Dani Walker-Brown

Get Your Financial House in Order Pre-approval first: Don’t even start shopping until you know exactly what you qualify for. Pre-qualification isn’t enough. Sellers want to see solid pre-approval from a reputable lender. Know your budget: Don’t just think about the monthly payment—factor in property taxes, insurance, HOA dues, utilities, and maintenance. Cash reserves: Be prepared for appraisal gaps, repairs, and closing costs. In competitive markets, the strongest buyers have extra liquidity. 2. Be Clear on Your Priorities Make a must-have vs. nice-to-have list before you start. You’ll save yourself time and emotional frustration. Location is something you can’t change. Don’t compromise on neighborhood if it really matters to your lifestyle or long-term goals. 3. Move Fast, but Don’t Be Reckless Good homes sell quickly. If it’s the right one, write the offer promptly. That said, don’t skip inspections or due diligence unless you truly understand the risks. Waiving contingencies blindly is asking for trouble. 4. Write a Strong Offer Price isn’t everything—sellers also look at timelines, contingencies, and certainty of closing. A clean, well-written offer from a sharp agent makes a huge difference. A messy contract can cost you the house. Earnest money: be competitive here—it shows you’re serious. 5. Think Long-Term Don’t just buy for today; think 5–10 years out. Will this home still serve your needs if your situation changes? Resale value matters. Even if you plan to stay “forever,” life happens. Buy something that will appeal to the next buyer. 6. Work With the Right Agent You want someone who knows the local market cold, negotiates aggressively, and isn’t afraid to tell you the truth. The right agent will not only find you homes before they hit the market but also protect you from making costly mistakes.

1. Price It Right from the Start Overpricing kills momentum. The first two weeks are your best shot—if you chase the market down later, buyers will smell blood and lowball you. Look at sold comps, not just active listings. Active homes are competition; sold homes show reality. 2. Presentation Matters Declutter and depersonalize. Buyers need to picture their life there, not yours. Fresh paint, clean carpets, and neutral décor give the best return. Curb appeal is huge—you don’t want the buyer to form a “no” before they step through the door. 3. Market Like a Pro Professional photography is non-negotiable. Cell phone pics = lowball offers. Leverage digital (Zillow, Redfin, Google, social ads) and traditional (mailers, open houses, local outreach). Storytelling sells—highlight lifestyle, not just square footage. 4. Be Flexible With Showings If buyers can’t get in to see it, they won’t buy it. The more restrictive you are, the fewer offers you’ll get. Aim to say “yes” to as many showings as possible, even if it’s inconvenient. 5. Choose the Right Offer, Not Just the Highest The “highest price” can fall apart if it’s contingent on financing, a weak lender, or a shaky buyer. Consider terms: cash vs. financed, contingency timelines, inspection demands, and close of escrow. Certainty often beats a few extra thousand dollars. 6. Be Ready for Inspections & Appraisals Most deals fall apart here. If you’ve neglected repairs, expect it to bite you. Better yet, get a pre-inspection so you aren’t blindsided and can address issues upfront. 7. Work With an Experienced Agent A good agent knows how to position your home, handle negotiations, and prevent costly mistakes. A weak agent will tell you what you want to hear just to get the listing—and then you’ll sit on the market.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with clients in every stage of life and every type of property—whether it’s first-time buyers, families relocating, 55-plus communities, manufactured and mobile homes, or luxury estates. My focus is always the same: understanding each client’s unique needs and guiding them through a smooth, successful transaction.”

“Recently, we helped a 91-year-old client transition from the home she had lived in for many years to assisted living. It wasn’t just a transaction—it was an emotional journey. Over the course of a year, we guided her through each step with patience and care, from decluttering and staging to arranging estate sales, gardening, landscaping, housekeeping, and even window washing. She often told us, ‘I’m in great hands, and I trust everything you do for me.’ Her niece, who has been by her side throughout, entrusted us completely as well. For us, this experience was a reminder that real estate is more than contracts and closings—it’s about relationships, trust, and being there for people during life’s biggest transitions.”

“I got started in real estate because I never wanted to work for someone else—I wanted the freedom to control my schedule, my income, my vacations, and most importantly, my time with family. Before real estate, I worked in restaurants and bars as a bartender and waitress, and even spent time working for my dad’s company, NADA Appraisal Guides, where I appraised yachts over 100 feet. While I valued those experiences, I knew I needed a career where I could take full ownership of my future. Real estate gave me exactly that—and so much more. Today, over 90% of my business is referral-based because I treat every client like family. I’m fiercely protective of my clients and their money, known for my no-nonsense style, strong negotiation skills, and the results I deliver. One client once told me I was ‘better than Xanax’—and that might be the best compliment I’ve ever received. For me, real estate isn’t just about homes. It’s about building trust, providing peace of mind, and helping people make one of the biggest decisions of their lives with confidence.”

“I graduated high school in 1987 and shortly after moved to Orange County, where I attended Orange Coast College and earned a business certificate in marketing, advertising, and computer skills—back in the days of floppy disks and dot matrix printers. That foundation gave me an early start in business and technology, and it’s carried through to how I run my real estate career today. While the tools have changed dramatically over the years, I’ve continued to adapt, learn, and leverage technology to better serve my clients and market their homes effectively.”