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Has the North Bay Run Out of Real Estate Sales?

Housing Inventory

There has been a dearth of sellers for a few years now, but the summer months have been especially quiet as more families are taking vacations in this post-pandemic age.

Looking at MLS data for June, we find that Sonoma County buyers contracted to purchase 619 single-family homes, which is close to the number in June 2020.  There were 514 new listings -10% fewer than the same time last year, and 620 homes closed escrows, a 32% increase over 2020.

Because of the frenetic pace of homes selling, and the lack of new inventory, only 684 homes were available to sell at the beginning of July, a stunning 22% fewer than last year.

Marin County saw the hottest market in the North Bay with only 181 new single-family homes for sale, 34% fewer than last year.  286 homes went into escrow and 328 homes closed escrow leaving the region with only 205 homes for sale at the beginning of July.  The median home value rose to $1,778,000.

Given the fact that homes are selling faster than homes are being placed on the market, we can continue to expect prices to rise over the next few months.

If you want to secure a property in the North Bay but are being rejected by conventional lenders because of credit or difficulty to proving income, or you just need fast financing, call Sun Pacific Mortgage at 707-523-2099.
We have private investors to fund your mortgage in record time! With 33+ years of experience you can expect a quick, honest, and smooth closing.  Give us a call to see what we can do for you.

Real Estate Statistics for July 2021 – San Francisco Peninsula Areas

Real Estate Market Results For San Francisco Peninsula Areas

Reports for last month show that the Peninsula is still a hot commodity. Homes are flying off the shelf with selling prices well above the asking price. Buyers can still expect to engage in bidding wars knowing that unless they get creative with their offer, they will probably lose out. All you need to do is examine the activity from July to see that real estate remains an extraordinarily strong seller’s market.

Menlo Park:  

  • D.O.M.: 6
  • Ave. Selling Price:  $2,563,025 ($175,125 ABOVE 6/21)
  • 16% ABOVE asking price

Foster City:

  • D,O.M.:  8
  • Ave. Selling Price:  $2,322,710 ($39,710 BELOW 6/21)
  • 16% ABOVE asking price

Belmont:

  • D.O.M.: 9
  • Ave. Selling Price:  $2,290,884 ($114,368 BELOW 6/21)
  • 17% ABOVE asking price

San Carlos:

  • D.O.M.:  11
  • Ave. Selling Price:  $2.659,670 ($120,812 ABOVE 6/21)
  • 12% ABOVE asking price

San Mateo:

  • D.O.M.:  13
  • Ave. Selling Price:  $2,368,985 ($358,062 ABOVE 6/21)
  • 14% ABOVE asking price

Burlingame:

  • D.O.M.:  11
  • Ave. Selling Price:  $3,101,173($8,738 ABOVE 6/21)
  • 5% ABOVE asking price

In this market speed is everything!  On the Peninsula in July, the average days on the market ranged from 6 days to 13 days. That doesn’t give a Buyer any time to dilly-dally.

If you want to be competitive in today’s real estate arena, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is essential. Beyond that step, consider a fast private money real estate loan from Sun Pacific Mortgage. We are known for our speed in closing deals in a week or less.

Give us a call at 707-523-2099 to get a bridge loan or a temporary purchase loan that you can refinance later when speed is of no consequence.

July Real Estate Market Statistics for Sonoma, Marin, and Napa Counties

July Real Estate Market Statistics For Sonoma Marin And Napa Counties

It is no surprise that single family homes continued to be snatched up as quickly as they hit the market in July.  The data shows that available housing has continued to shrink even as the demand has escalated.  Here are the results for July 2020:

Sonoma County

  • Houses that went into escrow:  622
  • Closed escrow:  563
  • New listings:  431 (25% fewer than July 2020)
  • Available August 1:  675 (12% fewer than July 2020)

Marin County

  • Houses into escrow:  231 (29% fewer than July 2020)
  • Closed escrow:  241
  • New listings:  169 (39% fewer than July 2020)
  • Available August 1: 209
  • Median price:  $1,800,000

Napa County

  • Houses that went into escrow:  128
  • Closed escrow:  115
  • New listings:  101 (60% fewer than July 2020)
  • Available August 1:  245
  • Median price:  $925,000

If you are looking for a fast close on your property purchase, consider a temporary mortgage through Sun Pacific Mortgage.  We offer private lending opportunities that can be completed in a week, if needed! Give us a call at 707-523-2099 to see what we can do to help you during these frenetic paced real estate transactions.

