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San Mateo, CA Real Estate News

By John Balladares
(Peoples Bank)
Purchasing a home requires a thoughtful decision. For some, leaving a rented apartment is difficult due to its financial flexibility; however choosing homeownership can be financially rewarding.Here are some things to keep in mind when considering buying a home:Undecided?Don't Wait Until It's Too LateBuyers sitting on the fence while waiting for the "prices to go down" will miss out on long-term appreciation gains and possible tax advantages.A Smart InvestmentRenting does not provide equity benefits. Make your money work for you by building equity in your own home and benefiting from possible tax advantages* as a homeowner.Good News!High InventoryThere is currently a greater selection of homes for sale on the market. Sellers are motivated and many homes are priced to move! That means yo...
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By Mike Young, FHA 203k Consultant 916-758-1809 cell direct
(203kOnLine.com, covering the USA)
Many times when you think of a 203k as in the "days of old" you were often looking at an older run down house in a run down neighborhood. Not so any longer. When HUD raised the FHA maximum loan amounts this put a different face on the program. Now we can go into most neighborhoods in the country up to $729,750 in "high cost" counties.  Today I'm doing a draw in a lower cost community, then head to Kensington for a draw inspection, then to East Oakland near the Eastmont Mall, then to San Mateo for a full consultation. I'm hitting three different quality neighborhoods and two are upper end homes. The other two are bringing the neighborhoods up where they are located and providing better living conditions for their occupants. When you have rental property like the one in Oakland it is alwa...
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By Lottie Kendall, Helping make your real estate dreams a reality
(Compass)
We have some sweet condos here in San Mateo, CA, affordable for a first-time buyer! Last week I presented a purchase offer from a buyer hoping to buy his very first home. Do you remember how exciting this can be, especially when he never thought he could buy property in a high-cost area like San Mateo County. On a teacher's salary, that can be a real challenge. We were one of two very similar offers, but the seller loved the idea of selling to a teacher who plans to live here for years to come, so my buyer's contract was selected. This past week has been busy for my buyer, reading pages and pages of documents, including interminable HOA docs -- so very important. Today, Saturday, my favorite home inspector met us at the property. Now all we need to do is wait for the appraisal, which sh...
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By Susan Goulding, Northern CA - Tracy & Mountain House Real Estate
(Crown Key Realty, Inc; Tracy & Mountain House Sales and Property Management)
I moved to Foster City when I was in high school from the MidWest.  Little did I know the views in Indiana, Illinois and Ohio pale compared to the San Francisco Bay Area.   Right "up the hill" is where I attended Junior College for 2 years at College of San Mateo.  I'm pretty certain I did not appreciate the views from this college.  While I attended there the school sat on top of 'the hill" with canyons of greeb surrounding it.  Now there are multi-million dollar homes dotting the hillsides. As the world turns, I grew up, got married and moved 60 miles East to Tracy Ca.  Tracy is located in the Central Valley of California to the East of the San Francisco.  I'm certain my 19 year did not choose to attend College of San Mateo for the views.  I'm also certain he didn't choose to attend C...
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Only 3.5% down payment required Lower credit requirements than most programs making it easier to qualify 100% gift allowed for down payment and closing cost Allows up to 6% seller credits towards closing costs The maximum FHA loan amount is $729,750.00 ( most counties) 401K loans are not included in qualifying ratios Can qualify for an FHA loan after 2 years of being discharged from a chapter 7 BK Can qualify for an FHA loan 3 years after a Short Sale and foreclosure 2 year job history not required ( can use schooling certificates or transcripts) May use alternative credit to qualify Can use non- occupant co-borrower to qualify
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By Chris Eckert Real Estate Team, Selling the Mid-Peninsula Realtor
(KW Advisors )
Aragon Neighborhood (San Mateo California) 2010 Year End Single Family Home Sales review I just finished running the numbers for San Mateo's Aragon Neighborhood for 2010 You can take a look at the PDF, but here are some of the highlights: Average House Size-2,110 sq ft Average Lot Size-6084 sq ft   The Average Sale Price per square foot was $606.32 for 2010 The Average Sale Price per square foot in prior years was:    2009-$616   vs   2008-$662   vs   2007-$723.31   vs   2006-$672.63 The Average Cost/sq ft in Aragon is down 16.2% from its peak in 2007   The Average Sale Price in Aragon was $1,232,727 for 2010 The Averages for prior years was: 2009-$1.270m   vs   2008-$1.392m   vs   2007-$1.510m   vs   2006-$1.415m The Average Sale Price for Aragon is down 18.4% from its peak in 2007   H...
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By Chris Eckert Real Estate Team, Selling the Mid-Peninsula Realtor
(KW Advisors )
A little History about the Glazenwood section of San Mateo's Hayward Park I wish that I could take credit for this article, but all that I did was add a few photos and a couple of words to an article that my neighbor John Savage wrote a few years ago for the San Mateo High School newsletter. John and I both live in the neighborhood where the Peninsula Hotel once stood, so we both have a love for it. Most of the photos came from old newspaper clippings, but some are from the San Mateo County Historical Society. Its end came on June 25, 1920. Spires of smoke were noticed at about 2:30 in the afternoon. Soon, massive flames filled the sky. San Mateo's Peninsula Hotel, a magnificent structure with accommodations which could have rivaled any Ritz Carlton or St. Moritz of today, was being des...
