John Yasko

1. Get Your Finances in Order. Know your budget, don’t just rely on what a lender says you qualify for—decide what monthly payment you’re comfortable with. Save for upfront costs such as down payment, closing costs (2–3% of purchase price), moving expenses, and reserves for future repairs or emergencies. Also, check your credit score, a higher credit score often mean better loan terms. 2. Understand Your Loan Options - Explore different mortgage types you may be eligible for (conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo) to find what fits your situation. You will want to get "pre-approved" before house hunting and making offers, this shows sellers you’re serious and helps you stay within budget. 3. Work with the Right Professionals. If you don't choose me, choose an experienced real estate agent who knows your target area and will advocate for you. I have a roster of trustworthy vendors like a home inspector. 4. Be Clear on Your Needs vs. Wants. Make a priority list, narrow down location, number of bedrooms, commute time, school district, lifestyle amenities. Expect to compromise, few homes will check every box. 5. Think Long-Term, plan to stay at least 5–7 years to build equity and offset transaction costs. Consider potential resale value, look for properties with features broadly appealing to future buyers such as a good location, or functional floor plan. What you like or dislike, may be the same for the next buyer. 6. Don’t Skip Inspections. One of my home inspector says, inspections are your friend, and save you money in the end! Always get a professional home inspection. Use it to uncover issues, negotiate repairs, or adjust your offer. 7. Protect Yourself in the Contract. Make sure you understand contingencies (financing, appraisal, inspection). Don’t waive protections just to “win” a house unless you’re financially prepared to take on those risks, no matter how tight the inventory may be. 8. Stay Grounded During the Process. Don’t let emotions push you over budget. Remember, the perfect house doesn’t exist—you want the right house.

1. Price Strategically. Avoid overpricing or what I call "aspirational pricing", it can cause the home to sit on the market, leading to significant price reductions later. Rely on data, not emotion by using recent comps, market trends, and my personal analysis to set the right number. Ultimately it is the Seller's choice but I will help you make smart decisions. 2. Prepare Your Home. Declutter & depersonalize, Buyers should envision their life in the home. Follow up on repairs & upgrades, fix obvious issues (such as leaks, paint, landscaping) and consider cost-effective updates (flooring, kitchen, baths) that boost value. And, take advantage of professional staging, professionally staged homes sell faster and for more money. 3. Market Aggressively. Professional photography and film or video. First impressions happen online—this is non-negotiable. High-end marketing plan would include films, reels, property websites, social media campaigns, and exposure across MLS + global syndication. Additionally, I leverage our network as Coldwell Banker's #1 team in CA and Orange County, this includes Agent-to-Agent marketing and buyer outreach before the home even hits the market. 4. Timing & Showings. First launch matters:, the first 2–4 weeks are critical. We maximize activity at the start. Flexible showings: The easier it is to see your home, the more buyers you attract. 5. Negotiation & Offers. Evaluate the whole offer, not just price, look at terms, contingencies, buyer strength and qualifications, and timelines. Then, counter strategically, small adjustments can protect your net and move you toward closing. 6. Inspections & Escrow: Be proactive. You may consider a pre-listing inspection to avoid surprises and have an wood destroying pest inspection (termite). It is important to stay realistic, every home has issues; focus on resolving what matters most to buyers. 7. Keep Your Emotions in Check. Selling a home is personal, but treat it like a business decision. Lean on me, your agent to buffer the negotiations and protect your bottom line.

I have worked with all kinds of sellers, including sellers or buyers relocating for their corporation, those staying local but upgrading, or downsizing empty nesters, trusts or siblings who have inherited a property, divorcing couple, young professionals, those starting a family, newlyweds, people that are experiencing a serious illness or death in their family. And I have worked for developers, investors, home flippers.

After a lengthy corporate career and managing hundreds of employees and serving others, I chose a real estate career. I majored in Finance at USC with an emphasis on real estate investments, and two, I wanted to be a solopreneur, and work where I live.

Yes, my background reflects significant professional training and leadership development, in my prior corporate career. Additionally, I have leadership training through service: Treasurer, President-Elect, and now 2025 President of the Newport Beach Association of REALTORS® (NBAOR), plus C.A.R. State Director—that’s ongoing governance, ethics, and policy training in action. I also have served on multiple boards, which has provided regular exposure to risk management, professional standards, and operations. Sales and marketing mastery, a corporate management career at Enterprise Mobility Enterprise/Alamo/National Rent-A-Car brands, 16+ years with the Tim Smith Real Estate Group, Coldwell Banker Realty, #1 sales-volume team in Orange County and the state of CA which has provided deep practical training in pricing strategy, negotiations, and high-end marketing (property films, digital campaigns, social media, print advertising). I am also a member of BNI and my involvement has resulted in holding leadership positions, consistent training in referral generation, presentations, and relationship selling. I have received recognition as validation: 2023 Newport Beach REALTOR® of the Year—peer-reviewed acknowledgement of professionalism and contribution. And also earned Coldwell Banker's highest achievement, named a Real Estate All-Star by Orange Coast Magazine.