Yup, I said it, your lender can ABSOLUTELY make or break a deal….

If I didn’t fly myself to LA that day my clients would not have closed on their new home all because the lender didn’t have it together!

When choosing a lender, be sure they are local to your market, have extensive experience closing real estate transactions, and that they can get the job done.

Prior to any offer situation we take the time to get our clients lenders to make sure they aren’t just blowing smoke and can actually perform once a contract gets accepted.

Have questions, just reply to this email! We are always happy to help.

Do you know anyone who is looking to buy or sell this year?

There has never been a better opportunity for investors and we have a lofty goal to help over 100 families in 2023! If you have any family, friends or colleagues that might be in the market, we'd love an introduction so we can help them!

MORTGAGE APPLICATIONS ARE UP AGAIN

The uptick in demands comes from the decline in mortgage rates from the highs reached late last year. You may be wondering if you should wait for them to drop further before making a home purchase. You may be wondering where prices are headed. Let me explain why it’s more beneficial to act now.

We recently received December’s Pending Home Sales data, which measures signed contracts on existing homes. This number came in better than expected. We’re also starting to see other housing sales figures improve like New Home Sales. This rebound means activity is picking up and will likely only increase from here.

The CoreLogic HPI™ is built on industry-leading public record, servicing and securities real-estate databases and incorporates more than 40 years of repeat-sales transactions for analyzing home price trends.

As news of mortgage rates spread, buyers are back in the field getting approved and placing offers. As competition picks back up, we will see prices stabilize and opportunities for seller credits die down. Keep in mind, if you’re selling the idea of a 3-2-1 buy down, without a seller credit, it doesn’t work.

Why act now?

• In 2022, home prices rose by 6.9% overall. Home prices have only declined by 3% from peak levels despite interest rates being over 3% higher than they were this time, last year. We expect an overall growth in home prices to be 3% in 2023. The data indicates home prices are much more stable than some economists or reporters may think.
  

• Stability in prices can be predicted by taking a look at inventory. With a 2.9 month supply of homes, and demand picking back up, prices should stabilize.

  
  

• The Fed expects inflation to continue trending downward. Housing will help. As inflation goes down, mortgage rates will improve. As mortgage rates improve, mortgage applications increase.

  
  

• Mortgage applications for home purchases are up 3% this week and refinances are up by 18%.

  
  

• The resilient job market helps with affordability and buyer confidence.
  

• Real Estate purchases are not intended to be short-term. If you’re planning to live in your home for at least 5 years, the opportunity to save on price is now.

Article and information provided by Padi Goodspeed SVP Cross Country Mortgage NMLS 191659

Après Village and Ice Rink - East Palo Alto, Now to Feb 25

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Play – Palo Alto, January 26 – February 12

Willy Wonka by Children’s Theatre Association SF – San Francisco, Jan 29 – Feb 25

LOVERS LANE 2023 LOVERS LANE 2023 - San Francisco, Feb11

Fun for Families: Free Second Saturdays at Gamble Garden - Palo Alto, Recurring monthly on the 2nd Saturday

Penguins and Pajamas Sleepover – San Francisco Feb 28

Palo Alto USA Gap Year Fair 2023 - Palo Alto, FEB 13

Looking for and choosing a home to buy, especially in a market like the Bay Area can be a very emotional, stressful ordeal. We were more than fortunate to have met and worked with Olivia and her team (especially Teagan). Olivia, who not only knows every in and out of home buying but also the ups and down of home ownership made the experience a rewarding one. Something weird on a disclosure, Olivia can easily explain what was normal and what wasn't. Concerned about a potential future fix, Olivia was able to explain possible work estimates as well have a trusted contractor weigh in and offer their professional opinion. In looking at numerous disclosures and touring some properties, Olivia made clear to us what was normal and what wasn't. The real cherry on top is her love and care for her clients. You generally feel that Olivia wants to make sure you're happy and satisfied. I'm grateful to be writing this review in my new home that we couldn't have found without Olivia.

- M. J. 

We are a boutique residential real estate team helping clients achieve their real estate goals in the Bay Area. We are a group of women who specialize in different markets across the Bay Area, while following a custom process that allows us to help buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals efficiently. Our team is top 1% of all realtors in San Mateo County and San Francisco with a total of $340M+ lifetime sales. We take pride in knowing that our clients become friends and refer us to their friends and family members because we work to make dreams become a reality. Once our clients speak to us for an initial call, they understand why we are different and why they want to work with us. We are your personal real estate concierge in one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the world.