Tackling Affordability

Achieving the American Dream

in the Bay Area marketplace is increasingly becoming more difficult as the affordability crisis continues to rise. Many people can afford a monthly payment, but they are struggling to save for a down payment for their dream home. In a study done by the California Association of Realtors, they found when consumers were asked if they could get into a house with a lower down payment, 70% said they would and 80% of renters said they would like to own one day. There have been government policies proposed and some even made law. However, there is still an absence of homeownership capability in the Bay Area. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices have partnered with a groundbreaking company, ZeroDown, and have taken a hold of the situation and is tackling the crisis head on.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices values creating wealth in its communities and values homeownership. They are consistently focused on taking the real estate industry to a higher standard and that’s why they have partnered with ZeroDown.

ZeroDown, a San Francisco based company, is creating a new pathway to homeownership. They are offering a program in which homebuyers can buy a home with no down payment. This program specifically targets the San Francisco Bay Area market, which is saturated with all cash offers, typically above asking price. ZeroDown is the innovative solution prospective homebuyers have been searching for in the Bay Area that presents the benefits of homeownership with the flexibility of renting.

“We feel very passionate about making homeownership more attainable for more people and about giving our customers true white glove service,” said Gretchen Pearson, brokerage president, and CEO at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Drysdale Properties. “ZeroDown couldn’t be more aligned with this approach, and we look forward to our ongoing partnership.”

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?

Step One: The potential buyer qualifies with an easy and secure online approval process through the company website.

Step Two: Once an applicant is approved, they will be connected to a partner real estate professional from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties, who will help the consumer find a property in their preferred neighborhood.

Step Three: Go home shopping and pick out your future home! ZeroDown and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale will work together to make an all-cash offer to buy the home!

Step Four: Move into the home and make monthly payments to ZeroDown building towards a 20% down payment in the future to buy the home from them when you’re ready.

In short, the company is offering a lease-to-own opportunity to homebuyers while they build up their down payment.

IS THERE A CATCH?

There’s no “catch” and no hidden fees associated with ZeroDown. According to their website, the company is in the market for homes ranging from $500,000 to $1.75 million. This is a great opportunity for first-time homebuyers with strong careers and high credit scores but who haven’t been saving for a down payment. Or people who have close to enough savings for a down payment, but have their money invested elsewhere.

The company charges a flat-program fee of $10,000 when they submit an offer on the home of your dreams. However, if the purchase does not go through, the $10,000 is refunded to the customer. Once an offer is accepted, ZeroDown takes cares of all the other closing related costs of buying the home. That’s it! No other costs, no hidden fees!

ZeroDown and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices are offering buyers the flexibility they need to purchase their dream home. For more information and dates to exclusive training, email ZeroDown@bhhsdrysdale.com, or call (415) 410-3455. n