Burlingame Real Estate - The Wilkas Group » Uncategorized

Mold in Your Home? Here are Some Tips – San Mateo CA

lenorewilkas — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:35:51 +0000

With the excitement of Spring and warmer weather finally here, it’s time for you take a closer look at the condition of your San Mateo home. After deeper inspection, you may find areas that need an extra bit of care. If you happen to notice mold in your home, do not panic. It’s very common in our area because of fog. Instead take a deep breath (outside) and a few minutes to educate yourself!

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)

$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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.

How Buying a Home is Like Finding the Perfect Shoe – San Mateo CA

lenorewilkas — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:11:01 +0000

The old adage “one shoe fits all” does not work when buying home. For that matter, it doesn’t work when shoe shopping, either! Homes, like shoes, are very personal, and often emotionally-based purchases.

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)

$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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.

Saving Money in Your New Home – Burlingame CA

lenorewilkas — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:01:49 +0000

Everyone likes to save money. Everyone, even billionaires do. Part of owning a home, whether it’s a house, townhouse or condo, is home maintenance and if you’re disciplined about doing it, you can not only save money on your home, but help the environment with these tips. Energy use is a huge portion of our budget. Some homes are all electric, including heating, so saving a few dollars could be really helpful. We hear about hidden electrical drains, meaning all of our appliances that run all of the time. You know the ones with clocks that really don’t need clocks, or instant on? That’s a huge money drain that PG&E just loves. Good for their bottom line, but not ours.

When you purchase or consider purchasing a new home, there are lots of things to consider. One of these is the cost of utilities. While they may not represent a large portion of your monthly expenses, their cost can really add up over time. Once you have purchased your new home (and every few years thereafter), it’s a good idea to request an energy audit from PG&E to find ways that you can reduce your monthly expenditures. Once you know what creates the bulk of your expense, you can use the following tips to reduce your utility bills in your new home.

Update your appliances and fixtures to energy efficient models bearing the “Energy Star” label to save on water and energy bills.
Replace any incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs or if you can afford them, the new LED lights. This can provide up to 75% savings on your lighting costs and keep your home cooler during the summer months.
Be aware of your thermostat use. A programmable thermostat is a great idea during the winter, so you can allow cooler temperatures while you are away from your home.
Lowering your hot water heater temperature ten degrees or shortening your shower times can results in savings.
Turn off your appliances by unplugging them when you’re not using them.
Adding insulation to your attic or attic door and replacing caulking over cracks around windows and in exterior walls can also reduce your energy costs. You may even consider insulating your garage or garage door if possible. Replacing or installing weather-stripping kits on drafty doors will also decrease your costs. So will adding an attic fan to remove heat during the summer.
Planting deciduous shade trees and shrubs can provide more even temperatures in your home, as can appropriate window coverings.

Some of these things are really simple to do and should become part of your annual repairs to your home. Others can become daily changes. We all can do these things to help improve our bottom line, and our energy use for the greater good of our community. This weekend is Earth Day and now is a great time to start your energy audit and savings.

Terms to Know When Buying or Selling a Home

lenorewilkas — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:40:43 +0000

The real estate industry, like most others, uses jargon that is sometimes difficult to understand. Consider this a primer to learning a few of those terms. Here’s a step by step definition that will make you sound “in the know” when buying or selling a home.

“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.

Time to Review Your Home Owner’s Policy: Hillsborough CA

lenorewilkas — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:43:05 +0000

If you’ve owned your home for a while you might not be looking at one of the most important things you pay for each year and that could be a major mistake. What do you know about your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy? Have you evaluated it recently? If not, it is a good idea to review it every six months to ensure that your coverage is as expected. Obviously, the best time to review your policy is prior to a crisis situation. So take some time out of your busy schedule and spend a few minutes today going over the details in your insurance policy.

You should contact your insurance agent if you have questions or need to make a few adjustments. He or she should be able to answer your questions. If you don’t feel comfortable with your agent or question whether or not he or she are providing you with the best policy for your situation, please contact us for a reference. You may find that a change could save you money both short-term and long-term.

Some helpful questions:

Ask– Can I qualify for a premium reduction by installing smoke detectors, alarms, new locks or doors, or improved roofing material? Do I qualify for a preferred customer or senior/student discount? What is really covered by my insurance? Ask about th

Showing properties 1 - 10 of 62. See more city of Hillsborough real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$3,095,000 : 1340 Avondale Rd, Hillsborough

5 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 4,400 sq ft

Lot size: 20,473 sqft

Year built: 2000
$2,399,000 : 645 Hillsborough Bl, Hillsborough

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,580 sq ft

Lot size: 25,844 sqft

Year built: 1958
$4,399,000 : 1160 Barroilhet Dr, Hillsborough

4 beds, 4 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 5,045 sq ft

Lot size: 24,208 sqft

Year built: 1991
$2,295,000 : 537 Craig Rd, Hillsborough

4 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 2,750 sq ft

Lot size: 29,185 sqft

Year built: 1953
$1,675,000 : 6215 Skyline Bl, Hillsborough

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,810 sq ft

Lot size: 21,896 sqft

Year built: 1972

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

e phrase “acts of God” and the interpretation of the insurance company.

