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Why Has the US Post Office Disenfranchised Foster City?

lenorewilkas — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:06:24 +0000

According the the 2010 Census there are 30,567 residents living in Foster City. Foster City doesn’t even have it’s own zip code, making it the largest city in San Mateo County without its own zip code. Why then does the US Post Office no longer wish to deliver mail through the post office in Foster City when there are that many residents there? Why did someone arbitrarily decide that a city of this size doesn’t matter and in order to save money this city would be reduced to a town the size of, say Hillsborough, with only 9200 people and no post office?

If you live in Foster City you know your City doesn’t show up as Foster City in many web sites when you go to order products online. You input 94404 and up pops San Mateo. We don’t live in San Mateo, we live in Foster City. Sure we’re 1/3 the size of our sister city but we are own municipality and when other cities within this county, with smaller populations, have their own Zip Code and Post Office, we’re being treated like third-class citizens.

Do you realize that you now must must go to San Mateo to do any postal business with the exception of mailing out packages? All mail is now going out of the Delaware Street post office in San Mateo for Foster City mail, making more work for the workers there so they don’t have time in the day to deliver our mail as regularly as it used to be delivered. The local Foster City delivery people have been “repurposed”. Expect to stand in long lines at the San Mateo post office if you hold your mail when you travel. Plan on hours and hours of delay.

If you’re finding that your mail deliveries have been coming at different hours of the day, or on some days, not coming at all, this is the reason. Sure the US Postal Service is having financial difficulties and they need to streamline processes but is this the way to do it? How many other cities in San Mateo County no longer have post offices providing full services? How many other cities of the same size as Foster City do not have their own Zip Code?

If you live in Foster City and want things to change you need to contact Jackie Speier’s office and tell her how you feel about this. Contact her by email or phone: (650) 342-0300. It’s also time for the City Counsel of Foster City to demand some changes. Are you as mad as I am? If you are, let’s do something about this!

The Harvest Festival November 11-13: San Mateo CA

lenorewilkas — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:54:39 +0000

The Harvest Festival is coming to town! If you love buying hand made holiday gifts this is the place for you. It’s going to be held at the San Mateo Events Center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 11 through 13. Can’t get there this weekend? Well you’re in luck because it’s going to also be held in San Jose Thanksgiving weekend at the San Jose Convention Center, November 25th through 27th.

This is a great family outing. The 2011 San Mateo Harvest Festival is helping the Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA by donating half of the shopping bag proceeds and all of the parcel check proceeds to this non-profit helping animals in San Mateo County. There are free drawings for an iPad 2 and handmade quilt that will take place at the conclusion of all of the Harvest Festival events taking place around California. The quilt is seen on the left.

The 2011 San Jose Harvest Festival is helping the Humane Society Silicon Valley with the same proceeds. If you’re a pet lover this is a no-brainer.

The Harvest Festival is a shop to you drop event with over 24,000 handmade arts and crafts. You can find art, toys, jewelry, photography and more. But that’s not all, there’s entertainment throughout the weekend and fun activities for the family from learning how to decorate a gingerbread house to making jewelry. It’s a full day of fun and activities.

The San Francisco Firefighters will be on-sight holding a toy drive and if you bring an unwrapped toy for donation you get $2 off your admission to the Festival in San Mateo. And anyone who brings an unwrapped toy, book or non-perishable food donation to the San Jose event will receive a $2 discount on admission and this is sponsored by the AT&T Pioneers, a group of retirees from AT&T.

Want to go? I have 5 pairs of free tickets to the first 5 people to answer these questions correctly.

1. When is this event taking place?

2. Where is it taking place?

3. How many gift items will be available for purchase?

Answer these questions in the comments section with a real email address attached so I can reach you and you’ve won a pair of ticket to either event. So get back to me now. First come. First won.

Shop to you drop!

Earthquake Safety is on my Mind: Foster City CA

lenorewilkas — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:34:16 +0000

It’s hard to believe that it was 20 years ago when Loma Prieta struck its fist above the earth and caused many deaths, fires, and fear throughout the region. Anyone who lived through it can tell you exactly what they were doing when it hit. It’s the last time our two baseball teams were in the World Series together, too. Perhaps we should keep that in mind when wishing for another Bay Bridge World Series!

This is a good time to remind you about earthquake safety. If you think this subject isn’t worth your time reading about, let me show you what can happen with a severe quake, the kind they’re anticipating again in the Bay Area. Much of this area is subject to liquefaction so pay attention. This kind of damage happens in an instant and we may, once again, be without power for a while so it’s important to have a safety kit handy.

The apartment building shown here, courtesy of the Merced Sun Star, was once 3 stories high with garage space under the first floor. A typical building found throughout San Francisco even today. Fire, collapse, and devastation were what was left.

