If you hope to buy a home within the next 6 months (by July), you should get pre-approved soon. You can float your interest rate until you get closer to buying. Then, if rates drop, you can lock in the lower rate. If rates start to rise, you can lock in the current rate before it rises more. Plus, you’re ready to jump on the perfect house if you find it, rather than scrambling for a loan at the last minute. That’s nice peace of mind.
If you don't find a house in the time allotted by the lender's pre-approval terms, then you may need to provide additional documentation that your finances haven’t changed, and in some cases you may need to start over with a new pre-approval. While that can be a pain, on the plus side, it'll be easier the second time.
What if you have a house to sell first? Do you still need a pre-approval? Yes, you do. Anytime you make an offer on a house—if it involves you getting a mortgage—you’ll need a pre-approval. In fact, it may be even more important if want to put an offer on a new home before selling your current home.
If you need a pre-approval, I can refer your to some excellent local lenders. Call or text.
Mardin (408) 210-2073
February Quiz Question
You can touch me, break me, and win me.
What am I?
Send your answer for a chance to win a $5 coffee card!Last month's Q&A: I can be beautiful and terrible, soft and sharp, heavy and light all at the same time. What am I? Snow. Congratulations to last month's winner!
Nuggets of News
And now for Valentine's we have
'Infla-Dating'
What is it? It's an invented word for dating without spending money during a time of high inflation. In other words, romantic walks, star-gazing, a cup of cocoa in a thermos overlooking a view, cooking at home, going to a local street fair, etc. These days it seems like any trend needs to have a special word attached to it, but most of us already know that you don't need to spend money to have a good date. Check out your local events calendar for ideas, and have a Happy Valentine's Day!
It’s time for your
Listing Consultation
It's not too soon to get the ball rolling if you'll be selling your home this year. You’ll need pricing data, information on how to stage your home, advice about timing your sale, and more. We can maximize your profits by planning well ahead. Call, text, or email me to arrange an initial consultation. Mardin (408) 210-2073
Are ‘Standing Desks’ better for our health?
You’ve heard about the dangers of sitting all day: Increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancers, as well as fatigue and stress. The main theory for why sitting causes these health problems is that muscles help to produce and regulate blood sugar, hormones, and cholesterol levels.
To offset the cardio-vascular risks of prolonged sitting, many people will use a standing desk, in the belief that standing is healthier. But is that true? Not necessarily, according to researchers. There's no evidence that simply standing while you work at a desk is any better than sitting if you're not moving a lot. While standing may alleviate pain on the back and hips, people still need periodic vigorous movement to gain cardio-vascular health benefits.
The main benefit to a standing desk, from a cardio-vascular standpoint, is that you’re freer to move around. Since you’re already standing, it's easier to break into a set of squats, a round of kicks, or some desk yoga. Just remember to really work the muscles, not simply wiggle a little. Set a timer to remind yourself to move. 3 to 5 minutes of workout every 30 minutes is optimal.
Inexpensive, natural wood cabinets
If you want to adopt this year's trend of having natural wood cabinets in your kitchen, but you don't want to spend scary money on your remodel, then consider plywood-faced cabinets for a contemporary/mid-century modern vibe. Think slab front, a raised edge, and clear coat, in birch or pine. This could make a good DIY project this Spring. Do a Google search for instructions.
Bizarre interior design choices
I was browsing online for home design trends for 2023 and came across these images on Buzzfeed. I’d consider these to be design fails, but they’re fun to look at and imagine what someone was thinking. Every design comes from someone’s creative passion. Click here to see more.
Is buying a home with friends an option?
A 2022 Zillow survey found that of prospective home buyers, 19% intended to buy with a friend or relative in the next 12 months. Affordability and qualifying for a mortgage were cited as the top reasons. Now in early 2023 both challenges are even more acute.
If you are thinking of giving co-buying a try, my advice is to spend time going through a bunch of "what if" scenarios, like what if your buying partner takes a loan that results in a lien on the house? How will you finance repairs or remodeling? If you agree to flip the property in three years, what happens if one of you doesn't want to sell? What if one of you wants to Airbnb their rooms? What if one of you wants a dog?
Plan to sit down with me to discuss the real estate questions, including questions about zoning for various uses. For instance, if you’re planning to rent the house out, split the property, or do short-term rentals, you’ll want to know what’s possible before getting too far along. Call for an appointment anytime. (408) 210-2073
Just for Fun
The couple’s therapist asked, “What brings you two here today?” Wife: “It drives me crazy that he’s so literal.” Husband: “My truck.”
Wife: “Do you want dinner?” Husband: “What are my choices?” Wife: “Yes or no.”
My wife thinks I don’t respect her privacy. At least, that’s what it says in her diary.
My boyfriend asked to play doctor. I kept him waiting outside the bedroom door for an hour.
And now for Valentine's we have
