Luck doesn’t have anything to do with leasing a home

Shima 0 comments 05.03.2016

Last week during my open house, I met a family who was frustrated after submitting numerous applications to lease potential homes and were denied.  In a market as competitive as it has been and with the housing shortage in California, more people are afraid they’ve been cursed with bad luck.

Truthfully, there is no golden coin or luck that helps- it has everything to do with credibility.

When a landlord is contemplating on accepting an applicant for their property, several factors come into play. In order to be portrayed as a desirable candidate, there are some things that may increase your chances of being accepted.

Understandably, life happens and causes some shifts in our credit, loss of job, increase in our credit charges, etc. which can greatly affect our good-standing. However, when submitting an application to lease, consider what you would think as a landlord looking at your application, credit, or bank statements.

I spoke with several landlords and property manager, Tim Marshall to better understand how one could improve their chances of leasing. Upon our talk, I found that a considerable candidate is someone who can prove income.

Sometimes, based on one’s low credit score, they have to increase their chances by providing more proof of income. Such as, bank statements, tax returns, etc. This sometimes results in digging deeper than intended to.

A landlord’s greatest nightmare is offering residency to a client who cannot pay their rent. This results in unnecessary conflict for him/her. So, by providing all sources of income- you’re assuring the landlord that you’ll have no issue paying your rent.

A landlord may also value a cover letter. In a cover letter, you are telling the landlord who you are and why they should choose you. Whether you’re writing a cover letter to buy or rent, you’re allowing the person on the other end to have a better understanding of who you are, what you do and why you’re the right candidate for them.

Lastly, references are another staple that can allow a seller or landlord clarify that you’re efficient, reliable, clean, and trustworthy. These characteristics are important for a landlord or owner of a home as they want to rest assured that whoever is in their property is taking care of it and using it solely as a home.

You can gather references from prior landlords, old/current bosses, family and friends.

Finally, Tim Marshall says, “There is no other time that the laws of supply and demand have been more affected to rent. A lot of people want the same things you want and due to scarcity, it’s limiting. But don’t get discouraged and just understand that it has affected real estate as a whole.”

Although leasing can feel disheartening if denied, remember it is a competitive market and in order to better your chances- consider gathering these documents in advance.

Thank you for your trust and remember, your referrals are the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for me!

Altering First Impressions

Shima 0 comments 02.03.2016

Every Wednesday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s ‪#‎WCW title belongs to Veronica Marshall who creates art pieces including self-portraits in hopes of articulating how humans judge one another while also playing optical allusions on people.

Marshall, 26, was born and raised in Torrance, CA. Upon graduating from North Torrance High School in 2007, she studied at El Camino Community College and Otis College of Art and Design.

Marshall grew an immense passion for art through various extracurricular art programs she was involved in at the age of 10. However, in high school, she was encouraged and inspired by her art teacher  to pursue Fine Arts as a career.

“The decision to be a fine artist was cemented while taking art classes at El Camino Community College. I was inspired, intrigued and excited by the work of my fellow art students and teachers,” she says.

Marshall’s role as an artist is to visually engage the viewer to create dialogue and visual pleasure.  “Physically I create primarily in my studio, although sometimes my concepts may take me to different locations. The concepts come to me through my life experiences,” she says.

She has found that she is fascinated by the interaction of people and the concepts of the hidden self and how first impressions are often misleading and one dimensional. She explains that this finding has greatly influenced her figurative work. “My abstract work is more influenced by color, fluidity and texture,” she says.

She is inspired to create by a variety of materials, media and experiences. She finds Jay DeFeo and Cindy Sherman who are artists inspirational.

When she is not creating art, she enjoys going to the movies, exhibits, reading and spend time with friends and family.

She enjoys paying it forward to the community by participating in multiple art shows where the proceeds of the work are donated to the homeless shelters in Los Angles. In addition, she donated work in 2011 to a show were the proceeds went to help the Japanese after the earthquake.

