2010 - Page 11 of 14 - Santa Maria CA Real Estate Blog & Information, REALTOR® Selling Santa Maria CA Homes

2009 Los Alamos CA Real Estate and Foreclosure Market Update

02/06/2010
Los Alamos / Tepusquet

There were 16 sales in Los Alamos, CA in 2009. Compared to last year, sales are down from the 20 homes that were sold in 2008. Overall average prices are also down from 2008, when the average sale price was $417,000. In 2009, the average sales price was $353,000 with 117 days on market at $208 per square foot. Days on market are also up as the 2008 average days on market was 95.

What is the City of Santa Maria California Best Known For?

02/05/2010
Local Interests / Events

Let's see, if I had to say three things that Santa Maria was known for it would be strawberries, tri-tip barbeque, and now its wine country. Strawberries are honored at the yearly Strawberry Festival. And although the number of strawberry stands has decreased over the years, you can still get some of the best strawberries in the country from Santa Maria fields.

How Many Houses Are for Sale in Santa Maria CA Right Now?

02/04/2010
Buyer Info, Santa Maria

How many houses are for sale in Santa Maria right now? I get this question all the time. To many buyers, it feels as if there are no houses for sale. When I surveyed the MLS this morning, there were 163 houses listed for sale in the Santa Maria and Orcutt CA area. Of those 163 homes, 29 were foreclosures (REOs) and 45 were short sales.

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

02/03/2010
Buyer Info, Santa Maria

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.

Failed Loan Modification? A Short Sale May Help You To Avoid Foreclosure

02/02/2010
Seller Info

Every week I speak to local homeowners who are frustrated with the process of obtaining a loan modification. I know there are a lot of people out there that claim they can guarantee results, etc. However, I am doubtful of those claims. And in my experience, whether you will get a loan modification depends mainly on who your lender is (servicer) and who the investors are behind the loan. Since you already have the loan and are in a bind, you can't do anything about who your lender is, what you have is what you have. I have spoken to homeowners who have spent 15 months working through the system only to be rejected for the second or third time.

FHA Loan Changes Impact First Time Home Buyers

02/01/2010
Buyer Info

First time buyers using FHA financing should be aware that the FHA recent announced policy changes that will increase the cost of FHA financing. Soon, the Mortgage Insurance Premium that is required on low down payment FHA loans will increase from 1.75% to 2.25%. This will result in an increase in over all loan cost and also a slight increase in the monthly payment FHA borrowers will see.

2009 Pismo Beach Real Estate and Foreclosure Market Update

01/31/2010
Central Coast Real Estate

Trying to beat the heat? Looking for a vacation home in Pismo Beach CA? It may be the right time to pick up a beach getaway on the central coast. The number of homes reported sold in Pismo Beach in 2009 was down 14% compared to 2008, and the average sales prices is also down 10%. The number of foreclosure sales (REOs) tripled from the previous year. In 2008, there were only 4 REO sales in Pismo Beach, and in 2009 there were 12 foreclosure sales.

Friday Night at the Elks Lodge in Santa Maria, CA

01/30/2010
Local Interests / Events

I spent last night at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge on Bradley Road. And even though, I've lived in Santa Maria for years and been to the Elks many times, I've never been a member nor have I attended on Friday night when attendance is open to the general public. The Elks are responsible for the local Elks Rodeo and Parade which are a tradition in Santa Maria.