Brandon Sen
Alina Mekk
About us

About CBR equity partners

CBR Equity Partners is a full-service concierge real estate company committed to delivering a streamlined and tailored experience for all your real estate requirements.

Languages: English, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, Arabic and Hindi.

95%
Closing rate
25+
Years in real estate
3,900+
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Testimonials

Clients Testimonials

What our past clients are saying about us:

“He was always available to answer my questions...”

Working with Brandon Sen and his incredible team to sell my home has been an absolute pleasure! From the moment we started, Brandon’s professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication were evident.The entire process was seamless and stress-free. What I loved most was how accessible Brandon was—he was always available to answer my questions, provide updates, and guide me through every step of the sale.Thanks to Brandon’s expertise and his team’s hard work, the sale was quick and smooth, exceeding my expectations. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!He lives in west side of LA like myself and was always avaible to accomodate showings,inspections,marketing,staging etc. No one knows the area like he does. If you’re looking for a realtor who’s professional, reliable, and truly cares about your needs, Brandon Sen and his team are the way to go.

Andrew M.
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“Their communication was outstanding...”

I can’t say enough good things about Brandon Sen and his incredible team! They recently helped me sell my home, and the entire process was quick, smooth, and absolutely stress-free.From the very beginning, Brandon and his team showed exceptional professionalism and expertise. They provided a clear strategy to market my property effectively, and their attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from stunning photos to top-notch staging recommendations.What truly impressed me was their efficiency. Brandon and his team worked tirelessly to ensure my home sold in record time and at an excellent price. Their communication was outstanding—they kept me informed at every step and were always available to answer any questions.If you’re looking for a realtor who truly knows the market and is committed to delivering outstanding results, I highly recommend Brandon Sen and his team. They made selling my home a breeze, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome!

Jack R.
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“Brandon has an incredible knowledge of the market...”

I can’t thank my Realtor Brandon Sen and his team enough for helping me sell my home in the Hollywood Hills! From start to finish, the process was seamless and stress-free, all thanks to their expertise and professionalism.Brandon has an incredible knowledge of the market and developed a brilliant strategy to showcase my property in the best possible light. Their marketing efforts, including beautiful photography and staging recommendations, truly made a difference.What stood out most was their dedication and constant communication. They kept me updated every step of the way and answered all my questions promptly, making me feel confident and informed throughout the process.Thanks to Brandon, my home sold quickly and at a fantastic price. If you’re looking for a hardworking, knowledgeable, and personable realtor, I highly recommend CBR group and Brandon the founder.They’re simply the best!

Anthony S.
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“He’s more than just a real estate agent”

Brandon helped me buy my first house back in 2008, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. It was the perfect starter home where we welcomed our first child, and to this day, we cherish the wonderful memories we created at 212 Dundee. At the time, we didn’t have enough money for the full down payment, but Brandon went above and beyond by connecting us with a mortgage broker who secured a first-time homebuyer loan with just 5% down!Since then, Brandon has helped my family buy and sell three other homes. He’s more than just a real estate agent—he truly looks out for your best interests and becomes a lifelong friend. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares and goes the extra mile, Brandon is the person to call!

Carlos C.
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“She is on schedule and always available”

My friend from Bay Area recommended me Alina as a trusted and reliable realtor. When I moved from LA she became a great advisor for me and my family. She helped us get our first condo in our preferred location with a top rated schools for my son. I will highly recommend her. She is on schedule and always available to her clients, very clear that her real estate career is her priority.

Elena D.
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“ I highly recommend Alina”

Working with Alina to buy our first home in San Francisco was a fantastic experience. She patiently visited many listings with us until we found the perfect home and walked us through every step of the buying process. Her experience and professionalism was evident in every aspect of the sale - she even negotiated a counteroffer for us with several seller concessions. Throughout the closing process and even after the sale was finalized Alina was available to answer questions and provide guidance. Alina was not just our real estate agent but also a trusted advisor and advocate. She went out of her way to make our home buying experience perfect. I highly recommend Alina to anyone looking for their dream home in the Bay Area.

Irina M.
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“An absolute pleasure”

Working with Alina to purchase our condo in Redwood Shores was an absolute pleasure, and we couldn’t be more grateful for her expertise and dedication throughout the entire process.From the moment we expressed interest in the property, Alina went above and beyond to ensure that every step of the journey was smooth and stress-free.We cannot recommend her enough for someone who is looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable realtor.