In five years, Marshall hopes to have a successful career as a fine artist and having finished her Master’s Degree in Fine Arts and Art History. She would like people to know that a career as an artist is not easy and it truly has to be your passion.

Thank you Veronica for using your passion for art as a way to give back to the the community and reminding us that our first impressions may not always be accurate.

To see more of Veronica’s pieces, please visit her website here.

“I truly believe that without art there is no life”

– Veronica Marshall

South Bay’s Favorite SOOSK

Shima 0 comments 29.02.2016

Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s MCM title belongs to Alireza Nejad, who uses his passion for music and Djing as a way to help the youth stay out of trouble by offering tutorials and classes for free.

Nejad, better known as “Dj Soosk,” 28, was born and raised in Torrance. He graduated from South Torrance High in 2005 and in 2001 decided to pursue his passion for music producing and Djing into a career.

Growing up, Nejad had a strong love for music from a young age. Nejad says that having grown up around three older sisters that had very different preferences in music choice gave him the ability to learn many genres at once. However, it was his youth Pastor, Jim, from a local Christian youth group that inspired him.

Nejad says, “He taught me everything I needed to know and helped me with the business aspects of DJing.” He realized that there is much more to it than standing behind a set of turntables.

He learned the value and hard work of DJ’s early on and explains that he’s not always by the most famous musicians, instead “for the guy that I see djing on a regular basis at the local bar, nightclub or event.” He explains that he/she is the one that inspires him to work harder.

In addition, he finds inspiration from his parents who moved to the country with nothing. He says that almost 40 years ago, his father with broken English started to work immediately and has not stopped since. “Never once did I hear himself or my mother want to give up and settle for less for our family. That’s true inspiration to me,” he says.

His greatest supporters have been his wife, Pricila and family. “They have always supported every decision I have made in life, even if it wasn’t the best for me. Sometimes you have to make the mistake yourself to learn,” he says.

Nejad decided to brand his business after a childhood memory. Growing up, Nejad’s grandmother called him soosk which translates to cockroach in Farsi.

He says, “I was so dark compared to the rest of my family. It stuck when my friends would start calling me that as a joke. If you can’t fight em, Join em.”

Indeed, he joined them! His business grew exceptionally through word of mouth and radio spots on loacal stations and hottest nightclubs in the South Bay area.

Despite the popularity of DJ’s, Nejad wishes people knew that a DJ does not have a 401k or health benefits. “The hours are long, and equipment is very expensive and being able to DJ is a talent. Know the worth of who is being hired,” he says.

Nejad loves living in the South Bay mostly for the people. “It’s the most diverse, influential and relaxing place to live. I have friends and neighbors from every walk of life and you really cannot find that in many places in this world,” he says. In addition, he has found that he can never complain about the weather and enjoys that it is conveniently close major attractions such as, LA, OC, snow, the dessert, Las Vegas, beaches, and mountains. “You can’t go wrong!” he says.

Today, Nejad continues to DJ on a regular basis weddings and cooperate events. An event’s management company organizes his events for him and can be contacted atReza@DjSoosk.com

Nejad gives back to his community by Djing for breast cancer events, schools and other non-profit events at no charge in order to be able to help raise money for a great cause. “I also do classes and tutorials for kids trying to start off and help with the basics. I would much rather have them in the passion of music than getting into trouble. I know it saved me as a youth,” he says.

When he is not producing music pieces, he spends his time as a Father and Husband. “It’s the best job in the world. I love spending time with family and friends,” he says.

In five years, Nejad would love to see himself iving in a nice big house (“That Shima sells me of course”) in the South Torrance area, with his wife Pricila and daughter Soraya. He also hopes to have more children then. He says that he doesn’t know where his life will take him in five years, but he hopes to be Djing as much as he does now.

Thank you, Alireza for using your passion for music to make our community a greater place and keeping our youth out of trouble.

