Credit Score | Mortgage | Orange County Real Estate 

Don't be fooled by this headline news!

 

Luxury Real Estate | Spyglass Hill | Orange County Real Estate 

Looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the OC beach cities? This neighborhood on a hill with fantastic ocean views may be what you are looking for.

 

Orange County Real Estate | Hot Spring Market | What to Expect in Spring 2023

 Limited Inventory means buyers will be swarming to your property! Interest rates are still high for now but may continue to drop.

Featured Videos
New Oceanview Fixer at 3059 Cresta Way
This oceanview Laguna Beach fixer can be your canvas to paint your vision of what a dream home should be! Contact me for more info about this hot new listing.
Sellers Beware: Limited Inventory
What...You’ve got 17 offers on your home and you have no idea which one to choose. Seller Beware, it's a crazy competitive sellers market. I’ve done a series of videos this month that will educate you and give you all the in’s out’s of what you need to know and think about when selling. Hi my name is Gabe Cole with REALM Residential and EXP Realty and I’ve been selling homes in Orange County for nearly 20 years! I’ve been involved in over 600 real estate transac
Orange County: Real Estate Market Update
The real estate market is BOOMING! There aren’t enough houses on the market for the amount of buyers that want homes. I wanted to share some things to consider that will make the transition and experience meet all of your expectations.
Orange County Real Estate: Waterwheel in Laguna Hills
Welcome to 26062, Waterwheel Pl in the fantastic community of Nellie Gail Ranch in Laguna Hills. This property was beautifully remodeled in 2018. It was taken down to the studs completely modernize and made into incredibly beautiful modern ranch!
Orange County Real Estate: Custom traditional home
Custom traditional home - Situated on Coto's North Course on the 2nd hole. I bring you this beautiful and Timeless, custom, and traditional home in the guard-gated community of Coto De Caza. I'm Gabe Cole with REALM residential, and eXp Realty. Welcome to 51 Augusta. One of the things that I love about this home is its warm sophistication. This one has a very warm and open floorplan.
Introducing REALM Trade- In
REALM Trade-In | Orange County Real Estate 2021 One of the most common obstacles for home sellers in the market is the need to sell your home before you can purchase your next one. Here’s the dilemma: you try to find your replacement property first, but spin your wheels for months as nobody will accept your contingent offer! You could sell your home first but you don’t want to deal with all the uncertainties you may face if you can’t find your next home in a timely manner. I get it, nobody wants to move tw
Overcoming Real Estate Challenges in 2021 | REALM Residential
Had the pleasure to sit down with The Insight Team to share some insight on how to overcome the challenges buyers are facing in the market today, and the strategies we use to get our buyers' offers accepted! Orange County Real Estate X Neo Home Loan
Don't Leave Money on the Table
Don't Leave Money on the Table! Here is quick story of one of my clients that I have worked with on 5 transactions throughout about 15 years now. They called me, they had been remodeling their home, and were pretty close to being done. They received letters from an agent in the mail that they had a buyer for their home- and they asked for my input for selling their home off the market. We ended up putting it on the market for $1.1, and closed at $1.2M.
Orange County Real Estate: Is Real Estate Market Going to Crash?
Will the housing market crash just like in 2008? Don't believe everything you hear- and dig a little deeper into the details! Watch out this month in your newsfeed for videos that will educate you and help you make sure you have a safe, lucrative, and fun experience while selling.
Orange County : How To Become Successful Real Estate Agent with REALM
Getting started in Real Estate is known for being one of the hardest careers to get off the ground- let alone thrive in. With over an 87% failure rate within the first 5 years, starting a real estate sales career is not for the faint of heart! This is why it gives me such excitement and gratitude to celebrate the wins of my team! Six months in and REALM Residential agent Christina Kolcheva is absolutely crushing it with 6 sales within her first 6 months as an agent! Christina shares what she is doing an
Maximize The Value of Your Home with REALM Revive
REALM REVIVE is the home improvement service that transforms your home to reach it’s full potential, with zero upfront costs, and no interest. At REALM Residential, we will provide you with all the recommendations to identify the best way to showcase your home by improving the chances of selling your home faster and for the highest price. Our team will provide our expert opinion based on our knowledge of buyer expectations in order to increase the value of your house for the greatest Return On Investment
Looking For Strategic Way To Sell Your Home in Orange County?