Irena K.
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“An incredible experience working”

My partner and I had an incredible experience working with Alina on the finding and purchasing of our new home in Redwood City. She provided excellent guidance, shared good knowledge of the area, found properties that really suited us and what we were looking for, was patient, insightful and supportive through the negotiation and closing processes. I expect to work with Alina in the future and highly recommend her.

Dan J
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“A very reliable agent, knowledgeable and trustworthy”

It was pleasure working with Alina.We bought our first house in Bay Area half a year ago.We couldn’t be more happier with her service and expertise. She was there for us so process was quick and stressless.We highly recommend her as a very reliable agent, knowledgeable and trustworthy.

Oleksandra Y.
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“The best service”

I had multiple questions about purchasing a peninsula property and Alina was incredibly accommodating about answering them all in an intelligent and practical way. She is well versed in the current market conditions overall yet had much specialized knowledge about homes for sale in the neighborhoods I want, in a price range I can afford. I’m looking forward to buying a house, with her expert help, very soon!

Steven
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“Great realtor”

Great realtor, that fought for us, and secured a deal on a dream property.lots of knowledge about market conditions and locations around a bay!

Yevhenii D.
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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to the most common questions from our buyers, sellers and investors

How much can i afford ?

Your budget depends on your income, expenses, and credit profile. A mortgage lender can help determine your price range.

Income-to-Debt Ratio (DTI)
Lenders typically look at the front-end DTI (housing expenses like mortgage, taxes, and insurance relative to gross income) and back-end DTI (all debts, including housing, relative to income).

A common rule is: Front-end DTI: Housing expenses should be no more than 28% of gross monthly income. Back-end DTI: Total debt payments should not exceed 36%-45%, depending on the loan program.

2. Income Calculation
Monthly gross income: $15,000 (your household income, as per your saved information).
28% rule for housing: $15,000 × 0.28 = $4,200/month for housing costs.
36% rule for total debt: $15,000 × 0.36 = $5,400/month for all debts.

3. Down Payment
The size of the down payment affects affordability and mortgage terms.
Conventional loans: Typically 5%-20% down.
FHA loans: As low as 3.5% down.
VA loans: Often no down payment for eligible buyers.

4. Loan Term and Interest Rates
Current interest rates significantly influence affordability. Lower rates mean more house for the same payment.For example, at a 6.5% interest rate on a 30-year fixed loan with a $4,200 housing budget, you could afford a loan around $620,000–$650,000, assuming a 20% down payment.

5. Other Considerations
Property taxes and insurance
: These vary by location and must be factored in.

HOA fees: For condos or communities with amenities.

Credit score: Affects loan approval and interest rates.

Are there any hidden costs i should know about?

Yes there are:

1. Closing Costs Amount: Typically 2%-5% of the loan amount.
What’s included: Loan origination fees
Title insuranceAppraisal fees
Escrow fees
Prepaid taxes and insurance (escrow account funding)
Home inspection fees

2. Property Taxes What to know: Paid annually or semi-annually; often included in monthly mortgage payments.Taxes vary by location and property value.

3. Homeowners Insurance

What to know:
Required by lenders; costs depend on the property’s location, size, and risks (e.g., flood or earthquake zones).

4. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)When required:
If the down payment is less than 20% on a conventional loan.Costs range from 0.5%-1% of the loan amount annually.

5. HOA Fees (if applicable)What to know:
Monthly or quarterly fees for condos or homes in communities with shared amenities.Can range from $100 to over $1,000 per month depending on amenities and location.

6. Maintenance and RepairsWhat to know:
New homes may require fewer repairs upfront, but older homes often need updates.
Plan for ongoing maintenance like landscaping, HVAC servicing, or unexpected issues like roof repairs.

7. Utilities and Moving Costs
Utilities:
Electricity, gas, water, internet, etc., often start with connection fees.
Moving Costs: Professional movers, packing supplies, and transportation can add up.

8. Furniture and Upgrades
New homeowners often invest in furniture, decor, and potential renovations.

9. Unexpected Costs Potential issues:
Foundation repairs, pest infestations, or other problems that weren’t detected during the inspection.

