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.

Top 5 Real Estate Buys in San Mateo County week of August 4, 2008

Hey everyone! Here’s this week’s Top 5. I’m getting some great feedback about this list, including agents who want to be included. Please note, that I choose these properties based upon my own expertise in market valuation (I’ve been issuing valuations to the banks since 2004, as well as working with buyers & sellers). I don’t use it as a tool to advertise my favorite colleagues. So while I’m glad folks are reading, it is a list I research each week so you can have another piece of objective information. Enjoy; feel free to contact me for more info or questions, and, as always, have a great week!

1) 198 Sycamore Street, San Carlos.  This is a darling 3/2 with 14oo square feet of updated living space. Great street with a bit of a bay view. Nice big lot of over 7500 square feet. Formal dining room, hardwood floors; perfect! Front yard needs a little updated landscaping, but that’s the fun part! Priced at $819,000. Trust me, that’s a steal and I bet it gets multiple offers. Listed by David Young, Coldwell Banker.

2)  554 Jeter Street, Redwood City (Mt. Carmel). This is one of the most beloved neighborhoods on the mid-Peninsula and a well priced home goes fast. Lots of remodeling goes on here and comps are generally well over $1 million. This is a great opportunity listed at $820,000. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1700 interior square feet. The lot is a standard 6500 square feet and needs some attention, but don’t let that stop you. The interior has had plenty of beautiful updates; looks darling. Go take a look. Listed by janet Pepe Davis of Carlmont Associates.

3) 730 East 5th Avenue, San Mateo. Sunnybrae is a great neighborhood in San Mateo, close to the great new downtown attractions, and full of older homes with lots of character. This one is no exception. It’s  a large classic California bunglaow built in 1925. 3/2, 1930 square feet (an addition was done about 30 years ago which is why the home is so large). Lots of mature trees on the lot, which is 4064 square feet. The interior is just beautiful. I love this one. Listed at $899,000 by Judy Litteer, Prudential.

4) 87 Pelican Lane, Redwood Shores. This is a beautiful, remodeled condo located right on the water. 1 bedroom, 1 bath (a beautifully appointed bath at that!), with a private patio. 838 square feet, covered parking, pool and boat slip in the ocmplex. The detail inside is lovely. This is a great unit and it’s priced REALLY well; $520,000. Listed by Jessica Eva, Re/Max Today.   

5) 929 Larkspur Drive, Burlingame. This is a great buy in Burlingame. 2 bedroom, 1 bath  on a nice secluded lot. The place is darling, beautiful floors, designer colors, a great blend of udates with some of the original pre-WWII touches left. I love the way this home feels. And it’s under $800,000. You can’t go wrong here. Liste at $799,888 by Carmen Miranda of Alain Pinel.

Top 5 Real Estate Buys in San Mateo County, week of July 28,2008

 

Hey I’m back. Had to take a week off. Did you miss me?  Here are this week’s Top 5. Remember, this is just my opinion based upon the investment potential. I perform price evaluations for several  of the banks on a weekly basis so I am VERY aware of comps & current values up and down the Peninsula and in all of its’ micro-markets.  And if it seems that many of them are fixers…well, they are. On the Peninsula, that is where your investment return will materialize at the moment. I’m here to help if you have questions or need assistance. Have a great week!

1) 1817 Hopkins Avenue, Redwood City (Mt. Carmel). Hurry if you want a shot at this one. It is a rare REO (bank sale…not a short sale) in one of Redwood City’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Listed at $819,000. That’s low. It’s a 3/2 classic California Bungalow built in 1925. Lots of great architectural detail. Lot is a large 8255 square feet. Hopkins is a little busy but that does not usually deter buyers in this neighborhood. Listed by Michael Ames, Patriot Properties. 

2) 1525 Greenwood Avenue, San Carlos.  The White Oaks neighborhood never loses any steam and this property is priced really well. It’s a 1030 square foot 2/1 (yes, it’s small but that’s how this neighborhood is…most folks add on later), with a 5040 square foot lot. Great location, walk downtown, walk to White Oaks Elementary. Kitchen & bath have some updates and the place is cute as a button. Listed at a very competative $759,000 by Eddie Azzopardi of Realty World.

