Things that you must know about Bay Area Home Lending

Things that you must know about Bay Area Home Lending

Every Tuesday, I go into detail a question I frequently get asked. What do you need to know about Bay Area Home Lending?


This is the first step that needs to be done before looking for a home! You want to understand what your loan ceiling is as this is what I call a hard ceiling. There isn’t a point of looking at properties above this amount unless you are able to get gift money or financial support from others. Nevertheless, there are alot of lenders and loan programs out there, so what do you do?


Banks constantly change their guidelines and take turns being the most competitive but there are a few things to be aware of. I do what I can to constantly monitor and track the strengths/weaknesses of each bank so that my clients can get an advantage.


There are two common types of loan programs. A 30 year fixed rate, or an Adjustable rate mortgage. Many people decide between the two based off of how they feel about interest rates changing in the future and their time horizon of owning the property. If you are certain that you will be using the home as a tradeup and plan to sell within 5-7 years, many people opt for the ARM rate and save money on their monthly payments. ARM rates are typically lower by 0.25% to 0.5% from a 30 year fixed rate.


When it comes to home purchases that require at least a $250k+ down payment, Wells Fargo is currently very hard to beat. They still have a program called Assets Under Management which allows clients to buy down rates with money that they would’ve used for down payment anyways! Other private client programs require the money to stay in the account after the transaction takes place so this is a great benefit for those that know about it.


Physician loans, especially tied with companies like Kaiser, has some of the best programs out there. Depending on what kind of offer you receive from a local Kaiser, many physicians at Kaiser have down payment assistance where Kaiser covers 10% of your down payment. Physicians, without support from their company have loan programs that can buy with 5% down, will have no mortgage insurance, and can buy up to $1.2M. Mortgage insurance is a extra monthly cost that you pay since you don’t have much skin in the game initially in the home. You may ask, wait if Kaiser can cover 10%, and a standard physician loan requires 5%, does this mean I don’t need to put any money down? Bingo! You can reach out to me to learn more about this as to how this process works but you can note for all of your physician friends, there isn’t much of an excuse to not be a homeowner! BBVA has the best programs for this.


If you are a first time buyer, you don’t have to buy with 20%. That is a misconception. There are plenty of programs for as low as 3.5% down for everyone to take advantage of. There is a max of your purchase amount of up to $765,600 but there are plenty of properties all throughout the Bay Area to get in this category. People ask me, but there is mortgage insurance? It’s always better to get into the homeownership side of the table than as a renter where that is a guarantee sunk cost. As the value of your home rises over time, you also have the option to refinance the PMI out since the PMI is needed due to initially having very little equity/skin in the game. It also accelerates you and frees up that capital to do other things with your money. Mortgage brokers are great candidates for this and tend to be more flexible than banks.


All of these are great options because you are leveraging record low interest rates and getting out of the rental space. I have great lending partners as very much like Realtors, there are a lot of loan officers out there and they are not all equal from a knowledge perspective, communication, and work ethic.. If you or anyone you know is considering to buy, sell, or invest in the Bay Area, let’s talk! I’m never too busy to be introduced and I have helped several clients from these videos itself! If you liked this video, be sure to share it with your friends, leave a comment with what you think, hit that like button and subscribe to my youtube channel! I look forward to seeing you at the next one.


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If you’re interested in buying, selling, or investing in residential or commercial real estate in the 📍SF Bay Area, contact me today!


📧Spencer@spencerhsu.com

📞 (408) 547-4590

⏰ Set up a time to chat: https://calendly.com/spencerhsure

🌍 Find your dream Bay Area home https://www.homesbyspencerhsu.com/

🎙️ Listen to my podcast: https://redcircle.com/shows/bayarearealestate

📸Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencerhsure

🧑‍💼 Let's connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerhsu

🛎 Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest real estate tips and updates: https://forms.gle/c5xkznHLTBh7Yzgi7

🏠💲 Track the value of your home and see if it's beneficial to refinance! http://bit.ly/3aFdyMW

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My Background: Born and raised in the Bay Area, I spent 11 years as Technology Sales Manager before becoming a Realtor. Having personally invested and done renovations through house flips in the Bay Area, I wanted to help busy professionals in the Bay Area tech industry find their dream home by leveraging tech, data and local insights. Our team specializes in creating trusted frameworks of buying, selling, and investing in the Bay Area. In 2022, we are thrilled to share that we have helped 80 clients in the Bay Area with their moves, which positions our team as the Top 1% groups in the country. Looking forward to helping you into your next home and save/earn you more money!