"You don't need to do anything right now. The house practically sold itself. Houses are flying off the shelf. I just sold my home in one day." You've heard all of that, right? The bottom line is- yes. It is a crazy seller's market... but when I hear statements like that, honestly, they're way too general. I've seen it cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars in missed equity in the sale of their homes. Every situation, home, and the outcome a seller is looking for are unique and drastically change the s
Orange County Real Estate | REALM Revive | Maximize the Value of Your Home | Sell For More
REALM REVIVE is the home improvement service that transforms your home to reach it’s full potential, with zero upfront costs, and no interest. At REALM Residential, we will provide you with all the recommendations to identify the best way to showcase your home by improving the chances of selling your home faster and for the highest price. Our team will provide our expert opinion based on our knowledge of buyer expectations in order to increase the value of your house for the greatest Return On Investment
LUXURY Real Estate | Huntington Beach Property | Orange County Real Estate
Had the pleasure to work with The Insight Team, to showcase this stunning new property listed by one of our own, Luicci in Huntington Beach. This was a unique scenario, as Luicci was involved with this listing from the beginning, as his construction company built this property from the ground up!
Orange County Real Estate| Seller Tips | What To Expect When Selling
Limited Inventory means buyers will be swarming to your property! Sometimes, there will be up to 30 people wanting to see your home! Here are a few tips to make the experience more enjoyable, and lucrative for you! Watch out this month in your newsfeed for videos that will educate you and help you make sure you have a safe, lucrative, and fun experience while selling.
Orange County Real Estate| Seller Tips | What to look for in an offer!
The Real Estate market is on FIRE. This has many people considering selling their house...but there are a few things to consider and think about before doing so! It can be nerve racking with so many offers being thrown at you- but don't worry- I've got you covered! There is a lot that I have learned over the years. Obviously, you want the best offer with the best terms. One thing buyers may do to stand out is to remove contingencies on their offer. Watch out this month in your newsfeed for videos that w
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Thank you for filling out the form and we look forward to speaking with you soon! A member of our team will be in contact within the next 24-48 hours.
Buyers
Are you thinking about buying? The video resources below cover many of the common questions that most people have during the home buying journey.
First Time Buyers
Are you a first-time homebuyer? Did you know that if you haven’t owned a property in the last three years that you are considered a first-time homebuyer?
First-Time Home Buyer Advice
You can’t know everything there is to know about buying a home, especially when you’re a first-time homebuyer.
How much down payment do I need for a house?
Many first-time homebuyers believe they have to put 20 percent down on a home. But that’s far from true.
Why do people say you need 20% down?
Average down payments are well under 20 percent. So why do so many people say 20 percent down is the minimum.
How to choose a mortgage lender as a first time home buyer
One of the biggest mistakes first-time homebuyers make is not shopping around for a mortgage.
What credit score do you need to buy a house for the first time?
Most loan programs require a credit score of 620 or higher to buy a house for the first time. That includes conventional loans, most VA loans, and USDA loans (which require 640+).
What qualifies you as a first-time buyer?
If you’re buying your first-ever home, you’re a “first-time homebuyer” by default.
Do I need a home inspection?
Some loan types, like the FHA and VA mortgage programs, require a home inspection to make sure the home meets requirements for safety and affordability.
What are points? How do I know if I should buy them or not?
A point is simply 1 percent of the loan amount. If you choose to “buy your rate down,” or pay “discount points,” you will get a lower interest rate.
What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is an insurance policy that makes homeownership possible for homebuyers who don’t want to make a 20 percent down payment.
Making An Offer
Before the offer to purchase is created, you must be at least pre-qualified or, better yet, pre-approved by a lender, unless you are paying cash.
Escrow, Now What?
Once your offer is accepted by the seller it starts the escrow period. You will be asked for a down payment, typically 1% of the purchase price.
Mortgage Calculator
The easiest way to determine your estimated monthly mortgage payment is by talking to a lender. However, the calculator below can also help point you in the right direction.