How can you prevent this? You can’t. If you want to live in the Bay Area, this is Earthquake Country. In fact, the entire west coast is earthquake prone so there’s really no place to go to avoid it if you want to live here.

I’ve certainly written about earthquakes over the year, always around anniversary times either in April or October. Here’s something to help you with pet safety and here’s something on what to do to protect yourself and your family for the few days after the quake. And, whether you should buy earthquake insurance. I’ve written about the Great Quake of 1906 in San Francisco, too. It’s a subject near and dear to my heart, so please take note I’m serious about this subject

This subject is serious business and one that you should not ignore. Get some simple supplies in a large container and make sure that container is easy to reach, just in case your home collapses during the quake. Inside that box should be the following:

Fresh water (enough for 3 days)
Food that doesn’t require refrigeration or heat
Canned juices
Dried foods and milk if you have children
Food bars – protein bars are the best
Toilet paper
Paper Towels
Tissues
A First Aide Kit
Blankets
Pet food if you have pets
Emergency blankets
Can opener (manual)
Emergency radio – either wind up or one that requires batteries and if you use batteries make sure they’re fresh
Flash lights
Matches
Rubber gloves
Sanitizing wipes
Dust masks
A roll of Plastic sheeting or a small tent
Duct tape
Electrical tape
Pet containers nearby for your pet’s safety
Gas wrench for turning off your gas line should you smell gas. DO NOT do this unless you smell gas because it will take PG&E a while to turn it back on if you didn’t need to do this.

You can make this kit or buy it. eHow has instructions here. There are many companies who sell them at fairly reasonable price. Google earthquake safety kits and you’ll see many options. What ever you do, rotate your supplies frequently. Rotate the food and water and batteries every few months. Have cash handy since ATM’s will likely not be working and cash will be king during an emergency. If you can afford it, stow $100 somewhere that you can reach easily.

It’s also a good idea to stow an extra pair of shoes and warm jackets in the truck of your car along with a smaller version of the kit. We never know what time of day, or night, a quake can strike and it’s important to be able to survive. Keep a blanket in your car, too.

Have a safety plan in place for your family if you are not together when it happens. Who will be the telephone point person that everyone can check in with? Make that person someone who doesn’t live locally. Be sure to have some kind of charger for your cell phones, too. Phones will be down and if you only use a cell phone text people your where abouts.

Anniversaries of events are always good reminders for taking precautions. If you’re new to the Bay Area ask any one you know who was here in 1989 about the quake and you’ll hear many stories and do ask if they sustained damage to their home. Take some time to lay out a game plan and you will likely be just fine. It’s generally not the original quake that gets you, it’s all of the after shocks. These two houses were in the Santa Cruz area, closest to the epicenter where much damage occurred.

: Courtesy of KPIX-TV CBS5

AP Photo San Francisco Chronicle, John O'Hara

Market Report – San Mateo CA – 10.05.2011 Single Family Homes

lenorewilkas — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:41:26 +0000

San Mateo is the second largest city in San Mateo County, and as such is quite diverse. There is housing at entry level prices and housing at executive level pricing which is the same as one might pay to live in Hillsborough or Burlingame. There are 91,601 on people in San Mateo according to the 2010 census and lots of housing to select from.

San Mateo sits right between San Francisco and San Jose making it the perfect commuter location for couples working in opposite communities. It’s near 101 and 280, 92 takes you to the coast or across the bay to Hayward and beyond. Weather that’s temperate and a community that offers much to be desired. Take a look at what San Mateo offers.

Here’s the latest market report for single family housing. I’ll present the report for condos and townhouses separately.

90-day stats for Single Family properties in SAN MATEO, CA as of February 3, 2012
Median List Price:	$613,630	Average List Price:	$720,232
Total Inventory:	102	Price per Square Foot:	$431
Average Home Size:	1,407	Median Lot Size:	5,474
Average # Beds:	3.16	Average # Baths:	2.06
Homes Absorbed:	11	Newly Listed:	10
Days on Market:	142	Average Age:	60

If you’re looking to buy a home in San Mateo here are some of the current listings. If you are not represented by an agent please contact us to assist you. Don’t think that by working the the listing agent you’ll get a better deal because you can’t and won’t. No agent worth their salt will be able to represent both sides of a transaction ethically so do your self a favor and use your own agent to represent your best interests.

