While mold can be dangerous to your health, with symptoms ranging from breathing problems or congestion and watery, red eyes to aches and pains and even memory loss, it is also an issue easily solved.  Mold can grow in areas of constant moisture, as a result of flooding, a leaky roof or plumbing, or improper ventilation in rooms that are moist.

If you discover mold in your home before it’s for sale, a professional inspection and treatment should be done . You must first determine the source of moisture to begin your plan of attack.  If the area is large, you should consult with a professional for proper treatment methods.  If however the damage is slight or only affecting a small area, you may want to attempt the repair yourself, but only if you can make sure the type of mold isn’t dangerous.

After applying the appropriate protective gear (mask and gloves), you need to remove all porous materials such as ceiling tiles, drywall, carpeting and wood.  Non-porous surfaces such as cement, metal, tile or glass can remain.  Allow the area to completely dry over a 2-3 day period and use fans if necessary to help in this process. Then, with a non-ammonia detergent and a stiff brush, scrub the entire area, rinse and dry. Once dry, disinfect the cleaned surface with a solution of bleach and water (use one cup of bleach for every gallon of water). Allow the area to dry completely and then, retexture, paint, or decorate as needed.

If this is too big a project for you to undertake, we can refer you to professionals who mitigate mold regularly and can do the job for you.

San Mateo homes for sale for those of you considering a move.

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 42. See more city of San Mateo real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $469,000 : 224 Lindbergh St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,110 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,400 sqft

   Year built: 1943
   
2. $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
   
3. $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
   
4. $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
   
5. $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
   
6. $499,900 : 1644 S Norfolk St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,410 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,814 sqft

   Year built: 1954
   
7. $406,000 : 1016 Norton St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,110 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,500 sqft

   Year built: 1950
   
8. $499,000 : 3821 Edison St, San Mateo
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,040 sq ft

   Lot size: 5,490 sqft

   Year built: 1946
   
9. $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
   
10. $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
    

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.

Once you’ve gotten a bit acquainted with your new home, get to know the block better by taking a walk along your street.  Within a few minutes, you are sure to meet a few neighbors who are curious about you. Over a few days, your walks will encourage even more people to come out and meet you,  and soon you’ll be one of the “regulars.” Find out as much as can about your neighborhood’s “flavor” by asking open-ended questions and listening to the answers.

After you’ve established yourself, find a time to invite your new friends over.  Keep it simple with regard to decor and party preparations and host a get-to-know-you gathering or even a BBQ for your neighbors. Play group games such as 20 questions to discover hobbies and occupations or have a funny story contest. You may find out unique ways to get involved in your local community or that you have a lot in common with the man six doors down the street. Regardless of what is revealed through conversation and group interaction, you will feel more at home once you’ve shared a part of your life with your new neighbors and you’ll have contributed to creating a better community.  If you want to learn more about places and news, share an idea, or just “be a better neighbor” in your community, logon to EveryBlock.com.

90-day stats for Single Family properties in SAN MATEO, CA as of May 18, 2012
Median List Price:	$637,398	Average List Price:	$750,477
Total Inventory:	137	Price per Square Foot:	$446
Average Home Size:	1,466	Median Lot Size:	5,477
Average # Beds:	3.20	Average # Baths:	2.07
Homes Absorbed:	19	Newly Listed:	17
Days on Market:	98	Average Age:	63

Prices have jumped up since the first of the new year and we are seeing a recovery in our local real estate market.  San Mateo is the largest city in our immediate area and as such has the broadest spread of housing prices from entry level to estate-type homes so when you look at the median price you’re covering a large territory and price spread.

Just like Foster City, there is a shortage of houses for sale.  It’s not as extreme but still, for a city of just under 100,000 people seeing about 140 houses for sale is a pretty small number.

The time it is taking for a house to sell has shorted just like the shortage of houses for sale.  Overall our area is just not like any other part of California or for that matter, the rest of the country so don’t listen to what the pundits are talking about when they say the housing market hasn’t recovered.  It sure has here.

