Orange County Real Estate Podcast
96 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago -A Video Blog about the Orange County, CA Real Estate Market for buyers and sellers by Orange County's premiere Realtor Zen Ziejewski
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Episodes
What's up with Housing?
March 22, 2024 19:10After a crazy few years for the housing market, everybody wonders, "What's this year going to be like?" Is it a buyer's market? Is it a seller's market? Will prices come down? Here are three national predictions that might help answer your questions. Will Home Prices Come Down? One of the biggest questions I get is about prices. Many are wondering if and when they'll come down. Much of this concerns inventory or the number of homes on the market. Which is still low, so for now, home price...
Is Your Home Heart Healthy?
February 15, 2024 19:00February is heart month! In addition to eating healthy, it's essential to get plenty of exercise. If you don't like going to a gym, creating your own workout space at home is the answer. Here are five steps to planning for a home gym that you’ll consistently use and that won't cost much. Let Your Fitness Goals Guide Your Planning When considering your home gym, consider your fitness goals and what exercises you like. Then, organize your space around that. Find Your Space Find a suit...
Celebrate Love - Today and Every Day
February 13, 2024 19:02On Valentine's Day, gestures of love come easily. The ambiance, awash in red and pink, encourages even hesitant hearts to speak up. Streets brim with flowers, chocolates, and myriad gifts, tempting us to demonstrate our feelings in tangible ways. And that's a heartwarming tradition. But let's not forget: Valentine's Day is not solely about the affection between couples. It's a tribute to every bond we cherish, to the families we're born into, and to the families we choose. Consistent lo...
Stay on Top of Home Maintenance with this Essential Checklist
February 13, 2024 18:56To help you stay organized and on top of your home maintenance tasks, I created a Home Maintenance Checklist. This comprehensive checklist breaks down your home maintenance responsibilities into different categories, making it easier than ever to keep your property in great shape throughout the year. Maintaining your home can sometimes be overwhelming, but you're not alone in this journey. As your trusted real estate consultant, I have strong connections within our community, including a n...
Are you in the 12%?
January 18, 2024 19:24Happy New Year! I hope 2024 is off to a great start. Are you still on track with your New Year's Resolution? Most people give up on them by the end of the month. Some studies say that only 12% of people feel that they have accomplished their resolutions at the end of each year. I thought I’d share a few tips on how to keep and conquer your goals. Take it One Step at a Time If you’ve made several goals, take them one at a time. If you try to accomplish all of them at once, you’ll risk gett...
Transform Your Space for a Stress-Free 2024
January 18, 2024 19:20The holiday season has likely brought an influx of new items and decorations into your home, and now that January is here, it's the perfect time to clear out the clutter and start afresh. A tidier and more organized space not only brings physical order, but it also contributes to a peaceful and stress-free mind - something we all crave after the busy holiday season! I am excited to share some valuable strategies with you to help declutter and organize your home for a fantastic start to 2...
Happy Holidays!
December 21, 2023 19:37'Tis the season for family, friends, and togetherness. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Take this time and spend it with the ones you cherish the most. Christmas is the season of giving, I hope that you will help or give to someone in need this holiday season. I am grateful for you and thank you for trusting me as your local real estate expert. I'm here if you there’s anything that I can help with next year, feel free to call, text, or email. Have a very Merry Christmas and bles...
The Best Surprises are Often Unexpected
December 21, 2023 19:32A few years ago, a young couple went backpacking through Europe and found themselves in a small town in the mountains during the holiday season. The town was beautifully decorated, with twinkling lights adorning every tree and building. One evening, as they were walking back to their hostel, they noticed a small, unassuming shop that they hadn't seen before. Intrigued, they decided to step inside. The shop was filled with handmade crafts, each one more beautiful than the last. The shopke...
Is Thanksgiving About a Meal or a Mindset?
November 20, 2023 20:53Be Thankful These words from an unknown poet remind us to be thankful on Thanksgiving and all the other days, too. Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times, you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful...
5 Profitable Home Projects
November 16, 2023 19:53Here are five things you can do to increase the value and profit of your home. Are you thinking about selling? Whether you're ready to sell now or after the holiday season, the goal is always to get the most profit from your home. I can help you find the right buyer, but several things can increase your home's value and get more money when you decide to sell. Update Your Kitchen Your kitchen is the most important room in your house. It's the hub of any home. So, before you sell, y...
