San Francisco / Bay Area Mortgage Blog

Bringing in the Bucks: How to Increase your Home Appraisal

Looking to increase the value of your home? Find out what is really considered when appraising a home to decide what your next home improvement project will be.

Clean Out Those Gutters!

Gutter cleaning is essential for water flow and roof integrity. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone to clean, fall is the perfect time of year to get rid of that debris.

Home Loans Available by Credit Score

Find out which home loans may be available to you based on your credit scores, as well as the minimum credit score required to qualify for any home loan.

To HOA or not to HOA

What is an HOA and what are the benefits and drawbacks of being a part of one? What should you consider when buying a home with an HOA fee?

Don’t be Schooled: How Home Prices are Affected by Public School Districts

Ever wonder how local schools affects home prices? Even if you don’t have kids, knowing how and why school quality and home value intersects is important for your investment consideration.

Myths about Homeownership Keeping You from Buying?

Recent studies show that although most potential homebuyers think they’re well informed about the ins and outs of home buying, in reality, their knowledge is seriously lacking.

What is a USDA Rural Housing Loan?

With fairly loose guidelines about what exactly “rural” means, the USDA Rural Housing Loan could be a great loan for you.

Housing Stats for the Nerds

The spring quarter of 2014 was actually pretty great, so we figured it was time to give out a healthy dose of stats for you nerds.

I Keep Hearing “This Loan Insured By,” What Does It Mean?

Without the invention of mortgage insurance, people with less than 20 percent down probably wouldn’t be able to purchase a home, period. Find out what it is and why it’s needed.

Mortgage 101: Understanding Your Debt-To-Income (DTI) Ratio

One of the most important acronyms in the mortgage and real estate industry is DTI (Debt-To-Income). Learn what DTI is, and why it’s important in determining how much mortgage financing you might receive.

Are credit cards really that evil?

Credit cards are a tool; whether they are used for good or evil is determined by the knowledge and responsibility of the user. In the right hands, credit cards can help to build credit, protect your money, secure discounts and benefits, and assist you in an emergency.

Eight Housewarming Gifts Under $50

Buying a housewarming gift doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive. We’ve scoured the Net and found eight housewarming gifts under $50.

Ever Wondered What it Costs to Buy a House? Find Out in These 27 US Cities

Have you ever wondered how much you need to make to afford buying a home? Well, wonder no more! HSH.com has calculated the base salary needed to afford for home in 27 of America’s top cities.

Save Money and Time with this How-To Guide on Xeriscaping your Yard

Xeriscaping your yard is a great way to save time and money while still having a yard that leaves people green with envy. Check out this awesome how-to guide to Xeriscaping your yard!

A Quick Step-by-Step How-To Guide: Selling and Buying Simultaneously

Selling and buying simultaneously isn’t necessarily a difficult task, and this step-by-step how-to guide will help guide you through the process.

2014 Home Renovations with the Best ROI

Every year, Remodeling.com puts out an annual Cost vs. Value report on the top home renovations with the biggest payout (as well as a list of the ones to avoid).

5 Easy Ways to Transform Unused Yard Space

Everybody has that section of their yard they have no idea what to do with. Finding unique and eye-catching ways to jazz up and enjoy these unsightly areas is a great way to not only enjoy a weekend outside, but also see the immediate transformation of an otherwise unsightly space.

5 Different Mobile Apps for Home Buyers

Mobile apps for home buyers are old news by now, but there are some really useful apps that are more than just homes for sale. Check out these 5 fun mobile apps for home buyers.

Questions You Should Ask Before Buying a Home

With more and more emphasis on instant gratification, it’s no wonder that overzealous home buyers fall in love with a perceived dream home they know little to nothing about. Don’t fall into this trap! Here are questions to consider before making the big decision to buy.

Mortgage Applications Down, Home Sales Up… What’s Going on Here?

On one hand, we’re told increasing mortgage rates are pushing mortgage applications down, and on the other we’re told the housing market is improving. Let’s stop the presses and take a look at the bigger picture to get a good idea of where the current market really is.

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