Five ways a home is valued

Shima 0 comments 26.02.2016

The other day my client asked me, “Shima, how much money can I get for my home?”

I told him that when a potential buyer is inspecting the value of a home, several factors come into play. Although the market has a huge impact whether a home will sell quick or slow, there are some indications that are always considered.

First and foremost, LOCATION!

One of the most influential factors a buyer will consider when deciding whether to purchase a home or investment is geographical location. You’ve heard it, seen it and even said it, “Location, Location, Location!” Proximity to attractions, transportation routes, schools, demographics, ocean views, fine dining and freeways are all advantages one may take into consideration when assessing the value of a home or business’ location.

Second, PRICE!

In 1950, Pepsi used the slang, “More bang for the buck” as an advertising method to describe the New Look policy on nuclear weapons. Today, the phrase is used to mean a greater worth for the money used.

We all love a great deal, especially in one of our greatest investments we will ever make. People want to know that they’re getting more than they imagined they could ever have and that happens when they feel like the home was a steal. Well, how does this occur?

When a home is strategically priced, people line up, wanting it before it’s gone. And the way to do that is to make sure it is priced to sell!

Third, knowing who is your COMPETITION.

When pricing your home, it’s vital to look at what is currently active, what is pending, what has a backup offer, and what has closed.  The active listings are who we are competing with. The pending sales are necessary to see how many days something has been on the market until it has gotten an offer. Closed Sales will test us exactly where our comps will come from- which is typically between the lowest and highest sales.

By understanding WHO the competition is, it is easier to focus on what you have to offer that the others don’t- and that is your power.

Fourth, the CONDITION of your home.

Again, a home or business is a huge investment one makes and the condition will either influence or scare some away. What may seem like a potential fixer to some, may seem frightening to others. So, the condition of a home will influence one’s decision in determining if they will get more bang for their buck!

 Last but not least, the CURRENT MARKET.

Current market conditions are gathered from interest rates, stock market, gasoline prices, election-year distractions, global events, and other things going on around us that we basically have no control over.  These factors plus seasonal things such as income tax time, holidays, add an unpredictable element to home sales.  However, over time, the trend is always upward! As my friend and business partner Tim Marshall says, “I have a saying that the best time to buy is now and the best time to sell is now, because in the long run the trend is always upward.”

As previously mentioned, we all love a great deal. To some, a deal may be getting furniture with the home, a free TV or fridge. To others, it’s simply getting more bang for their buck- which is really just getting something better for the same price.

So when deciding what to price your home, remember these determining factors that will ultimately influence a buyer’s decision. Remember, we’re all out to get the most bang for our buck!

Aiding our Troops back to Health

Shima 0 comments 24.02.2016

Every Wednesday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s WCW title belongs to Sarah Tuflija who is a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Long Beach.

Sarah, 26, grew up in North Torrance and graduated from North High school in 2007.   Upon graduating from North High, Sarah spent some time in community college where she realized she needed a change.

She found that she had an interest in the medical field, but dove straight into the surgery department because of her family’s history in the field. “My mom was a surgical tech and still works in the operating room at Harbor UCLA and my grandmother was a CRNA, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for Kaiser Permanente,” she says.

Her duties include assisting surgeons in the operating room from procedures that range from general surgery, urology, vascular, ENT, thoracic and so on. Sarah says, “There is no better feeling than every morning walking into the VA for work and seeing old war pictures, propaganda and memorials of all of our heroes and knowing that I am here to care for them.”

Sarah says that the veterans have served their time and duty and feels it is her job to make them better again. “The stories and personalities of some of the older veterans always make me smile. We are starting to get a shift as younger generation of veterans come in for care and an increase in women veterans,” she says.

The VA’s mission statement is to fulfill Lincoln’s promise: “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans.” Sarah feels grateful to be on the team of helpers who aid veterans.

