transferred to the buyer.

What are the basic characteristics of having this third party?

1. Confidentiality: we need to be confidential with personal information from both parties.
2. Impartial: We do not take sides.
3. No legal or financial advice: When there is a question that concerns something that is of legal or financial nature, we ask the parties to contact their legal and financial advisors.
When the purchase contract is accepted by both parties, the contract is given to the escrow holder and that becomes the map for which the escrow holder is going to follow in order to complete the transaction.

There are a few things we look for in the purchase contract:
1. Is there a new loan?
2. Are there certain things that need to be confirmed before closing such as termite inspection or repair work?

One of the other things an escrow holder does is open up a preliminary title search. We need to make sure the seller is that actual owner of the property and we need to find out what kind of leans and debts are against him. All of these things need to be paid off before escrow is closed.

Premier "TV Show Style Home"-Ultra Modern & Chic @$458k

The Diaz Team BACK AGAIN-with "The PREMIER San Gabriel Valley Re-Model on the Market!

If you watch those HGTV Shows about "perfect home remodels", then you will love what you find here!

3 Bedroom, 1 and 1/2 Bath with stunning Tile Floors, an AMAZING Kitchen with Island, Granite countertops and Stainless Steel Oven and appliances. You need to see this kitchen to fully appreciate it.  It also includes a fully refurbished Bathroom along with dark wood style laminate flooring in each bedroom.

This crib is an Entertainers Dream with it's Sparkling pool, HUGE BACKYARD with covered patio and a Gated RV Parking Area.

This property will be gone in a FLASH! Contact us Today for a Private Showing!

The #1 Income/Rental Opportunity of the Year from Team Diaz!

 Two Units-each 3 Bedroom and 2 Bath. Nearly 2000 Square Feet per unit. 1 Unit Upstairs and 1 Unit Downstairs. Almost everything is completely redone. 2 Car Garage-Lots of Storage Space and a Large Backyard.

You will not FIND ANYTHING THIS SIZE OR QUALITY in LA at this price. Perfect Owner Occupy where live in one and rent out the other. This property is SIGNIFICANTLY UNDER MARKET. Get your offers into us ASAP!

Pricing in the Southern California Real Estate Market

Hello everyone! I’m with my beautiful assistant, Alana! Welcome to our video blog!

Today I wanted to discuss the importance of price in this wonderful Southern California real estate market!

Now, in a previous blog I discussed how being in an equity position is a huge advantage due to the restricted inventory of available homes for sale. But today, I want to emphasize the importance of properly pricing even in a limited supply market.

Did you know that it is still very easy to overprice if you don’t employ the services of a trained expert? I was a certified residential home appraiser for 14 years before I became a licensed real estate professional! My expertise will help ensure that we will price your property properly, ensuring that you will receive the maximum value on that sale!

So far this year every property that I’ve sold has received multiple bids and many have sold above fair market value! I am confident that the Diaz Team will do the same for you!

As always, if you know someone who is interested in buying or selling, connect with me today 626.890.7187 or monica@monicdiaz.net

And remember, Monica Makes it Happen!!

Digital and Social Marketing with the Diaz Team

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my video blog! Today I have with me my business partner and the person who is behind all of the wonderful digital and social marketing tactics! His name is Jay Campbell, also known as the marketing expert.

Jay Campbell

It’s nice to meet all of you! Monica and I have been working together for about 10 months and in the limited time we’ve been partners, I’ve completely redesigned Monica’s brand! I’ve also tried to feature her as prominently as possible on most of the leading real estate websites and various marketing pathways!

We’ve partnered with an in-house lender, a title company and an escrow company. Essentially, what we have done is built an entire business platform where clients are able to have a seamless transaction. We’ve eliminated the frustrations that often come along with the business of real estate.

So, now is an exciting time to work with the Diaz Team and we look forward to the opportunity of working with you!

So if you or if you know of anyone who is looking to buy or sell give us a call now at 626.890.7187 or send me a quick email monica@monicadiaz.net!

Thanks for watching!