Showing properties 1 - 35 of 75. See more city of San Mateo real estate.
(all data current as of 2/12/2012)

$1,198,000 : 623 Maple St, San Mateo

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,310 sq ft

Lot size: 5,568 sq ft
$1,800,000 : 519 Nevada Av, San Mateo

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,730 sq ft

Lot size: 7,200 sq ft
$349,000 : 1758 Shoreview Av, San Mateo

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 820 sq ft

Lot size: 6,100 sq ft
$525,000 : 3502 Martin Dr, San Mateo

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,000 sq ft

Lot size: 6,790 sq ft
$478,000 : 1654 Wolfe Dr, San Mateo

4 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,540 sq ft

Lot size: 5,300 sq ft
$399,000 : 1668 Taylor St, San Mateo

3 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,190 sq ft

Lot size: 5,356 sq ft
$1,695,000 : 424 Sonora Dr, San Mateo

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,390 sq ft

Lot size: 5,200 sq ft
$595,000 : 124 31st Av, San Mateo

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,000 sq ft

Lot size: 5,720 sq ft
$549,000 : 1317 Claudia Av, San Mateo

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,670 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft
$550,000 : 1709 Royal Av, San Mateo

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,080 sq ft

Lot size: 6,426 sq ft
$1,399,000 : 431 Iowa Dr, San Mateo

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,660 sq ft

Lot size: 6,600 sq ft
$559,900 : 508 Rand St, San Mateo

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,420 sq ft

Lot size: 6,250 sq ft
$1,075,000 : 316 26th Av, San Mateo

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,180 sq ft

Lot size: 6,250 sq ft
$568,888 : 1855 Maxine Av, San Mateo

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 1,500 sq ft

Lot size: 5,500 sq ft
$349,000 : 1409 Young St, San Mateo

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,130 sq ft

Lot size: 6,100 sq ft
$997,000 : 775 Edgewood Rd, San Mateo

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,369 sq ft

Lot size: 8,125 sq ft
$825,000 : 3985 Oneill Dr, San Mateo

5 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,320 sq ft

Lot size: 5,000 sq ft
$1,648,000 : 1696 Lexington Av, San Mateo

5 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 3,790 sq ft

Lot size: 7,700 sq ft
$599,900 : 3980 Oneill Dr, San Mateo

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,750 sq ft

Lot size: 5,000 sq ft
$374,900 : 149 N Delaware St, San Mateo

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,040 sq ft

Lot size: 5,750 sq ft
$524,900 : 177 Mclellan Av, San Mateo

3 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,360 sq ft

Lot size: 6,250 sq ft
$379,000 : 28 Prague St, San Mateo

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 930 sq ft

Lot size: 5,000 sq ft
$999,800 : 3045 Greenoak Ct, San Mateo

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,826 sq ft

Lot size: 7,000 sq ft
$409,000 : 1216 S Norfolk St, San Mateo

4 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,470 sq ft

Lot size: 5,000 sq ft
$447,500 : 1403 Bradley Ct, San Mateo

4 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 970 sq ft

Lot size: 4,160 sq ft
$750,000 : 404 W 38th Av, San Mateo

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,800 sq ft

Lot size: 5,336 sq ft
$390,900 : 1297 Pershing Av, San Mateo

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,360 sq ft

Lot size: 5,890 sq ft
$675,000 : 20 Grand Bl, San Mateo

2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,070 sq ft

Lot size: 3,404 sq ft
$722,200 : 1740 Roberta Dr, San Mateo

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,380 sq ft

Lot size: 9,300 sq ft
$399,000 : 1502 Mefferd Av, San Mateo

3 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,310 sq ft

Lot size: 5,200 sq ft
$899,000 : 1616 Toyon Ct, San Mateo

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,310 sq ft

Lot size: 3,638 sq ft
$779,999 : 1665 Wellesley Av, San Mateo

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,270 sq ft

Lot size: 5,750 sq ft
$1,275,000 : 41 Lakewood Ci, San Mateo

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,730 sq ft

Lot size: 10,125 sq ft
$1,138,888 : 3904 Fernwood St, San Mateo

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,430 sq ft

Lot size: 5,800 sq ft
$519,000 : 1601 Noe Av, San Mateo

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,080 sq ft

Lot size: 5,500 sq ft

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

Market Report – Hillsborough CA – 10.03.11

lenorewilkas — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:34:34 +0000

We’re entering the end of 2011 as Fourth Quarter started over the weekend. What does this mean for real estate? We begin to see prices soften for those who must sell. We see homes come off the market as we approach Thanksgiving and the holidays as most people do not want to be bothered showing their home during intense family time.

There’s a good selection of homes in Hillsborough today and with Hillsborough offering some of the best public schools in California, if you want to move your children’s school this might be the way to do it.

Hillsborough offers large lots, large homes, easy commutes north or south and close proximity to SFO. It’s an executive’s dream location.

Here’s what going on in Hillsborough CA’s market now.

