FAQ
General Questions
Isn’t that conflict of interest to have Integrated Realty Group represent the seller and buyer?
This does not represent a conflict of interest, but ethically, we as agents have the responsibility of explaining it to you. Representing the seller and buyer is called Dual Agency, which means that both the seller and buyer have to agree to the arrangement or the buyer can ask for another agent from the office called Designated Agent.
What areas does Integrated Realty Group currently service?
The Integrated Realty Group team is proud to serve the areas of Irvine, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, and Mission Viejo.
How long does it take to list a property?
It should be right up, although pictures and videos may take a bit longer as they are “reviewed” by the MLS, although it’s likely you’ll see them the same day. That listing will afterward go from there to other sites and platforms, including the brokerage’s own site
Do I have to pay a commission?
You don’t have to pay a fee to a buyer’s agent. In any case, the selling agent has a contract with the seller for a commission. If a buyer comes to them with their own realtor, then it will mean that the selling agent will split their commission with that realtor. So this is how our realtors will be paid.
What is your average sale vs. list price?
When we talk about the list price, we mean it is an advertised price or an asking price for a home, practically a rough estimate of what the seller wants to complete in a home sale. However, a seller can price high or low, or just too close to what is expected, whereas the sale price is the actual amount a home sells for. For more details on numbers, you can call us to 949-680-4491.
How many homes have you sold?
Thanks to our experience on the real state field we have sold over 125 homes.
Does Integrated Realty Group employ real estate agents?
Integrated Realty Group is a tight and efficient team of accomplished realtors offering superior marketing exposure, highly personalized service, and exceptional knowledge of the Orange County real estate markets. Our expertise encompasses all property types; Condos, Single Family Homes, Residential Units, and New Developments. For real estate buyers and sellers at every stage of their lives, we represent the most desirable properties in the most sought-after locations in Orange County.
Buyer Questions
Finding my home
What if I am working with an agent in my house search?
You can do that, but there are cases when working with more than one real estate agent will mean that none of them will put forth much effort as you may purchase another agent. An agent will work harder for you if he or she knows that their skills are solely used. At Integrated Realty, however, we can help you figure this out and find a solution that works for all parties involved.
Doesn’t the seller usually cover all agent fees?
The seller is who pays the fees most of the cases, and typically, the commission paid by you is split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent. As a seller, you pay the commission.
How do I see an Integrated Realty Group home that I am interested in?
You can check our wide variety of homes at our listing on our main website. You’ll see it at just a bit of scrolling on our home page. Click here for the direct link.
I’m interested in buying with Integrated Realty Group but I don’t see the right home for me. Can Integrated Realty Group still help me with a purchase of a home?
Yes we can! At Integrated Realty we are always ready to help you as much as we can so you can achieve any of your real estate goals, whether to find the home of your dreams, to manage any type of property, or help you sell or rent any property you might have.
Buying my home
What financial docs to I need to buy a home?
Finding the right documentation can be an exhaustive part of the whole process of buying a house, as it is essential to have a successful paperwork. Here are the docs you need to have before buying a house.
Mortgage Pre-Approval/Pre-Qualification
A pre-qualification/pre-approval letter will usually need to contain:
- Name of seller or owner (or the name of the co-buyer)
- Date of issue (ideally within 60-90 days of the offer date)
- The amount of the load approved
- The lender’s name
- NMLS number of lender
Proof of Funds
Valid proof of funds documents could be:
- Several months worth of bank statements
- A healthy and open line of equity credit
- The copy of your money market account balance
Proof of funds documents, usually need to have the following information clearly visible:
- The name of buyer or seller (or the name of your co-buyer)
- Date of issue (ideally within 60-90 days of the offer date)
- Name of the financial institution
- Current amount at your disposal
If you have any doubts regarding the specifications of these documents, you can contact our Integrated Realty Group team anytime at 949-680-4491.
What is home sale contingency?
It’s a protection for the buyer of a home that means the seller will not get charged a fee or anything until the sale of their original home goes through. It’s a type of contingency clause common in real estate sales contract (or an offer to purchase real estate). When the home sale contingency is locked in, it means the transaction depends (or contingent) on the sale of the buyer’s home.
