Providing ratings from 0 to 100 to determine a neighborhood’s walkability, buyers can decide if the area they are considering is more Car-Dependent, Very Walkable, a Walker’s Paradise, or somewhere in-between. If you are searching for a home, you will also enjoy visiting tools such as Transit Score which helps in calculating the cost of your commute and the even newer Bike Score!

Bike Score was introduced this week in honor of Bike to Work Week and suggests areas that are best suited and not so desirable for bike riding. Considering such issues as hills and bike lanes, along with “road connectivity” and a town’s biking population, communities have been rated using the same type of scoring system, with 70-100 being named Very Bikeable. Topping that list were Minneapolis, Portland, and San Francisco, seen above in the picture to the left.

The goal of Bike Score is to help cities measure and then improve their bicycling ridership. Check it out and see where your town rates by clicking here. If you would like more in-depth information about places where you can walk and ride in our local community, please contact me.

Want to live near the Bay Trail that rings Foster City?  Here’s what’s for sale right now to help you find the, just right home.

Showing properties 1 - 8 of 8. See more city of Foster City real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $899,000 : 1390 Ribbon St, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,860 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,175 sqft

   Year built: 1966
   
2. $949,000 : 261 Loon Ct, Foster City
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,450 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,429 sqft

   Year built: 1966
   
3. $890,000 : 188 Flying Cloud Is, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,120 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,740 sqft

   Year built: 1966
   
4. $1,295,000 : 643 Matsonia Dr, Foster City
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,430 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,612 sqft

   Year built: 1972
   
5. $809,000 : 786 Marlin Av, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,890 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,734 sqft

   Year built: 1967
   
6. $1,288,000 : 602 Bridgeport Ln, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,940 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,560 sqft

   Year built: 1977
   
7. $700,000 : 716 Crane Av, Foster City
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,760 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,700 sqft

   Year built: 1965
   
8. $1,089,000 : 760 Coronado Ln, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,110 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,857 sqft

   Year built: 1977
   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

The majority of those surveyed (at all education and demographic levels) still believe that owning a home is preferable to renting. The study, conducted from over 3,000 interviews, also showed that 64% of the renters surveyed planned on a future home purchase. Most of the survey participants listed high-ranking schools and safety as prime concerns when considering the location of that future home.

About 34% of those interviewed felt that “now” is a very good time to buy a home, but only 5% felt it was very likely that they would be purchasing a home in the next 12 months. The majority of survey participants (53%) felt that the housing market was likely to stay the same in the next year, but nearly all realized that the possibility of rental prices decreasing was unlikely. In fact many of those surveyed recognized the possibility of rental prices increasing, with 43% believing rents would increase and 47% believing they would stay the same. The majority of the respondents listed income, amount of down payment or job security as the largest obstacle to home ownership.
Click here to review the entire survey.

Here’s what’s for sale in San Mateo right now.

Sorry, but we couldn't find any results in the MLS that match the specified search criteria.

Try as they might to create a home that will meet every need and every taste, home builders are aware that it just can’t be done.  As with shoes, versatility lies the in key components; simple design, elegant paint tones, and a combination of shine, style and comfort.

As with your shoe purchase, buying a home requires you to consider what is most important to you and your future plans.

• Open design vs. cozy comfort?
• Modern storage options vs. vintage style?
• Planned, pre-designed landscaping vs. creative gardening?
• Modular vs. eclectic structure?

You should also consider how and who will be using the home.  Should it be tailored to you or is it an investment property?

• Primary residence or vacation home?
• Adults only?  Adults and pets?  Adults, children and pets?  Renters?  College students?
• Will it be used to entertain often and is parking sufficient?  Do you need a guest room?

There are many other questions to be considered before buying so take your time with your home purchase, if you can. Enjoy the journey as you find the home that is the perfect fit for you and your circumstances. And when you find the home that makes you want to click your heels, don’t wait.  Make an offer!  As to shoes?  If the shoe fits… buy it in every color!

