BINGO!

Shima 0 comments 09.12.2025

𝗔 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱… 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲. 🐶💫

A little over a month ago, I went to visit my sweet friend Karleen and explore Venice Beach. My mom came along, and we were having the best day—until I noticed a puppy with floppy ears being dragged down the street near @erewhon

It was clear the poor pup was starving and completely exhausted. I don’t remember much, except that I started following the man who had him.

I asked if I could say hi to his dog to get a sense of the situation. Within seconds, I realized he’d either just gotten the puppy… or stolen him. I asked things like, “When was his last meal?” and “When did he last have water?” He didn’t know—or care. 💔

So, I asked if he’d sell me the dog.
He said, “Yeah—$20,000.” 🫠

Long story short, he wasn’t budging and walked off. After walking Karleen home, I got in the car with my mom, found them again, and pulled over.

Let’s just say I got him way down from $20K. (I am a Certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert 😏)

After putting him in the car, I texted Steven.
“Hi honey, I know you’re at work—but I just paid a homeless man for his puppy. I’m sorry, I had to.”

Straight to the vet we went, where he met Daphne and was examined. The vet guessed he was about three months old. After a week of quarantine, he finally met the boys—and it’s safe to say he’s officially part of the family. 💕

I didn’t set out to rescue a puppy that day… but fate had other plans. From the streets of Venice Beach to cuddles on the couch—welcome home, Aspen.

Aspen is a type of tree and also, a beautiful, snowy city that seemed fitting for his breed.

Venice Beach is officially off limits for me for a while. 🤭

Working from Home Goals

Shima 0 comments 09.12.2025

𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙷𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝙜𝙤𝙖𝙡𝙨. 🖥✌🏽 👩🏻‍💻 📞⏳

𝗘𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀 are a great option for bare walls that need some accessorizing! This piece of furniture consists of open shelves that allow for displaying small objects and sometimes having an enclosed cabinet as a base.

Eye on the Prize

Shima 0 comments 09.12.2025

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.

Talk is cheap—go big or go home, and never be afraid to walk the road less traveled.

This is your journey and your happiness.
Take back your power by looking back every now and then to see how far you’ve come.

No one will recognize your growth more than you.
Don’t compare, judge, or try to make sense of other people’s journeys. Your only responsibility is to do what’s right for you and to make intentional choices day in and day out to create the life you want. Own your story.

Make it a great day, or not. The choice is yours. And don’t forget to keep your eyes on the prize.

Barbie Dream Home Expectations

Shima 0 comments 09.12.2025

Barbie Dream Homes: Giving homebuyers unrealistic expectations since 1962. 😩

Ah, home-buying… so exciting, yet so disappointing?

This is a reality many first-time homebuyers face. Now mix that with a market that has little inventory — the struggle is REAL. It’s easy to feel burnt out and defeated in today’s competitive market.

Like dating, you might NOT find a partner who meets every criterion you’re looking for. Because of this, many buyers are choosing to remove items from their “perfect home” list so they don’t miss out on taking advantage of today’s lowered rates.

Though purchasing a home can be an emotional process, it requires focusing on practical matters. Such as remembering that your first home is more than likely not your last.

According to data from the @uscensusbureau, the average person in the United States moves more than 11 times in their lifetime. ‼️😯

Think of your first home as a step in the door toward building equity and possibly long-term residual income (hello, refinance!).

Next, remember that a seller is not required to deliver a brand-new home. If the home has been lived in, it will come with a past — possibly some damage and repairs needed. Yes, we’re still talking about homes here. 🙃

Last but not least, please don’t feel discouraged or let comparisons from real estate shows (i.e., @bravomilliondollarlisting, @hgtvfixer, @propertybrothers) stop you from enjoying the benefits of homeownership.

No house is perfect, but taking advantage of building your own equity will always outweigh paying someone else’s mortgage through renting.

Plus, a house only becomes a home with your special touch.

Mrs. Claus’ Holiday Tips for Long Beach

Shima 0 comments 09.12.2025

Long Beach is a hidden gem during the holidays! Whether you’re looking to enjoy a festive drink or hop on a classic cable-car trolley for a waterfront tour that will showcase the best light displays around, there’s something for everyone. 

The tour includes the famous floating Christmas trees of Alamitos Bay, and beautiful Naples Island!

Learn more by visiting bigredbus.com for hours and operation. @bigredbuslb 

Kindness goes a long way

Shima 0 comments 08.12.2025

Real estate is an interesting industry.

Other agents, your colleagues, are also your competition. Despite that, you build relationships with them, and sometimes, if you’re really lucky, they’re willing to help you.

A few weeks ago, I helped a colleague with social media. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but apparently, it meant a lot to her…and today, she left me this sweet surprise.

You never know what someone might be going through. This is just another reminder that it costs nothing to be kind and to offer your support.

“When you get where you’re going, don’t forget to turn around and help the next one in line.” 

First-Time Home Buyer Tips

Shima 0 comments 08.12.2025

Buying a house can seem tricky as there is no one way that is the “right” way. As my trusted advisor and lender says, “Everyone is situated different, and everyone has different needs.”

Sometimes an individual reaches out to me and says, “I’m ways away from being able to buy a home, but when should I begin?” My answer is always the same… now!

A common misconception is that you need to be financially ready to speak to a lender. That’s not true! You may not have enough saved or are working on fixing your credit. That’s all okay and even great!

Speaking with a lender and understanding the home-buying process doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be ready to buy immediately after connecting with them. Instead, it will be a time where you can ask questions, learn your options, and set up a “game plan” that is worked overtime. More importantly, you can create a relationship with this person who will be guiding you along the way and help you make financial choices that best suite your family. Sometimes, individuals realize they’re ready to buy instantly after meeting and other times, it is a few months or even a year or more later.

Meeting with a lender is a way to help prepare you for your ultimate goal of attaining homeownership.
 
If purchasing a home is a goal of yours today, tomorrow, or in the near future… I would be happy to connect you with my preferred lender who can schedule a private meeting to discuss your finances, goals, credit, etc.

They can cover a lot of good territory with you, where there’s no cost, no obligation, no need to run credit…..just as he says, a good old-fashioned consultation. If I can be of help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time.

On the eight day of Christmas

Shima 0 comments 08.12.2025

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… a @sharkhome Detect Clean & Empty vacuum… because dog hair. 🤭 (it’s Toby for me)

Serendipitous Moments

Shima 0 comments 08.12.2025

Serendipity: the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.

Since visiting @fairmontscotsdl , I can easily say nothing has topped Christmas at the Princess. It’s SO good that we are so grateful to have returned two more times with friends and pets.

Be sure to add this amazing experience to your bucket list.

Whether you’re staying at the resort or just popping into to explore the grounds, you won’t regret the trip. Pictures don’t do it justice. If you're looking for a magical experience, be sure to save and add Fairmont Scottsdale Princess to your bucketlist.

They also offer Early Bird Specials each year in September so give them a follow to not miss out.

Shima’s Holiday Home Tips

Shima 0 comments 08.12.2025

Because a little seasonal sparkle can make any home feel welcoming and cozy.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s possible to sell during the holidays… and keep your decor up! So whether you’re looking to sell or host gatherings this season, be sure to follow these simple steps to boost your home’s overall look and feel.

Let in natural light, and keep the vibe warm and welcoming. Cozy sells.