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Thinking about buying a new home? If you're not paying cash, then you’’ probably need a mortgage.
Personalized Home Search
Complete the form below and we'll create you a custom property search. Anytime when we find properties that match your specific criteria we’ll send you an email.
What Are Closing Costs?
You've found your dream home, the seller has accepted your offer, your loan has been approved and you're eager to move into your new home.
Thinking About Selling? Watch This.
Are you thinking about selling? If so, the video resources below cover many of the common questions that most people have during the home selling journey.
Selling A Property? Here's How To Add Value!
Which items will add value to your home and help with resale when the time comes to sell? The answer is: “The ones that future buyers also want and are willing to pay for.”
Our Marketing Strategy
Let’s take a moment to talk about how we use both traditional and online strategies to promote your home to the largest group of qualified buyers.
Find Out Your Property Value; For FREE!
Would you like to know your home's estimated value? Our free market analysis service provides you with your property's current market value and suggested selling price!
What sales price should you list your home for?
When you hire us to list your property we provide you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) which is a compilation of recent sales from your area.
Tips For A Successful Home Showing
Real estate showings give potential buyers the opportunity to see and experience your home in person.
5 Homebuyer Tips
Here are five tips for navigating the home buying process.
3 Financing Tips
If you are planning on buying a home using a home loan then these three tips will help you get prepared for the financing process.
Credit Score Ranges & Factors
A credit score is a number between 300–850 that depicts a consumer's creditworthiness.
Required Mortgage Documents
Every lender requires documents as part of the process of approving a mortgage loan. Here are documents you’re generally required to provide...
How to Improve Your Credit
Credit scores play a big role in determining whether you’ll qualify for a loan and what your loan terms will be.
The Home Inspection Process
After your offer gets accepted, you’ll have an inspection period. This is your opportunity to have a licensed inspector canvas the home looking for common issues prior to moving forward with the home purchase.
The Appraisal Process
Once you are under contract, your lender will send out an appraiser to verify the purchase price is in line with the property’s value. Here are the two most important things to know about the appraisal process.
Homeowners Insurance
A homeowners insurance policy will protect you against certain losses and damage to your new home and is generally required by lenders prior to closing.
How To Buy in a Tight Market
Here are five things tips that can increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market.
Thinking About Remodeling? Here’s some tips.
If you’ve made the decision to remodel your home before selling it, you should do some research to find the right contracting company.
Digital Photography
When selling your home, it’s important to upload high-quality images that really show it off to potential buyers.
How to Recognize a Qualified Buyer
When you’re selling your home, it’s exciting to get an offer! But unless your potential buyer has the resources to qualify for a mortgage, you might not really have a sale.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering Selling
If you’re thinking about selling your home and moving to a new location but you aren’t entirely sure about the idea, here are some helpful questions to ask when making up your mind.
Tips to Make the Sale Process Faster
If you’re thinking about listing your home on the market, here are some tips to make the sale process faster and easier long term.
Home Showing Checklist
If you’re selling your home and are getting ready for a home showing, here are some tips that will increase your chances of success.
How To Add Curb Appeal
Want to add some curb appeal to your home before listing it on the market? Here are some tips that will help!
How To Attract More Buyers
Attracting buyers to your home on the market is an important task in order to have it sell quickly. Here are some tips on how to convince buyers to make an offer on your home!
What to Know About the Appraisal Process
After accepting a contract for the sale of your home, the buyer’s lender will send an appraiser to make sure the purchase price is in line with the property’s value.
How Commission Works.
When sellers look at how much their agents are making on the sale of their home, they often feel like services are overpriced and that they can do the same thing themselves.
You Have A Buyer, Now What?
After you receive an offer on your home, the negotiation and contract process will begin. There are many things to consider in order to keep the deal together!
Finding Buyers On Zillow!
