Jessica Merel - Los Angeles Realtor

05/17/2022

Are you thinking of buying a home in the near future? If so, you will need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This process can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. In this blog post, I’ll be demystifying and simplifying the mortgage process and teach you how to get pre-approved!

Are you thinking of buying a home in the near future? If so, you will need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This process can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. In this blog post, I’ll be demystifying and simplifying the mortgage process and teach you how to get pre-approved! The first st...

07/01/2021

Wanna play a game? Complete this sentence: “I like my coffee how I like my…” I’ll go first! I like my coffee how I like my yoga—hot and flowing! Everyone needs some extra F-U-N in their lives, so I hope this post lifts your spirits in the same way that a caffeinated beverage can! Now it’s your turn to play… tell me how you like YOUR coffee in the comments. I can’t wait to read them all!

06/28/2021

While every agent knows the A-B-Cs and 1-2-3s of listing a home on the MLS, it takes a bit of know-how and strategy to make a listing stand out from the rest. ⁣
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Wanna know a few strategies from my MLS playbook? Go on...take a peek!.⁣
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Tell a story with words instead of the usual room and property descriptors. Don’t forget to highlight neighborhood amenities and surrounding parks, schools, and shops.⁣
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The quality AND sequence of photos matter. Professional photos are non-negotiable. Additionally, the first photo should almost always be of the exterior followed by photos that take a potential buyer through a home. The last photo? An exterior shot of the rear of the house.⁣
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More is more when it comes to details. Buyers are hungry for as much info as possible, so give it to them! Does a listing have a massive screened porch or family room? List the dimensions. Custom-built storage cabinets in the garage? Say so!⁣
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Choosing a home is choosing a lifestyle. Sell with a realtor who knows this and knows how to fold it into every part of marketing your home—including on the MLS!⁣

06/27/2021

Would you guess this? In high school, I auditioned for American Idol 😳 Surprising, right?!

Not so surprisingly, that part of my younger self probably explains why I putting myself out there for clients, working hard to get them the home of their dreams. What is a fun fact about your younger self?

06/25/2021

Let’s talk about GROWTH! I’m not talking about the flowers my kids and I are slowly but surely growing. No, I’m talking about the growth I’ve experienced in the 6+ years I've been working in Real Estae, specifically in finding confidence and power in my ability to champion my clien'ts needs no matter the circumstance. What started as a seed has blossomed into something spectacular, and for that, I’m pretty darn proud of myself. Now it’s your turn to ...tell me how you’ve grown (personally or professionally) recently!

06/24/2021

Even in this market, the highest offer doesn’t always win. ⁣
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True story. ⁣
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Sounds crazy, I know, but here are 6 reasons the highest offer doesn’t always wow the sellers and win the house.⁣
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1. Buyers are inflexible on the selling timeline.⁣
2. Buyers aren’t pre-approved for a mortgage prior to making an offer.⁣
3. The highest offer has too many contingencies.⁣
4. Buyers ask for things sellers made clear weren’t for sale.⁣
5. Another offer is 100% cash with fewer contingencies.⁣
6. Buyers don’t seem personable. ⁣
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Most of the time, the highest offer wins the house...but not always. In fact, sellers are free to choose whichever offer they want no ifs, ands, or buts. ⁣
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Working with an agent who knows how to pick up on subtle clues from buyers AND sellers is your best bet for landing a house you love. Interested? Let’s connect. I’d love to help you find your next home.⁣

06/23/2021

Your house is on the market or better yet, under contract. Score! What that means (besides YOU landing top dollar for your home), is it's time to play the "what to keep, what not to keep" game.⁣
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But wait! ⁣
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Before you feel in over your head, here are a few tips to help you ease into the oft-overwhelming task:⁣
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1. Do you want to start fresh with new furnishings? Or do you know your current pieces will fit in your new home? Either way, keep in mind that lead times on furniture are WAY longer than normal right so it may be smart to take at least a handful basic pieces with you when you move.⁣
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2. Keep what you love. That end table that's just okay, the chairs that are just meh, those throw pillows you've had for what feels like forever—it's time to let it all go! You have permission. Go on, be ruthless, and get rid of anything you don't love! ⁣
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3. Sell anything that isn't serving you. Don't keep knick-knacks and furnishings around just because you don't want it to go to waste. Sell it and use the money to fund something you DO love! FB Marketplace and LetGo are great places to start. ⁣
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4. Donate what's left. Now that you know what you're keeping and selling the rest, it's time to donate! Pro tip: If you wouldn't buy it again, don't take it with you. Leave it behind!⁣
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Already a purging prodigy? Share your wisdom! What are some ways you stay on top of things in your home?

06/23/2021

Be honest: do you work out? Personally, I think chasing after 2 toddlers is a legit workout, but I still make time for my ride (usually with my fav trainer ) because it helps me get the energy I need to switch gears between Realtor life and mom life... and I love it! How about you?!

06/23/2021

Be honest: do you work out? Personally, I think chasing 2 toddlers is a legit workout but I still make time to hop on the (usually to spend time with my favorite trainer ). It’s how I get the energy to switch gears between Realtor life and mom life... and I love it! How about you?!

06/21/2021

Dreaming of an extravagant backyard oasis this summer? Right there with you, friend...⁣
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Does yours include?⁣
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– A crystal clear and perfectly cool zero-edge pool with spa, waterfall, and tanning ledge?⁣
– Tropical paradise landscaping with the perfect balance of sun and shade?⁣
– A handful of zero-gravity recliners surrounded by the latest waterproof sound system?⁣
– An after-sunset lounge area with a fire pit sensibly positioned by the largest outdoor grill money can buy?⁣
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If you’ve got , share below. I’d love to hear!⁣
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Curious about ROI? Send me a DM or reach out before you move one scoop of dirt. I’ll let you know which backyard projects will give you the best return in 2021 (not to mention, wow your neighbors!).

06/19/2021

It’s Happy Hour! Well, one of them… I have a few Happy Hours throughout the day, like:

7 am, when I get to enjoy my (first) morning coffee

1 pm-ish, when I update my clients with any transaction news

6 pm, when I start both of my kid's bedtime routines (bedtime snuggles for the win)

Let’s be honest, these aren’t my only Happy Hours… I love what I do no matter what time it is!

What’s your Happy Hour?!