No one likes to think about disasters. Severe weather, fire, theft—or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe—can wreak havoc on your home and result in thousands of dollars in damages. Fortunately, a good homeowners insurance policy can offer you peace of mind that you and your family will be financially protected if disaster strikes.

A homeowners insurance policy covers your home—as well as the belongings in it—in case of theft, accidental damage, or certain natural disasters. In fact, most financial institutions require that you purchase homeowners insurance before they issue a mortgage. While coverage varies, most policies also help to protect you from liability should someone outside your household become injured on your property. And that liability coverage is often extended to include damage you (or anyone living in your household) may do to someone else’s property.¹

With all the protection offered, it’s equally important to understand what a home insurance policy does NOT cover. For example, homeowners insurance won’t pay to repair malfunctioning systems and appliances within your home. And terms vary, but standard policies typically exclude coverage related to floods, earthquakes, slow leaks, power failure, neglect, aging, faulty repairs or construction materials, and acts of war.²

NARROWING THE COVERAGE GAP

So how do you minimize your risk when so many potential issues are excluded from a standard homeowners policy? Many insurers offer supplemental coverage options that can be tacked on to a basic policy. We explore this further in the section below on “7 Tips for Purchasing Homeowners Insurance.”

Some homeowners also choose to purchase a home warranty, which covers many of the systems and appliances in your home that are NOT covered by homeowners insurance. Home warranties are separate from homeowners insurance, so if interested you’ll need to seek out a policy through a dedicated provider.

While terms vary, a home warranty will often pay to repair or replace components of your HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and some appliances that fail due to age or typical wear and tear. Unlike homeowners insurance, home warranties aren’t required by mortgage companies. But many homeowners like the added financial protection and peace of mind that home warranties provide.³

Keep in mind, if you do purchase a home warranty, you will still be responsible for paying a service fee, or deductible, every time you use it. And you will be limited to using service providers who are contracted through your home warranty company.

7 TIPS FOR PURCHASING HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Whether you’re shopping for a new policy on your first home or you’re considering switching providers on an existing policy, it’s important to do your research beforehand. Not all insurance policies—or providers—are created equal. A little due diligence can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

1. Prioritize Service and Value

When choosing an insurance provider, ask around for recommendations. Check with neighbors, friends, and family members, particularly those who have filed an insurance claim in the past. Find out if they had a positive or negative experience. Read online reviews. Ask your real estate agent for a referral to a reputable insurance broker who can help you compare your options.

Don’t just choose the cheapest policy. Instead, search for one that offers excellent client service and provides the best coverage for the cost.

2. Choose the Right Level of Coverage

Your policy limits should be high enough to cover the cost of rebuilding your home. Don’t make the common mistake of insuring your home for the price you paid for it. The cost to rebuild could be higher or lower, depending on the value of your land, your home’s unique features, market factors, new building codes, and local construction costs.⁴

Also, consider whether you need a higher level of liability insurance to protect your assets. If your investments and savings exceed the liability limits in your policy, you may need to purchase an excess liability or umbrella policy.

Ultimately, you should make sure your coverage is adequate to mitigate your losses—but don’t pay for excess insurance you don’t need.

3. Inquire About Additional Coverage

Ask your insurance agent about additional coverage options that can help close any gaps you have in your policy.

For example, if you’re in a flood or earthquake-prone area, experts strongly recommend that you add those coverages to your policy. In fact, flooding is the most frequently occurring natural hazard, and a significant percentage of insurance payouts are for homes outside “flood zones,” or areas known to be at risk of flooding. So even if your home is not technically located in a flood zone, you may want to add flood coverage to your policy, just in case.⁵

Expensive jewelry, furs, collectibles, or artwork may not be fully insured by a standard policy. Ask about raising your limits for any items of particular value, or check with a specialty insurer about a separate policy for such items.

4. Decide on “Replacement Cost” or “Actual Cash Value”

Insurers can use a variety of methods to determine how much they will pay to reimburse you for a loss, but the two most common are “replacement cost” or “actual cash value.”