90-day stats for Single Family properties in HILLSBOROUGH, CA as of February 3, 2012
Median List Price:	$3,268,795	Average List Price:	$6,194,545
Total Inventory:	40	Price per Square Foot:	$764
Average Home Size:	5,018	Median Lot Size:	32,494
Average # Beds:	5.00	Average # Baths:	5.23
Homes Absorbed:	3	Newly Listed:	3
Days on Market:	207	Average Age:	41

If you’re thinking of moving to Hillsborough, these are the homes for sale today. If you’re not represented by an agent we’d be happy to assist you in seeing any of these fine homes. Just fill out the contact form and we will respond.

Showing properties 1 - 27 of 27. See more city of Hillsborough real estate.
(all data current as of 2/12/2012)

$2,380,000 : 1125 Bromfield Rd, Hillsborough

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 2,822 sq ft

Lot size: 19,200 sq ft
$5,495,000 : 145 Fallen Leaf Dr, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 6,500 sq ft

Lot size: 36,630 sq ft
$5,580,000 : 820 Chiltern Rd, Hillsborough

7 beds, 6 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 7,870 sq ft

Lot size: 1.13 ac
$4,900,000 : 15 Tiptoe Ln, Hillsborough

7 beds, 7 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 9,550 sq ft

Lot size: 22,950 sq ft
$1,398,000 : 1035 Tournament Dr, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 4,850 sq ft

Lot size: 26,350 sq ft
$4,280,000 : 115 Glengarry Wy, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,992 sq ft

Lot size: 22,284 sq ft
$3,700,000 : 80 Tobin Clark Dr, Hillsborough

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,896 sq ft

Lot size: 24,500 sq ft
$2,299,000 : 2370 Skyfarm Dr, Hillsborough

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,930 sq ft

Lot size: 22,638 sq ft
$4,495,000 : 355 Sierra Dr, Hillsborough

5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 6,212 sq ft

Lot size: 27,834 sq ft
$4,899,000 : 632 Fairway Ci, Hillsborough

4 beds, 6 full baths

Home size: 3,680 sq ft

Lot size: 17,323 sq ft
$2,979,000 : 65 Verbalee Ln, Hillsborough

6 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,500 sq ft

Lot size: 33,540 sq ft
$3,998,000 : 5 Santa Maria Ln, Hillsborough

6 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,860 sq ft

Lot size: 30,030 sq ft
$3,295,000 : 110 Roblar Av, Hillsborough

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,870 sq ft

Lot size: 11,025 sq ft
$4,880,000 : 7 Scott Ct, Hillsborough

6 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 7,456 sq ft

Lot size: 1.00 ac
$3,188,000 : 2630 Skyfarm Dr, Hillsborough

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 5,950 sq ft

Lot size: 1.12 ac
$1,850,000 : 761 El Cerrito Av, Hillsborough

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,160 sq ft

Lot size: 22,950 sq ft
$2,480,000 : 1020 Crystal Springs Rd, Hillsborough

4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 5,880 sq ft

Lot size: 2.80 ac
$2,688,000 : 30 Terrier Pl, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 4,597 sq ft

Lot size: 1.00 ac
$3,998,000 : 50 Verbalee Ln, Hillsborough

6 beds, 6 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 9,000 sq ft

Lot size: 1.14 ac
$2,980,000 : 1155 Tournament Dr, Hillsborough

5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,098 sq ft

Lot size: 24,327 sq ft
$2,850,000 : 1508 Black Mountain Rd, Hillsborough

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,170 sq ft

Lot size: 17,400 sq ft
$2,998,000 : 25 Orange Ct, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full baths

Home size: 4,700 sq ft

Lot size: 21,920 sq ft
$5,990,000 : 168 Tobin Clark Dr, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 7,380 sq ft

Lot size: 1 sq ft
$3,150,000 : 6945 Skyline Bl, Hillsborough

4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 5,120 sq ft

Lot size: 26,700 sq ft
$1,579,500 : 40 Shady Ln, Hillsborough

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,970 sq ft

Lot size: 16,618 sq ft
$4,680,000 : 2770 Churchill Dr, Hillsborough

6 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 6,727 sq ft

Lot size: 36,309 sq ft
$5,995,000 : 790 El Cerrito Av, Hillsborough

6 beds, 7 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 7,344 sq ft

Lot size: 40,597 sq ft

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

A New Listing in Burlingame CA: 1612 Ralston Avenue

lenorewilkas — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:05:37 +0000

A new listing is always something to talk about and we’re no exception in wanting to tell you about this one. Burlingame California is a community sought after by families for many reasons. Weather. Schools. Location. Community. Charm. This home is full of charm, and situated in the best Burlingame location possible. It’s on a flat lot about two blocks from downtown, making it an easy stroll down to “The Avenue” for coffee, dining, shopping or just taking a walk.

Presenting 1612 Ralston Avenue. Located in the best neighborhood in Burlingame (in my opinion although I’m sure there will be a fight about that from Easton Edition residents) because it is walking distance to downtown, the train, and Burlingame High School. This home’s elementary school is McKinley School, and McKinley offers an exciting program no other Burlingame elementary school offers and that’s a Spanish emersion program.

