Blogging fatigue.

I must admit, my blogging enthusiasm got lost.  Plain old writer’s block, I guess. Or a lack of inspiration. I became another statistic in the blogosphere. Tragic.  So much to say, particularly in this market, yet poof…gone when the laptop turns on. Even my top 5 became a challenge.

Well, I’ve heard enough from the peanut gallery so I’m  back. The top 5 will resume next week along with more in the way of content.   Frankly, I’m not all that keen on wordpress so if you have suggestions, I’m ready to hear them.

Top 5 Real Estate Buys Week of September 1, 2008

Hi there! Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday weekend. School’s strating and it’s back to business. There’s alot of inventory to be had right now and fall is approaching. Sellers don’t want to be on the market through the Holidays. So if you’re serious about making a purchase (bank owned properties in the lower-end micro-markets in the County are moving  especially fast right now), get on it! You have the advantage. Here’s the week’s Top 5. Have a great week!

1) 231 Windsor Drive San Carlos. This is a lot of house for $799,000 in San Carlos. Great street in woodsy Devonshire canyon.  It’s a 3/2 with great bones, hasn’t been on the market in 50 years. Well taken care of.  Talk about tree equity! This is a great buy; you already know how great the San Carlos schools are and this neighborhood is well over $1 million in the way of comps.  Listed by Ellen Scardigli of Cashin Company.

2) 318 San Carlos Avenue, Redwood City. This is one of those first time buyer dreams come true. AT this price you can skip the condo and go straight to a single family home.  This is a wonderful neighborhood just off of Woodside Road. The home is a 2/1 (and a small interior square footage of 780), nicely maintained and move-in ready. You can even walk to most of your shopping destinations and there are parks close by. The lot is under 3,000 square feet. It’s a short sale subject to lender approval. At $499,999, it’s definitely worth considering. COndos can be higher, and a lot more difficult to sell down the road. Listed by Raul Vildivia of Hogares Realty.

3) 2880 Hosmer Street, San Mateo. This is a bank-owned property and it’s really a great deal. 9,000 square foot lot, pool, 3/2. 1500 square feet. Interior needs an update but the amount of home you’re getting for the price is  pretty remarkable.  $649,000. Located close to the Foster City border. Listed by Alex Lehr of Lehr Real Estate.

4) 916 Timothy Lane, Menlo Park. This is a fantastic home with character built in 1939. Located in Flood Park, a very well-established neighborhood west of 101 and one of the last affordable areas left in Menlo Park. It’s priced VERY well at $899,000. The neighborhood comps are higher and will continue upward as more of these homes are bought & remodeled. Menlo Park Schools also buoy value as I always tell you. It’s a 3/2, 1440 square feet, with a generous, tree-studded 7,000 square foot lot. This is a winner; go see it. Listed by Arn Cenendella, Coldwell Banker.

5) 2947 San Juan Boulevard, Belmont. This home is in need of some updating, no doubt. But at this price, you can afford it. The home is move-in ready (you’ll want to do the bathroom first), 3/1, 1010 square feet. Expansion is possible and the lot is fantastic. Woodsy street in the canyon of the Belmont hills. Great school district and the elementary school is very close by. Lot is 6745 square feet. Mature oaks everywhere. Great investment; neighborhood comps at well over $200k higher. Listed by Haifa Khoury at Re/Max Today.

Top 5 real Estate Buys in San Mateo County, week of August 11, 2008

1) 370 Hillview Avenue, Redwood City (Mt. Carmel). This is a  bank-owned property (still somewhat rare for this neighborhood). Not much from the outside; paint is dated, iron fence is a bit….tacky, but it’s on a huge lot, has some 1920’s charm and it’s on a FANTASTIC block. Get your contractor and make an offer becasue this will go FAST. The current home’s stats are almost irrelevent but here you go: 3 bed/2 bath, 1190 square feet. Lot is 9,000 (mature fruit trees, too). $635,900 (be pre-approved, have your deposit ready, and move fast… as with all bank owned properties). Listed by Bruno Baldini, Century 21. 