Did you know that Zillow allows anyone to see the total amount of views and saves for any property that is currently on the market?
First Impressions Are Everything!
Congratulations on listing your property! Our team stays up to date with every property on the market, so we know a thing or two about making your home showroom ready.
What Are Property Disclosures?
No matter how great a home may look at first, problems may be hiding under that fresh coat of paint. As a buyer, you should scrutinize the property disclosure!
Is the Buyer Pre-Approved, or Not?
When selling a home, it’s important to understand the different types of loan approvals that you will come across.
A Different Marketing Approach!
When you’re selling a home, it’s important to make sure as many buyers see it as possible.
Is Your Property Worth More?
If you’ve decided to list your home yourself, are you sure the price is accurate and not underpriced?
What is an iBuyer Program?
A common misconception is that the selling process is complex. Unconventional online iBuying programs have grown in popularity as people seek more convenient transactions, like Redfin, Open-door, and Offerpad.
Frustrated With The Selling Process?
Are you frustrated because your property didn’t sell immediately? With the way the real estate market looks right now and the value of your property, it should have sold in an instant!
Did Your Listing Recently Expire?
Did you know that your property in the Multiple Listing Service or MLS has expired? This information is sent out to all of the real estate websites across the nation, and if your listing has expired, then your property really isn’t on the market anymore.
Common Mistakes Most Agents Make!
It’s frustrating when you’ve previously listed your home for sale, and it has stalled on the market for months. Sooner or later, the listing will expire. Don’t let it get you down!
How to Instantly Attract More Buyers!
Have you put much thought into putting your property up for sale again? Your property hasn’t been on MLS for some time, and you might be hesitant to re-list a property over again.
How Is Your Marketing Different?
What’s the secret to effectively marketing your property and attracting more buyers to generate multiple offers? It’s all about working with professionals that understand how to adjust the marketing plan based on your property’s unique features.
Think Before you Re-list Your Property!
What was that missing ingredient from the last time you listed your property? You wanted to see it sold FAST, but obviously, there was another piece to the puzzle.
What’s Your Motivation?
Everybody has a reason for listing their property. Do you remember what yours was? This reason fuels your motivation and drive to keep at it, even if your property doesn’t sell the first time.
Sometimes All You Need Is A Fresh Start!
Sometimes all you need is a fresh start! We have found that 90% of the time, relisting with a new agent is all that is needed to get the property sold. Oftentimes with little or no changes made to pricing, marketing, or property presentation.
You Deserve More Attention
We believe that communication is the number one key to a successful real estate transaction!
Welcome
Thank you so much for registering on our home search website! Here are some basic tips about navigating the website and how the home search experience works.
Schedule Call
Do you have questions about the home buying or selling journey?
Career
Have you ever thought about a career in real estate? Maybe you are already licensed and looking for your next opportunity.
FSBO
Do you currently have your home listed for-sale-by-owner? Or maybe you are thinking about listing your home privately.
Expired
Did you list your home with a real estate agent and it didn’t result in a successful sale? The good news is that it doesn’t have to be the outcome.
Price Reductions
The best way to get a great deal on a new property is by buying at the best price possible! Below is a list of properties where the sellers have decided to drop their asking price. This usually means that the homeowner is motivated to sell the property and move on.
Just Listed
The best properties usually don’t stay on the market very long. Below is a list of properties that just became available for sale. This is where many active buyers find their dream home!
Market Watch
The real estate market is constantly changing. If you are thinking about selling your home then now is a really good time. Property values have increased over the past few years and pent-up demand is pushing the price even higher!
Adding Value
Which items will add value to your home and help with resale when the time comes to sell? The answer is: “The ones that future buyers also want and are willing to pay for.”
REALM is Recruiting
REALM Residential is expanding in 2022! We are looking for licensed agents with great positive attitudes that want to take their life and career to the next level. We provide you the leads, models, systems, coaching, accountability, mentorship and tools to help you succeed faster. Come learn about our REALM and find out how our partnership can help you reach your goals!
REALM VIDEO

