LOCAL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
GABE BODNER - Mortgage Planner with Lawson & Associates
http://www.bayareahomefinancing.com/
408.426.4416
Each month we will be promoting local business owners who we recommend. Consider them part of "our team". In order for us to do what we do well, we need to associate ourselves with people who are professional, have a focus on customer service, and easy to refer.
As Chamber members it is important to build a community of services on the coast. If you always need a plumber, electrician, or anyone else who provides a service, you can guarantee you Local Realtor knows someone.
This month we chose Gabe because of his willingness to provide phenomenal service for us and his clients. Professionalism and experience has never been as important as today. With the media providing fear in the minds of borrowers (i.e. mortgage meltdown), Gabe will be attentive to your needs regarding mortgage planning. Whether it be refinancing, a first time home purchase, moving up or anything else you can guarantee that he will get the job done.
He also lives by the same philosophy as Rose & I as a "BY REFERRAL ONLY" agent. His goal is to provide services above and beyond the average mortgage planner where you feel comfortable enough referring him to a family, friend or colleague. This leaves more time where he can focus on getting the best loan for you and your family.
Also, you can read his posting below titled "Why Buy Now?". Feel free to comment.
Well, Congratulations Gabe! You are our first "Local Business of the Month".
--- Should you need any further information please do not hesitate to call! Nate
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
BEST VALUE ON THE COAST
OUR LISTING AT 441 AVENUE DEL ORO, EL GRANADA
Check out our 4 minute video below
Escape to this unique Highlands property located in El Granada. This fully updated home features 4 well sized bedrooms with newer carpets and double paned windows plus 3 bathrooms, all recently remodeled with decorator tiling and appointments.
Located on the first level is one of two master suites with access to the backyard, large laundry room, 2 car garage, separate dog-run and a versatile utility room, playroom, office, or whatever the heart desires. The spacious backyard is astonishing and perfect for entertaining or playing, fully landscaped with fruit trees and many small plants, all accented with a large flagstone patio and access to the top floor. Upstairs living room with access to deck, spacious dining area, and bright kitchen with granite counters.
The top floor also includes a private master suite with a full bathroom and two additional bedrooms with a guest bathroom off the hallway. Also located just a short distance from the world famous surf break.
OUR LISTING AT 441 AVENUE DEL ORO, EL GRANADA
Check out our 4 minute video below
Escape to this unique Highlands property located in El Granada. This fully updated home features 4 well sized bedrooms with newer carpets and double paned windows plus 3 bathrooms, all recently remodeled with decorator tiling and appointments.
Located on the first level is one of two master suites with access to the backyard, large laundry room, 2 car garage, separate dog-run and a versatile utility room, playroom, office, or whatever the heart desires. The spacious backyard is astonishing and perfect for entertaining or playing, fully landscaped with fruit trees and many small plants, all accented with a large flagstone patio and access to the top floor. Upstairs living room with access to deck, spacious dining area, and bright kitchen with granite counters.
The top floor also includes a private master suite with a full bathroom and two additional bedrooms with a guest bathroom off the hallway. Also located just a short distance from the world famous surf break.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Holy Smokes! 18 Open House Signs For One Home?
This weekend was my first weekend not participating in an open house for awhile. On my way home their were 18 Open House Signs on the coast, by the same brokerage, all pointing to just ONE house for sale in Montara. There were 5 in Pacifica and 13 from the 92 up to Montara.
Most people do not know this but there actually is a sign ordinance. We are actually limited to only 1 sign on the property but there has never really been a crackdown on the sign issue. I am all for exposure, but 18 signs? This act could potentially ruin it for everyone, including other listings.
Wow!
P.S. Stay Tuned for a series of posts "Neighborhood Spotlight" The first of many will be Ocean Colony. I hope you enjoy.
This weekend was my first weekend not participating in an open house for awhile. On my way home their were 18 Open House Signs on the coast, by the same brokerage, all pointing to just ONE house for sale in Montara. There were 5 in Pacifica and 13 from the 92 up to Montara.
Most people do not know this but there actually is a sign ordinance. We are actually limited to only 1 sign on the property but there has never really been a crackdown on the sign issue. I am all for exposure, but 18 signs? This act could potentially ruin it for everyone, including other listings.
Wow!
P.S. Stay Tuned for a series of posts "Neighborhood Spotlight" The first of many will be Ocean Colony. I hope you enjoy.
Monday, November 12, 2007
WHY BUY NOW
11-12-07 - Posted by our good friend at Lawson & Associates, Gabe Bodner - Mortgage Planner
Many people ask the question, “Is now a good time to buy or should I wait?” The market in Northern California’s Bay Area is a market of opportunity. If you know what you are looking for and you have a good Realtor and Mortgage Planner working for you, there are many wonderful opportunities to buy a new home in today’s real estate market.