3) 50 16th Avenue, San Mateo. Hayward Park is such a cool neighborhood. Older homes, lots of character in the architecture. This one just got a price reduction and it’s a great deal. 1922 bungalow, 2/1, 1010 square feet. Expansion ability on a 5880 square foot lot. Some mature trees dot the property and you can walk to San Mateo’s booming downtown. This is a good one! Listed at $695,000 by Nathan Nunes, Prudential.

4) 1433 Sanchez Avenue, Burlingame. Listed at $1,099,000, this remodeled bungalow is really a good buy. Price just came down; go get it! It’s in the Easton Addition neighborhood which is HUGELY popular among buyers. A 2/2, 1590 square feet. REALLY cute; remodeled kitchen, lots of built in cabinetry & original detail from the 20’s. The lot’s 4,00 square feet, small, but typical for the neighborhood. Comps are always high here.  Listed by John Clifford of Clifford Real Estate.    

5) 3808 Vineyard Drive, Redwood City (Farm Hill Estates). This is a nice big split level home in the hills. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, hardwood floors, meticulously maintained. Also has a huge lot of almost 8,000 square feet. Move in and do some updates. You’ll be glad you did. This is a great neighborhood and Roy Cloud School is the best. Ask any Redwood City parent. Great investment potential. Listed really well at $998,000 by Phillip Watson of Prudential.

Top 5 Real Estate Buys in San Mateo County week of July 14, 2008

 

Hi guys! Here’s this week’s top 5. By the way, I have to comment on how sales activity has suddenly come to life…buyers finally seem to be getting off the proverbial fence. Glad to see that. Lots of good inventory out there. These are my current picks. As always, if you need more information on these or any other properties on the Peninsula, I’m here to help.

1) 1620 Cordilleras Road, Redwood City (Emerald Hills). This is a recently remodeled rancher and the owner did a great job. 2008 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. 10,000 square foot lot with a pool and cute cabana in back. The price is excellent $1,350,000. I sold a home just up the street a few months ago  for much more and the comps in this neighborhood are unbeatable. great buy. Listed by Glenn Sennett, Coldwell Banker. 

2) 1024 Northwood Dr. San Carlos. This is a chance to get into San Carlos for less than many condos. And it’s a great neighborhood. Many San Carlos families have started here. Located in Laureola (East side of San Carlos) it’s a 1948 Murphy home (a style popular in the post WWII era..cement slab; no termites)! A 2/1, 820 square feet with a big lot and mature trees.  The San CArlos schools will always ensure your investment. Skip the condo…listed by Claudette Wood of Alain Pinel.

3) 156 27th Avenue, San Mateo. Listed at $775,000 this is a good opportunity in a well established neighborhood of San Mateo. A generous 1680 square feet, 3/3 with a lot of 6600 square feet. You can really turn this into something great. Not much to look at now, but such  are the opportunities in Peninsula real estate. Listed by Jerry Girouard of Girouard Properties.

4) 2000 Valparaiso, Menlo Park. This has made the list before…so let’s try it agian! Hellooo? This is a coveted Menlo Park neighborhood and  many comps are considerably higher. What are you waiting for? It’s fully remodeled. 1120 square feet, 3/1 and a spacious lot over 8,000 square feet. You can always add a bathroom. Really, $1,149,000 is a fantastic price. I can show you comps if you don’t believe me! Listed by Tom Le Mieux of Coldwell Banker.

5) 912 Larkspur Drive, Burlingame. This is a steal. I like this neighborhood; though some think it’s too close to Rollins Road….so let them miss out. $768,800 (nice) 2/1, 1160 square feet. You could add on; and you’re buying in Burlingame. Can’t really lose on this one. Listed by Gary Coulter of McGuire Real Estate.

Top 5 Real Estate Buys in San Mateo County week of July 7, 2008

I’m a day late, I know…thanks for the notes asking me where the heck this week’s picks are.  Glad to know you’re all coming back regularly! So here it is…enjoy. And remember, for more information on these or any Peninsula properties, or to view them, I’m here to help!