2) 3901 Christian Drive, Belmont. This home needs some more updating, but at this price you could likely afford it and see a nice return on your investment should you ever decide to sell. Belmont schools are all good and resale is a snap. Located up Ralson, close to the intersections of 92 & 280. It’s a spacious 3/2 of 1660 square feet. 6633 square foot lot. Nicley maintained and move-in ready. Cute! Listed at a very competetive $899,000 by Scott Miller, brokerage unknown (from the 408 area).

3) 727 East 5th Avenue, San Mateo. This is such a cute 1927 California bungalow in a great neighborhood adjacent to the new and exciting downtown San Mateo (seriously…go hang out there sometime). Neat as a pin, 2/1 1190 square feet with a lot just shy of 6,000 square feet. Nicely landscaped, remodeled kitchen. Great home. Listed at $685,000 (nice) by Rip Miller of Alain Pinel.

4) 251 Hedge Road, Menlo Park (Flood Park). This is one of Menlo Park’s oldest neighborhoods and it’s enjoying a rennaisance. Older homes being bought up quickly and remodeled. Throw in the outstanding Menlo Park school district, and you’ve made a VERY smart real estate investment. This home is move-in ready and well-maintained. Slightly dated cosmetically but who cares at this price. Its a spacious 3/1 rancher with a nice 5500 square foot lot. Listed at $739,000 (you better hurry), by Mary Tan of Coldwell Banker.

5) 2621 Hopkins Avenue, Redwood City (Mt. Carmel). Lots of great buys in this neighborhood lately; this one is no exception. It’s a 1940 classic stucco home, lots of original detail, at 1280 square feet. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. Tons of character you can play upon and owned by the same family for 50 years.  The best part is the 7500 square foot corner lot. Located within walking distance from Stafford Park, and if you are not familiar with the charm & popularity of this neighborhood, take a drive around. It’s a mid-Peninsula favorite. Listed at $725,000 (wow…) by Jamie Jones of Intero.

America Cancer Society Relay for Life!!

hey! This weekend is the American Cancer Society Belmont-San Carlos Relay for Life…..and yours truly will be out there.  If you’ve never been to this event, you should come out:

The Realy for Life is the biggest national fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  Cities across the country  put on  24 hour relays where teams and their individuals (switching off), walk steadily that entire 24 hour period. The symbolism is that “Cancer Never Sleeps”.

The San Carlos-Belmont Relay takes place at Carlmont High School on the track. Starts in the morning Saturday, June 21 and goes until Sunday June 22nd. It draws about  33 teams, and that’s a lot of walkers!  Some  teams camp overnight, there is music, food, community, and some poignant ceremonies and presentations remembering cancer victims AND celebrating surviviors. Individuals are welcome (and encouraged) to come out as well, even just to walk a lap or two. I hope you do!

The best part of the weekend is the luminaria ceremony, where, after dark Saturday night, lights are lit completley around the track with candles remebering those who have been touched by cancer. It’s really a moving sight.

 A cancer survivor myself, it has been my honor for the last 2 years to participate in this event by providing dinner to the events’ 500+ participants, along with my felloe Lions Club members in San Carlos and Belmont.  Here is the link to the website…no need to register anymore; just come on over to Carlmont High.

 http://relay.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeCaliforniaDivision?fr_id=5045&pg=entry&JServSessionIdr007=37odk040r1.app311b&printer_friendly=1

Top 5 Real Estate Buys in San Mateo County week of June 16th, 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) 172 Bayview Drive, San Carlos. This is a DREAM property with panoramic views. A 16,000 square foot lot to play with to your heart’s content. The home itself is completely dated (3/2, 1600 square feet),  but liveable while you design your custom home. Seriously, this property has nothing but upside. Need a contractor referral? I have several…. you should pounce on this one. As I always say, the best opportunities are the fixers, folks. Priced really well for this high end San Carlos neighborhood $1,150,000. Listed by John Shroyer at Re Max Today.

2) 531 Hillside Road Redwood City (Emerald Hills). Here’s an amazing opportunity to buy a move in ready home that you can expand upon at your leasure. Talk about a great investment. The home itself is quite cute: a cozy cabin style home typical of the hundreds that have dotted these hills since the 1920’s. 2/1, 1080 square feet, pristine hardwood floors and other updates. Views of the east bay. The real kicker though, is the 16,291 square foot lot. It’s a complete steal at $749,950. Buyers are fence sitting  at their own peril. But you’re smarter than that!! This neighborhood is now at $1.5 million. Listed by Michelle Glaubert, Coldwell Banker.

