Related posts:

1. Market Update! (June 2010)
2. Tri-Valley Market Update! (July/August 2010)
3. Interest Rates & Market Update

(March 2010) Mortgage Rates!

Rates are still good!!

 5% 30 year fixed.
5-1 Arm as low as 3.875%
And Jumbo 30 year fixed at 5.50%

Rate Update, Thanks to:

Staci M. Fraser
Home Mortgage Consultant
Stagecoach Priority Certified
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
MAC A0327-011
5075 Hopyard Rd. Ste 200
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925.251.4307 Tel
925.321.0744 Cell
866.512.6975 eFax

Related posts:

1. Current Mortgage Rates are Low!
2. (February 2010) Mortgage Update!
3. Market Update/Rates are still Good! (May 2010)

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 Fargo Home Mortgage
MAC A0327-011
5075 Hopyard Rd. Ste 200
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925.251.4307 Tel
925.321.0744 Cell

Related posts:

1. (March 2010) Mortgage Rates!
2. (February 2010) Mortgage Update!
3. Market Update/Rates are still Good! (May 2010)

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 jumbo loans, above $417,000 are about 5 ¾%.

With these almost historically low rates, we would expect to see a frenzy of buying activity and in fact we are, in the entry level and first time buyer category.  The Federal tax credit for first time buyers is set to expire in November.  With the affordability of homes and the possible extension of the tax credit we will probably see these entry level home sales continue. However, with the lack of equity many of the traditional move-up buyers have all but disappeared.

Various economic reports assert that recovery to peak levels may take as long as 10 years.  As we all assess our housing needs relative to family size, community services and commute distances, we may find that what we thought was a basic requirement may indeed be a luxury in the reality of today’s economic truths.  More and more families are exploring the possibility of expanding and remodeling their existing property instead of replacing it with a newer/larger one.

Whether or not to expand/remodel or move to a replacement home is a traditionally difficult decision.  If we as your trusted Real Estate Consultants can provide any assistance or information to that purpose, please contact Cindy or me at your convenience.

Related posts:

1. Tri-Valley Market Update! (July/August 2010)
2. Market Update/Rates are still Good! (May 2010)
3. Market Update! (June 2010)

Cindy and I are experiencing a surge of activity in sales of investment properties. Most of the buying is taking place in the Tracy and Brentwood areas. The reason for this is that with the prices of these homes having fallen, they now make sense again as rentals. Also, with the number of foreclosures and short sales in these cities, the demand for homes to rent has increased. The rental market is very robust, and a “break even” is now a realistic goal for investors again.

 We will continue to keep you informed of the market activity in these areas, and to let you know about the investment opportunities that are available. As always, we believe in the long term viability of Real Estate as an investment. We see the investor activity in the Tracy and Brentwood areas as an indicator that a new floor is being established with regards to pricing. Since markets build back up from the bottom, we feel (in these areas) that the prices are as low as they are likely to go. If you have any interest in exploring these opportunities, or you have any questions, please give us a call. We would be happy to spend some time discussing this topic with you.

Related posts:

1. Tri-Valley Market Conditions
2. September 2009 Market Update
3. Market Update/Rates are still Good! (May 2010)