The most common use of this contingency is when somebody needs to sell their home in order to buy a new one. So if the sale of your current home falls through, a Home Sale Contingency will let you get out of your home purchase agreement.
What is an earnest money deposit (EMD)?
This a deposit made to a seller that represents a buyer’s good faith to buy a home, which once deposited, the funds are held in an escrow account until closing, and when this happens, the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) is applied to the buyer’s down payment and closing costs.
Will Integrated Realty Group handle all of my paperwork?
Once you have all the official documents you need to start any process real estate-related, you can leave all that’s left to us; even if you don’t have them, we can guide you through it. At Integrated Realty Group we handle your paperwork as best as we can to give you answers and resolutions as quick as possible.
Which inspections should buyers consider?
If you’re a home buyer, you have from 7 to 15 days to conduct your inspections on the home. The inspections that buyers should consider are:
- General home inspection (price range: $250 – $1,000 depending on Sq. Ft.)
- Termite/Pest inspection (price range: $80 – $150 depending on Sq. Ft.):
- Sewer line (price range: $250 per sewer line)
- Structural (price range: $450 – $750 depending on Sq. Ft.)
- Geological (price range: around $1,000)
- Chimney (price range: $250 for 1 chimney)
- Survey (price range: $1,000 – $8,000)
- Drainage (price range: around $250)
- Pool (price range: around $300)
- Mold (price range: $600 – $4,000 depending on number of samples)
- Radon (price range: around $200)
How long does the home buying process take?
We’re quick, but only as quick as your lender can let us be. This means that some buyers typically close from anywhere between 20 to 30 days after the contract is signed. Any questions about the buying process? Please call us to 949-680-4491.
Do you negotiate on the price?
We’ll work with you to find a price that’s fair for both parties. You can make an offer on one of our homes through our phone or the website. Once you’ve made an offer, we’re typically able to get in touch within 48 hours or less.
How do I close the deal on a home? How does Integrated Realty Group handle inspections, appraisals, and getting a mortgage?
When closing a deal on a home the usual steps to take are:
- Open Escrow
- Conduct A Title Search & Get Insurance
- Hire An Attorney
- Negotiate Junk Fees
- Conduct A Home Inspection
- Consider Subsequent Negotiations
- Remove Contingencies
- Final Walkthrough
- Sign The Papers
As for the process of the appraisal, inspections, and getting a mortgage, Integrated Realty Group handles them at your pace. We can help you unravel al doubts you might have and help you with the execution of all steps needed to buy, rent, or sell a property.
Seller Questions
Listing my home
How does selling to Integrated Realty Group work?
There are several steps, which starts with you asking for information, at no charge, then we move the process at your own pace and on your command. We don’t even list your home on the market until you’re ready. At Integrated Realty Group, you won’t have to worry about listings, showings, or uncertainty, as we will get listings and showings going, and take away any worries about the process you might have. A less stressful sale awaits for you here, at Integrated Realty Group.
The selling process works in three simple steps:
- Request an offer
Enter your address at integrated-realty.net, and let us know some basic info about your property. Afterward, you’ll get an offer supported by a local real estate expert and current market data. We promise it will be a competitive offer. The offer will detail every cost in our service, from service charge to closing costs, and even come up with estimates for repairs. All this is free! There’s no obligation.
- Free home condition assessment
You can e-sign the purchase agreement online once you’re happy with the offer we provide you. The next step is then a condition assessment, which then leads to you agreeing on any repairs that need to be made. Of course, you can choose to do the repairs yourself, and just send us photos and the proper paperwork after they’re complete.
- Close when you’re ready
Don’t stress over the closing process, as we’ll walk you through it. Even pick your closing date—the timeline is up to you. And you get paid within a few days after it closes.
Does someone come out to value my home?
At Integrated Realty Group we typically make an offer within 1-2 business days without needing to send someone to your home. Our offer is based on the information you provide about your home, current market trends, and recent comparable home sales.