We’ve all found ourselves in a house at one time or another that draws you in with it’s ambience and this is one of those special homes. This wonderful family home originally was a 1921 bungalow and has been added on to and remodeled into a twenty first century home with heart and soul. Four Bedrooms, three baths, large formal living room and dining room plus a great room with a cook’s kitchen large enough for more than one cook, an attached family dining area and large family room. This room features French Doors out to the slate patio in the back of the lot.This is the perfect home for someone down sizing. This is a perfect family home, whether your children are young or school aged. The way this home is laid out everyone has their own space as well the family space.

Shown by appointment only we are happy to show it to you but you must contact us yourself or have your agent give us a call. Burlingame offers perfect weather. Great schools. Easy commutes to the City, South City if you’re in the biotech industry, or Silicon Valley. You’re a hop skip and jump to SFO for travel. Don’t like driving? Take CalTrain to work. If you aren’t happy with the schools your children have now, look no further than Burlingame.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 81137129 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Loans Will Change on October 1 and Your Affordability Will Drop: Foster City CA

lenorewilkas — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:34:50 +0000

The home financing industry continues its turbulent trajectory

Conforming home loan limits are scheduled to decrease on October 1, 2011 from $729,750 to $625,500. What does that mean for you? Your home affordability will diminish. A lot. With a 20% down payment, the price range for a home buyer using a conforming loan will drop from approximately $910,000 to $780,000. The house you want and can afford today will be out of your reach by fourth quarter 2011. Unless you act now. The Housing Economic and Recovery Act of 2008 (HARA) temporarily increased the conforming loan limits to increase the housing market recovery. In high cost areas, like ours, HARA stipulates that government sponsored entities (GSE) can temporarily make loans up to $729,750. This temporary increase of loan limits allowed families to buy homes in our high cost area with conforming loans. This will not be the case too much longer because the United States Department of the Treasury and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a report to Congress in February, recommending and encouraging Congress to let the temporary conforming loan limits expire on October 1, 2011. This isn’t an issue for most parts of the Country, but to us in Fantasy Island, my pet name for our area, it’s a huge issue.

Jumbo Loan programs aren’t there any longer

We just don’t have the loan programs available for Jumbo loans that were available several years ago. Jumbo loan interest rates tend to be higher than rates for conforming loans. The $130,000 loss of buying power is huge to our market so for this reason alone, you should be active in the real estate market.

If you need financing with a loan amount between $625,500 and $729750 to either purchase a one to four unit residental property or refinance an existing loan secured by a one to four unit residential property, you may want to secure your financing prior to September 30, 2011. Jed Thibodeau, with Banker’s Preferred in Burlingame, is our lender of choice and he’s ready to help you.

There aren’t a lot of homes for sale

We are entering the most active time in real estate, the summer market. We don’t have a huge inventory of homes for sale any more and that means we are seeing multiple offers on the best of the best. San Mateo County has never seen a large surplus of housing. In fact, we have a shortage of housing for our communities which is why prices remain high. If you keep sitting on the fence, expecting prices to drop, you not only won’t see that but you won’t be able to buy as much as you can today. Short Sales and Foreclosures are around but not in large numbers. We are here to help you find your new home and the best loan available for you. We can provide you with the latest information on the housing available for you within your pre-approved budget. Let’s get started now! Give us a call.

Here’s what’s currently for sale in Foster City

Showing properties 1 - 21 of 21. See more city of Foster City real estate.
(all data current as of 2/12/2012)

$539,000 : 880 Carina Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,546 sq ft

Lot size: 840 sq ft
$699,950 : 1423 Marlin Av, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,530 sq ft

Lot size: 1,757 sq ft
$1,179,000 : 269 Avocet Ct, Foster City

5 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,690 sq ft

Lot size: 6,630 sq ft
$369,000 : 625 Portofino Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,395 sq ft
$675,000 : 740 Promontory Point Ln #3304, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,980 sq ft
$869,000 : 632 Matsonia Dr, Foster City

4 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,760 sq ft

Lot size: 5,320 sq ft
$415,000 : 820 Sea Spray Ln #108, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,233 sq ft
$999,990 : 850 Gull Av, Foster City

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,160 sq ft

Lot size: 5,320 sq ft
$1,529,000 : 1001 Monterey Av, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,170 sq ft

Lot size: 8,540 sq ft
$640,000 : 1082 Gull Av, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,460 sq ft

Lot size: 1,757 sq ft
$329,900 : 8209 Admiralty Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 998 sq ft
$244,500 : 3106 Admiralty Ln, Foster City

1 bed, 1 full bath

Home size: 748 sq ft
$975,000 : 54 Port Royal Av, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,890 sq ft

