MARCH 2019 N. ORANGE COUNTY

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

Executive Agent of the Month

INSIDE FEATURES Ashley Daniels Meridox

Josh Mohr

First Team Real Estate

Momi Pointer

Finance of America Mortgage

TM

ORANGE COUNTY BRANCH 320 Commerce | Suite 100 | Irvine, CA 92602

Build a partnership with a direct lender that offers exceptional service.

John J. Reed

Mark Martinez

Branch Manager NMLS-391165

(949) 398-3655

(562) 682-0746

Rick Bui

Alan Cipolletti

Sales Leader

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(949) 398-3666

(714) 305-2400

(949) 394-1757

NMLS-302745

Hanh Duong

Eric Miller

Branch Manager NMLS-869516

NMLS-309803

Misty Fisher

NMLS-653005

Therese Franklin

Julie Colangelo

Georgie Corona

Maria Cowie

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(949) 769-7625

(949) 769-7600

(714) 689-9838

NMLS-234887

John Kramer

NMLS-245260

Lynn Nelson

NMLS-288821

Jennie Norris

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(714) 689-9834

(714) 689-9870

(949) 398-3647

(714) 689-9830

(714) 412-8608

(714) 689-9842

NMLS-352080

NMLS-282251

Mario Pierce

NMLS-1151840

Momi Pointer

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(714) 689-9846

(949) 769-7633

NMLS-491911

NMLS-272816

NMLS-282232

NMLS-653022

NMLS-334615

Patricia Redfern-Wright

Thomas Testerman Senior Mortgage Advisor

Senior Mortgage Advisor

NMLS-483924

(949) 769-7582

(714) 521-0039

Senior Mortgage Advisor

(714) 329-8620

NMLS-435148

Jim Thiel NMLS-907893

We offer in-house agent marketing support providing the following services: POSTCARDS | FLYERS | VIDEO | PHOTOGRAPHY Š2019 Finance of America Mortgage LLC is licensed nationwide | | NMLS ID #1071 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 300 Welsh Road, Building 5, Horsham, PA 19044 | (800) 355-5626 | AZ Mortgage Banker License #0910184 | Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act | Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #15499 | Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee | Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company | Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance | Licensed Mortgage Banker -- NYS Banking Department | Rhode Island Licensed Lender.

EXECUTIVE AGENT OF THE MONTH

Mike Weller Keller Williams Realty

19

17

Inside Features

26

4

12

06

Ashley Daniels

Josh Mohr

Momi Pointer

Meridox

First Team Real Estate

Finance of America Mortgage

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

N. ORANGE COUNTY - MARCH, 2019

Editorials

E XECUTIVE AGENT

TM

MAGAZINE

14

Fred Arrias Executive Publisher PO Box 73384 San Clemente, CA 92673 Ph: (949) 297-8323 Fax: (949) 266-8757 Fred@eamag.net www.ExecutiveAgentMagazine.com

32

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

It’s Easier Than Ever To Be A Landlord.

-Joe Edgar

3 Money Habits That Separate the Rich From the Poor -Jim Rohn

City of Hope....................................................34 Finance of America Mortgage..................2 & 35 Kinecta Federal Credit Union...............................11 Michelle Fairless Photography..............................23 NAHREP..................................................................30

28

To Be Successful, Focus On Your Personal Growth -Ramit Sethi

PWAOR.............................................................................16

The Termite Guy......................................................3 Ticor Title Company...................................................36 VAREP............................................................................31

08

3 Reasons Why Investing In Real Estate Is Easier Than Ever -Candace Sjogren

Photography: iPhotography Studio, Michelle Fairless Photography, Rob Paino Graphic Designer: Garon T. Arrias Editorial Manager: Trudy Van Writers: Ben Angel, John Boe, Haley Freeman, Jim Rohn, Walter Sanford, Dirk Zeller, Zig Ziglar Craig Harrison, Simma Lieberman, Chris Widener © Copyright 2019 Executive Agent Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Executive Agent Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

24

Make Greatness Your Goal!

-Chris Widener

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

5

E XECUTIVE AGENT

TM

MAGAZINE

Momi Pointer

Where Lending and Positivity Come Together Written by Haley Wilson Freeman

U

pbeat, energetic and gregarious, Momi Pointer moves through each day with intention. That’s a good thing for the homebuyers and real estate professionals who rely upon her to craft the right financing options for their transactions. A mortgage advisor at

long in the corporate world to understand that her path was that of an entrepreneur. Always one to think outside the box, Momi found that mortgage lending was a place where she could combine her love of people with her talent for solving complex problems. She has been honored numerous times with the Orange County Five Star Mortgage Professional Award.

At Finance of America Mortgage, Momi enjoys the benefits of working with a company that is large enough to offer clients a large selection of product options and weather changes in the market, while agile enough to remain responsive and attuned to personal service.

Further, Finance of America Holding’s three-pronged structure makes it possible for her to deliver consistent service to all key market segments. Momi explains, “We have Finance of America Mortgage, which is set up with all the tools and support to help borrowers have a seamless experience from start to finish with residential ‘forward’ loans. Then there’s Finance of America Reverse which offers their own proprietary reverse product called the HomeSafe product. An added benefit of working for Finance of America is I’m certified to do reverse mortgages and potentially help customers as they enter retirement.”

Finance of America Mortgage in Irvine, Momi brings more than 20 years of industry experience spanning retail and wholesale lending to her practice. Where others lack the ability or willingness to act, Momi is ready with creative solutions that turn renters into homeowners.