If you want to move to San Mateo you’ll have to pay the price to do so.  If you’re coming from another part of the country you’re buying the dirt the house sits on not the house itself which is why the median price per square foot is so high.  Sorry but prices have always been like this in San Mateo County and it’s especially obvious today.

We are almost at a balanced market today.  The median market index for San Mateo is a 22 and 30 is a balanced market, neither a buyer’s or seller’s market.  If things keep on going like this we’re going to see a total recovery and hit that magic 30 number some time this summer.  That’s as long as things keep humming around here.

If you’re in the market to buy a home don’t think things will get any better because they probably won’t.  The only major in-fill of construction scheduled for San Mateo is at Bay Meadows and that’s not started yet and might not for a while.  What we have in  housing stock is it.  San Mateo is right in the middle of the Peninsula making it a great spot for commuters to live.  Equal distance to downtown San Francisco and downtown San Jose.  Mild weather.  Close to the beach, to the bridge across the bay for those needed to do a reverse commute.  Vibrant downtown.  Nearby to SFO.  What more could you ask for?  Need help finding that home?  Call us at six five zero, eight six seven, two nine zero nine.   Here’s a sample of what’s for sale in San Mateo right now.

Showing properties 1 - 15 of 86. 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. $2,195,000 : 525 Fairfax Av, San Mateo
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,500 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,680 sqft

   Year built: 1933
   
3. $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
   
4. $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
   
5. $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
   
6. $518,000 : 231 N El Camino Real #106, San Mateo
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 970 sq ft

   Year built: 1993
   
7. $849,000 : 111 Saint Matthews Av #307, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,801 sq ft

   Year built: 2000
   
8. $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
   
9. $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
   
10. $1,200,000 : 816 Crescent Av, San Mateo
    
    4 beds, 1 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,540 sq ft

    Lot size: 8,500 sqft

    Year built: 1906
    
11. $1,328,800 : 838 Overlook Ct, San Mateo
    
    4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,270 sq ft

    Lot size: 13,200 sqft

    Year built: 1974
    
12. $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
    
13. $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
    
14. $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
    
15. $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.

A combination of historically low mortgage rates and corrections in home pricing are resulting in the most affordable home market in two decades in San Mateo County. This is great news for home buyers if you are able to qualify for a loan. Stricter guidelines and qualifications make getting a home loan more challenging.  Potential buyers must work with a highly qualified lender to determine their ability to buy a home before setting out to look in person.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) report that nearly 76% of new and existing homes sold in the last quarter of 2011 could have easily been purchased by buyers earning $64,200 (the national median income). The previous quarter showed nearly 73% of homes in that range, marking a 3% increase.  Obviously this figure isn’t what we’re seeing in our home territory, mid-San Mateo County.  We are seeing home prices beginning to move up once again because of a shortage of homes for sale in our immediate area and income needed to buy these homes is well above the national median.

Here are some stats just about San Mateo County and specifically from Burlingame to Foster City.  Hold on to your hat because the pictures are pretty but the data is alarming once it’s explained to you.

Let’s start with inventory right now in the first two and half months of 2012.  Real estate is often spoken about in absorption rates or the number of homes for sale versus the number of days it takes to sell them.  Right now we have 3.5 months of inventory on the market in our four cities.  That means if no other homes were listed it would only take 3.5 months to absorb these homes leaving nothing for anyone else by mid-June.  Those are not healthy numbers because there are far more people looking to buy a home in our area today than there are homes to buy.  That means prices rise but it may not mean that they appraise because the market moves up without comparison houses for the appraiser to use.  This chart shows only 820 house for sale during this time.  If you’re thinking of listing your home for sale, now is the time to do it, for this reason alone.

Here’s what it’s looked like the past 3 years when we were hearing almost daily that there was a flood of homes for sale.  Not necessarily the case when you drill down to local levels.