Here’s what’s for sale in San Mateo today.

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 37. See more city of San Mateo real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $529,900 : 1759 Cottage Grove Av, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,000 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,250 sqft

   Year built: 1952
   
2. $519,000 : 215 N Kingston St, San Mateo
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,380 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,000 sqft

   Year built: 1948
   
3. $678,000 : 2915 Fernwood St, San Mateo
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,060 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,040 sqft

   Year built: 1951
   
4. $650,000 : 1707 Eleanor Dr, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,400 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,000 sqft

   Year built: 1955
   
5. $639,000 : 3659 San Benito St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,440 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,000 sqft

   Year built: 1951
   
6. $699,000 : 251 N Claremont St, San Mateo
   
   2 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 1,070 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,175 sqft

   Year built: 1937
   
7. $988,000 : 3421 Kettering Ct, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,450 sq ft

   Lot size: 14,500 sqft

   Year built: 1959
   
8. $895,000 : 3129 Monterey St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,500 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,225 sqft

   Year built: 1951
   
9. $998,000 : 601 Maple St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,570 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,432 sqft

   Year built: 1948
   
10. $890,000 : 337 Greenfield Av, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,540 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,200 sqft

    Year built: 1951
    

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

“CLOSING” - Closing refers to the final steps in securing a home purchase.  When a property is sold, it is referred to as “closed.”

“OFFER” - Buyers “offer” a contracted rate on a home for sale. A seller may receive many “offers” and is not required to accept any.  This is why when a home buyer finds their dream home, it is important to get the “offer” in quickly.  Full price “offers” are looked upon favorably, but even “offers” of up to ten percent beneath the asking price may be an acceptable practice, too.   There are several variables to discuss with a knowledgeable Realtor before submitting a low “offer,” however, so do your homework.  Comparing a home to others in the local market and recognizing the length other homes have been listed are helpful to consider prior to submitting or accepting any “offer” in real estate.

“DEPOSIT” - The “deposit” or earnest money pledged with an “offer,” illustrates a commitment from the buyer to the seller.  Generally the “deposit” amount in our area is 3 percent of the home’s purchase price and applies to the final purchase price of the home for sale. This deposit is held “in trust” until the purchase is completed with a local Escrow company. As a potential home buyer, your “deposit” will only be accepted if your “offer” is accepted. Occasionally a home buyer decides not to move forward with the home sale which can result in the loss of the “deposit” unless they have probable cause to remove themselves from the contract.

“CONTINGENCIES” - Contingencies are requirements outlined in the contract that must be fulfilled prior to “closing,” often relating to financing or the house inspection. Contingencies generally last for 17 days, although the time frame depends greatly on market conditions and the contract used.

“CONTRACT” - When a home seller accepts an “offer,”  the “contract” is then created.  A legal and binding document which guarantees the buyer will purchase the property when all contingencies are met. Transaction details are included in the contract, such as the property selling price and description, any important dates and contingency clauses.

“CLOSING STATEMENT” - Required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure accountability of all finances relating to the sale and purchase of a home this is referred to as the HUD-1.  Real estate commission,  escrow  securities and deposits, and any other fees must be outlined in this document. The buyer and seller will each receive a copy of the “Closing Statement” per the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act prior to “closing.”

“CLOSING COSTS” - These are the actual costs of “closing” and include securing title, loans, appraisals, credit reports, inspections,brokers, taxes and document preparation and transfer fees.

Hopefully this tutorial has helped you feel a little more familiar with some of the major real estate terms we use, so that whether you are buying or selling a home, you can feel a bit more at ease.

Finally, a website has come along that aggregates demographic data including census data, and research data to provide a picture of a community.  Take Foster City for instance.  I ran a report on this city and some of the information being provided includes General Lifestyles, Neighborhoods, Schools, and Crime.  The website is PicketReport.com and as someone who has always loved data, this site is cool.  The picture on the left is a heat  map of the demographics in our immediate area.

