Picking a Realtor is one of the biggest decisions in a move. We’re Michael and Anita Marchena, a husband-and-wife team and the broker owners of My Key Real Estate in Temecula. This page covers who we help, where we work, how buying and selling works with us, and what to ask any agent before you hire one.
Who we help
We work with buyers, sellers, and people doing both at once, such as selling a current home to buy the next one. Some of our clients are first-time buyers. Others are long-time homeowners ready to move.
If you’re not ready to talk yet, that’s fine. A lot of people start by browsing Temecula Valley homes for sale or checking what their home is worth.
Where we work
We serve the Temecula Valley and nearby Southwest Riverside County communities:
- Temecula: neighborhoods like Harveston, Wolf Creek, Redhawk and Crowne Hill. See Temecula homes for sale.
- Murrieta: from La Cresta to Greer Ranch. See Murrieta homes for sale.
- Menifee: including Menifee Lakes, Sun City and The Oasis. See Menifee homes for sale.
- Wildomar: see Wildomar homes for sale.
- Winchester: including French Valley and Canterwood. See Winchester homes for sale.
- Lake Elsinore: see Lake Elsinore homes for sale.
- Canyon Lake: see Canyon Lake homes for sale.
Not sure which area fits? Our Communities guide is a good place to compare them.
How buying works with us
- A first conversation. We learn your budget, timing, and must-haves. No pressure.
- Get pre-approved. Michael is a licensed mortgage loan originator, so you can talk through financing without a handoff gap. You’re also free to use your own lender. Try the mortgage calculator to estimate a monthly payment.
- Sign a buyer representation agreement. California requires a written agreement before touring homes. We’ll walk you through it.
- Tour and compare. We look at condition, layout, HOA and Mello-Roos costs, and long-term fit. Our guide to Mello-Roos and HOA dues in Temecula Valley explains what to check.
- Offer, inspections and closing. We help you write an offer and stay organized through escrow. Our transaction roadmap shows the typical steps.
For the full list, see the step-by-step buying guide.
How selling works with us
- Find your starting number. Request your free home value report. We look at recent nearby sales, condition, upgrades, lot and location, and the homes you’d compete with.
- Prepare the home. Our staging guide covers what’s worth doing before photos.
- Price and market it. We build a pricing position and a marketing plan together.
- Negotiate the whole offer. Price matters, but so do terms, timing and contingencies.
- Close. We stay on top of the details until it records.
More on the process is on our sell your home page and seller tips.
Five questions to ask any Realtor
Whoever you hire, ask:
- How many homes have you helped buyers or sellers with in my neighborhood?
- Will I work with you directly, or with someone else on the team?
- How and how often will we communicate?
- How do you decide on a listing price, or on an offer price?
- How is your pay structured, and what does it cover? (It should be in writing before you start.)
You can also check any California agent’s license on the DRE public license lookup. That link shows Anita’s license. Our other numbers are at the bottom of this page. And read what past clients say on our reviews page.
What to expect from us
Clear answers, honest advice, and a plan for each step. You’ll know what’s coming next and who to call. If we think waiting is the better move, we’ll say so.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to sign anything before I tour homes? In California, buyers sign a written buyer representation agreement before touring. We’ll explain it in plain language first so there are no surprises.
How much does it cost to work with a Realtor? Compensation is agreed in writing before work starts, and we’ll explain exactly how it works in our first conversation.
Can you help with financing too? Yes. Michael is a licensed mortgage loan originator and can talk through pre-approval. Loan approval depends on your application, the property and lender requirements. You can read more on his home loan page.
Which cities do you cover? Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Wildomar, Winchester, Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake, plus nearby areas. Our contact page lists more.
How do I find out what my home is worth? Use the What’s Your Home Worth? page to request your free home value report.
Talk with us
Ready to buy, sell, or just ask a question? Call or text us at 951-392-8511, or start with What’s Your Home Worth?. You can also send us a message.
Learn more about Michael, Anita, and our story.
Michael DRE #01918167 / NMLS #2501919
Anita Marchena DRE #02031692
My Key Real Estate / MHT Investments Inc. DRE #02197885
Perez Consulting Inc. dba Top Loan Fundings, NMLS #1943565, CA DRE #02084080
