The Bay Area LEGO Users Group and Train Club (BayLUG/BayLTC) and the Museum of American Heritage present the 8th Annual “Living LEGO-cy” Holiday LEGO Creation and Train Exhibit at the Museum in Palo Alto.

The Exhibit features a wide variety of amazing and innovative LEGO Creations and LEGO trains running through familiar city, farm, and suburban scenes.  All ages welcome!

This local event is on Friday, January 13th at 11am and is very affordable at  $2 Exhibit/Show Admission and Museum Admission is Free!

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What is even worse, is according to a study by the Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly 20 percent of veterans don’t even know the program exists.

• Qualifying for a VA loan
  VA loans are fairly easy to qualify for. Prospective buyers must have only:
  Served 181 days on active duty during peacetime or 90 days during wartime
  Served six years in the National Guard or Reserves
  Be the spouse of a fallen service member who died due to a service related injury.

Those who fall into one of those categories must take the next step of filling out a Certificate of Eligibility, or COE. This official VA document proves you are able to participate in the program and have met the service requirements. Applicants can obtain these through the VA directly or through an approved VA lender.

VA officials must look over the Certificate of Eligibility and ultimately determine whether a prospective borrower can participate.

The Department of Veterans Affairs doesn’t give explicit income or credit standards to qualify for the program, since the VA doesn’t issue the loan. Income and credit standards are given by VA-approved lenders, which generally require a minimum score of 620 to qualify.

Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan (IRRRL)
The VA’s IRRRL, or streamline refinance, gives current VA home loan holders the opportunity to take advantage of the market’s low interest rates.
Prospective borrowers should remember that for this to be worth their while, they should make sure the new interest rate is lower than the current rate and that you can’t refinance a FHA or conventional loan through the IRRRL.

This program isn’t for everyone, but for those looking to lower their current interest rate, it is a great option. For more information on the VA home loan program and the VA’s IRRRL, contact a VA-approved lender like Veterans United Home Loans, the nation’s leading dedicated provider of VA home loans. Kevin Pearia is a mortgage commentator for Veterans United Home Loans, the nation’s leading dedicated provider of VA home loans.

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There will be a book discussion of “When Things Fall Apart- Heart Advice for Difficult Times” by Pema Chodron on January 9th from 6-7:45pm in the Cedar Room at the Main Library.

Through reflections on the teachings of mindfulness, Pema Chodron orients readers and gives them language with which to shape their thinking about the ordinary and extraordinary traumas of modern life. Connect with others who are seeking to become more aware of themselves and the world around them. Read Chapters 7-8 in advance and come ready to discuss them. For more information call (650) 522-7847 or email dscheifler@cityofsanmateo.org.

Meet like minded people in San Mateo and enjoy checking a goal off of your 2012 New Years Resolution list!

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The VA Loan Guaranty program

Service members have long had a history of constant moves and deployments, which tends to have a negative effect on one’s finances. That transient lifestyle can take a toll on a service member’s ability to plan for and build toward the future, including providing the high down payment required by most conventional loan programs. This is the main reason why the VA loan program has proved to be so crucial for the last 66 years.

VA loans come with a guarantee from the U.S. government. In short, the VA agrees to repay up to a fourth of a borrower’s mortgage if he or she defaults on their loan. That guarantee gives a greater degree of confidence to lenders, which, in turn can offer qualified borrowers competitive interest rates and flexible loan terms.

In fact, the VA Home Loan program is one of the few remaining zero money down mortgage options available. Veterans and active duty across the nation see not having to place a down payment as one of the greatest benefits, and without it, they would not have been able to acquire proper housing.

Interest in VA loans is surging across the country. Amid a tight credit environment and a rollercoaster of a housing market, service members are turning to the safety of these government-backed loans in record numbers.
 
In the past year, a surge in VA home loan refinance has been responsible for the VA Loan program guaranteeing nearly 360,000 single-family loans for the fiscal year ending September 30.

Kevin Pearia is a mortgage commentator for Veterans United Home Loans, the nation’s leading dedicated provider of VA home loans.

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4 live bands, 3 rooms, 3 atmospheres, Brazilian carnival at midnight, 7 of the best Dj’s in the Bay Area, Free masks, Hats, Balloons, Pisco Bar and more! Live Samba dancers and Batucada drummers, masks, confetti, hats, streamers and more!

