November 15, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Holiday Real Estate Slowdown Less Likely This Season

Wondering if you should sell your home this winter? Considering taking the plunge into home ownership? Not sure if you should wait for the Spring? Typically, the winter & holiday season is a slower time for real estate. Of course, this depends on your local housing market and frankly, in large part, due to weather. Our local San Francisco real estate market (and temperate climate) isn't usually as affected as, say, the Minnesota market but you'll still see some seasonal drop-off. Will this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: First Time Buyer, Home Buying, Home Selling Tagged With: , ,
November 7, 2009 by 2 Comments

Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended and Improved! Will More SF Buyers Qualify?

The Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended and improved. This may mean that more San Francisco home buyers will qualify which is good news for both buyers and sellers. Many clients have asked me what sort of impact the tax credit has had on our local SF real estate market. Given the income caps, I would have to say not too much of one. But now, this should be improved a little... I stress, a little, because the limitations continue to make the tax credit irrelevant for a large part of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Economic News & Market Updates, First Time Buyer Tagged With: , ,
September 10, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Free Mortgage Protection for First Time Home Buyers in San Francisco and All of CA

The California Association of REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program is offering a FREE mortgage protection program for first time buyers in San Francisco and all over California. … [Read more...]

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September 2, 2009 by Leave a Comment

FHA Low Down Payment Options for San Francisco Condo Purchase About to Get Easier

Yes, you read that right. For a change, the rules are about to make purchasing a San Francisco condo easier, not harder. As of October 1, 2009, FHA Low Down Payment Options for San Francisco condo purchases will get easier. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: First Time Buyer, Home Buying, Real Estate Financial Knowledge Tagged With: , , , ,
August 27, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Signs of Housing Recovery: San Francisco Home Prices Rebound 5.9% but…

Great news. San Francisco home prices rebound 5.9% during the 2nd quarter of 2009 as compared to Q1 2009. But, home prices are still down 22% from last year. That is, according to the recently released Case-Shiller Home Price Index Report. There's a lot to the numbers so let's not taken any one figure at face-value. We are in for a long, slow recovery. Maybe. Of course, there are significant signs of stabilization and upswing in our local San Francisco real estate market. San Francisco first … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Economic News & Market Updates, First Time Buyer, Home Buying Tagged With: , , ,
August 20, 2009 by Leave a Comment

Purchase SomaGrand condos with FHA low down payment home loan, as low as 3.5% down payment! Plus, which other SF condos are approved for FHA financing?

Hot off the press: Buy a San Francisco condo at SomaGrand with FHA low down payment home loan, as low as 3.5% down! They are almost 80% sold out but there are some beautiful condos left. And, have you had a cocktail at Heaven's Dog?? Oh my, they are GOOD. Let's go toast to your new home. Zephyr agents, like me, have been putting together amazing deals for our new construction home buyers. Make sure to find out the real scoop before signing up! … [Read more...]

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August 15, 2009 by 2 Comments

Is Renting the “New” American Dream or Should We Just Get More Real About Who Should Buy A Home and When?

At first blush, I was sure I was NOT going to like this article. I am a San Francisco Realtor who helps many home buyers achieve their dream of home ownership. So when I opened my Wall St. Journal and saw "The New American Dream: Renting," by Thomas J. Sugrue my eyes rolled and I was like, "Whatever." But, I read on if only so I could have a witty retort for when someone mentioned the article to me at a party. Who am I kidding? In my crowd, I am the ONLY person reading the Wall St. Journal! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: First Time Buyer, Home Buying Tagged With: ,
June 23, 2009 by

What is the new conforming loan limit in San Francisco?

The new conforming loan limit for San Francisco is now $625,500 which is up from $417,000 but down from this year's briefly enacted $729,750 limit. Conforming loans usually offers better rates and borrower qualification guidelines... I'm told by my mortgage broker friends that rates look really good for buyers who want a loan amount of up to $625,500. With a 10-20% down payment, this could be a really nice condo or house. First time buyers....listen up! This is the best opportunity for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Economic News & Market Updates, First Time Buyer, Home Buying, Hot Tips & Advice Tagged With: ,
May 4, 2009 by 1 Comment

5 Things San Francisco Home Buyers Should Know

Real estate is complex but it's not rocket science. There are tried and true tips to the home buying and selling process. There are things that all San Francisco home buyers should know. When you work with an agent, she or he should be educating you on these issues from the beginning. For example, I sit down with potential clients for an initial consultation. It's a no-pressure meet & greet where we talk about the market, the buyer's plans, answer preliminary questions and see if we're a … [Read more...]

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March 29, 2009 by Leave a Comment

It’s your moment, first time home buyers. CARPE DIEM.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, "Get off your tushies and buy a home." RIGHT NOW is THE time for both first time home buyers and move-up buyers. Seize the day. Cheap money and cheaper homes will NOT last forever. Using FHA home loans, you can get purchase money up to $729,250 with LOW DOWN PAYMENT (3.5% down plus/minus) and even spotty credit. Yes, you have to document your income. These are SAFE government backed loans. Recently, my clients, a young engaged "techie" couple, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: First Time Buyer Tagged With: , ,
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