If your seven-year-old sofa is damaged in a fire, replacement cost coverage will pay you the cost to purchase a new, comparable sofa at today’s prices. Actual cash value coverage will pay you for the depreciated value of the sofa you lost—so what you would pay to buy a seven-year-old sofa rather than a new one.⁶

While a replacement cost coverage policy will result in a bigger payoff if you suffer a loss, it will probably require a larger annual premium. Compare both options to find out which is the better fit for you.

5. Consider a Higher Deductible

A deductible is the amount of money you are responsible for paying on a loss before your insurance company will pay a claim. Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your premiums.

Note that in some cases, your insurance policy may have a separate or higher deductible for certain kinds of claims, such as those caused by floods, windstorms, hail, or earthquakes.

While a higher deductible can save you money on your premiums, opt for one that is still affordable given your current financial situation.

6. Try Bundling Your Coverage

Combining your home, automobile, and other policies under one insurer can often result in a significant discount. And some insurers offer additional benefits, such as a single deductible if property insured by multiple policies is damaged. For instance, if a fire destroys your home and your car, you may only have to pay the higher of the two deductibles. Bundling can also make payment and renewal of your policies more convenient.⁷

However, bundling isn’t always the best or least expensive option. In some cases, you may find better coverage options, service, and/or pricing if you split your policies between multiple insurers. So be sure to consider all of your options before making a final decision.

7. Reassess Your Policy Each Year

Even if you’ve done all your due diligence before purchasing a homeowners insurance policy, don’t set your annual renewal on autopilot. Instead, when it comes time to renew, take some time to consider factors that have changed over the past year.

For example, have you made any home improvements that would require you to raise your coverage limits? Have you made any security or safety improvements that qualify you for a discount on your premiums?⁸

Has there been a shift in market conditions that would make it more or less expensive to rebuild your home now? If so, you may need to adjust your coverage levels accordingly.

If you’ve made any changes to how you use your home, you may need to adjust your policy, as well. For example, if you’ve started a home-based business or occasionally rent out your home on a home-sharing site, you may not be fully covered by your existing policy.⁹

Finally, consider any changes to your financial situation that may require increased liability coverage limits. If you’ve grown your investments or inherited property, it may be time to purchase additional coverage to protect your expanding asset base.

MINIMIZE RISK, MAXIMIZE VALUE 

Now that you understand the basics of homeowners insurance, you should be ready to start shopping for a policy that best fits your needs and budget. Your goal should be to minimize your risk while maximizing the value your policy provides.

While you never want to leave yourself without a safety net should disaster strike, you also don’t want to overpay for insurance you don’t need (and will hopefully rarely use). Aim to strike a balance that will provide you with adequate protection at an affordable price.

NEED MORE GUIDANCE? WE CAN HELP

If you’re in the market to purchase homeowners insurance or a home warranty, give us a call! We get a lot of feedback from clients on the best (and worst) providers and are happy to share what we know.

We can also put you in touch with a trusted insurance professional who can answer your questions and help you find the best policy to meet your needs.

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial or insurance advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

1. Insurance Information Institute – https://www.iii.org/article/what-covered-standard-homeowners-policy
2. Insure.com – https://www.insure.com/home-insurance/exclusions.html
3. American Home Shield – https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/cost-savers/whats-the-difference-homeowners-insurance-vs-home-warranty
4. Insurance Information Institute – https://www.iii.org/article/how-much-homeowners-insurance-do-you-need
5. Realtor.com – https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/buying-home-insurance
6. Texas Department of Insurance – http://www.helpinsure.com/home/documents/acvvsreplace.pdf
7. Insure.com – https://www.insure.com/home-insurance-faq/bundle-insurance-policies.html
8. National Association of Insurance Commissioners – https://www.insureuonline.org/consumer_homeowners_ten_tips.htm
9. HomeAway – https://help.homeaway.com/articles/Do-I-need-a-special-vacation-rental-insurance-policy-for-my-property

Follow these steps to enter:

1. Choose one of the four coloring pages to download below. (One entry per child.)
2. Use crayons, colored pencils, or markers to color your page!
3. Take a photo of the finished colored page and upload it in “The Discussion” comments of the FB Event Page for  BEACH REAL ESTATE GROUP Summer Coloring Contest Facebook Event post. (All entries must be submitted on Facebook.)
4. The Deadline for digital entries is August 20th

The winner will be announced on September 1st on BEACH REAL ESTATE GROUP’s Facebook page. Good luck and happy coloring!

