In marked contrast to the national reports, we're not seeing these gloom-and-doom numbers here in California or the Bay Area.

In fact, first-quarter results here at Pacific Union International  show a recovery well under way and all signs are pointing to our best year overall since 2005.

Please click on the image below to review the Pacific Union International Q1 Bay Area Report. 

To Get a Mortgage, Start With the Perfect Loan File

Getting a mortgage approval isn’t what’s tough for most consumers. Rather, it’s the challenge of meeting the new documentation requirements that sends most people screaming for the hills.

So says Mark Greene in Forbes. Greene argues that most lenders aren’t looking to underwrite the perfect loan (e.g., one that pays back the lender on time). Instead, they are looking for the perfect loan file. Here’s how to make sure yours is up to snuff.

Read more: To Get a Mortgage, Start With the Perfect Loan File