Flex Your DIY Muscles
October 19, 2023 18:01I hope you're enjoying the first few weeks of the new season. Fall is the perfect time to get stuff done around the house. It's this quiet time before the hustle of the holiday season. Whether it's simple seasonal changes, regular maintenance, or taking on a new project, take this time to check items off your list. If you plan on holiday guests this year, it's the perfect time to take on a simple project that will make a big impression. Here are five simple weekend projects that will have...
The Benefits of Giving
October 18, 2023 19:58Imagine a world where your small acts of kindness warm your heart, improve your health, strengthen your community bonds and even extend your lifespan. This is not a utopian dream; it’s the reality for everyday philanthropists—individuals who discover that giving, regardless of the size of their bank accounts, creates a ripple effect of positivity in their lives and the lives of others. Although we usually correlate philanthropy with wealthy people, anybody, regardless of their income, can...
On the fence about Buying?
September 22, 2023 22:50One question that I always get asked is, "Is it better to rent or buy?" The answer is it's always better to own your home. So if you're on the fence, I wanted to share a few benefits of home ownership. Positive Financial Investment When you buy a home, it's a long-term investment. Your home will appreciate, and its value will go up over time. When it's time to sell, you’ll make money on the sale. When you rent, you're paying for someone else's home to increase in value. Tax Benefits Ye...
Selling Your Home for the First Time?
August 17, 2023 23:04Summer is a busy time for those thinking about selling a home. Sellers have a lot to think about when preparing to put their home on the market. The market has shifted from the crazy pandemic market that you might have heard about. Houses are no longer getting multiple offers the moment they hit the market. If you’re considering a move and want to sell your home for the first time, here are a few things you should do and expect. Create a Move-In Ready Home If you want your home to sell,...
Is Your Home Show Ready?
July 20, 2023 19:47If you've ever sold a home or are thinking about selling your home, you'll always hear about staging and ensuring your home is "show-ready." These are very important, but unless you move out of your home while it's for sale, having a show-ready home is easier said than done. After all, life still must go on. So here are a few tips to ease stress and help you maintain a home that will wow potential buyers. Keep Your Home Fresh When your home is on the market, it's good to let it breathe. ...
Plans for Father's Day?
June 15, 2023 19:05Warm nights are great for camping. Have you ever thought about sleeping under the stars in your backyard? Whether you have kids or are a first-time camper or a hardcore backpacker, it's nice to go on an adventure just a few steps out your door. Father's Day weekend is the perfect weekend to try. Here are three tips for a backyard camping adventure. Perfect Sleeping Arrangements Pretend your backyard is an actual campsite in the wilderness. If you have a tent, set it up, include lantern...
Celebrating Fatherhood Superpowers
June 15, 2023 17:03As we celebrate Father's Day, I've been reflecting on the important role that dads and father figures play in our lives. I wanted to start a fun and meaningful conversation to help us appreciate and cherish the incredible fathers in our world. Today, I pose the question: What are your favorite Dad Superpowers? Here is a list of twelve "superpowers" that many dads possess. Take a moment to read through these examples, and feel free to share your thoughts, personal experiences, or even st...
Happy Memorial Day
May 30, 2023 16:21This Memorial Day, we’re thankful for those who gave their lives while serving. And we’re thinking of those who have lost someone they love. May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Enjoy Memorial Day weekend with your loved ones!
Get Ready For Summer With These Easy Landscaping Projects
May 25, 2023 21:14Throughout the year I like to do a little something special for my friends, family and amazing clients. It’s just my way of continuing to say thank you for helping me build my business and serve my community. Now is the perfect time of year to tackle your outdoor projects, so I created a handout called 11 Landscaping Projects Anyone Can Do that I'd love to share with you. This handout is filled with simple and effective ways to enhance your outdoor space and increase the value of your h...
Does your Home Have an Outdated Exterior?
May 18, 2023 20:16As summer quickly approaches, the home project list tends to build. If you sell this summer, you'll want your home to look its best. Ensuring your home’s exterior is updated should move to the top of your list. If your home looks outdated on the outside, it could lead to a bad impression of the inside. Here are three ideas to give your home a modern look. Update Your Concrete If you have uneven concrete that has cracks, it can be a sign to buyers that your home is dated. Refresh the conc...