Winners will be notified on September 1st and will have their colored image displayed on BEACH REAL ESTATE GROUP’s website, Facebook and other promotional/media venues. Winners agree to allow posting of an image of themselves receiving their gift card on promotional media sites.

Click here to download all 4 Endless Summer Coloring Pages

In the hot summer months, we run the risk of over loading the power grid and triggering rolling blackouts.

Check out this month’s infographic where we give awesome tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint and save money in the process!

• Big Fixes to Save Big $$$
• Is Solar Worth It?
• 4 Easy Steps to Conserve Energy on a Budget
• More Cost Effective Lighting Options
  
  

Download the PDF Here: Energy Saving Tips

SPOTLIGHT ON TORRANCE | JULY 2021

Incorporated in 1921, Torrance is celebrating 100 years!

Covering roughly 21 square miles, Torrance has a population of 146,000+ and is LA County’s 8^th largest city.  Featuring 6 libraries, 46 parks and recreation facilities and 1.5 miles of beach.  Torrance Beach lies South of Redondo Beach and the southernmost stretch is known to locals as RAT Beach (Right After Torrance).

Torrance is special for many reasons:^1

It’s Patriotic tradition – home to the longest running military parade in the U.S., The Armed Forces Day Parade & Celebration

Farmer’s Market – Offered on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s, the community can count on fresh, local, seasonal produce, plants, flowers, nuts, eggs, honey, baked goods, artisan cheese and more!

Craft Beer Hub – Home to a thriving craft beer scene, with 11 craft breweries, Torrance has been voted “Best Beer City in LA”.

Madrona Marsh Nature Center and Preserve – Known as “an island of wilderness in the city”, it is the last vernal freshwater marsh in LA County.

Torrance Arts & Venues and Sports – Torrance boasts an Art Museum, Theatre Company, Civic Chorale and a Cultural Center with hundreds of classes.  Additionally, there is a sports center, a public aquatic center and 6 libraries.

Some of the businesses in Torrance are: Honda, Pelican, Robinson Helicopter, Alpine, Eldebrock, Sunrider and many more!

In July, Torrance had 138 Closed Sales, including Single Family Residence and Condo/Townhome properties. SFR homes sold for 107.5% of list price in July with a Median Closed Sale Price of $1,025,000 which is a 13.4% increase year over year in July.  Torrance has a 1.4-month inventory supply, which indicates a very strong Seller’s Market. The price per square foot of home in the city is $697/sq ft for SFR and $520/sq ft for Condo/Townhomes.

According to the California Association of REALTORS, our state’s median home price set a new record high for the fourth straight month in June. With a slight price increase of 0.2 percent on a month-to-month basis, the median price is $819,630 in June, up from May’s $818,260.  The year-over-year increase was 30.9% from the $626,170 recorded last June. The median price in California also remained above the $800,000 benchmark for the third consecutive month.

Hope may be on the horizon for some buyers as “we’re starting to see what a difference just a slight uptick in inventory and listings can do to help lessen the buying frenzy and create a sense of normalcy,” said C.A.R. President Dave Walsh. “The market is still extremely competitive, with 70 percent of homes selling above list price; however, the number of new listings increased in June, and both the share of listings with a reduced price and median reduction amount increased, giving buyers more opportunities to purchase.”2

Below is an Interactive Chart showing median sales prices in Torrance since 2008:

Below, please see some stats on other South Bay cities. Don’t see your city or neighborhood, we’re happy to help!

These days, it seems like everyone’s looking for ways to cut costs and stretch their income further. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce your household expenses without making radical changes to your standard of living. When combined, these small adjustments can add up to significant savings each month.

Here are 20 things you can start doing today to lower your bills, secure better deals, and begin working toward your financial goals.

1. Refinance Your Mortgage – For prime borrowers, mortgage rates are at or near historic lows. Depending on your current mortgage rate and the terms you choose, refinancing could save you a sizable amount on your monthly payments. There are fees and closing costs associated with refinancing, so you’ll need to talk to your lender to find out if refinancing is a good option for you.
   
