The Real Advantage of Working with a Local Lender
by Andy Boron
Several of my recent articles share a common theme... When looking for home-loan financing it is advantageous to use a local lender. The recent uptick in interest rates has made working with a local lender more crucial than ever. The attention to detail and ability to improvise on your loan are real benefits you don't necessarily enjoy with an internet bank. I recently had a client who's credit score was a bit lower than what would produce the best available market rate. During the prequalification I could confirm the client made the necessary income to qualify for the loan but his credit score increased the credit risk and therefore increased the interest rate. I advised the client of certain debts he could pay down to increase the score but the client found his dream home prior to the score reacting to the changes. An interest rate was locked on his behalf with the expectation the score would increase to the pricing matrix for the rate lock. Unfortunately the payoffs fell short of producing the necessary credit score. With a few minor debt balances paid down we were able to "rapidly rescore" the report and raise the credit and meet the more competitive rate for the client. Financing a home loan is not always an easy task and it shouldn't be when borrowers are financing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The maze of guidelines, credit requirements and documentation is more intrusive than it has ever been. Working with a local lender who can answer questions quickly and address your file on a daily basis is more important than ever!
Andy Boron of Augusta Financial 291-2242

Stevenson Ranch Executive Home
with Pool & Mountain Views
This executive pool home boasts views of the mountains, plus a stunning entertainers' yard that features a sparkling pool, spa, barbecue and grassy area. This generously-sized family home has an expansive floor plan, including a formal living room with vaulted ceiling and large fireplace with raised hearth. The formal dining room has rich built-in cabinets and shelving, while the gourmet kitchen opens up to an impressively-sized family room with raised-hearth fireplace, shutters and a media niche wall of cabinets for storage galore. Downstairs you'll find a powder room with linen storage while upstairs you'll discover a landing with a work cubby area. The dramatically-sized master suite has a seating area and incredible view of surrounding hills. You'll relax in the master bath with a giant soaking tub, his-and-hers vanities and separate dressing vanity with large walk-in closet. The secondary bedroom has its own bath and views, too. Two other bedrooms are found upstairs, along with another bath, plus laundry room with sink. Need even more space? Take a peek at the three-car garage! Listed at $865,000
Kathy Watterson of RE/MAX Santa Clarita knows that relationships matter. Put her 27 years of experience to work for you. 510-0321

Southern Oaks Single Story Model
This former model home is a highly-sought-after Southern Oaks single story in Stevenson Ranch. With 3,319 square feet, three bedrooms, three baths and an office, there's plenty of room to stretch out in the luxurious space. Your new office features custom built-ins and the home has crown moulding and plantation shutters throughout; there are even endless built-ins in the garage! The master bedroom features a gorgeous retreat that would make for the perfect nursery or library. The private backyard has mountain views and a pool-sized lot. This floor plan is rarely available and so popular for good reason; this one won't last! Offered at $999,000.
Neal Weichel has been the number-one RE/MAX agent in California from 1994 to the present. 284-5080