About Melissa Urena and Associates

Melissa Urena & Associates is a growing and dynamic group of Realtors dedicated to the person behind the property. We help buyers and sellers negotiate the parts of a real estate transaction that cannot be tackled through a website or a phone app. As part of the JohnHart Real Estate brokerage, we count on over 10 offices in Southern California from the Antelope Valley down to Long Beach. We go where our clients' needs take us, but we truly shine in the South East LA, South Bay and Long Beach markets where we have been helping move-up buyers leverage the equity of starter properties into dream homes! We also have extensive knowledge helping investors make the most of the opportunities available in the rapidly changing communities of Compton and South Central L.A.

About Juan Castro

Juan grew up in the San Fernando Valley, and after a short stay in New York, he is now a proud resident of Long Beach, CA. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in Applied Mathematics with an emphasis in Economics. Juan worked briefly with American Financial helping consumers evaluate purchase and refinance products. In 2016, he co-founded the real estate team “Melissa Urena & Associates” with his business partner and fiancée, Melissa Urena.

A cycling enthusiast, he has completed the AIDS lifecycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, a two-week tour of Oregon by bike, and is now training to complete the New York Century ride. Juan has a deep appreciation for film, classic rock, and his madden league!

About Melissa Urena

Melissa Urena & Associates is a growing and dynamic group of Realtors dedicated to the person behind the property. We help buyers and sellers negotiate the parts of a real estate transaction that cannot be tackled through a website or a phone app. As part of the JohnHart Real Estate brokerage, we count on over 10 offices in Southern California from the Antelope Valley down to Long Beach. We go where our clients' needs take us, but we truly shine in the South East LA, South Bay and Long Beach markets where we have been helping move-up buyers leverage the equity of starter properties into dream homes! We also have extensive knowledge helping investors make the most of the opportunities available in the rapidly changing communities of Compton and South Central L.A.

Melissa's Experience

+ Platinum Award Winner at JohnHart Real Estate in 2013 - 2019

+ Expert First Time Buyer and Move-Up Buyer representation

+ Expert Listing Realtor

+ Experienced Investment Property Agent

Melissa's Credentials

+ Graduate of UCSB (University of California, Santa Barbara)

+ Member in Good Standing, National Association of Realtors

+ Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource Certified

About Michaelyn Buford

Michaelyn Buford has always had a passion for the full spectrum of the real estate industry; the buying and selling process, mortgage lending, home renovation, and everything in between. But for this dynamic real estate agent, the most fascinating aspect of real estate continues to be the chance to connect with people from all walks of life. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she’s eager to help educate people on processes and resources to efficiently elevate them to their goals. On the rare occasion that she doesn’t have an answer, her adept research skills help her find the right one quickly!

Michaelyn grew up in Midlothian, Virginia, a little over an hour outside of Washington DC. Her interests led her to technical courses in college including Real Estate Investment and AutoCad Architecture, giving her a firm understanding of structural quality and design.

Her worldliness was further enriched when she had the chance to travel to Mozambique in 2018 where she traveled to the plains to embark on a South African sight-seeing safari. When she’s at home, she loves catching up with family, including her dog, Macey.

Michaelyn moved to Long Beach in 2018 where she quickly soaked up expertise on the local housing market to confidently serve her client base. Today, she continues to spread her wealth of information, illuminating clients to the financial freedom afforded by savvy real estate investment.

About Michele Baca Lopez

Michele brings over 16 years of real estate experience to the team “Melissa Urena & Associates.” Having grown up in Carson, graduated from Torrance High, with family ties in Wilmington, and now living in Long Beach, she is uniquely suited to service buyers and sellers in the South Bay and surrounding communities.

Michele trained professionally as an ice-skater and that cardio conditioning shows! She is a full time real estate agent, mother of three beautiful children, and guardian of two full grown Rottweilers. You’ll always catch her on the go, wearing a genuine smile.

She wants her future clients to know that she’s a professional that strives for excellence. In her own words: “I love helping people achieve their dreams. I have the heart of a servant. As your agent, I will handle your transaction with the utter most dedication and care.”