2. Evaluate Your Insurance Policies – If it’s been a while since you priced home or auto insurance, it may be worthwhile to do some comparison shopping. Get quotes from at least three insurers or independent agents. Try bundling your policies to see if there’s a discount. And inquire about raising your deductible, which should lower your premium.¹
   
3. Bundle Cable, Phone, and Internet – You can also save money by bundling your cable, phone, and internet services together. Shop around to see who is willing to give you the best deal. If switching is too much of a hassle, ask your current provider to match or beat their competitor’s offer.
   
4. Better Yet, Cut the Cord on Cable – In many cases, you can save even more if you cancel your cable subscription altogether. An antenna should give you access to the major stations, and many of your favorite shows are probably available on-demand through a less expensive streaming service subscription.
   
5. Revisit Your Wireless Plan – You can often save by switching from a big brand to an independent, low-cost carrier. If that’s not feasible, ask your current provider for a better deal or consider downgrading to a cheaper plan.
   
6. Adjust Your Thermostat – Turning your thermostat up or down a few degrees can have a noticeable impact on your monthly heating and cooling costs. To maximize efficiency, change your filters regularly, and make sure your windows and doors are well insulated.
   
7. Use Less Hot Water – After heating and cooling, hot water accounts for the second largest energy expense in most homes.² To cut back, repair any leaks or dripping faucets, install low-flow fixtures, only run your dishwasher when full, and wash clothes in cold water when possible.
   
8. Lower Overall Water Consumption – To decrease your water usage, take shorter showers, and turn off the sink while you brush your teeth and wash your hands. If you don’t have a low-flow toilet, retrofit your current one with a toilet tank bank or fill cycle diverter. And irrigate your lawn in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation.³
   
9. Conserve Electricity – Save electricity by shutting off your computer at night and installing energy-efficient LED light bulbs. You can minimize standby or “vampire” power drain by utilizing power strips and unplugging idle appliances.⁴
   
10. Purchase a Home Warranty – While there is an upfront cost, a home warranty can provide some protection and peace of mind when it comes to unexpected home repair costs. Most plans provide coverage for major systems (like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC) and appliances (such as your dishwasher, stove, or refrigerator).
    
11. Outsource Less – From lawn care to grocery shopping to minor home repairs, we pay people to do a lot of things our parents and grandparents did themselves. To save money, try cutting back on the frequency of these services or taking some of them on yourself.
    
12. Prepare Your Own Meals – It costs nearly five times more to have a meal delivered than it does to cook it at home.⁵ And home cooking doesn’t just save money; it’s healthier, cuts down on calorie consumption, and can offer a fun activity for families to do together.
    
13. Plan Your Menu in Advance – Meal planning is deciding before you shop what you and your family will eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It can help you lower your overall food bill, eliminate waste, and minimize impulse purchases. When possible, buy produce that is in season, and utilize nutrient-rich but inexpensive protein sources like eggs, beans, ground turkey, and canned tuna.
    
14. Plant a Garden – You can save even more on produce by growing it yourself. If you have space in your yard, start-up costs are relatively minimal. Gardening can be a rewarding and enjoyable (not to mention delicious) hobby for the whole family. And it could save you around $600 per year at the grocery store!⁶
    
15. Review Memberships and Subscriptions – Are you paying for services and subscriptions you no longer need, want, or can utilize? Determine if there are any that you should suspend or cancel.
    
16. Give Homemade Gifts – Who wouldn’t appreciate a scratch birthday cake or tin of cookies? And if you enjoy crafting, Pinterest and Instagram are full of inspiring ideas. Show your recipient how much you care with a homemade gift from the heart.
    
17. Minimize Your Debt Payments – The best way to reduce a debt payment is to pay down the balance. But if that’s not an option right now, try to negotiate a better interest rate. If you have a good credit score, you may be able to qualify for a balance transfer to a 0% or low-interest rate credit card. Keep in mind, the rate may expire after a certain period—so be sure to read the fine print.
    
18. Get a Cash-back Credit Card – If you regularly pay your credit card balance in full, a cash-back credit card can be a good way to earn a little money back each month. However, they often come with high-interest rates and fees if you carry a balance. Commit to only using it for purchases you can afford.
    
19. Ask for Deals and Discounts – It may feel awkward at first, but becoming a master haggler can save you a lot of money. Many companies are willing to negotiate under the right circumstances. Always inquire about special promotions or incentives. See if they are able to price match (or beat) their competitors. And if an item is slightly defective or nearing its expiration date, ask for a discount.
    
