8x2 - Market Blues

April 11, 2012

Back in the US after three years in Japan, Robin and Joe are hoping to buy a San Diego home where they can raise their two kids in comfort. But with a tight budget and a Veteran's Affairs Loan requiring no down payment, is this Navy family ready to compete in California's competitive market? Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to find them a family home at a price they can afford. But are they ready to compromise on their dream home wish list? After just a few visits, the couple puts in an offer on a short sale that fits the bill. But when they lose out to another buyer, they end up touring scores of homes and putting in a series of unsuccessful offers. Will they eventually find a property they can purchase?

8x3 - Unexpected Guests

June 30, 2010

Tired of paying rent and ready to invest in their future, newlyweds Laura and Justin want to find a San Diego property with plenty of character. And although he's not afraid of sweat equity, she dreams of finding a picture-perfect home that's move-in ready. Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to find them a hidden gem in a mature, high-end neighborhood. But will they be ready to max out their budget to seal the deal? After a few visits, the couple zeroes in on a charming bungalow that immediately feels like home, but after hesitating find themselves in a potential bidding war. Will they land their dream home? Or will another surprise twist dash their hopes?

8x4 - The Long Road Home

After the birth of their daughter, Rodney and Brenda have outgrown their apartment and are hoping to find a three-bedroom San Diego dream home. But with high expectations and a single income, can they find the perfect property at a price they can afford? Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to find them a home that fits the bill. But are they ready for the area's competitive real estate market? They immediately fall for a quaint property complete with citrus trees and are heartbroken to learn the seller has just accepted another offer. They vow to keep looking. But several months and 30-plus house tours later, can they summon the stamina to keep going?

8x5 - Short Sale for the Long Run

Dreaming of providing a stable future for their son, new parents Frances and William want to buy a home and be the first in their families to own property. They've made sacrifices to pull together a down payment. But will their limited resources end the dream before it gets off the ground? Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to find them a modest condo to suit their needs and budget. But will San Diego's sky-high real estate market prove elusive nonetheless? The couple immediately falls for a move-in ready short sale condo and insists on putting in an offer. But will they be willing to max out their budget and wait for approval from the seller and the bank?

8x6 - Coastal Dreams

Tired of living in their tiny rental, Barbara and Erik want to buy a move-in ready dream home in their favorite Oceanside neighborhood. They'd like to stay in uber-exclusive La Jolla. But can they find an affordable property that fits their needs and budget? Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to find them a home that fits the bill but warns they'll have to sacrifice on their wish list. The couple quickly realizes they'll get more for their money by searching further inland. And although it requires a lot of TLC, a spacious bungalow with a fantastic yard captures their attention. Can they see past the property's shortcomings? And can they navigate the uncertainties of a short sale?

8x7 - Lofty Dreams

Ready to claim his independence, Gabe wants to move out of his Mom's place and into a party palace of his own. He's looking for a South Florida condo on the beach where he can meet his future wife and impress his guests with the latest technological gadgets. Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to find him the ultimate bachelor pad, but vows to straighten out his priorities and teach him a few property basics along the way. When his beachfront ideal proves way beyond his budget, Gabe tours a variety of different apartments including a short sale penthouse loft Sandra says is one of the best deals she's ever shown. With a little added perspective, will Gabe narrow down his options and put in an offer?

8x8 - Cut & Dried

Very much in love and living in a cramped shed at his parents' place, Erika and Rodrigo are finally ready to buy their South Florida dream home. They've scraped together a down payment and are enthusiastic about their prospects, but will their financial limitations end up dampening their outlook? Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to find them a property with a large kitchen, a yard for their dogs, and a garage that's fit for a home hair salon. But after touring over 30 homes, a new engagement dramatically changes their focus, and the couple decides to revise their criteria. The rollercoaster ride of emotions continues. Can Sandra find them a home so they can finally move on?

8x9 - Crystal Clear

A neo-natal intensive care nurse who's as fun-loving as she is hard-working, Crystal has saved up a tidy nest egg. She's now looking to buy a spectacular, three-bedroom South Florida home for her and her beloved dog Jasmine. Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to show her a range of homes that fit the bill. But is the money-minded Crystal ready to compromise on her expectations? After first being shocked by the price of her ideal lakeside dream home, Crystal tours properties at both ends of her price range. But when a move-in ready, just-listed short sale takes her breath away, she's got to be prepared to sign on the dotted line or risk losing her real estate fantasy.

8x10 - Building a Dream

Ready to get engaged, move out of their respective parents' homes and start their future together, go-getters Lindsey and Ian are looking for a perfect, move-in ready Florida home for them and their dog, Pudgy. But with rigid requirements and a long list of luxurious expectations, can any property ever hope to measure up? Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to find them a suitable property, but warns they'll have to compromise somewhere. After a few unsuccessful house tours, Sandra eventually takes them to visit a brand new development where they can custom design their own lakeside property. But after falling for a breathtaking model home, will the builder's non-negotiable contract stand in their way?

8x11 - Fear of Commitment

Always on the go, adventure-seeking Sean is constantly traveling for work. And although he's terrified about buying his first condo, he's also tired of paying rent and knows it's time to invest. He's hoping to find a beachside Miami property where he can entertain in style and store more than just his suitcase. Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to find him a condo where he'll feel right at home, but warns that with his limited budget, he'll have to compromise on his wish list. Sean tours a few different listings, but can he juggle a home search and commitment issues with his intense travel schedule? And can Sandra find him a South Beach home that fits his big dreams and small pocketbook?

8x12 - Starting at the Top

With their tiny one-bedroom apartment driving them nuts, newlyweds Amy and Jason are dying to buy their first home. They agree they need plenty of space and lots of amenities, but with her New England charm and his Florida-native vibe, can they find a property that suits both of their styles? Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to find a house where they'll both feel right at home, but can she get them to narrow down their search? After touring three great options at different price points, the couple is overwhelmed by their choices. They eventually settle on a gracious property that's well within their budget, but when the astrology-conscious seller stalls the process, will Amy and Jason have to start their search all over again?

8x13 - Baby on the Way

With a baby on the way, newlyweds Ashli and Pete are hoping to find their first South Florida home. But with two very different wish lists, can they find a property that suits their budget, their clashing styles, and their fast-approaching delivery date? Enter real estate expert Sandra Rinomato. She promises to find them the perfect home for their growing family. But is the couple ready to compromise on location? Sandra comes up with a range of impressive properties at different price points, and just when they've made up their minds, the couple is faced with a bidding war and a change of direction.