Classifieds: Real Estate -- MercuryNews.com
Classifieds: Real Estate -- MercuryNews.com
Threat of foreclosure on rise in Bay Area
More Bay Area homeowners fell behind in their mortgage payments in the first three months of 2006, and statewide the number of homeowners in default rose to its highest level in more than two years.
Default notices for California homeowners rose in first quarter
The number of California homeowners who received mortgage default notices increased in the first quarter to the highest level in more than two years, a real estate research firm said Tuesday.
Developers building values into community
The survey went to thousands of people who'd called a number on highway billboards announcing a new planned community. It asked predictable marketing questions, such as whether people wanted ballfields or trails. Then came a section titled ``values'' that asked people to check the box that ``comes closest to how you feel most of the time'' in response to various statements.
Hanging on can outfox a cyclical market
Anybody thinking about buying or selling a house this spring probably is asking the same questions: In terms of historical real estate cycles, is this a smart time for me to be in the market?
Real estate can be tricky, especially buying raw land
Q I hope you can answer a question for me. My wife and I purchased an undeveloped lot in 2003 for $350,000. It was the last lot in an upscale subdivision and our intention was to build on it and then flip it, after living in it a few years, so we could take advantage of the $500,000 capital gains break.
360-degree views, rodeo ring, barn and corrals
WHAT: Ranch house built in 1966 on 13 acres; 1,200-foot elevation; 3,447-square-foot main house; four bedrooms, four baths, separate annex; 360-degree views; sports court, pool, spa; 2,116 square feet of redwood decks; 12-car garage.
Samuel-Novarro house up for sale in Los Feliz
Its role as home to film stars has spanned decades. Now the distinctive Los Feliz house is on the market for $3.1 million. Christina Ricci, the current owner, bought it after Diane Keaton, and Keaton took her cue in the 1990s from matinee idol Ramon Novarro, who purchased the house shortly after it was built in 1928.
Home buyers
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. at 3535 Pruneridge Ave., Santa Clara. RSVP to Sandykb@c21rfp.com or (408) 205-4423. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. at 452 E. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale. RSVP to jim@mcdonaldrealtygroup.com
Housing subsidies on rise for middle class
The high cost of housing in Southern California is pressing employers to offer subsidies or other housing assistance to an unlikely constituency: middle-class workers.
Real estate transactions: Santa Clara County
$3,025,000: 15234 Via Pinto, Monte Sereno, 5 BR, 3683 SF, buyer D. Herman, seller Scheerder Trust. Last sale: 1997; $1,385,000 $2,970,000: 24877 Olive Tree Lane, Los Altos Hills, 4 BR, 5082 SF, buyer J. Heel, seller A. & S. Stabenow. Last sale: 1985; $945,000
Home sales, published April 29
Real estate sales information is from public county records listed three to four weeks ago and provided by California REsource. Listings change weekly. CalREsource records the information after the close of escrow. Sales prices are estimates based upon the applicable county transfer tax. All inquiries should be e-mailed to calresource@aol.com.
What can you afford?
Morghan and Matt Ready followed what mortgage brokers say is a typical pattern for first-time buyers: They had a vague idea of what they could afford but didn't know until after they started house-hunting exactly what they'd be paying each month.
BUYING, SELLING WITH LOW STRESS
PAGE 3D MANAGING MONEY WHILE BUYING PAGE 8D LOAN APPLICATION DOS AND DON'TS PAGE 11D AUDIO: SUE MCCALLISTER on THE CHANGING MARKET
WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU BUY
Experts' tips for staying financially healthy once you buy a home: Don't buy high-priced items on credit before closing your home purchase; you might lose your loan or have to pay a higher interest rate.
HOA HOMEWORK
Buying into a homeowners association can be a daunting experience, but it will be easier if you do your homework. Here are some of the many things you should check out:
