Whether you’re upgrading or downsizing, finding the right agent with the experience, knowledge and network to find, and close on your dream home is essential. The Watson Marshall Group has been the leading real estate agency in the Bay Area Peninsula for over 20 years. Our team of experts will guide you through every aspect and every moment on your journey toward your new home. Whether it’s San Mateo, San Bruno, Half Moon Bay, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Carlos, Burlingame, South San Francisco or otherwise, we have an expert in each and every city.
We will always provide extraordinary service to you so that you have a positive and productive home buying experience. The Watson Marshall Group is considered to be the premiere real estate company in the Bay Are Peninsula. We are well known for our professionalism, our decades of experience, our tenacity, and our commitment to you the client. With our agents, you will find the right home at the right price.
When we find you that perfect home, we will negotiate your the purchase by utilizing expert negotiation skills, years of experience, relationships with seller’s agents, and our data driven market knowledge. Once your offer is accepted, we go the extra mile by servicing every aspect of the closing process. We will insist that every aspect of your home purchase is handled in a competitive and professional manner.
Purchasing a home is an excellent investment and one that will provide financial benefits like equity and value appreciation. The joy and pride that comes with owning your own home is unlike any other experience you’ll have. Whether you’re a first time buyer or buying your third or fourth home, a home purchase is one of the largest investments you will make. The Watson Marshall Group is here to make certain that it is also one of the most enjoyable and successful investments you’ll make and we would be honored to assist you along the way.
20% down is a common practice, but did you know that many lenders will permit much less, and first-time home buyer programs allow as little as 3% down. There are tradeoffs, putting down less than 20% may mean higher costs and paying for mortgage insurance. We can walk you through all your options and help you make the right decision for your future.
Conventional mortgages conform to standards set by government-sponsored entities, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and require as little as 3% down. FHA loans are loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration and permit down payments as low as 3.5%. VA loans are loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and often require no down payment at all. We are happy to discuss these and other options with you.
There’s no way around it, a higher down payment equals a lower monthly mortgage payment. If you’re looking for the smallest mortgage payment possible, you may want to opt for a 30-year fixed mortgage. If you can afford a larger monthly payment, you can get a lower interest rate with a 20 or 15 year fixed loan. You may prefer an adjustable-rate mortgage, which may be riskier but will guarantee a low interest rate for the first few years of your mortgage. At the Watson Marshall Group we can walk you through each and every option so that you choose the best options for your budget and home.
Beyond federal programs, there may be a state or local assistance program for first-time home buyers with perks such as down payment assistance, closing cost assistance, tax credits and discounted interest rates.
Picking the right type of house, and the right neighborhood, is a challenging decision, and we can help. We know each and every neighborhood intimately, in every part of the Bay Area Peninsula. Whether you want a large backyard for entertaining, more privacy, a cook’s kitchen, room to expand, or the convenience of a condominium, we will advise you how to find the perfect home. If schools are important to you, or you want a high walk score, or you’re looking for that perfect tree-lined street, we’ll help you find the right house in the right neighborhood to meet every one of your needs.
You may want to consider a home that costs less than the amount you were approved for. While you may be able to afford a home that is exactly your preapproval amount, it’s important to remember that it’s the ceiling, and it doesn’t account renovations, repairs or adding another bedroom for example.
In some markets you may bid on houses that get multiple offers. When you find a home you love, it’s tempting to make a high-priced offer that’s sure to win. But that’s where we come in. We will guide you to make the best business decision for your budget and your needs.
We’ve represented thousands of buyers and sellers and we know what to look for and where to look for it. As we tour homes we know to pay close attention to the home’s overall condition. We are aware of everything to look for and we will do the work to make sure there are no surprises. From how old the plumbing is to how convenient the location is for public transport, we’ll do the homework so you don’t have to.
Negotiation is key during the entire homebuying process. Skilled negotiation can result in substantial savings and we are always looking to get you the most for your money. Whether there are major repairs that we can get the seller to cover, either by handling them completely or by giving you a credit adjustment at closing, we will find it if it’s there. Perhaps the seller is willing to pay for some or all of the closing costs. If you’re in a buyer's market, we may find the seller willing to bargain with to get the house off the market quickly. Whatever savings there are to be had, we will find them.
Once your offer is accepted, we will guide you through the rest of the process including home inspection, and inspections that discover uncommon things like radon, mold, pests, and more. We will make certain that the inspection is done right and done completely.
Your lender may require you to buy homeowners insurance. We can assist in helping you to shop around to compare insurance rates that will help you find the best price.
Every aspect of every part of this process requires an experienced professional. That’s why people from every corner of the Bay Area Peninsula rely on The Watson Marshall Group to guide them through a successful process. We’ve been the premiere real estate company in this area for a long time and we are dedicated to each and every one of our clients and vow to provide them with the best service available. Everything we do, we do for you.
The Watson Marshall Group has over one billion dollars in combined experience. We consistently rank in the top 100 sellers in California and the top 250 Nationally.