REAL ESTATE NEWS
California First-Time Home Buyer: 2022 Programs and Grants
California home buyers can often get into a new home with as little as 3% or even 0% down using one of these mortgage programs:
- Conventional 97: With Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, you may qualify with a 3% down payment and 620 minimum credit score. You can usually stop paying private mortgage insurance after a few years
- FHA loan: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, you could qualify for an FHA loan with a 3.5% down and a 580 minimum credit score. But you’re on the hook for mortgage insurance until you refinance to a different type of mortgage, move, or pay off your loan
- VA loan: Only for veterans and service members, the VA mortgage offers a zero-down-payment option. Minimum credit score varies by lender but often 620. There’s no ongoing mortgage insurance after closing. These are arguably the best mortgages available, so apply if you’re eligible
- USDA loan: For those on low-to-moderate incomes buying in designated rural areas. Zero down payment required. Credit score requirements vary by lender but often 640. Low mortgage insurance rates
- CalHFA mortgage programs: Government and conventional home loans offered via the California Housing Finance Agency. Offers 30-year fixed-rate first mortgages along with home buyer assistance
Help Buying a New Home
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other federal agencies offer a variety of programs that may be able to help you purchase a home if you qualify for assistance:
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) manages the FHA loans program. This may be a good mortgage choice if you’re a first-time buyer because the requirements are not as strict as for other loans. The down payment and closing costs are low.
How to Buy a House with Low Income
If you have a stable job but are earning less than you’d like, you might be concerned that this can impede your ability to purchase a home. The good news: There are mortgages and assistance options that can help you become a homeowner, even with a low income.
Can I buy a house with a low income?
The short answer: Yes, you can buy a house with a low income, thanks to mortgage programs designed for lower- to moderate-income borrowers.
“Having a low income can increase your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. This limits some of the loan program options you may be eligible for, but it does not mean you absolutely cannot buy a home,” explains Balenda Hetzel, regional production manager with Inlanta Mortgage, which is headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. READ MORE
Ralene Nelson, REALTOR®
OPEN HOUSE – Saturday 12:00pm – 2:30pm
FOR SALE – 147 Gardiner Way, Rio Vista
3bd/2bth/1531sf
$550,000 – Custom Craftsman Cottage, w/detached carport, 70 ft driveway, workshop & studio on a shy 1/4 acre lot. 3 bedroom, possibly 4, with 2 baths, painted in vibrant colors. Laminate floors & white blinds brings out the artsy homeowner. Kitchen has painted cabinets & bead board walls/backsplash, Corian counters with added cabinetry. Main bath has a stall tile shower & separate tub, quartz counters with white cabinets. 2 bedrooms have built-in cabinets & new laminate floors/fans. The family room can be the 4th bedroom/bath also has a tiled shower. FM also has a wood burning stove w/built-ins. Sunroom can be a great entertaining spot along with the large patio that has room for a built in kitchen/BBQ. The workshop has wall air conditioner, dark room with grey water sink. The She craft/studio room can be utilized for crafting or potting area. Homeowner has built numerous planter boxes for the gardener. YES, room for your RV/toys, carport with garage door. Don’t pass up this home!! READ MORE
OPEN HOUSE – Sunday 1:30 – 3:30pm
FOR SALE – 404 Riverwood Ln. Rio Vista, 2bd/2bth/1391sf
$455,000 – Big Sur model & no rear neighbors!! Located in the Active Adult Community, Trilogy. Relax in this lovely backyard & watch the wild life. 2 bedrooms/2 full baths and den with double doors. Both master bedroom and den have bay windows that provides a more open feeling. Master bath has walk in shower & closet, double sinks, white tile counters, Dark kitchen cabinets, Corian counters w/tile backsplash, black appliances & tile floor. Stove is electric, however, is plumbed for natural gas. The dining area overlooks the backyard. Patio with all weather cover, great for BBQ in the rain. Garage has storage cabinets. Just bring your furniture and enjoy the activities, tennis, bocce, new gym, 2 pools & spas. READ MORE
OPEN HOUSE – Saturday 11:00am – 2:00pm
FOR SALE – 718 Allender Wy. Rio Vista, 3 bd/2 bth/1346sf
$540,000 – Gorgeous home, shows pride of ownership and has been renovated since purchased. 3 bedrooms & 2 baths with all new flooring/baseboards, interior paint, light fixtures, etc. Kitchen has new painted cabinets with quartz counter tops with island. Auxillary electric heaters in 3rd bedroom & livingroom. Whole house water filter with under the sink reverse osmosis. Front yard has been totally relandscaped with new walkway to front door, with drought resistant landscaping, drip system & timer. Driveway extended as well as sidewalk to the backyard. Backyard has sprinkler sytem as well & patio. Just bring your furniture and enjoy!! Rio Vista is a quaint town located on the Sacramento River, close to SF, Sacramento & bay area. READ MORE
