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Buying A Home

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The mere mention of the word ‘contract’ leaves many feeling trapped and wary, often rightfully so. The Buyer Agency Agreement, however, is not a contract to be feared. It is important to understand who your REALTOR® is working for and the buyer agency agreement outlines this in writing, making it a legally binding contract. By choosing to work with a REALTOR® and signing the Buyer Agency Agreement, the buyer is guaranteed the very best in real estate service.

Home
Inspections

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Homeowners Insurance

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Reducing
Premiums

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Title
Insurance

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We Know Real Estate

Real Estate Experts

When a seller lists his home with a listing agent they form an agreement which states that the REALTOR® must act for the sole benefit of the seller at all times. Most buyers assume that their REALTOR® is working on their behalf, but without the buyer agency contract the REALTOR® actually works as a sub-agent of the seller and therefore, has a fiduciary relationship with the seller, not the buyer. Without a contract, your REALTOR® is obligated to present a case that will support and protect the value of the property that the buyer is purchasing, but the rules change when a Buyer Agency Agreement is signed.

Once the agreement is signed, the buyer’s agent has a duty to educate the client. The agreement confirms your REALTOR®’s commitment to making the best effort for you by promoting and protecting your interest at all times. This means that your REALTOR® can now advise you of any defaults in the property; defaults which may even cause you to reject the home in favour of something more suitable. REALTORS®must give priority access to their clients and are obligated to use techniques and strategies that help advance the position of their clients.

The Tash Team

Betty ​ Toroyan Tashakorian

Luxury Specialist and Team Lead
DRE# 01403832
BettyTASH-JDixxPhoto-8v3
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Caroline Nonnenmacher

Licensed Real Estate Assistant
and Marketing Coordinator
DRE# 02098819
TASHTeam-JDixxPhoto-160-2v2
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Zach Albence

Real Estate Agent
DRE# 02239555
zach-tash
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Soraya Baloyan

Sales Associate
DRE# 01267643
soraya
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The Tash Team

Betty ​ Toroyan Tashakorian

Luxury Specialist and Team Lead
DRE# 01403832
BettyTASH-JDixxPhoto-8v3
Read More

Ozstar De Jourday

Sales Associate
DRE# 00625377
TASHTeam-JDixxPhoto-140v2
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Caroline Nonnenmacher

Licensed Real Estate Assistant
and Marketing Coordinator
DRE# 02098819
TASHTeam-JDixxPhoto-160-2v2
Read More

Robin De Jourday

Sales Associate
DRE# 01425493
TASHTeam-Robinv3
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Zach Albence

Real Estate Agent
DRE# 02239555
zach-tash
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Soraya Baloyan

Sales Associate
soraya
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Emma De Jourday

Sales Associate
DRE# 02186718
2
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Whitney Cochrane

Sales Associate
DRE#02208612
1
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Home Inspections

Buying a home may well be the largest financial investment you will ever make. Naturally you will want to know as much as possible about the property before you finalize the purchase at closing. It’s important to hire a knowledgeable, independent home inspector for advise on the overall condition of the property. The purchase contract usually requires specific time periods for each inspection, and it’s critical that these time frames be met. Usually the cost for any and all inspections and re-inspections are paid by the buyer. Prices can range from $350 to $500 for whole-house inspections.

Some examples of common inspections are:
  • Structural. Defects caused by poor construction, soil movement, water or drainage conditions, settlement, fire, etc.
  • Environmental Hazards. Including asbestos, lead-based paint, radon gas or any other toxic material.
  • Roof. Can include framing members, decking and shingle condition.
  • EMP. Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing – Should include electrical and plumbing systems, built-in appliances, heating and cooling systems, swimming pool/spas, sprinkler systems and security systems.
  • Termite. Report would show any visible infestation or visible damage caused by and wood destroying organism (termites, water damage, wood rot).


    • Many companies specialize in only one area of inspection, and others will group several together and offer a package price. Whichever route you go, assure yourself you’re getting the inspections you need. Many can be found in the yellow pages or your Real Estate Professional can provide a list of several of each to choose from.

    Homeowners Insurance & Types

    When buying a home, one word you will hear often is “insurance.” As a homeowner you are concerned about protecting your house, your personal belongings and your personal liability. It is important that the coverage you choose provide the comprehensive protection that you need. Homeowner’s insurance protects you and your house against losses from fire, theft, liability, vandalism, water damage, wind damage, tornadoes and loss of use. Earthquake and flood insurance are not included but can be purchased separately.

    There are three types of homeowner’s policies to choose from. A clear understanding of the coverage each type offers will help you select the right policy for your needs. Each type carries a deductible amount you select.

