Question 1

1.  What advice would you give a buyer trying to purchase a home?

Accepted Answer

Start by understanding your budget and your long-term goals, not just what you qualify for. A home should fit your lifestyle today while supporting your future plans. Working with an experienced Realtor early in the process gives you a competitive advantage, helps you avoid costly mistakes, and ensures you understand every step from financing to negotiations. My goal is to educate my clients, provide honest guidance, and help them make confident decisions without feeling pressured.

Question 2

2.  What advice would you give a seller trying to sell their home?

Accepted Answer

Preparation and pricing are everything. Every home is unique, and the best strategy isn't always spending thousands on renovations. I evaluate each property individually and recommend improvements that will provide the greatest return on investment while avoiding unnecessary expenses. Professional marketing, high-quality photography, strategic pricing, and a customized marketing plan help attract the right buyers and maximize your home's value.

Question 3

3.  What types of clients have you worked with?

Accepted Answer

Over the past 23 years, I've had the privilege of helping a wide variety of clients throughout Southern California, including: 

Seniors looking to downsize
Adult children helping parents transition to assisted living or smaller homes
Trust and probate clients
Executors and trustees
First-time homebuyers
Growing families
Luxury home buyers and sellers
Investors
Relocating buyers and sellers
Clients purchasing investment and vacation properties

Whether it's a first home or a complex estate sale, I believe every client deserves personalized service, clear communication, and expert guidance.

Question 4

4.  Describe a recent transaction you are fond of. How did it go?

Accepted Answer

I recently helped an 82 year old sell her family home in Jurupa Valley, which was built by her parents in 1950. It was a big change for her but we made it an exciting one. She ended up moving closer to her son in Oceanside into a 55+ mobile home park, in a home that had been completely remodeled.  This home was also old enough that it avoided property tax and just involved a low yearly registration fee under $100. The space rent was just over $500 a month.  She moved in, bought all new furniture with excitement, and told me she was going to purchase a golf cart to drive around the community. She's also looking foward to attending her great-grandson's sports games and enjoying the cooler temperatures by the coast.  This is what I consider success! Even if I have to drive all over Southern California to make it happen, I love the seeing my clients make a tough change only to find pure happiness.

Question 5

5.  How did you get started in Real Estate?

Accepted Answer

In 2002 I decided I wanted to work closer to home and have more flexibility for my children and programs that they wanted to be a part of. I've always had a love for architecture and was drawn to real estate with the opportunity to view and sell so many various styles of homes. At the time I made the change to real estate, I had worked for a home health agency and it actually has helped me understand more of the process that some seniors are dealing with, so I'm grateful to be able to incorporate that knowledge into my real estate business.

Question 6

6.  Do you have any special education or training that will benefit your clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I am a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), a designation earned through the National Association of REALTORS® that focuses on helping older adults navigate the unique financial, emotional, and logistical aspects of buying, selling, and downsizing.

I am also a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES), providing specialized knowledge to assist  families and estate professionals through probate  property sales.

I addition I am Military on the Move certified to help give back to active duty members and veterans and their spouses.

Dana Malm

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