Lot size: 6,798 sq ft
$652,000 : 1117 Outrigger Ln, Foster City

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 1,540 sq ft

Lot size: 974 sq ft
$255,000 : 7202 Admiralty Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 998 sq ft
$506,902 : 126 Albacore Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,370 sq ft

Lot size: 1,875 sq ft
$1,189,000 : 760 Coronado Ln, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 2,110 sq ft

Lot size: 4,857 sq ft
$360,000 : 661 Portofino Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,395 sq ft

Lot size: 1 sq ft
$439,900 : 2213 Admiralty Ln, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,505 sq ft
$849,000 : 921 Swan St, Foster City

5 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,540 sq ft

Lot size: 5,700 sq ft
$499,000 : 764 Comet Dr, Foster City

2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 980 sq ft

Lot size: 1,955 sq ft

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

Are You Feeling Financially Squeezed? San Mateo,CA

Alexander Wilkas — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 05:43:16 +0000

How to Escape the Grip of Foreclosure

No one wants to be in the situation of losing their home because of a mortgage interest rate reset. The reality is that millions of Americans across the country are struggling with unaffordable mortgage payments, and more than ever lenders are motivated to work with homeowners to come to a resolution. We can help advise you of your options and show you how to create a strategy that will loosen the hold that foreclosure has on your future.

You have options

When you began struggling with your mortgage payments, you may have felt that you had no way out of the situation, but you actually have many different options. We will guide you through the process of finding which option is best for you. By discovering and acting on your options, you’ll have the leverage to escape the grip of foreclosure.

Your Foreclosure Alternatives Include:

Short Sale
Reinstatement
Forbearance or Repayment
Mortgage Modification
Rent the Property
Deed-in-Lieu
Bankruptcy
Refinance
Service members Civil Relief Act
Sell the Property

Relieve the Stress

When you owe more on your home than it’s worth, and are struggling to make payments, the pressure you feel can go through the roof! If you are in a situation where your expenses exceed your income, have a verifiable financial hardship, and no other assets to pay off the balance of your mortgage, you may qualify for a loan modification or short sale.

We can help relieve the burden of an overwhelming mortgage by showing you ways to execute a dignified solution.

Do You Qualify For A Short Sale?

Do you have…

Financial Hardship: severe illness, military service, insurance or tax increase, etc. (Ask us for a full list of acceptable hardships)
Monthly Shortfall: business failure, job loss wage reduction, divorce, etc.
Insolvency: you currently owe more money than you have, or you are about to reach that point

If you answer YES to the above questions, you may qualify.

Calm your fears!

You may be anxious about whether your lender is motivated to work out a solution with you. The reality is that lenders lose much less in a short sale or loan modification than they do in foreclosure. The cost of foreclosure may cost your lender up to 50% of the loan amount while a short sale could only cost them from 15-30%.

What Does It All Mean?:

SHORT SALE
A short sale is when the lender agrees for the property to be sold at a price lower that the mortgage balance owed.

DEED-IN-LIEU
A deed-in-lieu is when the lender receives the house deed in place of the mortgage balance, although in some cases the lender will still pursue the homeowner for the leftover mortgage balance, which is called a deficiency judgement.

A short sale or deed-in-lieu through the government’s (HAFA) Home Affordable Affordable Alternative Project prohibits the participating lender from pursuing a deficiency judgment.

SHORT SALE BENEFITS
The financial implications of short sales are always less severe that the implications of foreclosure. Your credit score, credit history, employment applications, and future chances of acquiring a loan are all benefit from completing a short sale rather than being foreclosed upon.

Our job is to facilitate cooperation and communication between you and your lender and work toward the best solution for everyone. Knowing this should help you breathe a little easier when starting this process.

Call Us Today!

We know that you are grappling with unfortunate circumstances, and dealing with all the emotions that come with it. We are trained to guide you through this process, help you to restore hope, and empower your future. You are not alone in this situation.

We Are (CHS) Certified HAFA Specialists, (CDPE) Certified Distressed Property Experts) and (SFR) Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource Specialists.

We are here to help.

How’s the Market in Foster City CA 03.09.2011?

lenorewilkas — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:25:23 +0000

Foster City, like the other local communities we write about, doesn’t have a lot of housing for sale. Therefore, the rule of supply and demand takes over and prices stay high, and are going higher. Foster City is a planned community with both single family houses and condos and townhouses for sale. We will see the data for both since the beginning of the year. What makes Foster City so compelling for families is the excellent schools, plethora of parks and trails, and access to water for boating, sailing or sailboarding. It’s helps that Foster City is mid-way on the Peninsula at the crossroad of Highway 101 and 92 where the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge hits ground. It’s a nice commute for anyone living here.