  • A standard policy requires coverage for at least 80% of the value of your home, excluding land and the foundation. It will usually insure your personal property at actual cash value.
  • A broad-from policy is more inclusive than the standard policy and covers additional named perils such as glass breakage, smoke damage, etc.
  • An all-risk policy covers even more than do the standard and broad-form policies. An example of a covered risk might be damage caused to your roof from ice build-up in the gutters.

    Some of these policies offer optional guaranteed replacement cost coverage on your home and its contents. Replacement cost coverage will pay to rebuild your home and replace its contents with no depreciation coming into play. It is important to understand that the replacement value of your home is based on your insurance company’s estimate of the cost to rebuild your home on your property. It is not based on the purchase or appraised value of the home. Most policies have a built-in annual increase of replacement cost coverage.

    • Reducing Premiums

    When purchasing homeowner’s insurance, there are ways of lowering your premium. Most insurance companies offer discounts for smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, dead bolt locks, and whole-house alarm systems. If your home is fairly new, or if you elect to insure your automobiles with the same company, you are likely to receive a discount on your premium. Another way of lowering your premium is to select as high a deductible as you can afford. Raising your deductible reduces your premium. Insurance is the type of service you buy hoping that you will never have to use it. Discuss with your REALTOR® your unique needs and concerns when you purchase the insurance and whenever your needs change. The right insurance can give you a sense of security in knowing that you are adequately protected.

    Title Insurance

    Generally, there are two forms of title insurance. Lender’s title insurance, required by most lending institutions, is normally written in the amount of the mortgage and protects the lending institution from losses resulting from title defects.

    Because lender’s insurance expires when the mortgage is repaid, you may benefit from the second form of title insurance known as an owner’s title policy. It usually is written for the amount of the purchase price of the home. This protection starts the day of the closing and lasts as long as you or your heirs retain an interest in the property.

    Unlike other insurance premiums, your title insurance premium is paid only once, at the closing. By purchasing owner’s and lender’s protection simultaneously, substantial savings in title insurance premiums can be realized. After all fees have been paid and documents signed and notarized at the closing, you will receive a copy of each and, most importantly, title to your house.

    Betty Toroyan Tashakorian

    Luxury Specialist and Team Lead
    DRE# 01403832

    Betty Toroyan brings more than 20 years of experience in residential sales to the team. Guided by a sense of responsibility to her clients, Betty leverages her tireless work ethic, marketing skills and knowledge of interior design to provide her buyers and sellers with a superior standard of support and service.

    A lifelong fascination with home décor and interior design motivated Betty to pursue a career in real estate. Drawing from the time she spent working with top designers such as Gianni Versace and Tom Ford, she helps her sellers maximize their homes’ aesthetic appeal and helps her buyers visualize the potential of specific properties.

    Betty has successfully combined these skills with her attention to detail and focus on developing comprehensive marketing plans. By utilizing professional photographers and implementing sweeping advertising campaigns across the most widely read print and online destinations, she delivers high sale prices for her sellers.

    Having studied International Law, Betty is adept at contract negotiations and highly skilled at working with people of differing cultural backgrounds. An active board member for the French American Women’s Club and a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors, she is committed to give back to the community where she works and lives with her twin daughters.

    Caroline Nonnenmacher

    Licensed Real Estate Assistant and Marketing Coordinator
    DRE #02098819

    Marketing Innovator with a Sales Mindset, Caroline manages all marketing programs for the Tash Team’s portfolio across the La Jolla and San Diego markets.

    Caroline has comprehensive knowledge in creating and implementing marketing programs for brands and businesses across several high-growth industries – including fashion, marketing technology and real estate.

    Originally from Brazil, Caroline has been a La Jolla resident for over 16 years and is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish. She earned a B.A. degree in International Business with a minor in Spanish from San Diego State University and went on to receive an MBA in Finance. As a licensed real estate sales agent, Caroline brings an extensive level of market knowledge and marketing expertise, for both La Jolla and San Diego, to the Tash Team’s portfolio.

    Zach Albence

    Real Estate Agent
    DRE# 02239555

    Connecting Clients with Their Dream Home in La Jolla and Beyond Born and raised in La Jolla, Zach Albence brings a deep-rooted passion for San Diego and a wealth of experience to the world of real estate. After earning his degree with honors in Finance with minors in Entrepreneurship and Real Estate from Santa Clara University, Zach returned to his hometown with a mission: to help clients find their perfect home while leveraging his unique background and local expertise.

    Zach’s real estate journey was formed by his early exposure to estate planning and real estate, thanks to his father, a distinguished local trust and estates attorney. From a young age, Zach was involved in the intricacies of important contracts while working as a law clerk in high school and during college summers, giving him a solid foundation in managing smooth and successful transactions. This experience, combined with his lifelong interest in interior design, architecture and real estate allows Zach to offer clients invaluable insight into how to maximize the value of their homes, with a unique understanding of location value.