Spencer Hsu, MBA, Realtor

Spencer@SpencerHsu.com

408-547-4590

EXP Realty DRE #02077253

https://www.homesbyspencerhsu.com/

#BayAreaRealEstate

Episoder(362)

What It’s REALLY Like to Live in Cambrian, San Jose

What It’s REALLY Like to Live in Cambrian, San Jose

What’s it like to live in one of the calmest, friendliest, and most community-oriented neighborhoods in all of San Jose?In this series, we take you through the best Bay Area neighborhoods — so you can experience what it’s really like to live like a local. Whether you’re relocating, investing, or just exploring new areas, this is the BEST vlog series to help you find the right community for your lifestyle!🗓 Want to schedule a time for a free consultation?Find a time that works for you → https://www.calendly.com/spencerhsure📞 Or, call us today at (408) 547-4590🌐 Visit: https://www.homesbyspencerhsu.com/This week, we’re exploring Cambrian — a peaceful San Jose neighborhood full of walkable streets, top-rated schools, and quiet community charm.Cambrian is often overlooked compared to nearby areas like Almaden or Willow Glen — but ask anyone who lives here, and they’ll tell you: once you find this place, you never want to leave.Technically part of South San Jose, Cambrian borders Campbell, Los Gatos, and Willow Glen — giving you easy access to all the South Bay hotspots while keeping a truly suburban, small-town feel. Whether you’re walking to Houge Park, visiting the historic Cambrian Park Plaza carousel, or biking along tree-lined streets, this neighborhood just feels like home.Locals love Cambrian for its:• Quiet, safe, and friendly atmosphere• Easy access to freeways (85, 87, 280) and light rail• Top schools: Cambrian, Union, and San Jose Unified• Green parks like Houge, Paul Moore, and Kirk Park• Upcoming major development: Cambrian Village🎡 The iconic Cambrian Park Plaza carousel sign is here to stay — and the newly approved Cambrian Village development is about to transform this neighborhood with hundreds of homes, shops, and walkable green space.You’ll also find:• Local food favorites like Tu Mero Mole, Rangoli Indian Cuisine, and Pappa Georggeo Pizza• Hidden gems like Pump It Up San Jose and the legendary Haunted House on Church Drive• Multiple dog-friendly parks and family-friendly playgrounds• Affordable condo options and move-in ready homes with huge upside potential🏡 FEATURED HOME TOUR: 4422 Silva Avenue, San Jose, CA✅ First time on market — pride of ownership from original owners✅ Rare 2-story floorplan with bonus room + private entrance✅ Updated kitchen, new paint, newer furnace + water heater✅ Fruit trees, large patio, low-maintenance backyard✅ Walkable to shopping, dining, and Almaden Ranch✅ Ideal for multi-gen living or potential ADU useThis peaceful pocket of Cambrian is walkable, welcoming, and filled with long-term residents — making it perfect for buyers looking for true neighborhood charm.Thinking about moving to Cambrian or anywhere in the South Bay? I’d love to help you explore your options.Let’s find the right home for your budget, lifestyle, and goals.📧 Spencer@SpencerHsu.com📞 (408) 547-4590🌐 https://www.homesbyspencerhsu.com/🗓 Book a free consultation → https://www.calendly.com/spencerhsure📸 Follow on Instagram → /spencerhsure🎙️ Listen to the podcast → https://bit.ly/384DUpn📈 Track your home value → http://bit.ly/3aFdyMW🛎 Subscribe for more Bay Area neighborhood tours & tips → https://forms.gle/c5xkznHLTBh7Yzgi7#CambrianSanJose #SanJoseRealEstate #4422SilvaAve #BayAreaHomes #CambrianPark #SiliconValleyLiving #MovingToSanJose #YourTechRealtor #SpencerHsu #WalkableNeighborhood #SouthBayRealEstate #CambrianVillage #CambrianParkPlaza #SanJoseNeighborhoods