1) 2330 San Carlos Avenue, San Carlos. San Carlos Avenue has seen many home sales in the last several months. And even though it’s one of the busier streets in town, it’s become VERY popular among remodelers. This home is priced perfectly at $689,000 I think, and there’s nothing but upside in San Carlos. The schools continue to buoy value here. This one is 1020 square feet, 2/1 with an expansion-accomodating lot that is over 7,000 square feet. Move in ready, walk to the elementary, middle, AND high school (Carlmont) from this home.  Listed by David Young of Coldwell Banker.

2) 2787 Bristol Way, Redwood City. This 3/2 is a remodeler’s dream; 1390 square feet, a 6300 square foot lot, good bones, freshly painted, nicely maintained.  Move in ready, on a great street close to the Alameda. Was in contract but buyers couldn’t perform so it’s back on the market. Lucky for you!  At $825,000 you can’t do much better in this part of Redwood City. Listed by the Caton Team at Prudential in Redwood City.

3) 1055 Berkeley Avenue, Menlo Park. Flood Park, like the Willows, is a great neighborhood and still under $1 million to start. That will change soon enough. Values continue to appreciate west of 101; I price homes for the banks every week up and down the Peninsula, and this neighborhood is healthy. Eventually, all the original homes will be remodeled, but until they are, there are excellent deals to take advantage of. And, like San Carlos, the schools in Menlo Park are known to be outstanding.  This home is a post-WWII, 2/1 bungalow of 950 square feet. BUT the lot is over 10,000 square feet,  complete with mature trees. Quite an opportunity at $765,000. Listed by Athena Chilicas at Coldwell Banker, Woodside. 

4) 3212 Adelaide Way, Belmont.  A Belmont home with a flat lot? Believe it! This is a classic California rancher in an established neighborhood in the Belmont Hills. The schools are great in Belmont and values trend up here. It’s a 3/2, 1700 square feet on a 6,000 lot (did I mention it’s flat…)? The interior is a tad dated but that’s easy to change. Besides, keeps the price right at $1,039,000. Listed by Haifa Khoury at Re/MAX Today.

5) 3914 Leona Street, San Mateo. ok, THIS is a steal. Wooded lot, pretty generous floorplan (1300 square feet, 3 bedroom, 1.5 baths), and bay views. Located in Westwood Knolls (along the Alameda de las Pulgas, southwest of Hillsdale shopping center). Listed at $818,000. That’s a great price, people! Needs some updates but the sellers spent some money on new carpet, paint and countertops. The schools serving this neighborhood are Laurel Elementary, Abbott Middle, and Hillsdale High. All are excellent and will ensure your investment. Listed by Michael Young of Michael Young CO.

Top 5 Real Estate Buys in San Mateo County week of June 30,2008

There are some great real estate buys in San Mateo County right now. And at this point in time, buyers should  be very agressive in making offers!  Fence sitting is not wise and you could miss out.  Each week, I feature 5 properties that I think buyers should consider. They will not always be right for everyone, and I  try to cover several price-points and property types.  I  base my criteria on neighborhood comps & historical value trends, the neighborhood’s long-term investment potential, and the home’s long-term investment potential. Now more than ever, I encourage buyers to see beyond the obvious. Remember that neighborhood trends are changing, and “deals” are relative. The best “deals” are homes that need some improvement.  If you want a home that’s fully remodeled, you will pay top dollar! Remember, you can contact me if you need more information about these homes, neighborhoods and/or other available listings. It’s what I do…

1) 31 Kenton Avenue, San Carlos. This is a classic post WW II home on a woodsy street in San Carlos. These are the homes that sprouted up all over when San Carlos had it’s first real growth boom. 2/1 1020 square feet with a good size lot. You can expand and will likely want to. But  $675,000 in this neighborhood? That’s a FANTASTIC investment. Cute, clean, move-in ready. Update to your heart’s content.  Listed by Helen Cross of Coldwell Banker.