Solution: An emergency fund for homeownership (3-6 months of housing costs) is a smart safety net.

How much is my home worth?

Determining the value of your home depends on various factors. Here's how you can estimate it:

1. Recent Comparable Sales
("Comps")Look at similar homes in your neighborhood that sold recently (within the last 3-6 months).
Consider: Square footage, Number of bedrooms and bathrooms, Lot size Age and condition
Where to find comps: Real estate platforms (e.g., Zillow, Realtor.com) or through a licensed agent.

2. Online Valuation Tools
Use tools like Zillow's "Zestimate" or Redfin's home value estimator for a quick starting point.
Limitations: These tools may not account for unique upgrades or local market nuances.

3. Professional Appraisal
Hiring a licensed appraiser provides an accurate estimate based on:Property condition,Market trends,Comparable properties.
Cost: $300-$600, depending on location.

4. Market Trends and Location
Analyze current trends in your local real estate market.Is demand high? Are homes selling quickly?Are interest rates affecting buyers in your area?

5. Unique Features
Certain features can increase value:Renovations (kitchen, bathrooms, landscaping)
Energy-efficient upgrades,Proximity to schools, parks, or amenities

6. Real Estate
Agent’s Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)Agents use local expertise and access to MLS data to provide a detailed report.

What are the costs of selling my home?


1. Real Estate Agent Commissions
Amount:
Typically 5%-6% of the sale price, split between the buyer's and seller's agents.
Example: On a $500,000 home, commissions could range from $25,000 to $30,000.

2. Closing Costs Amount
Usually 1%-3% of the sale price.
What’s included:Title insurance for the buyer, Escrow fees,Transfer taxes (varies by location)Recording fees

3. Repairs and Upgrades

What to consider:
Pre-sale repairs to address inspection issues (e.g., roof, plumbing, or HVAC fixes).Cosmetic upgrades (e.g., painting, landscaping, or staging) to attract buyers.
Costs vary depending on the scope of work, but small updates can yield high returns.

4. Home Staging
Purpose:
To make the home more appealing to buyers.
Cost: $500–$2,500 or more, depending on the size of the home and whether you rent furniture.

5. Mortgage Payoff
Ensure you account for: The remaining balance on your mortgage.Possible early repayment penalties (check your loan terms).

6. Capital Gains Tax When applicable
If the profit from selling your home exceeds $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married filing jointly).
Exemptions: If the property was your primary residence for 2 of the last 5 years, you may qualify for exclusions.

7. Utilities and Carrying Costs

What to consider:


Ongoing expenses until the home sells:
UtilitiesHOA fees (if applicable)
Property taxes

8. Marketing Costs (if selling without an agent)Amount
Varies widely:
Photography and videography
Staging etc.
Selling a home involves several costs beyond paying off your mortgage. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

What is the expected ROI on the property?

Calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) for a property involves comparing the net profits to the total investment.

Steps to Calculate ROI

1. Determine the Total Investment

Purchase Price: The price paid for the property.
Closing Costs: Typically 2%-5% of the purchase price (e.g., escrow, title insurance, etc.).
Renovation/Repair Costs: Any improvements made to the property.
Other Costs: Inspection fees, moving costs, etc.
Total Investment=Purchase Price+Closing Costs+Renovation Costs

2. Calculate Annual Income
Rental Income: Monthly rent × 12 (if it’s a rental property).Other Income: Parking, laundry fees, etc.
Annual Income=Rental Income+Other Income

3. Subtract Annual Expenses
Operating Expenses: Property management fees, maintenance, insurance, property taxes, HOA fees, etc.
Vacancy Rate: Account for months the property might be unoccupied (typically 5%-10% of annual rent).Mortgage Payments: Principal and interest (if financed).
Net Annual Income=Annual Income−Operating Expenses−Vacancy Rate−Mortgage Payments

4. Calculate Net Profit
For Rental Property:Net Profit=Net Annual Income
For Flip or Sale:Net Profit=Sale Price−(Purchase Price+Closing Costs+Renovation Costs)

5. Plug into the ROI Formula
For a rental property:ROI=(Total InvestmentNet Annual Income)×100
For a flip:ROI=(Total InvestmentNet Profit)×