Tag Archives: tips

Top 5 Tips for Opening a New Escrow!


Opening escrow, especially for the first time, can be a bit like navigating uncharted waters. Based on our experience opening multiple escrows for over 12 years, The Mendelsohn Group has compiled a list of useful tips to help homebuyers through escrow with ease!

  1. Read through all paperwork and stay on top of all signatures. If you were to print out every single piece of paper involved in the purchase or sale of a home, the file would easily be three inches thick! As you can imagine, it can be a bit overwhelming to deal with all of that paper. Do your best to stay on top of it and READ and sign as it is sent to you. Don’t hesitate to call your agent with any questions before you sign.
  2. If you are currently renting, DO NOT GIVE NOTICE of your intended move-out date until ALL CONTINGENCIES are removed on your sale. This is incredibly important because if something falls through, you could potentially be out of a place to live! As Revi always says, “I’d rather you have two places to live than none!”
  3. Avoid posting anything on social media regarding the sale. This helps protect you against your landlord finding out of your plans to move prematurely. Posting on social media during negotiations could also affect you negatively because you never know which friends buyers/sellers have in common. When Revi is representing you, she is always planning strategically to get you the best possible deal! As Revi says, she keeps things “in her back pocket” to benefit you in the deal.
  4. Do not discuss any repair or inspection matters with your lender under any circumstances. This is key to ensuring a smooth lending process. If you are unsure of any matters, consult your real estate agent. Bringing inspection matters to the lender’s attention can complicate the loan, and potentially cause the deal to fall apart.
  5. While in escrow, do not make any large purchases such as a new car, furniture, or anything that can affect your credit score and ability to get the loan. The lender repeatedly checks your credit ratios during and up to the close of the loan. Before making any changes such as employment, opening or closing bank accounts, or making large deposits, speak to your realtor and your lender to confirm it has been set up properly. Revi and The Mendelsohn Group team are here to help you every step of the way — no question is too big or too small!

If you have any questions regarding the escrow process, or real estate in general, do not hesitate to contact Revi Mendelsohn at 310-963-7384!

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TOP 8 reasons Why Home Buyers Want The Mendelsohn Group on Their Side

Are you thinking of buying property? Maybe you are looking for investment opportunities. Or maybe you are ready to take the big leap into owning your first home. The thought can be overwhelming if you don’t have the guidance of an experienced team on your side. The Mendelsohn Group has over 12 years of residential purchase experience. We specialize in the following to ensure a positive home-buying experience, and get the best possible outcome for our clients:

  • We help our clients pay an average of 3% UNDER asking price
  • We offer a proprietary “Top Five Deal Breaker System” to help clients determine what is most important in their next home
  • We make our clients feel like they are our only clients through award-winning* customer service and sales experience
  • We provide outstanding project management skills. We have an excellent reputation amongst our peers, as evidenced by listing agents preferring to work with The Mendelsohn Group
  • We regularly secure property from multiple offer situation through successful packaging buyers to listing agent
  • We have excellent negotiation of repair credits due to experience and understanding of home repair
  • We practice solution-oriented strategies to bring all parties of the sale together
  • We present top notch service providers for any repairs after the sale, as well as follow-up with clients to ensure they are settled in their new home

*Rodeo Realty’s Vice-President’s, President’s, and Executive Circle awards 2010-2015  and Coldwell Banker’s Prestigious President’s Circle 2007

Another happy family in front of their first home!

Another happy family in front of their new home!

Last week we closed escrow for a family on a wonderful home in West LA. After several months of searching, we were able to secure 2nd backup position on a home (2nd backup means that 1st backup is in front of us, but 1st backup is behind the buyers in escrow). It was a bit of a challenge for our buyers, as they had access to a special loan program for Military Veterans. This Veterans Administration loan is unfamiliar to most agents in LA.  We had to educate the listing agent and sell her on our buyers. In a matter of 4 days, the 2 other buyers both in escrow and 1st backup dropped out and we won the house! Now our clients’ kids have a yard to play in and to plant a vegetable garden in. They never imagined that they would have two extra bedrooms, one for a home office and the other, a playroom.