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By Chris Eckert Real Estate Team, Selling the Mid-Peninsula Realtor
(KW Advisors )
Just about the time that we reach Thanksgiving, I begin having home seller clients tell me that they "don't want to list their home until after the first of the year", because "everyone knows that nothing sells in December".  They may know that, but they know that incorrectly. I knew that December was a very good month to sell in, but I didn't have the numbers to back it up, so I decided to do some research. I looked back at every month during every one of the past 11 years. I think that I went back 11, because that was the farthest I could go and still get the data that I needed. The cities I looked at were Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos and Redwood Shores, all on the San Francisco mid-Peninsula. The data I was interested in was number of properti...
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By Lottie Kendall, Helping make your real estate dreams a reality
(Compass)
Mystery Photo Contest: The Answers and the Winners!Last month’s Mystery Photo took us to an indoor location in San Mateo County California, where you’ll find these appealing critters. I asked you: Who is the sculptor who created these and many other similar statues? Where are these particular ones located? We must have a lot of shoppers out there judging by how many of you knew that Beniamino (Benny) Bufano is the artist who created the cute animal statues that are located in Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo. We had such a good response last month that I decided there should be two winners—they are: Helen Calhoun, a faithful newsletter reader, and David Ames, a San Francisco real estate agent and Active Rain member who joined in the fun online. Helen and David, you've each won 2 m...
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By Kerry Roth
(Decor Staging)
The ultimate home staging dilemma. How do I design around the marijuana plants growing off the back patio? I'm talking 8 feet high at least! Not just one plant but several. And that's not even mentioning the ones hanging upside down from the garage rafters. Hey, they're legal. I'm not passing judgment. Medicinal usage has helped a friend of mine. I totally get it. But...I'm not sure how this is going to affect my home staging plans yet alone the marketing and selling of this property. Owners are adamant that they are not harvesting until the full moon of October. Really? So, we checked the calendar and it's a no go. The house goes onto the market before the next full moon. Once Prop 19 passes (and it looks like it might) home staging and marketing a house will become just a little bit t...
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By Kerry Roth
(Decor Staging)
Home Staging sells homes faster and for more money proven by the following simple calculation. BEFORE AFTER Statistically speaking home staging is cheaper than the first price reduction that people make on a listing that isn't selling. Staging should be considered the final investment into your home that will have a profitable return of investment. A seller should budget 3-5% of the asking price towards home staging and deferred maintenance on average. A well maintained home would require less, but a home that needs updating, maintenance and staging could be more. In a national study by the Real Estate Staging Association, published recently, it showed 126 homeowners that had their property on the market and average of 263 days (9 months!) before they decided to have thier home staged. ...
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The best answer to this question is to look at some virtual tour pictures on the internet. You can quickly pick out homes that are staged and the homes that are not. When someone clicks on your virtual tour you have, on average, exactly 2 seconds to wow them with the first picture before they click onto another listing! Vacant rooms do not show well, as they not only look barren and cold but it is difficult to see the scale of a room without anything in it. 65% of buyers remember a home from it's color alone! At Décor Staging we think color is extremely important in setting a home apart from it's competition and making it memorable. Although as a general rule keeping colors to neutrals that will appeal to the broadest market is good, it does not mean it needs to be "Realtor beige". Neut...
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By Kerry Roth
(Decor Staging)
My favorite San Mateo home staging success story encompasses the "there's good news and bad news" scenario. It started when I received a San Mateo home staging job for a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom owner occupied home that was packed to the gills with furniture. It even had a large office armoire in the breakfast nook! A plan of attack had to be created to make this home less cluttered and more easy on the eye. We decided to move about 80% of the owners furniture into storage which would allow me to bring in smaller pieces to set the home stage look. The owner, understandably, was overwhelmed with the idea of moving so much furniture to storage, but I was prepared for that. I told her to go to work and I'd take care of everything. I had my professional movers come in and move the furniture to...
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By Mayra Espinosa Realtor San Mateo Pacifica Homes, San Mateo County Real Estate | Buy | Sell | Invest
(Mayra Espinosa Broker- Realtor - CA DRE# 01468791| Call 650-996-8961| CA DRE#01878277)
The tax credit has been extended to September 2010 but it is only for buyers who have been under contract as of April 30. The extension only applies to transactions that have been ratified (contracts signed by all parties on or before April 30, 2010). This will allow buyers that have submitted an offer on short sale transaction, which has been delayed in getting the approval from the lenders, to be able to get the tax credit. Now the new homeowner can still get the benefit of the $8,000 tax credit. California still has their $10,000 tax credit program available.   New Buyers, who are interested in purchasing right now, can still take advantage of the low interest rates as well as the California $10,000 tax credit. This is the most affordable housing market we have seen in years which re...