A Mother's Gift
May 15, 2023 19:11As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us remember to acknowledge the remarkable gift that mothers possess - the ability to hear what is not said and notice what is not obvious. This gift is often overlooked, yet it is a defining characteristic of motherhood that deserves our attention and admiration. Moms have a sixth sense that enables them to detect even the most subtle shifts in mood or hidden pain. Their intuition and empathy allow them to pick up on the signals that others might miss, and...
Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approved
April 20, 2023 17:21Are you thinking about buying a home this spring or summer? If so, one of the first steps is getting pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage. However, there are significant differences between the two. Here's a quick breakdown of the differences and how one option can give you more security when buying your home. I hope this helps you understand the mortgage process better. Mortgage Pre-Qualification This is an approximation, not a promise. When you're pre-qualified for a mortga...
What Are You Composing These Days?
April 13, 2023 17:28April is Jazz Appreciation Month, culminating with a grand finale on April 30: International Jazz Day, formally declared by the United Nations back in 2012. Even if jazz isn’t among your favorite genres, I’ll bet some of those celebratory sounds speak to your soul. Although there is some debate over the exact year jazz was born, most everyone can agree what makes it unique is all the different components which, when braided together, form one cohesive sound. The idea is not unlike being in...
What is Your Favorite Season?
March 21, 2023 22:52Spring is a great time to plan. This story is a reminder that planning and persistence take us to more places than imagination alone. A small seed was planted in the ground just as spring arrived. Although the seed was excited to grow and see the world, as the days passed, it realized that growing was a difficult process. The soil was tough, the sun was hot, the seed was often parched and felt like quitting, but it remembered its goal of growing into a beautiful flower and spreading its p...
Does Your Credit Need a Boost?
March 16, 2023 22:10Spring is the time for a fresh start. If that means buying a new home, your credit score is one of the most important numbers to watch. A good credit score only gives you a better chance of getting approved for the home you want. So before you start your home search, here are a few reminders you can do to give your credit score a boost. \Let me know how I can help or answer any questions you have Repair Any Credit Bumps Before buying a home, you must know your credit score and fix any ...
Does Your Kitchen Need an Upgrade?
February 16, 2023 18:22Your kitchen is the hub of your home. It’s where you connect over meals, have family game nights, and organize the chaos in the mornings. It’s also one of the most important rooms to keep up-to-date if you’re planning on selling. Depending on how old your home is, it could take a major remodeling project if you’re trying to improve it. So, how do you conquer your kitchen remodel? Here are a few tips. Plan. Plan Again. Plan Some More. To keep construction time minimal and on budget, you sh...
Is Your Home on Buyers' Hot List?
January 19, 2023 18:50Happy New Year! I hope 2023 is off to a great start for you and your family. If you have plans to sell your home this year, you might ask, is it still a good time, or should I wait? You're not alone. I'm getting that question a lot this year. It's not news that the housing market has shifted, and homes aren't selling hours or days after they hit the market. However, there are still buyers, and homes are selling. Here are a few ways to turn your home into a HOT home during this slower ...
Are Your Habits Helping?
January 18, 2023 18:12According to legend, there was a stone that looked like an ordinary stone, but when held in your hand, it could make your dreams come true. The stone was hidden on a rocky riverbank among millions of look-alike stones. A person knew when he or she found the real stone because of its warmth, while all the other rocks felt cold. Hearing about the legend, a man sold all of his possessions and camped on the river. The next morning, he began testing stones. He picked up an ordinary stone, th...
Can You Empathize with This?
December 19, 2022 17:48A frail elderly man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and 4-year-old grandson. The family knew it was time for him to move home because his hands trembled, his vision was no longer sharp and sometimes his step faltered. The newly minted family of four was patient with one another, but mealtimes were difficult. The grandfather would spill food and, on several occasions, drop a plate or a teacup, which shattered on the floor. One evening, after several accidents at the dinner table,...
Season's Greetings
December 15, 2022 18:28I just wanted to take a moment to send you a little holiday cheer this season along with a wish of hope, happiness and gratitude! I hope you, your family and loved ones have a wonderful holiday season and Merry Christmas. I know it's been a challenging year for many families. My family and I have had our own challenges in 2022 with multiple losses of loved ones. It's easy to take for granted the blessings in our lives. This is the perfect time to truly be grateful for all that we ...
Sometimes We Always Manage….
November 22, 2022 17:27As Thanksgiving approaches, our thoughts and memories can become flush with the remembrance of family, friends and food. Year after year, we seem to assemble the same group of family and friends, in a warm home filled with the familiar smell of pecan pie, mashed potatoes, stuffing and other humid aromas. Somehow, we manage to make the Thanksgiving scene the same. Sometimes the people change - elders pass, and new babies arrive - and sometimes the locations change, but we always re-create ...