Last month we saw some activity in real estate, but not a large number of homes for sale. I can’t quite figure it out since interest is so low today and many of the homes can be purchased with conforming loans or jumbo-conforming loans through FHA if one wants. The cap on these loans is going up very soon and we won’t see affordability like this again. It’s not something one wants to hear, but if you’re one of those people thinking the market will surely drop, again. It won’t unless something huge happens. You missed the bottom of the market and when interest rates increase as they will, you might be priced out of the market. So don’t wait! We’re here to help you.

Here’s what’s for sale in Foster City right now. First will be the single family homes, and then followed by the condo/townhouses. We would be happy to show you some of these in person if you’re ready to buy. Call us.

Showing properties 1 - 7 of 7. See more Foster City homes for sale.
(all data current as of 2/11/2012)

$1,179,000 : 269 Avocet Ct, Foster City

5 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,690 sq ft

Lot size: 6,630 sq ft
$869,000 : 632 Matsonia Dr, Foster City

4 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,760 sq ft

Lot size: 5,320 sq ft
$999,990 : 850 Gull Av, Foster City

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,160 sq ft

Lot size: 5,320 sq ft
$1,529,000 : 1001 Monterey Av, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,170 sq ft

Lot size: 8,540 sq ft
$975,000 : 54 Port Royal Av, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,890 sq ft

Lot size: 6,798 sq ft
$1,189,000 : 760 Coronado Ln, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 2,110 sq ft

Lot size: 4,857 sq ft
$849,000 : 921 Swan St, Foster City

5 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,540 sq ft

Lot size: 5,700 sq ft

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

Showing properties 1 - 14 of 14. See more Foster City Condos.
(all data current as of 2/11/2012)

$539,000 : 880 Carina Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,546 sq ft

Lot size: 840 sq ft
$699,950 : 1423 Marlin Av, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,530 sq ft

Lot size: 1,757 sq ft
$369,000 : 625 Portofino Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,395 sq ft
$675,000 : 740 Promontory Point Ln #3304, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,980 sq ft
$415,000 : 820 Sea Spray Ln #108, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,233 sq ft
$640,000 : 1082 Gull Av, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,460 sq ft

Lot size: 1,757 sq ft
$329,900 : 8209 Admiralty Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 998 sq ft
$244,500 : 3106 Admiralty Ln, Foster City

1 bed, 1 full bath

Home size: 748 sq ft
$652,000 : 1117 Outrigger Ln, Foster City

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 1,540 sq ft

Lot size: 974 sq ft
$255,000 : 7202 Admiralty Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 998 sq ft
$506,902 : 126 Albacore Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,370 sq ft

Lot size: 1,875 sq ft
$360,000 : 661 Portofino Ln, Foster City

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,395 sq ft

Lot size: 1 sq ft
$439,900 : 2213 Admiralty Ln, Foster City

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,505 sq ft
$499,000 : 764 Comet Dr, Foster City

2 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 980 sq ft

Lot size: 1,955 sq ft

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

How’s the Market in Hillsborough CA 03.08.2011?

lenorewilkas — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:02:37 +0000

Hillsborough California is one of the most expensive and exclusive communities in the US. Prices have held pretty well while inventory, the number of homes on the market, is low. This community has not seen many foreclosures, so if you’re waiting for the bargain of a lifetime, you missed the window of opportunity. Some of the reasons people want to live in Hillsborough are because of location – it’s near SFO and not too far to Silicon Valley or San Francisco. The schools are outstanding. The weather is almost perfect. It gives a feeling of being in a forest with trees everywhere, yet you’re neat everything. What’s not to like?

Here’s the snapshot of the market for Hillsborough since the beginning of the year. Like the other communities on the Peninsula, if a buyer is taking out a loan the time needed to close escrow is longer today which is why the number of closed escrows seems low. But the good news is there are lenders out there who will write loans up to $2 million dollars. We didn’t have that last year.

Here’s what’s for sale in Hillsborough today. If you’d like to view one of these in person please let us know and we’re here to assist you.

Showing properties 1 - 39 of 39. See more Hillsborough homes for sale.
(all data current as of 2/12/2012)

$2,380,000 : 1125 Bromfield Rd, Hillsborough

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 2,822 sq ft

Lot size: 19,200 sq ft
$5,495,000 : 145 Fallen Leaf Dr, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 6,500 sq ft

Lot size: 36,630 sq ft
$15,750,000 : 925 Seabury Rd, Hillsborough

6 beds, 9 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 14,250 sq ft

Lot size: 1.27 ac
$5,580,000 : 820 Chiltern Rd, Hillsborough

7 beds, 6 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 7,870 sq ft

Lot size: 1.13 ac
$4,900,000 : 15 Tiptoe Ln, Hillsborough

7 beds, 7 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 9,550 sq ft

Lot size: 22,950 sq ft
$1,398,000 : 1035 Tournament Dr, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 4,850 sq ft

