Monthly Archives: March 2009

Are Santa Maria & Lompoc Condos Good Investment Properties?

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

Prices of many condos are finally well beneath $100,000 in Santa Maria and Lompoc, which make some condos a good option for investors even with the added expense of a monthly condo fee. There have been some 2 bedroom condos listed as low as $59,000. If you compare a home in the local area that you can purchase for $100,000, you would be looking at a much older home or a smaller cottage with limited rental value and appeal. Everything on the exterior of the home is typically covered by the condo association, cutting down on the responsibility for landlords. Continue reading →

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Best Sushi Restaurants in Santa Maria CA

Posted on March 26, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

I know the Santa Maria Sun publishes a list of local favorites every year, but because I LOVE sushi so much, I feel qualified to publish my own list of favorite sushi restaurants in Santa Maria. If I were going on a business lunch or going out to dinner I would probably go to Ichiban (805) 614-9808 at 2011 S Broadway (next to Family Health & Fitness) great authentic food, private booths and sushi bar seating available. Continue reading →

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Is it me or are Santa Maria CA Short Sales getting easier?

Posted on March 25, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

Are Santa Maria CA short sales getting a little easier? Maybe I’m on a high because I just received a short sale approval the other day, and I’m in escrow on another approved short sale that will close in less than 30 days. But, it seems like more and more short sales are being approved every day. A buyer of mine received an approval on another short sale they bid on this month, and lately I’m noticed an increase in the amount of “approved” short sales on the market. Continue reading →

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The Las Brisas Community in Orcutt CA

Posted on March 24, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

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. Continue reading →

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Central Coast Investor Tip — 20% Down Payment Required

Posted on March 22, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

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. Continue reading →

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The Santa Maria Real Estate Market is Hot!

Posted on March 21, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

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. Continue reading →

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

Posted on March 20, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

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: Continue reading →

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Lining up for Lompoc CA Foreclosures

Posted on March 19, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

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 Continue reading →

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What not to do when selling your Santa Maria CA home

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

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. Continue reading →

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Trader Joe’s Set to Open in Santa Maria CA

Posted on March 15, 2009 by Tni LeBlanc, JD, MA, CDPE, REALTOR®

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. Continue reading →

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