3) 1244 Laurel Hill Drive, San Mateo. This is a rare Bank owned property in a high end San Mateo neighborhood. The price is certainly right. And  quite possibly available under asking since it’s been sitting for a while. Listed at $1,119,900.  It’s an expansive 2530 square feet and the lot is a large one at over 9,000. This is simply a lot of home for the money.  Listed by Michael Ames at cashin Company. PS: Need to know how to buy a bank owned property? I’ve been working with them since 2004. I can guide you.

4) 2000 Valparaiso Ave. Menlo Park. Menlo Park holds its value so well and they have seen consistent appreciation over the past severl years, including this one. This home is totally remodeled and sweet as can be. Located on the west side in a great neighborhood, this 3/1 has 1120 square feet and a sizable lot of over 8,000 sq feet. It’s priced really well at $1,149,000 by Tom Le Mieux at Coldwell Banker.

5) 516 Howard Avenue, Burlingame. This is a neat old Spanish style home with HUGE character. This neighborhood is booming; remodeling happening on almost every block. That tells you something. It’s a 3/1 at 1710 square feet which is quite large for a 1930’s Spanish home. The lot is a little over 5200 square feet; typical for the area. Lots of original architecture inside that you can work from. What fun! And a fantastic investment. Listed at $899,000 by Erik Winkler of Alain Pinel.

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.

Top 5 Real Estate Buys Week of May 12, 2008

 

There are some great real estate buys in San Mateo County right now. Each week, I’ll  feature 5 that I think buyers should consider. They will not always be right for everyone, and I will try to cover several price-points and property types.  I will 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) 2736 Monserat, Belmont. Listed by Michael Ames at Cashin Company. Listed at $701,910! This is a rare bank owned property in Belmont. It’s pretty much move-in  ready and needs upgrades that are almost all cosmetic. 1190 sq feet and a private, wooded 5,000 square foot lot with a nice private front yard. The bank just dropped the price by $78,000.  Homes in this area and the Belmont Schools are excellent. This is a no-brainer.

2) 1616 Notre Dame Avenue, Belmont. Listed by Laura Bertolacci at RE/MAX Today. Listed at $889,500. Finally, a home that is priced to sell.  It’s a huge 1710 sq foot rancher on a flat 9,000 square foot lot. Great hills neighborhood above the Notre Dame campus. Bathrooms have been remodeled, roof is only 10 years old and the inspections are good for a house this age. The sellers even put in new kitchen appliances  so buyers can move in and update to their taste. The first open house was Sunday 5/11 and at least 80 parties came through! This one will move fast.

3) 45 Maple Way, San Carlos. Listed by Justine Ford at RE/MAX Today. Listed at 929,000. This is a great classic rancher in desrirable San Carlos. It hneeds an update, but all work needed is cosmentic and who wouldn’t want to have some fun creating a new kitchen? Move-in ready and priced well for San Carlos. Sellers are motivated and a buyer could likely get it for less than current asking. 1250 sq feet, 3 bedroom 2 baths. Clean inspections, needs only a quick tenting which is typical of a 1950’s Bay Area home. 5,000 square foot lot.

4) 123 A Street. Listed by Michael Ames of Cashin Company. Listed at  $559,900. This is cute fixer in the Lenolt tract of Redwood City. This neighborhood has been a favorite of first time homebuyers since World War II and now is no exception. It’s a 2/1 and it’s a small 940 square feet but the lot is great and this location is great for those interested in owning a rental unit. Rentals are popular here, and if you’ve seen current rental rates, you would likely positively cash flow.

5) 817 N. Humbolt #215 (Woodlake Condominiums). This is a 1 bedroom/1 bath unit in Woodlake, what I think is one of the nicest condominium communities areound. The unit is priced to sell at $369,000 and things at Woodlake hold their value well. If you buy a unit and want to upgrade to a single family home later, you can certainly consider keeping your Woodlake unit and renting it. There is always a rental market there and the Association manages the properties very well. Woodlake has several pools, tennis courts, a gym & clubhouse as well as an active community.   As far as condos go, this is a good investment.