2) 1653 Carleton Ct. Redwood City. Woodside Plaza is and always has been, a great neighborhood. This listing is a deal. $819,995. Seriously, it doesn’t get better than that. The home is a 4/2 with 1460 square feet AND an ample lot at 6700 square feet. Kitchen is updated. The exterior is not much to look at but you’ll be adding your touches, anyway! Go see this one. Listed by Diane Rothe, Coldwell Banker.

3) 758 Arnold Way, Menlo Park. Ah, the Willows neighborhood. I love this area and it is  one of the last bastions of affordability in Menlo Park, west of 101. Homes here are being bouht & remodeled. Comps are well over $1 million and the Menlo Park schools will ensure your investment. The existing home is a 3/2, 1380 square feet. Generous 7,000 square foot lot. A smart buyer will scoop this up fast. Listed by David McKeever, Coldwell Banker.

4) 136 15th Avenue, San Mateo. If you like older homes with some architectural detail, here’s a good one for you. It’s a 1927 bungalow 3/1 1280 square feet. Beautiful hardwood floors and a nice sized lot you can work with. This neighhborhood (Hayward Park)is full of stunning remodels; one of my favorites. Drive around and take a look. Listed at &799,000 by Richard Williamson of Re/Max Today.

5) 108 Brook Street, San Carlos. This was the first street I lived on as a child in San Carlos and it’s still idillic. A cul-de-sac with an annual block party…what more could you ask for?  The home is a perfect starter and priced well at $729,000. 2/1, 770 square feet with expansion potential. White picket fence, rose garden, the works. Adorable. Listed by Janet Pepe Davis at Carlmont Associates.

Top 5 Real Estate Buys in San Mateo County week of June 23, 2008

 

There are some great real estate buys in San Mateo County right now. And at this point in time, buyers should  be very agressive in making offers!  Each week, I feature 5 properties that I think buyers should consider. They will not always be right for everyone, and I  try to cover several price-points and property types.  I  base my criteria on neighborhood comps & historical value trends, the neighborhood’s long-term investment potential, and the home’s long-term investment potential. Now more than ever, I encourage buyers to see beyond the obvious. Remember that neighborhood trends are changing, and “deals” are relative. The best “deals” are homes that need some improvement.  If you want a home that’s fully remodeled, you will pay top dollar! Remember, you can contact me if you need more information about these neighborhoods and/or their available listings. It’s what I do…

1) 1330 Hull Drive San Carlos. I’m not sure why no one is recognizing the value in this one. It’s on a street that’s full of remodels and the school is great.  A 3/3 at 1660 square feet, terraced decks in back; 6500 square foot lot. Bit of a view, too. It’s priced ok at $949,000 but it’s sitting. Comps are good here; appreciating, too.  So make an offer! Listed by Rebecca Ballesteros of Silicon Valley Capital.

2) 331 Lexington Way, Burlingame. This home has some great character, as most in this neighborhood do. Tree lined streets, lots of kids. Walkable to downtown Burlingame. $899,999; REALLY excellent pricing. It’s  a 3/1 (one baths were typical in pre WW-II homes; you can always add one), beautifully maincured yard. Go take a look at this one and buy in Burlingame…as you know, always a great investment. Listed by Mike Roberts at Coldwell Banker.

3) 170 Warren Road, San Mateo. A favorite neighborhood of home buyers for generation; San Mateo Park is beautiful. And home values are stable/appreciate year over year. This neighborhood is full of fantsatic homes from the  1920’s-1930’s with the kind of architectural detail that makes me swoon! This home is a good buy at $1,100,000 and has some amazing touches to work with. Move in ready, just needs your touches. 1500 square feet, 2/2, with a private yard, perfect hardwood floors, built ins…amazing.  Listed by Peggy Greene of Coldwell Banker. 

4) 508 ALameda de las Pulgas, Belmont. Yes, this house is on the Alameda, but it’s so charming and the lot is great at an ample 8,000 square feet. I think the price is pretty reasonable at $969,000. Moreover, I bet that price is a bit negotiable. It’s a 3/2 of 1500 square feet. Private feel and some great architectutral detail inside from 1941 when this neighborhood was the woods. I like it. Listedby John KIng at Keller Williams.