Today, Sarah resides in Gardena and is the proud wife of a veteran. When she is not busy assisting veterans as a surgical technologist, she enjoys being outdoors at the beach, walking her dogs, being with friends and a having a good dinner and movie date with her husband. She loves the South Bay mostly for the, “beautiful weather, beaches and Mexican food.”

In five years, Sarah sees herself still working for the veterans in Long Beach and starting a family. She is proud to say that all of the men in her family are military veterans and the women work in operating rooms.

Thank you Sarah for aiding and assisting our heroes every day!

 “Being bed side, serving care for our veterans who have served and sacrificed so much for us is a job that I leave everyday feeling amazing about.”

– Sarah Tuflija

Leaps & Bounds

Shima 0 comments 22.02.2016

Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place. Today’s MCM title belongs William Wilson, who recruits certified nurses to places in need.

Wilson was born in Torrance and raised in the South Bay. Growing up, he traveled playing Rugby for Santa Monica Rugby Club. Together, the team traveled to several countries including Argentina, Germany and Thailand.

When he was just 22 years old, Wilson was in great shape and playing in his second season of rugby. During one weekend, his team was a part of a rugby tournament which cost him broken bones in his right leg. The doctor said that if they didn’t put Wilson to sleep, they wouldn’t have found that there was a fatty embolism that was going to his heart. Also known as, an “Air bubble”.

In result, Wilson found how precious life is and how appreciative he was to be alive. He realized life is a gift and he has so much left to give others. Soon after, Wilson was handpicked by a prior manager to help recruit nurses. At the time, he was still working for a different company and had to make the ultimate decision of staying with the company or help a new company grow by leaps and bounds.

Wilson chose to take the lead and today, is a full-time Nurse recruiter for United Staffing Solutions Inc. (USSI) and a part-time Entrepreneur. His duties are to recruit the best of the best nurses for 13-week travel assignments.

Nurses that Wilson recruits must have one year “or close to” experience in an acute care setting. This ranges from Medical Surgery, Telemetry, NICU, PICU, L&D, ICU etc.  “They can have pretty much any specialty,” he says.

Wilson does not recruit a specific kind of traveler and says that they can be a true traveler, a new traveler or someone that wants to try something new other than being a staff nurse. A travel nurse is a nurse that wants to take a 13-week assignment.

Wilson claims that now nurses can choose to work as both a staff nurse and take on assignment at the same time to see if they can handle the work load. A typical schedule is 3 days a week, 12 hours a day in a contract. “This is either on top of their 3/12’s already or just by itself,” he says.

Wilson explains that having a CA license is the “hottest thing” for a nurse as the pay is much better in CA than any other state.  Although his company is not working internationally yet, Wilson explains that they work with new graduates on occasion.

Pay for the nurses depends on a few factors. “Crisis rate, need, is the hospital on strike, location and time of year to name a few,” he says. Nurses, however, receive daily meals and incidentals, housing and hourly pay all in one contract. On other occasions, nurses find their housing and are able to receive free money and maximize their return on the contract.

Wilson finds that working as a recruit nurse has many benefits including that you get to travel, get tax free money and get a ton of experience in a short amount of time.

Wilson began recruiting after realizing he loved helping people. “To me, I get the greatest reward by helping people get into contracts,” he says.  Most of his nurses have come from referrals which he says are often nurses who are coming off contract, needing a contract or wanting to try out a better company to work with.

Some of his duties include finding nurses housing, fining the best location whether it is northern, central or even southern, CA. In addition, he is able to provide the nurses insurance if desired. He says, “Nurses are great. In my opinion they save lives. And to me putting a great nurse in a hospital that does just that sells itself. Because don’t you want to work with the best people too?”

This year, Wilson hopes to help 10 people find their dream job. He believes that being a recruiter isn’t for everyone. “However if you can multitask, stay extremely focused, self-motivated and do it for a purpose, it can be very gratifying.” He also values his staffing company and vows them to be, “super important.”

Wilson feels most gratified when he receives a referral because it means that he has earned another’s trust and respect enough for them to refer them.

