Serenity By the Sea. Dramatic & Gorgeous end unit townhome is Light and Bright w/Awesome Ocean Views fm almost every window. Cathedral ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, Remodeled Kitchen w/Corian, Breakfast Bar, Skylights, Updated Baths, Large 2 car gar w/professionally installed storage for clothes + extra shelving. Watch the sunsets fm your own private hottub. Surrounded by private gardens.
JUST REDUCED $50K! 2,000+ sq ft fabulous 4 bed/2 bath ranch home on a flat lot. Spacious California ranch-style home nestled in the tranquil Belmont Hills is bright, clean & thoroughly comfortable. Open floor plan -lots of light! The formal living room has hardwood floors, fireplace, crown moldings and recessed lighting. Great outdoor space. Close to Molly Stone’s & Hillsdale Mall. MUST SEE!
Although the tax credits are no longer available, it’s important to keep in mind that home prices are substantially below their peaks and interest rates remain at historic lows, making this a very affordable time for many first-time buyers to purchase a home of their own. For more information and what steps to take, please contact me. It is never
too early to begin the process!
Great Restaurant in Montara!
Jul 23
Had dinner last night at La Costanera in Montara on the coast. We sat outside on their deck overlooking the Pacific. We were very warm as the fog rolled in, due to their firepits and watched surfers as the sun set. The atmosphere is great and I felt like I could be in Mexico or South America. The food is Peruvian and very tasty. A bit pricey but very worth the experience. I recommend you check it out especially for a special event…..and no, I am not getting paid to advertise them……just want to spread the word so others can enjoy!
www.lacostanerarestaurant.com
Rarely available Quail Point property! Breathtaking & active views of the bay, city lights, 2 bridges & overlooking golf range. Vaulted ceilings, large picture windows framing the views, open kitchen with granite countertops and breakfast bar, formal dining room, 2 masters, large den, gigantic deck, tons of storage & oversized 2-car garage. Meticulously maintained and an extraordinary value!
Mortgage Borrower ALERT!
Jun 17
Effective June 1, anyone looking to obtain a home purchase or refinance loan will most likely have their credit run twice during the loan process: once in the beginning pre-approval process like normal, and again prior to loan funding. This process will apply to most loan amounts up to $729,750 because of the recently announced Fannie Mae Loan Quality Initiative which includes many new quality control measures lenders must follow when underwriting, approving, and funding loans—but this one is the most important to call out for consumers right now.
Why Run Credit Twice?
The purpose of this guideline is to make sure that borrowers didn’t go out and open up new credit accounts while in process of being approved for their home purchase or refinance loan. Borrowers sometimes don’t tell their lenders about their non-mortgage activities, but going forward you should definitely let your lender know of any other credit card, car loan/lease, student loan, business loan, or any other type of credit application you might be processing while obtaining a home loan; you should also inform your lender of any current or planned credit card or other purchases you intend to make during the home loan processing period—if any new credit activity is revealed by this newly-required prior-to-funding credit report, the loan won’t fund because it will have to be re-underwritten and approved with whatever new debts or new credit accounts might show up on the new report.
Loans are usually tied to rate locks for a specific period of time, so if any new credit activity is revealed by the prior-to-funding credit report that then causes a funding delay, it’s also likely to cause a rate lock to expire, which could mean additional expenses to extend a rate lock. Unfortunately it’s one more landmine to navigate during the home loan process, but it can be avoided by being aware of this new guideline.
Fixer-uppers with upside potential were in high demand when the market was appreciating at a fast pace. Once depreciation took over, speculators disappeared until 2009, when low-end foreclosure properties in some areas became hot properties — particularly if they were selling at a 50 percent discount from the peak in summer 2006.
In California, 70 percent of the homes bought by investors in 2009 were distressed-sale properties, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Some were stripped of appliances and fixtures. But, at half price, there was profit potential for buyers who were up for a redo — especially seasoned investors buying multiple homes to fix up and resell, or rent out.
Fixers priced over $500,000 aren’t as easy to sell today. Most buyers in higher price ranges are buying a home to live in. They want a home in move-in condition that will suit their long-term needs.
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When is the time to buy?
May 26
Typically, the purchase of a new home is one of the largest financial transactions and investments of my clients lives. I believe that whatever home you purchase should work for you NOW…fulfilling your basic housing requirements at an affordable monthly cost. Ideally, it goes beyond the basics and even beyond being an investment: you should…Love where you live!
Historically Real Estate has proven to be an excellent investment over the longer term especially in S.F. and some of the surrounding Bay Area communities. This is due to advantages of leverage (financing); the significant tax benefits of home ownership; economic, demographic, geographic conditions in the Bay Area; and long-term appreciation. Many people WANT to live here so the laws of Supply/Demand will always be a driving factor of home values.
As we all now know in the 1990’s/early-mid 2000’s Real Estate became more like buying stock, looking for fast returns, buy and sell, make money and run……and then reality came crashing in and the high stakes party was over. The pendulum has swung in the opposite direction causing the lending market to pull back on loans and requiring enourmous amounts of paperwork. People who can’t afford to purchase a home are no longer able to get risky loans however even very credit worthy buyers are finding it more challenging to get a loan. Never fear…..there are loans to be had and good loan agents will be able to find them for you, just be prepared for the paperwork and information now required of you. The pendulums effects of home values decreases were not as severe in some Bay Areas cities compared to nation-wide.
If you are able to keep your home for a long period of time then home ownership pride typically acts as a “forced” savings account to build household wealth. The period of time will all depend on the current market, whether it is a “buyers” or “sellers” market. Here are some questions to consider:
- How long do you plan to own the home? (The shorter term the higher the risk)
- Are current market conditons and interest rates advantageous for buyers?
- How does the cost of home ownership, with existing tax benefits, compare to renting?
- How does it compare in the calculation of building your financial assets over time?
- How important is it to you to own the home you live in and have the ability to make changes/improvements according to your own tastes and needs?
Any investment has both potential risks and rewards-which only you can weigh according to your specific financial circumstances, your timeline for ownership and your projection of future economic trends.
As you agent, I will always counsel you and protect your interests to the best of my ability, however only you can decide what is the right decision for you. I also suggest you consult with your accountant.
“The $100 million allocated for California’s first-time homebuyer tax credits may be depleted in about 10 to 20 days or sooner, according to C.A.R.’s Economics team. California’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB) plans to begin accepting applications on May 1, 2010 for tax credits up to $10,000 for first-time homebuyers and for homes that have never been previously occupied. However, the total tax credit allocation for all taxpayers is $100 million for first-time homebuyers and $100 million for new homes, both on a first-come, first-served basis.
C.A.R.’s forecast of 10 to 20 days to deplete the $100 million allocation for first-time home buyers is based on estimated May sales figures and other parameters. It does not take into account the possibility that buyers scheduled to close escrow in April may delay closing until May to take advantage of the tax credit. If a shift in closings from April to May occurs, the first-time homebuyer tax credits may be depleted even more quickly than indicated above.
Applications for the California tax credit must be faxed to the FTB after escrow closes. The FTB will update its website when the 2010 application form and other information become available.”