Compared to industry average, how quickly do homes sell on Integrated Realty Group?
We can sell homes twice as fast the industry standard, without sacrificing quality of service, security, or results.
What if I want to sell a home that is currently being rented out?
The simple answer is yes; you can do it, you can sell a property with a tenant still living in it. In almost all of the United States, laws give the tenant the right to remain living in the property for the rest of the term stated by the lease and the tenant’s rights continue after the sale if the lease is in force.
How do I list my home with Integrated Realty Group?
You call us as soon as you’ve made the decision, our goal is to list a home and have the best candidates for it. You decide if you want your home listed, and Integrated Realty Group will take care of strategic marketing and paperwork with the documents you provide to us. Say goodbye to stress and let us handle all the hard work when it comes to listing your home and giving you advice.
Marketing my home
Will Integrated Realty Group host my open house?
Yes, we can help you with your open house. We can organize all that’s in our hands to make the best out of this event, that’s a key part in the whole process.
What if I get an offer I am not happy with?
Our goal is to value your home at a truthful and fair market price. Having said that, we want to make sure the offer takes into account everything special in your home. So if something is missing, don’t hesitate to point it out or remind us to include it in any value. At Integrated Realty Group we’re happy to learn more about your home and reassess.
Closing on my home
What is escrow?
Escrow, in real estate, is when a third party different from the buyer or seller, is in charge of the buyer’s deposit as well as the deed to the house until closing. They’ll gather all the documents needed to complete the purchase of a home from legal documents to records of transactions. They are also responsible for distributing funds based on the instructions of the buyer and seller.
How does Integrated Realty Group handle contingencies such as if I bought a new home and I need to sell my old home in a short time frame?
When a property is marked as contingent, then it means that is already under contract and that is “contingent” upon something, whether it is financing, inspections, or even the sale of the buyer’s home. Due to this, it is important to talk this through to our team of agents in case you want to make a backup offer.
What if Integrated Realty Group is not able to sell my home?
Buyers and sellers can get accustomed to realtor agencies working for “free” that they become suspicious when fees are incurred, and the home has not sold or purchased. But the truth is that even if the house didn’t sell, the real estate still “worked” and may have included compensation for this in the listing agreement. But if a home isn’t selling, we are committed to creating new strategies so the selling of your home can be successful, and we don’t ditch our clients unless the client is willing to cut our relationship for personal matters.
When do I need to move out of the house?
You can move out before the sale. If we manage to sell your house, this option is the easiest way to prepare a home for the market. If the sale takes unexpectedly longer than anticipated, the cost of two mortgages may outweigh the bump in price the seller might receive for selling an unoccupied house.
Property Management Questions
Owners
What do I need to get Integrated Realty Group to manage my property?
Visit our homepage and call us at 949-680-4491 we’ll tell you everything you need and all the details to hire us as your designated property managers.
Will I have to worry about taxes?
We will collect any taxes that are required of your home, put them into your owner account, and remit on your behalf. Each reservation has taxes added to the amount of the rental.
Ok, I’m interested, what do I do now?
Let us know you’re interested by calling us at 949-680-4491, or through an email or our mailbox. You will get a dossier or package with basic information for our management staff and we’ll get back to you immediately.. We’ll send you a management agreement and/or schedule a “no obligation” appointment to meet you at your property for an overall assessment.
How quickly can you lease my property?
It takes time and patience to get the best tenant for your property. A lot of factors matter when it comes to leasing any place, from time to location, and season to price. But, we, of course, know that you need that income as fast as possible, we do our best. We can assure you that there’s no better team than the one at Integrated Realty Group to give it a try.
How much will my property rent for?
Just like getting a good tenant, the amount your property rents for depends on location, size, amenities, market, and other factors. Just ask for a no obligation rent analysis on our behalf, for free! We’ll give you an estimate on your property for lease. Send us a message in our contact us section, or by calling us to 949-680-449.
What are your fees?
Integrated Realty Group charges around 7% of collected income depending on the size and type of property. These fees cover every service we offer.
See our services page for more information.
Do I need to do my guests’ laundry (e.g., towels, linens, etc.)?
