Santa Maria Real Estate Blog, Author at Santa Maria CA Real Estate Blog & Information, REALTOR® Selling Santa Maria CA Homes

The Las Brisas Community in Orcutt CA

03/24/2009
Santa Maria

Although not a gated community, Las Brisas offers a private setting for those who desire relative seclusion. There are two entrances into Las Brisas and the streets curve into an artful collection of cul-de-sacs and private parks. Importantly, there are no thoroughfares so traffic cannot cut through the community. The location of the community is convenient for those who are commuting as you are only a short skip to Highway 101's Santa Maria Way exit/onramp. One story and two story plans between 1100 square feet and 1800 square feet are offered with concrete tile roofs and two car garages. The lots are smaller with some exception here and there; but you definitely have enough room to keep Fido happy without having to spend your entire Saturday on yard work.

Central Coast Investor Tip — 20% Down Payment Required

03/22/2009
Buyer Info, Central Coast Real Estate, Lompoc / Vandenberg Village, Santa Maria

For those looking to buy your first rental property, or pick up an extra one now that prices make sense again, be aware that lenders have rolled back the down payment requirements for investment property. Most lenders I polled recently say that a 20% down payment is required for an investment property. Many of us remember when lenders required a 30% down payment for investment property, and I wonder how long it will be until we are back to those days. Lenders slowly but surely increased the down payment requirement for investors during the housing boom and have slowly but surely increased that obstacle again.

The Santa Maria Real Estate Market is Hot!

03/21/2009
Buyer Info, Santa Maria, Seller Info

I know the media is saying that the real estate market is in the dumps. And I guess if you were hoping to get housing boom level prices for your home, it is. But if you are a Santa Maria or Ocutt home owner who needs to sell your home, you should know that the Santa Maria real estate market is hot! Why do I say that? Because homes that are priced in line with today's market that are not short sales, sell in less than a week. I feel as if this is a hidden secret of today's market place. Everyone believes that it is hard to sell your home right now, but even short sales that are well priced are receiving multile offers right now.

Buyer Tip — Use a Local Lender when Buying Central Coast Property

03/20/2009
Central Coast Real Estate

In the past couple of weeks, I have had two clients shop for mortgages online after securing a contract on a home. Both came back with inaccurate information. My advice to both was to use a local lender. It is natural and good practice to want to shop around. Online shopping is very convenient because you can do it at your convenience. But, I highly advise my clients to shop their loan with local lenders for several reasons inspired by experience:

Lining up for Lompoc CA Foreclosures

03/19/2009
Lompoc / Vandenberg Village

This is my second day in a row showing Lompoc CA foreclosures under $200,000. There is not much on the market besides plenty of stale short sales that don't appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. Thus, most of the buyers who are looking in this price range have zeroed in on the bank owned inventory. So, when a new foreclosure comes on the market, you should be prepared to wait in line to view the property

What not to do when selling your Santa Maria CA home

03/17/2009
Santa Maria

Home sellers often ask what they can do to make their home sell quickly for the price they want. I believe that this is a great market for realistic sellers. Realistic meaning sellers who do not expect to get housing boom era pricing for their homes. There is actually a shortage of easy to buy homes on the market in the Santa Maria, Orcutt, and Lompoc markets. The market is clogged with short sales that stay stagnant. Homes and condos that are priced right are receiving multiple offers. That being said, time and time again I see sellers make critical mistakes when trying to sell their home.

Trader Joe’s Set to Open in Santa Maria CA

03/15/2009
Local Interests / Events, Santa Maria

It may seem like small news, but in Santa Maria it is big news that we got a Trader Joe's. For those of us who have been making the treck up to Arroyo Grande for years -- the arrival of Trader Joe's in Santa Maria is a real treat. I can't wait to zip up the street for the fresh organic produce and meats. It is conveniently located in south Santa Maria near Costco, right off the 101 Stowell exit. Since Santa Maria is now the largest city in Santa Barbara county -- it is about time! Welcome Trader Joe's! They are set to open on March 16th.

Should I Be Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved When Buying Central Coast Foreclosures?

03/13/2009
Central Coast Real Estate

Buyers often wonder if it it is preferable to be pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage loan before shopping for a home. At a minimum, I require buyers to get pre-qualified before they begin looking for a home, because otherwise they are truly taking a stab in the dark. However, a pre-approval is preferable, especially if your income and credit situation is complex. A pre-qualification is a rough estimate of what you will qualify for, the bank is making only a tenatative statement about the loan you would qualify for if everything stacks up the way you think it will.