Selling Your Home in 2022 Real Estate Tip#2 - Should You Take the First Offer?

It can be tempting to accept a sweet offer on your home the instant it's on the market, but the first offer you receive on a home may not be the best one. Be patient and give time for additional offers to be received to maximize the value you can get for your home.

Selling Your Home in 2022 Real Estate Tip#1 - Make ALL Your Disclosures!

When selling your home in 2022, it's better to err on the side of over-disclosing rather than under-disclosing. This way we can avoid a potential buyer backing out after an offer has been made. Make all your disclosures upfront so there aren't any questions or concerns later on.

The LOWEST Interest Rates Ever in Orange County Real Estate

As we are nearing the end of 2021, we are still seeing high buyer demand and low interest rates... but how long will these low rates last? We are getting word that interest rates may go up going into the first quarter of 2022. If this is true, this may be the best time to put your home on the Orange County real estate market while buyers are still motivated by the low rates.

On the Fence About Selling Your Home?

Are you still wondering if it's a good time to put your home on the market? Maybe you are concerned that the real estate market is unstable and that a sudden dip is on the horizon. I want to answer all these questions and more for you in this video.

Overpriced the Home... and got 20 Offers!

With inventory levels at the lowest we've seen in 20 years of tracking, we are continuing to see bidding wars at a traditionally off-season time in the market at the end of the year. With such little supply and such strong demand, it is evident that 2022 will be another crazy year for the real estate market.

5 Reasons to Sell Now!

In my previous video, I talked about how we don't have to worry about another market crash. Today I'm going to give you 5 reasons why it's still a good time to sell your home and answer your concerns.

 

A rising tide raises all ships

Our team at REALM Residential is all about bringing together agents and mentoring them to reach their full potential. Not competition, but collaboration. When one of us grows, the team grows because we are in alignment with each other's goals. Our team is growing and expanding. If you are interested in learning more about who we are and what we offer, reach out for a confidential conversation.

Real Estate Market Crash 2021

None of us have a crystal ball, but perhaps we can see where the market is headed based on past trends and the information we have now. So are we headed towards another debacle like in 2008?

Market Update October 2021

Are you wondering if it's still a good time to sell your home after the crazy seller's market earlier this year? Find out in this video as I give you an inside look on the market for sellers in the latter half of 2021.

New Oceanview Fixer at 3059 Cresta Way

This oceanview Laguna Beach fixer can be your canvas to paint your vision of what a dream home should be! Contact me for more info about this hot new listing.

Orange County Real Estate Market Update 

The real estate market is BOOMING! There aren’t enough houses on the market for the amount of buyers that want homes. I wanted to share some things to consider that will make the transition and experience meet all of your expectations.

Sellers Beware | Limited Inventory 

What...You’ve got 17 offers on your home and you have no idea which one to choose. Seller Beware, it's a crazy competitive sellers market. I’ve done a series of videos this month that will educate you and give you all the in’s out’s of what you need to know and think about when selling. Hi my name is Gabe Cole with REALM Residential and EXP Realty and I’ve been selling homes in Orange County for nearly 20 years! I’ve been involved in over 600 real estate transactions, so there isn’t much that I haven’t seen or experienced. We’ll be talking about things like contingencies, loan approvals, appraisals, rent backs, making sure you get the money you’re expecting, closing on time, which offer you should choose and why, and making sure the buyers haven’t written offers on any other properties.

Waterwheel in Laguna Hills

Welcome to 26062 Waterwheel Pl in the fantastic community of Nellie Gail Ranch in Laguna Hills. This property was beautifully remodeled in 2018. It was taken down to the studs completely modernize and made into incredibly beautiful modern ranch!

51 Augusta

Situated on Coto's North Course on the 2nd hole- I bring you this beautiful and timeless custom traditional home, in the guard-gated community of Coto De Caza. I'm Gabe Cole with realm residential and eXp Realty...welcome to 51 Augusta. One of the things that I love about this home is its warm sophistication. This one has a very warm and open floorplan.

Introducing REALM Trade-In

REALM Trade-In | Orange County Real Estate 2021 One of the most common obstacles for home sellers in the market is the need to sell your home before you can purchase your next one. Here’s the dilemma: you try to find your replacement property first, but spin your wheels for months as nobody will accept your contingent offer! You could sell your home first but you don’t want to deal with all the uncertainties you may face if you can’t find your next home in a timely manner. I get it, nobody wants to move twice and the thought of not having somewhere to go once your home sells can be a very intimidating situation. That's why we have REALM Trade-In! It’s the easy button you have been looking for without leaving money on the table. Here is a quick overview of the process.