    Whether a client is buying or selling, Zach understands real estate decisions are significant milestones. His dedication to providing exceptional customer service comes from years of experience obtained while giving aquatic tours of La Jolla’s coastline in big surf or serving as a notary public for estate transactions during his formative years. Zach ensures every client feels confident and supported throughout the process.

    Outside of work, Zach is deeply committed to his community helping organize local events, participating in beach cleanups, and competing in golf tournaments. He’s always looking for ways to give back to the place he calls home. An avid surfer and former nationally ranked freestyle skier, Zach enjoys staying active and connecting with people through his passions. Client’s of Zach, gain a caring, dedicated advocate who knows San Diego real estate intimately and offers each the opportunity to make the best possible real estate decision for their future.

    Soraya Baloyan

    Sales Associate
    DRE# 01267643

    Motivated by a sense of responsibility to her buyers and sellers, Soraya Baloyan is known for her diligence and professionalism. A specialist in residential real estate since 2000, Soraya has excelled by leveraging her proficiency with negotiating and talent for marketing, as well as her ability to help her clients achieve their goals, regardless of market conditions.

    The results speak for themselves. Soraya earned the Chairman circle gold award for her sales in 2015, ranking her in the top seven percent of more than 50,000 Berkshire Hathaway agents nationwide. She was also honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from The Charitable Foundation, in recognition of her ongoing support for the comunity.

    Soraya is known for providing her clients with concise, thorough information and believes her success has been a result of her straightforward approach, follow through and focus on evaluating each transaction.

    Ozstar De Jourday

    Sales Associate
    DRE# 00625377

    With his trademark smile, record-breaking sales, and soul surfer personality, Ozstar De Jourday has become a staple of the La Jolla real estate scene.

    A native Californian, Ozstar has established himself as an industry visionary, having facilitated multiple high dollar sales including the $75 million dollar sale in the La Jolla luxury MDU market. HIs commitment to excellence and discretion has made him a valuable member of the Tash Team.

    Outside of Real Estate, Ozstar enjoys spending time with his children, surfing the beautiful California coast lines and hiking.

    “I love La Jolla and would not ever live anywhere else in this world, and I have Traveled enough to know.” Ozstar De Jourday

    Robin De Jourday

    Sales Associate
    DRE# 01425493

    Originally from Sacramento, Robin De Jourday has loved seeing the expansion of La Jolla over the past 24 years. Her booming transactions in short-term luxury rentals gave her a significant precedence in La Jolla real estate early in her career. Robin understands the desire to build tangible wealth and will strategically illustrate you the value of working with a member of the Tash Team. Her wish is to make your transaction process “short and sweet”.  

     

    As former Vice President of the Windansea Surf Club in La Jolla, Robin immerses herself in community events such as coordinating volunteers for the San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation. Robin loves La Jolla’s easy access to local community amenities 

    that allows her to connect with her neighborhood organically. 

     

    In her spare time, you’ll find Robin at Windansea beach strolling through the sand or walking her Rottweiler with her husband and grandkids. 

    Emma De Jourday

    Sales Associate
    DRE# 02186718

    A La Jolla native and second-generation real estate agent, she blends a deep connection to San Diego’s community with an enthusiasm for architecture and interior design. Inspired by her family’s success in real estate, she is dedicated to helping clients achieve their dreams, whether it’s finding the perfect home or maximizing a property’s appeal for sale. As a lifelong member of the Windansea Surf Club and a seasoned traveler with strong European ties, she brings a unique global perspective and creative vision to every transaction. Fluent in both English and Swedish, she guides clients with expertise and a genuine love for real estate.

    Whitney Cochrane

    Sales Associate
    DRE#02208612

    Whitney’s expertise is in hospitality. As a guest service specialist at a local vacation rental company and a part owner and operator at a local restaurant, she excels in customer service, organization, and prioritization. She has also worked as her mother’s real estate assistant and transaction coordinator. With over a decade of experience in the industry, she is excited to continue advancing in her career.

    Her innate ability to engage and connect with people is truly remarkable. Her clear, respectful, and professional communication style makes her a valuable asset to any team. Whitney works hard and diligently to ensure that her clients feel supported, encouraged, and understood before, during, and after the transaction.

    Outside of work, you can often find Whitney in nature—whether in the ocean, exploring tide pools, at parks, or on bike rides and walks along the bay with her husband and son.


    Whitney has also been teaching yoga for over six years, which helps her stay mindful and connect with her community. Just as she guides her students into poses, let her guide you… home!