29 Mai 12min

Don’t Buy a Bay Area Condo Until You See This! 🚨🏢

Don’t Buy a Bay Area Condo Until You See This! 🚨🏢

Thinking about buying a condo or townhome in the Bay Area?Not all condos are created equal — and some could become financial headaches if you don’t know what to watch out for.In this video, Spencer shares the exact red flags he looks for when helping clients buy in San Jose, Mountain View, San Francisco, and beyond. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizing, or investing — this guide can save you thousands.🚩 What to Watch Out For:• Condos with too many amenities = higher long-term costs• Reserve studies — what they are, and why they matter• HOA restrictions that limit rentals or Airbnb• Why flipped condos can be risky• Appreciation potential: condos vs. single-family homes• When newer builds near transit are worth the price📍 Applies to condo buyers all across the Bay Area:San Jose • Mountain View • Fremont • SF • Santa Clara • and more💬 Want access to MLS listings and private tours before they hit the market?Text "MLS" to (408) 547-4590 for personalized alerts.📞 Questions? Call or Text: (408) 547-4590📩 Email: spencer@spencerhsu.com#BayAreaRealEstate #BuyingACondo #SpencerHsuRealEstate #BayAreaCondos #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #HOAFees #RealEstateTips #CaliforniaHomes #TownhomeLiving #InvestmentPropertiesListing courtesy of Spencer Hsu, eXp Realty DRE 02077253

21 Mai 4min

Bay Area Housing Market Update: Are things going back up? May 2025

Bay Area Housing Market Update: Are things going back up? May 2025

Welcome to the latest Bay Area Housing Market Update for May 2025! 🏡 Is the market heating up again? Join me, a trusted Bay Area real estate expert with over 7 years of experience helping 300+ families, as we dives into the data to uncover what’s happening in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and beyond. From rising home prices to condo discounts, this video breaks down the trends you need to know!🔑 Key Topics Covered:Are Bay Area home prices hitting record highs? (Median price: $1.4M!)Why is Silicon Valley leading the market? (Santa Clara County at $1.78M)Condo and townhome discounts: Up to 10% off!Impact of stock market rebound (NASDAQ up 26%) & rising interest rates (6.8%)Inventory trends & opportunities for buyers and sellers💡 Why Watch? Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about the Bay Area real estate market, this video is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions. Learn how to take advantage of current market conditions in Santa Clara, San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties!Spencer Hsu is a Bay Area Real Estate Agent, a Residential, New Home Construction and Relocations specialist with eXp Realty LLC. Serving the entire Bay Area. He aims to help busy professionals in the Bay Area find their dream homes by leveraging tech, data and local insights.📊 Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction to the Bay Area Housing Market 0:36 - Market Data Breakdown 0:55 - Stock Market Rebound & Interest Rates 1:39 - County-by-County Price Analysis 2:18 - Why Silicon Valley is the Market Leader 4:24 - Single Family Homes vs. Condos/Townhomes 6:24 - Inventory Trends Across the Bay Area 7:15 - New Listings Surge in April 2025 10:33 - Buyer & Seller Tips for May 2025 12:22 - Contact Us for a Real Estate Game PlanCONTACT ME: Call / Text: (408) 547- 4590DRE 02077253Email: spencer@spencerhsu.com www.homesbyspencerhsu.com💥 Follow me on Social Media 💥 → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencerhsure/→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerhsu/_________________________________#BayAreaRealEstate #LivingintheBayArea #siliconvalley

19 Mai 12min

Bay Area Real Estate Market Update (May 15, 2020) - Spencer Hsu Tech Realtor Bay Area

Bay Area Real Estate Market Update (May 15, 2020) - Spencer Hsu Tech Realtor Bay Area

Looking to move closer to your tech job at Google, Apple, Meta, or Nvidia?This new video breaks down the BEST neighborhoods in the Bay Area for couples and families working in Big Tech — whether your budget is under $2M or over $4M.Using an interactive map, Spencer shows how to align your commute, school quality, and home type — so you can make the smartest move without wasting time or energy.🚪 What’s Covered in the Video:• Where families working in tech are actually buying homes• Best areas for single-family homes by price: → Under $2M → $2–3M → $3–4M → $4M+• Key commute corridors from Menlo Park to Cupertino & Santa Clara• Strong school districts vs. luxury pockets — what trade-offs matter• Why mapping your commute first can save weeks of stress📍 Featured Cities: Menlo Park, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Fremont, San Jose, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Campbell & more💬 Need help figuring out where to start your home search?Text “MOVE” to (408) 547-4590 and we’ll help you build a strategy.#BayAreaRealEstate #SiliconValleyLiving #SpencerHsuRealEstate #BigTechHomes #HomeBuyingTips #SchoolDistrictHomes #BayAreaHomesForSale #MenloParkRealEstate #CupertinoHomes #MountainViewCA #BayAreaRelocation #CaliforniaHomesListing courtesy of Spencer Hsu, eXp Realty DRE 02077253

