Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

If you’re selling a home, choosing your real estate agent is an important decision. The agent you should work with is one that both understands your goals and objectives and also sees the importance of meeting your needs. Your agent is the key to a successful real estate experience. Choosing the right agent doesn’t have to be a painful experience, but it should involve some questions. Start the process by asking your friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations. Look at agent reviews on websites like Yelp to see what others are saying. When you’ve narrowed down your list, select two to five agents to meet with for a preliminary interview. Once you’ve selected a few agents, it’s time to start the interview process. Avoid real estate agents that promise unrealistic attainable suggestions. For example, don’t hire the agent that gives you the highest list price, just because he or she gave you the highest price. Instead, use these questions as a guide to helping you find the mos...

The weather outside is probably not … you know what … so the holiday season in Southern California can be downright delightful. Without the snow and chill, visitors might think our region is short on holiday traditions. But they should think again. Want chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Find them in the many neighborhoods where homeowners outdo each other by adorning their houses with spectacular light displays. With no slush to drive through and comfortable nighttime temperatures, families can marvel at the illuminated residences every evening now through New Year’s Day, and sometimes beyond. Many residents offer hot chocolate, cider, coffee, cookies, and other homemade treats at nominal prices in their driveways. Check hyperlocal online sites for lists of the best streets to cruise, including maps and directions. As for regional traditions, we’ve rounded up some of the most enduring and unusual in each county, from south to north. Get out there and have a jolly old time! San...

I’m inspired by the following story to set some New Year’s resolutions, not only about being kind to others, but also about being kinder to myself. What do you think? Here’s the story: On the way back from work every evening, more often than not, there would be a homeless man standing at the exit ramp of the freeway. He waved at every car. He was always happy and smiling and sometimes almost dancing. Every day after work I would gather my spare change, and put it aside to give to him if I saw him. A feeling of joy would come over me whenever he was there as I came off the ramp.   He had that effect. His joy was infectious. Occasionally the red light would be on for a minute and we would ask each other about our day. His answer would always be the same, “I’m blessed!”   Then one day I was called into my boss’s office and told that I was being let go due to some mistakes I had made on a recent project. Needless to say that on my way home that day I was upset...

A wise old man told a joke to a group of friends. Everyone laughed. After a moment, he told the same joke again. This time, only a few people laughed. He repeated the same joke over and over again. When there was no more laughter, he asked, “You can’t laugh at the same joke over and over again, but why do you keep crying over the same things over and over again?” When no one could answer, the old man explained: “When we hear a funny joke, laughter grabs a hold of us and moves through us. After we laugh, the novelty of the joke wears off and we automatically let go and move on. When faced with life’s sorrows and upsets, most of us do the exact opposite. We tend to hold on to the negativity – experiencing the same upsets over and over again. The secret to a happy life is learning to experience your tears like laughter. Let your upsets move through you freely, and then let go and move on. 

The production of tears in continuous. People create tears to lubricate and protect the eyes. Tears flush the eyes of debris and microorganisms. They also deliver oxygen and nutrients to the eye the same way blood does for the rest of the body. Humans are the only animals that seem to cry for emotional reasons, although there are reports of elephants shedding tears in grief. 

Not long ago I heard a story on the news that more young people are renting apartments or staying at their parent’s home longer than ever before. What that tells me is young people may be forcing themselves to become long-term tenants. At the same time, high demand and competition cause rent prices to soar, while a mortgage stays predictable and constant. Competing with other renters to pay off someone else’s mortgage is not what we want for our friends and family. So the next time you’re in a conversation with a friend, family member or neighbor and they tell you they feel like they’re wasting money on rent, take out your cell phone, look up my number (858) 382-2763 and call or text me immediately. I belong to a national network of real estate agents and consultants and I can help make their dreams of owning their first home a reality. 

If you would like a free buyer and/or seller guide; feel free to download the guides below!  If you would like to view my home buyer guide  click here . If you would like to view my home seller guide click here . 

Magnificent Getaway nestled in the Hills of Olivenhain. Superbly designed Custom Tuscan Estate perched high on 3.2 acres, optimizing the panoramic views of your private lemon orchard below and Olivenhain Valley beyond. Views galore - total privacy! 6 beds, 5.5 baths, 5950 square feet, and fabulous attention to detail. 

A Listing Agent's reputation is everything - no one wants to work with someone who will cause excessive difficulties and stress. Buyer's Agents often eliminate homes simply to avoid those difficult agents. Strong relationships with my fellow colleagues is another cornerstone of my business. My track record of previous cross-sales with other agents makes my fellow Realtors want to work with me towards a successful sale.

A great property description gives buyers an emotional connection to your home by evoking positive responses and adding additional interest. With the help of my nationally acclaimed marketing firm, I assure your home's description will communicate the time, love, effort, and resources you invested into it.