The third arm is Finance of America Commercial. Momi teaches four workshops per month on a fix-and-flip line of credit up to $100 million designed for investors only.

It allows investors to draw up to 90 percent of acquisition cost and up to 75 percent of post-repair value. “I recently had a client who bought a property for $80,000 in the Inland Empire. He did all the renovations, put it back on the market for $210,000, and sold it for $220,000 45 days later. And the beautiful thing about it being a line of credit is that if you’re a California resident, you can utilize the funds in the states Finance of America Commercial is licensed to do business.”

Momi learned to adapt early in life after growing up with an Air Force dad and moving all over the world.

“I learned to speak up,” she says, “or get lost in the system.” Despite attending three different high schools, she graduated valedictorian and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from University of California, Berkeley. It didn’t take her

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Through its Two X Platform, Finance of America Mortgage offers clients and business partners all the conveniences of cutting-edge tech without losing the personal touch. “With our system, a borrower can run their own credit and upload documents through their portal. We also have a CRM attached to the system for the benefit of our partner agents. Agents can set up single property websites and design printed material. If they get a lead over the weekend, they can set it up in the system and attach me, and I’ll get alerted.”

Momi and her husband, Larry, have been married for 18 years, and they live in North Tustin with their two girls.

Momi laughingly calls daughters Leilani and Kalena “the Pointer Sisters” and describes them as “complete overachievers in everything they do. I love how much they love and support each other in their activities.”

This world traveler, cancer survivor, wife and mom of two, and award-winning mortgage advisor is motivated to do whatever it takes to make the next California homeowner — and her can-do spirit makes her unstoppable.

“Nothing gets me down,” she says. “Every day you put two feet on the ground is a good day, and I enjoy providing positive solutions to get the job done!”

Momi Pointer NMLS ID 272816 Finance of America Mortgage 320 Commerce, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92602 Tel: 714.423.4129 mpointer@financeofamerica.com foamortgage.com/loan-officer/momi-pointer-272816

©2019 Finance of America Mortgage LLC is licensed nationwide | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS ID #1071 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 300 Welsh Road, Building 5, Horsham, PA 19044 | (800) 355-5626 | AZ Mortgage Banker License #0910184 | Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. This is not a commitment to lend. Prices, guidelines and minimum requirements are subject to change without notice. This document is provided by Finance of America Mortgage. Any materials were not provided by HUD or FHA. It has not been approved by FHA or any Government Agency.

Product not directly offered by Finance of America Mortgage LLC. See your advisor for details. Broker featured in this advertisement is not employed by Finance of America Commercial LLC and their affiliation with Finance of America Commercial LLC is limited exclusively to the commercial loan products they can offer through their broker relationship with Finance of America Commercial LLC. Product offered through Finance of America Commercial LLC | Equal Housing Lender| NMLS ID# 1133465 | Product not offered in all states. | Loans are subject to investor and business credit approval, appraisal and geographic location of the property and other underwriting criteria. Loan amounts and rates vary depending upon loan type, LTV, verification of application information and other risk-based factors. Application fees, closing costs and other fees may apply. * Borrowers are approved for a maximum exposure limit, based on their experience, liquid assets, net worth, and credit score.

Each loan is subject to property approval under Finance of America Commercial terms and conditions. Each property has an individual secured loan.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

3 Reasons Why Investing in Real Estate Is Easier Than Ever Written by Candace Sjogren

8

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

A

ccording to a study conducted by Morgan Stanley, more millionaires today have invested in real estate than any other asset class. While real estate investing may seem intimidating or out of reach, new technology is changing the game by increasing access and decreasing investment minimums.

To get a better understanding for how new and younger investors can begin building their real estate portfolios, I had a phone interview with Joy Schoffler, Chief Strategy Officer at Upside Avenue, a spin-off of traditional real estate investment companies that let’s the little guys in.

ADVERTISING Upside Avenue started 16 years ago as a family office, acquiring multi-family buildings alongside other individual and institutional investors. Previously, this type of investment was only available for accredited, or wealthy, investors, but now Upside Avenue has opened their investments to the public at a minimum investment as low as $2,000.

With the early stage investor in mind, Schoffler recommends the following three tips for getting ahead in real estate: 1. Start conservatively.

The first and most important aspect to remember when investing is preserving money. “Market growth is slowing down,” explains Schoffler. “When you’ve worked hard to save money you can finally invest, you need to be careful to not just invest it anywhere. I recommend starting out by investing with a more conservative approach because I’ve done it the other way and lost.”

“If you adopt the investment concept of compounding -- the process of increasing your return based on reinvested earnings -- you might be surprised what you could earn over time. But you need to be comfortable playing the long, rather than short game. Make sure your investments will perform well in both an up and down economy.”

2. Don’t worry about diversification -- just start.

A lot of people (including myself) are so worried about investing intelligently and maintaining diversification that they never begin investing. Schoffler suggests, however, “If the minimum buy-in is $5,000 for an investment you understand and really want to get into, don’t wait until you have $100,000 built up to participate. If you are fairly conservative with your early investments, you can earn while you learn.”

3. Technology is changing the game and inviting new players.

Before the passage of the JOBS Act in 2012, it was illegal for unaccredited investors to invest in non-traded REIT offerings. The only options were the stock market and possibly a fixer upper if you were willing to endure the hassle of being a landlord.

