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Can't find it here?  You can always call us at 510/526-4336 or email us anytime just by clicking here.

It can be pretty complicated these days.  Our job is to make it easy.

 

Don't know where to start?  At Northbrae we can put you in touch with a good mortgage broker.  These specialists can tell you in just a few minutes (even over the phone!) how much you can qualify for, so you know immediately what price range you're in when it comes time to shop.  We recommend that you choose someone local (see below).  A good mortgage person can answer lots of questions.

 

Email us (anita@northbrae.com) or just pick up the phone and call (510/526-4336) and let us know something about yourself.  We will immediately begin to search for homes in the areas you like at a price you can afford.  You can too!  There are a variety of ways to search for homes on the internet these days -- just click on "Property Search" in the navigation bar at the left.  However, the market is so active these days that the Web search engines tend to lag behind the proprietary Realtor's data base.  In a competitive market, we can give you the edge by monitoring our database first.

The fun part!
  We'll take you out and show you all the houses you're interested in.  By using our electronic lock box system, we can show you virtually any property on the market, as listed by any of our colleagues in the business.  Once we get to know you, we can save you an enormous amount of time and effort.  See a sign on a house you might be interested in?  Just call or email us, no matter whose sign it is, and we'll have the information for you quickly!

 

The great day arrives! You've found the one you really like.  You can trust to the fact that we have lots of experience and the very best resources to help you make the offer and negotiate the final price.  Now come the inspections, the disclosures, the questions about permits... but not to worry!  We do this every day, and we're experts about helping you to fully understand the transaction and supporting you in making informed decisions.

 

You did it!  Home sweet home!  And we'll be around for years to come to help you with any questions that arise.  We're proud to call our past clients friends, and we have a BBQ every year just to get everyone together so that we can catch up and -- most of all -- say thank you!

 

WHAT'S A MORTGAGE BROKER?

Banks have lending departments and can sometimes offer very desirable mortgages.  Mortgage brokers -- as distinct from banks  -- work with a large array of lenders and can generally shop for the best terms and offer a variety of "products" to you.  They can also help smooth the way with the lender, and will know the best local appraiser to use when it comes time to value the property for the lender.  An experienced mortgage broker with strong local knowledge can sometimes work miracles.  For this reason, we are hesitant to recommend most lenders who are available on the Web, simply because they lack this vital local connection.  There are also special programs sometimes sponsored by cities or counties for first time buyers that distant brokers may not  be aware of.  For the moment, we advise staying close to home!  We have worked with many mortgage brokers over the years and will be happy to supply you with a list of names our clients have been happy with.  Just email us at anita@northbrae.com, or give us a call at 510/526-4336.  You might also ask friends who have purchased a home recently if they were happy with their lending source.  Remember that -- like doctors -- many mortgage brokers  specialize, so knowing your situation helps us make a good recommendation.  If you're searching on your own, make sure to ask how many loans of the sort your considering a broker handles. 

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