Current Mortgage Rates are Low!

Current Mortgage Rates are Low!

January 21, 2010 by Joel · Leave a Comment 

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 [...]

The Engels (Good time to Buy? Sell? )

The Engels (Good time to Buy? Sell? )

December 15, 2009 by Joel · Leave a Comment 

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 [...]

Short Sales

Short Sales

December 15, 2009 by Cindy · Leave a Comment 

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, [...]

Interest Rates & Market Update

Interest Rates & Market Update

November 21, 2009 by Joel · Leave a Comment 

(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 [...]

September 2009 Market Update

September 2009 Market Update

September 15, 2009 by Joel · Leave a Comment 

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 [...]

The Middle Man

The Middle Man

January 19, 2009 by Joel · Leave a Comment 

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 [...]

Over-pricing vs. Under-pricing

Over-pricing vs. Under-pricing

January 19, 2009 by Joel · Leave a Comment 

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 [...]

Short Sale Approved!

Short Sale Approved!

January 19, 2009 by Cindy · Leave a Comment 

Really? After submitting an offer to be considered by the lender for a “short sale”, you may be informed that the offer price and conditions have been approved.  Many times the “waiting game” takes so long that the buyer making the offer decides to move on and find another property.  At that point, the listing [...]