For more stories of The Mendelsohn Group’s successful purchase negotiations, click here! If you are looking for these types of results in this highly competitive Real Estate market, call Revi at 310-963-7384.

 

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Why Do We Need CO Detectors?

Have you owned your home since before 2011? If so, do you know if you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home? Since the California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 was passed in early 2011, it is now a requirement by law, and a retrofit requirement when selling your home that CO monitor be present. 

 How do you know if you are exposed to carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is virtually undetectable by humans. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Accidental over-exposure to carbon monoxide results nearly 200 deaths every year. It is emitted by various equipment in and around your house such as:

  • Fuel fired furnaces and fireplaces
  • Gas water heaters
  • Gas stoves
  • Gas dryers
  • Charcoal grills
  • Lawnmowers and other yard equipment
  • Automobiles

How do I prevent CO exposure?

1. The best defenses against carbon monoxide poisoning is installation of a CO detector.

2. Proper installation, use, and maintenance of household cooking and heating equipment, and safe use of vehicles and other gas-powered equipment.

 

 

How should I install my CO Detectors?

1. Centrally located outside of each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms

2. At least 6 inches from all exterior walls , and at least 3 feet from supply or return vents

3. Avoid locations that can be covered by furniture or draperies.

arm-4How do you test the CO Detector to ensure it is working?

Consumers should follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a test button tests whether the circuitry is operating correctly, not the accuracy of the sensor.

What should you do if the CO alarm sounds?

1. Never ignore an alarming CO alarm!

2. Immediately move outside to fresh air.

3. Call your emergency services, fire department, or 911.

4. Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for. DO NOT reenter the premises until the emergency services responders have given you permission.

Are CO Detectors reliable?

CO alarms always have been and still are designed to alarm before potentially life-threatening levels of CO are reached. The safety standards for CO alarms have been continually improved and currently marketed CO alarms are not as susceptible to nuisance alarms as earlier models.

 

Even if you aren’t planning to sell your home, it is best to air on the side of caution and have CO detectors installed as soon as possible. These inexpensive devices (costing around $100) can potentially save a life. If you are unsure about the maintenance of gas-powered appliances in your home, consider having a qualified technician inspect your appliances to ensure their safety, and discuss proper installation of detectors. This small measure can prevent you and your family from falling victim to carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

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Top 5 Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving can sometimes feel like a holiday for everyone but the host. This year, why not make it fun for everyone? Just follow these helpful tips to prepare you for your most successful, worry free feast!

 

  1. Make a timeline and master list of everything that needs to get done.

Avoid last-minute overload by counting backwards from the time dinner is served and scheduling out prep time and oven time. Map out the timing for what can share the oven, and what can be served at room temperature. Stick to your plans to ensure everything runs smoothly. It may help to set alarms on your phone for really key moments, like putting the turkey in the oven

2.  Make as much ahead as possible.

When you’re planning your menu, look for dishes that can be made the night before. Desserts can easily be made ahead and re-heated. Even if you can’t make a full dish ahead, look for ways to prep the big stuff as much as you can, like toasting nuts or breadcrumbs.

3.  Set the table the night before — and embrace the kids’ table idea!

Set the table the night before, and think through who will sit where. Save yourself from rooting around in your messiest cupboard for the turkey platter in front of guests. And don’t fuss too much over decorations for the table … click here for quick and simple ways to make household items into perfect turkey day centerpieces. Keeping the kids at their own table can give you the opportunity to dress the table with the nice china and not worry about an accident.

4.  Never turn down help.

Most Thanksgiving parties embrace some sort of potluck rule, and that’s the beauty of it. Let friends and family bring appetizers, side dishes, or desserts. You can even buy pre-made items from the grocery store. This will free up your oven a bit and take some of your plate. Also, don’t be ashamed to ask for a hand in the kitchen, and gather a crew to help carry the dishes to the table.

 

5.  Don’t bite.

There may be someone in your family or in your circle that wants to start a heated discussion. Don’t take the bait just because that someone brings a hot topic up at the dinner table. The best way to keep everyone happy is to keep the conversation light and neutral. You can’t pick your family as they say, so take every opportunity to enjoy their company and your time together!

