Blog

Apr

Buying vs. Renting – is it worth it?

Posted In: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, General Real Estate News, Local Market Statistics, Rentals

So assuming that it’s a good time to buy, that buying is a good investment in the long run (even if there is a downturn, there will be a recovery), what is the trade off between buying and renting? Are there benefits to buying? You probably already know the answer but the general consensus is that buying is better than [...]

Apr

What is this Crazy Market Going to Do?!?!?

Posted In: Economy, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, General Real Estate News, Investing, Local Market Statistics

Struggling to buy in today’s market, buyers, new and experienced alike are beginning to ask really big questions about jumping into such a competitive market knowing that they will most likely be “house rich but cash poor”, that they may not be able to afford the taxes the first few years and eat ramen to make ends meet. One client, [...]

Apr

Bay Area Takes Top 3 Spots for Worst Place to Rent

Posted In: General Real Estate News, Rentals

We already know that the Bay Area is already a difficult market to buy in, but did you know that it is also becoming increasingly difficult to rent in as well? I am constantly shocked to hear how much our buyer clients are paying in rent, which also explains why they are seeking out a mortgage instead. Forbes just released [...]

Apr

Rethinking Your Stairs

Posted In: First Time Home Buyers, For Sellers, Home Improvement

Stairs. One of a flight or series of steps for going from one level to another, as in a building. A collective of steps. A series or flight of steps. Many homes in our area feature gorgeous, wooden stairs, complete with wooden balusters and handrails. Many feature large, stately posts while others are lined in classic wainscoting. Some are wood, some are not, [...]

Mar

Bay Area Sunsets…

Posted In: For the Heck of It, Photos

Bay Area sunsets kinda rock. But I might be biased.

Mar

Bay Area Buyers: Are You Tired Yet? Consider Investing.

Posted In: First Time Home Buyers, For Boomers, For Buyers, For Sellers, General Real Estate News, Investing, Local Market Statistics, Rentals

Where does a wary buyer in the San Francisco Bay Area, who has had their offers rejected 13 times, find a house? North Carolina. “Lovely, ranch style, 2033 square feet, custom built in 2006, Listed at $198,000” “1700 square foot, custom new construction, 4 beds and 3.5 baths, peaceful view, listed at $209,900” or how about “All one level, brick exterior, [...]

Mar

Buyers Should Strike

Posted In: Alameda County, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, For Buyers, For Sellers, Kensington, Local Market Statistics, Oakland

Attention Buyers: it is time for you to strike! This crazy market has got to stop. Buyers are being forced to remove not just their inspection contingency, but their financing contingencies as well, even if they are getting a loan. Buyers are more confused than ever about where the value lies. “The Berkeley market is no longer about numbers and [...]

Mar

Perch’d is on Pinterest!

Posted In: Alameda County, Architecture, Arts and Entertainment, Community, Contra Costa County, Creative Reuse Ideas, Food and Dining, For Buyers, For Sellers, For the Heck of It, For the Home, Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids, Good Eats, Green Living, Home Improvement, Home Maintenance, Local Market Statistics, Neighborhoods, Photos, Places, Uncategorized

Perch’d is on Pinterest! Check out some of the fun things we like to do in the Bay Area as well as find out about some of the cool things about your neighborhood! We are busy pinning great things for you to enjoy! Let us know what your favorite pin is!

Jan

Albany Unified School District Ranks 6th!

Posted In: Alameda, Alameda County, Albany, Berkeley, Community, Contra Costa County, For the Heck of It, Local Market Statistics, Schools, Uncategorized

Albany Unified School District Ranks 6th in the Bay Area! Berkeley Unified ranks right behind at 7th place! Check the full rankings here.

Dec

3% Down Payment?

Posted In: Alameda County, Economy, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, General Real Estate News, Mortgage & Finance, Neighborhoods, Uncategorized

3% down payments are back! In order to help low-income and first time home buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will begin backing these types of loans. What do you think? Do you think this will set up the coming of another housing bubble or have borrowers learned not to borrow more than they can pay for? Would love to [...]