“However,” explains Schoffler, “since this legislation went into effect, and with the proliferation of fintech [financial technology] that enabled investment firms to serve more investors at lower costs, there are more opportunities to invest in professionally run, institutional quality real estate. And as a result, now large established investment firms such as BlackRock, Carlisle Group and others are launching online investment platforms, some with extremely low minimums.”

“Compared to traditional private offerings, they are also required to file a great deal more information, sharing it publicly through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR). This can help investors in their due diligence, process. The additional annual filings requirements also allow investors to keep better track of their investments, which gives investors way more information about these non-traded REITs.” Information, technology and transparency are removing the intimidating shroud that has historically covered the real estate investment market -- making that leap from saver to investor that much easier for the future generations of millionaires.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

9

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

Nomination Form Nominate a fellow REALTORÂŽ to be featured in one of our feature stories; on the cover as Executive Agent of the Month, or as a special feature story. All candidates must be nominated by a real estate professional. The selection process includes a questionnaire, personal interview, reference check and final approval by the Advisory Council. Candidates are evaluated based upon professionalism, length of service and uniqueness of story, as well as industry and community involvement.

I Nominate: Name_______________________________ Company___________________________ Address____________________________ _____________________________________ City, State, Zip_____________________ _____________________________________ Phone______________________________ Email_______________________________ Submitted By: Fax/Email nomination to: Executive Agent Magazine PO Box 73384 San Clemente, CA 92673 Fax: 949.266.8757 Email: Info@eamag.net Tel: 949.297.8323

Name_______________________________ Company___________________________ Phone______________________________ Email_______________________________

TM

banking done different

If you need

to close, we’re close by.

You need partners that you can count on to help you close. As a local direct lender, Kinecta Federal Credit Union knows what it takes to purchase a home in Southern California – and we have the mortgage solutions to prove it: Jumbo Loans

Portfolio Investment Property Program

• Now up to $4 million • Up to 50% DTI • As low as 5% down

• 30-year amortization, due in 15 years • $871,450 max. loan amount, as low as 620 FICO • 1-4 unit properties • Customized and competitive pricing without Fannie Mae standard loan level pricing adjustments!

Government Programs • Approved FHA Lender • VA Loans

Let’s close the deal – Contact us.

Andy DeLuca Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant cell: 949.291.7189 NMLS# 440903 adeluca2@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/adeluca

Chae “Jake” Kim Mortgage Loan Consultant cell: 714.679.3710 NMLS# 346847 chae.kim@kinecta.org www.kinecta.org/ckim

Membership requirements apply. NMLS (Nationwide Mortgage Lending Service) ID: 407870. Information in this advertisement is intended for Real Estate and Mortgage Professionals only and not intended for consumer use as defined by Section 1026.2 of Regulation Z, which implements the Truth-In-Lending Act. Any expressed underwriting guidelines are subject to change without notice and are subject to Kinecta Federal Credit Union guidelines and all applicable federal and state rules and regulations.

21824OC-01/19

E XECUTIVE AGENT

TM

MAGAZINE

Written by Haley Freeman

JOSH MOHR

F

rom his teen years, Josh Mohr has had the talent and vision to turn his passions into lucrative careers. This SoCal native made his mark as a professional surfer with four U.S. professional surfing titles and brand ambassadorships with global companies, including Coors Brewing Company, Airwalk Shoes and Toyota. In his early twenties, he had the foresight to invest in real estate during the off-

season, fixing and flipping properties himself for a profit.

As he transitioned out of competitive sports, he established a successful company that sells raw materials to aerospace manufacturers. But real estate was the endeavor that called him home. Today, Josh combines his love of California’s legendary beach lifestyle with his unique repertoire of professional skills to help others find their castle on the sand.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

As founder of the Mohr Real Estate Group at First Team Real Estate in Huntington Beach, Josh is back on his home turf, with a practice centered in the beach cities of Huntington, Newport and Laguna. Not surprisingly, he says, “I like to work as close to the beach as possible. Most of my clients are within walking distance or a bike ride to the sand.”

Josh is among the top 10 agents in Huntington Beach and heads one of the fastest-growing teams in the area.

His daughter, Sophia Silveria, joined him in 2018. “I love sharing this with her and building a true family business in our name. I think real estate is an amazing career choice and also an amazing investment platform for young people.

I feel every young person needs to understand real estate, and it’s my passion to share it with them. Sophia has a lot of friends who will be buying their first homes soon, and this is a great opportunity for her to build her business and for me to share my experience and help them do it the right way.”

Josh brings a unique perspective to real estate sales in an area where luxury homes are the norm and service expectations of buyers and sellers are elevated. He chose to build his own brand alongside First Team and its luxury affiliate, Christie’s International, for the companies’ dominate California marketshare and coterie of top-producing agents. “In my surfing career, I found that my growth depends on competition. I thrive on it. I like being around people who are better than me — it pushes me to be the best I can.”

Giving his clients value is of paramount importance to Josh in every transaction. Having made his living in large part through brand endorsements, he understands the need to continually up his game. “To get them, you have to be valuable in the first place. But most lasted for 10-plus years, and that meant I had to provide value over a long period of time. I had to keep reinventing myself and adding more to the companies I represented.”

