Real Estate News

Local Real Estate News

• Homeowners Choose Synthetic Grass As Best Drought Tolerant Landscaping Says San Diego Expert

  SAN DIEGO, Calif. – As the perennial discussion about Southern California’s water shortage continues, homeowners in San Diego and surrounding areas are choosing synthetic grass as the most popular form of drought-tolerant landscaping according to San Diego artificial turf expert Scot Wozniak, President of San Diego Lawns, Inc. A long-time synthetic grass installer in San Diego, Wozniak has helped hundreds of homeowners save water and money every month. “We regularly sit down with homeowners and go through the numbers to find out what they will save on water and maintenance costs. Most are very surprised at how much they currently spend and are excited to find out they can cut that number significantly.” He says that most homeowners find that synthetic grass pays for itself within one to three years, but that can be greatly accelerated by taking advantage of occasional rebates offered by regional water departments. “Getting rid of water-thirsty grass and replacing it with draught tolerant synthetic grass will qualify some homeowners for a rebate from their local agency, bringing down the cost of artificial turf installation.” Wozniak says that even if a homeowner doesn’t qualify for the rebate, the money saved on projected water and maintenance costs [...] - 3 weeks ago

• Spring Real Estate Market Increases Investor Interest In Mountain View Property Management Services

  MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – As the spring real estate market continues to boost certain types of home sales, investor interest has increased in Mountain View rentals and other Bay Area cities, according to professional property manager Jerry Garrity of First Statewide Realty. Garrity, who has shepherded the portfolios of his high-end real estate investor clients through five recessions since the late 80′s, says that trends in sales come and go, but good investors learn how to make a good return even in tough markets. “The difference between amateur investors and those with more experience is that the experienced ones learn how to grow their portfolio’s value in virtually any market. One way they do that is by making sure their portfolio is managed professionally.” He says that good property management in Mountain View or anywhere else doesn’t cost the investor, it add value to any portfolio. Gayle Sabin, one of First Statewide Realty’s senior property managers, agrees, saying that a common mistake of amateur investors is thinking that they can save a lot of money by managing the property themselves. She says in most cases, they end up costing themselves a lot more money and spending a lot more time [...] - 3 weeks ago

• Albuquerque Real Estate Agent Sees Foreclosures and Bank Owned Homes Dominating 2012 Market

  ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Bank owned homes will dominate the 2012 real estate market according to Albuquerque REALTOR® Joe Maez of Keller Williams Realty Westside. Maez says that Albuquerque foreclosures are still driving the market due to problems in the banking system getting bank owned properties through the foreclosure process and into the market. As a result, he says the Albuquerque real estate market will continue to be affected by the flow of bank owned homes. “Banks have battled a number of legal challenges, but the foreclosure inventory continues to impact the local market in a big way.” Maez says that while buyers are getting some amazing deals right now, sellers are also seeing an uptick in price and buyer interest. “It’s definitely a win-win for buyers and sellers in the New Mexico real estate market right now.” He says another factor in the market that is making buyers take notice is the extremely low but rising interest rates. “We have never before seen the national average for interest rates below 4% like this. Low rates in combination with low prices is a gift for home buyers right now.” According to Maez, the powerful combination of low rates and low prices [...] - 4 weeks ago

• Recession Fears in Europe Leads US Investors To Flight To Quality Says Bay Area Property Manager

  CUPERTINO, Calif. – News of weakness in the European economy and a U.K. double dip recession has caused U.S. investors to flee to quality in their investment decisions, according to Bay Area property manager Jerry Garry of First Statewide Realty. Garrity, whose property management firm in Cupertino has served real estate investor clients in the Bay Area through five past recessions, says that historically good prices and low interest rates have brought investors into the market in a big way. “I call it a flight to quality. When a bubble bursts, as it did in 2006 and 2007, the masses run away from it. As the bubble recedes, the serious investors with narrow criteria for choosing quality investments start coming in to pick up the pieces.” That’s what he says is happening right now, as the more savvy professionals in the business seek out the best deals with the best cash flow. According to Greg Garrity, one of First Statewide Realty’s property managers, the firm’s clients are always careful to select only quality deals, and to protect their investments with experienced property management services. “Our clients are among some of the most successful residential real estate investors in the state, [...] - 4 weeks ago

• Florida REALTOR® Sean Farrer Says 2012 Tourism Boosting Key West Real Estate Market

  KEY WEST, Fla. – Tourism will be the key to boosting the 2012 Key West Florida real estate market according to local REALTOR® Sean Farrer. Farrer, who adopted the so-called Conch Republic as his hometown after moving to the relaxed community from native South Africa, says he did like many others continue to do every year: he fell in love with Key West while on holiday. “Florida tourism is clearly a driving factor, not only in the economy, but the Key West real estate market, because people come here from all over the world to experience the fun, relaxation, and beautiful beaches of Key West.” Farrer says going to Old Town Key West on vacation or as a stop on a cruise just whets the appetite for the Florida Keys’ trademark relaxed island lifestyle. “A few days or a week is just not enough for many people. Those who choose to live their dream of relocating to Key West soon become buyers in the Key West real estate market.” He says his familiarity with all the Key West neighborhoods has helped many clients achieve a dream they may have started out thinking was impossible to achieve. But he attributes his [...] - 2 months ago