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Buying a new home is about priorities. What matters most to you as a buyer? Location? Affordability? Square footage? Move-in ready condition? Amenities? There is a lot to consider when making an offer. Sometimes a buyer sacrifices a “want” for a “must-have” in finding your dream home. For home buyers flocking to the Inland Empire (IE), they are finding that buying a home in the region doesn’t come with as many sacrifices as living in Los Angeles or Orange County. As a SoCal native and Inland Empire resident, not only do I specialize in the region’s real estate market, but I know firsthand what a diverse and awesome place the IE is to live—because it’s my backyard! Are you considering a move to the area? I’ve got you covered on the many reasons why you’ll love calling this place home. By the Numbers More for your money—that’s one of the reasons the Inland Empire (including Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ontario, California) ranked no. 10 on Realtor.com’s list of Top Housing Markets for 2021. Other factors included sales and price growth, with Riverside coming in at a combined growth of 17.9% year-over-year. That means current area homeowners are gaining good equity in their homes—a huge plus when you’re weighing where to invest your money. Now if you’re considering a move to the IE, then one of your top questions is probably can you afford the home you want? Let’s compare the current median home price in Riverside and Redlands with the City of Los Angeles and Orange: Are you seeing what I’m seeing? The median home prices in San Bernardino and Riverside counties are half of the OC’s median price and well under LA County’s. The fact is a home in Los Angeles or Orange County could just be out of your budget—and the home in your budget is the size of a shoebox. Moving to the IE where you can afford a home comes with perks that buyers are taking advantage of. Not to mention you get more square footage and living options—from single family homes, to multigenerational new-builds, to town homes and retirement communities. Location, Location, Location You’ve heard the phrase countless times. Living around the corner from your workplace or the beach is ideal, but not always feasible. But as an Inland Empire homeowner, I’m going to let you in on a secret: we’re within driving distance to the beach, mountains, wine country, and countless SoCal attractions. If you work in LA or OC and commuting to and from the city doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, the Inland Empire has several public transportation options so you can ditch your drive.  The Metrolink Riverside and San Bernardino Lines run directly to Los Angeles while the IEOC Line runs from San Bernardino to Oceanside. And public transportation is continuing to expand in both counties to make it easier for residents to travel through the region. The Redlands Passenger Rail Project, for example, will connect San Bernardino to Redlands and also offer a roundtrip service from Redlands to Los Angeles each morning and a return trip each evening. Diverse Communities Whether you want a home with character and history or you want to build a new home from the ground up, the Inland Empire boasts many options. Let’s take a quick look at three diverse Inland Empire communities.   Riverside: As the largest city in the Inland Empire, Riverside offers the perfect blend of cultural richness, educational opportunity, and suburban comfort. Home to the historic Mission Inn and the prestigious University of California, Riverside, the city combines architectural beauty with academic influence. Riverside’s revitalized downtown features a lively arts and dining scene, while its tree-lined neighborhoods showcase everything from charming early 20th-century homes to modern new builds. With an abundance of parks, trails, and family-friendly amenities, Riverside continues to attract buyers looking for value without compromising lifestyle. Beaumont: The City of Beaumont is strategically located at the intersection of Interstate 10, Highway 60, and Highway 79 with a population of 120,000+. The growing community is a great place for growing families and it’s also become a fantastic place to live for retirees. Master planned communities like Four Seasons offer resort-style living at a fraction of the cost of other cities. Loma Linda: Loma Linda made national headlines in 2019 for being an epicenter of health and wellness. According to CNN, the city is one of five regions in the world where people live longest and healthiest, with people in the community living eight to 10 years longer than the average American.   Redlands: Take a stroll along the tree-lined streets of Redlands and you’ll see a plethora of historic buildings, small businesses and restaurants, and cozy Craftsman style homes. The city has a small-town and was once the navel orange growing capital of the world. Much of that with that history plays a part in the city’s many community events. Something for Everyone The region as a whole is massive—and from what you’ve read I hope you’ve gathered that the Inland Empire offers affordable living for all lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a home for your growing family or you’re ready to sell your lifelong home and move to a retirement community, I can help you. Have questions about the area or want to start your home search? I’m always an email, call, or text away!   Melissa Perez 951-741-8441 [email protected]

