Vandenberg AFB Homes, Author at Vandenberg AFB Homes

The Santa Maria Real Estate Market is Hot!

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

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

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

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

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?

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.

Can I Buy A Home for $25,000 in Santa Maria, CA?

You would be surprised how many times I am asked this question with amounts varying from as little as $5000 to $50,000. And my answer to that is an easy no. I even had someone ask me about an $81,000 home in Foxenwood Estates! When I ask these potential buyers where they are getting this type of information, they point to the various foreclosure related websites. After sampling a few, for properties that are in pre-foreclosure (i.e. a Notice of Default has been filed) the amount of the payments that are in arrears, or the amount of the second loan owing on the property shows up as the list price, when in fact the home may not even be listed with a broker.

Hidden Pines Santa Maria, CA Gated Community

Hidden Pines is a lovely little gated community located in northwest Santa Maria. It boasts a private park and streets, and borders the Santa Maria Riverbed walking trail. The homes were built approximately 15 years ago and feature tile roofs and 2 car garages. The development is surrounded by other popular developments, Cherry Blossom Ranch, Essex at Willow Creek, and the gated community of Regency Estates.

Can I find 100% Financing in the Central Coast market?

I get this question all the time forom buyers looking to jump into the market. For the most part, the answer to that is no. There is a program through the USDA that provides 100% financing for rural properties. I'm told by a local lender that this applies to some areas of Guadalupe, and also some areas of Nipomo, but I haven't been able to verify it. There is also the Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan Program which offers 100% financing to qualifying veterans. But unless you have some military service under your belt, you are not eligible. Other than that, right now I don't know of any 100% financing program available to buyers.

Where can I rent a movie in Santa Maria CA?

Since Blockbuster closed its doors, many people are wondering where they can rent a movie in south Santa Maria. I for none did not mourn the loss of Blockbuster. I still remember my favorite little video rental shops being put out of business, and more importantly the late fees! I believe Hollywood Video is still open -- although I haven't travelled up to the north end to verify it. Besides that, IMO it always felt more like a gaming shop than a movie rental place. I use Netflix, but we all know that the occasion arises when we want a particular movie right NOW