20. Track Your Household Budget – One of the most effective ways to reduce household expenses is to set a budget—and stick to it. A budget can help you see where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back. By setting reasonable limits, you’ll be able to reach your financial goals faster.
    

Want more help getting a handle on your finances? Use the budget worksheet below to track income and expenses—and start working towards your financial goals today!
Click here for a downloadable version

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

We would love to help you meet your financial goals. Whether you want to refinance your mortgage, save up for a down payment, or simply find lower-cost alternatives for home repairs, maintenance, or utilities, we are happy to provide our insights and referrals. And if you have plans to buy or sell a home this year, we can discuss the steps you should be taking to financially prepare. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial advice. Consult a financial professional for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

1. Insurance Information Institute – https://www.iii.org/article/twelve-ways-to-lower-your-homeowners-insurance-costs
2. Department of Energy – https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-heating/reduce-hot-water-use-energy-savings
3. Money Crashers – https://www.moneycrashers.com/ways-conserve-water/
4. Harvard University – https://green.harvard.edu/tools-resources/poster/top-5-steps-reduce-your-energy-consumption
5. Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/sites/priceonomics/2018/07/10/heres-how-much-money-do-you-save-by-cooking-at-home/#2c53b2f35e54
6. Money – https://money.com/gardening-grocery-savings/

CREATE THE PERFECT BACKYARD OASIS |

Summer is the best time to revitalize and enjoy your beautiful outdoor space. Everyone deserves to have a serene backyard oasis to enjoy warm summer nights with family and friends, but it can seem like a daunting task. 

This month’s infographic can help make the landscaping process a breeze for anyone!

In this month’s infographic, we cover:

• 7 Tips for the Ultimate Retreat
• 8 Low Maintenance Solutions
• Common Vegetables Grown in Home Gardens

Download PDF Here: CREATE THE PERFECT BACKYARD OASIS

El Segundo is one of the South Bay’s hidden gems, with its appealing small-town feel and its vibrant economy, boasting powerhouse businesses. This 5.5-mile community hosts a quaint downtown with extraordinary dining, charming residential neighborhoods, and a booming economy as the aerospace capital of the world – this is where the Air Force Space Command “phones home”.

While you can soak up the sun along El Segundo’s beaches, the Lakers and Kings may be soaking in sweat, practicing for the big game. Enjoy summer concerts in the park at Library Park or local shopping at The Point and Plaza El Segundo. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that real estate is hot in this small, but mighty community!

In June, El Segundo had 17 Closed Sales, including Single Family Residence and Condo/Townhome properties. SFR homes sold for 100% of list price in June with a Median Closed Sale Price of $2,080,000 which is a 53.3% increase year over year in June.  El Segundo has a 1.4-month inventory supply, which indicates a very strong Seller’s Market. The price per square foot of home in the city is $888/sq ft for SFR and $661/sq ft for Condo/Townhomes.

May’s statewide median home price was $818,260, up 0.5% from April and up 39.1% from May 2020. In May and June, the median sales price of a single-family residence in El Segundo was $1,945,000 and $2,080,000 consecutively.

Below is a chart showing median prices in El Segundo since 2008:

Below, please see some stats on other South Bay cities. Don’t see your city or neighborhood, we’re happy to help!

We’ve all spent a lot more time at home over the past year. And for many of us, our homes have become our office, our classroom, our gym—and most importantly, our safe haven during times of uncertainty. So it’s no surprise to see that design trends for 2021 revolve around soothing color palettes, cozy character, and quiet retreats.

Even if you don’t have immediate plans to buy or sell your home, we advise our clients to be mindful of modern design preferences when planning a remodel or even redecorating. Over-personalized or unpopular renovations could lower your property’s value. And selecting out-of-style fixtures and finishes could cause your home to feel dated quickly.

To help inspire your design projects this year, we’ve rounded up five of the hottest trends.  Keep in mind, not all of these will work well in every house. If you plan to buy, list, or renovate your property, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.