Likewise, in real estate, Josh brings his ever-increasing market knowledge, his first-hand experience as an investor, and his sophisticated understanding of both sales and marketing. “Marketing really is important, especially when

you’re selling luxury homes. Having worked with some of the largest marketing companies in the world, I understand the creative process and the analytics involved in different avenues of promotion.”

Meeting expectations is another key element of Josh’s success. “In the luxury space, I’m often dealing with very successful people who are also very smart. I have to be open, honest and sharp to gain their trust. I also have to have a huge network, since a lot of the best properties are sold off market. That means I’m generally also dealing with other agents who are good at what they do, and I have to be able to hold my own during the negotiations process.

I’m also sensitive to people’s privacy in the way I show and sell a home.”

Further, the peerless reputation of Christie’s International makes it possible for Josh to reach buyers from around the globe. “I often sell to people internationally, and I have to be able to appeal to them through whatever network they’re used to using, while also being respectful of their cultures.”

With his lifelong connection to the coastal community, Josh is passionate about giving back in meaningful ways.

He is a supporter of Operation Surf, a week-long program that brings wounded veterans and active-duty military personnel to experience the healing power of the ocean.

Finally, it is Josh’s friendly and approachable manner that draws people and makes them feel they and their real estate transaction are in the best of hands. If life in your dream home includes dipping your toes in the surf each day and watching the sun sink into the Pacific each night, Josh is the Realtor® for you.

Josh Mohr First Team Real Estate-Christie’s International Real Estate 19021 Goldenwest St. Huntington Beach, California 92648 Tel: 714.916.2087 Email: joshmohr@firstteam.com Web: joshmohr.firstteam.com DRE # 02026510

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

It’s easier than ever to be a landlord.

Written By Joe Edgar

S

ince 2008 we’ve seen the number of so-called “do-it-yourself (DIY) landlords” increase by nearly 30 percent, driven by new rental platforms like Airbnb and the arrival of technology tools that make being a landlord easier than it was in the past.

Amassing a real estate portfolio has long been a stable and effective way to grow your wealth. Is there any wonder why owners don’t want to sell?

But, it isn’t without challenges.

From problem tenants to maintenance headaches, to the risk of financial loss, owning rental property can be a full-time job. Here are a few suggestions to make life easier for potential DIY landlords when getting into the market.

to sell it (or both) free of capital gains while building a nice little rental business, all while both properties continue to appreciate.

Location still matters (a lot).

It’s cliché, but location really does matter in real estate. For landlords, it’s especially important, because attracting tenants to your property is job one, and renters have the luxury of picking and choosing based on location since they aren’t tied down with their own mortgages. This is another good reason to start by renting out your existing house. You already know the area. You already know the neighborhood.

You understand what the market for your property is going to be because you were part of that market yourself when you bought in the first place.

Your mortgage is an asset, not a liability.

Don’t buy what you already own.

Purchasing real estate can be expensive. From inspections to agent fees, to closing costs, simply processing the transaction of buying a rental home can add up quickly. Why not just rent out your current house, rather than shop for a home to rent out?

Your financing is all set up, there will be no closing costs to pay and you’ll save on commission fees.

What’s more, you already know what the house has been through. You know the maintenance history and what work has been done recently. You know exactly what you’re getting into and can budget for ongoing maintenance accordingly.

Many people grow up thinking of debt as a bad thing. And, when not handled carefully, that can be very true. But, in the case of real estate, the reality is actually the opposite. A mortgage on a rental property is an asset because it’s helping to create new income from that investment property. Now you have additional income that is paying for the mortgage.

The real estate market is tight and looks to get even tighter, in part because of the many financial advantages that DIY landlords enjoy. In fact, the system is all but set up to encourage homeowners to become landlords by treating them as quasi-small businesses with all of the benefits that designation entails.

Understand your primary tax exemption.

This is an advantage written into the tax code that effectively exempts up to $500,000 from capital gains tax when you sell your home, provided you’ve lived in the home for at least two years. In other words, a new landlord can rent out their current house, buy a new one, and then after two years, they’ll be able

14

It’s not a cake walk, but those that know how to navigate the potential pitfalls of the rental market will be able to build solid real estate portfolios, increase their borrowing power and grow their wealth exponentially over time.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

15

WHY CHOOSE PWR? Some of the LOWEST Fees in the area

The Only Full Member Support Call Center in California Direct “Single Sign-On” Access to REALTOR® Tools: Matrix MLS, RPR, and PWReports Flexible Dues Payment Options Including Online Bill Pay Professional Standards Enforcement and RED – Rapid Ethics Delivery Program FREE Education - Easy Registration Through the PWR Mobile App and PWR Website www.pwr.net TWO Convenient Locations to Serve You – Anaheim & Long Beach FREE Informational & Networking Events / Meetings FREE PWR Mobile App & Technology Tools: Everlance Mileage Tracking App, FHA Pros, MLS Touch, ShowingTime Political Advocacy to Protect YOUR Rights Supra Key and Keybox Support PWR Charity Foundation With Grants For Your Military Clients and First-Time Buyers Broker Outreach Team with Free Onsite Tech & Pro Standards Training PWR Store for ALL Your Real Estate Needs

TO JOIN PWR – CALL 714-245-5500 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.PWR.NET

EXECUTIVEAGENT MAGAZINE

Executive Agent of the Month

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

TM

M

eet Mike Weller, MBA, Broker Associate and Team Leader for The Weller Group @ Keller Williams Realty in Yorba Linda. Mike is ranked among the top 1% of Realtors® in Yorba Linda over the past 5 years — and is the number one listing agent in Yorba Linda over that time for highest average sales/list price ratio and lowest average days on market. (*Source: Trendgraphix Top Producer report, all agents with minimum 6 listings sold)

Mike selects team members based primarily upon integrity rather than sales production. “I’m aware that the experience any of our clients, potential clients, or anyone who lives in our geographic farm has with any member of our team is an extension of me and this brand. I want that experience to be constantly evolving and for people who work with us to feel they’ve had the best possible real estate transaction.”