5) 920 Round Hill Road, Redwood City. OK, before you look it up I’m warning you…this one is all about the investment opportunity. It’s pink (likely grandma’s house), but it’s a nice rancher with good bones, 1600 square feet of remodel fun! And it’s the Roy Cloud School neighborhood so there’s your return on investment over time! Really, don’t let the pink paint throw you off. $998,000 is a good price and it’s been on the market for a bit so there’s some wiggle room, I would think. Listed by Marc Roos of Intero.  

Top 5 Real Estate Buys in San Mateo County week of June 9, 2008

There are some great real estate buys in San Mateo County right now. Each week, I feature 5 that I think buyers should consider. They will not always be right for everyone, and I  try to cover several price-points and property types.  I  base my criteria on neighborhood comps & historical value trends, the neighborhood’s long-term investment potential, and the home’s long-term investment potential. Now more than ever, I encourage buyers to see beyond the obvious. Remember that neighborhood trends are changing, and “deals” are relative. The best “deals” are homes that need some improvement.  If you want a home that’s fully remodeled, you will pay top dollar! Remember, you can contact me if you want more info or need an agent. It’s what I do…

1) 910 Sunset Drive, San Carlos. Go get a contractor….and buy this house. If you’re a contractor yourself, what are you waiting for? The list price of $859,000 is about as low as it gets and you’re getting almost 10,000 square feet of lot in the hills of San Carlos. Priced at practically dirt value, it’s an old cabin, really ( we used to have lots of those around here), and the remodel potential is unlimited.  Existing dwelling is a 2/1 at 940 square feet.  You should see the comps in this neighborhood! Huge upside. Listed by Raquel Williams of Blue Point World Inc.

2) 729 East 16th Avenue, San Mateo.  This 3/1 in the  Sunnybrae neighborhood is listed at $689,000 and I have to tell you, this neighborhood is one to watch.  Lots of buying & remodeling going on here; great location. 1180 square feet, classic rancher with a few more updates needed; hence the great price. Lot is almost 5,000 square feet. Mature fruit trees & privacy. I like this one a lot. Listed by Paul Stewart of Cashin Company.

3) 2491 Massachusetts Avenue, Redwood City. This huge 4/3 rancher has 1900 square feet of living space on 6500 square feet of lot. Listed very well at $849,000.   The Woodside Plaza neighborhood is a fantasticright now and comps at over $1.2 million. Always a popular area and lots of remodeling projects happening in the neighborhood. The home is dated  but move in ready. This is a great one to grab. Liste by Jim Somers at Coldwell Banker San Carlos.

4) 1850 Alden Street, Belmont. Listed by Janet Pepe Davis at  Carlmont Assciates. Remodeled kitchen, baths, great landscaping all for $798,800.  A 2/1, 1010 square feet. Small but good starter. Especially of you don’t want to do any remodeling work. Lot is a good size at 5200 square feet.  Great price for this Belmont hills location. I will bet this gets several offers rather quickly.

5) 229 Stilt Court, Foster City. This is a 3/2 with 1700 square feet of living space. Lot is a standard 6,000 square feet.  Finding something this nice in Foster City under $1 million is a challenge. It has had some updates done including kitchen and dual pane windows. Listed at $968,888 by Paul Huang of Allwin Properties. This is a good buy in a neighborhood that retains its value.

Starter neighborhoods on the Peninsula: where the deals are!

Yesterday’s Chronicle featured a front page article on buyers (particularly first-timers), taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the current foreclosure and bank-owned listing boom. I was pleased to see this article because it reaffirms something I have always believed in; the entry-level neighborhoods on the Peninsula. These  neighborhoods aren’t high end; these are neighborhoods that need a little polishing. Areas that some turn up their noses at. Neighborhoods like Redwood City’s Horgan Ranch, the east side of Middlefield Road, or Lenolt. East Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, or Shoreview in San Mateo.  

 These neighborhoods are generally full of families and hard working folks who maintain their homes. And often their proximity to commerce, parks, and transit are unparalleled. So if you’re looking to get into the market and you’re not investigating these neighborhoods, you may want to think again. There will always be a starting market. Remember, the Peninsula itself is made up of dozens of micro-markets. And we will never build much in the way of new housing so our options are limited. Trust me, these unpolished neighborhoods will get polished sooner or later!

