Real estate and the law have been driving passions for me for many years. When I was in law school, I was the only member of my class to receive the “American Jurisprudence Award” for real estate law. After graduating among the top of my class from law school, I began my law practice which, to this day, involves estate planning, elder law, real estate, asset protection and financial issues. Then, in 1998, I became a real estate broker, and I’ve never looked back.
Consider this: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical entry-level education of a real estate broker or sales agent is a high school diploma. In California, in order to become a real estate agent, an applicant must complete only 135 hours of real estate course requirements, and then pass a simple California Salesperson License Exam with a score of 70% or better. Why is this important to you? Because when hiring a real estate professional, a buyer or seller of real estate is entrusting that person to guide him or her through what may be one of the most important transactions in their life. I am one of the few Realtors® in Orange County who is also an experienced, licensed attorney, with a Juris Doctorate in law. As noted below, I also have advanced training in a number of real estate-related disciplines, including real estate negotiation, pricing, and marketing. This extra level of education and experience assists me in helping you navigate the complex issues that arise, in the buying or selling of real estate. In addition, during the transaction, I can advise you in the proper manner of holding title, as well as the most beneficial ways to protect your property, yourself, and your family. This, of course, is legal advice that can only be given by a licensed attorney, and this advice is offered as part of your representation! So, for example, you can either purchase your home with the assistance of the average real estate agent, or you can let Thomas McKenzie Realtor®/Attorney assist you in purchasing your home, and be assured that your home is titled in the most advantageous manner, and then properly transferred into your new Living Trust, which I would provide and draft especially for you – all at the same or less cost than the traditional agent fee.1
I am proud to work with work with RE/MAX® Terrasol, with main offices in Huntington Beach and Orange, California. My own office is in Los Alamitos, California. RE/MAX® is #1 in the world regarding the sale of real estate, and the world’s most productive real estate network.2 RE/MAX® agents outsell other agents by more than 2 to 1 at large brokerages.3 RE/MAX® is the #1 name in real estate and in brand awareness, and more buyers and sellers would recommend RE/MAX® than any other real estate brand.4 Finally, RE/MAX® agents receive the benefit of billions of dollars of advertising that assists in the marketing of your property.
On the personal side, I am married to a truly incredible woman, and together we have four children, ages 9, 11, 16 and 17. We moved to Rossmoor in Los Alamitos so that our children could attend the excellent schools here. We are very dedicated to supporting the schools and teachers here, and so we’ve done a lot of volunteering as well as donating heavily. Our 17 year old daughter and 16 year old son both attend Los Alamitos High School. Our daughter is a singer in the SoundFX choir, which has won the Grand National Championship five times. Our two younger sons attend Hopkinson Elementary in Los Alamitos. We believe very strongly in supporting this amazing community that has nourished our family so much.
Before my legal and real estate careers, I was a professional musician and entertainer. My entertainment career took me around the country performing live, including in many Las Vegas main showrooms, and on several television series. I was also a member of The Archies, who performed on the hit song “Sugar Sugar”.
Whether you are looking at purchasing or selling a home or investment property, I would be more than happy to assist you, or answer any questions you may have, and I am never more than a phone call away. It is my passion to help individuals and families invest in their futures, and plan their estates in the most beneficial manner for themselves, and their families!
1 Under most circumstances, buyers or sellers of real estate who are clients of Thomas McKenzie, Realtor®/Attorney, receive complementary legal advice, and a comprehensive estate plan (or restatement of an existing plan), consisting of a Living Trust, Last Will and Testament, Durable Power of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directive, and other appropriate documents (please see “Disclaimer” below).
2 As measured by residential transaction sides.
3 Source: Based on 2017 transaction sides cited in two surveys of the largest participating U.S. brokerages. The 2018 REAL Trends 500 includes data for 1,752 brokerages with at least 500 transaction sides each. The RISMedia 2018 Power Broker Top 500 includes data for 500 brokerages with the highest sales volume.
4 Source: MMR Strategy Group study of unaided awareness and the MMR Strategy Group study of buyers and sellers.
Disclaimer: "Thomas McKenzie" as a Realtor®, and "McKenzie Legal & Financial" are separate entitles. An attorney-client relationship is neither implied nor expressly created in response to this advertisement and is not formed unless a signed retainer agreement for legal services between the attorney and the client has been executed.