When Wilson is not working, he enjoys hiking in Palos Verdes, playing Rugby, traveling, lifting weights, networking, reading, cooking and going to movies. He thrives most when chasing his passions.

He pays it forward by trying to give as much clothes to the salvage army as possible. “I sometimes feed the homeless when I see that someone is hungry. If you know what it’s like not to eat, this is a small gesture, however having empathy and compassion is the greatest reward. Especially when you know someone appreciates it,” he says.

He has found that the South Bay has the best people in California. “I think it is a group of highly educated, motivated individuals that want one another to achieve success. This doesn’t mean you have to be from the same industry. And let’s face it… You can be in the glamor in Hollywood one minute, Hermosa beach the next and in Big Bear mountains all in the same day.”

Thank you, Wilson, for providing our hardworking and deserving nurses greater opportunities.

To learn more about recruiting and the benefits, please contact Wilson here on his linkedin.

OR

Cell: (310) 707-6476 or email Williamjameswilson3@gmail.com

Wilson’s Websites:

southbaymediallc.com

Southbayyoungprofessionals.com

thefinancrblogger.com

S.H.I.M.A

Shima 0 comments 16.02.2016

Often times I am asked, “Shima, how can I sell my home the quickest?”

My most common response is, “Well, what is fast?”

A home is not something many of us can let go of easily. It is a place where we’ve lived, made memories and held many gatherings in. It’s a part of a chapter of our lives and we tend to grow an emotional bond with our homes. In result, we also tend to idolize our homes anf view them as far more magnificent than others will see them.

Because of our perceptions, we idolize the home and overvalue it at times. The truth is, it doesn’t matter how much a seller loves the property – because it is only worth what the buyer is WILLING to pay for it.

So, I know it’s hard to let go of our homes when we’ve made so many memories, but look at it this way- You’re leaving behind the old, 1.0 version of you and starting over. This is a new start, a new life, a new opportunity, a new luxury.

So, how can you get rid of the old quickest so that you can get the new? Well, it’s all about selling your home in a marketable area.
You may be wondering, “What is a marketable area?”

MARKETABLE is defined simply as: able to be sold, wanted by buyers.

So the ultimate goal is to make YOUR home a marketable place so that it attracts buyers. Of course, your home will not be for everyone, but it may possibly be for someone they know. If you’re able to present a home where anyone can see themselves living in it, you are far closer to selling your home. In order to do so, you must present a home that allows others to paint an image of themselves in it.

Here are some ways you can do that:

 Declutter: 

Your home will be open for viewing at times and if it is filled with too many of your belongings, it may be difficult for a potential buyer to not only see themselves living in the home, but to value it. When we have furniture, boxes, etc. lying around- rooms seem smaller, more crammed.

You only have one chance to make a good impression with buyers, so you want to make sure that they’re impressed enough to write an offer.

 Just as beautiful on the inside as the out:

Before even entering the home, potential buyers will see the outside and we want to make sure the outside looks as good as the inside. There are simple ways to do so- gardening, mowing the lawn, or even adding flowers. Also, it doesn’t hurt to do a pressure wash on exterior walls so that they’re clean and free of dust and dirt.

When your home looks welcoming and presentable on the outside, buyers will want to see what it looks like on the inside.

The price is right!

You don’t show up on the day of a test without studying- you prepare. Prior to pricing your home, you will want to be guided by your Realtor of most recent sales in the area where your home is. This prevents overpricing your home, causing it to sit on the market and going stale. The goal is to price your home to sell so that an offer is received in just a few weeks.

Ultimately, whether you want to move out of your house quickly or have time to relocate- you have to be strategic when it comes to attracting buyers.

You want your home to express to others that it is what they want and what we have to offer is the best!

Here’s to Selling YOUR Home In Marketable Areas.

Bringing Laughter to the South Bay

Shima 0 comments 15.02.2016

Every Monday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place. Today’s MCM title belongs to Todd Doram, who is a freelance television producer by day and comic by night, all while mentoring fatherless children and officiating weddings on his free time.