Discover – What is insured, the actual home or only the land under it? Is land value part of my policy amount and if so, why? Did I opt for replacement value or actual cash value in your home coverage and does that still apply?

Discuss – Are my valuables and heirlooms in need special coverage? Would a higher deductible result in a significant reduction in my premium? Should I get earthquake or flood damage insurance?

Asking these questions now and periodically in the future will give you peace of mind and give you the knowledge you will need should you ever encounter a crisis with your home. It is a good idea to place a copy of your homeowner’s policy in a place away from your home, as well, in case just such an accident does occur.

Here’s what’s going on in the Hillsborough CA real estate market today.

Home For Sale? Time to Spring Clean – Foster City CA

lenorewilkas — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:23:51 +0000

Spring has sprung, making it a great time to focus on sprucing up your home. Whether you have just purchased a home or are planning to sell, a little bit of effort spent and a few quick cleaning tips will help your home to sparkle! Along with the need for general de-cluttering and cleaning, the tips below list easy fixes to resolve issues you may encounter in your new home or home for sale.

Before you start to spring clean, open up the windows so air can circulate throughout your home. This will help remove any mustiness and you can use candles, essential oils, and other room fresheners to add a pleasant scent to your home.

Look at your walls and surfaces and use a melamine sponge to wipe away anything from soap scum to marker or crayon. You will be amazed at how easily the dirt is removed with the sponge and a little water. A popular brand of sponge is the Magic Eraser by Mister Clean, but there are many on the market today that act in the same way.

For the most painless and fast dusting method, use a microfiber cloth to capture the dust most effectively. Follow up your dusting with a quick run of your vacuum, to clear away any particles that may have settled. You can also reduce the amount of dust in your home by cleaning any filters on circulation systems in your home.

Remove the dust from curtains in your home by dry-cleaning or washing them (be sure to follow the label instructions) before rehanging. There are many tools available for clearing dust from other window coverings, so spend a few minutes researching techniques here, if you have a question about the quickest method. If you have a shower liner, add it to your laundry load. Just make sure you allow it to air dry rather than dry in the dryer.

Hopefully these tips will inspire you and help you to get your home “Spring Clean” whether for your enjoyment or because you have a home for sale.

Here’s what’s for sale in Foster City right now.

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

$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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.

Landscaping – A Key to Selling Your Home – San Mateo, CA

lenorewilkas — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:44:14 +0000

When you meet someone for the first time – what do you notice? If you’re like many of us, that initial impression is largely determined by their appearance. Believe it or not, that concept rings true with your home, too! Your home’s Curb Appeal can give huge clues about your personality and sense of style, and its landscaping tells a story the same story, as well. Is your landscaping sending the message you WANT to convey? If your home is for sale, the following tips can help to make sure you are not missing the mark!

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)

$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$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.

Resources for Avoiding Home Foreclosure: San Mateo County CA

Virtual Results PubSub — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:56:23 +0000

Home ownership can become a heavy responsibility at times, especially like now, when times are tough. It can also be challenging to find help when things are difficult because of a decrease in, or loss of income, illness, unexpected disaster, unexpected major home repairs, or a personal crisis such as separation or divorce. Add to that a reduction in home values, and the problem can seem insurmountable. While savings can help to alleviate some of the impact of these life events, it is still helpful to be aware of potential programs and alternatives offered to distressed homeowners, too. In fact in last month’s State of the Union address, President Obama made reference to this struggle in home ownership, saying, “And while Government can’t fix the problem on its own, responsible homeowners shouldn’t have to sit and wait for the housing market to hit bottom to get some relief.”

If you find yourself in a no-win situation regarding your mortgage, it can be helpful to speak with your lender and ask about loan modifications that can be made in the short term. You can ask about the short sale process, too, and see if that may be a viable option for you. A short sale is when your lender agrees to accept a lower price than is owed on your property as payment in full. There is a lot of paperwork that accompanies this type of sale and it is helpful to use a real estate agent that has short sale experience with this type of transaction. In fact, some real estate agents like us, and some home buyers, specialize in just this type of sale and can be a great help to you!

If you want to stay in your home, rather than sell, programs such as the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) , or the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA) offered by Freddie Mac may all be options. Fannie Mae and your individual lender may have other programs that can assist you as well. Please click here to view a variety of tools on how to avoid foreclosure. Remember that you do have options, if you are willing and able to face them. It will take time to explore them but don’t give up!