Overcoming Real Estate Challenges in 2021 | REALM Residential

Had the pleasure to sit down with The Insight Team to share some insight on how to overcome the challenges buyers are facing in the market today, and the strategies we use to get our buyers' offers accepted! Orange County Real Estate X Neo Home Loan

Don't Leave Money on the Table

Don't Leave Money on the Table! Here is quick story of one of my clients that I have worked with on 5 transactions throughout about 15 years now. They called me, they had been remodeling their home, and were pretty close to being done. They received letters from an agent in the mail that they had a buyer for their home- and they asked for my input for selling their home off the market. We ended up putting it on the market for $1.1, and closed at $1.2M.

 

Is the Real Estate Market Going to Crash?

Will the housing market crash just like in 2008? Don't believe everything you hear- and dig a little deeper into the details!

How to Become a Successful Real Estate Agent with REALM 

Getting started in Real Estate is known for being one of the hardest careers to get off the ground- let alone thrive in. With over an 87% failure rate within the first 5 years, starting a real estate sales career is not for the faint of heart! This is why it gives me such excitement and gratitude to celebrate the wins of my team! Six months in and REALM Residential agent Christina Kolcheva is absolutely crushing it with 6 sales within her first 6 months as an agent! Christina shares what she is doing and how partnering with REALM is helping her achieve massive success in this competitive market.

Maximize the Value of Your Home with REALM Revive

REALM REVIVE is the home improvement service that transforms your home to reach it’s full potential, with zero upfront costs, and no interest. At REALM Residential, we will provide you with all the recommendations to identify the best way to showcase your home by improving the chances of selling your home faster and for the highest price. Our team will provide our expert opinion based on our knowledge of buyer expectations in order to increase the value of your house for the greatest Return On Investment (ROI). Services May Include: Bathroom upgrades, cosmetic repairs, electrical, flooring, HVAC, kitchen remodel, landscaping, painting, pest control, pool, roof repair, staging, windows, or plumbing. REALM REVIVE fronts the cost of services that can increase the value of your home. From staging, to painting, to cosmetic renovations , there will be no payment collected until your home sells.

Looking for a Strategic Way to Sell Your Home in Orange County? 

"You don't need to do anything right now. The house practically sold itself. Houses are flying off the shelf. I just sold my home in one day." You've heard all of that, right? The bottom line is- yes. It is a crazy seller's market... but when I hear statements like that, honestly, they're way too general. I've seen it cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars in missed equity in the sale of their homes. Every situation, home, and the outcome a seller is looking for are unique and drastically change the strategy we choose to develop and deploy for our clients If you're thinking of selling, or you just have some questions and would like some feedback from a professional, just reach out to us and we can provide you with a no-cost or obligation consultation specifically catered to you and your home. Watch out this month in your newsfeed for videos that will educate you and help you make sure you have a safe, lucrative, and fun experience while selling.

 

Orange County Real Estate | Seller Tips | What to Look for in an Offer! 

The Real Estate market is on FIRE. This has many people considering selling their house...but there are a few things to consider and think about before doing so! It can be nerve racking with so many offers being thrown at you- but don't worry- I've got you covered! There is a lot that I have learned over the years. Obviously, you want the best offer with the best terms. One thing buyers may do to stand out is to remove contingencies on their offer. Watch out this month in your newsfeed for videos that will educate you and help you make sure you have a safe, lucrative, and fun experience while selling. Sometimes, they may offer way over value and then attempt to renegotiate once the appraisal has come back. This is why it is important to make sure the buyer removes their appraisal contingency upfront.

Orange County Real Estate | REALM Revive | Maximize the Value of Your Home | Sell for More

REALM REVIVE is the home improvement service that transforms your home to reach it’s full potential, with zero upfront costs, and no interest. At REALM Residential, we will provide you with all the recommendations to identify the best way to showcase your home by improving the chances of selling your home faster and for the highest price. Our team will provide our expert opinion based on our knowledge of buyer expectations in order to increase the value of your house for the greatest Return On Investment (ROI). Services May Include: Bathroom upgrades, cosmetic repairs, electrical, flooring, HVAC, kitchen remodel, landscaping, painting, pest control, pool, roof repair, staging, windows, or plumbing. REALM REVIVE fronts the cost of services that can increase the value of your home. From staging, to painting, to cosmetic renovations , there will be no payment collected until your home sells.