Four Key Trends in Today’s Real Estate Market

Four Key Trends In Todays Real Estate Market

As we move into the second half of the year, one thing is clear:  the current California real estate market is a “one off”.  Both buyers and sellers are affected by the mix of conditions we are experiencing today.  Here’s a look at four key components that are shaping this unique market:

  1. A Shortage of Homes for Sale:  Even though parts of the country may be experiencing small gains in the number of homes available for sale, inventory remains a challenge, especially here in California.
  2. Buyer Competition and Bidding Wars:  Buyers are having to go above and beyond to make sure their offer stands out from the crowd by offering over the asking price, all cash, or waiving some contingencies.  The average number of offers for the average home for sale was 5 in May.
  3. Home Price Appreciation:  According to CoreLogic, national home prices rose 15.4% year-over-year in May, making it the highest gain since November 2005.
  4. A Rise in Home Values and Equity:  As reported in CoreLogic, homeowners with mortgages (62% of all properties) have seen their equity increase by 19.6% year-over-year and have used this leverage to move into their dream homes or accomplish other life goals.

Bottom line?  Whether you are looking to buy your new home in Monterey County or move from busier urban life of San Francisco to Sebastopol, downsize your Santa Cruz home as your kids finally moved out – there’s no time like the present to buy or sell!

We have helped thousands of borrowers in our 33+ years in business. If you or any of your clients fall short of qualifying for a conventional loan or just want fast real estate financing, then Sun Pacific Mortgage can help with our private money lending. Give us a call at 707-523-2099 or check out our website at www.Sunpacmortgage.com to discover what we can do to make your next move easier and possible.

Is the Housing Market About to Crash?

Is The Housing Market About To Crash 1

With home prices at record highs and properties, especially in California, flying off the market in just hours, it’s no wonder that the Google search for “when is the housing market going to crash” has spiked dramatically in recent weeks.

Although this present housing mania may remind us of the mid-2000 bubble, experts say there’s no reason to prepare for a crash-landing like in 2008 and 2009.  This time the reason is simply a result of supply-and-demand.  There are just not enough homes to satisfy all the prospective Buyers out there.

According to Ali Wolf, chief economist at building consultancy Zonda:

“Today’s prices feel unsustainable, today’s frenzy feels unsustainable.  But that doesn’t mean there’s going to be a crash.  That’s bad news for a lot of shoppers who are hoping for prices to come down.”

He continues with the prediction that over the next year or two, prices will continue to rise, but at a much slower pace.  Bidding wars will taper off, and the astronomical offers over asking price will eventually come down, because there is no way the double-digit price growth can continue long term.

We are all aware that today there are far more Buyers than homes for sale.  That is another sharp reversal from the late 2000s.  Back then, overbuilding yielded far more properties than there were Buyers.  Now there isn’t enough new construction to meet the demand.

Probably, the most important factor in the last collapse were the bad mortgages.  Thankfully, these have largely disappeared from the market.  Today’s Buyers may be paying top dollar, but they have been carefully vetted to ensure they can afford their mortgages.

If you want to get into a new home before prices escalate even more, how about presenting a stronger offer with faster close by taking advantage of a private home loan?  Or, if you find you don’t quite qualify for the more rigorous conditions required in a conventional mortgage today, give Sun Pacific Mortgage a call at 707-523-2099 or visit our website at www.sunpacificmortgage.com.

We have helped thousands of Buyers over the past 33 years with our private money real estate loans in California.  We even offer owner-occupied home loans.

