Top 5 Real Estate Buys in San Mateo County, week of August 18,2008

Hi, gang. here is the week’s Top 5. Hope you enjoy them. Lots of good property to choose from throughout the market these days. Summer’s going to be over soon and sellers seem to  in a VERY negotiable mind set. So for those buyers who are being passive…STOP IT! If a home is listed too high (and those on this list are not…that’s why I include them here), talk to a trusted real estate professional about the realities of the neighborhood’s numbers and it’s nuances. Then MAKE AN OFFER! I’m here to help if you need me. As always, have a great week. Oh, and so long Bay Meadows. we’ll miss you.

1) 1636 Maddux Drive, Redwood City. This home is beautifully remodeled, in a wonderful neighborhood, and sits on a big, inviting 10,000 square foot lot. White picket fence included! It’s a 3/1 (you could add a bathroom later if you needed to). Interior square footage is 1020 (feels bigger), and the improvements have been done well. This neighborhood comps MUCH higher and is VERY popular among buyers. The list price of $819,000 makes this home even more inviting. It will sell fast so go see it.  Listed by Liz Daschbach of Cashin Company.

2) 2743 San Carlos Avenue, San Carlos.  OK, when you drive by this one don’t laught at me. It’s a junker. But there’s some good investment return there! This is a bank owned property, listed at essentailly dirt value. It’s on a nice sized lot in San CArlos where schools are excellent and your real estate investment is secure; especially at this price, $629,900. If you are a contractor or a buyer with a contractor, ready to do a remodel, get on it! There will be a few offers submitted on this one. Listed by Michael Ames, Patriot Properties.  

3) 1134 North Court, Belmont. This home is a generous 1400 squre foot 3 bedroom/2 bath. The interior is a bit dated and, well, there’s really nothing architecturally exciting about it. BUT, it’s in Belmont, a great community with great schools and stable  property values, and it sits on a fantastic 11,000 squre foot lot. The list price of $745,000 makes this an absolute steal. Comps in this neighborhood are at least $200,000 higher. Check it out. Listed by Samira Chaloub of Re/Max Dolphin.

4) 1969 Palm Avenue, San Mateo. This is a post WWII bungalow style home with a bit of charm! Kitchen’s been remodeled and there’s some great interior & exterior updates that have been added. Needs a little love, though. It’s a short sale, priced at $599,995, in a neighborhood with an average sales price of over $850,000. And  no, you wouldn’t need to put much money into it. Great neighborhood, popular among young families for years. Listed by Steve Mogavero of Intero.

5) 251 Hedge Road, Menlo Park. This one made the list last week, but it’s such a great deal, it’s going on again. Seriously, people. Are you paying attention? Flood Park is a great neighborhood with nothing but upside, especailly if you get in at this price. Menlo Park Schools, in this case Encinal, ensure your investment.  It’s already updated where it counts (ok, the colors could use a change), but who cares! Have fun with the paint after you take advantage of one of the best buys in Menlo Park. Listed at $739,000 by Mary Tan, Coldwell Banker.