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Prior to Purchasing a New Home Use These Secret Tips

Posted on: September 1st, 2024 | By Cliff Keith | Buyers Tips, redwood city ca homes, Sellers Tips | No Comments

Prior to Purchasing a New Home Use These Secret Tips

What You Should Know Prior to Purchasing a New Home in The SF Bay Area. When purchasing a new home in the SF Bay Area don’t make the mistakes most home buyers make. You can protect yourself from these unnecessary mistakes. Reading this article will be the best 3 minutes you’ll spend in your home buying process.

Know Your Numbers

First of all realize when buying a home with a real estate loan, (sometimes called mortgage), that the loan is based on your ability to repay it in the eyes of your lender. Because of this aspect being out of your control knowing the difference between different real estate loans is paramount.

To understand various types of loan products for homes in communities like Redwood City, CA go to the Fannie Mae website for their loan products or go here for Fixed Rate loans for a complete explanation of fixed rate home loan products. You will find various tools to determine based on your income and assets what amount of real estate loan you will qualify for from the lender of your choice.

Seek Professional Help

Realtor Logo

Finding a suitable Realtor to help you purchase a home can be the best use of your time, money, and increased knowledge of the home buying process. Not all real estate agents are knowledgeable. You can usually tell these agents by their “commission breath”. They seem to be worried about getting paid and not making sure all your real estate needs are met.

One way to tell a knowledgeable agent from one that is not is by the term Realtor. This mean they’re a member of the National Association of Realtors and subscribe to their Code of Ethics. The Realtor’s Code of Ethics underlining theme can be best explained with this direct quote:

Duties to Clients and Customers

Article 1 (Case Interpretations for Article 1)

When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly. When serving a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant or other party in a non-agency capacity, REALTORS® remain obligated to treat all parties honestly. (Amended 1/01) [listen]

Because of the Code of Ethics, the public has given their trust to Realtors. Here are the current percentages of today’s home buyer; 87% of all home buyers nation-wide use a Realtor. 7% of home buyers buy directly from a home builder.

Besides being a wealth of information for the home buyer Realtors help with finding the right home for them by negotiating the best terms possible, and at the right price.

Search the Market

Once you have determined how much money a lender will loan you and found the Realtor you like and trust you’re ready to start looking for your new home. There’re various ways to do this.

One way is to go to Sunday open houses in Redwood City CA. You can see the weekly Sunday Open Houses by going to my website. This site will be update weekly and will include all the Sunday Open Houses in both San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties aka Silicon Valley.

The second way to search the market is by have your Realtor subscribe you to their program that updates you of new homes that have come on to the market. My program is a good one as it is active and is updated immediate directly from the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This means you’ll have the information of a new home on the market at the same time as a Realtor. Here’s the link to an example of Redwood City CA.

If you would like to have this setup so it automatically send this information to you please click the contact link in the menu bar and request to be added to my FREE service. I’ll need name, communities interested in, and email address. You may also leave other information like a phone number if you wish.

What to Do Next?

Take these 3 easy and simple steps to help you purchase your new home.

1. Take out your cell phone

2. Look up my number 650-346-7366

3. Call me immediately

When you call, we will discuss how Cliff Keith and Team can help you with purchasing your home. Put my 44+ years of experience in your corner when it comes to purchasing your biggest asset. Call Cliff Keith today (650) 346-7366.

If you have any questions, or need more detailed information, please give us a call 24/7 to our voicemail; 597-1821, or by text, cell phone during normal business hours 650-346-7366, or email us cliff@sfbayhomes.com.

We’d be happy to answer all your “What ifs”, and/or questions as well as offer you any of the real estate information you want and need.

#buyingahome #realestate #probates #sellahome

Memorial Day at Historical Union Cemetery in Redwood City, CA c.1859

Posted on: May 25th, 2024 | By Cliff Keith | Blog, Featured Posts, Redwood City History, Thursday Historical Information | No Comments

Memorial Day at Historical Union Cemetery in

Redwood City, CA c.1859

Historical Union Cemetery in Redwood City, CA c.1859. If you would like to read more about Union Cemetery click this link.

Redwood City, CA: Every Memorial Day the Archives Committee and the Redwood City Library celebrate memories of Redwood City pioneers and soldiers. Better known as their Memorial Day ceremony at Union Cemetery. It is their annual Memorial Day event held on Woodside Road (CA 84) near El Camino Real in Redwood City. The celebration is every Memorial Day and starts at 10:00 AM.

