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How To Maximize The Profit From The Sale Of Your Home

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Selling your home can prove to be either a smooth or bumpy process with varying rewards.  Two keys to ensure that your efforts yield the highest price possible are:

  • Price it a little low:  Statistically, it has been proven that property priced below Market Value encourages significantly more interest and higher selling prices than those priced above Market Value.  When examining this concept, it becomes clear that it is better to have multiple buyers fighting with each other over your home, than for you to be fighting with one buyer over the price.  Realtor.com advises: “Aim to price your property at or just below the going rate. Today’s buyers are highly informed, so if they sense they’re getting a deal, they’re likely to bid up a property that’s slightly underpriced, especially in areas with low inventory.” 
  • Use a Real Estate Professional:  Sellers may think they can improve their profit if they don’t pay a real estate commission,. But studies have shown that homes typically sell for more money when handled by a real estate professional.  Sales in 2017 suggest that the average price was almost 6% lower for FSBO sales of similar properties.

The “Take-Away” from this article:  To maximize the profit from the sale of your home, price your house at or slightly below the current market value and hire a professional.

Interested in alternative financing or private lending for your next home purchase? Give us a call today (707) 523-2099!

California’s State of the Real Estate Market

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The California Association of Realtors (CAR) recently published a report on “The State of the Real Estate Market”.  Some of the more interesting facts included the following:

  • Price per square foot was $257, down 3.3% from December, but up 5.9% YTD
  • Inventory at the lowest level since June 2004 with supply constraints crossing all price ranges (no surprise there!)
  • Home prices started picking up in the second half of 2017
  • California median home prices continued to grow at a fast pace with January 2018 median home price at $547,800, representing an increase of +7.3% over the same period last year.

What does 2018 hold for real estate in California?  All signs point to a continued healthy market with inventory a persistent problem.  In some cases, the issues that arise from this stumbling block can be mitigated by a bridge loan.  In this instance, if a buyer finds the home of his/her dreams, but hasn’t yet listed their own home, our bridge loan program can provide the temporary funds necessary to secure the new home before selling their existing property.  When their property sells, they can pay off the bridge loan and live happily ever after in their new home.

If you or someone you know needs help getting into the market or is looking to refinance their property, Sun Pacific Mortgage is here to assist with our Hard Money loan programs.

We have found financing for many who have been turned down elsewhere.  Give us a call!

Make Your Dream A Reality in 2018

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Owning your own home doesn’t need to be a fairy tale or a figment of your imagination.  2018 can be the year you make it happen by simply dispelling some commonly held homebuying myths regarding age and first-time home buyers.  

According to realtor.com, 65% of all surveyed homebuyers were first-time buyers and 40% of all homebuyers are 34 years old and younger.  More Millennials and Gen Y have gotten into the real estate market as rents rise, making it a more palliative option.  Renting means paying someone  else’s mortgage.  

How are the first-time buyers finding the down payment?  Some have set up small, weekly automatic bank transfers to savings, some have borrowed from family to help with the down payment, and many have made deep cuts into their budgets like brown bagging it, limiting trips and foregoing more expensive forms of entertainment.

The realtor.com Home Affordability Calculator can help to determine what price range you can afford.  If you find that you do not qualify for a conventional loan, Sun Pacific Mortgage is here to help you get into your first home and to begin establishing equity for the future, using their Hard Money loan programs.     

 

How To Say Goodbye To Your Home

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Since the Sonoma and Napa fires we have been forced to think about saying “Goodbye” to many things, not the least of which is our home.  Those who are fortunate enough to sell their home to a willing buyer, may also experience a great sense of loss.   Our home is the place where we find comfort and security,  and where we have made hundreds of memories over the years we have lived there.

So how might we say “Farewell, dear friend” to the four walls that have seen so much of our lives…our laughter, our tears, our sorrows and our happiness?  The following are just a few suggestions gleaned from some military families who have learned to leave their homes over and over when duty calls.

One family said it helps to visit each room together sharing a special memory associated with that space.  As you leave each room, say “Goodbye, room” and move on to the next.

Another helpful ritual is to take a photo of the house that you are leaving to help remember the years spent in that home.  Even better is videotaping each room before you move.  

And, lastly, rather than leaving behind gorgeous plants and fruit trees that you’ve spent years nurturing, take seeds with you as a way to carry your old home to your new home.

If you need help finding the financing for your next home and do not qualify for a conventional loan, give us a call at 707-523-2099

How Much Do Utility Bills Add to Bay Area Homeownership Costs?

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Last month a Pacific Union Blog ran an eye-opening article on what the cost of utility bills added to homeownership in the Bay Area.  Surprisingly, the Bay Area’s utilities impacted the cost of owning a home far less on a percentage-point basis compared with the rest of the U.S!

You’re probably saying, “That’s not my experience!”  Because this study is based on the percentage comparison of utility cost vs. home value, Bay Area home owners get off easy compared to the rest of the nation.    

A tool provided by ATTOM Data Solutions offers data on utility costs by city.  The chart shows the impact of utilities on housing costs in the 10 most populous Bay Area cities by percentage of homeownership costs and monthly payments:  

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One way to offset the cost of some of your utility expense is by installing solar panels.  Besides significantly reducing your utility bills, homeowners net substantial returns on this investment.  For example, San Francisco and San Jose property values gained approximately an additional $10,000 for solar systems, and panels added more than $18,000 in Vallejo.