14 Mai 12min

Live In California’s #1 School District | Inside new construction 28Fifty in Palo Alto

Live In California’s #1 School District | Inside new construction 28Fifty in Palo Alto

🏡 New Construction in Midtown Palo Alto!Looking for a move-in ready home near California’s #1 public school district?28FIFTY by SummerHill Homes offers luxury townhomes in a prime Silicon Valley location — with only 48 total units available!✨ Two Floorplans to Choose From:➡️ PLAN 1: 3 Bed / 3 Bath – 1,436 sq. ft.Perfect for stylish, low-maintenance living➡️ PLAN 3: 3 Bed + Den / 3.5 Bath – 1,770 sq. ft.Extra space for remote work or guests📲 Text “2850” to (408) 547-4590🌟 Solar panels included, community park, BBQ area, and walkable to top-rated Palo Verde Elementary, JL Stanford Middle, and Palo Alto High — ranked #1 in the state!📍 Midtown Palo Alto💬 DM or call Spencer at (408) 547-4590 for availability and tours.📧 spencer@spencerhsu.com🌐 www.homesbyspencerhsu.com#PaloAltoHomes #BayAreaRealEstate #NewConstruction #SummerHillHomes #TopSchools #SpencerHsuRealEstate #SiliconValleyLiving Listing Courtesy of SummerHill Homes

14 Mai 5min

Best 55+ Community in the Bay Area? Inside The Villages San Jose Active Adult Lifestyle

Best 55+ Community in the Bay Area? Inside The Villages San Jose Active Adult Lifestyle

Looking for a vibrant 55+ community in San Jose, California?Discover The Villages Golf & Country Club — one of Northern California’s most scenic and active adult communities. Join Spencer Hsu, Bay Area native and real estate expert, as he explores the lifestyle, housing options, and amenities that make The Villages a top pick for those ready to downsize, simplify, or just start their next chapter.Here’s what makes The Villages stand out:🏡 Master-Planned 55+ Community:Set on over 1,200 acres with 2,500+ homes, 5 residential zones, and 12 distinct "villages" — offering both condos and single-family homes.⛳ Amenities Galore:Championship 18-hole golf course, 4 pools & spas, fitness centers, tennis & pickleball courts, bocce ball, equestrian trails, and hiking across 550 acres of protected open space.🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social Life:Enjoy over 60+ clubs — from astronomy and ceramics to hiking and horseback riding — plus events, classes, and built-in community fun.🏘️ Real Estate Snapshot:Home sizes range from ~950 sq ft condos to 2,000+ sq ft single-family homes. HOA dues cover water, cable, maintenance, and most amenities.🎯 Featured Listing:5324 Cribari Glen – A beautifully updated 2-bed, 2-bath condo in Village Cribari with in-unit laundry, modern kitchen, and private patio — all for under $500K!📍 Location: A quiet, gated area near Evergreen and Silver Creek with quick access to shopping, dining, and medical services.💬 Want a private tour or need help deciding if a 55+ community is right for you?Call/Text (408) 547-4590 or email spencer@spencerhsu.com — let’s talk about your next move!Spencer Hsu is a Bay Area Real Estate Agent, a Residential, New Home Construction and Relocations specialist with eXp Realty LLC. With over 300 families helped in the past 6 years, his team is here to guide you with data, insight, and care.📱 Follow for more:→ Instagram: @spencerhsure🌐 www.homesbyspencerhsu.com#BayAreaRealEstate #SanJose55Plus #TheVillagesSJ #Downsizing #ActiveAdultLiving #SiliconValleyHomes #SpencerHsuRealEstate

7 Mai 27min

Affordable Homes in Los Gatos? Welcome to Lexington Hills

Affordable Homes in Los Gatos? Welcome to Lexington Hills

🌲 Looking for peaceful living just minutes from Silicon Valley?Let me show you Los Gatos — a town where small-town charm meets luxury, and where you’re only minutes from tech campuses, wineries, hiking trails, and even the beaches of Santa Cruz!🏡 This week’s featured home:17550 Comanche Trail, Los Gatos, CA✅ 2 bedrooms | 1 bathroom | Half-acre lot across 3 parcels✅ Huge wrap-around deck for entertaining✅ Seasonal creek and waterfall behind the backyard✅ Naturally cool summers under towering redwoods✅ Extra outdoor parking and expansion potential✅ Listed at just $899,000 — an incredible value for Los Gatos!📍 Live just 10 minutes from Downtown Los Gatos and 30 minutes to Santa Cruz beaches — all while enjoying fresh mountain air, quiet trails, and a close-knit community vibe in Redwood Estates.📞 Want a private tour? Call or text me at (408) 547-4590🗓 Or book online: https://www.calendly.com/spencerhsure#LosGatosRealEstate #BayAreaHomes #SiliconValleyLiving #HiddenGems #RedwoodEstates #SpencerHsuRealEstate #HomeTour

1 Mai 4min

Inside San Jose’s Secret Zip Code – 95126: Homes from $500K to $4.5M!