Who Are The Archives and the Union Cemetery Committees?

The Archives Committee and the Union Cemetery Committee have worked on this celebration for many years. They are continuously trying to make it an experience enjoyable for all. Their efforts over the years was mainly cleaning and clearing debris until the early 1970’s.

In the 1970’s Union Cemetery condition got worse. For example. there was a need for repairs to the stone markers on graves, damages to the burial crypts, and the fencing. It didn’t stop there as there was a need to rebuild broken fixtures like the windmill and the bronze Union Soldier Statue.

The Committee worked with anyone who offered their help. This included Redwood City’s commissions and committees. The Historical Resources Advisory Committee, (HRAC) were one of them. Additionally, the City Council came to the table with their funding.

The cemetery was named a California Historical Landmark #816 in 1967, then added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.^[4]

In other words, many concerned residents helped. They improved the landscaping, installed lighting, and assisted with on going patrolled security. It was the combined efforts of residences who wanted to preserve Redwood City history for future generations.

The straw that broke the camel’s back

In the 1970’s Union Cemetery was a favorite site for vandals. There was extensive damage to most grave sites. Vandalism to the cemetery ran rampant. Usually around Halloween people entered into the cemetery and perform some “witch-craft rituals”. Vandals preformed grave etchings, they built fires and performed satanic rituals on make-shift alters. Damage to the gravesides was not uncommon. The grounds became an embarrassment to the whole community.

What damage was done?

Stopping the ongoing damage became top priority of concerned citizens. These citizens took it upon themselves to reclaim Union Cemetery. The desire was to return the Union Cemetery to its original state. First, they removed the bronze Union Soldier Statue. The Committee relocated it to a safe location. They hired, and paid for, cleanup and security of the Cemetery including repairs and restoration of the Union Solider Statue.

The concerned citizens took it upon themselves to repaired damaged grave sites. They fixed broken wooden crosses, head stones, and metal fencing. They found opened concrete burial crypts too. Those crypts were re-sealed and secured.

Everyone helped

The Archives Committee and the Union Cemetery Committee brought in the City Arborist for his expert advice. There was a need to grade and inspect all the trees. Including in his findings was a plan to protect the Victorian Roses in the Cemetery.

The Archives Committee’s commitment to the preservation of Union Cementer caused many residents to see what the Archives Committee had done and what a great job they did to restore our history. Their work created a sense of community pride.

The Redwood City Council was instrumental in their support of the Union Cemetery through their funding. Their ongoing resources, support and encouragement lessen the burden for this large and much needed project. The City Council along with various Commissions and Committees were forth coming with their support too.

Where can I read more about Union Cemetery?

If you would like to know more about Union Cemetery go to the Downtown Main Library located at 1044 Middlefield Road. Go to the second floor and look in the Archives Room. There’s a wealth of information about Redwood City history in that room.

You can look around this blog for other information on other historical facts of Redwood City. There are great books available on the history of Redwood City. They may be purchased at the Main Library Downtown Redwood City on the Second floor.

As a side note you’ll discover from reading these various publication the Redwood City had the FIRST public library in the State of California. Pretty impressive!

Enjoy your Memorial Day.

#unioncemetery #redwoodcity #historicallandmark #memorialday

#redwood #city #union #cementery #committee #archives #history #memorial

Real Estate Loan Pre-Approval

Posted on: April 29th, 2024 | By Cliff Keith | Blog, Buyers Tips, Real Estate, Saturday Buyers Tips - Real Estate Know-How For Home Buyers | No Comments

Real Estate Loan Pre-Approval

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. For most people, it’s not something they can just pay cash for. Instead, they need to get a real estate loan. However, before you start shopping for a new home, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval is the process of getting a preliminary commitment from a lender for a mortgage loan before you find the home you want to buy. Here are the steps to getting pre-approved for a real estate loan:

Step 1: Check Your Credit Report

The first step to getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan is to check your credit report. Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when determining your eligibility for a loan. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Review your credit report carefully and make sure there are no errors or inaccuracies that could negatively affect your credit score.

Step 2: Gather Your Financial Information

When you apply for a mortgage loan, you will need to provide a lot of financial information. Start gathering the following documents:

– W-2 forms for the past two years
– Pay stubs for the past two months
– Bank statements for the past two months
– Tax returns for the past two years
– Proof of any additional income (such as alimony or child support)

Step 3: Choose a Lender

Once you have your financial information in order, it’s time to start looking for a lender. You can choose to work with a bank, credit union, or mortgage broker. It’s a good idea to get quotes from several different lenders to compare interest rates and fees.