Todd, 34, was born in Torrance and grew up in Redondo Beach. Growing up, Todd knew he always had a desire to make an impact to a wide audience through media. In result, he majored in Communications and Mass Media while in college. For the past six years, Todd and his friends have been creating TV show concepts and pitching them to networks.

Three years ago, Todd was offered a producing role with Glassman Media and has worked with several production companies since. “The thing I enjoy the most is having an idea that starts in our head and eventually makes it on television,” he says.

Today, Todd is a freelance Television Producer for unscripted TV. His role entails casting, pre-production, acquiring permits, preparing storyline and ensuring the show is as entertaining as it can possibly be!

Just a few months ago, two friends and Todd sold their first show to Animal Planet called “Going Native.” Although they only aired one episode, Todd says, “It was a blast making it all happen.”  Together, they create a storyline and entertainment by having the right cast first, and then put them in scenarios where their personalities can shine.

Throughout the years, Todd has been mentored by numerous coaches and trainers who he claims helped him “to be a stand out college football player.” In return, he chose to Pay-It-Forward by coaching/mentoring young athletes or children in fatherless homes or in foster care.

 Every second Saturday, he mentors four young men in the LA Foster Care system through Royal Family Kids which is a worldwide organization. “We start the day with breakfast, then head to our formal “club” activities at church, then go and find something adventurous throughout Los Angeles to do, something they’ve never done before. It’s important for me because looking after fatherless children is one of the most fundamental things Jesus asked of his followers, but even better than that, it’s really a lot of fun and so rewarding,” he says.

When Todd is not producing television or mentoring young children, he is a stand-up comic at Comedy Clubs, Corporate Events, or even at his Church. He has found that the best part of performing comedy is creating entertainment. “Standup comedy is a huge passion of mine, it’s an incredibly unique challenge and distinct art form. To make perfect strangers laugh is incredible,” he says.

Todd believes that everyone always has some sort of challenge or problem in their lives at any given day.  “The way I see it is we all have some huge challenge or problem in our lives at any given day- cancer, dog died, lost a job, brother drank the last of the milk when you wanted Cinnamon Toast Crunch is really bad, so to get in a room and laugh for a few hours is just wonderful,” he says. He doesn’t know if he wants to make it a career, but it’s something he always wants to do.

Comedy in Los Angeles has the highest concentration of amazing comedians in the whole world. On any given night, you can enjoy a free show, and comedians are thankful for audience members. “Without an audience, we are nothing! So come laugh at us, not with us, I’m talkin’ right in your face,” he says.

One unexpected development in Todd’s life is being an Officiant of seven different weddings, with two more scheduled in 2016. “Years ago, one of my best friends since preschool, Randy Evans and his then fiance, Lisset, asked if I would perform their wedding,” he says.  Because he takes public speaking, entertainment, and the sanctity of marriage very seriously, he said yes. “I think what happened after that is people saw a bunch of Facebook photos from the wedding and more invitations kept coming. Every ceremony is fully customized and is as unique as the love story of the couple. It’s a huge honor and I am very humbled each time I get to do it,” he says.

It is clear that Todd’s humor is contagious on and off the stage, joking that when he is not working, he likes to “dominate burritos, emotionally & physically, so much so they advise their immediate family members of the dangers lurking in the dining hall.” He also enjoys a good Tom Hanks marathon on TNT, and out of respect for Tom Hanks, he watches it live, commercials and all.

He is also an active member at his church in Torrance. “I was invited to King’s Harbor Church around 2009 and have been a member ever since. They are a body of people focused on serving God’s purpose in the community and I am grateful to be a part of the mission,” he says.

Todd enjoys living in the South Bay mostly for its proximity to what he identifies as “World Class everything.” However, he values that it doesn’t feel “touristy”

Thank you, Todd,  for being a wonderful contribution to the South Bay community!