If you’re looking to increase the value of your home by “greening” your space or just looking to pay off expensive credit card debt and are having difficulty elsewhere for a loan, give us a call at Sun Pacific Mortgage.

Increase The Value Of Your Home

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In a recent article published by The Pacific Union, there are some interesting statistics on the home remodeling dollars being spent in the Bay Area. It appears that it is at an all-time high.

With housing inventory in shorter supply, many homeowners are opting to improve their present homes instead of risking selling and not finding a suitable replacement. That’s where Sun Pacific Mortgage can come to the rescue!

We offer hard money loans to borrowers who are having difficulty getting a loan elsewhere. Sometimes it is because they have less than perfect credit scores, or it might be that they are unable to prove their income. These situations can make conventional loans impossible. If you are looking to upgrade your home by doing some major renovations, give us a call to explore your options.

We have been a family owned and operated business in Sonoma County for 29 years with many loyal clients and investors. Let us help you make your nest more comfortable by utilizing equity you have in your home.

Best, Ken – Another Guy in the White Hat

Is 2017 The Year Of Real Estate Investing?

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Recently a chief economist for Fannie Mae, Douglas Duncan, told a group of financial professionals he sees no recession in sight.  His group forecasts the economy will grow by a conservative 2% this year.  But, he added, “Frankly, from a housing perspective, I think there will be a strong growth.”

Mr. Douglas is particularly optimistic regarding the growth of Baby Boomers as real estate investors.  Many of them may choose to downsize or relocate as they get closer to retirement.  Another group he sees showing interest in buying homes is the Millennials, particularly older ones who may have been renting single-family homes up until now and consider the time is right to buy.

With this information in mind, it looks like investing in real estate could offer a solid foundation for wealth growth – be it as an Investor for additional monthly income on rentals or as homeowners who benefit with tax write-offs and equity growth in their home.

For over 29 years now, Sun Pacific Mortgage and Real Estate, a family owned and operated business, has been here helping with hard money loans.  We have helped put thousands of buyers into homes and financed thousands of trust deed offerings through private investors, looking to make higher returns regularly.

Look at our website or call us at 707-523-2099 with any questions about investing in real estate trust deeds we regularly offer.  We are here to help you with your real estate borrowing and investing needs.

Rescuing a Realtor and His Home Buyer

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Santa Rosa, California Bridge Loan

A busy Realtor in Sonoma County contacted me to help rescue a frantic client, who was trying to buy a home while her current house was being sold.  The home buyer was having difficulty getting loan approval elsewhere because she didn’t make enough income; however, she did have a free and clear home she was selling.

Our Bridge Loan program allowed us to do a $450K loan against her home about to be listed for $1.7million.  This became the down payment for her new home and provided enough cash to fix up the home she was listing.

With our help, she was able to write an offer for the new home showing a 40% down payment, no contingency of sale of her existing home, and a 14 day close.   The 14 day close distinguished her offer from others and it was easily accepted.   I had this Bridge Loan approved and funded in under 2 weeks.  We were able to make a happy Realtor and a happy Buyer!

If you or someone you know is having difficulty with loan approval for a purchase or even a refinance, call me at 707-523-2099.  I am happy to let you know how I can help with a Hard Money loan.

Crystal Ball Reading for Real Estate in 2017

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According to the most respected real estate prognosticators, California remains one of the safest places to invest your money in 2017.   Several Western urban markets are still “red hot’, and 5 of them are in California.  Realtor.com has predicted that some cities will see sales growth as high as 5-6%.

If you are experiencing or have experienced circumstances that prevented you from obtaining a conventional loan, we have alternative finance programs that assist you to purchase or refinance property.  These are Hard Money loan options, and you will be able to get into the real estate market, improve your property, buy more property and be confident that your investment will grow.

California property has historically been considered a great investment, but never more so than today.  With a little research, you can find that perfect property in an up and coming area or an already highly desirable area.  

We are seeing more investments in properties that need some renovations.  These transactions are well suited to Hard Money loans.  Typically, these deals need a speedy close and will be sold or refinanced within 12-18 months.  The benefits of such a loan outweigh the higher rates and in the long run your overall financial picture will be greatly improved.

For more information about our Hard Money loans in California, North Bay, and San Francisco, give us a call at 707-523-2099.

Are You Ready To Spring Into Some Real Estate Action?

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We have all noted and experienced the tightness of the real estate market over the past several months.  But just as a tightly wound spring can leap forward at any moment, the real estate market is preparing to take such a leap.  I’m sure we all want to be ready for the opportunities that lie ahead.  

One of the available options that allow us to pounce on any real estate prospect that pops up is a Hard Money Loan.  Because these loans can be wrapped up in as little as 2 weeks and are often considered as “cash offers”, Hard Money loans offer the flexibility and speed that is needed in a swiftly moving market.  

Sun Pacific Mortgage & Real Estate has been in the business of Hard Money Loans in California for more than 29 years.  We have a proven record of supporting and executing transactions that looked doomed, needed some fast financing or just wanted the purchase offer to be stronger.

Give us at 707-523-2099 call to find out how we can help you or someone you know!

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