Step 4: Get Pre-Approved

Now that you have chosen a lender, it’s time to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. The lender will review your financial information and credit score to determine how much they are willing to lend you. They will also provide you with a pre-approval letter, which you can use to show real estate agents and sellers that you are a serious buyer.

Step 5: Find Your Dream Home

With your pre-approval letter in hand, you can start shopping for your dream home. Keep in mind that your pre-approval letter is not a guarantee of a loan. The lender will still need to review the property and your financial information before finalizing the loan.

Step 6: Finalize Your Loan

Once you have found a home you want to buy, it’s time to finalize your loan. The lender will review the property and your financial information to ensure that you meet their requirements. They will also order an appraisal of the property to determine its value. If everything checks out, the lender will give you a loan commitment letter, which means that they are willing to lend you the money to buy the home.

Step 7: Close on Your Home

The final step in the process is to close on your home. This is when you sign all the paperwork and officially become the owner of the property. You will need to bring a cashier’s check or wire transfer for the down payment and closing costs. Once everything is signed, the keys are yours!

In conclusion, getting pre-approved for a real estate loan is an important step in the home buying process. By following these steps, you can make sure you are prepared and have the best chance of getting approved for a mortgage loan. Remember to shop around for the best interest rates and fees, and to keep your credit score in good shape. With a little bit of preparation, you can make your dream of homeownership a reality.

Cliff Keith – Vietnam Combat Veteran
(650) 346-7366 Text or Direct line
Cliff@SFBayHomes.com

The 5 Items To Study Before Writing An Offer To Purchase Your New Home.

Posted on: April 3rd, 2024 | By Cliff Keith | Blog, Buyers Tips, Featured Posts, Real Estate, redwood city ca homes, Saturday Buyers Tips - Real Estate Know-How For Home Buyers |

The 5 Items To Study Before Writing An Offer To Purchase Your New Home.

Yes you can write an offer on the home you just love and want to buy. You may save yourself lots of time and money if you take a few steps prior to writing your offer. There will be less stress in your life if you do. What are the 5 things to investigate when writing an offer?

When you get ready to place an offer on a home you should do 5 things first and then structure your offer so. By doing so you will have a better picture of your future neighborhood, community and neighbors. This is not the time to skip this step only to find out this information after you have closed your escrow. Those five things to research are as follows:

1. Job Stability:

You can research this at www.bls.gov If there are no jobs how will you be able to pay your mortgage payments?

2. Recent Sales Activity:

Although, what homes in the area have sold for is very important, Sales Volume equally is important. It shows if homes buyers want to live in a particular area of town you are considering or not. If no one wants to live there why would you want to live there?

3. Number of Building Permits:

This registers the active builder’s sentiments and future housing activity. It stands to reason, for people who make their living from selling homes, they would NOT put their money in an area if they didn’t think they couldn’t make a profit down the road.

4. Where is the best money?:

Where can you find the best home loan for your needs? Is it better at a local bank? A credit union? Maybe the current “Big 4” institutional lenders is the answer. Get on the phone and dial for dollars to find the answer.

5. Anecdotal Evidence:

Home buyers can easily find homes that are for sale online or driving around on Sunday afternoons. A resource a home buyer has available to them for local ability and guidance is the area Realtor. A Realtor not only gathers facts to your particular needs but also has knowledge of some home before they have a chance to be entered into the MLS. Realtors will help shorten your real estate learning curve.

Benefits the homebuyer:

Using these 5 actions items to help you buy a home are invaluable to you. They will aid you in making the best decision possible when buying your new home. A little research on the homebuyer’s part will make their transition into a new home easier. Homebuyers will find having fewer hurdles to jump during their home buying process.

Good luck on your home search. These are exciting times for you.

Click for (Free MLS) select your City of interest you will be sent to a list of homes.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day

Posted on: March 14th, 2024 | By Cliff Keith | Holidays | No Comments

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day. Today is celebrated by many people throughout the United States. Saint Patrick’s Day is not a Federal holiday. The pseudo Irish, those without Irish heritage love to join in. A normal group dynamics of honoring Saint Patrick with everyone else is the call of the day. Primarily a celebration by the Irish and Irish American culture everyone else want to be included on this special day. On Saint Patrick’s Day you will see everyone celebrations by wearing green, eating corn-beef and cabbage, along with drinking copious amounts of alcohol. (Preferably Irish whiskey.) Religious observances adds to the underlining celebration of parades and festive eating and drinking.

Celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day on the North American continent began in the late eighteenth century. And, is deep rooted as a holiday, that it continues to this day.

On this date in history:

1776 – American Revolutionary War: The British Army in Boston, Massachusetts withdrew from Boston, which ended the 11 months fight between them and the American patriots known as the Siege of Boston.

1950 – The synthesis of californium, a radioactive trans-uranium element, became known to the public.

1963 – The most recent eruption of Mount Agung on Bali, Indonesia killed some 1,500 people.

1988 – Eritrean War of Independence: The Eritrean People’s Liberation Front encircled a Soviet-Ethiopian force and gained a decisive victory in the Battle of Afabet

It’s good to be Irish

Limited details of Saint Patrick is recorded in history. Born into a wealthy Romano-British family in the 4th century in Roman Britain. Saint Patrick’s grandfather and father were deacons in the Christian Church.

At 16 Patrick was captured and made a slave. His captors, Irish raiders believed to have taken Saint Patrick to the west coast of Ireland. It was believed Saint Patrick was enslaved in Mayo.

As the story goes…

Patrick said he had a dream one night. In it he had escaped from his captors. He boarded a ship heading to Great Britain. In Great Britain he joined a Church in Auxerre in Gaul. He wanted to study to become a priest.

In 432 A.D. he again claimed God had spoken to him and told him to return to Ireland. (This time he went back as a bishop not a slave.)

His duty to God was to Christianize the Irish from their native polytheism. Bishop Patrick as a teaching method to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity according to Irish folklore used the shamrock.

After almost 30 years of practicing his evangelism bishop Patrick died on March 17. 461 A.D.. As tradition went, Bishop Patrick’s body got buried at Downpatrick. Bishop Patrick was highly regarded as the principal champion of Irish Christianity. Held in high esteem, Saint Patrick’s standards caused the Irish Church to honored him in all their celebrations.

Being part Irish I want to wish everyone a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Eat, Drink, and be Merry!

Erinn go Brach

[Tweet “Happy Saint Patrick’s Day in Redwood City”]

SF Bay Homes

327 Saint Francis Street

Redwood City, CA 94062

United States (US)

Phone: 650 346-7366
Email: cliff@sfbayhomes.com
URL: https://sfbayhomes.com/

Monday	9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday	Closed currently
Friday	9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday	9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday	10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

#stpatricksday #sfbayhomes #buyahome #sellahome #redwoodcityca

How much home can I buy?

Posted on: February 21st, 2024 | By Cliff Keith | Blog, Buyers Tips, Featured Posts, Real Estate, Redwood City, Redwood City CA, redwood city ca homes, Saturday Buyers Tips - Real Estate Know-How For Home Buyers |

How much home can I buy? Here’s a simple formula I learned some 36 year ago for figuring out what someone may afford when buying their new home.

Will the bank lend me money? — How much home can I buy? It’s Easy Peasey

Take your Gross Income, multiply it times 40%, divide by 12, and that will be your monthly payment you would qualify for from the bank. (This is if you have good credit and is only a ball park estimate.) The interest rate factor for 5% is $5.37. I know there is cheaper money out there but this will give you a good general idea. If you want to know another interest rate factor go to the internet and type in the words “amortization table”, look at what the figure is for $1,000 under the interest rate you want a factor for and use that number as your interest rate factor. How much home can I buy?

What is the formula for knowing the price of the home I can buy?

Here’s an example: Your Gross Income is $50,000: multiple by 40% = $20,000 divide by 12 = $1,666.66/month divide by interest rate factor $5.37 for 5% = $310,366.21. Now add your down payment to that number and you will know what you can buy using a loan from a Conservative lender. Again this is a ballpark method and only gives you an educated idea of what you might be able to buy. Remember this does NOT include any closing costs you may incur during your escrow period.

formula Ohm's Law — How much home can I buy? Not Shocking!

If you would like to know more information or better understand the home buying process. I would be happy to talk with you and answer any of your questions. In the meantime here are a few reports that may help you on your journey of buying a new home. http://www.sfbay-homes.com/buying/index.cfm?page_ID=48169

What is the formula for knowing the price of the home I can buy? For further help email, or call me. I am here to help you. How much home can I buy?