Think homeownership has slipped out of reach? We sit down with San Clemente–based realtor Lisa Marino to cut through the noise and show how first-time buyers and cautious investors can still make smart moves right now. Lisa’s path from mobile notary and loan signing pro to licensed agent gave her a rare view of the back end of real estate—how loans get approved, why contracts stall, and what separates smooth closings from stressful ones. Earning her license in 2019 and pushing through the COVID shock, she built a calm, practical playbook that helps clients act with confidence instead of waiting for a “perfect” market.

We break down the myths around interest rates and affordability with simple, real-world strategies: rate buydowns, seller credits, low down payment programs, and house hacking to offset monthly costs. Lisa shares how to think in terms of monthly comfort rather than headlines, why pre-approval is power, and how local market knowledge across San Clemente and Huntington Beach can sharpen offers and avoid surprises. We also explore the human side of the process—relationship-based marketing, quarterly community networking, and the value of living where you serve. From neighborhood nuance to negotiation tactics, this is a grounded guide to buying, selling, or renting with less stress and more clarity.

If you’re ready to stop paying someone else’s mortgage and start planning your next move, tune in, take notes, and share this with a friend who needs a reality check on real estate. Visit www.EllysaMarino.com or call 714-580-2029. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the biggest myth you want us to unpack next.