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Writer's pictureMegan Kilmer

Navigating the Bay Area Housing Market: How to Get Approved for a Mortgage




Welcome to the vibrant and competitive housing market of the Bay Area! Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade to your dream home, navigating the mortgage process in this region can be daunting. As a local Bay Area mortgage experts, we have witnessed the ins and outs of this market and collectively have helped over 10 thousand Bay Area and California families with their dreams of homeownership - let's dive in!


Understanding the Bay Area Market. We have diverse neighborhoods, booming tech industry, and picturesque landscapes! But here in California we also have some of the highest housing prices in the country! Understanding the unique dynamics of this market is crucial for anyone looking to purchase property here, we are here to help every step of the way.


  1. Get Pre-Qualified. This is a quick conversation without documents or a credit pull. Here is where we talk about your financial readiness. We can do this together by calculating your debt to income and if now is not the time, we can get you on a path to success down the road. We talk about your income, existing debt, credit score, and down payment capabilities. In the Bay Area, where home prices can be steep, having a solid financial goal is key.

  2. Get Pre-Approved: Once you have a clear understanding of your financial standing, the next step is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Here is where you submit documents for us to review. You want to do this often BEFORE you start home touring. It is heart breaking when you need to put an offer in on your dream home only to find out you are a few credit points away from you desired monthly payment. Working with us, a local lender, is a breeze! We have a safe web-based portal and protect your data. And unlike big companies we give you one on one expertise. Unless you are making a cash offer, you need a pre-approval letter to make an offer on a home.

  3. Partner with a Knowledgeable Realtor: You may have done this step first, and that is perfect - we work as a team with your realtor and we work with everyone! But if you need a recommendation, finding the right real estate agent who is well-versed in the Bay Area market is invaluable. They can help you navigate neighborhoods, identify suitable properties, and negotiate on your behalf. We are happy to point you to our local network of real estate pros.

  4. Understand Loan Options: In the Bay Area, where home prices can exceed national averages, exploring various loan options is crucial. Conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and jumbo loans are among the options available. Each has its eligibility criteria, down payment requirements, and interest rates. We are here to give you custom solutions for your home buying needs!

  5. Prepare for Competitive Bidding: In the Bay Area, multiple offers on any property is common. Being prepared to act swiftly and decisively can make all the difference. We work with your realtor to give you a competitive edge with a solid pre-approval letter, we talk about using escalation clauses and that can mean writing you multiple approvals - we get it! We do what it takes to get you the edge you need. Additionally we advocate on your behalf for seller credits and work our magic to help you save money on our end too!

  6. Stay Flexible and Patient: Navigating the Bay Area housing market can be challenging, with limited inventory and high demand driving competition. It's essential to remain flexible and patient throughout the process. Be prepared to adjust your expectations, explore different neighborhoods, and consider properties that may require some TLC. With perseverance we will help you find the perfect home for you and your family.

Remember, the Bay Area offers a wealth of opportunities and experiences, and finding your place in this vibrant community is well worth the effort! We are here for you every step of the way! To start your journey call us at: 831-200-8722

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