Benefits of Borrowing from a Private Lender

Benefits Of Borrowing From A Private Lender

Why would a real estate Buyer get a mortgage from a private lending company rather than an individual investor or conventional source?  There are numerous reasons, but to list a few:

  1. You can be self employed with difficult to prove income and still get a loan.
  2. You can better arrange the terms that work best for your circumstances.
  3. You don’t have to do the work to build individual relationships with investors – they’ll be made for you.
  4. You work with experts who are knowledgeable and quick to perform.
  5. You can present a faster 10-day offer close on your purchase offer!
  6. You can work with virtually all cash and not have loan contingency.
  7. You can stay in your current house while buying your new dream home with a Private Money Bridge Loan.
  8. There are less qualifications – making it easier to get the home loan you need, while still ensuring you can afford the monthly mortgage payments.

Many Borrowers believe that these benefits far outweigh the higher interest rates and associated fees.  Often Borrowers can get a quick loan even after being rejected by a conventional lender.  In many cases loans can be funded in days rather than the typical weeks or months from a bank.

If you have been looking to buy in this highly competitive market, give Sun Pacific Mortgage a call at 707-523-2099.  We are a direct private money lending company for more than 33 years now and capable of simple, fast approval processes allowing you to get “a leg up” in this demanding seller’s market.

What Should Buyers Know When Making A Purchase Offer?

 

What Are Buyers Looking For In Homes Today 1We are well aware of the low inventory and high prices which have prevailed in the real estate market for over a year. This has intimidated many buyers recently and kept them from attempting to get into the bidding wars.   As a buyer, what is the best approach when making an offer today that will help make your offer a stand-out?

Here are five things to keep in mind when you’re ready to make an offer:

  • Know Your Numbers:  In today’s market it is essential to get pre-approved for a loan before you begin your search.  Not only will this give you an idea of what you can legitimately afford, but it shows the seller that you are a serious, qualified buyer giving you a competitive edge.
  • Prepare for a Fast Pace:  With the average home on the market for just 17days start to finish, you can’t spend too much time lingering over your decision.  A skilled agent will help you draft and submit your offer as quickly as possible.
  • Trust a Real Estate Professional:  While you may go through the home buying experience maybe once every ten years, your Real Estate agent goes through it every day.  Trust their experience and their knowledge of the market.  They might suggest helpful tips when presenting your offer, to make it stand out in the crowd, such as flexible rent-back options or a quicker close.
  • Make a Strong, but Fair Offer:  Since more than 50% of homes are being sold above asking price, it is imperative that you turn to your agent to help make a suitable, strong offer that will help secure your home.
  • Be a Flexible Negotiator:   Be prepared to amend your offer to meet the specific requests of the seller. One contingency that one should strongly consider not waiving, however, is the home inspection.  You wouldn’t want to be stuck with a house you can’t afford to fix.

In today’s competitive market, it is important to consider the seller’s needs as well as your own.  Your professional agent can help walk you through the more competitive field that is home-buying today.

If you are looking for a fast close to impress your seller, give Sun Pacific Mortgage a call at 707-523-2099.  Why?  We have been known to fund a mortgage in as little as a week.  Even bad credit doesn’t stop us if there is sufficient down payment or good equity in a refinance.

We offer many programs for purchase and refinancing.  Need a Bridge Loan so that you can make a sound offer on your new home before selling your present one?  We do these, too, and make possible many purchases that might otherwise never happen! Bridge Loans are short term mortgages that can be paid off once you sell your present home and allow you to make a contingency-free offer on a new home.

Our privately funded loans offer great flexibility and fast funding, which are essential in today’s market.

Real Estate vs. Stocks

Real Estate Vs Stocks 1

Whether to invest in real estate or stocks is a personal choice that depends on your financial situation, risk tolerance, goals, and investment style.

When you buy stocks, you buy a tiny piece of that company.  In general, you can make money two ways with stocks:  value appreciation as the company’s stock increases and dividends.

