We all know that in the long run, owning a home is typically a sound investment. But, with home prices rising does it make sense to buy now? I started contemplating this question after a recent conversation with a friend. She and her husband purchased their three bedroom, two bathroom home in 2005, then sold it by short sale in 2010. They moved into a more spacious four bedroom, three bathroom rental in a nearby town. It had everything they wanted; lots of living space, a great school district, fantastic neighborhood, and an awesome location close to the city’s downtown.

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Social Business = The Borrower’s Opportunity to Review Resumes
It’s impossible to ignore the impact that social business has on consumer habits, namely the rankings for services, sellers, and products. The concept of online ratings has quickly spread throughout various industries in our digitally driven society. But, what about real estate and loan services? As a consumer, where do you turn to evaluate a team of professionals to assist in what is likely the biggest financial decision of your life? How will you find someone you trust, with the knowledge required?

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Here’s something we hear frequently from our prospective jumbo mortgage clients: “I have an 800 FICO so I know I’ll qualify.”

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Spring and summer are typically busy buying and selling seasons for the real estate market. Recent reports from industry experts indicate that the housing market continues to recover at a slow but fairly steady rate. According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, the economy should be rising about 4% – 5% percent to make up for the downfall after a recession. Instead Yun calculates that the economy has been growing closer to 2% a year. As market conditions change, RPM Mortgage is keeping pace and is poised to serve the varying needs of community members. With an effective lending structure and a team of experts already in place, RPM is strengthening its presence in existing service areas and expanding into new communities.

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Can we afford this home? It’s a question that many buyers ask themselves when walking through a home. If you are like me, you go to open houses “just to look.” You may get design ideas, imagine yourself and your family enjoying the yard, cooking in a completely remodeled kitchen, or sitting around the fireplace on a cold evening. Although I am a practical person who is financially conservative, I LOVE looking at homes, even the ones I am not sure I can afford.

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Last week, at a fundraising event to benefit the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS’® Helping Hands organization, four members of the RPM team gathered to cook, judge and chow down at a Charity Chili Cook-ON. The fundraising event was the very first of its kind for CCAR and featured chili recipes prepared by members of the community who competed to win in categories for Best REALTOR® Chili Team, Best Chili Affiliate Team and the People’s Choice Award. A panel of five judges, including RPM’s own George Moody, blind-sampled nearly 30 entries based on taste, texture, appearance and aroma.

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On January 1, 2014, a new California law went into effect – California Civil Code §841. The law concerns replacement and maintenance of shared fences, boundaries and monuments.

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Once again, RPM Mortgage, Inc. comes in as one of the top three Bay Area lenders. On May 14, DataQuick reported “the most active lenders to Bay Area home buyers last month were Wells Fargo with 14.5% of the purchase loan market, Bank of America with 4.7% and RPM Mortgage with 3.2%.” The ranking makes RPM the leader among independently owned and operated mortgage lenders.

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Last week RPM Mortgage, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of a new Southern California office in Glendora Village. Members of the local business community, including fellow Glendora Village business owners, referral partners, and members of the Chamber of Commerce, gathered at RPM’s new office for a baseball-themed party. Guests enjoyed a festive atmosphere complete with warm sunny weather, live music, and food from the Butcher Shop in La Verne. RPM’s neighbor on Glendora Avenue, Fiorina Clothing, treated guests to an extra 20% during the party.

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Four Tips for Avoiding Surprises at Closing

The closing date marks the official end of the home search and buying process. It’s an important day worthy of celebration. On this date buyers complete paperwork, submit all required documentation, pay fees and make first payments, all leading up to the moment of truth – when keys are finally handed over! So how does such an exciting, highly anticipated moment become so stressful?

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