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What Not To Do When Looking for a Home on the San Mateo Coast!

Searching for a house on the San Mateo Coast can be an exciting time for those looking to settle down in Half Moon Bay, Montara, Moss Beach, Pacifica, El Granada or any of the other beautiful coastal towns.  You may already have started your search by looking through many of the real estate websites that allow you to run searches or view homes for currently for sale.

Yet, before you get too far into the home buying process, there are a few key things to keep in mind when searching for a home on the San Mateo Coast.  We’ve compiled a quick list of things not to do which will be very beneficial in keeping the home buying process running smoothly.

1. Don’t just pick up the phone, call the number on the sign, and go by yourself- This can not only be unsafe, but  you may waste time viewing homes that don’t fit your what you’re looking for.  Being alone can also make sellers believe that you are not represented and that they’ll have the upper hand when it comes to negotiations.  Always call your San Mateo Coast Real Estate agent to accompany you to a home you’re interested in.

2. Don’t plan somewhere to be directly after your visit- Feeling rushed may not allow you to ask the questions you would like or to sit and talk with your San Mateo Coast Real Estate Agent afterwards. Be sure to plan plenty of time when looking at a house.  You may even decide to go view homes afterwards with your agent, so leaving that time open is important.

3. Avoid taking separate cars on your buyer’s tours
- While you may feel it’s easiest to simply meet up with your agent at the home, you don’t want to continue following behind them if you’re looking at many San Mateo Coastal homes.  Being in the car with your agent will allow you to discuss homes as you drive and will prevent you from getting separated in traffic.

4. Don’t wear lace-up shoes- This may seem like a simple idea, but you’ll want to be able to slip your shoes on and off as in most cases you will be required to do so when viewing a home.

5. Don’t hesitate to look in drawers, cupboards and closets- Of course if you know right away that the home you are viewing is not for you, you don’t have to look much further within the home.  However, if the home looks promising, don’t hesitate to check out cupboard, closet and drawer space.  This could be where you’re going to live, so it’s best to get a good idea of storage space within the home.

6. Hold the trash talk- Most of the time, sellers will not be present, but you want to be careful with what you say if they decided to stick around during the showing.  It’s best to wait until after you’re gone to talk if the seller is present, unless of course you have positive things to say!

7. Don’t think you can offend your Realtor
- Feel free to be completely open with your San Mateo Coast Real Estate agent!  They will not be offended.  It’s not their home and they want to know where you’re coming from in your wants and needs within a home.

If you’ve started searching for a home on the San Mateo Coast, but don’t have a San Mateo Coast Real Estate agent; we’d love to help!  We’ve been working on the San Mateo Coast for years and have enjoyed helping many people find the home that fits their needs.  We’d love to work with you- feel free to contact us anytime!

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

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Monday Morning Market Update November 23, 2009 Wk#46

This weekend the open houses were very well attended once again. Buyers are looking at properties for the second or third time, still trying to make a decision to purchase.  Some buyers have lost a few houses they liked due to waiting too long to make an offer before the house got sold.  A home that sold for $1.9 million 2 years ago, closed for $1.1 million last week.  This will be the time that will be remembered as having some of the best real estate deals.  Inventory is low due to homes taken off the market as the Holiday Season approaches.

Still a Buyers Market – HALF MOON BAY through MONTARA,CALIFORNIA with just under half of the listings listed at over 1 Million. The Million plus price range is finally seeing activity with 20% of sales in that price range.

Active Listings-108 Single Family Homes. 46  listed over $1,00,000, 17 listed under $600,000
Pending Sales-24 with 11 listed under $700,000 and 7 over $1 Million.
121 Homes Closed since January 1, 2009 with  31 that closed under $600,000 and 21 over 1 Million.

PACIFICA, CALIFORNIA
With YTD sales of 214 and active listing at 50, Pacifica continues to be a Seller’s market.

Active Listings-50 Single Family Homes. 10 listed over $900,000, 21 listed under $600,000
Pending Sales-44 with 18 listed under $500,000. 6 new Pendings this week. 3 under $500,000
217 Homes Closed since January 1, 2009 with  82 that closed under $500,000 and 71 between $500,000- $600,000.  No Closings this week

ABSORPTION RATE
Absorption Rate is the number of months it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sales.
6 months supply is a balanced market.
Less than 6 months supply is a Sellers market.
More than 6 months supply is a Buyers market

Monday Morning Market Update October 19, 2009 Wk#42

Still a Buyers Market – HALF MOON BAY through MONTARA,CALIFORNIA with just under half of the listings listed at over 1 Million. The Million plus price range is finally seeing activity.

Active Listings-120 Single Family Homes. 52 listed over 1 Million, 15 listed at $900,000 to 1Million.Pending Sales-41 with 11 listed under $600,000 and 10 listed over 1Million
93 Homes Closed since January 1, 2009 with only 14 that closed over $1,000,000 and 10 between $900,000 and 1 Million.

PACIFICA, CALIFORNIA
With YTD sales of 191 and active listing at 56, Pacifica continues to be a Seller’s market.

Active Listings-56 Single Family Homes. 8 listed at $1,000,000 or higher and 17 listed under $600,000.
Pending Sales-52 Single Family Homes with 20 listed under $500,000 and 15 listed between $500,000 and $600,000. 8 Properties went Sale Pending this week with 3 listed under $500,000
191 Closed Sales since January 1, 2009 with 8 that were listed for over $900,000. 107 sales were from homes listed at $600,000 or less. 4 new sales this week.

ABSORPTION RATE
Absorption Rate is the number of months it takes to sell the current inventory at the present rate of sales.
6 months supply is a balanced market.
Less than 6 months supply is a Sellers market.
More than 6 months supply is a Buyers market