3 Holiday Decorating Trends
November 17, 2022 22:51Are you ready for the holidays? There's something special about a home spruced up with holiday decorations. The holidays come with a lot of traditions. How do you decorate? Do you use family heirlooms or keep things fresh every year? If you want to mix some new ideas with the old, here are a few of this year's trends. Frosty & Minty Bring that cool wintery weather inside with frosted glass ornaments and decor. Add a mint green touch to add a sense of pine. If you're looking for a new lo...
Buying This Fall?
October 20, 2022 17:42Did you know that fall is a great time to buy a home? With more homes on the market, more homebuyers have more opportunities. Whether your first or tenth home, it's always good to know your mortgage options. I thought I would share four types of mortgages to help you start the home buying process. Conventional Loan The federal government does not back conventional loans. You'll get conventional loans in two different packages called conforming and non-conforming. You can put down as lit...
Do Yu Still Love Learning?
September 23, 2022 17:24Thank a Teacher Did you know that Sept. 21 is International Gratitude Day? I’m certainly grateful for having autumn creeping upon us. The nights aren’t as warm as they were even a few weeks ago and stores have already begun stockpiling everything pumpkin-related. However, I’m also grateful for something much more traditional as many people return to school in the fall—teachers. We are constantly learning—from the time we are born to our last days. This learning occurs not just in a clas...
Feeling Stressed This Fall?
September 15, 2022 18:24Is it me, or does life get a little more stressful in the fall? Whether it's schedules, finances, or the coming holiday season, things are just less relaxed than in other seasons. However, you can help keep things calm and less stressful with a few tweaks to your home decor. Here are five decorating tips for a stress-free home. Let Natural Light Shine Natural light will instantly make you feel more relaxed and comfortable. Let the light shine in and take in a bit of nature to have a cal...
The Real Test of Friendship
August 24, 2022 20:35International Friendship Day was celebrated on July 30th. The test is a simple reminder of what makes some friends your best friends. Some friends know how to be a polite guest in your home. An authentic friend opens your refrigerator and helps themselves. Some friends have never seen you cry. A dear friend has shoulders that have been soggy from your tears. Some friends don’t know your parents' first names. A close friend has texted your parents. Some friends bring a dish to your ...
What's Happening In Our Market?
August 18, 2022 18:333rd Quarter Market Update Happy Summer! Yes, summer has been upon us and it's been a crazy housing market. The market has been a roller coaster ride and higher interest rates have slowed the days on market down and we've seen price reductions for the first time in several years. I know that you’ve heard the national headlines about lack of inventory, high sale prices, and rising interest rates. These headlines might leave you with a lot of questions. I wanted to share the latest m...
4 Tips to Keep Your Sanity During a Remodel
August 09, 2022 22:21Happy July! I hope that you're having a great summer. Is there a remodel in your future? Home upgrades and construction can be stressful. So, I thought I would send you a quick email with a few tips on how to stay calm during a remodel project. Use sticky notes to help yourself and your contractor stay on the timeline. When you or your contractor finish a task, take a note off the wall. It's an easy way to keep your project on track, and it's rewarding to see the progress. Remember to in...
Father's Day Is Changing, For Good 🪒
June 17, 2022 17:20It is 2022 and dad doesn’t want a tie and probably hasn’t since 1955. According to TheShelf.com, in 2020 ties were finally beaten as the most frequently gifted Father’s Day item. The pandemic caused self-care gifts for dad to be the new king of gifts. So, what does dad really want now? Fatherhood today is a study of evolution. Dads lead, guide, protect and love more than ever. Most new dads know how to play Minecraft and are willing to battle creepers and morning traffic to give kids wh...
Buying a Home This Summer?
June 17, 2022 17:15Summer is in full swing, which means it's prime season for buying a home. If you're in the market, I wanted to share a few reminders about the extra expenses of buying a home. Check out the link below to learn more about these expenses you may not think about. Buying a home is always an exciting experience. It's the largest investment you'll make. Please don't be surprised by these extra expenses. If you're ready, I'll guide you through the entire process to ensure you're in the know. Gi...
Is Your Home Eco-Friendly?