According to the PicketReport, Foster City is made up of Flourishing Families (affluent middle-aged families and couples earning prosperous incomes and living very comfortable active lifestyles).  Foster City has a high walk-score, high school scores, and almost no crime.  Now, this is a lot of the data I can legally give about Foster City and do, but it also drills down further about the demographics, which is the stuff I can’t legally give.

If you’re a data wonk, and want to know more about the communities around Foster City such as San Mateo, Hillsborough and Burlingame, this will give you the info all in one place.  You will love this site if you are in marketing.  It’s not 100 percent accurate but it does give you an idea of what our communities are all about in one place.  The ask you to sign in but if you register I don’t see any value to you as the end user.  You can get your snap shot of the zip code you’re interested in without registering.

It’s a free service and you can get the information by zip code just keep in mind it isn’t totally perfect.  Then again, almost nothing is perfect, is it?

Here’s what’s for sale in Foster City today.

Showing properties 1 - 8 of 8. See more city of Foster City real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $899,000 : 1390 Ribbon St, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,860 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,175 sqft

   Year built: 1966
   
2. $949,000 : 261 Loon Ct, Foster City
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,450 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,429 sqft

   Year built: 1966
   
3. $890,000 : 188 Flying Cloud Is, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,120 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,740 sqft

   Year built: 1966
   
4. $1,295,000 : 643 Matsonia Dr, Foster City
   
   4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,430 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,612 sqft

   Year built: 1972
   
5. $809,000 : 786 Marlin Av, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,890 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,734 sqft

   Year built: 1967
   
6. $1,288,000 : 602 Bridgeport Ln, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,940 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,560 sqft

   Year built: 1977
   
7. $700,000 : 716 Crane Av, Foster City
   
   4 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,760 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,700 sqft

   Year built: 1965
   
8. $1,089,000 : 760 Coronado Ln, Foster City
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 2,110 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,857 sqft

   Year built: 1977
   

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Things Not to Do When Buying a Home

Here are Ten Things a future Home Buyers Should Never Do Before Closing on a Home.  If you do any one of them, it could cause a huge delay in your closing.  Lenders are very tough on borrowers today and they check and double check your credit and work history prior to lending.  They don’t like surprises and you shouldn’t give them any.

The process is well underway for buying your new home. You’ve made the offer and the sellers have accepted it.  Your escrow has been opened. You’re counting the days until you close escrow and get the keys to start to make the house your home. Your lender pre-approved you and sent your application through underwriting, so buying the house is a sure thing, right?

Not quite. Nothing is certain until the keys are in your hand and the deed is recorded. There are still hurdles to get past before it’s yours, and your actions between now and closing can create headaches, slowdowns and even stop the transaction. Yes, stop the transaction cold.

1. Don’t Make a Major Purchase of ANYTHING without talking to your lender first

You’ve just found out your credit is A+. That’s great news, because a new car would look fantastic in the driveway of your new home. But hang on–if you are depending on a mortgage to move in, you’d better wait until after closing to buy that car.

An increase in your debt to income ratio reduces the amount of monthly income available for your mortgage payment.

If you tack on a higher car payment, the bank might decide you can’t afford the home.

Using cash to purchase the car could also create a problem, since banks consider cash reserves when approving your mortgage. If you must make a major purchase before closing, talk to your loan officer before you do it.

2. Don’t Change Jobs Unless It’s Necessary

Lenders like to see a consistent job history. They didn’t used to be nervous if you changed jobs within the same field, but it’s better to stay put until the house is yours. If you do need to change your job, your escrow will slow down while the lender waits to see four (4) pay stubs to make sure your new income will allow you to still purchase that home.  That slow down could effect not only your seller but others if the seller is buying a new home, too.  The seller could ask you for additional funds because of the delay.  Don’t do it unless it’s absolutely necessary.

