5 Chief Advantages of the Monica Diaz Team in a Competitive California Market

There are many Greater LA area homes for sale. Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Payment Calculator so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (626) 414-3597 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions 

5 Chief Advantages of the Monica Diaz Team in a Competitive Southern California Market

Today we're talking about the advantages of working with The Monica Diaz Team to buy your next home in Covina or Greater LA. You need the best real estate service available in a competitive So Cal marketplace, and we're here to bring you that.

1. We Can Answer All of Your Questions: All first time home buyers have the same kinds of questions about the home buying process. Our buyers are briefed on all the steps of the transaction from beginning to end. We educate our customers about everything from home inspections to home warranties. We never leave you in the dark about anything, and will refer you to professionals if we cannot provide you with adequate information.
2. We Remove the Element of Surprise: Part of preparing you in the buying process is making sure you understand all of the associated costs of buying a home. We let you know when you need to show up in person, or when you need to show up with all of your finances in order. We also try our best to mentally prepare you. The real estate market in SoCal is tough, and we want you going into the process with the right expectations.
3. We Share Expertise with You: We have lots of experience in this field, and as real estate agents we're going to use it to your advantage. We will make sure that you don't fall victim to the mistakes that have plagued other buyers and sellers.
4. Clear and Transparent Communication: It's completely normal to get nervous during a real estate transaction. It is a huge deal; probably the largest financial transaction of your lifetime. We are here to settle your worries, so please be sure to tell us when you're uncomfortable. Part of our job is to relieve some of your anxieties about the home buying process by keeping you informed. We believe that part of the stress simply comes from not knowing what's happening during the process, so we do everything we can to eliminate this problem for you.
5. All Our Advice is Backed by Real Data: Some clients may question our suggestions, but you can't argue with hard data. We never want to lead our clients astray, so we only give advice after researching the data and speaking with you about your individual situation. Everyone's place in the market is different. In order to serve our clients fairly, we take an objective view of the market to help you make the best decisions possible.

Hopefully this information has been useful to you. If you have any friends or family that are looking for property to buy, sell or invest in in Southern California, then please be sure to contact us.

Thanks for watching!

These Mortgage Tips Will Save You Money on Your Next Southern California Home

There are many Greater LA area homes for sale. Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Payment Calculator so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (626) 414-3597 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions 

 How to Avoid the 6 Biggest Mortgage Mistakes

Today we wanted to discuss the 6 biggest potential mortgage mistakes, and how you can avoid falling victim to them - we know that it can sometimes be difficult to understand your mortgage. It is sometimes difficult to determine which loan would work best for you, so we are going to cover six major mistakes that people often make.

1. Not Comparing Lenders: When you refinance you probably just go to your bank and use the loan packages that they offer. However, a mortgage broker can shop around and find you the best types of loans. It's also not all about the interest rate that you get on the loan, because customer service can also make a huge difference within the loan process. You need a lender that can answer all of your questions, and who can be ready to help you at any point in time. These are a few of the reasons that we recommend our clients to work with American Financial Network.
2. Using a Friend or a Relative: We all want to work with someone that we trust, but working with a friend can cost you thousands of dollars, and perhaps a relationship. You should choose a professional lender every time. Just remember the old adage: Never mix family and business together.
3. Believing that Advertised Rates are What You Will Ultimately Pay: Unless you have perfect credit, most advertised rates are way out of your league. To get rates that good you have to pay part of a point, which is 1% of the loan amount. Your lender is sure to pick apart your credit score and raise your rate for any reason whatsoever. The lender will also qualify you at the beginning of the transaction, and then run your credit again, possibly a day or two before you close the loan. If there has been any change in your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), then you can say goodbye to that low interest rate.
4. Not Paying Attention to Terms: Even if you have perfect credit, you will likely not receive the advertised rates. The true cost of the loan is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) which includes fees from the lender. There are many ways a lender can inch up your fee, such as the loan origination fee (the processing fee) which pays the loan officer and can vary wildly from lender to lender. You should remember that all terms are negotiable, so if you don't know what you're being charged for, don't be afraid to ask.
5. Waiting for a Better Rate: You don't want to lose the home of your dreams over a quarter point in interest. No matter what your interest rate is, you're still going to be paying thousands of dollars in interest up front before you make any serious gains in equity. If you go all the way to the end of your loan's term, you'll pay so much interest that you could have bought the same home 2-3 times. Instead of focusing on the percentage rate, learn how quickly you can build equity. Make one extra payment per year if you can to help offset the rate that you are paying. Down the road if rates drop you might want to refinance, but even that is not an ideal solution because you're going to pay the same origination fees, appraisal fees, etc. It's like paying the closing costs for your home again, and your money will be going back to paying interest instead of principal.
6. Choosing the Wrong Type of Loan: The type of loan you choose should depend on current market conditions and how long you plan to stay in your home. Current market conditions favor fixed rates because rates are rising from all time lows. If you choose to get an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), you will be at the mercy of the market. Although there is a cap on how high your interest rate can go, there is still a risk. If you plan on living in your home for 5 years or more, get a fixed rate mortgage. It takes most buyers 5 years to earn back their original closing costs in equity. Once you've narrowed your choice of lenders, ask them on the same day to give you a quote because rates are continually changing. Ask your lender questions about loan types (VA, FHA, Conventional). You should know what you're getting before you commit to a certain lender.

