First Time Home Buyers

Jun

Spotting the Price Reductions

Posted In: Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, General Real Estate News, Kensington, Listings, Local Market Statistics, Oakland

So, I have been noticing something that I haven’t seen in awhile…price reductions. More than normal. What could this possibly mean? Buyers are on vacation Buyers are feeling burned out Listed prices are starting closer to the expected sales price Seasonal cool down Unrealistic seller expectations But I am also seeing price increases, meaning it was originally listed for multiple offers [...]

May

Sales Price / Square Foot quickly on the rise

Posted In: Albany, Berkeley, Economy, First Time Home Buyers, For Boomers, For Buyers, For Sellers, General Real Estate News, Local Market Statistics

Hey guys! We just listed this Sa-weet condo in the Gourmet Ghetto – 1828 Delaware Unit 2. We held it open on Thursday and the feedback was great! Located in a quaint, 4-unit building this condo boasts privacy, community, creativity, and convenience. What is so special about this great condo is the yard…the PRIVATE yard. Yes! Deck, garden, roses, [...]

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

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 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, [...]

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 [...]

Dec

High Rental Rates Equal Higher Mortgage Rates?

Posted In: Alameda, Alameda County, Albany, Berkeley, Economy, El Cerrito, Emeryville, First Time Home Buyers, For Boomers, For Buyers, For Sellers, General Real Estate News, Kensington, Local Market Statistics, Mortgage & Finance, Oakland, Rentals, Richmond, Temescal, Uncategorized

High rental rates near BART don’t necessarily equal higher mortgage rates. KQED recently posted this cool albeit somewhat depressing map showing you where you can find an affordable 1 bedroom near BART. While this may be hard to look at from a renter’s point of view, we need to remember that owning closer to BART does not necessarily mean you [...]

Nov

Real Estate Monday – Berkeley

Posted In: Alameda County, Architecture, Berkeley, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, For the Home, General Real Estate News, Investing, Listings, Local Market Statistics, Uncategorized

This Real Estate Monday we will cover Berkeley Statistics. The average listing price in Berkeley is $948,835, which is down $36K from a high of $948,720 one year ago. However, the median sales price is $790K, up $40K from same time last year. Berkeley continues to have a robust market. If you are looking to sell or buy – contact me [...]

Nov

New Listing: 1771 11th Street – Urban Living Redesigned!

Posted In: Alameda County, Architecture, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, General Real Estate News, Investing, Listings, New Home Sales, Oakland, Photos, Uncategorized, Women Home Buyers

We are extremely excited to bring to the market this new listing at 1771 11th Street! It is Urban Living Redesigned to the fullest! With your very own redwood tree in the front yard and fire pit, garden beds and lawn in back, this newly renovated W. Oakland Arts and Crafts beauty is a dream come true. This 1885 home was [...]