Santa Maria CA condos Archives | Page 2 of 3

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.

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.

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.

Another Twist to REO Contracts in the Santa Maria CA Market

May 17, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Foreclosure / Bank Owned (REO) Info, Santa Maria

I just received a counter offer back on a Bank of America property (formerly Countrywide) with a new twist that I haven't seen before in REO contracts. Countrywide officially became Bank of America Home Loans about two weeks ago. I've sold quite a few Countrywide REOs and was used to how they did things. However, it appears that the switch over to Bank of America has changed some things.

The Santa Maria CA Market is Tough on Buyers

Currently, there is intense competition among buyers in the Santa Maria market. If this is a buyer's market, it sure doesn't feel like it anymore. Indeed, with the banks calling almost all the shots in the under $300,000 market (short sales and foreclosures), it certainly feels like a sellers market.

Are Santa Maria & Lompoc Condos Good Investment Properties?

March 31, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Lompoc / Vandenberg Village, Santa Maria

Prices of many condos are finally well beneath $100,000 in Santa Maria and Lompoc, which make some condos a good option for investors even with the added expense of a monthly condo fee. There have been some 2 bedroom condos listed as low as $59,000. If you compare a home in the local area that you can purchase for $100,000, you would be looking at a much older home or a smaller cottage with limited rental value and appeal. Everything on the exterior of the home is typically covered by the condo association, cutting down on the responsibility for landlords.

Bank Owned Bidding Wars in the Santa Maria – Orcutt CA Foreclosure Market

February 17, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Buyer Info, Foreclosure / Bank Owned (REO) Info, Santa Maria

Is it a great time to buy? Yes. Interest rates are at historic lows, Congress just passed an $8000 tax credit for first time buyers, and prices just keep getting better and better. There are plenty of folks who are taking advantage of this opportunity. As such, jumping into the current market for foreclosure properties in Santa Maria - Orcutt CA can be a rude awakening for potential buyers. Currently, there is a lot of competition for foreclosed properties. REOs comprise the majority of sold properties in the Santa Maria and Orcutt housing market.

Santa Maria CA Foreclosure Buyer Alert – $8000 First Time Home Buyer Credit Approved

February 13, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Santa Maria

If you are sitting on the fence about buying, Congress just gave you another reason to jump into the market for foreclosures in Santa Maria, CA. The recently passed stimulus bill modestly increases the first time home buyer credit from $7500 to $8000. But more importantly, buyers now do not have to pay the credit back as long as they stay in the home a minimum of 3 years.

River Oaks Market Update & Santa Maria CA MLS Home Listing Search

February 11, 2009
Vandenberg AFB Homes
Santa Maria

Sold listings were on the market an average of 77 days, were about 1900 sq.ft., and sold for about $155 per square foot. 12 of the 17 sold homes were REOs, 3 were closed short sales, and only two were regular sales. 88% of the sold activity in this neghborhood was forelcosure related; so, like many other developments that were built during the housing boom River Oaks is now overloaded with foreclosures during the housing bust.

Luxury Townhomes in Santa Maria – Orcutt CA – The Villas at La Ventana & Somerset Gardens

Both the Villas at La Ventana and Somerset Gardens townhomes were built by a well respected local builder, Inland Pacific, who is currently finishing the Pacific Crest development in the Westgate Ranch area. The townhome floor plans offered in each community are virtually identical. There are three basic floor plans in each. These upscale townhomes offer no maintenance patios, gas fireplaces, and two car garages. The standard features in these communities were very generous, so even units that were not upgraded with granite countertops and the works still have a very elegant feeling.