Looking to buy a new house in 2019? We are excited to share some positive and relevant mortgage news. As expected with the sustained rise in home values, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, (a regulator for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), announced an increase in conforming loan limits for 2019. This means that home buyers will now have more borrowing power. Fast Facts: New limits go into effect on January 1, 2019 (but you can…
Beginning a home search can be a daunting task. And during real estate high-season, there is typically a lot of inventory to choose from, therefore making your decision even more difficult. The tips listed below will help you prepare for your home search and stay focused when decision-making gets tough. There are already so many important choices to make when purchasing a home; make it as easy on yourself as possible! Ten Essential Home-Buying Considerations:…
What to ask yourself when buying a home? Whether or not you are a first-time buyer, a lot is on your mind when considering a home purchase–from city, to neighborhood, to schools, to proximity to your other most-valued daily conveniences. Here are 15 top questions to ask yourself when preparing to buy a home: 1. Is my income reliable and I will be able to afford the monthly mortgage? 2. What is my credit score?…
Are you curious about what today’s home amenity trends are? There are so many aesthetics to choose from that it can be difficult to decide where to start. One great way to get acquainted with current trends is to look at model home features in brand new developments. It’s no secret that a stone countertop has been the classically trendy way to go for years. But which stone should it be? Granite was in for…
If there were any doubt, today’s Bay Area real estate market can be summed up as described by a recent Mercury News article: “Bay Area real estate: too many buyers, not enough houses.” Despite our continued seller’s market, you can still prepare to make a great investment with current Contra Costa County real estate market data in hand. In 2016, sales and median home prices increased in Alamo, Clayton, El Cerrito, Martinez, Oakley, and Orinda, making these…
