First Time Home Buyers

Jan

Albany Market Snapshot

Posted In: Albany, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Local Market Statistics

Albany Market Snap Shot The Albany market is getting hotter now that the New Year is underway. Based on current levels of supply and demand I don’t see the trend in price increasing much, if at all. I can’t believe that last month the Average Sales Price for Albany was in the mid-$350k range. But with a large amount of [...]

Jan

East Bay Real Estate Predictions for 2012

Posted In: Economy, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Foreclosures & Short Sales, General Real Estate News

During tour today my colleagues and I were discussing what we thought the market would do in 2012. One said she felt that the Berkeley market, specifically, would see an increase in appreciation of 2% – 3% due to a lack of inventory. “There are so many buyers looking for homes and without inventory, we will see a lot of [...]

Dec

Giddy Buyers

Posted In: Albany, First Time Home Buyers

Congratulations, Rob and Dani! I hope you enjoy your new home for years to come.

Nov

Albany Prices

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

Albany prices are still on a downward trend. However if you look at the last 2 years prices start to go up around late January/February. In the market? Time to catch the bottom of the wave before it goes back up.

Oct

Cash Buyers

Posted In: First Time Home Buyers, For Boomers, For Buyers, For Sellers, General Real Estate News, Mortgage & Finance

Dang, 33% of all home sales in California in 2010 were cash. Cash purchases continue to rise in California, and might exceed last years high. Yes, cash! I just had a listing in Berkeley that received 6 offers, 2 were all cash. My 2-bed El Cerrito listing received 4 offers, 1 was all cash. Another listing of mine in El [...]

Oct

Great news! Jumbo Conforming Loan Limits to be Restored!

Posted In: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, General Real Estate News, Mortgage & Finance

JUMBO Great news! Jumbo Conforming Loan Limits to be Restored! Inman News just reported that in a 60-38 vote Thursday, the Senate approved an amendment to a spending bill that would restore the $729,750 ceiling that was first put in place in 2008 to allow Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration to back what were previously considered [...]

Oct

Is it Possible to Boost the East Bay’s Sustainable and Affordable Housing Stock?

Posted In: Alameda County, Albany, Berkeley, Contra Costa County, El Cerrito, First Time Home Buyers, General Real Estate News, Oakland

Here is an interesting article from the UC Berkeley News Center that came out a couple of weeks ago that talks about how in-law/secondary units could be a great way to help accommodate the projected population growth via dealing with infill development in communities throughout the region. They are currently looking into regulatory challenges, such as parking restrictions, but are hoping that this [...]

Sep

Just Listed: 1610 9th Street in Berkeley

Posted In: Alameda County, Berkeley, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Listings

I just listed this fab-u-lous house in West Berkeley located at 1610 9th Street @ Cedar. Ok, so why is it so fab-u-lous? 3 beds and 1 bath! Radiant heating! Yes, warm toes all day long. And it comes with a solar back up. Solar water heater! Dual pane windows, wood floors! Fun colors throughout! Granite counters! Ok, so here [...]

Sep

Just Listed: www.925Norvell.com in El Cerrito

Posted In: Contra Costa County, El Cerrito, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Listings

New listing! www.925Norvell.com in El Cerrito. This super stylish home is ready for its next owner. Come and visit me during broker’s tour on Thursday, Sept 8th from 9:30 -12 or at one of the Sunday open houses on September 11th and 18th from 2-4:30. Check out the website for more details and info!

Jun

Why Buy Now?

Posted In: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, General Real Estate News, Mortgage & Finance

Aha, the magic question. Why should you buy now? I know this may seem a little biased considering my profession, but let me show you a few things that are happening, and are about to happen, in the lending world. 1) 30 Year Mortgage. You can get a 30 year mortgage today with as little as 3% down. 2) Appreciation. [...]