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)

Living in Livermore, CA, What It’s Really Like

Living in Livermore, CA, What It’s Really Like

Ever wondered what it’s like to live in Livermore, California?In this series, we take you through the most desirable cities in the Bay Area — so you can experience what life is really like for local residents! Whether you’re looking to relocate, invest, or upgrade, this is the BEST vlog series to learn about top Bay Area communities — from schools and homes to dining, lifestyle, and outdoor life.This week, we’re touring Livermore, a vibrant and historic city located in the Tri-Valley region — home to more than 50 wineries, a bustling downtown, and some of the most affordable single-family homes in the Bay Area.🚪 Featured Home Tour: 766 Joyce Street4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1,796 sq. ft. | Listed at $1.149MLocated in one of Livermore’s most desirable residential areas, this home offers spacious rooms, refinished floors, and a large backyard — all just minutes from shops, restaurants, and top-rated schools.🏞️ With 1,200+ acres of parkland, Livermore is a paradise for hikers, families, and anyone who loves the outdoors. You’ll also find award-winning schools, access to Silicon Valley, and hidden food gems all over downtown.Whether you’re relocating from another state or simply curious about East Bay living, Livermore is a must-see.🗓 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/💬 Questions about buying or selling in Livermore or anywhere in the Bay Area? Let’s connect — I’ve helped over 60 families in the past year and would love to help you too.#LivermoreRealEstate #BayAreaHomes #JoyceStreet #TriValleyLiving #BayAreaRealtor #RelocateToCalifornia #HomeTour #LivermoreLiving #SiliconValleyRealEstateSpencer 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.CONTACT 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

18 Apr 6min

Bay Area Housing Market CRASH Coming in 2025?

Bay Area Housing Market CRASH Coming in 2025?

🏠 If you knew home prices were dropping… would you still want to make a move?In this video, I break down what’s actually happening in the Bay Area housing market as of April 2025 — and what smart buyers and sellers are doing right now.From rising inventory to cooling prices and longer days on market, there are signs of a market shift. But it’s not all bad news. I’ll walk you through exactly how to navigate this turning point whether you’re looking to buy your dream home or sell for top dollar before competition intensifies.📉 What You’ll Learn in This Video:✅ The latest market data from San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa & SF✅ Why prices are softening (and how much they've dropped in the past 30 days)✅ The #1 mistake sellers are making right now✅ When to act fast — and when to wait — as a buyer✅ The interest rate trap: why 6–7% isn't what it seems✅ Spencer’s take: What he would do if buying or selling in 2025💰 Planning to Buy or Sell This Year?Let’s talk strategy. The right move now could save you thousands or net you more equity.📲 Text "APRIL" to (408) 547-4590 to get your personalized market game plan🗓 Schedule a call: https://bit.ly/3XFZWcC🔎 Search for homes: https://bit.ly/4ce1uQZ📞 Contact Spencer HsuCall / Text: (408) 547-4590DRE 02077253Email: spencer@spencerhsu.comwww.homesbyspencerhsu.com→ Instagram: @spencerhsure🏡 Spencer Hsu is a Bay Area Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty LLC, specializing in residential, new home construction, and relocations. He helps busy professionals and families make confident real estate moves by combining tech, data, and deep local knowledge.#BayAreaRealEstate #HousingMarketCrash #RealEstate2025 #SpencerHsuRealEstate #SiliconValley #HomeBuyingTips #SellYourHome #BayAreaHousingUpdate

15 Apr 13min

These Castro Valley Townhomes Might Be the Best Deal in the Bay Area

These Castro Valley Townhomes Might Be the Best Deal in the Bay Area

Looking for modern, commuter-friendly living in the Bay Area? The Chapter by KB Home in Castro Valley offers stylish townhome-style condos designed for comfort and convenience. Located within walking distance to the Castro Valley BART station and with easy access to I-580, this community is perfect for professionals and families alike.🚪 What You’ll Love About The Chapter:✅ Versatile Floor Plans• 3–4 bedrooms and up to 4 baths• Select plans feature Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) with a kitchen, bathroom, and laundry — ideal for multi-generational living or rental income✅ Modern Interiors• Open-concept layouts with spacious living/dining areas• Kitchens equipped with stainless steel appliances and islands• Primary suites boasting walk-in closets and dual-sink vanities✅ Community Amenities• Play area, bike lanes, racks, and repair station• Park-like settings with seating, open spaces, and art installations✅ Prime Location• Zoned for the acclaimed Castro Valley Unified School District• Proximity to outdoor recreation like Chabot Regional Park and Cull Canyon• Close to medical facilities and shopping centers• Convenient to I-580 and BART✅ Sustainable Features• ENERGY STAR® certified homes with solar energy systems• WaterSense® labeled faucets and smart thermostats📍 Location: 3802 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546💰 Pricing & Availability: Starting from $1,002,820 (plus cost of solar; homesite premium may apply)👀 Interested in touring these homes? Text "CHAPTER" to (408) 547-4590 for more details or to schedule a private showing.💬 Have questions about buying or investing in Bay Area real estate? We're here to help you navigate the market and find your perfect home.📞 Contact us at (408) 547-4590📩 Email us at spencer@spencerhsu.com✨ Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly videos about Bay Area living, real estate insights, and success stories!#BayAreaRealEstate #CastroValleyHomes #TheChapter #KBHome #NewHomesCastroValley #AccessoryDwellingUnit #ADU #EnergyEfficientHomes #SpencerHsuRealEstate #SiliconValleyLivingSpencer Hsu is a Bay Area Real Estate Agent specializing in Residential, New Home Construction, and Relocations with eXp Realty LLC. Serving the entire Bay Area, he helps busy professionals find their dream homes by leveraging data, technology, and deep local insights.Listing Courtesy of KB Home

9 Apr 9min

Bay Area Real Estate vs Stock Market. What does AI think is better?

