Question: Property taxes are due, and I can't find my bill. How can I find my San Francisco property tax information? Help! Answer: It's easy. Visit SFGOV Property Zone to look up your property tax bill, print or pay your bill online, find out when property tax is due, and even how to ask for a reduced assessment. And always remember, when it comes to property tax, there's No Darn Foolin' Around as in taxes are due November/December and February/April. ;) … [Read more...]
Getting preapproved for a loan so you can buy a home in SF? What will those pesky banks ask for (or what documentation is needed for a home loan application)?
Situation: You're ready to buy a home in San Francisco and you need to get preapproved for a mortgage. Question: What will those pesky banks ask for (or what documentation is needed for a home loan application)? When you are buying a home in San Francisco, one of the first steps is loan preapproval. It's time to assemble your team (Realtor and Mortgage Broker). Keep in mind that there is a lot of smoke and mirrors in the mortgage market. It's absolutely crucial to work with a really good, … [Read more...]
Filed Under: First Time Buyer, For Buyers, Home Buying, Hot FAQ Tagged With: guarantee mortgage, home loan application, Loan Application, mortgage application, preapproval
San Francisco Real Estate – Buyer Beware or Get a Professional Home Inspection
Part of an ongoing series of San Francisco real estate & related guest bloggers, here is one of San Francisco's top residential home inspectors, Bill Thomson of the Thomson Builder Group, letting you know all about the home inspection process when buying a home in San Francisco. "ASK THE INSPECTOR… ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS One of the most important processes in buying a home is having it properly inspected. The inspector can give you information about the property so that you will be more … [Read more...]
Filed Under: For Buyers, For Buyers, Home Buying, Home Inspection Tagged With: bill thomson, Home Inspection
Hupt two three four…Can Your Walk Score Increase Your Property Value?
What is a walk score? Washington Post wrote, "Walkscore.com ranks communities nationwide (and soon, globally) based on how many businesses, parks, theaters, schools and other common destinations are within walking distance of any given starting point." Being in San Francisco most properties have a high walk score. We have been showing our listing's own walk score as a marketing point. It almost seems obvious that a higher walk score can add value to your property. Wall Street … [Read more...]
Filed Under: For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Selling, Hot FAQ
San Francisco Real Estate FAQ: What is a Tenancy in Common or TIC?
If you are shopping for a home in San Francisco, no doubt you have seen the term "Tenancy in Common" or "TIC". A TIC is a form of property ownership but in San Francisco real estate, it also refers to a type of multi-unit building for sale that has not yet been sub-divided into condominiums. Click here for easy to understand articles and frequently asked questions about Tenancy in Common TIC home ownership in San Francisco. Note: TIC financing is specialized so make sure to work with a highly … [Read more...]
Filed Under: For Buyers, Home Buying Tagged With: g3mh, tenancy in common, tic
Powerful Home Buying Strategies: Don’t Be Pushed Into Any House. OR How Many Homes Should I See Before Making an Offer?
Powerful Home Buying Strategies: Don't Be Pushed Into Any House. OR How Many Homes Should I See Before Making an Offer? A common question from home buyers is, "How many listings should I see before making an offer?" … [Read more...]
Filed Under: First Time Buyer, For Buyers, Home Buying Tagged With: FAQ, First Time Buyer, Frequently Asked Questions, home buying
Search for San Francisco Open Houses for this weekend.
We have two great properties that are open this Sunday. Visit us at: 414 Lawton St: a 2-unit Inner Sunset duplex - owner-occupied; sunny and south facing, both units with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, parking and bonus room. Offered at $1,099,000 $554,500- upper unit $544,500- lower unit NEW LISTING 1839 15th St. #353: Mission Dolores Condo in Dolores Plaza; 1 bedroom 1 bath and 1 car parking, secure building, spacious unit with lots of … [Read more...]
Filed Under: For Buyers, Home Buying Tagged With: 1839 15th St. #353, 414 Lawton St., dolores plaza, Inner Sunset Duplex, San Francisco Open Houses
Buying a home in San Francisco? Why it’s crucial to get preapproved for financing before beginning the house hunt.
If you are buying a home in San Francisco, it is crucial to get preapproved for a mortgage before beginning the house hunt. Why? You'll know exactly what you can afford. Understanding your purchasing power and any limitations * is integral to an efficient, focused home search. Spend your time looking at homes you can afford to actually buy. By focusing on homes that meet your needs, you'll get a sense of market value for yourself and be able to make a smart decision as to which home to buy. … [Read more...]
Filed Under: For Buyers, For Buyers, Home Buying Tagged With: loan preapproval, preapproval letter, preapproval v prequalification
What are the FHA Home Loan Limits for San Francisco Real Estate Purchases?
Currently, we are blessed to have increased conforming loan limits for San Francisco real estate purchases making FHA home loans a viable option for many SF home buyers. If you want to use an FHA home loan to purchase a property in San Francisco or San Mateo Counties with low down payment, the following is a helpful cheat sheet. Of course, you'll want to contact an experienced San Francisco mortgage broker to get the skinny on your individual situation. FHA Home Loan Limits for San Francisco … [Read more...]
Filed Under: First Time Buyer, For Buyers, Home Buying Tagged With: fha, FHA home loans, fha loan limits, fha loans
How does a Buyer’s Agent get paid?
FAQ: How does a Buyer's Agent get paid for a typical San Francisco home purchase? Great question! 99.9% of the time a Real Estate Agent or Realtor representing a home buyer is paid through the seller's proceeds at the close of escrow. Yes, that means as a home buyer, you get our expertise, sound counsel, and most importantly, fiduciary duty to put your needs first for FREE. … [Read more...]
Filed Under: For Buyers, Home Buying, Hot FAQ Tagged With: buyer's agent, commission