The party will be held at the San Mateo Marriott Hotel, 1770 S. Amphlett – San Mateo 94402 – Doors open 7pm
Pre-Sale tickets $35. 

Main room: Live Salsa with Pepe y su Orquesta
Dj Jazzy Jez & Dj Mambo playing the best salsa and Bachata

Second room: Live Cumbia, Merengue and Bachata with Orquesta Son & Sabor
Dj Carty and DjMGD with the Best latin mixes, Rock en español, 70′s & 80′s music and more

Third room: Live Timba and Cubaton with Dos/Four Band
Dj Dominican, DjDavid the King with the best of Reggaeton and Top 40.
Dj Antonio playing the best Cuban Salsa

Special Brazilian Carnival style performance at midnight with “Amor Do Samba”
Live Samba dancers and Batucada drummers, masks, confetti, hats, streamers and more

Marriott offers you doubles or singles rooms rate at $99 (Includes free breakfast for 2 plus free Parking) You can buy tickets here.

San Mateo locals know this is one of the best places to ring in the New Year!  Have a safe and Happy New Year!

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The San Mateo community

But while being a business owner is a great deal of work, it is part of the American dream. The downside is that if you are in the market to purchase a new home in San Mateo and are planning on applying for a loan based on your self-employment income, you may be faced with some challenges you weren’t expecting.

Unfortunately the current economic situation has forced many lenders to tighten their requirements and that may make getting a loan more difficult than in past years for self employed home buyers. Here’s the score on what today’s lenders are looking for.

1. Forget about a ‘stated income’ mortgage – you are going to need tax documents, bank records and at least a two year history of business stability for a lender to even consider your application. Even if you are just branching out in the same kind of business that you have done for years, expect tight requirements and nearly perfect credit to move forward with qualifying.

2. Do your homework – research the banks or mortgage lenders you want to approach and find out exactly what paperwork and documentation they require to process a loan for a self-employed borrower. Spend time putting your documents together carefully and thoroughly in advance of your application.

3. Look for lenders who have a track record of accepting self-employed borrowers and try to meet with them in person to review your paperwork and find the right kind of loan package for your needs and situation.

4. Take a break from write-offs for a couple of years – those tax deductions help with your disposable income, but they also take down your gross income level. Lenders want to see a good debt-to-income ratio,not how clever you are about expensing your income away. Direct any questions about how to manage your expenses and write-offs to your CPA.

5. Stay liquid – build your bank account so that lenders can see your ability to make payments even if you have seasonal or other fluctuations in your income levels month to month or year to year. A solid savings plan and liquid assets can be helpful in getting your application approved.

Finally, if you have a strong co-signer, one with great finances and a steady income, you may be able to overcome your lender’s concerns and hesitation when it comes to considering the source and level of your personal income.

Are you self employed and have more questions? Contact me for more information, I would be happy to help!

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Here is a list of a few reputable charities that would appreciate your donations:

Assistance League of San Mateo County Turnstyle Thrift Shop
LOCATION: 60 North B Street @ Baldwin Avenue San Mateo, CA 94401
PHONE: (650) 342-2367
HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm

Funds from resale are used to purchase new clothing, uniforms and books for underprivileged elementary school children; new books for family literacy programs; new clothing for sexual assault victims at San Mateo County General Hospital; and to fund a coordinator for a home visit program for the elderly in San Mateo County.

NEED: Clothing & accessories, housewares, small furniture items, books, jewelry, collectibles, toys, small appliances, small furniture pieces, portable color televisions and decorative items for the home. 

DO NOT NEED: Large furniture or appliances, computers, videos or record players. 
 
Episcopal Church of Saint Matthew Service League Thrift Shop
LOCATION: Corner of Baldwin Avenue & El Camino Real San Mateo, CA 94401
PHONE: (650) 344-0921
HOURS: Thursday – Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm

Funds from resale are donated to a variety of San Mateo County charities.

NEED: Clothing & accessories, housewares, books, jewelry, collectibles, toys, small appliances, small furniture pieces and decorative items for the home. 

DO NOT NEED: Large furniture, appliances, computers, TVs or stereos. 
 
First Step for Families (Shelter Network)
LOCATION: 325 Villa Terrace San Mateo, CA 94401
PHONE: (650) 340-8814
HOURS: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm. Please call first.

All donated items are provided free of charge to shelter families or are used in shelter facilities.

