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Micheal Rain

7 Tips to Save Your Sanity During the Loan Application Process!

You may have experienced some level of stress in buying your San Mateo Coastal home due to the very rigorous rules and regulations in the loan process. Or you may be looking into the San Mateo Coastal real estate market and are uneasy about applying for a loan because you don’t quite know where to start! New regulations on loans are sometimes confusing and the process can easily become frustrating, but there’s hope!  Andy Block a Loan and Personal Finance Advisor has come up with 7 Tips to Save Your Sanity during the loan approval process. We’ve listed them for you below!

1. Be expedient and thorough- When initiating a loan, and throughout the loan process, it is imperative to provide complete documentation to your Mortgage Advisor as quickly as possible. For instance, if all pages of the bank statement are requested, it really means all pages. While you and I might not think it’s necessary to include the reconciliation page of the statement, the lenders do. And, when they receive only five of the six pages of said bank statement, the loan process can become inefficient and stalled.

2. Keep detailed financial records- If it is necessary to transfer funds from one account to another or to sell stock for a down payment, keep a detailed paper trail of all transactions, deposits and liquidations. Lenders will request it.

3. Spill the details- Be sure to notify your Mortgage Advisor of any changes to the purchase transaction. Unidentified last minute changes, such as escrow holdbacks, seller credits or termite work can wreak havoc with closing dates.

4. Keep your day job- Lenders always contact your employer just before the loan funds. If you have left that company (quit, moved to a new company or retired), the lender will stop the loan from funding and recording.

5. Know the facts- If you are in the process of divorcing, most lenders will not approve or fund a mortgage loan until the final decree (settlement terms) is recorded.

6. Safeguard your social security number- Talk to your Mortgage Advisor before making any significant credit or purchase decisions. Lenders rely on using credit scores to assist in mortgage credit decisions. Incurring new debt during the loan process increases your debt-to-income ratio and could reduce the amount you can borrow. Each credit inquiry – whether you ultimately make a purchase or not lowers your credit score. The same holds true for pre-approved credit card offers that you receive in the mail; responding to them will result in a credit check.

7. Be available- Be sure to leave a contact phone number with your Mortgage Advisor if you are traveling for business or on vacation. Until all the loan approval conditions are met, you may be required to provide additional documentation or information.

We understand that buying a home is a huge investment! The paper work, hoops to jump through and getting everything you need in order can be a lot to handle. Using these seven tips will help cut down on the stress and will help streamline the process. If you are looking to buy a home on the San Mateo Coast, we can help! We’ve had years of experience and would love to help you find the home of your dreams! There are many great homes in the San Mateo Coastal Area from which to choose. Contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions and give you a tour of the homes in the area!

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

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Unique Findings in Half Moon Bay!

We happen to think that the San Mateo Coastal area is one of the greatest places to live.  Now, you may think that we’re slightly partial due to our years of living and working in this beautiful part of the country, but our bias is also founded on the many unique things that are offered in each city along the coast.

One of these cities is the charming community of Half Moon Bay.  Its small coastal town atmosphere offers tranquility, yet at the same time, an abundance of things to do.  Here are a few of our favorite options.


Wine Tasting- One of the richest parts of Northern California’s heritage is, of course, the wine.  Enjoying these wonderful flavors paired with the most decadent cheeses is a must for any visit to Half Moon BayLa Nebbia Winery is one of our local offerings nestled amidst sprawling gardens and is ideal for wine tastings, events or dinner parties.  If you don’t have an entire day to spend sipping wines, check out the popular stop Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese.  This store sells the finest in wine and cheese and hosts events throughout the week.

Horseback Riding- Take in the stunning views along the coast or in the rich forests of Half Moon Bay on horseback!  Open all year round, seven days a week is the Sea Horse Ranch & Friendly Acres Horses & Rentals which takes you along seven miles of breathtaking scenery.

Bird Watching- You may not think bird watching is your type of activity, but the San Mateo Coast is home to many unique birds that won’t see anywhere else.  The Pescadero Marsh bird refuge is a unique place where you can view over 200 species of birds.

Farm Visits- If organic food is a passion of yours, you’ll enjoy the various options of stopping by our local farms that sell the freshest vegetables, fruits and herbs.  Make a day of it by opting to pick your own fruit at Phipps Country Store and Farm.  There are an abundance of options along the coast to visit our local growers who provide a rich blend of community and outstanding food.

As you can see, there are a number of reasons to visit Half Moon Bay!  Better yet, if you’ve always dreamed of living in such a unique town; let us know!  We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the San Mateo Real Estate market!

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

San Mateo Coastal Real Estate
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San Mateo Housing Market on the Rise!

It seems that California has weathered the real estate market storms are beginning to see growth!  The San Mateo Coastal area is no different and has seen an increase in home median prices and sales.  According to a recent study from MDA Data Quick, statewide median home prices rose 11% in February and total sales were up 8%.  It is apparent that we are on the upswing of the last year or so of economic recession.

According to First American Core Logic statisticians, the next 12 months will bring about a gain of 4.5% in home prices. Last month alone, an estimated 28,111 new and resale houses and condos were sold in California, which rose 9% from January sales.  The average mortgage payment last month was $1,068.

The below chart shows the growth in Median Home Sale Prices from 2009 to 2010 San Mateo Coastal Real Estate market.

It’s exciting time in the San Mateo Coastal area as we are seeing new homes coming on the market and are seeing properties sold!  If you are looking for a home in this desirable Coastal region, we’d love to assist you in your search.  We currently have some great properties available which we would be happy to show you!  Looking to sell?  We can help you through the process from start to finish!  We look forward to hearing from you!

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

San Mateo Coastal Real Estate
View San Mateo Coastal Listings
Visit Our Website
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