Marcel Garcia at 818 Mortgage: Specializes in conventional home loans, including purchases and refinances. They also handle jumbo, hard money, and construction loans. A boutique broker firm focusing on delivering optimal choice, aggressive rates, and personalized service. They are known for working to close all loans, even in challenging circumstances.
APR vs. Interest Rate: The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) includes the interest rate plus other fees and costs, giving you a more complete picture of the loan's total cost.
Mortgage Points: You may have the option to pay "points" (prepaid interest) upfront to lower your interest rate. One point typically equals 1% of the loan amount.
Pre-Approval: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is highly recommended before you start seriously looking for a home, as it helps you understand how much you can afford and makes your offer more competitive.
Credit Score and Financial Situation: Your personal credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio will significantly impact the rates and loan programs you qualify for.
Piedmont:
A small city completely surrounded by Oakland, Piedmont is consistently ranked as one of the most exclusive and wealthiest communities in the Bay Area. It is known for its beautiful, stately homes, many of which are grand Mediterranean or Tudor-style villas, and a highly-regarded school district.
Blackhawk (Danville):
Although located on the border of Alameda and Contra Costa counties, Blackhawk is a well-known, private gated community with a prestigious reputation. It's home to a high-end country club, a golf course, and multi-million-dollar estates.
The Gold Coast (Alameda):
This is a highly sought-after neighborhood in the city of Alameda, known for its historic and beautiful Victorian, Craftsman, and Edwardian homes. It features tree-lined streets and is close to the Bay, offering a desirable coastal lifestyle.
Harbor Bay Isle (Alameda):
This planned community on Bay Farm Island is known for its waterfront homes, well-maintained parks, and a network of green belts. It is considered an exclusive and family-friendly community with many newer homes and a convenient ferry terminal for commuting to San Francisco.
Pleasanton:
This city is home to several prestigious and exclusive neighborhoods, particularly those with custom-built homes on large lots. Communities like Ruby Hill are known for their luxury, custom-built estates and a private country club. Other high-end neighborhoods include those in the hills of Pleasanton with views of the valley.
Oakland Museum of California (OMCA): This museum is dedicated to the art, history, and natural sciences of California, with a strong focus on the state's diverse cultures and environments. It features a stunning tiered garden and hosts a popular weekly event, Friday Nights at OMCA.
Chabot Space & Science Center (Oakland): This center features a planetarium, observatory, and hands-on exhibits, offering a family-friendly look at space and science. It is an excellent destination for all ages.
USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum (Alameda): A World War II aircraft carrier turned museum, the USS Hornet offers a chance to explore a historical naval vessel, with exhibits on the ship's service and its role in the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 space missions.
Pacific Pinball Museum (Alameda): This interactive museum showcases the history of pinball machines with a large collection of games that visitors can play.
Lawrence Hall of Science (Berkeley): Located on a hill overlooking the Bay, this science center offers interactive exhibits for kids and a chance to explore a variety of scientific principles.
Lake Merritt (Oakland): Often called the "Jewel of Oakland," this urban lake is a popular spot for jogging, walking, and bird watching. Visitors can also rent boats, visit Children's Fairyland, or explore the Bonsai Garden.
Redwood Regional Park (Oakland): A hidden gem of a redwood forest, this park offers miles of hiking trails through a magnificent grove of coast redwoods, providing a tranquil escape from the urban landscape.
East Bay Regional Park District: Alameda County is home to many parks within this district, including Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont, with its scenic bay views, and Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley, which features a steam train and botanical garden.
Livermore Valley Wine Country: One of California's oldest wine regions, Livermore Valley has over 50 wineries. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, tours, and scenic vineyard views.
Crown Memorial State Beach (Alameda): This beach is a great spot for windsurfing, swimming, and picnicking. The Crab Cove Visitor Center offers educational programs about the Bay's shoreline.
Jack London Square (Oakland): A waterfront hub with restaurants, a movie theater, a marina, and a tribute to the famous author Jack London. It's a great place for a stroll or a meal with a view.
Niles Canyon Railway (Fremont): A historic railway that offers scenic rides through the Niles Canyon, providing a nostalgic trip through one of the first transcontinental railroad routes.
Old Mission San Jose (Fremont): Founded in 1797, this is one of the original Spanish missions in California. It has been beautifully restored and offers a glimpse into early California history.
The Fox Theater and Paramount Theatre (Oakland): Both are stunningly restored Art Deco movie palaces that now serve as major venues for concerts and live performances.
Mortgage Rates:
Rates are a major factor in determining your monthly payment and your overall borrowing power. Be sure to contact your local loan officer Marcel Garcia to get the best possible rate.
Property Taxes:
Property taxes can be slightly higher than both the California and national medians.
Special Assessments (Mello-Roos):
Some communities, particularly newer subdivisions, may have Mello-Roos taxes. These are special assessments used to finance public facilities and services like schools, parks, and roads.
Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees:
Many homes, especially in gated communities, condos, and properties with shared amenities like pools or golf courses, have HOA fees.
Closing Costs:
Beyond the down payment, you'll need to budget for closing costs, which are the fees associated with finalizing the sale. These mostly what are called "pre-pays" and range from 2-5% of the purchase price. They may include things like origination fees, appraisal fees, and title insurance.
Secure Pre-Approval: Get a mortgage pre-approval before you start house hunting.
Budget for All Costs: Don't just focus on the mortgage payment. Factor in property taxes, potential Mello-Roos special assessments, HOA fees (common in many communities), and land lease fees.
Contact your Local Lender, Marcel Garcia: He can help you compare mortgage rates and fees. Always work with a local lenders who may have a deeper understanding of the Coachella Valley market.
Homebuyer Education: Many programs mandate that you complete a homebuyer education course. These courses are often offered by HUD-approved counseling agencies and can be an invaluable resource, teaching you about the entire home-buying process.
Find a Local Real Estate Agent: Your local loan officer, Marcel Garcia will help you connect with local agents. They can help you navigate the unique aspects of the market, such as land leases and Mello-Roos districts, and will have an in-depth understanding of neighborhood-specific trends.