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By Lottie Kendall, Helping make your real estate dreams a reality
(Compass)
Bowling for the Cure, San Mateo, California TOMORROW -- Saturday June 26 is the day  NOON is the time PLACE is the Bel Mateo Bowl, 4330 Olympic Avenue, San Mateo CA 94403 (Phone: 650-341-2616) ENTRY is $30.00 for 3 games, a raffle, drink special, and refreshments THE WHY: Fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation TO SIGN UP: email Craig.Gabriel@belmateobowl.com In subject line: Yes, I want to bowl. Give your name and email or phone. Have fun and help support an awesome cause on this Super Summer Saturday! Just another reason why living in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley is so great
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By Mayra Espinosa Realtor San Mateo Pacifica Homes, San Mateo County Real Estate | Buy | Sell | Invest
(Mayra Espinosa Broker- Realtor - CA DRE# 01468791| Call 650-996-8961| CA DRE#01878277)
  San Mateo CA Central Park Free Evening Outdoor Musical Event Series. The City of San Mateo presents "The 2010 Central Park Musical Series". Peninsula residents who are looking for outdoor summer activities should visit San Mateo Central Park  for a fun evening. The Central Park Music Series; it is a San Mateo's signature summer event. These events are for people who want to socialize with friends, getting to spend quality and fun time with their family or to dance the night away at the  beautiful Central Park. .  Picture by Nicole Dinas Every year the city of San Mateo sponsors these events to provide a memorable summer evening concertto remember. These Series of concerts are Free and sponsor by the city of San Mateo.     Picture by Nicole Dinas    The Central Park Musical Series will...
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By Ray Avanzino
(Stearns Lending)
The Institute for Supply Management reported that the monthly composite index of manufacturing activity was 59.7 in May, after reaching 60.4 in April. A reading above 50 signals expansion. It was the 10th straight month of expansion. Total construction spending rose 2.7% to $869 billion in April, following an upwardly revised 0.4% rise in March. April's gain was the biggest since August 2000. The National Association of Realtors reported that its pending home sales index, a forward-looking indicator based on signed contracts, rose 6% in April, after a revised 7.1% increase in March. On a year-over-year basis, pending home sales are up 22.4%. Factory orders rose 1.2% in April, below the 1.8% increase economists had anticipated. It was the eighth straight gain and follows an upwardly revi...
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By Mary Ann Teixeira
(Compass )
How often does the opportunity for the Best Schools arrive?  In this new listing in a quiet, private, 20 unit building, many potential buyers are finding the opportunity. Located on the West Side of El Camino Real, this 2 bedroom  2 bathroom condominium www.Madison110.com                      Located in the Baywood School District with Baywood Elementary, Borel Middle School, and the acclaimed Aragon High School, all rated amongst the best schools in San Mateo. Of the 20 units in the building, all are owner-occupied but three.  Two of the three rented are rented to families with children whom live there specifically for the best schools. Offered at $554,000.         
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By Mayra Espinosa Realtor San Mateo Pacifica Homes, San Mateo County Real Estate | Buy | Sell | Invest
(Mayra Espinosa Broker- Realtor - CA DRE# 01468791| Call 650-996-8961| CA DRE#01878277)
  Hayward Park feels and looks like the west side of San Mateo neighborhoods but it is located in the East side of el Camino Real in San Mateo Hayward Park is one of the most prominent and charming neighborhoods of eastern San Mateo California. Hayward Park is a multicultural neighborhood offering something for everyone. Hayward Park has a great inventory of modest homes yet attractive and affordable prices.  Depending on much you are willing to spend when looking for a home in San Mateo County.  Six Reasons to buy your first home today Here are seven Reasons to Purchase your next Home at Hayward Park San Mateo Location:  Hayward Park has been considered one of the nicest parts of San Mateo; good neighbors, good place to live and close to all San Mateo amenities.   To get FREE money: Th...
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By Mayra Espinosa Realtor San Mateo Pacifica Homes, San Mateo County Real Estate | Buy | Sell | Invest
(Mayra Espinosa Broker- Realtor - CA DRE# 01468791| Call 650-996-8961| CA DRE#01878277)
  The San Mateo Arboretum Society is located in Central Park at 101 9th Avenue San Mateo, CA About San Mateo Arboretum Society  Peninsula resident and garden enthusiast Marion Panaretos founded the San Mateo Arboretum Society in 1974.  Because of her own love of gardens, Mrs. Panaretos recognized the importance of protecting the botanical aspects of San Mateo's Central Park, and also the Kohl Pumphouse.     The San Mateo Arboretum Society continues today as a “member and volunteer powered” organization dedicated to the preservation of San Mateo’s rich horticultural heritage.  Over 200 members and approximately 75 regular volunteers currently participate in this effort.  Our mission is to: v  Share our passion for gardening v  Propagate and cultivate unique and diverse plant species v  P...
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