The highest inventory of homes for sale in our four cities between January 2009 and today was in February 2009 with 6.8 months of inventory and the lowest, December 2009 with only 2 months.  So you say, where’s the hidden inventory we keep reading about in the press?  I don’t know.  I’m not sure it really exists here, although I’m sure there is some.  Here’s the chart showing you the data where it’s easier to read and you can see for yourself.

This data came from our local Multiple Listing Service so it is market specific. Interest rates have been at record lows and change weekly on 30-year loans with Freddie Mac reporting an average of 3.87%. 15-year loans were averaging 3.16%.

Click on The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index: History of Least and Most Affordable Areas spreadsheet located here to download the list of historical data on the most and least affordable areas in our community or browse their website to learn more.

Here are the average sale prices for homes in Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo and Foster City during the past 12 months.  This is our reality and it’s very different than the rest of the State of California or the entire US.  It’s not going to change from the look of things.

Here are some homes for sale in Foster City right now.

Showing properties 1 - 5 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
   

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

Here are some homes for sale in San Mateo right now.

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 66. See more city of San Mateo real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $469,000 : 224 Lindbergh St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,110 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,400 sqft

   Year built: 1943
   
2. $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
   
3. $2,195,000 : 525 Fairfax Av, San Mateo
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,500 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,680 sqft

   Year built: 1933
   
4. $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
   
5. $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
   

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

Here are some homes for sale in Hillsborough right now.

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 62. See more city of Hillsborough real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $2,680,000 : 500 Pepper Av, Hillsborough
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 2,840 sq ft

   Lot size: 22,244 sqft

   Year built: 1953
   
2. $4,449,999 : 25 Miranda Ct, Hillsborough
   
   4 beds, 5 full baths

   Home size: 5,172 sq ft

   Lot size: 30,318 sqft

   Year built: 1980
   
3. $1,776,000 : 175 Ridgeway Rd, Hillsborough
   
   5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,840 sq ft

   Lot size: 15,246 sqft

   Year built: 1978
   
4. $3,750,000 : 100 Chateau Dr, Hillsborough
   
   5 beds, 5 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 4,890 sq ft

   Lot size: 26,571 sqft

   Year built: 1991
   
5. $1,850,000 : 1035 Tournament Dr, Hillsborough
   
   5 beds, 5 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 4,850 sq ft

   Lot size: 26,350 sqft

   Year built: 2001
   

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

Burlingame listings are seen to the right of this post. We’re here to talk to you about your specific real estate needs and you can reach us online or by phone.

Mortgage lenders are in the news again and again but this time it’s just not only Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae in the hot seat. If you purchased a home using any of the following lenders like GMAC (now Ally Financial), Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, or Citibank, you may want to take note.  Last month’s settlement of $25 billion is proposed to aid homeowners who may have been subject to “robo-signing,” in loan and foreclosure practices. “Robo-signing” refers to the practice of mortgage providers signing or stamping documents without verifying any information. If you currently have a loan or experienced a foreclosure with one of these lenders, you may be eligible to receive assistance.

The new agreement, authorized in 49 states (not Oklahoma), strengthens the review process on loan modifications and foreclosures by requiring application reviews prior to beginning the foreclosure process. Excessive fees, insurance costs, and appraisal rates also received limits, and the agreement also provided avenues for principal reduction for struggling homeowners. This agreement does not apply to any FHA, Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae loans or foreclosures which is good for our area as most loans before the melt down weren’t made by either Freddie, Fannie or FHA in San Mateo County.

Homeowners with a mortgage on their primary home that represent a 20 percent or more reduction on property value and with a loan balance of less than $417,000 are targeted for these funds, although eligibility will be determined individually. Homeowners whose mortgage interest rates are above 5.25 percent may be able to refinance to lower interest rates, and homeowners experiencing unemployment or considering short sales may receive aid, as well.

Contact your lender directly to see if you are eligible or watch for a notification letter from your lender within the next six months. Incentives were provided to lenders who completed settlements within 12 months, and funds must be dispersed within three years. Click here to see actual details of the agreement.