Bay Area Real Estate vs Stock Market. What does AI think is better?

We dive deep into whether it’s smarter to buy Bay Area real estate or invest in the stock market. Curious why the wealthy buy $2M-$5M homes despite the S&P 500’s 12.55% annual growth vs. Bay Area housing’s 5.1%-11.68%? We break it down with AI tools like Grok, exploring leverage, capital gains exclusion, and rent costs. Learn how a $500K income can secure a $2.2M home, and why housing often outshines the S&P with a $1.02M profit vs. $294K over 5 years.Perfect for homebuyers, investors, and Bay Area residents, this video offers actionable insights into single-family home trends, mortgage rates (5.5%), property taxes (1.25%), and investment returns. Want to know the intersection when stocks beat real estate? We’ve got you covered! Subscribe for more Bay Area real estate tips, market updates, and financial strategies. Contact Spencer below for a personalized game plan to buy, sell, or invest in 2025!

4 Apr 17min

Soaring Bay Area Home Values: What's Next? Tariffs & Uncertainty...

Soaring Bay Area Home Values: What's Next? Tariffs & Uncertainty...

🏡Bay Area Home Values Soaring to Record Highs! Curious about what’s next for the real estate market? In my latest video, I dive into the stats—median single-family home prices hit $1.57M in March 2025 across the Bay Area, with Santa Clara County leading at $2.125M. Mortgage rates, new listings (up 30%!), and Trump’s tariffs are shaking things up. Will prices stabilize or climb? Check out the full analysis and get tips for buyers and sellers. Need a game plan? DM me for a free strategy call! #BayAreaRealEstate #HousingMarket #HomeValues

1 Apr 14min

Where Should Singles and Couples Live in San Francisco's Tech Hub?

Where Should Singles and Couples Live in San Francisco's Tech Hub?

🌉 Dreaming of living in San Francisco’s AI tech hub? Check out our latest listing at 1 Daniel Burnham, Unit 407—a modern studio apartment for sale at $570k! Perfect for singles or couples, it features hardwood floors, a remodeled kitchen and bathroom, a sliding glass wall, and stunning Bay Bridge views. Steps from Polk Street, Pacific Heights, and Japan Town, with a spa, pool, and 24/7 security, this is prime San Francisco real estate. Text 408-547-4590 to buy or sell in the Bay Area! #SanFranciscoRealEstate #AIRevolution #StudioForSal

28 Mar 5min

Carmel Pointe by Nuvera Homes | New Construction in Union City, CA!

Carmel Pointe by Nuvera Homes | New Construction in Union City, CA!

Exciting news for homebuyers! Check out Carmel Pointe by Nuvera Homes, a stunning new construction community in Union City, CA! I’m thrilled to give you a sneak peek at this rare development—featuring just 30+ single-family detached homes starting at $2.5M.In my latest YouTube video (link below), I tour two incredible models: Juniper and Sequoia. Juniper offers 3,679 sq ft with 4 beds, 4 baths, a home office, and a loft—complete with a gorgeous great room, optional Jr. ADU, and a luxurious primary suite with dual showers and a massive walk-in closet. Sequoia, on the other hand, boasts a built-in Jr. ADU option, a covered patio with bi-fold doors, and a primary bath that’s absolutely jaw-dropping.These homes are in high demand and sold via a bidding system—not first-come, first-serve. Want in? Reach out to me ASAP to get pre-approved and join the waitlist! With my strong builder relationships and expertise, I’ll help you navigate this competitive market and secure your dream home.Questions about the Bay Area market, incentives, or new construction? I’ve got you covered. DM me or check my contact info in the video—let’s make your dream home a reality!#BayAreaRealEstate #NewConstruction #UnionCityHomes #DreamHome #SpencerHsu

20 Mar 5min

9 Things You Need to Know before Moving to the Bay Area

9 Things You Need to Know before Moving to the Bay Area

Thinking about moving to the Bay Area or just curious about what it’s like to live in one of the most dynamic regions in the world? This video is your ultimate A-to-Z guide to living in the Bay Area, covering everything you need to know before making the move!🌟 What You'll Learn:• Neighborhoods: From bustling cities like San Francisco and San Jose to serene suburbs like Palo Alto and Los Altos.• Housing Market: Insights into home prices, rentals, and the competitive real estate market.• Cost of Living: What to expect when it comes to housing, transportation, dining, and entertainment.• Lifestyle Perks: Unbeatable weather, outdoor activities, and cultural diversity.• Job Market: The Bay Area’s thriving tech industry and job opportunities.• Transportation: Navigating the region via BART, Caltrain, and highways.💡 Who is This Guide For?Whether you’re a young professional looking for career opportunities, a family seeking top-rated schools, or an investor exploring the real estate market, this video has you covered.The Bay Area offers a unique blend of innovation, culture, and natural beauty—and this guide will help you navigate it all!💬 Have questions about living or investing in the Bay Area? Let’s connect!📞 Contact us at (408) 547-4590📩 Email us at spencer@spencerhsu.com✨ Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly videos about Bay Area living, real estate insights, and success stories!#LivingInBayArea #BayAreaRealEstate #MovingToBayArea #SiliconValleyHomes #BayAreaLifestyleSpencer 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.💥 Follow me on Social Media 💥→ Instagram: / spencerhsure→ LinkedIn: / spencerhsu#BayAreaRealEstate #LivingintheBayArea #MovingToCalifornia #RealEstateJourney #SiliconValleyLiving

14 Mar 6min

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