George L. Duarte

Mortgage Loans Fremont California Horizon Financial Associates

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Awards
    • Privacy Policy
    • California Privacy Notice
    • Accessibility Statement
  • Reverse Mortgage Library
  • Resources
    • Real Estate Corner Radio Show
    • VA Loans
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Mortgage FAQ
    • Mortgage Glossary
    • Closing Costs
    • Loan Programs
    • Living Trusts
  • Reviews
    • Video Testimonials
    • Reviews
    • Write a Review
  • Apply Now
  • Contact

Did You Know: Your Choice of Community Will Impact Your Mortgage – Here’s How

September 26, 2017 by George Duarte

Did You Know: Your Choice of Community Will Impact Your Mortgage – Here's HowIf you are in the market for a new home, you’ve probably begun the process of choosing the neighborhood or community in which you want to live. The perfect spot to call home will depend on your age, the size and composition of your family, your working life and other factors. However, one thing you may not know is that the community you choose to live in can also impact your mortgage. In today’s post, we’ll explore how the local area in which you live can affect your mortgage financing and interest rate.

Lender Pricing Varies By State

As you might imagine, the mortgage market is subject to a variety of legal rules and regulations. These laws vary from state-to-state, which means that they affect mortgages differently depending on where you live. All lenders have slight differences in their pricing depending on where you’re going to live.

Also, if you are looking to buy in a rural area which isn’t close to a major city, that can affect your mortgage as well. Some lenders might not service rural areas in your state, so you won’t be able to access their mortgage products. Price is another factor that can change your mortgage. If you are buying a home in a popular or luxurious community, that will drive the price up.

Is The Local Market Hot Or Cold?

Don’t forget that the pace of the local housing market may impact your mortgage as well. For example, if fewer new homes are being built or added to the local inventory, you may find that scarcity is causing prices to increase. Conversely, if no new homes are being built because there is no demand, prices are likely to be trending downward. 

In closing, it is important to remember that the community you choose to live in is one where you could find yourself situated for decades. Your mortgage interest rate should be less of a concern than ensuring you have access to great amenities, quality schools, and a safe environment. To learn more about mortgage costs in your community of choice, contact our professional team and we’d be happy to help.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgage, Real Estate Tips

3 Useful Tips for First-time Homebuyers Trying to Navigate the System

September 15, 2017 by George Duarte

3 Useful Tips for First-time Homebuyers Trying to Navigate the SystemWhether you’re tired of renting, need more space or want to make an upgrade, buying your first home is the solution. However, if you have never participated in the market before it can be a bit daunting at first. Let’s explore a few useful tips that are helpful for first-time homebuyers who are new to the process of buying real estate.

Tip #1: Begin With The End In Mind

Before you start exploring local home listings and shopping around, it’s worth asking yourself both what you ‘need’ in a home and what you ‘want’ in a home. For example, are you single or married? If you are married or are likely to be in the near future, are you planning on having a family? Will you need space for pets? What area of the city is most convenient for your commute? And so on. If you start by knowing exactly what you need, it will be that much easier to narrow down your options.

Tip #2: The Market Determines The Value Of A House

The second tip to keep in mind is that your local real estate market is what determines how much a home is worth. What you can afford has nothing to do with a home’s value, nor does your opinion of its current condition. In some cities, homes will sell with the intention of being torn down after the purchase completes.

Tip #3: Go Low, Start Slow

Finally, when you’re ready to make an offer, it should be one that is as low as possible without insulting the homeowner. Buying a house is not like buying groceries or clothing. The price isn’t fixed and is certainly going to be open to negotiation. Conversely, you shouldn’t be surprised if and when the seller makes a counteroffer against yours. The more you’re prepared for a lengthy back-and-forth to hammer out a final price, the more likely you are to be successful.

When you’re ready to buy your first home, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Buying a Home, Home Buyer Tips, Real Estate Tips

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Sidebar

George L. Duarte

MBA, CMC, CMHS
Call 510.377.9059
Fremont, CA

California DRE Corp Lic no. 01032295
DRE Personal Brokers Lic. No. 00943635
NMLS Corporate Lic. No. 302358
Personal Lic. No. 302219

Horizon Financial Associates LogoView Lending CertificateNAMB Member Certificate

Get a Rate Quote
Mortgage Refinance Companies
NAMB
Proud Supporter Of Our Military
CMC Logo

Stay up to date with the latest news to your inbox!

No spam ever and you can unsubscribe anytime.





Horizon Financial Associates BBB Business Review

Connect with Me

Browse Articles by Category

Mortgage Pros2019 Best of Fremont2017 Best of Fremont2016 Best of Fremont

See More Awards →

Recent Articles

  • Millennials and the Pursuit of Homeownership
  • What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 29th, 2024
  • Are You Ready for Home Ownership? Find Out by Answering These 4 Questions
  • Maximizing Your Mortgage: Unveiling Strategies for Faster Payoff and Interest Savings
Horizon Financial Associates is a BBB Accredited Mortgage Broker in Fremont, CA
Equal Housing Opp
crb logo REALTOR Logo


39488 Stevenson Pl Ste. 100
Fremont, CA 94539

Copyright © 2026 · Powered by MySMARTblog

Copyright © 2026 · Genesis Sample Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in