3. Don’t Give an Earnest Money Deposit Directly to a For-Sale-By-Owner Seller

Your good faith deposit should go into a trust account. Some for sale by owner sellers don’t understand that funds are not their’s to spend until closing. The only place a trust account should sit is with a Title & Escrow Company.  Escrow Companies are neutral third parties to a purchase and they take their instructions from the buyer and the seller.  They are impartial and if you buy that For-Sale-By-Owner home write your deposit check out in an escrow company’s name only.

I’ve heard many stories about sellers who spent the deposit money prior to closing. When the transactions didn’t take place for valid reasons–such as financing or repair issues, the buyers had to fight for a refund.  That can’t happen when the funds sit in an escrow account.

Find an attorney or escrow company who will hold the deposit for you until closing day and make sure your contract dictates what happens to the funds if the transaction doesn’t close.

4. Don’t Let Your Emotions Take Over

Keep a cool head during the entire home buying process, especially during and after a home inspection. Be realistic. No home is perfect, especially older homes. It’s not unusual for new owners to take care of some repairs themselves. Don’t let the seller’s refusal to do a small repair kill the deal on a home you truly love.  Realors are able to negotiate for things you might not be able to do so ask your agent if some things are possible and let them work on it.

On the other hand, don’t fall so much in love with the house that you’ll buy it no matter what needs to be done–unless you’re sure you can handle it emotionally and financially. Decide what type of repairs you can realistically tackle, then stick with the decision.

5. Don’t Forget to Switch Utilities

That sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to apply for utility service at their new home. Call the utility companies as soon as you have a contract. Find out how many days lead time they need to switch the service, then get back with them when you have a firm closing date.

Don’t forget to discontinue services at your old home.  That doesn’t mean to shut off utilities it means to make sure the new owner’s have their name on the bill from the day of closing forward.  If they haven’t done this call your Agent to help.

6. Don’t Forget to Line Up Your Fire & Hazard Insurance

A no-brainer, right? But it’s another often-forgotten task that buyers scramble to take care of at the last minute. Before closing, your lender will want to see an insurance binder showing you have coverage for the new home. Get it as early as possible so that closing isn’t delayed.  Your Escrow Officer will need the name of your Insurance Agent for her files, too.

In some locations, additional types of insurance coverage might be necessary such as Flood Insurance. Talk to your lender about insurance requirements well before the closing date.

7. Don’t Become Best Friends with the Seller

I’ll get some flack on this one. It’s great to be friendly, but don’t get into too many long discussions with the sellers, because personality conflicts often cloud judgments.

Remember, this is their home. You’re excited about moving in, and if you didn’t like the house you wouldn’t have offered to buy it. But you’ll make changes–everyone does. A casual statement about “ripping up that ugly carpet” might be hurtful enough to keep the seller from negotiating with you about repairs or other issues that crop up.

8. Don’t Panic if the Appraisal Comes in Low

At least not at first. There are some things you (and your agent) can do to correct the problem. Study your options and talk with your agent about the best things to do. Today it’s very difficult for an Appraiser to do his/her job with prices dropping significantly in some areas.  If your appraisal comes in really low, you can ask for a second appraisal from a second person.  Appraising is not done with computers so everyone doing it does it a little differently.  Lenders are also asking for sales comparisons closer to your purchase date and that isn’t always easy to provide today.

9. Don’t Go It Alone

If you’re working with an agent, it’s the agent’s duty to track many of the day to day details that involve the lender, the seller, or the seller’s agent. Be sure your agent schedules a final walk-through just before closing. At this final walk-through make sure everything is the same as it was when you made your offer.  It is the Seller’s responsibility to keep their home the same all during the escrow period.  If it isn’t, this is the time to find out, not after you own it.

Should you find additional problems during this walk-through, it’s not too late for additional inspections and negotiation with the seller.

10. Don’t Ignore Lender Requirements

Know what is expected of you and take care of it. For instance, a Certificate of Eligibility is required to move forward on a VA loan. That’s something you must handle yourself. Answer your lender questions and make sure that you provide required paperwork as quickly as possible–moving into your new home depends on it.