A Quick Take on the NAR Settlement Many of us have Apple News notifications dinging on our phones and watches whenever a big headline drops. It can be challenging to sift through the articles and headlines to find the bullet points. Most recently, on March 15, the National Association of REALTOR (NAR) "announced an agreement that would end litigation of claims brought on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions." The amount of the settlement -- $418 million -- would be paid over approximately 4 years. Two parts of this settlement agreement that are generating buzz are broker compensation and written agreement with buyers. While NAR has proposed the settlement, this still has to be approved by the court.  1 - In regards to Broker Compensation: "NAR has agreed to put in place a new MLS rule prohibiting offers of broker compensation on the MLS. This would mean that offers of broker compensation could not be communicated via the MLS, but they could continue to be an option consumers can pursue off-MLS through negotiation and consultation with real estate professionals"*. 2 - In regards to written agreements with Home Buyers: "NAR has agreed to enact a new rule that would require MLS participants working with buyers to enter into written agreements with their buyers...These changes will go into effect in mid-July 2024."* NAR is an enormous trade association, with over 1.5 million members in the real estate industry. As a California REALTOR, I am also a part of the California Association of REALTORs (CAR) and my local association Citrus Valley Association of REALTORS. Here are 3 things that may come from the NAR Settlement: 1 - Short Term Uncertainty or Confusion - While the settlement is getting worked out, there may be some confusion in the industry about what is effective immediately and in the future. Home Sellers and Home Buyers might have questions for their agents about how this affects their bottom line or how the real estate transaction will work. 2 - True Professionals Will Thrive - Every time an industry faces changes, the cream will rise to the top. Our brokerage KALEO Real Estate Company is at the forefront of tracking and managing changes to forms, contracts, laws, and best practices so that our clients reap the benefits of a competent and educated real estate agent. 3 - Real Estate Agents Are Not Going Away, but New Models May Spring Up - The purchase or sale of real estate is not the same as buying or selling a car, a computer, or even expensive jewelry. Real Estate is a complicated transaction. After the settlement is finalized, new brokerage business models may spring up and some agents may get out of the business, but the role of a real estate agent will still be necessary and needed. If you have questions about the NAR Settlement headlines, then send me an email, give me a call, or text. Whatever changes happen, I will continue to serve my clients with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to advocate for their needs. Take care, —Melissa Perez DRE# 01803254 951-741-8441 [email protected] Source: *https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-reaches-agreement-to-resolve-nationwide-claims-brought-by-home-sellers

Five Things to Consider with Your Next Home's Location Location, Location, Location. We've all heard the famous real estate saying. It conveys that where your house is located may be more important than almost every other attribute. It is the reason why a small, dilapidated beach cottage that is barely 1,000 square feet will easily sell for over $1 million (sometimes more depending on what beach). Here are 5 things to consider with LOCATION that you might not think about: 🔥Fire Zones - Is the property close to a high fire zone? The home could come with some defensible space requirements, and the cost of homeowners insurance could be high or unavailable in certain areas. 💦Flooding - With the recent heavy rain storms, many properties experienced flooding near or on their property. Are you on the south side or below street level or is the home on a hill? 🚗Private Road - Several neighborhoods in SoCal have private roads. Although the privacy of that type of street is desirable, you may have maintenance responsibilities or different parking restrictions. 🚦 Busy Thoroughfares - You can't move the house once you buy it. If you are writing up an offer on a busy street, I encourage buyers to visit at different times of day to see how difficult it would be to get in or out of the driveway and to get a better understanding of how much traffic there will be. 🏘 Future Developments - Is the home near the Gold Line? A new housing development? Is the neighborhood being built into mixed-use buildings with storefronts? Investigate what is happening close to the property to see what it will be like to live there long term. Whether you are considering purchasing a home and want more information on the California Dream for All Program, or you are about to offload an investment property or inherited home, call me today! —Melissa Perez

While interest rates aren’t taking the cut like borrowers hoped for by now, the Federal Housing Finance Agency just announced what could be a game changer for your path to homeownership. New maximum loan limits for conforming loans go into effect on January 1st. So what are conforming loan limits? And how can they help you qualify to buy a home in 2024? A conforming loan limit is the maximum amount of money you can borrow under a conforming loan through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. With an increase in the amount you can borrow, this can open new doors for finding your dream home in 2024. Conforming loan limits vary by county. Here’s a snapshot of limits for Southern California: Los Angeles County: $1,149,825 Orange County: $1,149, 825 San Bernardino County: $644,000 Riverside County: $644,000 San Diego County: $1,006,250 Conforming loans require borrowers have good credit and strong finances with some incredible benefits as a tradeoff, such as no private mortgage insurance, a better interest rate, and lower overall monthly payment. Ready to find out how much you qualify for in the New Year? I’m working with my trusted lenders to help put you in the driver seat to make the move that you’ve been waiting for. Contact me today to get started!