Written by Haley Wilson Freeman - Photography by Michelle Fairless

While Mike is well-known in his home community of Yorba Linda, he maintains a strong presence across three robust markets, including The South Bay of Los Angeles Co. and Las Vegas, Nevada. Wherever he conducts real estate business, his philosophy remains the same: clients come first. His mission statement declares: “We pledge to

be in constant communication with our clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process. We believe that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, we haven’t done our job. We don’t measure success through achievements or awards, but through the satisfaction of our clients.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Mike’s results prove that he practices what he preaches.

Clients offer high praise for Mike and his team, with numerous five-star reviews of his service like the following: “We can’t say enough good things about Mike Weller and his team. They handled everything for us. Moving while having three little ones was very overwhelming to imagine. Mike came in and handled everything. It all went very smooth and was not overwhelming at all. He was available for anything we needed with a very quick response time. We had several offers and got above our asking price! Definitely recommend using him for any of your buying or selling needs!”

“Mike was the agent of our dreams. He is very knowledgeable, thoughtful and sensitive. His integrity was evident in all our dealings with him. We entered this process with no idea what to expect. Mike guided us through the process step by step. He promoted and presented the home in the best and most innovative ways possible. Our house was on the market for only a weekend open house

and the response was beyond our expectations. Mike truly made the selling of our home painless. He streamlined the documentation, negotiation and sale process. It was a remarkably pleasant experience for us.”

“Mike Weller, did an outstanding job selling our home.

His advertising methods were impressive. He sold our house in less than two weeks. Mike is an honest and respectful agent. He is very understanding and goes above and beyond for his clients. We highly recommend him.”

The Road Home Originally from Long Island, New York, Mike earned his MBA from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh with an emphasis in sports management & marketing.

After working successfully in the sports industry for the first decade of his professional career, he transitioned to real estate. “When I was in my mid-twenties, I bought a duplex to live in on the East Coast. My tenant was paying 90 percent of my mortgage, and it whet my whistle as far as what is possible in real estate.”

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Mike began his real estate career in Las Vegas before moving to the LA area with his wife. They eventually relocated to Yorba Linda, which remains their home today. Across all three markets, Mike has chosen to build his business with Keller Williams, a company he says he values for its MBA-style approach to real estate. “With all the training and support, the company provides more than just instruction in how to do a transaction. They teach agents how to set themselves up as business owners with all the systems from financials to organizational structures.

Gary Keller essentially wrote the book on building teams in real estate. The company’s detailed models are always evolving to fit the changing market and technology.”

Mike draws upon his MBA background and applies advanced finance, accounting and marketing principles to

his real estate practice. “When I list somebody’s home, I always tell them it’s a form of project management.

There are all sorts of facets to listing a property the right way, and it requires having a plan for setting timelines and making everything work together to reach the desired outcome.”

Continuous education and self-improvement are hallmarks of Mike’s real estate career. He holds numerous professional designations, including; Certified Condominium Specialist (CCS); Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE); Certified HAFA Specialist (CHS); California Probate Specialist (CPS); Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE); Certified Technology Professional (e-PRO); Short Sale/Foreclosure Resource (SFR); and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES).

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Mike particularly enjoys working with seniors. “There are a lot of unique dynamics and challenges inherent to a real estate transaction for seniors. They are generally downsizing, and there is a lot of emotional stress which the family goes through when a parent has been in a house for 40 years and has to get rid of stuff. It’s overwhelming.

After doing a couple of those transactions, I realized there was a real need in the marketplace for professionals who can give families the help they’re looking for. So I got the SRES designation and took Keller Williams’ own class on working with seniors. Since then, I’ve branched out in the senior community, and I find that even though those listings are much more involved, they are some of the most rewarding.”

by serving on the grievance committee for The Pacific West Association of Realtors® to review ethics complaints. “It’s important to me to do business the right way and make sure people are being treated fairly,” he says.

The Weller Group is also adept at handling related transactions involving revocable and irrevocable family trusts and probates.

If you’re looking for a down-to-earth real estate professional with the expertise to do the job and the heart to do the job right, Mike Weller might just be your guy.

Apparently, Mike’s efforts are getting noticed. Recently, he and his wife were playing at a local park with their young son, when they overheard a conversation taking place between two little boys nearby.

One said, “Who’s that guy over there?”

The other replied, “You don’t know who that is? That’s Mike Weller.”