Lot size: 26,350 sq ft
$4,280,000 : 115 Glengarry Wy, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,992 sq ft

Lot size: 22,284 sq ft
$3,700,000 : 80 Tobin Clark Dr, Hillsborough

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,896 sq ft

Lot size: 24,500 sq ft
$2,299,000 : 2370 Skyfarm Dr, Hillsborough

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,930 sq ft

Lot size: 22,638 sq ft
$6,195,000 : 1255 La Canada Rd, Hillsborough

5 beds, 6 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 8,615 sq ft

Lot size: 33,236 sq ft
$29,000,000 : 40 Verbalee Ln, Hillsborough

12 beds, 12 full, 3 part baths

Home size: 35,000 sq ft

Lot size: 5.91 ac
$4,495,000 : 355 Sierra Dr, Hillsborough

5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 6,212 sq ft

Lot size: 27,834 sq ft
$29,000,000 : 40 Verbalee Ln, Hillsborough

12 beds, 12 full, 3 part baths

Home size: 35,000 sq ft

Lot size: 5 sq ft
$4,899,000 : 632 Fairway Ci, Hillsborough

4 beds, 6 full baths

Home size: 3,680 sq ft

Lot size: 17,323 sq ft
$2,979,000 : 65 Verbalee Ln, Hillsborough

6 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,500 sq ft

Lot size: 33,540 sq ft
$7,900,000 : 38 Lemon Ct, Hillsborough

6 beds, 6 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 7,821 sq ft

Lot size: 32,760 sq ft
$3,998,000 : 5 Santa Maria Ln, Hillsborough

6 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,860 sq ft

Lot size: 30,030 sq ft
$7,200,000 : 1952 Forest View Av, Hillsborough

7 beds, 6 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 5,180 sq ft

Lot size: 1.41 ac
$3,295,000 : 110 Roblar Av, Hillsborough

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,870 sq ft

Lot size: 11,025 sq ft
$14,500,000 : 3115 Ralston Av, Hillsborough

6 beds, 7 full, 3 part baths

Home size: 12,900 sq ft

Lot size: 1.79 ac
$7,990,000 : 101 Tiptoe Ln, Hillsborough

6 beds, 6 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 7,456 sq ft

Lot size: 4 sq ft
$4,880,000 : 7 Scott Ct, Hillsborough

6 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 7,456 sq ft

Lot size: 1.00 ac
$3,188,000 : 2630 Skyfarm Dr, Hillsborough

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 5,950 sq ft

Lot size: 1.12 ac
$1,850,000 : 761 El Cerrito Av, Hillsborough

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,160 sq ft

Lot size: 22,950 sq ft
$2,480,000 : 1020 Crystal Springs Rd, Hillsborough

4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 5,880 sq ft

Lot size: 2.80 ac
$2,688,000 : 30 Terrier Pl, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 4,597 sq ft

Lot size: 1.00 ac
$13,200,000 : 1868 Floribunda Av, Hillsborough

5 beds, 8 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 16,028 sq ft

Lot size: 2.34 ac
$3,998,000 : 50 Verbalee Ln, Hillsborough

6 beds, 6 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 9,000 sq ft

Lot size: 1.14 ac
$2,980,000 : 1155 Tournament Dr, Hillsborough

5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 4,098 sq ft

Lot size: 24,327 sq ft
$6,200,000 : 812 Irwin Dr, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 6,817 sq ft

Lot size: 1.00 ac
$2,850,000 : 1508 Black Mountain Rd, Hillsborough

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,170 sq ft

Lot size: 17,400 sq ft
$2,998,000 : 25 Orange Ct, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full baths

Home size: 4,700 sq ft

Lot size: 21,920 sq ft
$43,888,000 : 835 Chiltern Rd, Hillsborough

6 beds, 9 full, 3 part baths

Home size: 38,849 sq ft

Lot size: 6.23 ac
$5,990,000 : 168 Tobin Clark Dr, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 7,380 sq ft

Lot size: 1 sq ft
$3,150,000 : 6945 Skyline Bl, Hillsborough

4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 5,120 sq ft

Lot size: 26,700 sq ft
$1,579,500 : 40 Shady Ln, Hillsborough

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,970 sq ft

Lot size: 16,618 sq ft
$4,680,000 : 2770 Churchill Dr, Hillsborough

6 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 6,727 sq ft

Lot size: 36,309 sq ft
$5,995,000 : 790 El Cerrito Av, Hillsborough

6 beds, 7 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 7,344 sq ft

Lot size: 40,597 sq ft
$24,995,000 : 350 W Santa Inez Av, Hillsborough

8 beds, 10 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 18,000 sq ft

Lot size: 3 sq ft

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