A buyer's home needs to go beyond the bed/bath and square foot statistics. I specialize in highlighting all of the special details of your community and the unique features of your home. I also utilize "reverse prospecting," a tool that helps determine what local buyers are looking for in their next home and partner with a top real estate marketing firm to mail premium marketing materials of your home directly to qualified potential buyers.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released a study showing that 60% of home buyers chose the home they bought before they ever went through the front door. Photography and curb appeal are critical when listing your home for sale! Almost all homes that are not shown are a direct result of bad photography and can eliminate your home immediately. I work with a professional photographer who will showcase your home in its best light. I also offer quick and inexpensive home improvement tips to make sure your home and its curb appeal are the best they can be.

I consider myself to be fairly successful in life. I've worked hard, been smart, and pushed when the going got tough. I know that success isn't a straight road, and that along the way, there can be a lot of bumps and potholes. But I believe that pushing through is what leads us to success. Sure, I know that sometimes there are detours. But we need to keep going towards our destination rather than turning back or quitting. I believe that failing at something is merely a set-back, and that failing is not the same as quitting! You might be familiar with the quote by Thomas Edison, Inventor of the light bulb, who said: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." I think some of the greatest gifts we can give our children are the capacity to endure failure, the strength to persevere, and the occasional tough love they need so that they aren't allowed to quit...so that they learn to recognize the capacity for resilience within themselve...

How often have you heard someone say this: "I wish my kids (grand babies) were closer?" While technology has made it easier to connect with loved ones remotely, we've also become far more fragmented and disconnected - feeling more isolated and alone. A changing economy has left more families living apart in different time zones than ever before. Many of us barely know our extended family at all. It use to be the norm to grow up with grandsparents, aunts, cousins, and uncles nearby. They were very present in our lives. In many ways we've not only lost memories for a lifetime, but a true support system right down the street. If you know someone who lives too far away or hear someone mentioning that their loved ones are too far away, take out your cell phone, look up my number (858-382-3763) and call or text me immediately. I belong to a national network of realtors and lenders and I can help them find a new home that reunites them with their loves ones!

Many people have a favorite restaurant, a place they enthusiastically recommend to friends because of the great experience they have whenever they visit. Part of the experience comes from great food and service, but the experience is more than just that. The experience comes from how things are done, how they feel when they're served throughout the whole process, as well as the great food. This restaurant is always hopping, and probably doesn't do much advertising. Most of their business comes from repeat customers and referrals. So, for a moment, can you imagine that I am just like your favorite restaurant? Like your favorite restaurant, my purpose is for you to be so outrageously happy with both the product and the process - the complete experience of buying or selling a home - that you gladly introduce people you care about to me, because you want them to have the same kind of experience. Know that I can help you, or the person you feel comfortable introducing me to....

Typically, an active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Children, nursing mothers and people who are ill will need even more water. In addition to drinking water, additional water is needed for food preparation and hygiene. Follow these tips on how to properly store water to assure that you will have the water you need in case of a disaster or emergency. Store enough water for everyone in your family and pets to last for at least 3 days: One gallon of water, per person, per day is adequate for general drinking purposes. Three gallons of water, per person, per day will give you enough water to drink, cook and for limited personal hygiene. Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Store water containers in a cool, dark place. If you store tap water, date each container and replace the water ...

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you, or the person you feel comfortable introducing me to. Many of my friends, coworkers and family members have been telling me about their experience of being pushed and pulled in all directions. They call themselves the “Sandwich Generation.” Their homes have more people than space. You may know someone in one of the following situations who needs my help: 1.    Someone caring for aging parents while supporting and caring for their own children. 2.    Someone in their 50s and 60s, sandwiched between aging parents, adult children and grandchildren. 3.    Someone in their 30s or 40s with young children, aging parents, and perhaps even grandparents. 4.    Someone involved with elder care, special needs care, or sibling care. The one thing the people of the Sandwich Generation have in common is that they need more space. As you think about people who may need my help, feel c...

Creating a video record of your possessions is a good idea, especially if you describe the items out loud as you record. Be sure to make backup copies as well. Creating a home inventory for insurance doesn’t need to be complicated. All you really need is a pencil and paper. The key is to have a record of your possessions in the event you experience a theft or casualty loss from flood, fire, or other disaster. But the more thorough the documentation of your belongings, the less likely you are to run into problems when you file an insurance claim. That’s why you should consider using a digital camera, fireproof safes, and other equipment to create and store your home inventory. Devote a full day to the task. Take pictures of your belongings Photos of your belongings go a long way toward demonstrating ownership and value. Digital photos are preferred, since they’re easier to print and store. A decent digital camera costs less than $100. Be sure to get full-room shots, as well as close-ups...

