Mortgages & Real Estate

Well there’s not a lot of new stuff to talk about in the mortgage business. “Things” are about the same as the last few months (actually since July 30, 2007) If you have an adjustable rate mortgage, you might consider talking to me about whether it’s still a good loan for you. With the Fed lowering their funds rate, your adjustable rate should be going down pretty substantially, so it may still be a good loan for you. On the other hand, if you are thinking of keeping your property, you may want to look at getting into a longer term fixed rate while rates are still below 6%. Lot’s of people took advantage of the Option ARM the past few years for a fantastically low monthly payment. That particular loan has a “trigger” which is around 3 to 5 years. If you have this type loan, it might be a good time to call me to discuss the future of your mortgage. It’s better to know what you want to do then to react to something that is happening TO you. I always enjoy discussing loan scenarios with my past clients (and their friends). Now-a-days your mortgage is a financial tool like any other investment vehicle you have. Assessing where you are and planning for where you want to go is free, fun, and could be lucrative. I’m here for ya. Let’s talk soon. And remember, it is up to you if it……. “looks like a good year”

And on the Real Estate Front

I have made a change with my Real Estate license and now have it with NorthWest Crossing Realty and one of my best friends David Quiros as the principal broker. I am very excited about the change and will spend 5 days a week in that office. Of course there is a lot to learn about the NorthWest Crossing project and I am still learning everyday but here is what I know so far. NorthWest Crossing is made up of 486 acres of mixed use land including residential, commercial, light industrial, schools, parks, and open space. It has a new urbanism feel with a focus on green building and connectivity for its residents. The idea is to have a community where people can work, live, and socialize without needing to drive a car. You can easily walk or bike all around the neighborhood. There is no one builder so the homes are very diverse in both size and outward appearance. The project I am the most interested in, although we still don’t have a complete unit to view, is the Fremont Place Live/Work Townhomes. These are zoned and designed for about 600 square feet of retail space on the bottom and 1500 to 1800 square feet of living space on top. These units are being built by Renaissance Homes and are definitely a trend for the future. As someone who has been working out of the home I know it is a cool concept and this takes is one step better than just turning some space inside your home into work space; this is dedicated retail / office space with an outside entrance so your personal space is not impacted by your work space. Call me if you want to move into your own live/work unit in NorthWest Crossing or for any other property in the neighborhood!