Open Doorways Realty and Lending

04/07/2026

🚨 Homebuyers — this is HUGE 🚨

If you’ve been thinking about buying but feel stuck because of high rates or down payment, this program might be exactly what you need 👇

🏡 CalHERO Home Buyer Program

💥 What makes this special:
✔ Reduced interest rates
✔ Forgivable grant + down payment assistance options
✔ Prioritized processing (yes, faster closings 👀)
✔ Flexible guidelines
✔ Possible cash rebate or credit at closing

👉 This program is designed for:
👮 Law Enforcement
🚒 Firefighters / EMS
🎖 Military & Veterans
🏥 Nurses
🍎 Teachers & Educators

💡 Translation:
You may be able to buy sooner, with less out of pocket, and better terms than you think.

If you’ve been waiting for “the right time”…
👉 This could be it.

📩 Message me “CALHERO” or DM me directly

No pressure. Just real info 👍

04/06/2026

01/26/2026

🏡 California Dream For All – 2026 Application Timeline & Benefits 🏡

If you’ve been dreaming of owning a home in California, this state program could be a big step toward making it happen — especially with up to $150,000 available for down payment assistance!

📅 2026 Application Window:
➡️ Applications open: February 24, 2026
➡️ Deadline to apply: March 16, 2026
➡️ After the window closes, applicants are entered into a lottery to be selected for assistance.

Program benefits include:
✨ Up to $150,000 in down payment/closing cost assistance
✨ No monthly payments on the assistance itself
✨ Helps reduce upfront cash needed so you can buy sooner
✨ Shared appreciation loan — you repay the original amount plus a portion of future home appreciation when you sell, refinance, or pay off

Who it’s for:
✔️ First-time homebuyers (and at least one borrower must be first-generation)
✔️ Must meet income limits and qualify for a first mortgage
✔️ Assistance is allocated randomly through a lottery system due to high demand

This program can be a powerful tool — but preparation is key. Getting pre-approved with a CalHFA-approved lender and having your documents ready before Feb 24 makes you ready to act when applications open.

📩 Message or call/text 714-222-7711 me if you want help understanding eligibility or getting connected with a lender who specializes in this program!

01/26/2026

✨ Welcome to the team! ✨
We’re excited to welcome Nate Bissonnette to Open Doorways Realty! While new to real estate, Nate is backed by a broker with over 20 years of experience, ensuring clients receive knowledgeable guidance, strong support, and trusted expertise every step of the way.

Fresh perspective + seasoned experience = a great combination. We’re so happy to have you on board and can’t wait to watch you grow! 🏡

01/06/2026

📣 Attention California Homebuyers! — California Dream For All Program Coming Back in Early 2026! 🏡

California’s Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan program is reopening in early 2026, offering a huge opportunity for qualified first-time homebuyers to get help with their down payment and closing costs.

✨ Program Highlights:

Provides up to 20% of the home’s purchase price (maximum of $150,000) that can be used toward down payment and/or closing costs.

Assistance is in the form of a shared appreciation loan — meaning you don’t make monthly payments on this portion, and repayment occurs when you sell, transfer, or pay off your home loan (plus a share of the home’s appreciation).

Eligible buyers are selected by a randomized lottery (not first-come, first-served) — so preparation is key!

👥 Who Can Qualify?

All borrowers must be first-time homebuyers.

At least one borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer (meaning neither parent owned a home).

Buyers must meet income and residency requirements for the county where they plan to buy.

💡 What to Do Now:
🏠 Start preparing today!
✔ Contact us now to discuss pre-approval and eligibility.

✔ Gather documents like ID, proof of income, and other required paperwork.

✔ Learn about county income limits and program details so you’re ready when registration opens.

This is a major opportunity for first-time and first-generation homebuyers in California to make their homeownership dreams a reality — and we’re here to help you every step of the way! 🗝️

👉 Ready to get started? Reach out to us today to begin the process and get prepped for your Dream For All application!

