First home
Jazmin & Salbador: a first home for their growing family
Members Jazmin Torres & Salbador HuertaAgent Kathleen Rapoza
Where they started
Jazmin and Salbador were ready for their first home, and for more room for their new family. They found the right one quickly, but they weren’t the only buyers who wanted it.
How Kathleen helped
With multiple offers on the table, Kathleen helped them put together a strong offer above the list price, and it was accepted. The home had been recently renovated, and the inspection came back clean except for some roof issues. Kathleen negotiated a $4,500 credit from the seller to address the roof.
How it turned out
Together with their $2,200 member closing-cost credit, Jazmin and Salbador received $6,700 in credits toward their purchase, and they’re settling into their first home with their little one.
Relocating · Inland Empire
Matthew & Alicia: two accepted offers, and the home that felt right
Members Matthew & Alicia MuñozAgent Stephanie Garcia
Where they started
After nearly a year of staying in touch and planning ahead, new career opportunities brought Matthew and Alicia to the Inland Empire. They were ready to find a home where their family could keep growing.
How Stephanie helped
The search took a few unexpected turns. They explored new construction and fell in love with a resale home that didn’t work out, but Stephanie Garcia stayed with them the whole way. When two homes came up on the very same street, she submitted offers on both, and both were accepted.
How it turned out
Faced with a happy but tough decision, they chose the home that felt right for their family. After a journey of patience and a few bumps along the way, they’re starting their next chapter in a home they love.
First home · Education community
Ratna: the first home of her life
Member Ratna HughesAgent Marise Freitas
Where she started
Ratna is a dedicated special needs elementary school teacher approaching a well-deserved retirement, and she was ready to buy the very first home of her life.
How Marise helped
The journey had its challenges. When a previous home came with restrictive HOA rules, Marise Freitas helped Ratna step away from that deal, then guided her through a complex escrow on the next one. Through it all, Ratna showed remarkable patience and trust.
How it turned out
Marise handed Ratna the keys to her new home on closing day, the start of a special new chapter.
First home
Victor & Virginia: from an open house to a home of their own
Members Victor & VirginiaAgent Stephanie Garcia
Where they started
Victor and Virginia had only just started thinking about buying when they stopped by an open house, and walked into a home that checked every box on their wish list.
How Stephanie helped
They knew it was an opportunity they didn’t want to miss, and they got pre-approved that same day. Stephanie Garcia got right to work: submitting their offer, negotiating on their behalf, and getting it accepted. Escrow opened the very next day.
How it turned out
What began as a casual visit to an open house became the start of their homeownership journey.
Next home · La Verne
Benjamin & Amy: from their first home to their forever home
Members Benjamin Cevallos & Amy SakaueAgent Luz Nunez
Where they started
Luz Nunez first helped Benjamin and Amy buy their first home in Ontario in 2022. With new job opportunities and a wish to be closer to their parents, they were ready for a forever home in La Verne.
How Luz helped
Today’s market came with its challenges, but Benjamin and Amy trusted Luz’s guidance every step of the way, and together they reached their goal.
How it turned out
Benjamin, Amy and their little one are starting a new chapter in a home that fits their growing family, with the same trusted agent by their side.
Homebuyers · Growing family
Giovanna & Christian: room for a growing family
Members Giovanna & ChristianAgent Stephanie Garcia
Where they started
Giovanna and Christian fell in love with a beautiful home in a great neighborhood, one that was perfect for their growing family.
How Stephanie helped
The purchase came with a few challenges along the way. Stephanie Garcia worked through each one with them and got them into their dream home. They also qualified for a homebuyer grant through their credit union.
How it turned out
Their home appraised for about $90,000 more than their purchase price. They were thrilled to get their keys and couldn’t wait to start renovations and make the home their own.
“I’m so happy we were able to help them find the perfect home for their growing family!”Stephanie Garcia, their agent
Homebuyers · Highland
Daniel & Nery: a home worth the wait
Members Daniel & Nery HenkAgent Kathleen Rapoza
Where they started
Kathleen Rapoza met Daniel and Nery a year before they bought, when they were just starting to think about it. They took their time getting ready and secured their pre-approval.
How Kathleen helped
They toured several homes and made an offer on one that went to another buyer. When they found the home in Highland, they knew it was the one. With multiple offers on the table, Kathleen helped them write an offer $6,000 over the list price. It wasn’t the highest offer, but it was the strongest overall, and it was accepted.
How it turned out
The home appraised $6,000 above their offer price, and Daniel and Nery couldn’t be happier.
Homebuyers
Fion & Flora: a place to call their own
Members Fion & Flora LiangAgent Luz Nunez
Where they started
Fion and Flora met Luz Nunez just two months before closing day, and from their very first meeting they trusted her guidance.
How Luz helped
Luz listened closely to their needs and priorities, and together they explored several homes to find the right fit for their lifestyle.
How it turned out
In about two months, Fion and Flora went from a first meeting to the keys of a beautiful home they can truly call their own.
New homeowners
Guillermo & Cynthia: a happy closing and a new beginning
Members Guillermo & CynthiaAgent Pablo Salcedo
How it turned out
Guillermo and Cynthia were thrilled to become homeowners, and especially grateful for how smoothly their closing went. The smiles in front of their new home say the rest.
Northern California
Alexandra & Jack: a new home in Cool, California
Members Alexandra LeFave & Jack E. PlexicoAgents Tay Davis & Corion DavisArea Cool, CA
What stood out
Alexandra and Jack describe a team that was professional, positive and responsive, and ready to move quickly when it mattered.
How Tay and Corion helped
They especially appreciated their agents' negotiating skill and determination to make things happen, while keeping the experience smooth and exciting.
How it turned out
They're in love with their new home. Alexandra's photo at the front door says the rest.
“We couldn't have asked for better real estate agents, and we are absolutely in love with our new home!”Alexandra LeFave & Jack E. Plexico
Their story
From first questions to their first home, with someone to turn to every step of the way.
First home · Education community
Diego & Martha: from first questions to their first home
Members Diego & MarthaAgent Pablo Salcedo
Where they started
Diego and Martha both work at Cal State Fullerton. The idea of buying their first home felt a little daunting.
How Pablo helped
From their first conversation, Pablo Salcedo made sure they always had someone to turn to, whether they met in person or talked through questions late at night. After several visits, they found a home that fit and made a winning offer below the asking price.
How it turned out
About a month and a half after that first call, they closed on their home. Their five-star review thanked Pablo for being available by phone, text and email to answer every question.
First home
From nervous questions to renovation plans
Members First-time homebuyersAgent Jamie Read
Where they started
They were excited to own a home, and understandably cautious about the process.
How Jamie helped
At each visit, Jamie Read walked them through what to look for, explained what to expect in escrow, and made time for their questions. She encouraged them to take their time and choose a home that truly fit.
How it turned out
They closed escrow on a Friday. When Jamie stopped by on Sunday to congratulate them, contractors were already at work, and they couldn't wait to show off their flooring choices, bathroom plans and paint colors.
Condo
Ircia: the right home at the right moment
Member Ircia SanchezAgent Marise Freitas
Where she started
After years of waiting for the right moment, Ircia decided it was time to take the next step.
How Marise helped
Marise Freitas helped her work through the natural hesitation that comes with buying a home, and find a condo in a location she loved. Closing was quick and smooth.
How it turned out
Now Ircia is making the space her own: a long-awaited next chapter that's finally hers.
Stories are shared with the members’ permission. Most were written by our team or the member’s First Team agent; quotes are the member’s own words unless credited to their agent. Members were not compensated, and individual experiences vary.
