Home Time June 2018

Sunshine State of Mind

With the kick off of the 2018 summer season upon us it’s time to get out and have some fun in the sun.  Silicon Valley homeowner’s are still basking in the glow of the sizzling hot housing market as the median home prices continue to rise right along with our temperature gauges.

Mountain View Had The Highest Jump In Home Prices Last Month

With an increase of $310 per square foot over the previous month, Mountain View has surpassed Los Altos and is now on the heels of the reigning champion, Palo Alto.  Sunnyvale was next up with an increase of $249 over the prior month.
While we watch expectedly as the housing market races speedily along it’s course with the warm glow of the summer sun upon us there are things that we can do today that can improve the value of our homes, reduce energy costs and help create a better planet.

Harness the Sun’s Power with Solar Panels

Don, a hardworking homeowner in Saratoga, said that he did a self install of 16 panels on his home and hit his break even on the up front cost in about 7 to 8 years. His panels generate enough power to meet all of his energy needs and then some! He sells the overage back to PG&E every month. However, when we consider that the average homeowner may sell within that break even period it stands to reason that perhaps investing tens of thousands of dollars might be a risky proposition.

BEST ROI: What if could start harnessing the power today without any up front cost? There is, according to Chris Sears the Regional Sales Director at Sunrun. With their Power Purchase Agreement you can begin buying your electricity at a lower rate immediately after installation without having to pay any up front costs. Call Chris for more information at (408) 315-2027/sunrun.com. Also, check our Google’s – www.projectsunroof.com to map your roof’s solar savings potential.

Karen’s Mortgage Minute/Housing Market

Current Rates – 6/12/18

15 Year Fixed – 3.875% No Points 3.895% APR *

30 Year Fixed – 4.375% No Points   4.40% APR *

Market Commentary: The Market has been moving steadily higher (with one exception) due to positive May Economic Data.
• Consumer Confidence reached a 17 year high.
• Stock Market continued to climb higher.
• Inflation concerns are in check.
• The ten-year bond (a benchmark interest rate tool) was sitting at a four year high at 3.11.
So why did interest rates suddenly drop in late May for a brief time?  The World is a Global Economy.  The Italians were rumored to be pulling out of the EU.   A few years back England (Brexit) pulled out of the EU and the market plummeted stimulating a refinance boom (lowest all-time rates).   The Current (May 26th) Market reacted to the Italian Rumors and many investors began to short Treasury bonds (hitting a low 2.77).  This action dramatically dropped interest rates (approx. 35 bps) for a very short time.  As the Italian concerns seemed to retreat….  Treasury Bonds started to rise again.   As of June 4th, the ten-year has reached 2.92 and appears to inching higher.   Provided no economic surprises…. The Market should be poised to go higher on the short term.
Credit Tweed B. New Fi.

Asset Depletion Loans

Debt ratios too high? Just use our asset depletion to bring in additional income. We divide the asset over 10 years. $200,000 in assets = $1,666 additional monthly income.

Need a mortgage loan?  Contact Karen today. (408) 399-3300

*Based on $400k loan size, payments 30 year $1995.00. 15 year $2934.00 Rates are subject to change and to qualification.

Cherry Delight Bars

INGREDIENTS
FOR THE BARS:
1 cup butter (2 sticks) softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 21 oz cans cherry pie filling
FOR THE GLAZE
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2-3 tablespoons milk

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extracts. Gradually add flour.
Spread 3 cups dough into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Spread with pie filling.
Drop remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over filling. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, extracts and enough milk to reach desired consistency; drizzle over top.