01/06/2026

🏡✨ Closing after closing after closing… ✨🏡

Open Doorways Realty has been busy this last quarter, and we couldn’t be more grateful. From first-time buyers getting the keys 🔑 to families upgrading into their next chapter, these homes represent a lot of hard work, trust, and happy endings.

This is what we love most—guiding our clients from “just looking” to “we’re HOME.” 💛

Huge congratulations to all of our amazing buyers and sellers. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your journey!

If buying or selling is on your 2026 vision board 👀—we’re ready when you are.

01/06/2026

Congratulations to the Anthony family on the purchase of your first home! 🏡🎉
Such an exciting milestone—here’s to new beginnings, cozy nights, and countless memories made under this roof. Welcome home! 💛🔑

🏠✨

01/06/2026

Congratulations to the Khey family on the purchase of their first home! 🏡✨
Such an exciting milestone, and we’re so honored to be part of this journey with you. Wishing you endless memories, laughter, and love in your new place. Welcome home! 💛🔑

🏠🎉

05/12/2025

Sometimes in real estate, you lose a listing—and that’s okay.

A few years ago, a client asked me to list his home at a price I felt was too high. I gave him my honest opinion, even though it wasn’t what he wanted to hear. He chose to take the home off the market and eventually relisted with another agent at a lower price. The home sold.

Just this week, I received a phone call from a lady who was referred to me by this client's wife. I messaged his wife to thank her for the referral. A few minutes later I receive a message from him saying I was the first person who came to mind when referring someone—and that one of his biggest mistakes was not keeping me as his agent. That hit me.

I may not always say what clients want to hear, but I will always tell them what they need to hear to protect their best interests.

I’m in this business for the long haul—relationships over transactions, always. 💛

04/24/2025

I’m truly privileged to work with such wonderful clients.

See more: https://www.realsatisfied.com/Joelle-Lazaga-1

04/23/2025

📢 Orange County Real Estate Market Update – April 2025

The Orange County housing market is experiencing notable shifts this spring. Here's a snapshot of the current landscape:

🏠 Inventory Surge: Active listings have increased by 64% compared to last year, providing buyers with more options and signaling a move toward a more balanced market. ​

💰 Price Trends: The median list price for single-family homes has risen to $1,475,000, while condos and townhomes are averaging around $830,000. ​

📈 Sales Activity: In March 2025, 1,107 existing single-family residences were sold, with a median price per square foot of $730.22. The market maintained a healthy 100% median sales-to-list ratio. ​

📊 Market Dynamics: Homes priced under $2 million are still moving swiftly, often within 30–40 days. However, as inventory grows, sellers should be prepared for increased competition and may need to adjust pricing strategies accordingly. ​

🔮 Looking Ahead: While demand remains strong, especially in desirable neighborhoods, the increase in inventory and potential interest rate fluctuations could lead to a more competitive environment for sellers and more opportunities for buyers.​

Whether you're considering buying or selling, staying informed about these trends is crucial. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need guidance navigating the current market.

Send a message to learn more

01/15/2025

We have been busy at Open Doorways Realty. Here are a few new listings available.

🚨 2 bed/1.5 bath condo in Riverside. (Video below).

🚨 7 bedroom, 4 bathroom Multi Family in Anaheim
✅ Main house 3 bed/2 bath, 2 car attached garage
✅ Duplex in the rear both units have 2 bed/1 bath
✅ Carport large enough to fit 3 additional cars
✅ Good sized yard
🏷️Competitively priced at 1.4 M

🚨 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom duplex in Santa Ana
✅ over 2,000 sq ft
✅ 2 car detached garage plus a driveway able to fit 4 or more cars.
✅ Great location in Floral Park
🏷️Competitively priced at 1.1 M

For information re these properties or how to qualify for financing including down payment assistance grants, please call or text

Joelle Lazaga
direct: 714-222-7711
DRE 01771039
NMLS 1979501
[email protected]