Shelmy Mendez

04/08/2024

It feels so easy, right?

Spot a beautiful home on Zillow, click the ‘Request a tour’ button, and voila, you're one step closer to your dream house.

BUT here's the catch: that one click propels your personal info into a world of real estate agents, all vying for your business. 📳

Don't get me wrong, we real estate professionals are pretty great, but if you're not quite ready for the constant phone calls or text bombardments, that one click might be overwhelming.

The good news is there's a simpler, quieter way through the noise.🤫

If you give me a call to set up a showing, not only will we explore that gorgeous home you spotted on Zillow (or any other place), but your contact information will stay safe — just with me. Plus, you won't have to worry about your phone ringing nonstop.

Save yourself the trouble and reach out to me directly. You can schedule a complimentary call at the link in my profile.

03/28/2024

Want to know what's making homes more affordable?

Step into my office... 🚶🏻

If you're a first-time buyer, you'll be thrilled to hear that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is offering a special mortgage rate discount in 2024 to make homes more affordable.

To qualify, you need to be a first-time buyer, use a conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, and earn an income at or below the typical household income for your area.

The best part? Eligible buyers can get mortgage rate discounts of up to 1.75 percentage points, which could translate to a 20% reduction in your monthly mortgage payments!

But here’s the thing — that’s not the only perk of being a first-time buyer.

There are other home buying assistance programs for those trying own homeownership for the first time.

The Conventional 97% Loan: This option is perfect for borrowers with a solid income who simply lack the funds for a large down payment. This program was brought to us by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

HomeReady® or Home Possible: These two sister programs from Fannie Mae are for low- to moderate income borrowers with fair credit scores, limited cash for down payments and hopes for reduced private mortgage insurance (PMI) rates.

Good Neighbor Next Door: If you're a teacher, first responder, or eligible healthcare professional, this program is for you! This initiative offers up to a 50% discount on homes in revitalization areas, allowing you to build equity on a tight budget.

Navigating all these programs can be tricky, which is why I'm here to support you every step of the way. So….let's chat!

Comment or message me today to find out more about these programs and other little-known resources available in our community.

Homeownership might be closer than you think!

Source: Good Neighbor Next Door | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Homebuyer.com: 14 First-Time Home Buyer Grants and Programs in 2023

03/20/2024

About the recent real estate news..

If you haven’t heard, some huge real estate news came out on Friday.

While some information has been credible, most headlines are click-bait made up of false information.

Commissions have always been negotiable.
It’s the reason why brokerages like Redfin, flat-rate brokers, and the negotiation process exist.

Trustworthy, skilled agents will continue to be available, prioritizing customer needs as best they can.

Wondering how this news will affect you or any upcoming real estate plans?

I’m happy to answer your questions and concerns over a phone call or a cup of tea.

Let’s dive into it!

Thoughts? Comment below or send me a message.

03/18/2024

👀 Crypto? For a down payment??

Actually, yes! In fact, you might be surprised to know that in the fourth quarter of 2021, 11.6% of first-time homebuyers used cryptocurrency like Bitcoin to fund their down payments.

So yes, you can use Bitcoin to fund a down payment on a home.
But definitely keep in mind that cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, are known for their price volatility.

🪙That's why you should see cryptocurrency as a bonus funding source rather than relying solely on it for your down payment.

If you're considering this route or have any other questions related to home buying, I'm happy to answer your questions - schedule a complimentary call with me at the link in my bio.
Source: https://www.fool.com/real-estate/2022/01/10/using-crypto-profits-to-fund-a-home-down-payment/

03/12/2024

It's time to go Boujie on a Budget💅🏻

In all my time real-estating, I've seen some impactful upgrades that give the homes a fresh look AND are easy on the wallet.

These are a few of my favorites:

• Replace faucets and cabinet hardware. Estimated cost: $150-$400 for a kitchen faucet and $5-$25 per cabinet pull.

• Upgrade door k***s and hardware. Estimated cost: $28 per passage door and $31 per privacy lock.

• Swap builder-grade switch plates for decorative ones. Estimated cost: $5-25 per plate, depending on style.

• Refresh rugs. Check out Rugs USA or Loloi on Amazon. Both sites partner with designers, like Rifle Paper Co and Arvin Olano for elevated looks. Estimated cost: $189 for a 5x8 rug.

I'm a huge proponent of making small changed that go a lonnnng way.

Want more tips about small projects with big impact? Reach out - I’ll share what I’m seeing local DIYers take on these days.

03/05/2024

Me dejarias esconder huevos en tu jardín?🥚

Quisas suena raro… dejame explicarte como funciona:

Usted se registra para permitirnos entrar a su patio o jardin: comparta su dirección y la cantidad de niños en casa.

La noche antes de Pascua, cubriré tu jardín con huevos!

A mi me gusta celebrar festividades con la communidad.

Dirígete al enlace en mi biografía para registrarte! Cupos limitados.

Si usted conoce a algunas familias que estarían interesadas, comparta esta publicación!

