Tag Archives: Santa Maria Ca homes

River Oaks Homes in Santa Maria CA – 1st Quarter 2011 Market Update

River Oaks is a newer subdivision of homes located in northeast Santa Maria. Building began around 2001 and there are at least 5 different floor plans. The subdivision is home to Taylor Elementary School which lies at the center of the development, a man-made lake, and direct access to riverbed adjacent biking and walking trails. There are two one story plans, both are 3 bedroom 2 bath homes which range from about 1400 sq.ft. to 1600 sq.ft.; the two story plans begin at about 1900 sq.ft. and go up to at least 2700 sq. ft., depending on the options the original owner selected. Some of the two story models have 3 car garages, one plan has a downstairs master bedroom, and at least one of the other plans had a downstairs guest bedroom option.

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Santa Maria Homes Report – First Half of 2010

The first half of 2010 has been pretty dramatic with the $8000 federal tax credit extension and the introuction of the $10,000 California new home and first time home buyer credit. Buyers were on a roller coaster with the first two months having moderate activity, then a blaze of acvtivity in March and April followed by low activity in May and June. Overall sales for the 6 month period were high with 553 properties being sold in the Santa Maria Orcutt area. Continue reading

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Can I Buy A Santa Maria CA Short Sale and Still Qualify for the $8000 Tax Credit?

So many of the first time home buyers in the Santa Maria market today are concerned about whether they will qualify for the $8000 tax credit. Short sale purchases can qualify for the credit , so long as the buyer qualifies for the credit in general. (You should check withb your tax professional on this issue). However, because the timelines on short sales are somewhat undetermined, they can fail to close by the deadline for the tax credit. Right now, it is my understanding that in order to qualify a buyer must have a confirmed contract by April 30th. In the case of a short sale purchase, this means the buyer must have a signed contract and bank approval of the short sale in hand in order to qualify for the tax credit. And, the transaction must close by June 30th. Continue reading

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Santa Maria CA Homes and Condos, 2009 Market Report

The average price for a home in Santa Maria and Orcutt edged up only slightly from $250,000 in December 2008 to $252,000 in December 2009, reflecting the fact that the market appears to be stabilizing. Also, the average price for condos has gone up from $120,000 to $168,500. Continue reading

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Santa Maria and Lompoc First Time Buyers, FHA Loan Info

What is an FHA loan? — Essentially a FHA loan is a loan that is guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration. Lenders typically do not want to lend unless on a home unless a buyer has a 20% down payment. If there is less than a 20% down payment, mortgage insurance is required. And, in today’s market unless you have a credit score at least 720 or above you won’t be able to get mortgage insurance. Continue reading

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825 Louisa Terrace in the Classics Homes at Bradley Square in Santa Maria CA

Beautifully maintained home in Bradley Square with loads of light. Built in 2005, 1809 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms plus den, and 2 full baths. Oversized master suite with french door entry, walk in closet, and deluxe tub with jets. Great room plan with vaulted ceilings and gas fireplace with granite surround. Kitchen features granite countertops, tile floors, and all major appliances are included in sale. Continue reading

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The Cambridge Cottages – Santa Maria CA Homes Update

The Cambridge Cottage are a charming little enclave of homes on the south end of Santa Maria in the Bradley Square area. They are distinguishable from the other newer homes in the area by their light colored wood front doors. The design of the development discourages thru traffic and includes a couple cul de sacs. The homes are within walking distance of Fletcher Park, Starbuck’s, Jamba Juice, and the newly opened Panera Bread in Santa Maria. Continue reading

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Arborwalk & Autumn Glen Townhomes – Santa Maria CA Homes Update

The Arborwalk and Autumn Glen townhome communities are newer homes built between 2003 – 2006 and offer an ideal location in south Santa Maria. Both communities are close to shopping, restaurants and other amenities. Arborwalk is a gated community at the intersection of Miller & McCoy, and Autumn Glen is located across from the Crossroads Shopping Center at the intersection of Crossroad Lane & Bradley Rd. Continue reading

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Looking to Buy HUD Homes in Santa Maria or Lompoc CA?

Are you interested in buying a HUD home in Santa Maria, Orcutt, or Lompoc? You can search for HUD homes by clicking here. Also, you need a registered HUD agent to write an offer on a HUD home. I am a registered selling agent with HUD and I can take you for a tour of any local HUD home, explain the bidding process, and write an offer. These homes are generally not listed on the MLS, so the potential for a buyer bargain is tremendous as they receive less exposure. Continue reading

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Does 'Days on Market' Always Tell the Whole Story?

It’s the end of the year and time to begin compiling data and drawing conclusions about what the real estate market was like in Santa Maria and Lompoc this past year. Often, sellers and buyers rely on “days on market” to tell them additional and useful information about the real estate market. However, as with any one statistic, days on market can be an unreliable and misleading indicator of true market conditions. Continue reading

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