Mike would like to be the first Realtor® people think of when they are buying or selling a home in Yorba Linda, so he focuses his marketing efforts on cultivating a hyperlocal presence within his own neighborhood. He is an active member of the local Chamber of Commerce and engages with other organizations and events that allow him to meet his neighbors. This year, Mike is giving back ExecutiveAgent Magazine

MIKE WELLER MBA/Broker-Associate Weller Group @ Keller Williams Realty 19631 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, CA 92886 Tel: 714.584.2700 – Cell: 714.989.6176 Email: Mike@WellerRealtyGroup.com - Web: www.WellerGroupOC.com CA #: 01846714 | CA Broker #: 01898399 | NV #: S.0070209 ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Head Shot Session 20 Minute Session Includes: Private Preview Gallery for you to choose your favorite photos 2 Fully Edited High Res Digital Downloads $150.00 South Orange County Only No refunds please Dates and locations based upon my availability

Home - Family - Head Shots - Real Estate Photography Events - Fashion - Boudoir Life Is About The People And The Moments That Take Your Breath Away

Make Greatness Your Goal!

I

f greatness is your goal, whether in your business life, your personal relationships or your own personal growth, here are some guidelines to get you on your way. Greatness is possible! You can achieve the goals you set for yourself and you can make a difference in your own life and those who live and work around you! Set greatness as your goal!

Here’s how: Identify greatness for yourself. While there are some basic generalities that most people would consider great, there are broader definitions of greatness, ones that each individual sets for him or herself. For example, most people would consider Mother Theresa great while only some would consider Donald Trump great. Helping humanity is a broad generality while building a real estate fortune isn’t. So what you need to first do is ask, “What does greatness look like for this company, organization, family or for myself?” From there you can develop values and a mission statement etc. But if you don’t first identify it, you’ll never reach it.

Maximize targeted end results. As Covey says, “begin with the end in mind.” What end results do you want. Be specific.

Come up with all of them. Maximize them. Leave no stone uncovered. Set out for yourself all of the goals or end results you must hit in order to reach greatness. Write them down, memorize them and distribute them broadly (if doing this for a group). Maximize your targeted end results!

Make distinction your endeavor. What is the endeavor of the great? Usually it is to distinguish themselves from the average. They seek to rise above the rest by the quality of their product or service. Everything goes toward the goal of making themselves distinct from the run of the mill. That is their mission. And in doing so, they make themselves great!

Map your effort thoroughly. The three most important words in real estate are “location, location, location.” In reaching a goal, the three most important words are “plan, plan, plan.” Okay, “execute” and “persevere” work too, but go with me here! Too many people wish they would achieve something but never write down a plan for getting there. When I want to go on a long trip I don’t just wish to get there. I plan on how to get there. I get a map, I figure out distances, times etc. Map out your goal thoroughly. This will help you achieve greatness.

Regularly take time for regeneration. Achieving greatness is hard! You will care more, work harder, and take more lumps and setbacks than the rest. So you will need to take time to regenerate so you can fight again another day. Your body needs rest. Your mind needs rest. Your emotions need rest. Your spirit needs rest. I firmly believe that a person who rests well can do more in less time than the one works without setting aside time for regeneration. You may be able to reach goals without rest, but somewhere along the line, you will fall harder and longer if you aren’t regularly regenerating yourself. So take your vacation time this year!

Have a strict evaluation process. Every plan and goal needs an evaluation tool. And it should be a strict evaluation process. This is how you objectively decide whether or not you are proceeding toward your goal. If you have the right evaluation tool and you look six months into it and you aren’t hitting the goals, perhaps you need to change the goal or the way you are going after it. The evaluation process is not to be underestimated in its importance!

Take somebody else with you. True greatness is not individual. The one who becomes great spreads the reward of greatness around. Incorporate many people into the plan and let them eat of the fruit of success. I live in an area that has literally thousands of millionaires created by a company that had a vision of greatness. And while yes, they experience the reward, the rewards then go out many levels through the whole community, from businesses that support our community to nonprofit groups, churches, and schools. True greatness blesses those many levels away.

Learn to party! Party? Yes! What good is greatness if you can’t enjoy it? And not just the final destination but also the entire journey. Be sure to stop along the way and relish in your movement. Celebrate small and large victories. This keeps the sprit high and the big mo rolling! Spend the money, buy the food and blow up the balloons – it’s time to celebrate!

-by Chris Widener

24

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

25

E XECUTIVE AGENT

TM

MAGAZINE

Written by Haley Wilson Freeman

Ashley Daniels A

shley Daniels is a vibrant young professional who brings integrity and enthusiasm to her dual role of RealtorÂŽ and loan officer at boutique Meridox Real Estate and Mortgage. With six years of

experience across all aspects of home lending and real estate, Ashley enjoys the process of helping her neighbors find the right home and financing in the Inland Empire and beyond.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Applying Family Values to Real Estate Ashely grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, where her entrepreneurial parents built a successful heating and air company. She played women’s soccer and earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Hope International University. When Ashley needed to complete an internship for her degree program, it happened that her parents were in the process of buying a home. Their Realtor®, Charles Mackey, invited Ashley to intern with him at Meridox. Ashley quickly realized that real estate was a great fit for her outgoing personality and strong work ethic. She further realized that family-run Meridox provided exactly the kind of team atmosphere and service excellence she had been raised to believe are vital to a successful business.

Meridox has established its reputation across Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego counties with a high-touch service model that emphasizes clear communication and consistent results.

“We’re all Realtors® and loan officers, so we’re a onestop shop. It’s nice because when somebody is looking at a property, I can generally help with all their questions. They don’t have to call a bunch of different people and wait for the answers. The process is streamlined, and clients tell me they value that.”

