Great Article on the Rebounding San Jose Market!

Check out this great article on real estate.  It is definately rebounding!   Check out the cities where home prices will rise in 2011!  San Jose is predicted to go up 3%

http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/111915/the-best-and-worst-cities-for-home-values-in-2011?mod=realestate-buy

A Second Credit Check Will Be Done Near the Close of Escrow!

Lenders are now requiring an additional credit check  near the close of escrow to confirm there is no new debt.

The prior to funding credit check does not pull new credit scores, so you don’t have to worry about the score changing and messing everything up. 

We are now ready to begin this process.  We will start pulling these credit checks within 10 days prior to funding and will making sure that ratios still work if any new debt has been obtained. 

The best thing that a loan officer can do to help their borrowers not to stumble on this hurdle is to let them know at the beginning of the loan process about this and the importance of not taking on significant new debt unless they are well qualified and it will not hurt their profile.  Remind them of this as they continue through the loan process.

March 2nd Homebuyer Seminar

Real Estate Agent Safety: Touring Properties with Strangers

For the third installment of our real estate agent safety series, today’s focus is on showing properties alone. This is standard practice for Realtors, but things can go very, very wrong. It is important to remember that safety precautions could one day save your life.

Showing a property alone

THE RISK: You’re touring vacant properties with strangers.

SAFETY TIPS:

• Use the buddy system.

There’s always strength in numbers. Whether you bring a coworker, spouse, or even your German shepherd, avoid going alone.

• Don’t go into confined places.

Avoid basements and attics — it’s too easy to become trapped. Instead, know the selling points of these rooms and remain in the foyer on the first floor with the front door open as the buyer tours these areas, an agent suggests. If you must join them in each room, always stay by the door, leaving doors open so you can flee more easily if necessary, the Washington Real Estate Safety Council suggests.

• Walk behind.
Let potential buyers take the lead when exploring a home, with you always following behind.
• Let others know where you are.
Tell them where you are going, when you will be back, and who you’re with. Better yet: Share this information while the client is with you so they know someone else knows where you are.
• Have an excuse.
If you feel uncomfortable, tell the person your “cell phone or beeper went off and I have to call the office” or “another agent with buyers is on his way,” suggests the Washington Real Estate Safety Council in their tip sheets. Read agents’ personal stories of getting out of a situation like this

AIDS LifeCycle Event: Ride to End AIDS

The 10th annual AIDS LifeCycle Ride to End AIDS is being held in June, a wonderful charity 7-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles.


The AIDS LifeCycle 10th Anniversary NorCal kickoff party will be held on January 22 at the Mezzanine in San Francisco from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and Princeton Capital is proud to sponsor the event! It is known as “Red Dress Day in January” and “Dress in Red Day.”


Come wearing a red outfit and learn more about the bike ride, meet Ride Trainers for advice, meet fellow participants, and find out about the programs your donations or time support. There will be snacks, beverages and great chances to win fabulous prize packages.

An RSVP is required to attend, so don’t forget to sign up on the website. In addition, the NorCal kickoff party is 21 and over only.

The June bike ride covers 545 miles, and helps raise money for organizations fighting AIDS.  The San Francisco AIDS Foundation is dedicated to providing leadership in AIDS prevention.

The Los Angeles  Gay and Lesbian Center has been a leading fighter against AIDS since the beginning. Their Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic provides no-cost care to sufferers of AIDS.

We have one of our loan officers, Michael Sousa,  training and riding in the week-long event.
To find out more, visit AIDSLifeCycle.org.