Santa Maria Archives | Page 20 of 27

2009 Orcutt CA Real Estate & Foreclosure Market Update

January 29, 2010
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Foreclosure / Bank Owned (REO) Info, Santa Maria

There were a total of 509 homes and condos sold in 2009 in the Orcutt area. Included in these figures are homes in the 93455 zip code which includes some homes and condos in Santa Maria that are south of Betteravia. 439 of the sales were single family homes and 70 were condos/PUDs. The average list price was $339,181, and the average sales price was $332,989 at $182 per square foot with73 days on market. For condos and PUDs, the average list price was $185,185, and average sales price was $179,203 at $132 per square foot with 89 days on the market.

Can I Buy a Santa Maria Condo with FHA Financing?

Can you buy a condo in today's market with FHA financing? The answer is yes you can, but it is very difficult lately. Fannie Mae enacted guidelines which have impacted the condo market tremendously. These guidelines were meant to encourage owner occupancy and stability in condo associations but in many instances they have ended up penalizing associations not already in conformance with those guidleines and making all but impossible for them to ever conform.

Santa Maria Airport Offers Direct Flight to Las Vegas

January 15, 2010
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Central Coast Real Estate, Local Interests / Events, Santa Maria

Those looking for a quick pleasure trip need look no further than our own Santa Maria airport for transportation to that get away of all get aways, Las Vegas. You don't have to go to Santa Barbara or Los Angeles for a direct flight anymore.

Santa Maria – Orcutt 2009 Real Estate & Foreclosure Market Update

January 14, 2010
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Foreclosure / Bank Owned (REO) Info, Santa Maria, Short Sale Info

1275 single family homes sold in Santa Maria and Orcutt in 2009. This excludes PUDs, condos, and manufactured homes. This figure is slightly higher than the 1230 homes which sold last year. 175 condos and PUDs sold during the same period in 2009; compared to 130 units in 2008. So, overall the number of sales in Santa Maria and Orcutt is up.

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.

Santa Maria and Lompoc First Time Buyers, FHA Loan Info

January 10, 2010
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Buyer Info, Lompoc / Vandenberg Village, Santa Maria

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.

Santa Maria and Lompoc CA Short Sale Seller Tips

January 7, 2010
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Lompoc / Vandenberg Village, Santa Maria, Seller Info, Short Sale Info

Everyone in the Santa Maria and Lompoc housing marlet is talking about short sales these days. They love them, they hate them, they love to hate them, they. . . well you get the picture. There are a lot of opinions on them. One thing is for sure, if you are a short sale seller you should work with an experienced agent and obtain legal and tax advice before entering into a short sale arrangement. Short sales have significant financial, legal, tax, and credit consequences.

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.

Taste for Justice VI – Food, Beer and Wine Tasting to Benefit Legal Aid of Santa Barbara County

Legal Aid's Annual Taste for Justice Wine Tasting Event is coming around again. The event will return to the Loading Dock in Orcutt. Last year, we held it at the Discovery Museum in Santa Maria and it was a blast. We also introduced the first Gourmet Gavel food competition and beer tasting. Both new elements were a huge success and we are going to continue them. Allan Hancock College culinary students will compete and will be judged on a challenge dish they prepare. Local restaurants will provide appetizers, local breweries and wineries will pour, and a live auction will be held. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. The event this year will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2009 from 1pm - 4pm. If you would like to buy a ticket, give me a call at (805) 878-9879 or click here and buy tickets online.

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.