She continues, “I enjoy it, too, because it helps me get to know my clients better and find a home that is a better fit for them, since I know what their financing is. It also helps me to maintain a relationship and continue providing value in the future. If rates drop, I can let them know it may be a good time to refinance. I’m not just out of the picture until they’re ready to buy a house again.”

help your clients make good decisions, you have to keep up with changes and learn how to adjust with the market. Our company has that mindset, too. We are growing and adding new team members, and everyone has their own expertise, so we can all learn from each other.”

For Ashley, the next best thing to working in her family’s business is working alongside her family by referral. “If I have a home inspection where the air conditioning isn’t working properly, I call my dad and brother to check it out.

It’s great knowing I have a reliable resource for my clients.

My family also refers business to me.”

Much of Ashley’s real estate practice is focused in the Inland Empire, where she has a lifetime of connections to the community. She is also a homeowner in the area, and she and her boyfriend enjoy getting outdoors with their two dogs, Bocephus and Drake. Ashley still plays soccer in a local coed league.

Clients describe Ashley as helpful, knowledgeable and kind. She concludes, “Not just me, but everyone in our company really cares about our clients and doing what is best for them. I like building relationships with people and seeing the satisfaction they get when they purchase a new home or sell a home and move on to a different life. Clients become friends, and I like being the person they trust with their biggest investment.”

From her parents, Ashley says she learned that success comes only with hard work. As a result, she is innovative and never backs down when helping her clients achieve their goals. Recently, when a client wanted to purchase three adjacent parcels, two of which were not on the market, Ashley did the research, contacted the property owners and negotiated the transactions. “My dad always told me don’t take no as an answer. It can always be done, you just have to put the effort in.”

Ashley meets new challenges with excitement and is always eager to learn fresh strategies that will enhance her contribution as a professional. “To survive in real estate and ExecutiveAgent Magazine

Ashley Daniels Meridox Real Estate and Mortgage 8175 E. Kaiser Blvd., Ste. 206 Anaheim, CA 92808 Tel: 909.838.6164 Email: Ashley@meridox.com Web: www.meridoxre.com CalDRE # 01928765 NMLS ID 1238086

TO BE SUCCESSFUL, FOCUS ON YOUR PERSONAL GROWTH

28

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

I

remember grabbing coffee with one of my buddies in New York City. Sunday morning, 11 a.m., I rolled out in sweatpants and a hoodie. My friend showed up in a beautiful blazer over a down vest and jeans. For Sunday coffee!

He looked great. I loved it.

seminar won’t make you a world-class sommelier. But the fact that you’re continuing to learn can only be beneficial.

In short, successful people see learning as a continual journey, not something they reach.

The very best people invest in themselves when they have no resources and when they have myriad resources.

This is a great example of abundance: You don’t save up your good clothes for a special occasion. You look great all of the time. You raise the expectations for yourself because you know you can always buy more clothes. This hit home for me because I used to do exactly that: Save my one cool outfit for a special occasion.

Abundance is one of those words thrown around by life coaches and personal-development authors, but it has taken me years to begin to understand what it really means to me.

I can think of numerous definitions, but here’s one of my favorites: Investing in yourself when you’re unsure of the outcome. Whenever I hear someone ask, “But how do I know this will work for me?” I already know he or she is doomed. Those are the words of a loser.

A winner says, “I’ve done my homework, and this looks good. I’m worth it and I’m smart enough to figure out how to apply this to my life.”

The most successful people invest in learning because they know the process of learning is valuable. Maybe this class won’t make you $25,000 richer, or maybe that wine

This is why I took a class on managerial accounting at Columbia University—even though I have people who run my finance team. It’s why I continue to spend more than $50,000 a year on trainers, teachers and other forms of personal development. It’s why I read at least two books a week.

Some people reading this will roll their eyes and say, “Sure, if I had $50,000 a year to spend, I’d do it, too.” They are delusional. I read those books and went to those meetings when I had nothing.

The very best people invest in themselves when they have no resources and when they have myriad resources.

They’re relentless at getting access to opportunities, whether it means volunteering at conferences or reading every single piece of free material out there.

Those are the people who become so successful they can spend tens of thousands of dollars investing in themselves, continuing exactly what they’ve already been doing for years. That’s abundance.

-Ramit Sethi

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

29

April 8-10, 2019 M AY F LO W E R H OT E L WA S H I N G TO N , D C

N A H R E P. O R G / D C 2 0 1 9

HELPING MILITARY & VETERAN

FAMILIES REALIZE THE

AMERICAN DREAM! 2,600 + VETERANS

EDUCATED ABOUT HOMEOWNERSHIP

1,500 + FAMILIES

WHO WE ARE Established in 2011, the USA Homeownership Foundation, Inc. DBA Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to increasing sustainable homeownership, financial-literacy education, VA loan awareness, and economic opportunity for the active-military and veteran communities.

WERE HELPED THROUGH VAREP CARES

750 VETERANS PLACED IN HOMES THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS

UPCOMING LOCAL VAREP EVENT VAREP Orange County - Golf Tournament September 14, 2018 Tustin Ranch Golf Course 12442 Tustin Ranch Rd, Tustin, CA 92782

66 HOUSING SUMMITS TO EMPOWER VETERAN HOMEOWNERSHIP

WHO CAN JOIN? Any individual regardless if you have served or not. VAREP and its members represent and work within all sectors of the real estate, housing and financial services industries...

WE WANT YOU!