1. Uplifting Colors

Colors are gravitating toward warm and happy shades that convey a sense of coziness, comfort, and wellbeing. This year’s palettes draw from earthy hues, warm neutrals, and soothing blues and greens.¹

While white and gray are still safe options, expect to see alternative neutrals become increasingly popular choices for walls, cabinets, and furnishings in 2021. For a fresh and sophisticated look, try one of these 2021 paint colors of the year: 

●      Aegean Teal (coastal blue) by Benjamin Moore

●      Urbane Bronze (brownish-gray) by Sherwin-Williams

●      Soft Candlelight (muted yellow) by Valspar

On the opposite end of the spectrum, indigo, ruby, sapphire and plum are showing up on everything from fireplace mantels and floating shelves to fabrics and home accessories. These classic, rich hues can help bring warmth, depth, and a touch of luxury to your living space.

To incorporate these colors, designers recommend using the “60-30-10 Rule.” Basically, choose a dominant color to cover 60% of your room. For example, your walls, rugs, and sofa might all be varying shades of beige or gray. Then layer in a secondary color for 30% of the room. This might include draperies and accent furniture. Finally, select an accent color for 10% of your room, which can be showcased through artwork and accessories.²

HOME MAINTENANCE For the Savvy Homeowner | 

When purchasing a home, buyers are bombarded with a slew of numbers: closing costs, mortgage, property tax, insurance, HOA, the list goes on. Rarely do new homeowners factor in the cost of basic home maintenance, an important part of protecting their new investment.

In this month’s infographic, we cover:

3 ways to Calculate Yearly Maintenance Cost

What Can Impact the Cost

27 Home Maintenance Tips

38 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own

Download PDF Here: Home Maintenance Tips

LOW INVENTORY… LOVE LETTERS… & LIABILITY

LOW INVENTORY:
The median sales price of a home in California surged past a record $813,980 in April, and housing production stalled for the second consecutive year in 2020.

Housing supply in May:

• Manhattan Beach – 2.4 month supply
• Redondo Beach – 1.2 month supply
• Torrance – 1.2 month supply*

*It would only take 1.2 months to sell all the homes available in Torrance, indicating an extreme Seller’s market.

LOVE LETTERS:  To stand out in a competitive market, buyers sometimes write “love letters” to entice a seller to select their offer, listing descriptive reasons why they should be “picked”, even enclosing a photo, hoping to appeal to the seller’s emotion.  While this seems harmless, it is important to note that these letters could pose fair housing risks because they contain personal information, which may describe and photos which would confirm the characteristics of the buyer, such as race, religion, or familial status.  A seller’s decision could then be knowingly or through an unconscious bias, based on this personal rationale as an unlawful basis for a seller’s decision to accept or reject an offer.

LIABILITY

“Should a seller make a decision after being swayed by a love letter — which often contains demographic information about the hopeful buyer — it could put them in violation of the Fair Housing Act.“

The Federal Fair Housing Act is part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which prohibits discrimination in selling or leasing residential property based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical and mental handicap, and familial status. In California, there are 22 protected classes.

BEACH REAL ESTATE GROUP is among many real estate brokerages throughout the state and country, adopting a “no love letter policy” to protect sellers and buyers, standing up for equity in housing.  Many attorneys we have spoken with have suggested that the liability may not be limited to a seller who reviews and considers buyer letters (especially those with photos); others may face potential legal claims from prospective buyers whose offers were rejected based on protected information – this may include the successful buyers and the brokerages/agents who participate in the sharing and review of personal information with the seller.

To understand the potential harm of these letters, we must place ourselves in the prospective buyers’ shoes – what if you lost out on your dream home because the seller made their decision based on actual or unconscious bias.  The selection may or may not have been motivated by discriminatory intent but may have had that effect. What if you were not selected because of your race, your familial status, your religion or more – because of discrimination or implicit bias from the seller? What if you discovered that the successful buyer had an unfair advantage because their love letter revealed personal information about them that swayed a seller? What if you wrote the love letter and it backfired, becoming the reason you were not selected?   

We have been working with many buyers who have been successful in this market, helping them get prepared to win their home purchase – whether it’s their first home, their final home, or an investment property.  We are a team of certified Real Estate Negotiation Experts and have many resources and connections to put our best foot forward in every negotiation.  You can learn more about our commitment to Fair Housing on the Fair Housing Declaration.