When you buy real estate, you acquire physical land or property.  Most real estate investors make money by collecting rent or mortgage payments, as is the case with private investors at Sun Pacific Mortgage.  These private investors are provided a steady income stream and through appreciation, as the property value goes up, a hedge against a bad borrower.

For many prospective investors, real estate is appealing because it is a tangible asset that can be controlled, with the added benefit of diversification.

Comparing the returns of real estate and the stock market is an apples-to-oranges comparison because the factors that affect prices, values, and returns are very distinct.  But, bottom line, both present risks and rewards.  Smart investors opt for a variety of asset classes to reduce their risk.

Investing in real estate is an ideal way to diversify your investment portfolio, reduce risks, and maximize returns.  If you like the idea of investing in real estate, but don’t want to own and manage properties, become a private investor with Sun Pacific Mortgage.  We have hundreds of private investors who choose to fund our trust deeds and maximize their investments with returns up to 13%.

Call Sun Pacific Mortgage at 523-2099 or check us out at www.sunpacmortgage.com and discover a better way to increase your family’s wealth.

To Renovate or Not to Renovate Before You Sell

To Renovate Or Not To Renovate Before You Sell

When deciding to sell here in California, some homeowners feel they need to get their houses ready to make it more appealing to Home Buyers.  Before deciding on this choice, here’s a few things to keep in mind:

  • There is a shortage of homes right now.  In a “normal” market there would be a 6-month supply of homes available for sale.  Presently, there is only a 1.9-month supply.  As a result, competition is stiff and Sellers are receiving multiple offers.  Many Buyers are more willing to take on home improvements themselves to get the home they’re after.  In this market, it may be wise to let future Homeowners remodel the bathroom or the kitchen to make design decisions that are best for their specific taste and lifestyle.
  • Focus on getting a good return on your investment.  Make sure that any bigger project you are planning to tackle will give you the return on your investment you are seeking, and that those projects are worth the cost.  Consulting a real estate professional before you renovate is a good idea especially in this busy real estate market.  You may find that putting you house up for sale as-is, will still sell quickly and result in a good return.

All over the country, but especially in California, we are in a strong seller’s market.  So many of the popular California counties, including Sonoma, Marin, Monterey, Santa Clara, San Mateo and even Southern CA counties, are seeing more and more homes slowing coming onto the market – and selling fast!

So, maybe the best course of action is not a reasonable renovation project but instead putting it on the market for the many Home Buyers waiting to buy!  But, if you do need fast funding to get a renovation job done quickly in order to cash in on this market, give Sun Pacific Mortgage a call at 707-523-2099.  We are a private mortgage funding company who can often get your funding done in as little as a week.

Listing Prices Have Become a New Starting Point

Listing Prices Have Become A New Starting Point

Gone are the days, at least for the immediate present, when the listing price was the point where the buyer started from and worked downward in the negotiating process.  Today, in the Peninsula and Northern Bay Areas, with the record-low supply of homes for sale coupled with very strong buyer demand, the list price is the beginning of a bidding war on many homes.

According to the Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report just released by the National Association of Realtors, 45% of buyers paid full price or more.

With this market you just can’t shop for a home with the old-school mentality of refusing to pay full price or more for a house.  When navigating the housing markets in areas of San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Costa and the others, think of the list price as the minimum the seller will accept in many cases.  The list price has become the floor of the negotiation, not the ceiling.  Know that if you really love a home in the Bay Area, be prepared to offer above asking, while still staying within your budget.  That’s a tall order in today’s real estate market!

As in all tricky financial situations, consult a professional and listen to their advice.  And, if you are looking to make a stronger offer with shorter closing time or virtually all-cash offer, consider Private Money loans for your mortgage!  Call Sun Pacific Mortgage at 707-523-2099 to discuss your situation and get experienced advice and support from a reputable family-owned and operated lending company, not just for Solano, Santa Clara and other Northern CA areas but for all California real estate.

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