Shopping for a newly constructed home can be an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you don't know what to look for. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for a newly constructed home: Research the builder: Before buying a newly constructed home, it's important to research the builder. Look for reviews from previous customers, check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau, and see if they have any legal issues or complaints against them. Inspect the home: Even though the home is new, it's still important to inspect it thoroughly. Look for any defects or issues with the home's construction, such as cracks in the walls or ceilings, uneven floors, or plumbing problems. Consider energy efficiency: New homes can be more energy-efficient than older homes, which can save you money on your monthly utility bills. Look for homes with energy-efficient features, such as high-quality insulation, double-paned windows, and Energy Star-rated appliances. Understand the warranty: Most newly constructed homes come with a warranty, but it's important to understand what is covered and for how long. Make sure you read the warranty thoroughly. Understand special assessments: You should know before buying a home, especially a newly constructed home, that Mello-Roos and property taxes can differ from one community to another even within the same city. Consulting with an experienced Realtor like myself during the home buying process is important to understand the costs. As your Realtor, I can help you navigate all these areas of concern, field your questions with builders, and negotiate to get you the most for your money. Ready to tour some model homes? Let's plan a day! Contact me any time.  —Melissa

Housing Affordability: Weighing the Cost of Your Zip Code "Location, location, location" is the cornerstone of real estate. Where you choose to live determines so much—including how much you're going to pay for a home. The median home price in California reached $838,260 in June. With a 20% down payment, that would bring your payment to $4,332, according to the OC Register. If that number comes with sticker shock, you're not alone. This is an all-time high! But let's go back to that crucial piece of the real estate pie—location. The median home price is just a statistic. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of much more affordable options in Southern California. Take the Inland Empire, for example, where your money can go a lot further.  The median home price in San Bernardino County was $448,000 in May and $620,000 in Riverside County. There are a plethora of new and growing communities for families and retirees with exciting amenities such as pools, walking trails. playgrounds, and much more.  Curious what the IE has to offer you? Contact me any time to weigh your home search options!  —Melissa

Struggling with Giving Up Your Low Interest Rate? Consider This Move up buyers have historically been a large part of home buyers. Who are move up buyers? They are homeowners transitioning from their starter home to their forever home, maybe a smaller condo to a large property with the backyard and extra bedrooms. These move up buyers transition into a home that is better suited to their current needs. For some would-be move up buyers, they are struggling with the mental block of giving up their lower mortgage rate. Why sell and lose your 3.75% mortgage interest rate to buy a home at a 6% mortgage interest rate? Here is the secret of buyers that successfully sold their first home and purchased a move-up property have learned:you live in your home, not your interest rate. Your home is an investment. Do you want your money invested in a smaller property that has a smaller margin of growth? Or do you want your money reinvested into a larger property that has more potential for property appreciation? Especially for homeowners living in condos and HOAs, you might be increasing your mortgage percentage rate, but if your replacement property is now a single family residence, you won't have association monthly fees to pay! Finances first: if you are going to sell your home, when I meet with you I will show you a possibility of sale prices and can provide a Seller Net Sheet to show you how much your Seller Proceeds would be. Those seller proceeds can be the downpayment on your move-up property. So ask yourself: on a scale of 1-10, how motivated are you to sell your house and move? What is holding you back? What is motivating you? Let's talk about the process of listing your home and I can share how I can make your life easier.  —Melissa

