Castro Valley, CA

Castro Valley, CA is ripe for the picking when it comes to first-time home buyers. Whether you are single or married, have children or do not, this diverse community is a great place to live.

It’s packed with wonderful schools, friendly people, and perhaps my favorite part is that the city is mostly unincorporated. That means that you will find more “mom and pop” style businesses versus large, national franchises, and also that taxes are less expensive than other areas. That’s not to say that first-time home buyers who love to shop should rule out Castro Valley as an option. A quick trip down Highway 580 will lead you right to the Pleasanton Stoneridge shopping Mall! The blend of local businesses and convenient chains, make this area an ideal community for first-time home buyers.

Most of the area is built on hills, providing sweeping panoramic views. Many homes are smaller and older, but can offer an opportunity for first-time home buyers to purchase something all their own. Charming older homes abound in the area between Somerset Avenue and Seven Hills Road.

For those first-time home buyers interested in a newer home, communities like Five Canyons, Palomores, Briar Ridge and Columbia are all worth considering. There are a variety of community amenities that are perfect for first-time home buyers too, including a new performing arts center and library that is in walking distance to the BART station.

Another aspect that makes the area perfect for first-time home buyers is nearby Lake Cabot and Anthony Cabot Regional Park. The man-made lake was formed by the damming of the San Leandro Creek. Both Lake Cabot and Anthony Cabot Regional Park offer a variety of activities for visitors including camping, hiking, equestrian trails, bike trails, picnicking, golf, fishing, boat rentals, a marina and restaurant.

Many first-time home buyers praise Castro Valley, CA for its small town feel with a close proximity to the city. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all, but never be too far away from the conveniences they have come to love.

If you’re a first-time home buyer who is searching for the perfect Castro Valley, CA home, I would love to help you find the home of your dreams!

Good Morning VA Real Estate World!

It seems with all the Short Sales and bank owned homes on the market today, it is hard to find a VA Approved home for my buyers. I list and sale in Northern California and it is like pulling teeth to help my clients fullful this criteria for our veterans. They have fullfullled a need to help support and protect our country, yet the banks find it nothing within their means to pay for an inspection or pay for necessary repairs to support the VA Loans.

Something must be wrong with our system! Aren't the banks back by governement money? Isn't the government backed by our military? I am just making an observation here! Anyone on the same page as me?

I have 4 VA buyers that have served on our behalf.... what are we to do to serve them for their service? Bank owned distressed homes that they won't upgrade to "Liveable" status.

In light of this.... let's pull together and offer what listings we have that meet the VA Requirements to help our Vets use the tools promised to them when enlisting. This simple means a Section 1 Clearance. Most regualr sellers in today's market are stepping up to the plate, it's just that there are far and few of them!

4315 Redwood Heights

Castro Valley, Ca

Listed at $524,900

For More Information

http://youtu.be/HJZbFUzhs9E

PLEASE CONTACT: Kimmoore@comcast.net

GOOD NEWS FOR CASTRO VALLEY HOME BUYERS

GOOD NEWS FOR CASTRO VALLEY HOME BUYERS The Median Sold Price for three bedroom homes in Castro Valley is at the lowest level since 2004. According to Clarius Market Metrics data the medium sold price for three bedroom homes is about $380,000.00. Essentially, that means that half of three bedrooms sold for less than $380,000 and half sold for more than that amount.

The number of three bedroom properties on the market now is about 160. This is the perfect time for Castro Valley buyers to buy a three bedroom home. Buyers: Prices are low, the inventory is good and rates are still low. This is the time to buy.

What products are there for investors? The FHA 203k loan is an Owner Occupied product for the time being. Once there were investors allowed but they tended to abuse the system. Many of the non-profit entities were also riddled with fraud so there are only a handful of potential lenders who will even touch a non-profit right now. I know of three that come to mind right away but most of the other ones have fallen by the wayside.

I’ve been to many and I do mean “many” investor group meetings… you probably have one in your city… just search for “REIA” – Real Estate Investment Associations and you may be shocked to see how many exist but for sure you will be amazed.

If you have a shortage of listings in your area just visit one of these groups and ask for the “wholesalers” and you can pick up some listings or properties for your investor clients. I had a lender tell me he had over 100 qualified buyers in his area and there weren’t any listings or homes available for them… I made a call to a Realtor friend of mine to be sadly surprised with “yes, there are no listings”. I then called an investor acquaintance that I had met a few nights before and was told he personally had 120 homes for sale in that area. This is like “you can’t see the forest because the trees are in your way”. What is that all about? By the way, they still don’t get it. I don’t have time to carry you to a meeting people. Just go, you will profit from the visit if you interact… or sit there and you could have saved yourself a trip…

Note: previous month’s numbers are in parentheses.

Castro Valley, CA homes for sale that sold November 1^st through 15th, 2010

• Foreclosures Sold – 3
• Short Sales Sold – 3
• Total homes sold - 15

Castro Valley, CA homes pending November 1^st through 15th, 2010

• Foreclosures Pending – 7
• Short Sales Pending – 5
• Total homes Pending- 22

Castro Valley, CA homes for sale as of November 15th

• Total single family homes for sale in Castro Valley, CA: 166 (120)
• Foreclosed/bank-owned homes (REOs) for sale in Castro Valley, CA: 22 (23)
• Short Sale homes for sale in Castro Valley, CA: (40) 36

Total inventory has increased significantly, not typical as we come into the holiday season. The good news, is that the foreclosure and short sale listings make up 37% as compared to 49% last month, of the current homes for sale in Castro Valley, CA.