Hopefully all of this information has been helpful to you. If you have any more questions about mortgage loans, then please feel free to contact us and we can refer you to one of our experts. Also, if you're searching for real estate in LA or Southern California, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

You can also contact American Financial Network by calling (909) 606-3905 or clicking here.

Our Southern California Real Estate Market Update Looks Superb for Sellers

There are many Greater LA area homes for sale. Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Payment Calculator so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (626) 414-3597 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions 

Southern California Real Estate Market Update

Hi It’s Monica Diaz and Jay Campbell, welcome to Our Video Blog!

Today we wanted to talk about the current state of the Southern CA Housing Market.

It’s actually quite robust.  With interest rates dropping again, it appears there is a frenzy of Home Buyers rushing in to purchase properties.  And why not?   

In another video coming from us, we’ll outline the 5 reasons purchasing is cheaper than renting.  Yes you heard that right.  It’s much cheaper to purchase right now with interest rates at HISTORIC LOWS and the cost of renting BRUTALLY HIGH.

There is talk in the media of a potential bubble in housing due to the recent run up in prices in the last 12 months in select areas of So Cal.   The Monica Diaz Team says DON”T BELIEVE THE HYPE!   

In this article from Pro Tek Valuations they state the following:  “The Los Angeles metro area has appreciated 48 percent over the past five years, and while it’s an impressive run, it's far from housing bubble territory.” 

Pro Tek goes onto say their data shows bubbles don’t happen until a market appreciates 150 percent or more for five straight years.  Their forecast for the next five years still shows home prices in the Los Angeles market seeing a steady uptick, but remaining well below their 2006 peak.   

Maybe the most fascinating piece of data from the same article is the comparison of today’s LA median home price ($449,300)which is still well below its peak of $551,500 in the fourth quarter of 2006.

It’s also important to know Pacific Rim Capital and its investors are expected to continue to invest in So Cal Properties for at least the next 5 years.  Understanding this, it’s hard to forecast anything but continuing growth in areas where the Pacific Rim population groups are growing.

Let’s not forget the primary driver of appreciation in the California metros-the limited inventory of homes, which often leads to bidding wars. In fact according to the LA Times (yes you can read that paper online web) All nine metros have four or less months of remaining inventory.

if you’re a potential seller or even considering buying property-it’s hard to imagine you should wait any longer.

As always, if you or any of your friends or family or even a member of your Social Network Communities like Facebook is looking to buy or sell a property-REMEMBER-MONICA MAKES IT HAPPEN!

10 Buyer Pitfalls to Avoid in this Hot SoCal Market

There are many Greater LA area homes for sale. Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Payment Calculator so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (626) 414-3597 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions 

 

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a Home
Today we wanted to talk about the buyer market and 10 mistakes you need to avoid when purchasing a home. We will be counting backwards from 10, so try to keep up with us if you can.

10. Waiting to Pull the Trigger: So, you found a great home in the right price range - but you get cold feet and wait a day or two. The current market in Southern California does not allow you to be indecisive. At the Monica Diaz team, we will make sure that your offer has the best chance of acceptance.

9. Pulling the Trigger too Quickly: This is the opposite of #10; this is when you make an offer just because you don't want to lose out on a home, but then decide that you do not want the property. Our buyer's agents will guide you through this process and consult with you about making the right choices.
 
8. Poor Financing Knowledge: Do you understand the different types of mortgages? Do you know the difference between a fixed mortgage and an ARM mortgage? You're probably not going to understand everything in the paperwork for a home. However, our team works with American Financial Network to guide you through this process and ensure you an affordable loan.
 
7. NOT doing your Homework on the Area: You need to know about the neighborhood that you're moving into. Learn about the school districts, call the police department, or find information online in order to form a clearer picture of where you might be living and if that type of environment would be suitable to you.
 
6. NOT being Aware of the Home's Surroundings: When you view a home, be sure to look around. Are there train tracks nearby? Do planes fly overhead? Is there a landfill or garbage dump a block away? Our team will ensure that you avoid these pitfalls.
 
5. NOT Thinking Ahead: If you buy a home that you know you will be selling in the future, consult with us on how to maintain your home's long-term marketability. It is our job to tell you whether or not we believe you're making a good investment - so just ask!
 
