Vandenberg AFB Homes, Author at Vandenberg AFB Homes

Pacific Crest Development, Santa Maria Homes Update

December 25, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Santa Maria

Built by a local developer, Inland Pacific Builders, Pacific Crest is conveniently located on the south end of Santa Maria and a short 20 minute commute to the main gate of Vandenberg AFB. The Pacific Crest homes were constructed beginning about 2005, and the last few homes are still being sold by the developer. The floorplans are some of my favorites built in Santa Maria, with circular interior entries, spacious kitchens, and luxurious master suite options.

Santa Maria CA & Lompoc CA Foreclosure Buyers Can Choose Local Escrow Companies

December 9, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Central Coast Real Estate, Foreclosure / Bank Owned (REO) Info, Santa Maria

Finally! Those of you who read my blog recall my recent blog post on buying a foreclosure and not receiving your keys until the day after it closes. It appears that the Claifornia legislature has take a stab at the heart of the problem, which was the fact that buyers were not allwoed to pick their own excrow companies in these transactions. Banks would hire title and escrow companies to complete their foreclosure proceeding and when they turned around to sell the property as an REO, they would compel the buye to use that same title/escrow company to complete the purchase.

Lake Marie Estates, Orcutt Luxury & Executive Homes Update

Lake Marie Estates is a secluded enclave of executive and luxury homes in Orcutt, located east of Highway 101, off the Clark Avenue exit. When exiting 101 on Clark, instead of heading west toward downtown and Old Town Orcutt, head east toward the vineyards and wineries. Lake Marie offers a truly rural setting that is just minutes away from shopping and other conveniences.

Orcutt Luxury Home Update, Foxenwood Estates

November 30, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Santa Maria

The upscale Foxenwood neighborhood is popular with buyers due to its location, which is directly adjacent to Old Orcutt, and its proximity to Vandenberg AFB (15 minute drive to the main gate). The location of the development is off the beaten path, yet close enough to enjoy the amenities of downtown Orcutt. The Foxenwood neighborhood is bordered by other prestige areas such as Lorraine Estates, Deerfield Estates, and the new developement of Old Mill.

Santa Maria & Lompoc Buyers Betting on Appraisals to Save Them From Bidding Wars

November 20, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Buyer Info, Central Coast Real Estate, Foreclosure / Bank Owned (REO) Info, Lompoc / Vandenberg Village, Santa Maria

There is intense competition for homes in the Santa Maria and Lompoc markets, especially for homes priced under $300,000. There simply aren't enough homes for interested buyers. It is not unusual when competing for a home to go up against 12 - 15 other buyers. And, some are pulling no punches when it comes to asking price.

The Edgewood Homes in Orcutt, CA, Market Update

November 15, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Santa Maria

The Edgewood Homes in Orcutt are a delightful collection of one and two story homes just west of Bradley Road and north of Union Valley Parkway, adjacent to the Oak Knoll neighborhood and St. Joseph High School. These homes are about a 20 minute drive to Vandenberg AFB. They were built in the mid to late 1980's and range in size from 1300 sq. ft. to 1800 sq. ft. The development includes a private park that is gated and for the use of residents only.

CAR HAF Announces the Mortgage Protection Program

The California Association of Realtors has announced the creation of a Mortgage Protection Plan for first time home buyers. This program was developed to give first time buyers some incentive to buy homes in an uncertain economy. Although buyers don't seem as if they need any further incentive to buy right now, with bidding wars and multiple offers the usual situation in the Santa Maria and Lompoc markets, when this program was conceived buyers were very hesitant to enter the housing market.

Short Sale Seller Tip – Purchase Price Still Matters

September 15, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Santa Maria, Seller Info, Short Sale Info

In a short sale, the seller asks the bank to allow a sale even though they owe more on the mortgage than the property is worth. Accordingly, the seller is not permitted to take any proceeds from a short sale. In a "normal" sale, sellers have a vested interest in getting the highest price for their home. A higher offer means a bigger net for the seller.

Cal STRS Home Loan Program for Santa Maria & Lompoc Teachers

August 30, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Buyer Info, Central Coast Real Estate, Lompoc / Vandenberg Village, Santa Maria

Local teachers in Santa Maria & Lompoc may be eligible for the home ownership loan programs available through the California State Teachers Retirement Program ("Cal STRS'). Eligible participants can apply for several different loan options which can increase borrowing power and lower down payment requirements. Currently, Cal STRS offers a zero down option using a two loan 95% and 5% structure, as well as a low down option using a two loan 80% and 17% structure

Are Short Sales Never Ending Bidding Wars for Buyers?

Are short sales never ending bidding wars? Yes, they can be. In general, short sales are some of the most frustrating transactions for sellers and buyers. And, it is almost inevitable in this market that buyers will consider a short sale while looking for a new home. The market is simply loaded with short sales, and sometimes they sit there for months awaiting bank approval. So while buyers wait for the next bank owned listing to pop on th market, they tend to hash and rehash the short sale inventory.