No, at Integrated Realty Group, we have the best property management team that will take care of all those chores you may not have time for. Once you’re with us, we make the effort of maintaining an impeccable relationship between both parties, and this includes some of the services provided to tenants.
Do I need to have my own housekeeper?
If you wish to you can, but it’s not necessary, as we can provide you with staff that’s trained to be an expert in all different areas, including housekeeping, so tenants can have a better experience in your property.
How do guests interact with Integrated Realty Group?
Whenever there’s an opportunity to interact with guests, the team at Integrated Realty will provide kindness above all, and will approach all issues with professionalism and care. We are all about getting things right in a way that doesn’t affect any of the parties.
What happens if there is a guest emergency?
They can call us directly, so you don’t have to take care of these situations, only if it’s strictly necessary.
What is a 1031 exchange and how does it work?
It allows you to avoid paying capital gains taxes when you sell an investment property and reinvest the proceeds from the sale within certain time limits in a property or properties of like kind and equal or greater value. It gets its name from Section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
I have insurance through my HOA, why do I need a separate policy?
Not necessarily. Once you buy a condominium or any shared-space property, you join a homeowners association (HOA), and the insurance you get from paying HOA fees, is enough most of the times to cover expenses in the entire property, although you can look into getting insurance for your belongings inside your unit.
My property has a pool. Is that a problem?
It doesn’t have to be. Pools are high maintenance and so can be risky investments in that regard, but if you manage them properly, they are excellent value adders for your property. We strongly recommend, of course, safety fences and a monthly pool service.
Tenants
How do I know homes are legitimate vacation rentals?
Be sure to know that at Integrated Realty Group we:
- Are a reliable vacation rental company that offers protection policies and guarantees.
- Offer legal vacation rental homes
- Consider the insurance implications and work with homeowners and renters that count with insurance policy
- Can answer all the questions you might have in one call
- Do constant check-ups on rental homeowners, and more.
You can trust us 100% as all our work is backed up by years of experience, and an incredible team to let you be sure a home is listed as a legitimate vacation rental.
We are married. Do we need still need to submit separate applications?
Regardless of marital status, in order to generate screening reports, each applicant needs to submit a separate application. This means the corresponding screening fee will need to be paid per individual application.
It is important to note that the landlord decides to require screening of some or all residents.
Who has to be listed on Integrated Realty Group’s rental agreement?
It’s not unusual for a landlord to require that every person living in a unit is named on the lease agreement. This serves as a legal protection for both the landlord and the tenants. A landlord has a right to know who and how many people are living in the property, and all persons mentioned in the lease agreement have tenant rights.
How long does it take to get my security deposit back?
Most states require landlords to refund security deposits they collect within a certain time frame after the tenancy ends; but in California, the date is 21 days after the tenancy ends (Civil Code Section 1950.5 (g) (3)); and cannot be non-refundable (Civil Code Section 1950.5(m))
What if the owner of my property decides he/she wants to sell my property?
You are protected by tenant’s rights that include oral agreements, a fixed-term lease, and the right of checking your state Landlord-Tenant Laws.
First of all, you are obligated to pay rent to your current landlord until they sell the property. But after that, two things can happen:
If the new homeowner decides to continue renting out the property, everything is practically the same for you, the tenant, and just keep paying the new landlord under the same agreement.
If the new homeowner decides to no longer rent, they still have to abide by the old agreement, and they can’t evict you if you still are paying rent. They have to give out notice and wait until the agreement expires, and not renew.
About Integrated Realty Group
Integrated Realty Group is a specialized real estate brokerage — we broker not only residential, but commercial, industrial, agricultural, and other specialty types of real estate. Our mission is to provide our clients with an edge in today’s highly competitive real estate market by providing superior services that not only maximize value, but create it. Don't be afraid to let us know how we can assist in your real estate needs...Read More
Testimonial
“Melody was a pleasure to work with. She is thoughtful, patient and well informed. What I enjoyed about working with her is that she made the stressful process of home buying simple and fun. I'm definitely recommending Melody to my friends and family for all their real estate needs.”