HEY VETS!

There seems to be a wonderful influx of new buyers who are VETS! 

(Thank you for your service...Really! THANK YOU)

I have been working with clients who have used VA lending for several recent transactions and today, in our office, we had a lender who answered  many of my questions regarding this wonderful and sometimes mysterious resource!

Did you know it IS possible to buy a home, for zero down, and less than $1000 out-of-pocket at the end of the transaction?  No, this is NOT an article written in 2005, this is TODAY and it's only available to our service men and women.  I can help you with your qualifications, and I know a few good lenders who can navigate the waters, and most importantly:  I CAN FIND YOU a HOME!  :)

Spring is coming (I know, it feels like it's here already).  The market is changing and competition will be increasing and prices will hop up a bit as this election year goes on. 

How can I help you?

What to do before you BUY?

Checklist Before You Buy

Finding a home that you can see yourself in for the next five to twenty-five years is a great feeling. Don't let that feeling cloud your judgment and leave you with unexpected issues after the closing. 
Here are a few things to consider before you buy:
1. Hire an expert to do your own home inspections and attend them if possible.
2. Evaluate possible repairs/immediate improvements. Ask the seller to repair them or include the cost into your bidding.
3. Purchase an environmental report.
4. Know all of the vital systems that connect to the house (electrical, sewage, heating, air conditioning, garbage disposal, and water.) Investigate the ins and outs of these systems.
5. Perform an energy audit. Confirm that your budget will match what your new home is going to cost on a monthly basis.
6. Examine potential neighborhoods with a 24 hour perspective. Are there any dogs howling late at night? Again be sure there are no regular surprises.
7. Do multiple practice commutes. One day is not enough time to judge the next 5+ years of driving to work.
8. Consider your furniture, electronics and appliances. Will they fit into the new home or will you need to purchase new home furnishings?
9. Know the local political landscape. Are there any issues you should know about? Make sure you understand how utilities, schools and public services are funded.
10. Research the local area to understand its economics, climate, and variables that will be part of your long-term lifestyle.
If you're considering a move, or hear that any family, friends, neighbors or colleagues are, please feel free to contact me. 

Love Green?!

It's easy being green with our eco-friendly buying ideas.

In today’s real estate climate, potential homebuyers can afford to have discriminating taste. A growing trend is green-friendly buying that is focused on indoor air quality, energy efficiency and eco-awareness. See below for tips on how you can go green when purchasing a home.
•Location - A home’s proximity to restaurants, parks, shopping, work and public transportation has a direct effect on your carbon footprint. Consider how much walking, biking and utilizing mass transit cuts down on carbon monoxide levels.
•Go pro - Hire a professional to conduct an energy audit. Infrared cameras and special fans can pressurize a house and determine how energy efficient it is.
•Billing question - Have your agent ask the seller for a year’s worth of utility bills. By dividing annual electricity and gas costs by square footage, you can come up with cost-per-square-feet figures for easy house-to-house comparison.
•Sizable purchase - Remember, the more square footage the more energy is needed to heat and light it.
•Certifiable - Look for Energy Star Homes or LEED certified homes, as they will meet the EPA’s performance-energy guidelines.
•Clarity - Check if a home has storm or double-paned windows, which do even better at keeping the outdoor climate outdoors.
•Air supply - Inquire about the home’s ventilation system. Good ventilation is key to air quality, especially in tightly insulated homes.
•Leafy greens - Trees surrounding a home are great natural climate controllers, blocking rays of sun and thus, reduce cooling costs.

Crunching the Numbers

As an experienced agent, I can help you maximize your time by only considering homes that meet your budget requirements. To be in a strong position to negotiate with a seller, it's best to be pre-approved for a mortgage.

That means you have a written commitment from a lender for a specific mortgage amount. To a seller, that means you're a serious buyer. Prequalification is also an option, but that is only an estimate of how much you should qualify for.

There are many different financing options that should be investigated thoroughly before making a final decision. You're past credit history and the amount of outstanding debt will each play a part in the qualification process.

If you're considering a move, or hear that any family, friends, neighbors or colleagues are, please feel free to contact me.

What I am seeing going on today... with short sales.

Different Kinds of Short Sales??

With distressed homes still accounting for almost 30% of all real estate sales in the country, Short Sales have continued to be an option for homeowners. New programs implemented by the U.S. government and other servicers, Short Sales have become faster and easier to complete than ever before. One of these major changes has been the introduction of "proactive" Short Sales.

Traditionally, Short Sales were "reactive" in nature. Meaning: the homeowners would initiate the Short Sale process with an Agent who would then begin to market the property for a price the market would bear--regardless of what was owed.  (Which is what a Short Sale is: a home in which the market price is less than what the mortgage is.  Nothing else about the term "Short" has truly applied to this process.)

Once an offer was received, the Servicer would begin the process to determine if the homeowner was eligible to sell their home short. While this was the typical method, Servicers realized there was room to improve by becoming more proactive much earlier.  Proactive Short Sales begin with the Bank working to determine if the homeowner is eligible for their particular Short Sale program, and then reaching out to notify the homeowner that they are eligible. If the homeowner agrees to proceed with the Short Sale process, the Bank then determines an acceptable sale price.  At that time, the homeowner and agent then place the property on the market to entertain offers. Most programs feature a rigid timeframe for the Servicer to respond once a bid is received, providing greater accountability for the Agent, homeowner, Servicer, and potential buyer. (YAY!  This used to take up to 3 weeks!)

Agent initiation of Short Sales works for both reactive and proactive types of Short Sales. While it is ultimately up to the Bank to begin a proactive short sale, many homeowners and Agents, for example, use the agent initiation feature on Equator (a 3rd party portal) to let the Servicer know that they are interested in a Short Sale.  Proactive Short Sales greatly reduce approval timelines, improve and increase communication, create quicker sales, and ultimately reduce foreclosure rates and loss severity. 

No matter what type of short sale you end up needing, I remain dedicated to helping you through the process!  At this time, I have a track record of 100% closing on short sales I've had in escrow!  (Not all short sales close, but about 80% do!)

New/Old Treasure in San Jose!

CHARMING and quirky craftsman home preserved and loved by it's current owners. This 2 BR home retains the character, architecture and style appropriate to it's age, yet has the important structural and utility updates to be safe and solid. LARGE yard, detached garage, and basement offer endless storage possibilities, and opportunities. Downtown with easy access to restaurants, freeways, and commute options.
Call me for a private showing today!  You need to see WHY I call it "quirky" and why that's a good thing.  :)
 
http://www.360baytours.com/dc320

New Listing in Gilroy!

This family home is conveniently located, tastefully decorated, and ready to move in!  4 Bedrooms and space to LIVE!  Call me for a private showing and consultation today!


http://www.360baytours.com/404