VAREP San Bernardino - Veterans Housing Summit Saturday · September 22, 2018 Check In 8:00AM Event 9:00AM - 2:00PM Ontario Chamber Of Commerce Education Training Room 3200 Inland Empire Blvd., Ste 130 Ontario, CA 91764 VAREP San Diego - Golf Tournament September 26, 2018 Riverwalk Golf Club 1150 Fashion Valley Road · San Diego CA 92108 View the full VAREP Events Calendar at:

https://varep.net/eventsfront/advocacy

info@VAREP.net | w w w .VAR EP. n e t | 951-444-7363 VAREP IS A 501.C.3 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AND YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE. USA HOMEOWNERSHIP DBA VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS TAX ID: 45-2458485

Written By Jim Rohn

32

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

3 Money Habits That Separate the Rich From the Poor

H

ere is an exciting thought! Why not work full time on your job and part time on your fortune?

And what a feeling you’ll have when you can honestly say, “I’m working to become wealthy. I’m not just working to pay my bills.” When you have a wealth plan, you’ll be so motivated that you’ll have a hard time going to bed at night.

So if you will indulge me, I would like to share a simple formula for creating wealth. Here’s my thought on how money should be allocated.

The 70/30 Rule After you pay your fair share of taxes, learn to live on 70 percent of your after-tax income. These are the necessities and luxuries you spend money on.

Then, it’s important to look at how you allocate your remaining 30 percent. Let’s allocate it in the following ways: Charity Of the 30 percent not spent, one-third should go to charity. Charity is the act of giving back to the community and helping those who need assistance.

I believe that contributing 10 percent of your after-tax income is a good amount to strive for.

The act of giving should be taught early, when the amounts are small. It’s pretty easy to take a dime out of a dollar. But it’s considerably harder to give away a $100,000 out of $1 million. You say, “Oh, if I had $1 million, I’d have no trouble giving $100,000.” I’m not so sure. $100,000 is a lot of money. Start early so you’ll develop the habit before the big money comes your way.

Capital Investment With the next 10 percent of your after-tax income, you’re going to create wealth. This is money you’ll use to buy, fix, manufacture or sell. The key is to engage in commerce, even if only on a part-time basis.

So how do you go about creating wealth? There are lots of ways. Let your imagination roam. Take a close look at those skills you developed at work or through your hobbies; you may be able to convert these into a profitable enterprise.

In addition, you can also learn to buy a product at wholesale and sell it for retail. Or you can purchase a piece of property and improve it. Use this 10 percent to purchase your equipment, products or equity— and get started. There is no telling what genius is inside you waiting to be awakened by the spark of opportunity.

Savings The last 10 percent should be put in savings. I consider this to be one of the most exciting parts of your wealth plan because it can offer you peace of mind by preparing you for the “winters” of life. Let me give you the definition of “rich” and “poor”: Poor people spend their money and save what’s left. Rich people save their money and spend what’s left.

Twenty years ago, two people each earned a $1,000 a month and they each earned the same increases over the years. One had the philosophy of spending money and saving what’s left; the other had the philosophy of saving first and spending what’s left.

Today, if you knew both, you’d call one poor and the other wealthy.

So, remember that giving, investing and saving, like any form of discipline, has a subtle effect. At the end of the day, the week, the month, the results are hardly noticeable. But let five years lapse and the differences become pronounced. At the end of 10 years, the differences are dramatic.

And it all starts with the same amount of money— just a different philosophy.

ExecutiveAgent Magazine

33

Our bone marrow transplant reunion is now standing room only.

Each year, City of Hope invites bone marrow transplant recipients and their families to attend the “Celebration of Life” event. It’s a joyous time during which survivors of blood cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia and myeloma embrace their health, their life and each other. It began more than 35 years ago when City of Hope created what is now one of the largest and most successful bone marrow transplant programs in the world. In fact, we’ve completed over 11,000 transplants and, according to national reports, our outcomes are among the best in the nation. The goal of curing cancer isn’t just something we work at. It’s what we live for.

If you have cancer, make us your first call. Or ask your doctor for a referral. We accept most insurance.

800-826-HOPE

COH-0726_BMT_Hem_fp_4c_ExecAgt.indd 1

WE LIVE TO CURE CANCER. Science saving lives. cityofhope.org/bmt

11/25/13 6:02 PM

Contact us today for more information about this exciting program!

Finance of America Mortgage Newport Beach NMLS ID-1071

o: (949) 398-3650 f: (949) 502-3765 npbmarketing@financeofamerica.com FOAmortgage.com/NewportBeach

INTRODUCING

LiveLook Innovative Technology designed to give you 24/7 access to all of your transaction information!

Interactive Preliminary Title Report

What do I get with LiveLook Prelim?

• Escrow processing just got easier • Easy to read summary page including vesting, file number, form of policy and property type • Upload/Return documents through our SECURE Smart Portal • Exceptions are highlighted so the real estate professional knows what is sensitive on the file • Quick link to Documents, Property Taxes, Supplements, Water Rights, Easements, CC&R’s, Grant Deed, Deed of Trust and more • Quick Share feature allows recipients to send the LiveLook to others • Option to sign up for file updates • Provides access to Request CPL, Request Proposed Insured, Order Update and Blank Forms • Realtors can order Property Profiles and FARMS from the system

1500 Quail Street 3rd Floor • Newport Beach • CA 92660 Office phone: 714.289.3300 or 877.888.2842 ticoroc.com • ticortitleblog.com • ticorcommercial.com • ticorhospitality.com © 2018 Ticor Title Company