NEED: Household appliances, bedroom and bathroom linens, brooms, dustpans, cleaning supplies, kitchenware and utensils, lamps, televisions, clock radios, strollers, highchairs, school supplies, sports equipment, books and games for teenagers, educational toys, Halloween costumes, unused toiletries and computer games for Windows-based PCs. 
 
Friends of the San Mateo Public Library San Mateo Public Library, Main Branch
LOCATION: 55 West Third Avenue @ El Camino Real San Mateo, CA 94403
PHONE: (650) 373-4802 (Administration)
HOURS: Mon – Thu 10:00am – 9:00pm, Fri – Sat 10:00am – 5:00pm; Sun 1:00pm – 5:00pm

The San Mateo Public Library Foundation uses funds from resale to purchase new books and support adult literacy programs and children’s library services.

NEED: New & used books; CDs and videos (in perfect condition).

DO NOT NEED: Textbooks, Reader’s Digest condensed books, National Geographic and Smithsonian magazines. 
 
Goodwill Industries Thrift Store
LOCATION: 28 West 25th Avenue @ El Camino Real San Mateo, CA 94403
PHONE: (650) 525-2780

Use this opportunity to show your family how it truly is better for the soul to give than to recieve this holiday season by donating to these San Mateo charities.

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  As San Mateo Coastal Real Estate agents; we understand the importance of hosting a great open house.  Buyers want to see the ins and outs of your home and there are six key ways to help your home have a successful open house!

1. Make it Generic- While it’s great to make your home personal, your pictures, children’s art or your to do list on the refrigerator can be a large distraction to potential buyers.  They need to be able to envision themselves in your home, so putting away those personal items will help buyers picture their life in your coastal home.

2. Clear Counters- Look at your kitchen or bathroom counters from a outsiders viewpoint.  Do you have too many appliances cluttering your kitchen counter?  Clearing this space will make their appear to be more room for cooking or their own storage.  If your bathroom counters are filled with perfumes, toothbrush holders, etc… take time to put them in cabinets or drawers so buyers can see the actual size of the space.

3. Set the Table- This may not seem necessary, but having your dining room table set with nice place settings add a touch of class and can help the San Mateo Coastal buyer envision hosting their own dinner parties.

4. First Impressions- Believe it or not, a nice doormat or attractive porch can really set the tone for the entire open house.  If there’s an old doormat , chipped paint or nothing special about the entrance to your home, buyers may feel that you don’t really care.  A welcoming setting from the start will instantly let buyers know that your home is well-maintained and that each area of your home is cared for.

5. Get to the Heart- The best way to appeal to the buyers’ heart is through offering something special when they walk in the door.  Whether you bake fresh cookies, have hot chocolate or coffee in the cooler months, or have lemonade for them on your counter as it starts to get warmer; these added touches will set your home apart.

6. Don’t Stick Around- While it may be tempting to want to hear what the potential buyers have to say, it can be awkward when the seller is present.  They will feel that they can’t openly express their thoughts to the agent and will not feel as comfortable when looking throughout the home.  Even if you take a walk through the neighborhood, being away from the home during an open house can make all the difference.

Hosting an open house can seem like a nerve-wracking process, but it’s the best way to get your home sold.  By taking note of these tips; you’ll be well on your way!  If you have questions about selling your San Mateo Coastal home; please let us know!  You’ll want someone who knows the area, has experience in selling homes on the coast and can be with you every step of the way.  Feel free to contact us with any questions you have or to learn how we can help sell your home!

Here are the details:

- Solds: Research homes that have recently sold in your area that are similar to yours. Seeing what other properties are selling for will give you a good idea of your homes’ value.

- Expireds: Many listings are put on the market at the top asking price or even overpriced. You will see that these homes will sit on the market and will eventually expire as there are not buyers willing to pay the asking price. Looking at these listings will give you an idea of what buyers are willing or not willing to spend.

- Currents: How does your property compare with current homes on the market? It’s a buyers market so they, in effect, determine the value of your home.

- Value Boosters: These include any maintenance or improvements that will boost the value of your home. Keep an open mind to change as buyers preferences may not be your preferences. These changes to your home can change a buyers’ mind.

As there are many factors that play into a home’s value, determining what your home is worth can be tricky. If you are starting to look into selling your home and have questions, we’d love to help! We can give you the most up to date information on the San Mateo Coast market and will assist you from the beginning to the end of the home selling process. We look forward to hearing from you!

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