May 04, 2022 19:19When you think of being "green," what do you picture? Is it recycling as much as possible or using solar panels on your roof? I wanted to share a few simple ways to make your home eco-friendly without splurging on extensive home upgrades like solar panels or the most efficient appliances. So, in honor of Earth Day, here are four simple ways to make your home more eco-friendly. Switching to LED lightbulbs will make your home more efficient and eco-friendly. As a bonus, you'll save a lot o...
Want to Add Value to Your Home?
February 17, 2022 19:15Are you thinking about a home remodel project this year? Before you start knocking down walls or hiring a contractor, you might want to think about a few projects that won’t require a big contract and heavy equipment. I want to share a few simple projects that will add value to your home and not break the bank. Minor Kitchen Updates When it comes to your home, your kitchen is the star of the show. Small projects to a kitchen can make your whole house seem updated. It also adds value; yo...
The Best Kind of Love! 💗
February 14, 2022 22:20On Valentine’s Day, love is all around and for one day people are encouraged to express love with flowers, chocolate and cards of all shapes and colors. The best part is... you can be super cheesy, enthusiastic, or deeply sentimental. Valentine’s Day is your excuse to let your feelings fly. But how well do you know the feelings and preferences of the people you care about most? We have all heard of the golden rule, which says, “give love the way you want to receive love;” there is also a...
How Much Do I Need To Put Down?
January 20, 2022 18:53Happy New Year! I hope that 2022 is off to a fantastic start for you and your family. Do you have plans to buy a new home this year? If so, you're probably thinking and saving for a down payment, but how much do you need? There are many loan options, and you may not need 20%. Conventional Loans Have you heard of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac? These are the companies that provide conventional home loans. If your credit score is in good shape, you'll only need to put 3% down on your new home...
Living Through January
January 19, 2022 17:21Did you know— the ancient Vikings measured age in how many winters someone lived through? I just love that idea, like we aren’t merely surviving the winter months with extra-thick socks while clutching a warm mug, but we are living through them and truly taking in all they have to offer and thriving in response. I think we can all agree that 2021 was challenging and we are all likely to anticipate 2022 with a sense that there is a fresh start on the horizon. However, if we channel our inne...
Have you Started Holiday Shopping?
November 18, 2021 19:30Happy Thursday! Can you believe that we are only 1 week away from Thanksgiving? Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If not, it's probably time to get started. When shopping for anything, it's only natural that we price shop, especially when it comes to holiday gifts. So I thought I'd share a few apps to help you compare prices on the gifts on your list. ScanLife.com If you're in a store and want to find your item cheaper at another store, ScanLife is your tool. Just scan the p...
Are You Grateful School Is Starting?
September 22, 2021 17:57Thank A Teacher Did you know that September 21st is International Gratitude Day? I know that I’m certainly grateful for having autumn arrive with cool winds. The nights aren’t quite as warm as they were even a few weeks ago, and stores have already begun stocking everything pumpkin related. I’m also grateful for something much more traditional as so many people go back to school in the fall: teachers. I am appreciative of all the teachers who turn up throughout the course of our live...
Looking for an Outdoor Oasis?
September 16, 2021 18:36If there’s anything we’ve learned over the last year, it’s that outdoor space is nice and necessary. We all dream of that perfect backyard oasis we see in magazines or on Pinterest, but let’s be honest, most of us don’t live in a magazine and don’t have the square footage or budget to create the perfect escape. That’s why I wanted to share a few ideas on how to create a budget-friendly outdoor space when you may be short on square footage. Decorate Vertically Just because your outdoor e...
Throw a Gold Medal Winning Party
July 16, 2021 22:20Summer means time to get outside and have a party. Whether it’s with friends, neighbors, or a family reunion, there’s always an excuse to have a good time safely. Every good party needs a theme, and with the Summer Olympics set to begin at the end of the month, I thought I’d share a few ideas on how you can host your own backyard Olympic-themed party. A little friendly competition won’t hurt anyone. Set up several games for teams to compete in throughout the party. Swap out the real Olym...
Keep Your Home Safe
June 17, 2021 17:17 - 4.17 MB application/pdfI hope that you and your loved ones are doing well as summer is now upon us. As things start to open up again here in California and we start to venture out I wanted to send you this home safety check list before you leave your home for vacation. Whether it’s a weekend, week, or just a quick overnight stay, you want to ensure that your home and your belongings are safe whenever you leave. Follow these tips to get a little peace of mind while on your summer vacation. The market is st...