First Choice Real Estate

10/18/2026

Imagine a sunlit three bedroom, two bath home on a large corner lot, featuring a pool with diving board, flexible office nook, spacious garage for an RV, and upgrades throughout

10/17/2026

How Real Estate Agents Can Adapt to Industry Changes
As a Realtor® serving Brea and the surrounding communities, I've seen firsthand how quickly our industry is changing. Staying ahead means embracing technology—like virtual tours and digital marketing—and always keeping up with shifts in regulations and what buyers and sellers expect. Tools like CRM systems help me provide the efficient service and clear guidance my clients rely on. Prioritizing education and open communication isn’t just about compliance—it’s about making sure you feel confident at every step of your real estate journey.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/darlene-young/1349955-How-Real-Estate-Agents-Can-Adapt-to-Industry-Changes

10/16/2026

Brea Market Update

10/16/2026

Take a look at this

Homes Are Still Selling – Even in a Slower Market

Don't let a headline about slowing home sales convince you no one is buying. Homes are still selling every minute of every day.

If you need or want to move, let's talk about what it'll take to make sure yours is one of them.

Message me for more info

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are slowing down, you may be wondering: is this really a good time to sell?

10/16/2026

Same time of year. 2 very different stories. And mortgage rates are a big reason why.

Last fall, mortgage rates came down and the number of homes for sale barely budged. This fall, rates have climbed above 7%. Some buyers have pulled back, homes are taking longer to sell, and instead of coming off the market, more listings are sticking around.

Since August, the number of homes for sale has grown by about 25,000. So, what does that mean for you?

Buying? You’ve got more homes to choose from and potentially more room to negotiate on price, repairs, or closing costs.
Selling? Buyers have more options, so you’ve got to give them a reason to choose your house. That means getting the price right from day one and making sure your house stands out from the competition.

Want to know what this shift looks like where you live? Drop a comment or send me a DM, and let’s look at the local numbers together.

Homeownership is the best path to a secure future

10/16/2026

info for your Coffee break

Why Most People Are Still Glad They Bought a Home

Don’t let today’s uncertainty make you lose sight of what homeownership can do over time. Most homeowners say they’d make the same choice again. And decades of home-price growth help explain why.
If you’re wondering whether buying makes sense for you right now, let’s look at the numbers together – and what owning a home could mean for you in the years ahead.

Feedback is valued

With everything going on, it’s understandable if you’re wondering if you’d regret buying right now.

10/16/2026

California Condos Face New Ownership Costs
Condos continue to offer an accessible entry point to homeownership here in California, especially for those drawn to thriving neighborhoods and the ease of low-maintenance living. But it’s important to look beyond the list price: ownership can come with additional costs like HOA dues, parking fees, and, in some cases, hefty emergency assessments. For example, in San Clemente, a recent roof replacement led to a $26,000 per-unit assessment—an unexpected expense that underscores the importance of understanding a building’s maintenance history. As buildings age and regulations become stricter, especially with new balcony inspection rules and rising insurance costs tied to wildfire risk, these types of fees are increasingly common. While these factors are worth considering, condos remain an essential part of our region’s housing landscape and a practical step for many first-time buyers. My goal is always to guide clients through these details so they can make confident, well-informed decisions in their home search.

10/14/2026

California Home Gains Cool Sharply
We’ve all noticed it: California home prices just aren’t climbing like they used to. The average annual home-price gain in our state has cooled to around 2% through mid-2026—a sharp contrast to the nearly 10% annual growth we saw in the four years leading up to mid-2022. That’s an 80% slowdown in appreciation, not a price crash, but a major shift from the days when California consistently led the nation in home-value gains. For decades, from 1975 to 2018, California averaged about 8% yearly appreciation, so this recent pause is truly unusual in our market’s history. While it may mean fewer bragging rights for homeowners, this change is also easing some of the pressure on affordability—a shift I’m seeing every day as I help clients navigate their buying and selling decisions here in Brea and neighboring communities.

10/13/2026

Habits of Real Estate Agents That Lead to Success
After years of guiding clients through the buying and selling process in Brea and nearby communities, I’ve seen first-hand which habits truly help real estate agents thrive. Consistent success in our field comes from a blend of knowing local neighborhoods inside out, maximizing marketing strategies, staying up to date with technology, and nurturing relationships through networking and active social media engagement. I always encourage seeking feedback—client reviews are invaluable for growth—and setting clear goals to stay on track. Thoughtful gestures, like personalized gifts, help build long-term trust. These are the practices I rely on to provide the efficient service and open communication my clients expect throughout every transaction.

10/13/2026

Back on the Market - Welcome to this charming 3 bed, 2 bath home situated in the highly desired North Hills, Brea neighborhood on a large corner lot. There is plenty of space for an RV or perhaps an ADU. Lots of windows that bring in plenty of natural light and allow you to enjoy looking outside. This home features a bright kitchen, formal dining, and a nook which can be used as an office or sitting area, along with the comfy living room. There is a large capacity HVAC system to keep you cool during summer and warm on cold winter days. The extended garage includes room for a washer & gas dryer with wash sink inside and large built in storage shelves. The generous lot is great for hosting fun backyard parties, includes a large pool with diving board and lots of space. Surface is predrilled to add a safety screen around pool. The elevation provides privacy from neighbors surrounding the home. Home has been cared for and loved with some upgrades. It’s ready for owner to move in and create memories and call it their home. Award winning school district. Close to downtown Brea, mall, shopping and the 57 freeway.