Additionally, San Francisco’s Assessor has done extensive research on foreclosures that took place in the City over the past several years and feels that most were done fraudulently. What this means for you if you lost your home or bought one in San Francisco that was a foreclosure isn’t known at this time.  We can be pretty sure this same thing happened throughout San Mateo County, too.

This is such a huge mess that it will take years and years to fix it.  Right now Sacramento is busy trying to pass some bills to start the ball rolling to protect California residents.  Keep your eyes and ears open about this as it could affect you if you lost your home or bought a distressed property.  I’ll write more about this as we hear more.

Here are some homes for sale in San Mateo today.

Showing properties 1 - 20 of 24. See more city of San Mateo real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $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
   
2. $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
   
3. $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
   
4. $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
   
5. $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
   
6. $725,000 : 1009 Sunnybrae Bl, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,640 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,050 sqft

   Year built: 1946
   
7. $749,000 : 409 E Bellevue Av, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 1,900 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,500 sqft

   Year built: 1920
   
8. $822,800 : 1152 Wayne Wy, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,690 sq ft

   Lot size: 2,564 sqft

   Year built: 2000
   
9. $699,000 : 952 E Grant Pl, San Mateo
   
   5 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,730 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,750 sqft

   Year built: 1939
   
10. $799,000 : 3528 Broadview Ct, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,780 sq ft

    Lot size: 2,958 sqft

    Year built: 1986
    
11. $949,800 : 267 36th Av, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,020 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,000 sqft

    Year built: 1948
    
12. $659,000 : 2253 Portsmouth Wy, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,330 sq ft

    Lot size: 4,992 sqft

    Year built: 1956
    
13. $650,000 : 221 28th Av, San Mateo
    
    2 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,810 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,880 sqft

    Year built: 1939
    
14. $670,000 : 2221 Portsmouth Wy, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,530 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,000 sqft

    Year built: 1956
    
15. $875,000 : 1765 Lake St, San Mateo
    
    4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,960 sq ft

    Lot size: 8,280 sqft

    Year built: 1960
    
16. $948,888 : 640 Fathom Dr, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,860 sq ft

    Lot size: 2,522 sqft

    Year built: 1967
    
17. $848,000 : 626 Pico Av, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,399 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,000 sqft

    Year built: 1949
    
18. $849,900 : 445 W 23rd Av, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,560 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,500 sqft

    Year built: 1951
    
19. $939,000 : 461 W 25th Av, San Mateo
    
    4 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 1,720 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,000 sqft

    Year built: 1956
    
20. $799,000 : 3985 Oneill Dr, San Mateo
    
    5 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,320 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,000 sqft

    Year built: 1950
    

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

Have you driven past a house with a yard that looks like a dump and then wondered if the owner’s had any pride of ownership?   We’ve all seen those houses.  When you’re getting ready to sell your home it’s very important to look at your yard closely because it may be time to consider hiring a gardener, or getting help from family and friends, to make some needed changes as soon as possible so your house looks picture perfect. The right gardener can transform the most jungle-like backyard into a beautifully manicured area of peace and tranquility, in as little as a day!  With all the other tasks associated with selling your home, landscaping is a great project to outsource.

Before hiring a gardener, ask friends or neighbors for referrals. And don’t forget, you can always ask us or your own Realtor for a referral to a good gardener, too.  Once you have a few recommendations, make a list of what you need done and ask questions and raise any concerns you may have with the gardeners/landscapers you decide to interview.

Some key points to discuss are how often you would like service and what you need included at each visit. Services range from simple mowing to complete care, with reseeding, new sod, watering and fertilizing options. Don’t be afraid to ask your new gardener for help with ideas and improvements that could increase your property value and alert your gardener as to the property status, since there may be times when you may want extra service (such as before an open house).

