The Engels Real Estate

Current Mortgage Rates are Low!

We will now be posting Monthly updates on the fantastic Mortgage rates available! Rates as of (January 6, 2010) on 30 year fixed.   4.875% 1 points 5-1 Arm 30 year term 4.25% 1 point 5-1 Arm 30 Year High Balance 4.75%, loans between 417K-$729K 30 year High balance  5.25% 1 points.   -Rate Information Provided By: Staci M. Fraser Home Mortgage Consultant Stagecoach Priority Certified Wells... [Read more...]

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The Engels (Good time to Buy? Sell? )

As lifetime members (third generation) of our community, the Engel Team, Joel & Cindy, would like to introduce themselves! Joel and I have been full-time Residential Realtors in the Tri Valley area for 22+ years. We have an excellent understanding of the local builders and the communities. This experience and knowledge speak to our years of success in the Real Estate Industry. As Broker/Owners... [Read more...]

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Short Sales

With the many changes in the market, we wanted to help to educate our clients and answer some frequently asked questions about short sales. If anyone you know has any questions about short sales, please contact us, as we have relationships with CPA’s and Attorneys who have the latest information. Since each transaction is unique, it is imperative that any person in this situation gather the best... [Read more...]

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Interest Rates & Market Update

(November 2009 Update) Since home sales and home values are so closely tied to the cost of borrowing money, we thought we would focus some attention on current interest rates, along with the general Real Estate related topics we usually discuss. The cost of borrowing money to finance home purchases are currently at very low rates.  30 year conforming, loan amounts of under $417,000 are below 5% and... [Read more...]

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September 2009 Market Update

Market Update (September 09′) Dear Friends, As you probably all know from our media sources, the Real Estate market is picking up!! We know from our multiple listing statistics that even in the Central Valley (Tracy, Mountain House, Sacramento and Brentwood/Antioch too) the inventory of homes has been absorbed. These areas are now experiencing multiple offers. The Tri Valley area is also... [Read more...]

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The Middle Man

There are many new companies that offer their service as “negotiators”. These companies for a fee (usually 1-2% commission) will negotiate directly with the lenders involved. Their claim is that they have experience and will stay in constant contact with the lender. Usually, they are employed by the listing agent. It is important to know if one of these companies are involved in the process. ... [Read more...]

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Over-pricing vs. Under-pricing

When listing short sale property, a Realtor may start with an asking price that looks to be too high compared to the current market. This may be a part of a required process on the part of the lender involved. Many times the lender will require the home to be marketed for several weeks.  If there is no interest, then lower the asking price.  Continue to market the home at the new asking price for... [Read more...]

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