Your lender will call your employer to verify your employment.  They are likely to do this several times so don’t be surprised.  The lender talks with HR if you work in a large company or with your boss if it’s a small company.  The lenders do this to make sure you are still employed before giving you your loan.  They expect you to be able to pay them back and being employed is a large part of this.

If you follow these 10 things during your escrow period, you’ll get those keys and own your new home without any hiccups.

1. Types of homes. Choose the type of home that is the most appealing yet practical for you. In addition to single family homes, there are townhouses, multi-family homes and condominiums. Multi-family homes are often good for first time home buying because they can have rental income to help with their mortgage.

2. Budget and investment considerations. Find a balance between your needs and wants and your budget. Decide whether you should buy older home or a “fixer-upper”. In our area there are very few newly constructed homes to select from.  If you know you will sell your home in the future, the following are best for re-sell value:

• Homes with 3 or more bedrooms; condos with 2 or more
• Homes with “curb appeal” always sell best
• Homes that are NOT unusual or unique and not the most expensive on the block
• Homes in top school districts

3. While house-hunting you will probably look at many homes for sale, so keep careful and complete notes and compare.

4. When you finally find your dream home, don’t hesitate! If you snooze, you may lose!

1. Decorate your home festively, but don’t go overboard and cover up important features. Also, put treats out for buyers and crank up the heat for a cozy winter escape.
2. Post top-quality photos and videos of your house on the web. Many buyers do their shopping from the warmth of their homes when the weather is bitter.
3. Make sure your curb appeal is striking! Keep fallen leaves raked and neatly groomed.
4. Get yourself a reliable real estate agent and seek out serious buyers such as work re-locators.
5. As always, price to sell!!

Don’t confuse appraisals with inspections! An appraisal is for a lender to estimate the value of the home, and to make sure it meets minimum FHA standards. The FHA does NOT guarantee the value or condition of your would-be new home. If you find problems with your home after closing, don’t expect the FHA to help. It’s your responsibility to inspect the home for problems before closing.

Although radon gas isn’t a problem in San Mateo County,  testing is recommended for all houses by the EPA and the Surgeon General of the United States. For more information on radon testing, call the National Radon Information Line at 1-800-SOS-RADON, or 1-800-767-7236.

In our area, inspections are generally done before the sale by the seller.  If they don’t do this then you will need to do this after ratifying a contract and having an inspection clause signed as a contingency of sale.   By doing this, your contract will require that the completion of the home sale depends on the inspection.

The good news is that BMR units, that’s Below Market Rate units are included in this program!  This condo property is really beautiful and the condos are done with all of the bells and whistles you’d hope to find in a high-end property.  They’re close to the transit hub in Millbrae for CalTrain or BART commutes.

Here are the Rules.

1.  If you intend to buy a unit you need to download an application for this program here.

2. Be Pre-Approved for a loan before you apply for this program but make sure your lender is aware of this program and has seen the application.

3. Go to 151 El Camino Real in Millbrae and pick your new home.

4.  Sign the contract for the purchase.  If you need a Realtor to represent your interests, and I suggest you have one, call us.

5. You also must bring your application, which has been filled out in full, along with you when you’re ready to buy your new condo.  Make sure you have made a copy of it to give to your lender.

6. Once you’ve been approved by your lender, you must notify Belamor Millbrae Paradise that the loan underwriter has approved you so they can proceed with the paperwork with the City of Millbrae.  The City will deposit $15,000 into your escrow account.  You will not be able to choose the title and escrow company for your purchase so be prepared to work with the company Belamor Millbrae Paradise has selected.

7.  Once you have signed all paperwork at the Title company, and have been notified that you are on record with the County of San Mateo as the home owner you then go to the sales office of Belamor Millbrae Paradise to get your keys and a home warranty.

This really is the first home assistance program I’ve seen in several years.  Don’t expect the offer to last long.  Once the amount of money Millbrae has set aside for it is used up, you’ll be out of luck.

If you need help with this contact us.