Blog - Kara Brem

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The Impact of Interest Rate Increases
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San Diego County To Study Affordable Housing Solutions

Unincorporated areas are home to 492,500 of the region’s 3.3 million people and account for the vast majority of land in San Diego County. SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – The Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to direct staff to investigate ways to promote the construction of homes for low- and middle-income families in unincorporated San […]
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What Interest Rate Did Your Parents Purchase At?

Be Thankful You Don’t Have to Pay Your Parents’ Interest Rate! Interest rates hovered around 4% for the majority of 2017, which gave many buyers relief from rising home prices and helped with affordability. In the first quarter of 2018, rates have increased from 3.95% up to 4.45% and experts predict that rates will increase […]
Real Estate, Uncategorized

Should I Wait or Should I Buy Now?

Are you stuck in the San Diego renter’s trap? Is it time for you to consider buying? Let’s explore that question and talk about points to consider along with steps to take that will ensure longterm comfort. By Kara Brem March 7, 2018 Here’s the scenario…you are living and leasing in San Diego County […]

Uncategorized The Impact of Interest Rate Increases

Uncategorized San Diego County To Study Affordable Housing Solutions Unincorporated areas are home to 492,500 of the region’s 3.3 million people and account for the vast majority of land in San Diego County. SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – The Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to direct staff to investigate ways to promote the construction of homes for low- and middle-income families in unincorporated San […]

Uncategorized What Interest Rate Did Your Parents Purchase At? Be Thankful You Don’t Have to Pay Your Parents’ Interest Rate! Interest rates hovered around 4% for the majority of 2017, which gave many buyers relief from rising home prices and helped with affordability. In the first quarter of 2018, rates have increased from 3.95% up to 4.45% and experts predict that rates will increase […]

Real Estate Should I Wait or Should I Buy Now? Are you stuck in the San Diego renter’s trap? Is it time for you to consider buying? Let’s explore that question and talk about points to consider along with steps to take that will ensure longterm comfort. By Kara Brem March 7, 2018 Here’s the scenario…you are living and leasing in San Diego County […]

Uncategorized Thoughts on the San Diego Housing Market by Pacific Capital Associates The median price of a San Diego home recently surpassed its all-time peak, as noted by the San Diego Union-Tribune .We thought this made for a good opportunity to share some thoughts on the local housing market, addressing common questions such as… How expensive is San Diego housing? How do […]

Uncategorized The Mortgage Process: What You Need to Know Some Highlights: Many buyers are purchasing a home with a down payment as little as 3%. You may already qualify for a loan, even if you don’t have perfect credit. Take advantage of the knowledge of your local professionals who are there to help you determine how much you can afford. Kara Brem North County […]

Uncategorized Should I Wait Until Next Year to Buy? Or Buy Now? Should I Wait Until Next Year to Buy? Or Buy Now? Some Highlights: The Cost of Waiting to Buy is defined as the additional funds it would take to buy a home if prices & interest rates were to increase over a period of time. Freddie Mac predicts interest rates to rise to 5.1% by 2019. CoreLogic […]

Uncategorized Where Are Mortgage Interest Rates Headed in 2018? The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to know where rates are headed when deciding to start your home search. Below is a chart created using Freddie Mac’s U.S. Economic […]

Uncategorized 2 Major Myths Holding Back Home Buyers Urban Institute recently released a report entitled, “Barriers to Accessing Homeownership,” which revealed that “eighty percent of consumers either are unaware of how much lenders require for a down payment or believe all lenders require a down payment above 5 percent.” Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment” Buyers often overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify […]

Uncategorized U.S. Housing Inventory Crunch Continues Every winter, families across the country decide if this will be the year that they sell their current houses and move into their dream homes. Mortgage rates hovered around 4% for all of 2017 which forced many buyers off the fence and into the market, resulting in incredibly strong demand RIGHT NOW! At the same time, however, […]

Uncategorized Why You Need a Professional on Your Team When Buying a Home Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream homes or if they should first try to go through the buying process on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional! You Need an Expert Guide If You Are Traveling a Dangerous Path The […]

Uncategorized What Impact Will the New Tax Code Have on Home Values? Every month, CoreLogic releases its Home Price Insights Report. In that report, they forecast where they believe residential real estate prices will be in twelve months. Below is a map, broken down by state, reflecting how home values are forecasted to change by the end of 2018 using data from the most recent report. As we can see, CoreLogic projects an increase […]

Uncategorized Wondering If You Can Buy Your First Home? There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they are married and have a family, others might think they are too young, and still, others might think their current […]

Uncategorized Renting or Buying…Either Way, You’re Paying Someone’s Mortgage There are some people who have not purchased homes yet because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s. As Entrepreneur Magazine, a premier source for small business, explainedin their article, “12 Practical Steps to […]

Uncategorized List of SD County’s Holiday Lights and Glittering Festivities San Diego Family presents the county’s most comprehensive list of holiday light shows and glittering festivities Download San Diego Family’s Map of Christmas light displays and take it with you North County Inland CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH, 92128 Fairway Village, east and west sides of Stoney Gate Pl. 80 homes decorated in “Holiday Magic”. Dec. 10-Jan.1, […]

Uncategorized How to Prepare Your Home for Colder Weather How to Prepare Your Home for Colder Weather Do you make a checklist of home maintenance and repair tasks before summer arrives? You should, and you should make a similar to-do list ahead of winter. An afternoon of maintenance in the fall can save time and money when the cold hits. Here are several […]

Uncategorized Don’t Lose Faith, Would-Be Home Buyers: It Will Get Better The housing recovery is good news for the U.S. economy and homeowners, but would-be buyers may feel priced out. But fear not: Relief is on the way, according to an article posted on July 23, 2015 by Realtor.com. It’s been a seller’s market in residential real estate for more than a year now. That’s fantastic for […]

Uncategorized Pending Home Sales Reach Highest Mark In 9 Years! Pending Home Sales Reach Highest Mark In 9 Years! The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their Pending Home Sales Index Report and revealed that it is at its highest level since April 2006. The Pending Home Sales Index is “a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings”. The higher the Pending Home Sales Index […]

Uncategorized Save Green with an Energy-Efficient Home Save Green with an Energy-Efficient Home Energy costs can deplete a significant portion of a homeowner’s budget. In fact, they account for almost half of a typical U.S. home’s utility costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. With energy bills rising steadily, it is even more important to manage energy costs. These tips can help you […]

Uncategorized Lower interest rates and steady home prices ease California housing affordability for second straight quarter Curious as to what you could afford in our area or across CA? This is a great article from California Association of Realtors® summarizing all real estate markets in CA including a chart showing: – median home price for all regions -what the monthly payment would be for that home price – minimum household income […]