Home Services by Tish Charles

Directions Website Contact the business

Home Services by Tish Charles Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate Sales, Home Financing. Serving the state of California. Real Estate Agent

10/20/2026

Oakland Sellers: Fewer New Listings, Less Competition
Let’s connect and talk about the latest insights in the industry!

10/19/2026

New Homes Compete Below Resale Prices

First-time homebuyers could get $50,000 under new billI’ve seen quite a few programs designed to help first-time homebuy...
10/17/2026

First-time homebuyers could get $50,000 under new bill
I’ve seen quite a few programs designed to help first-time homebuyers, but this new proposed bill stands out: it could provide up to $50,000 in federal matching funds toward your down payment. The 5-to-1 match sounds like a significant boost, especially for buyers who have worked hard to save. There are a few catches—buyers must complete counseling, and the homes must be priced at or below the median in the area. Critics point out that such assistance might drive up home prices without truly growing inventory. After 15 years in real estate and a background in lending, I know how important it is to balance opportunity with market realities. Unlocking doors for first-time buyers is always a priority, but it’s smart to weigh all angles as new initiatives like this emerge.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/tish-charles/2113999-First-time-homebuyers-could-get-%2450%2C000-under-new-bill

10/16/2026

Hayward Market Update

10/15/2026

New Homes Offer Better Value Nationwide
After over 15 years in real estate, I’ve seen the value equation shift in interesting ways. Right now, newly built homes are selling for a median of $205 per square foot nationwide—a bit less than the $212 per square foot for existing homes. That’s a notable change, especially since new construction typically came at a premium. In fact, about a third of major US markets are seeing this reversal. With builders more open to price cuts and incentives (thanks to increased inventory and competition), buyers have more negotiating power than we’ve seen in years, especially in areas with plenty of new homes. For anyone considering their options, it’s worth a closer look at what new construction can offer. As always, the big picture is clear: when more homes are built, affordability improves, though we do need to keep an eye on permitting slowdowns that could impact these gains. My experience in lending, property management, and as a loan signing agent helps me spot these shifts for clients—because finding the right fit means understanding all sides of the market.

10/14/2026

Homebuyers Can Shape Their Mortgage Rate
The mortgage rate you secure isn’t just set in stone—there’s room for strategy. A recent analysis of 1.35 million US purchase loans (from early 2023 through late 2025) found that even within the same month, borrowers’ rates varied widely. In fact, the middle 80% of buyers saw a 93-basis-point difference in rates, which on a $2,000/month budget could translate to about $28,400 in home price.

From years guiding clients through every step of the process, I’ve seen firsthand that credit score makes a real impact. Moving your score from the high 600s up to 720 can open the door to better loan pricing, and the crucial thresholds to target are 700 and 720. But don’t overlook the power of comparison shopping—one highly competitive lender can beat a typical one by 19 basis points, which is worth roughly $5,800 in savings.

Interestingly, hitting the 20% down payment mark didn’t make a big difference in the rate itself (just 0.7 basis points), though it did help buyers skip mortgage insurance for larger savings. My experience in lending and real estate has taught me that every detail matters when you’re unlocking your next home.

Address

2355 San Ramon Valley Boulevard , Suite 100
Castro Valley, CA
94583

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Home Services by Tish Charles posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Home Services by Tish Charles:

Shortcuts

Share

Category