We hope you have fun in your preparations for your Thanksgiving party. Remember to relax and enjoy it! Maybe even find a moment in the chaos to remind yourself to be grateful for the opportunity to host your loved ones on this special day.

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

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First-Time Home Buyer Tips!

You’ve decided to go for it and start the process of buying your first home. Buying a home can be thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time, especially for a first-time homebuyer. It’s difficult to know exactly what to expect and if you are making the best choices for your budget, lifestyle, and goals.

That’s why we’ve created a list of the Top 5 Tips for the smoothest first-time home buying experience possible!

 

1.     Seek help from a professional agent you can trust.

Speaking to an agent about specific budgets and goals can help set you up for the best plan of action, and what is best suited for you. The years of industry a realtor can provide you with is worth the costs and can help expedite the process.

2.   Reach out to elders and mentors with experience for advice.

There is no greater value than getting advice from people who have been in your situation. They can help you navigate what mistakes to avoid and even give some tips on things like loans and interest rates.

3.   Research and narrow down the type of housing and neighborhood works best for you.

Having a strong grasp on exactly what you are looking for can help save a lot of time and stress down the line. This is especially crucial if you plan to use this property as an investment—things like proximity to major landmarks, school districts, and value of the neighborhood can pay off later on when you go to sell.

4. Fully prepare for short and long term expenses.

While upfront costs to purchasing can seem quite obvious, home-buying can come with a lot of unpredictable charges. There may be home owner’s association fees and unexpected repairs involved, so make sure to save and prepare for these potential road blocks.

5. Take your time.

There is no need to rush this process. It is a very rewarding thing to be able to purchase a first home, and it takes a lot of courage to commit! Once you commit to your decision, make sure to not get caught up in the hustle of finding the place you are looking for. Make sure it has what you are looking for and you are absolutely happy with your decision!

If you have any questions, or are looking to make this exciting move in the next few years, Revi would be happy to talk you through this process! Call or email anytime for more tips and advice to help you reach your home-buying goals!

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Millennials Heat Up The Home Buyer Market!

The Next HomeBuyers

Millennials are dominating the homebuyer market and changing the market for going on the second year in a row – and these exciting changes are sure to do great things for real estate in the coming years!

With more jobs on the horizon and more focus on establishing financial success before marriage, the real estate market has continued to see a boost thanks to this growing group of new buyers. According to the National Association of Real Estate, millennials are making up about 32% of the buying market, which is majority over all other buyer groups. This is proving beneficial to everyone in more ways than expected – it is boosting our economy and driving home values up!

Want to know where to start before buying your first property? The Mendelsohn Group can help point you in the right direction! Follow these helpful tips for millennial home buyers:

1.     Seek help from a professional agent you can trust.

Speaking to an agent about specific budgets and goals can help set you up for the best plan of action, and what is best suited for you. The years of industry a realtor can provide you with is worth the costs and can help expedite the process.

  1.    Reach out to elders and mentors with experience for advice.

There is no greater value than getting advice from people who have been in your situation. They can help you navigate what mistakes to avoid and even give some tips on things like loans and interest rates.

  1.    Research and narrow down the type of housing and neighborhood works best for you.

Having a strong grasp on exactly what you are looking for can help save a lot of time and stress down the line. This is especially crucial if you plan to use this property as an investment—things like proximity to major landmarks, school districts, and value of the neighborhood can pay off later on when you go to sell.

  1.   Fully prepare for short and long term expenses.

While upfront costs to purchasing can seem quite obvious, home-buying can come with a lot of unpredictable charges. There may be home owner’s association fees and unexpected repairs involved, so make sure to save and prepare for these potential road blocks.

  1.    Take your time.

There is no need to rush this process. It is a very rewarding thing to be able to purchase a first home, and it takes a lot of courage to commit! Once you commit to your decision, make sure to not get caught up in the hustle of finding the place you are looking for. Make sure it has what you are looking for and you are absolutely happy with your decision!

If you have any questions, or are looking to make this exciting move in the next few years, Revi would be happy to talk you through this process! Call or email anytime for more tips and advice to help you reach your home buying goals!

 

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