What neighborhoods does Cassie French serve?

Cassie works throughout Orange County, focusing on Newport Beach and North Tustin, plus areas like Corona Del Mar, Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, Villa Park, and surrounding communities.

What types of properties can Cassie help me buy or sell?

She specializes in single-family homes, luxury properties, and high-end homes. Her home staging expertise via Classy AF Interiors adds value to both vacant and occupied homes.

How much experience does Cassie French have?

Cassie has about 4 years of experience as a licensed real estate agent in Orange County, representing buyers and sellers with personalized service and local expertise.

What kind of results has Cassie achieved for sellers?

One client in Placentia sold their home for $55,000 over list price with Cassie’s guidance, showcasing her marketing, pricing, and staging expertise.

What is Cassie’s home staging service, and how does it help?

Cassie owns Classy AF Interiors, a home staging company that stages both occupied and vacant homes in Southern California to improve appeal, reduce days on market, and drive higher offers.

What should first-time homebuyers expect when working with Cassie?

Expect detailed market insights, help comparing homes vs comparable sales, guidance on pricing and condition, and support through inspections, negotiations, and closing.

How transparent are fees, pricing, and the home selling process?

Cassie provides clear pricing discussions, explains the cost vs benefit of staging, and helps sellers focus on improvements with the best return. Clients praise her transparency and communication.

How long does it usually take a home to sell with Cassie’s services?

Time to sell depends on location, condition, staging, and pricing strategy. Homes marketed and staged by Cassie often sell quickly and attract multiple offers.

What makes clients choose Cassie French over other agents?

Clients highlight her staging skills, communication style, and market knowledge. One shared, 'We loved her staging and her communication style. We got multiple offers.'

Do you also work with investors or people purchasing second homes?

Yes. Cassie assists first-time buyers, investors, and second-home purchasers with insights on market trends, property condition, and staging strategies to maximize value.

Hidden Costs of Buying a House in 2025—And How to Budget Like a Pro

Buying a home is like ordering the “chef’s special” at a fancy restaurant—you know the main course price, but those little extras can sneak up on you. In 2025, with interest rates finally wobbling lower and more buyers jumping back in, it’s more important than ever to know every dollar that’s coming your way. Here’s your inside scoop on the hidden costs most buyers miss—and how to budget like a total pro.

1. Closing Costs: The Sneaky Sidekick

Think of closing costs as the grand finale fee for your home-buying adventure. Expect 2–5% of the purchase price to cover things like escrow fees, title insurance, recording fees, and lender charges. On a $1 million Orange County home, that’s $20k–$50k. Ouch. Budget for it now so it doesn’t bite later.

2. Appraisal & Inspection Fees

Appraisals (around $500–$800) and inspections ($400–$700) aren’t optional—they protect you. They can also reveal hidden repairs you’ll need to negotiate or budget for. Worth every penny. Every home will have issues, even new construction homes. Knowing the battles you may have to face while owning the home or being able negotiate with the seller is key!

3. Property Taxes & HOA Dues

California property taxes hover near 1.1% of the purchase price annually, and HOAs can range from $50 to a few hundred bucks a month. Those dreamy amenities? They come with a monthly bill—factor them into your mortgage calculator. If you’re looking at homes in Irvine or other newer construction areas, there may be mello-roos. What is mello roos? Mello-Roos is a special property tax in California that helps pay for things like schools, parks, roads, fire stations, and other local infrastructure in newer or developing communities. It varies a lot but can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand annually, and it usually lasts 20–40 years (until the bonds for those improvements are paid off). It impacts your monthly housing budget and, in some cases, your resale value.

4. Homeowners Insurance & Natural Disaster Riders

In 2025, carriers are tightening rules in fire and flood zones. Budget for $1,200–$15,000/year and check if you need extra earthquake or flood coverage. (Hi, SoCal living!) Earthquake Insurance: Not included in standard policies, yet we live on a tectonic funhouse. California Earthquake Authority premiums vary widely but can add hundreds per year.

Flood Insurance: FEMA updates flood maps regularly, and one “new high-risk zone” notice can make flood coverage mandatory—another $600–$1,500+ annually.
Wildfire Endorsements: Some carriers now require separate wildfire coverage or higher deductibles in “very high fire severity” areas.

What Smart Buyers Do:

Shop Early: Get quotes before you write an offer so you’re not blindsided during escrow.
Ask About Deductibles: A higher deductible can trim your monthly premium, but know your out-of-pocket limits.
Mitigate for Discounts: Clearing brush, adding fire-resistant roofing, or installing seismic retrofits can earn you credits.

Bottom line: insurance is no longer a boring line item—it’s a strategic part of your home budget. In California, that means planning for standard coverage plus the “just-in-case” riders that keep you protected when the ground shakes or the hills spark.

5. Moving & Immediate Fixes

Movers, boxes, cleaning crews—easily $2,000+. Then there’s the “just bought a house” Target run: curtains, new locks, or that leaky faucet you didn’t spot at inspection. Moving expenses can add up quickly so making sure you financially can still afford to move into the home is important!

6. Ongoing Maintenance

Rule of thumb: save 1% of the home price per year for repairs. Roofs age, HVAC units sigh dramatically—future you will thank you.

Pro-Level Budget Tips

Get Pre-Approved Early: Know your real numbers so you can shop confidently.
Ask for Seller Credits: Especially if rates dip and sellers are motivated.
Pad Your Savings: Aim for an extra 3–6 months of expenses after closing to stay stress-free.

Buying in 2025 isn’t just about the sticker price—it’s the stealthy side costs. Plan for them now, and you’ll toast your new keys with champagne instead of Ramen. 🥂

Thinking about a move in Orange County? Let’s build your bulletproof budget and strategy—before your dream home slips away.