Inside San Jose’s Secret Zip Code – 95126: Homes from $500K to $4.5M!

Ever wondered what it's like to live in the Bay Area?In this series, we take you on a tour of the best Bay Area cities and neighborhoods to experience what it’s like to live a day in the life of a local! This is the BEST vlog series to learn more about the top communities to live in the San Francisco Bay Area!🗓 Want to schedule a time for a free consultation? Find a time that works for you!https://www.calendly.com/spencerhsureOr, call us today at (408) 223-5493. You can also visit us at https://www.homesbyspencerhsu.com/This week, we’re exploring the Rose Garden neighborhood in San Jose, CA — a historic, walkable, and highly desirable community that’s full of charm and character.Located just outside of Downtown San Jose, the Rose Garden offers a peaceful residential vibe while staying close to tech hubs, commuter stations, and top-rated schools. With beautifully preserved homes, tree-lined streets, and an unbeatable central location, it’s easy to see why buyers fall in love with this area.One of the most iconic features of the neighborhood is the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden — named America’s Best Rose Garden, home to over 3,500 rose bushes and nearly 200 varieties. Whether you're walking the trails, biking nearby on Three Creeks Trail, or enjoying a quiet afternoon under the redwoods, there’s always something blooming here — literally and figuratively.You’ll also find:• Historic homes from the 1920s to mid-century• Quiet parks like Henry Schmidt Park, with playgrounds, tennis courts, and open fields• Top educational access — minutes from Santa Clara University and San Jose State, ranked one of the best public universities in the country• Local favorites like Luna on The Alameda (amazing Mexican food) and Jackie’s Place for Southern comfort food• A tight-knit, walkable neighborhood with a true community feel🏡 FEATURED HOME TOUR: 1418 Serena Ct, San Jose, CAWe’ll also tour a stunning move-in-ready home in the heart of the neighborhood:✅ Built in 2007✅ Located in a quiet, tucked-away private community✅ Less than a mile to Downtown San Jose and Willow Glen✅ Minutes to Valley Fair, Santana Row, and major freeways✅ Brand-new hardwood floors and paint (Aug 2024)✅ New LG appliances, Bosch dishwasher, and water softener✅ New water heater (2023), central air, and Nest thermostat✅ Reasonable HOA and no street noiseIf you’re looking for a neighborhood with character, lifestyle perks, and central access — Rose Garden is a must-see. I think by the end of this video, you’ll agree that it’s one of San Jose’s best-kept secrets and a perfect place to call home.If you’re considering moving to San Jose or anywhere in the Bay Area, I’d love to show you around! Let’s connect today.#bayarearealestate #sanjoserealestate #yourtechrealtor #rosegardensanjose #homesbyspencerhsu #serenacourt #walkableneighborhood #siliconvalleyhomes🌍 Find your dream Bay Area home → https://www.homesbyspencerhsu.com/🎙️ Listen to my podcast → https://bit.ly/384DUpn📸 Follow me on Instagram → /spencerhsure💼 Connect on LinkedIn → /spencerhsu🛎 Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest real estate tips and updates → https://forms.gle/c5xkznHLTBh7Yzgi7🏠💲 Track your home value + refinancing options → http://bit.ly/3aFdyMW— My Background —Born and raised in the Bay Area, I spent 11 years in Startup Technology Sales before becoming a full-time Realtor. Having personally invested and renovated homes in the Bay Area, I now help busy professionals find their dream homes by leveraging tech, data, and local insights.I’ve helped over 60 families in the last 15 months and am proud to be ranked in the Top 1% of Realtors in the Bay Area.Looking forward to helping you!Spencer Hsu, MBA, Realtor📧 Spencer@SpencerHsu.com📞 (408) 223-5493EXP Realty | DRE 02077253https://www.homesbyspencerhsu.com/🗓 Book a free consultation → https://www.calendly.com/spencerhsure

23 Apr 7min

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