PruCalVoices

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a House in the Bay Area in 2012

Karin Cunningham — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:13:57 +0000

1. Prices are down!

2. Interest rates are a low 4% and below. With interest rates low and prices down, people who have had the same income for the past 2 years can qualify for home loans easier.

3. FHA loans requires only 3.5% down.

4. The Bay Area is the leading real estate market next to New York. There is always a demand for housing here whether it’s San Francisco, San Mateo County, Marin, or East Bay. If you buy in 2012 and hold on to your property you may prosper in the years to come!

5. It’s a great rental market! If your desire has always been to invest, you won’t have trouble finding renters in 2012.

Karin Cunningham

www.KarinCunningham.com

www.FaceBook.com/SanBrunoLife

650-438-3504

After Christmas Sale, – Bay Area Homes up to 60% off

Lee Ginsburg — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:15:38 +0000

That is a big statement. Macy’s, Target, Wal-Mart and all most other stores put their products on “After Christmas Sales”. Home Sellers in San Bruno, South San Francisco, and all over the San Francisco Bay Area have put their products on the “After Christmas Sale”

I have randomly selected two recently sold homes to use as an example.

3691 Exeter Dr., a 3BR/2Ba. San Bruno home just sold on Jan 18, 2012 for $452,000 it also sold on May 9 2003 for $600,000. That results into a 36% savings in monthly payments. Look at the numbers.

3875 Carter Drive, #106 a 2Br/2Ba. Condo in South San Francisco sold on Jan 4, 2012 doe $277,000 and in April 25, 2006 it sold for $550,000. A 59% savings. Look at the numbers.

As you look at the numbers please note the lower down payment required, and the lower property tax. Both due to the lower home price. You save all around. Numbers are deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

	3691	Exeter Dr.	San Bruno	3875, #106	Carter Dr	SSF
	2012	2003	Difference	2012	2006	Difference
Purchase Price	$452,000	600,000	25%	277,000	550,000	50%
Down Payment	90,400	120,000		55,400	110,000
Loan	361,600	480,000		221,600	440,000
Interest Rate	4.25	5.75		4.25	6.5
Principal and Int.	1726.	2801		1090	2781
Property Tax @1.1%	415	550		254	504
Monthly Payment	2140	3351		1344	3285	59%

I selected these properties randomly. You might find savings greater or lesser. I want to point out to you by using real numbers the “Perfect Storm” has arrived; Low interest rates and low home prices. In the past if rates went down prices would go. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. If the I Pad was on sale like homes are on sale you would be on line at 4AM. For all of the potential buyers waiting for the right time, this is your wake up call. The time is right. Ken Rosen of the Fisher Center at UC Berkeley says “This is the best time to buy a home in 30 years”

Considering buying or want to learn more call your favorite Realtor or come to my Free Home Buying Seminar. Click here for more info and registration.

“It is Better To Own Real Estate and Wait, Than Wait To Own Real Estate”

www.LeeSellsMore.com

San Bruno Eye Sore is about to Go

Lee Ginsburg — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:40:18 +0000

The Treetops apartments on Skyline and Sharp Park broke ground for renovation. (It’s about time)

I thought you would be interested.

7 years after being closed down, renovation will begin and is scheduled to be completed by summer of 2013.

for more information Click Here

http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county-times/ci_19731829

The San Bruno Ave. Caltrain Grade Separation Project is moving along. Can’t wait for completion.

Completion is scheduled for the end of this year. We’ll see.

for more information Click Here

http://sanbruno.ca.gov/pw_proj_current.html#streets

I will be hosting a Home Buying Seminar. If you are in thinking about buying I think you will find it quite helpful.

for more information Click Here

http://leesellsmore.com/RealtorWebPage?custompage_id=1567686030

Lee Ginsburg
Prudential California Real Estate
www.LeeSellsMore.com

What If My Offer Is Rejected?

Bernadette Ramirez — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:18:10 +0000

Oddly enough, I get asked this question most often before clients write offers. This usually goes along with the fear of commitment or loss. Either way, clients are usually inquisitive of this before even writing an offer or deciding on what terms to offer.

If your inquiring about rejection before you write your offer, you should ask yourself how that would make you feel? Is this property your dream home, starter home, vacation home, investment? I think depending on where your interest lies with investing in that particular property will then come the answer to your question, “what next”?

If the outcome is not what you predicted or wanted then maybe you should ask your realtor why; what was the seller looking for in an offer? How can I learn from this to increase my chances of acquiring my next property of choice? Of course the best advice comes from those with their hands in the market every day so to speak! So….. don’t be afraid to ask your favorite realtor here at Prudential in San Bruno, ” WHAT SHOULD I DO?”

Lets get your best offer in first, then and only if we have to, will we deal with rejection TOGETHER:) Otherwise, BEST OF LUCK with your offer!