Leaving boxes by the curb alongside the trash lets burglars know you've got new toys inside. You come home to an open front door, a ransacked house, and missing valuables. How did a burglar know you’d be gone? How did they get in? In these 10 thank-you notes, your friendly neighborhood burglars share advice on how to stop lending them a helping hand. 1. Thanks for the ladder! Call me a social climber if you will, but I did discover a ladder in your back yard. Thank you for leaving it where I could lean it against your home and easily reach a second-story window. I really love it when upper story openings aren’t wired to a home security system! So, if you want to keep me out, store your ladder in the basement or a locked garage. And call your security company to wire upper-story windows into your alarm system. Vertically yours, A rising star 2. Loved your trash Can’t tell you how much fun I have driving around neighborhoods on trash day (especially after big gift ho...

Acquiring a solar system for your house is a lot like buying a car. Depending on your financial situation, your decision process may vary. You just need to understand the ramifications of each type of purchase. There are several ways to purchase solar; using cash, financing a loan, or leasing. Each has its pros and cons.  Purchasing a Solar System with Cash Pros : Like any purchase, paying cash is usually the cheapest in the long run. You won’t pay any interest, and there are no monthly payments. If you have $15,000 – $25,000 sitting idle in a savings account, you can buy a solar system. Instead of earning interest on your savings, your “return” will be in the form of reduced electric bills. You may be able to offset a $200/month electric bill which equals a “return” of $2,400 / year. This is a great option if you know you will be selling your house. The addition of solar panels may empower you to sell your house for more money. Cons : You spend a lot of money. At the e...

If you're selling your house, you've probably heard all about curb appeal. Once that first impression passes the test, the next thing that meets the eyes of potential buyers is the entryway -- so make it look good. The entrance serves as the transition from outdoors to indoors and can leave an indelible impression in the mind of a potential buyer. Don't underestimate the importance of the entrance to your home. It helps define the quality of your property when people enter. If your entrance exudes richness, buyers will think of your home as a rich property and be prepared to make offers accordingly. The opposite holds true as well. If the entrance is shabby, then no matter how well appointed the rest of the home, 'shabby' is what will be imprinted on the buyer's mind. Having flooring in the entryway that varies from the rest of the house is one way to set off the entrance. I suggest tile flooring, whether it's ceramic, marble, granite, or synthetic. In...

If you’re new to home ownership, you’ll definitely want to avoid these easy-to-prevent mistakes that could cost you big time. I know so well the thrill of owning your own house — but don’t let the excitement cause you to overlook the basics. I've gathered up a half dozen classic boo-boos new homeowners often commit — and give you some insight on why each is critically important to avoid. 1. Not Knowing Where the Main Water Shutoff Valve Is Water from a burst or broken plumbing pipe can spew dozens of gallons into your home’s interior in a matter of minutes, soaking everything in sight — including drywall, flooring, and valuables. In fact, water damage is one of the most common of all household insurance claims. Quick-twitch reaction is needed to stave off a major bummer. Before disaster hits, find your water shutoff valve, which will be located where a water main enters your house. Make sure everyone knows where it’s located and how to close the ...

1. Change the locks. You really don’t know who else has keys to your home, so change the locks. That ensures you’re the only person who has access. Install new deadbolts yourself for as little as $10 per lock, or call a locksmith — if you supply the new locks, they typically charge about $20-$30 per lock for labor. 2. Check for plumbing leaks. Your home inspector should do this for you before closing, but it never hurts to double-check. I didn't have any leaks to fix, but when checking my kitchen sink, I did discover the sink sprayer was broken. I replaced it for under $20. Keep an eye out for dripping faucets and running toilets, and check your water heater for signs of a leak.  Here’s a neat trick: Check your water meter at the beginning and end of a two-hour window in which no water is being used in your house. If the reading is different, you have a leak. 3. Steam clean carpets. Do this before you move your furniture in, and your new home l...

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, my brokerage, is teaming up with HGTV’s Fixer Upper series to offer viewers a chance to win a $50,000 prize including a consultation from Chip & Joanna Gaines, hosts of the series.  Enter for a chance to win $50,000 and a consultation with the stars of HGTV's Fixer Upper. Enter at 50kFixUp.com .  NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., age 21 or older. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Sweepstakes ends at 5:00p.m. ET on June 15, 2015. For full official rules, visit www.50kFixUp.com. Sponsored by BHH Affiliates LLC, 18500 Von Karman Avenue, #400, Irvine, California 92612.   If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Good Luck!

The final walk through is an exciting time for home buyers. At this point, you’re close to becoming a homeowner. Be sure you’re taking a careful look around your property. During a final walk through you can determine if repairs have been completed and confirm that the property is in adequate condition. To help guide you through the final walk through, we've put together this checklist. Print it out and bring with when you’re ready to inspect your property. Have all your requested repairs been made?                             Make a list of what is in your sales agreement. Have all the changes been made? Yes No Do you have all warranty documentation for the repairs made? Yes No Do all your appliances and major systems work? Dishwasher Yes No Heater Yes No Air conditioner Yes No Thermostat Yes No Ceiling fans Yes No Hot/cold water on al...