“One final thing you should know about me, is that I think YOU should appreciate the musical stylings of Phil Collins more than you currently do. Even if you’re at 100% appreciation, dig deeper. I believe you can do it.”

– Todd Doram`

 You can keep track of Todd’s shows and where he performs on his Twitter @todddoram.

Giving hope with Jewels

Shima 0 comments 10.02.2016

Every Wednesday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s ‪#WCW title belongs to Bonnie Orona who uses her jewelry business to spread awareness and raise money to rescue and aid young children who are facing human trafficking.

Bonnie Orona, grew up in the South Bay and lived in Torrance all of her childhood life. She later graduated from South High and currently lives in Harbor City. Today, Bonnie is a personal stylist and leader for ViVi formerly Cookie Lee Jewelry.

Her duties include selling fashion jewelry, sunglasses, and scarves as well as building a team. “But my biggest passion is fundraising throughout the community and globally. I have a huge heart to give,” she says. A huge heart indeed, as she likes to help many organizations.

Bonnie uses her ViVI business as a way to help different causes. “I set up my jewelry at events or do catalog fundraisers,” she says. At the end of the event, she donates 50% of her sales to the cause. She has found that this is the best way that she can help a cause.

For over three years, Bonnie had a dream to pay for a house to be built on the Thailand/Burma border by Life Impact International. She says her friend has missionaries in Thailand and has been there for over 14 years rescuing kids that are being human trafficked. “I’ve helped on a smaller monetary scale, but when I heard about this land they purchased and how they wanted to build 17 houses…light bulbs went off,” she says.

She knew she had to be a part of building one of the homes. In result, she pasted a picture of the kids and their needs on her vision board. Today, there are only 3 houses left to build. With the help of Bonnie raising money towards these homes, 14 homes have been built.

Once the money is raised, they will be able to build a house where the children can live and know what it is like to live in a more traditional smaller scale family home. “When all of this started, the kids would be rescued and then they would all live in one massive house. Tons of people in one home…like an orphanage. Lana’s vision was for the kids to live more as a family,” she says. 

She was inspired to help largely in part to her friend, Lana Vasquez. “It’s crazy to think a gal from the valley of Southern California would give up everything and sacrifice her life to be over there in Thailand, Burma, and China rescuing kids from a life of prostitution and slavery,” she says. She realized she was living a comfortable life with her husband, kids, pool, and beaches. Yet, there are kids afraid for their lives and a young brave woman over there risking it all…giving kids a hope and a dream.

She ultimately decided that if she can be connected to something like that, then she would feel like she has received the ultimate gift. She thought if she can sow into those kids lives, then she can help them to bloom into something pretty amazing. Such as, helping them heal from a scary life.

There are two ways others can help the cause:

They can shop for some jewelry and 50% of their total purchase price will be donated to Life Impact International. Her website is www.bevivi.com/bonnieorona.

They can make a tax deductible check out to Life Impact International and drop it in the mail to:

Bonnie Orona: 26315 President Avenue, Harbor City, Ca 90710.

Bonnie explains that the goal is to raise $21,000 by the last day of February. As of this morning, they’ve raised $800.00.

Bonnie would like people to know that Child Trafficking is not just happening on the other side of the world. She says, “It is happening right here in our own backyard. Kids as well as adults are being purchased for sex acts as well as slavery. It is so sad and disgusting.”

She is often asked why she is helping children overseas and not here in the United States. She says, “Why not raise $21,000 for children locally? Honestly, I do help children locally. Anytime I can help a child here…I will. But there is just something inside of me that has been telling me to be a part of this.”

She follows what she calls “a small voice.” She is open to see who she can help by following the voice she hears. “For me, that still small voice is God. And I desire to please Him. Today I believe a community will come together for a group of children on the other side of the country and God will honor us for that. A bigger blessing will come for some kids or even for someone here in our town that decided to sow into this movement,” she says.