The True Cost of Buying a Home One of the most common questions people have when preparing a home is how much cash do you need? A down payment is obvious but what about the other costs that may surprise you? Here are some of the expenses I inform my clients about before they start the buying process to ensure they're ready. Did any of these surprise you? The great news is some sellers are offering concessions to buyers, such as covering part of the closing costs or including assets with the property that can save you money. Everything is negotiable! Understanding the true cost of purchasing and maintaining a home is critical to setting up my clients for success in their journey to homeownership. These steps can keep you from joining the 27.4% of American homeowners are considered "house poor": Budget wisely before buying a home. Consider all the associated costs of owning a home, such as property taxes, maintenance, and repairs. Save up for a down payment to reduce monthly mortgage payments. Look for homes that are within your budget and avoid overspending. Get pre-approved for a mortgage to know exactly how much you can afford. Explore different mortgage options to find the best fit for your financial situation. Have questions about navigating the current real estate market?  Contact me any time. —Melissa

Women Continue Making Strides, Outpacing Men in Real Estate Until the mid-1970s, a woman could not access a line of credit independently without a man to cosign her application. Today, nearly half a century later, more single woman own homes than single men. What progress has been made! These strides in women's history deserve recognition and celebration—especially during Women's History Month. One demographic, in particular, is leading the forefront in real estate transactions: millennial women. They're making up 48 percent of independent homebuyers, according to a new study. With inflation, the wage gap, climbing mortgage interest rates, and student loan debt among other obstacles for this generation, you may be wondering how? How are single millennial women buying homes? I've had the opportunity to work with some amazing single women in all stages of life: from purchasing a home on their own to selling a property, investing in a rental, or exploring their homeownership opportunities in retirement. Here are 4 reasons single ladies and millennial women are leading the pack in real estate: Education: Millennials are dubbed the most educated generation. How does this impact real estate? "Millennials’ pursuit of higher education is good news for the housing market. . . because education is the key to unlock both greater earning power and, in turn, homeownership.” (Keeping Current Matters). And while the wage gap still exists in some fields, more women than men have college degrees, affording them more buying power. Prioritization: From my experience working with single women, one thing they have in common is their willingness to sacrifice and prioritize homeownership. Whether it's willing to commute further to work or being more diligent with saving for a down payment. Women are taking advantage of real estate's potential to increase their overall wealth. Career Advances: The trend of single women owning more homes than single men started around 2018. Since then, single women have only continued to hit career milestones, generating more income and increasing their ability to afford a home. For many women who have already purchased a home, promotions and income bumps are empowering them to buy a new home or invest in a rental property. The Shrinking Wage Gap:  How big of a role is the wage gap playing in women's wealth? Research shows it's actually shrinking among among Gen Zers and late millennials. "According to a Pew Research Center study, women under 30 made at least as much as their male counterparts in 22 U.S. cities — and outearned them in at least 10." (Moneywise) Now that's some great news! Whether purchasing their first home or selling an existing property, my female clients continue to wow me with their perseverance, focus, and confidence. If you have questions on selling your home or becoming a first-time homeowner—I’m here to help! Contact me any time. –Melissa

Maximize your profit with zero investment Buying a home can be stressful. Selling a home can be even more stressful: choosing an agent, getting it ready for sale, showing your property, dealing with repairs, and more. Everyone wants top dollar when selling—whether it is to secure the down payment for your next home, pay off other debts, or boost your investment. Making the right home updates can make a big difference on the final selling price. Instead of asking you to fix up your home and then call me when it is swipeworthy on Zillow, I give my clients something special. As your realtor, I ask forzeroinvestment on your end to get your house ready to sell. That’s right—I start by asking you for a little elbow grease to pack your unused belongings—and I handle the rest. My client Angelica B. in her newly renovated home in Claremont, Calif. I worked closely with her and her partner David to rent out and sell their homes while purchasing a new home in their dream neighborhood. Could your home benefit from a feature wall? How about a new light fixture? Do those carpets need cleaning? I start by bringing in a professional cleaner to give my interior design partner a clean palette to work with when preparing your home for buyers to walk through. In less than a week, my team and I outline and execute a plan to get your home set up for selling success. With a design eye on your home the entire time, our end result is to maximize the value of the home by providing a visual aesthetic for the potential buyers to feel at home. “Melissa goes to bat for you. She builds relationships; it’s not just a transaction for her,” says my client Angelica B. “I know a lot of people who are realtors. Do I want them to sell my house? No. Melissa sets herself apart with the library of services she can provide.” Angelica is right. There are a lot of realtors out there. With me, you get more for your money! This is how I invest in my business. You, the seller, get to enjoy the rewards. Kick stress to the curb by calling me today!