Keep in mind that a specialty garden is not the same as basic maintenance. If you have special circumstances, you may want to write down your needs along with any verbal instructions for your final choice of landscaper or gardener. Don’t forget that maintenance costs, liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage are all topics you will want to discuss before entering into any final agreement.

Once you have begun your service, inspect the initial work and take time to notice the changes occurring in your landscaping. As you offer feedback to your gardener and become a part of the process, you will see your home evolve into a well-kept, beautifully groomed masterpiece. Your home will create the best impression possible and deliver the message you want to share with potential home buyers.

This may be costly but you will find this will be repaid with a higher sale price in the end allowing you to recoup your out of pocket costs. Your ROI will a good one.   Above all else, don’t forget to keep good records of everything thing you do to prepare your home for market as this can be part of your adjusted basis when you finally sell your very last house.

Here are some San Mateo homes for sale today.

Showing properties 1 - 28 of 28. See more city of San Mateo real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $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
   
2. $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
   
3. $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
   
4. $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
   
5. $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
   
6. $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
   
7. $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
   
8. $725,000 : 1009 Sunnybrae Bl, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 1,640 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,050 sqft

   Year built: 1946
   
9. $749,000 : 409 E Bellevue Av, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 1,900 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,500 sqft

   Year built: 1920
   
10. $822,800 : 1152 Wayne Wy, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,690 sq ft

    Lot size: 2,564 sqft

    Year built: 2000
    
11. $699,000 : 952 E Grant Pl, San Mateo
    
    5 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,730 sq ft

    Lot size: 4,750 sqft

    Year built: 1939
    
12. $799,000 : 3528 Broadview Ct, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,780 sq ft

    Lot size: 2,958 sqft

    Year built: 1986
    
13. $998,000 : 640 42nd Av, San Mateo
    
    4 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 3,150 sq ft

    Lot size: 11,000 sqft

    Year built: 1962
    
14. $949,800 : 267 36th Av, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 2,020 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,000 sqft

    Year built: 1948
    
15. $659,000 : 2253 Portsmouth Wy, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,330 sq ft

    Lot size: 4,992 sqft

    Year built: 1956
    
16. $650,000 : 221 28th Av, San Mateo
    
    2 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,810 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,880 sqft

    Year built: 1939
    
17. $670,000 : 2221 Portsmouth Wy, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,530 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,000 sqft

    Year built: 1956
    
18. $875,000 : 1765 Lake St, San Mateo
    
    4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,960 sq ft

    Lot size: 8,280 sqft

    Year built: 1960
    
19. $948,888 : 640 Fathom Dr, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 1,860 sq ft

    Lot size: 2,522 sqft

    Year built: 1967
    
20. $1,000,000 : 25 N Railroad Av, San Mateo
    
    6 beds, 5 full baths

    Home size: 2,200 sq ft

    Lot size: 9,800 sqft

    Year built: 1890
    
21. $848,000 : 626 Pico Av, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,399 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,000 sqft

    Year built: 1949
    
22. $849,900 : 445 W 23rd Av, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,560 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,500 sqft

    Year built: 1951
    
23. $939,000 : 461 W 25th Av, San Mateo
    
    4 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 1,720 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,000 sqft

    Year built: 1956
    
24. $799,000 : 3985 Oneill Dr, San Mateo
    
    5 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,320 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,000 sqft

    Year built: 1950
    
25. $740,999 : 1665 Wellesley Av, San Mateo
    
    4 beds, 3 full baths

    Home size: 2,270 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,750 sqft

    Year built: 1955
    
26. $669,950 : 320 Monte Diablo Av, San Mateo
    
    3 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,180 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,520 sqft

    Year built: 1910
    
27. $749,000 : 514 E 16th Av, San Mateo
    
    4 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 1,180 sq ft

    Lot size: 4,750 sqft

    Year built: 1946
    
28. $750,000 : 3734 Hacienda St, San Mateo
    
    2 beds, 2 full baths

    Home size: 2,000 sq ft

    Lot size: 5,830 sqft

    Year built: 1951
    

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

The median price for a San Mateo house selling in 2011 was $805,138.  That’s for the city of San Mateo not the county.  The median price for all of California homes sold in December 2011 was $304,770.  The 2011 statewide median prices haven’t been published yet, but this is a good number for comparison.  San Mateo County is unique to California.  It’s unique to the US housing market.  It is not what you are hearing about on television, from the radio, on the internet or in print whether that’s a newspaper or magazine.