4. Taking Advice from Everyone You Know: Nothing upsets a realtor more than hearing about all the great advice you got from relatives, neighbors, etc. Listening to people who are not experts on your situation will only add anxiety and confusion. Please leave these things to the professionals. This is what we do for a living, and we're very good at it!
 
3. Calling ALL the Listing Agents for Homes You're Interested In: When you use the Monica Diaz Team, you're getting the help of a professional marketing and negotiating firm that does all the work for you. We are very good at communicating with other agents. So once again, just leave this job to the professionals.
 
2. NOT Having a Home Inspection: We don't care if the home is new or if your brother-in-law who is a contractor said it was fine. At the Monica Diaz Team, we mandate a professional home inspector to come out and take a look at your property. This professional is a certified home inspector and not just a plumber or an electrician. It's important to understand what you're purchasing.
 
1. Buying More than You Can Afford: The last thing we want you to do is to buy a home that leverages you to the bone. We do not want you to go broke right after closing. We want you to be able to take your kids to the movies, buy new furniture and continue to make your car insurance payments. We would never advise you to purchase more than you can comfortably afford. We will set a budget and and help you stick to it.

This is all we have for you today and we hope that it's been helpful to you. As always, if you know anyone looking to buy, sell or invest in Southern California real estate, then please have them contact us. We're always willing to help!

You can call us at (626) 414-3597 or email us at monica@monicamakesithappen.com

The 7 Habits Of A Highly Successful Real Estate Agent

There are many Greater LA area homes for sale. Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Payment Caculator so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (626) 414-3597 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions

Being seasoned real estate agents ourselves, we have experienced the innate desire that each agent has to distinguish themselves by enhancing their overall status and reputation.  We also know firsthand how hard the quest for eminence can be when one is trying to break through as a professional agent. With each rung you climb on the ladder of achievement, you find yourself encountering a seemingly endless barrage of obstacles and insurmountable barriers i.e. economic decline, lack of resources, etc. That’s why we’ve decided to impart some of our wisdom that The Monica Diaz Team has gleaned from an extensive repertoire of experience over the course of many years. Here are seven tips catering to aspiring real estate agents for future reference:

1. Passion - As a Liaison between buyers and sellers, it’s imperative that the realtor is personable, exuding a strong outgoing demeanor to clients at all times. Always be tactful in maintaining a consistent line of dialogue, whether you’re communicating via phone, text, email, etc.
2. Tech Savviness - In the rapidly evolving world of technology, professionalism is contingent on the utilization of cutting edge, up-to-date tools when interacting with clients. From digital signatures to tablets, using the most current forms of technology will confer advantages to you over other agents who stubbornly refuse to adjust to new trends (the internet), or continue to use antiquated modes of technology that are less efficient.    
3.  Know Thy Market - Becoming well-versed in the subtle nuances of the local market will not only lend you credibility, but allows you to impress upon potential clients just how keenly-tuned you are to the different niches within the local community. Whether there’s key differences in the schools or some unique facet of local businesses, it behooves you as a “neighborhood agent” to be well acclimated to the surrounding environment of your targeted demographics.  
4.  Authenticity/Transparency – The top agents know just how appreciative clients will be of realtors who come across as sincere and dedicated. Agents who demonstrate a willingness to keep their clients well-informed and thoroughly enriched with the minute details of the real estate process will see the highest levels of favorability amongst past and current clients.
5. Digital Marketing; Social Media; Brand Building Machines –  The best agents out there have built a solid reputation through the establishment of a myriad of different social media and digital marketing tools. Whether it’s weekly blogs, monthly newsletters, or videos, having multiple ways to locate, track, and record potential leads will dramatically increase an agent’s accessibility. They will also gain additional leverage by being able to isolate trends in local market activity, and expand their presence within the vast realm of online social networks, thereby enhancing their overall image amongst the communities they work with.
6. Great Networks – While interaction with clients is important, the ability to network with other professionals whose services overlap or complement those provided by realtors, is just as crucial of a step in becoming a premier agent. The vast array of professionals that real estate agents must work in concert with include:  Lenders, Contractors,  Insurance providers, Escrow agents, and Inspectors. 
7. Detachment from the Outcome – Remove any personal/emotional dispositions you have from the real estate transaction. Agents must instinctively assume the perspective of the client, as their own bias can adversely affect the outcome of the client’s decision. ALWAYS put the considerations and preferences of the clients first, acting strictly on their behalf. 

These habits are key components to any successful real estate agent, and if you strive to incorporate them into your professional acumen, you will see firsthand how effective they make you.

If you know anyone thinking about buying or selling real estate in the Los Angeles or Covina area, please let us know and we would be glad to help them out. You can reach us at (626) 414-3597 or email Monica at monica@monicamakesithappen.com.