 

Developers in East Palo Alto are already working diligently to change the face of that community, and I believe it will happen. Redwood City’s new downtown development has brought new buyers to adjacent neighborhoods on the east side; the same is true in San Mateo. It’s an exciting time for buyers with some entrepreneurial spirit.

 

In real estate, you have to start somewhere. And with our inherent lack of inventory, entry-level neighborhoods will shift and appreciate. Savvy investors and property owners have known this for years. Some of the most successful real estate investors I know go straight for these neighborhoods. And they ride the improvement tide. So don’t overlook or underestimate them.  Drive around and look more closely. Are properties being remodeled? Are yards being landscaped? Are commercial developments getting facelifts? Those are the things to note.

 

If you’d like further input or guidance on some of these pockets of opportunity, I’m happy to help. Give me a call or shoot me an email. I’m planning an event that will cover some of this in July. If you’d be interested in attending, let me know.

 

Top 5 Real Estate Buys week of June 2, 2008

 

There are some great real estate buys in San Mateo County right now. Each week, I feature 5 that I think buyers should consider. They will not always be right for everyone, and I  try to cover several price-points and property types.  I  base my criteria on neighborhood comps & historical value trends, the neighborhood’s long-term investment potential, and the home’s long-term investment potential. Now more than ever, I encourage buyers to see beyond the obvious. Remember that neighborhood trends are changing, and “deals” are relative. The best “deals” are homes that need some improvement.  If you want a home that’s fully remodeled, you will pay top dollar! Remember, you can contact me if you want more info or need an agent. It’s what I do…

1) 45 Maple Way, San Carlos. Ok, this house has been on my list severl times. Why? because the sellers insisted it be listed too high and now it’s sitting. Would someone make an offer under asking already???? This home is in tip-top condition, owned by the same couple for over 30 years. a 3/2, 1250 square feet. Lot is 5,000 and it’s in a lovely San Carlos neighborhood west of the Alameda de las Pulgas. Listed a tad high at $929,000. Needs a little kitchen & bath update.  A smart buyer would write an offer and get a great deal. This is a wonderful home. Listed by Justine Ford, Re/Max Today.)

2) 103 Lakeview Way, Emerald Hills (Redwood City). Cute 2/2 of 1390 square feet with a big 10,000 square foot lot. A unique  chance to get into this highly sought-after neighborhood under $1million and move-in ready. An 85 year old cabin (like many properties in this area, folks used to come down from the city on weekends). Owned by the same couple for 30 years, it’s a bit dated on the inside but totally liveable while you remodel. At $850,000 This will sell quickly, likely with multiple offers. Listed by Judy Litteer at prudential.

3) 318 San Carlos Avenue, Redwood City. This is a short sale in a Redwood City neighborhood that has continued to appreciate since 2004. Comps at $1 million; borders Atherton.  Yes, it’s small, a 2/1, 740 square feet, but at this price, grab it and watch your money grow. Listed at $499,999. An especially good deal for well-qualified first time buyers. Listed by Raul Valdivia of Hogares Realty.

4) 16 Prague Street, San Mateo. I’ve always been a fan of North Shoreview and this is a great price for a really cute home that’s been well-maintained. It’s a short sale at $505,000. A 2/1 (typical 1947 home in this area). Lot is 5,000 square feet. New park just down the street and the Bayside trail is magnificent. Listed by Berta Tovar of Marshall Realty.

5) 1009 Windermere, Menlo Park. This neighborhood has consistently appreciated since 2004 and while it’s seen a slight softening in the 1st quarter of this year, (probably only temporary), this home is a great buy. Surrounded by a community of new homes that just went on the market, all in the high $900,000’s. A classis rancher, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1160 square feet and a nice big lot of 5900 square feet. Easily expandable. The home is neat as a pin and the Menlo Park schools ensure your resale value down the line. Listed at $849,950 by Mia Meier of Red Hawk Realty.