OPEN HOUSE – Sunday 1:30 – 3:30pm
FOR SALE – 829 Waterwood Dr, Rio Vista, 2bds/3.5bths/2,486sf
READ MORE
FOR SALE – 731 Turnberry Ter Rio Vista
2 bed/2 bath/1410 sq ft
$439,900 – NO BONDS-Spinnaker mod1:30el with private backyard. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home feels like a very relaxing cottage for a retirement home. The patio provides a quiet place for morning coffee & afternoon beverage. Den has built-in book/curio shelves & bay window. The Master bedroom has a bay window, which creates room for a sitting area. New hot water heater. Enjoy amenities such as golf, tennis, bocce, pools/spas & a new gym, and more. READ MORE
FOR SALE – 125 Sequoia Ct. Rio Vista, 4 bds/2 bths/1,422sf
Asking $485,000. Are you looking to move to a little country town? Well look no further, Rio Vista, located on the Sacramento River, offers the old fashion town with parades and is even known for the Bass Derby. This 4 bedroom & 2 bath home located in a cul-de-sac provides that country feel. This home was renovated in 2019 with cabinetry, granite counters, laminate floors, and HVAC. Bring your water toys!! READ MORE
JUST SOLD – 366 Silver Ridge Dr. Rio Vista
This Soraya model located in Trilogy, provides a relaxing mood. Tiled floors with carpet in bedrooms, quartz counters & lighter cabinets in kitchen. The kitchen has a bar and room for stools, this feature makes a great entertaining/casual dining spot. The built-in entertainment space in the great room also provides the chef access to the activities. The dining area has a slider to the covered patio area. The larger master bedroom and bath have double sinks & walk-in closet. The 2nd bedroom is to the front of the home with a bath next to the bedroom. Den can be utilized as an office or even 3rd bedroom. Larger lot with low maintenance gardens with drip system. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this home. Solar home, prepaid by the builder for 20 yrs, 14 yrs remaining. Trilogy offers so many amenities with a low monthly HOA fee. 2 swimming pools/spas, tennis & bocce ball courts, billiards, & a gym, and a playground for grandchildren. Cafe/restaurant are in the development so just drive your golf cart & never leave the site. READ MORE
Events in Northern California this Week-End
Big Time Rush at Concord Pavilion
Saturday, August 20th, 8pm
Want to save the best concert experience for last? Well, the big finale of Big Time Rush’s 2022 Tour might be the best place for you to be before bidding summer goodbye. The boys will conclude their 41-show tour in Concord Pavilion, California, this Saturday, August 20, 2022. This is your last chance to see Carlos, James, Kendall, and Logan, as they give it all out in the final leg of their Forever Tour. Expect to not only hear the best songs and see the superb live performances from our favorite boyband but also prepare for an epic conclusion of their tour. This will definitely be an experience every BTR fan will forever carve in their hearts. But before daydreaming about what that big night would look like, make sure to secure tickets for you and the entire gang! Book your tickets now. READ MORE
Jazz, Blues, and Funk Festival
Sat, Aug 20, 3:30 – 8:00 PM
Civic Center, 65 Civic Ave, Pittsburg, CA
The City of Pittsburg Recreation Department is thrilled to announce that the Jazz, Blues, Funk Festival will return the weekend of August 20-21. It’s two days of great fun and incredible music held at the Pittsburg Civic Center that will feature fantastic artist, food, beer, and wine.
Saturday, August 20, The Jazz, Blues, and Funk Festival lineup offers a great mix of the three genres as it features: Kalimba, Chris Cain, Franke G & The Convictions, and Lady E & The Best of the Bay. Sunday, August 21, offers smooth blues and will feature: Foreverland, Terrence Brewer, Charlie Barreda & Friends, and Project 4 Band.
Tickets are on sale now with the option for VIP, Full VIP Table, and Two-day Passes. The VIP tent offers adult-only seating, one-drink ticket, and hors d’oeuvres. General admission seating is first-come, first-serve, and open to all age groups. READ MORE
Ed Wilson – Music Under the Oak Tree
Sat Aug 20 2022 at 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Jessie’s Grove Winery, 1973 West Turner Road, Lodi
Free, Family-Friendly Event!
An acoustic-driven, three-piece band featuring the easy-listening harmonies of all your favorites! READ MORE
Re-Wind “That 80’s Band with Mid Life Crisis Live at Windmill Cove
Sun Aug 21 2022 at 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Windmill Cove Bar and Grill, 7606 Windmill Cove Rd, Stockton
Re-Wind “That 80’s Band with Mid Life Crisis Live at Windmill Cove 80’s VS. 90’S
80’s vs 90’s Re-Wind “That 80’s Band and Mid Life Crises are back to rock the cove . Great place on the beautiful Delta Water ways Come on out for a cold drink and a great show. READ MORE