If you would like to talk to a certified expert on short sales and foreclosures, Alex Wilkas is just the person to call. Our number is at the top of this page. Call us so we can walk you through the options you have before it’s too late and you lose your largest life investment, the home you and your family are living in. San Mateo County is one of a handful of counties in California that hasn’t seen a great deal of foreclosures but short sales have been plentiful. Don’t be embarrassed to talk to us about this. We are here to help you.

The 2011 San Mateo Real Estate Market Report

lenorewilkas — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:34:24 +0000

The city of San Mateo is the largest city in our immediate area and has the most number of homes for sale during any one year. The 2011 San Mateo Real Estate market saw 596 single family homes sold. The average days on the market for these houses to sell was 56. Not bad considering the news reports we hear and read daily tell us about nightmares in other parts of the county. Who do you want to listen to? The news or me, your local eyes and ears on the ground in our area? That should be no brainer, folks!

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)

$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
$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
$2,195,000 : 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
$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
$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)

$275,000 : 821 N Humboldt St #306, San Mateo

1 bed, 1 full bath

Home size: 693 sq ft

Year built: 1965
$299,000 : 1705 Palm Av #7, San Mateo

1 bed, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 802 sq ft

Year built: 2007
$518,000 : 231 N El Camino Real #106, San Mateo

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 970 sq ft

Year built: 1993
$435,000 : 876 Wharfside Rd, San Mateo

1 bed, 1 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,150 sq ft

Year built: 1979
$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.

Hillsborough CA 2011 Market Report

lenorewilkas — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:10:23 +0000

Hillsborough is always considered one of the most expensive communities in California and 2011 was no different than other times or any other years. Hillsborough’s 2011 Market Report shows that there were 134 sales of homes in 2011.

Hillsborough only has single family homes. There are no condos. No townhouses. Only large stately homes on large lots.

The least expensive home sold for $1,195,000. There was only one at that price, probably a bank owned in need of work, and who ever bought it got a steal of a price. The land value is probably more than that.

12 homes sold between $1,700,000 and $1,800,000.
9 homes sold between $1,600,000 and $1,700,000.
8 homes sold between $1,400,000 and $1,500,000.
14 sold between $1,800,000 and $2,000,000.
87 sales were above $2,000,000.

The average list price for 2011 Hillsborough California homes was $2,775,773 and the average sales price was $2,627,551. 91% of the listings sold at the original price. 93% sold at a reduced price and the average time on the market from listing to close of escrow was 73 days.

Does this tell you that our market is in distress? It sure doesn’t say that to me. Homes are selling under 90 days. Many places around the US would kill for statistics like this. If you want to live in Hillsborough California and enjoy the benefits of this community, you pay for it. Top schools. Top weather. Top location. Privacy. Close to everything. Can we show you some of these homes? Call us now and begin enjoying the Good Life in 2012!

Here’s what’s on the market in Hillsborough today.

Showing properties 1 - 15 of 62. See more city of Hillsborough real estate.
(all data current as of 5/24/2012)

$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
$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
$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
$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
$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
$3,095,000 : 1340 Avondale Rd, Hillsborough

5 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 4,400 sq ft

Lot size: 20,473 sqft

Year built: 2000
$2,399,000 : 645 Hillsborough Bl, Hillsborough

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,580 sq ft

Lot size: 25,844 sqft

Year built: 1958
$4,399,000 : 1160 Barroilhet Dr, Hillsborough

4 beds, 4 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 5,045 sq ft

Lot size: 24,208 sqft

Year built: 1991
$2,295,000 : 537 Craig Rd, Hillsborough

4 beds, 4 full baths

Home size: 2,750 sq ft

Lot size: 29,185 sqft

Year built: 1953
$1,675,000 : 6215 Skyline Bl, Hillsborough

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,810 sq ft

Lot size: 21,896 sqft

Year built: 1972
$2,595,000 : 540 Chelmsford Rd, Hillsborough

4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,890 sq ft

Lot size: 15,210 sqft

Year built: 1930
$3,898,800 : 50 Verbalee Ln, Hillsborough

6 beds, 6 full, 2 part baths

Home size: 9,000 sq ft

Lot size: 1.14 ac

Year built: 1991
$1,800,000 : 2480 Summit Dr, Hillsborough

3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,080 sq ft

Lot size: 29,240 sqft

Year built: 1951
$3,795,000 : 2200 Redington Rd, Hillsborough

5 beds, 5 full, 3 part baths

Home size: 5,200 sq ft

Lot size: 26,789 sqft

Year built: 1990
$1,889,000 : 2440 Skyfarm Dr, Hillsborough

4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 3,480 sq ft

Lot size: 33,750 sqft

Year built: 1978

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