What an Increase in Interest Rates Means to You

by Irene Moustakas | Jan 21, 2014 | Featured, Rates, Tips

Rising interest rates can drastically reduce the max purchase price you qualify for.  Depending on the loan amount, a rise in rates of just .25% can potentially cost you hundreds of dollars (in particular with the high loan amounts in our Bay Area).  But even with...

Be Competitive in Your Offer to Purchase a Home

by Irene Moustakas | Sep 26, 2013 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Featured, Tips

Even though housing supply and demand has leveled off compared to the earlier part of this year, demand does still outweigh supply (the inventory of homes on the market).  So it is critical to be as competitive as possible when you are up against other buyers putting...

Tips for Closing on Your Home Loan Quickly

by Irene Moustakas | Sep 17, 2013 | Featured, Tips

Even though the lending industry has slowed down greatly since interest rates increased in early summer, it is still a busy time.  If you are applying for a loan to purchase a home, then most likely you have offered terms with a short contingency removal and Close of...

Reminder to Pay Property Taxes

by Irene Moustakas | Dec 3, 2012 | Tips

We are coming up on the “late” date for the 1st installment of property taxes.  The fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30.  The 1st installment of taxes is due on November 1st, late December 10th; the 2nd installment of taxes is due February 1st; late April 10th....

Choices: When the Appraised Value Comes in Lower than Your Purchase Price

by Irene Moustakas | Feb 22, 2012 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Featured, Tips

If you are purchasing a home and the appraised value comes in lower than the sales price, this can be a deal-killer for many buyers.  Lenders calculate the loan amount based on the lesser of the purchase price or the appraised value.  If you’re at the Loan-to-Value...

Reminder (and Warning) Regarding the 1st Installment of Property Taxes

by Irene Moustakas | Oct 13, 2011 | Featured, Tips

As many of your homeowners know, the 1st installment of property taxes is due to the county on November 1st; considered late after December 10th.  You should all have your property tax bills by now. I will send out another reminder via my blog when they are due, and...