So you may ask why now? First, the geographic restrictions of Northern California proves there is a very limited amount of open space to build new homes. Developers simply cannot buy vacant land and continue to build new homes just anywhere. If someone wants to build a new home, they need to buy an existing home, tear it down and build a new house on the existing lot. There is a large premium associated with this process because the costs to buy an existing home, demolishing the house, and the costs to build new. In the end, the new house that is built then increases the value of the other homes in the neighborhood and adds a premium to the land value. It is this cycle that continues to push house prices higher in the bay area.
Second, there are more homes on the market than normal for this time of year. This is causing a softening in home prices. Sellers are motivated to sell and there are fewer buyers in the market. Since the media has sent so many mixed signals people have been more scared to buy. This has created a buyer’s market and a buyer’s market creates a competitive situation for sellers. In some cases, sellers are willing to reduce the sales price or give a credit to the buyer for closing costs just to attract buyers to their property.
Third, the job market. Companies are hiring and growing at a super accelerated pace. Companies like Google, HP, Apple, Adobe, and Oracle are growing and hiring locally. As they continue to hire, this creates job opportunities and a need for more people to buy houses. As employees continue to build wealth, they are investing in real estate.
Fourth, is household growth. What does this really mean? Due to the life cycle of families having babies and growing their families, we have an annual population growth between 220,000 to 250,000 people in California per year. However, we are building less than 150,000 (on average) new homes in California each year. Therefore, we have a net shortage upwards of 150,000 homes in California, every single year. This creates a continued demand for homes both for people who will own and people who will rent.
Fifth, interest rates. Mortgage rates are still very low. Rates are still between 6% and 7% on most home loans. These rates are historically very, very low. People typically do not buy homes solely on mortgage rates because they can refinance if rates drop. However, we are already at very low rates which makes the affordability of buying much easier.
The last reason why now is because in the spring there are always more buyers and less homes on the market. This in turn creates a sellers market and buyers are then competing with other buyers forcing home prices to go up because of the limited supply and the increased demand by buyers.
Today is a wonderful time to invest especially if you plan to hold onto the house for at least five years. If you have any questions regarding the above information, you can contact me directly at Gabe@BayAreaHomeFinancing.com or 650-492-4071.
11-12-07 - Posted by our good friend at Lawson & Associates, Gabe Bodner - Mortgage Planner
Many people ask the question, “Is now a good time to buy or should I wait?” The market in Northern California’s Bay Area is a market of opportunity. If you know what you are looking for and you have a good Realtor and Mortgage Planner working for you, there are many wonderful opportunities to buy a new home in today’s real estate market.
So you may ask why now? First, the geographic restrictions of Northern California proves there is a very limited amount of open space to build new homes. Developers simply cannot buy vacant land and continue to build new homes just anywhere. If someone wants to build a new home, they need to buy an existing home, tear it down and build a new house on the existing lot. There is a large premium associated with this process because the costs to buy an existing home, demolishing the house, and the costs to build new. In the end, the new house that is built then increases the value of the other homes in the neighborhood and adds a premium to the land value. It is this cycle that continues to push house prices higher in the bay area.
Second, there are more homes on the market than normal for this time of year. This is causing a softening in home prices. Sellers are motivated to sell and there are fewer buyers in the market. Since the media has sent so many mixed signals people have been more scared to buy. This has created a buyer’s market and a buyer’s market creates a competitive situation for sellers. In some cases, sellers are willing to reduce the sales price or give a credit to the buyer for closing costs just to attract buyers to their property.
Third, the job market. Companies are hiring and growing at a super accelerated pace. Companies like Google, HP, Apple, Adobe, and Oracle are growing and hiring locally. As they continue to hire, this creates job opportunities and a need for more people to buy houses. As employees continue to build wealth, they are investing in real estate.
Fourth, is household growth. What does this really mean? Due to the life cycle of families having babies and growing their families, we have an annual population growth between 220,000 to 250,000 people in California per year. However, we are building less than 150,000 (on average) new homes in California each year. Therefore, we have a net shortage upwards of 150,000 homes in California, every single year. This creates a continued demand for homes both for people who will own and people who will rent.
Fifth, interest rates. Mortgage rates are still very low. Rates are still between 6% and 7% on most home loans. These rates are historically very, very low. People typically do not buy homes solely on mortgage rates because they can refinance if rates drop. However, we are already at very low rates which makes the affordability of buying much easier.
The last reason why now is because in the spring there are always more buyers and less homes on the market. This in turn creates a sellers market and buyers are then competing with other buyers forcing home prices to go up because of the limited supply and the increased demand by buyers.
Today is a wonderful time to invest especially if you plan to hold onto the house for at least five years. If you have any questions regarding the above information, you can contact me directly at Gabe@BayAreaHomeFinancing.com or 650-492-4071.
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