• The average price of a housing being listed in San Mateo was $839,380
• The average list price, which is the last price in the MLS when an offer comes in was $819,414
• The average sale price was $807,135.
• The most expensive sale in 2011 was $3,330,000
• The least expensive sale in 2011 was $257,250.
• The sales prices were averaging between 96% and 99% of the list price.

Why is this happening here and not other places in California?  There are a couple of reasons.  San Mateo County has little land for housing but lots of vacant land.  It’s built out and sits between San Francisco and Santa Clara Counties.  We have a vibrant tech community and businesses are generally doing well.  There is a shortage of housing here, and always has been.  If you want to live here you pay more to do so.

The condo market in San Mateo is large and prices vary significantly from entry level to luxury for people down sizing.  There were 317 condos or townhouses sold in 2011 in San Mateo.  Because of the way the Multiple Listing Service combines townhouses with condos, not everything is truly a condo in the 317 count.  Many of these may also be townhouses that sit on land that is owned by the homeowner and not part of a condo community.

It took an average of 102 days to sell one of these homes (condos and townhouses).  This is considerably longer than other communities in our area and that’s likely due to the shear number in the city as well as the larger number of entry level units.  Condos generally take longer to sell in comparison to either townhouses or houses.

• The average price was $389,705 and the median price was $340,000
• The most expensive condo was $1,378,000 and there were 2 others that sold for over a million dollars
• There were  5 that sold between $800,000 and $1 million
• The average sold price for the city was $390,263
• The sales prices were between 92% and 96% of list price but we did see some sell above asking price

We’re here to tell you more about our local real estate market and tell it like it really is.  Are there bargins out there?  Well, if you search hard enough, you do see a few.  We are seeing short sales but there are few bank owned out there and when the bank owned properties do come on the market the banks are now fixing them up and pricing them at market price.  It’s very hard to find a real deal in our area.  It’s not something you can do without the help of a seasoned Realtor so give us a call and talk with us about your wants and needs and let us help you.

Above all else, you must be pre-approved before starting your buying process.  The banks are making everyone jump through hoops so be prepared and be ready.

Here some of the current houses for sale in San Mateo

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 66. See more city of San Mateo real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $469,000 : 224 Lindbergh St, San Mateo
   
   3 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 1,110 sq ft

   Lot size: 4,400 sqft

   Year built: 1943
   
2. $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
   
3. $2,195,000 : 525 Fairfax Av, San Mateo
   
   4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,500 sq ft

   Lot size: 7,680 sqft

   Year built: 1933
   
4. $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
   
5. $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
   

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

Here are some of the current condos or townhouses for sale in San Mateo

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 47. See more city of San Mateo real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

1. $275,000 : 821 N Humboldt St #306, San Mateo
   
   1 bed, 1 full bath

   Home size: 693 sq ft

   Year built: 1965
   
2. $299,000 : 1705 Palm Av #7, San Mateo
   
   1 bed, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 802 sq ft

   Year built: 2007
   
3. $518,000 : 231 N El Camino Real #106, San Mateo
   
   2 beds, 2 full baths

   Home size: 970 sq ft

   Year built: 1993
   
4. $435,000 : 876 Wharfside Rd, San Mateo
   
   1 bed, 1 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 1,150 sq ft

   Year built: 1979
   
5. $369,000 : 815 N Humboldt St #414, San Mateo
   
   2 beds, 1 full bath

   Home size: 903 sq ft

   Lot size: 24 sqft

   Year built: 1965
   

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