When she is not working or finding ways to raise money for the children, she is a huge supporter for Community’s Child- a nonprofit organization in Lomita that houses women and their children as well as feeds 1000’s of children every week in the Lomita, Harbor City, and Torrance area. In addition, Bonnie is a member of The Harbor City, Lomita Kiwanis an organization that supports the kids in the community as well as globally.

Her duties include reading and fundraising for the kids at Lomita Magnet. She says, “I help anyone that I find needs help and wants my help and honestly anytime I hear someone needs to raise money, I offer to help.” In addition, she is involved with a group of women via Social Media called The Company of Women.

She says that they are a group of women that promote Faith in the field. The “field” could be their home, community, or market place. She has found that the Company of Women has helped her to have the faith and courage to raise this $21,000.00. 

Bonnie loves the South Bay mostly for its beaches. “I love beaches so much! I could stay near the coast all day long,” she says. She makes a constant effort to live each day full of Joy and says in the midst of chaos, she chooses joy.

Bonnie, thank you for being a wonderful member of the South Bay community and giving young children hope again through jewels!

“Something has always drawn me into the inner city of the South Bay. I have a huge heart for the homeless community and those that are down and out. Honestly, I just want to make a difference in the community and globally.”

– Bonnie Orona

Don’t get it TWISTED

Shima 0 comments 09.02.2016

Does real estate confuse you? The terms, the process, the numbers?

Well, don’t get it twisted…

I want to take away the confusion a bit and help you better understand some of the frequently used real estate terms and their meanings.

Appraisal: an estimate of the value of property resulting from an analysis of facts about the property. An opinion of value.

As-Is: means that the seller is offering the home in its current condition and has generally stated that any defects known or unknown to them will not be fixed as a condition of the sale.

Backup Offer: The term backup offer refers to an offer submitted by a potential home buyer to a seller with the understanding that the seller has already accepted an offer from someone else. If the first offer doesn’t go forward for some reason, then the backup offer would be considered. If a home is especially desirable it may be that there is more than one backup offer from buyers interested in the home.

Buyer’s market: There are many sellers and few buyers, so sellers must compete for the available buyers, which usually means lowering the prices.

Closing Costs: In addition to your down payment there are a number of other costs associated with the purchase of and transfer of ownership of a property.

Deed: document that transfers title to real property.

Down Payment: The down payment is the money that you will put down from your savings or other sources towards the purchase of your new home. Minimum down payment requirements are different from lender to lender so you will want to research the options that best meet your needs and resources.

Earnest Money: A sum of money given by the buyer, and held in a trust account by the broker, as a good faith commitment to honor the contract to purchase the home. At the time of closing this money will be credited towards your down payment and other closing costs.

Foreclosure: A situation in which a homeowner is unable to make full principal and interest payments on his/her mortgage, which allows the lender to seize the property, evict the homeowner and sell the home, as stipulated in the mortgage contract.

Fixture: anything permanently attached to the land.

Mortgage: a loan to finance the purchase of your home.

Offer: Offer refers to the amount that the interested home buyer “offers” to the seller for the purchase of a property offered for sale. The offer will be written up and formally by your licensee/broker and presented to the seller’s licensee/broker for consideration.

Prequalified: Before you begin your home search in earnest you will want to meet with a lender(s) and get “prequalified” What this means is that your lender will have you fill out an application and then assess your income, credit score, and other financial information and advise you on how much of a mortgage you will be able to obtain from the bank and thus how much you will be able to pay for a home..

Seller’s market: buyers must compete among themselves for properties.

Title: Title refers to the right to ownership of a piece of property.

Townhouse: One of a row of houses usually of the same or similar design with common side walls or with a very narrow space between adjacent side walls.

Will: A written, legal declaration of a person expressing his or her desires for the disposition of that person’s property after his or her death.

Don’t see a term on here that you would like a better understanding of?  Send me a message & I will gladly give you a greater understanding.