Top 10 Deadly Mistakes Buyers Make….

1) Shopping for a home without being pre-approved for a loan.

Please take the time to speak to a lender before you start shopping. This will make your life easier and determine the price range you can afford. A good Realtor can refer you to a mortgage professional.

2) Not getting a home inspection.

Trying to save money can cost you money. A qualified home inspector can detect issues taht buyers may overlook.

3) Limiting searches to open houses, ads, and the internet.

Many homes listed on the web, in ads, or even homes held open have already been sold, or are pending sale. Your best “in” to the market is to have a Realtor working for you. Realtors have information unavailable to the general public and are a valuable resource for other professionals that can make your purchase happen.

4) Choosing an agent who is not commited to forming a long-term relationship with you.

A Realtor should be another professional you have for the long term, like your lawyer, insurance agent, CPA, or financial planner. A good Realtor is one who is commited to you before, during, and after the sale, and one who provides ongoing  market information regardless of whter you are buying or selling.

5)  Thinking there is only one “perfect house” out three.

Buying a home is a process of elimination, not selection. New properties arrive on the market daily so be open to all possibilities. Ask your Realtor for a comparative market analysis as well as other current market data for any home you are interested in.

6) Not considering long-term needs.

It’s important to think ahead. Will the home suit your needs 3-5 years from now?

7) Not examining insurance issues.

Purchase adequate insurance. Advice form an insurance professional can get you the answers you need. Again, a good Realtor can provide you with referrals.

Not purchasing a home protection warranty.

This is essentially a mini-insurance policy that usually lasts for 1 year upon close of escrow. It covers basic repairs (particularly for appliances) that you may encounter and can be purchased for a nominal fee. Talk to your Realtor about the plan you will need. Some agents will purchase this for their clients.

9)   Not knowing total costs involved.

Early in the buying process, ask your Realtor or lender for an estimate of closing costs. Often referred to as a “net sheet”, this will include title fees, any applicable attorney fees, Homeowner Association fees, insurance, credits, etc.

10) Not following through on due dilligence.

Buyers should make a list of any concerns they have about such issues as schools, power lines, crime rates, environmental conditions, neighbors, etc. There is no such thing as a stupid question and they should be addressed before making an offer. Dilligence will ensure confidence in your purchase.

Just a kid from San Carlos

Welcome! Well, I’ve finally joined the blogosphere. Odd that I’ve resisted it, really because I tend to have a lot to say and my paper pile of local facts and tidbits is getting out of control! I started this blog not only to inform readers about the diverse and competetive real estate  market on the Peninsula, but also to share thoughts about this amazing place.  from my very local and sometimes, nostalgic perspective.

I grew up in San Carlos after my family moved down from the city in 1972. My mother wanted her children to experience the sun….so we moved to San Carlos and lived at 139 Brook Street, an idillic cul-de-sac off of lower Brittan Avenue. I walked to Brittan Acres and attended CCD across the street at St. Charles.  Laurel Street looked very different then.   There were 3 movie theatres in town; the Laurel, the Carlos, and the Tivoli (building which is now Town Restaurant). We had a high school up on Melendy Drive and the elementary school district had  school busses! ok, Now I’m really dating myself…

In 1974 my parents bought a house at 2149 Carmelita Drive for less than $30,000. It was (and still is), a 3/2 on a wooded lot built in 1940. I transferred to Arundel and then went on Tierra Linda. My dad sold that house in 1981 and we moved right behind it on Dale Avenue. Bought a 2800 sq. foot new build that Mike McCrary constructed. He built a lot of homes in San Carlos at the time.

My how things have changed.  As of Q1, 2008 the median home price in San Carlos is $1,190,000, there are no movie theatres in town, and much to the community’s chagrin, no San Carlos  High School. Progress? I dunno. Laurel Street is getting pretty hip and people actually come here for some night life.  The Palo Alto Medical Foundation is going to build a campus here. Not bad for our economic future.  San Carlos, like the rest of the Peninsula will be experiencing growing pains for the next several years. Lots of change. But it seems to me one thing will remain firmly in place; our excellent property values!