02/29/2024

It pays to be a homeowner. 💰

Why? One word: Appreciation. 📈

Your home's value is set to rise over the next 5 years, and here's the proof. 🔎

According to Pulsenomics’ Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES), over _100 experts –_comprised of economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts– agree that home prices will continue to rise annually, between 3-4%, through 2027.

Let's bring that to street level.
Imagine you invested in a $400,000 home at the start of 2023. Thanks to HPES forecasts, your property could potentially gain a whopping $71,000 in added value over the next half-decade. Now, that's what I call a return on investment.

The takeaway here is clear - being a homeowner truly pays off in dividends. You haven't just purchased a property; you've acquired a growing asset that boosts your wealth year after year.

If you're contemplating the leap into homeownership, let's connect.

Together, we'll explore how your home can be a wealth-building investment.

Source: Keeping Current Matters - Experts Project Home Prices Will Rise over the Next 5 Years

02/22/2024

Vendiendo su mayor activo? Hay que saber en quién confiar.

Te mereces lo mejor, y eso significa un agente que conozca tu vecindario, escuche tus necesidades y no te trate como a un número para mejorar sus estadísticas.

Para ayudar, aquí hay algunos consejos para encontrar EL mejor agente esta primavera:

1. Comience pidiendo referencias a amigos, familiares o compañeros de trabajo. También puede buscar agentes en su área en línea y consultar sus sitios web o perfiles de redes sociales.

2. Busque un agente con experiencia en su mercado local y un agente con un profundo conocimiento de las tendencias del mercado, los precios y las estrategias de negociación.

3. Programe entrevistas con al menos tres agentes para evaluar su experiencia, conocimientos y personalidad. Tenga una lista de preguntas para hacer, incluyendo las diferencias del modo de pensar de otros agentes.

4. Analice la estructura de comisiones del agente y los pagos adicionales. Tambien es importante considerar los costos, recuerde que la opción más barata no siempre es la mejor. Concéntrese en el valor y la experiencia que el agente puede aportar a su transacción.

5. Usted quiere un agente con quien se sienta cómodo y confiado, así que confíe en sus instintos y elija al que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades y preferencias.

Crees que podría ser tu agente? ¡Envíame un mensaje y hablamos!

02/20/2024

🏡 Dreaming of owning your first home?

Starter homes could be your perfect match! These cozy abodes are not just about affordability; they're a stepping stone to your future. Here's why:

Affordability: Starter homes often come with a smaller price tag, making them ideal for first-time buyers looking to enter the market without breaking the bank.

Investment Potential: While they may be smaller, starter homes can be a smart investment. As you build equity, you can leverage it to move up to your dream home down the road.

Opportunity for Customization: Buying a starter home allows you to put your personal touch on a property. Start small and gradually turn it into the home of your dreams.

Community and Location: Starter homes are often located in up-and-coming neighborhoods with great amenities and potential for future growth, making them a smart choice for long-term investment.

Ready to take the leap into homeownership? Let's chat!🏡

02/10/2024

02/09/2024

Si bien el domingo del Super Bowl es emocionante, la verdadera emoción reside en lo que viene después...

Si está jugando con las ventas, he aquí por qué el día después del Super Bowl debería despertar su interés.

• El día después del Super Bowl marca el inicio de la temporada inmobiliaria de primavera, que se acelera después de la pausa navideña.

• Mediados de febrero significa que compradores motivados están comenzando su viaje de búsqueda de casa, brindando a los vendedores la oportunidad de enfrentar menos competencia.

• Publicar su propiedad en febrero y marzo no sólo significa menos competencia sino también tiempos de cierre más rápidos. Los bancos tienden a tener menos solicitudes de hipotecas, lo que acelera el procesamiento del papeleo.

• Con compradores motivados y menos competencia, los vendedores que cotizan temprano pueden incluso ver un precio de venta más alto.

No dudes en enviarme un mensaje de texto o comentar a continuación: trabajemos juntos para crear tu plan de juego y exploremos si vender pronto podría ser la decisión correcta para ti.

02/08/2024

You wake up, sip your coffee, browse the MLS listings, and there it is — your house, unsold.

If this is you this February, consider making these tweaks to turn that 'for sale' into 'sold'.

1) Adjust the price.

A high price tag is often the biggest obstacle to a quick sale. Maybe it's a tad too high compared to the neighborhood average or isn’t in line with your home’s condition. Perhaps it’s time to reopen that conversation with your agent.

2) Improve the condition.

A chip in the paint or a squeaky door could turn potential buyers away. Maintaining your property and doing necessary repairs shows buyers your house is ready to be their home.

3) Stage and declutter.

Ever been to a crowded store where you couldn't find anything you wanted? That's how buyers feel in a cluttered house. Creating a visually appealing, spacious environment can do wonders.

4) Work with the right agent.

If your home isn't getting the right amount of showings or offers, it might be time to reevaluate your agent. Discuss details about how they’re working to sell your home, find out what they’re doing, and confirm you're both on the same page.

Ready to figure out your next best move? Message me 'Sell' to grab my Selling Guide where I cover all the ins-and-outs of a successful sale.