Bernadette Ramirez
Prudential California Realty
I WORK FOR YOU!
You can reach me @ 650-871-3639

It’s a Buyers’ Market for Real Estate Investors, too

Mark Hasha — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:51:36 +0000

Turn on any financial news program and at some point you’ll hear the experts extolling the virtues of diversification. Real estate, even through the market downturn, has long been considered a conservative, long-term strategy to growing wealth.
In fact, that very downturn has created a historic buying opportunity for potential homebuyers and investors alike. The combination of lower home prices across American and historically low mortgage rates, two essential factors that usually don’t trend in the same direction, have triggered a buyer’s market in many areas of the country. For real estate investors who want to rent their properties, this can make the difference in achieving positive cash flow sooner or right off the bat.
While some seasoned real estate investors make it look easy, to be successful, beginners should follow some basic principles.
• Learn all you can. Before committing your cash, you should have a fundamental understanding of real estate. For example, be aware that, in general, investment properties are not liquid investments. Barring exceptional circumstances, real estate does not sell at a moment’s notice. It could take days or months to sell a property, depending on the strength of the market in a particular region.
• Consider cash flow. You’ll need to have enough capital on hand to cover any short-term losses due to vacancies between tenants.
• Start small. Look into buying a condominium, single-family home or a duplex. Leave large apartment buildings and commercial properties to the pros.
• Inquire at the local Chamber of Commerce about companies relocating into or out of the area. Company movement is one indicator of demand for rental and/or office space.
• Find a property that will be in demand. Look for a moderately priced home with three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a garage that sits on a quiet street.
• Research the property. The most common way first-time investors lose is by failing to investigate a property thoroughly. Look beyond the front door. Investigate the reputation of the school district, the crime rate, and plans for expanding a nearby highway or developing vacant land. Ask a local real estate professional about the area, its history, and how fast (or slow) properties are moving.
• Inspect the home you’re considering for signs of water damage, such as stains on the ceiling and crinkling or gathering wallpaper; open and close every door and window; and check all electrical sockets by plugging in an appliance. Get an independent home inspection, roof inspection and termite inspection. Unexpected repair costs can eat away your cash flow. Because even the best inspection can’t always predict problems, try to set aside some of the rental income for unexpected repairs.
• Spend time driving the streets of the neighborhood noting the condition of other properties. Are lawns maintained? Are roofs in good shape? Are homes kept up?
• Be ready to make fixes quickly and respond to the renter’s needs. If you’re not prepared to be a hands-on landlord, consider hiring a property management firm.
• See your tax advisor for related planning and laws that can affect your investment decisions.
Remember, investing in a property is much different than living in one, and while emotion and attachment can be prime motivators when it comes to homes, it is return on investment that counts when investing in real estate.

Mark Hasha
Prudential California Realty
I can be reached at (650) 799-0731 (cell/text) or email mark@markhasha.com

How to choose the “Best” real estate home loan.

Lee Ginsburg — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:20:12 +0000

Lee Ginsburg, top real estate agent with Prudential California Realty, shares his experince on how to choose the right real estate lender.

Lee Ginsburg
Your satisfaction is my success!

www.LeeSellsMore.com

http://youtu.be/DLiDviKZgl0

Is it a Good Time to Buy a House in San Mateo County? Part 1

Karin Cunningham — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:06:31 +0000

I recently posted a blog called “Is it a Good Time to Buy a House in San Francisco?”. Today,I would like to expand my suggestion to a different type and style of home altogether…a home in San Mateo County!

San Mateo County is made up of 20 cities that have their own individual characteristics AND real estate prices. The first place that people search when they are priced out of San Francsico but want to feel like they are living in “the City” is Daly City. Daly City is the very next town south of San Francisco. In many parts of Daly City you actually have awesome views

of San Francisco, even better than some of the City’s residents! Along the top of Croker Amazon and Southern Hills neighborhoods you can buy a 2 bedroom townhouse or condo for around $300,000-$400,000 and feel like you live in the City. The views of downtown, the Bay Bridge, and some facing west towards the Ocean are phenominal. The price is worth just the view itself, some people say! This is a picture I took right after sunset with Lake Merced, SFSU, Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean in the background.

A lot of homes in Daly City are well situated on a track along the Pacific Coast Highway. They are cookie cutter homes that fit the economic needs of many with families or who just prefer extra space. The mostly 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage homes, built in the 1950-60′s by Henry Doelger, are reasonably priced from the $300,00′s-$500,000 depending on precise location and condition.

It seems like the main reason for the affordability of these homes would be the foggy weather that the residents endure during the summer while the rest of us are enjoying warm sunshine with sprinklers and picnics! It’s heaven for those who prefer the cool wet fog and convenient location close to San Francisco and the coast. It’s a quick drive to Pacifica, Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz! Perfect for those who like to go fishing off of piers, which is free, by the way!

For more info on Daly City and other San Mateo County homes feel free to contact me, Karin Cunningham 650-438-3504 www.KarinCunningham.com

What’s the difference between inspections and the”final walk-through”?

Bernadette Ramirez — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:10:51 +0000

Inspections are the buyers right. You as a buyer have the right to inspect the home if your offer is accepted by the seller. This is your chance to find out as much about the property as you can. Depending on what type of investment you have in mind, would depend on what type of inspections you should get on the property. Areas, weather, years, all of these things need to be taken into consideration when deciding which inspections to do. Using your due diligence and inspecting the property is very much to the buyers advantage and at times to the seller as well.

The final walk – through is done at the very end of the transaction a few days before close of escrow. You can refer to your purchase agreement for future reference. You can find more elaborate information regarding the final walk- through in the section labeled “Final Verification of Condition” again, verbiage may vary depending on which agreement you use. The walk- through is used to solely verify the terms and conditions of the contract have been executed by all parties of the agreement. NOT to re-negotiate terms and conditions!

Remember, these terms are not always clear or at the very least create more questions, we are always here to answer any questions you have. As tech savy as we are these days its just silly not to ask when you can have the answer at your fingertips!

Bernadette Ramirez
www.BarForU.com
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