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Homes for Sale in the Dana Estates Neighborhood of Concord

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Low Inventory Pushes Home Prices Higher

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As the largest city in Contra Costa County, there are many Concord homes for sale, particularly in the zip code 94519. Concord offers accessibility and a measure of affordability when compared to its pricier neighbors of Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Clayton.

Neighborhoods within the 94519 zip code include:

  • Dana Estates
  • Monte Gardens
  • Holbrook Heights
  • Wren Avenue
  • El Monte
  • San Vincente

These Concord neighborhoods offer proximity to Todos Santos Plaza and the downtown Concord BART station. As well, they provide access via Willow Pass Rd. to Highway 4.

Today I would like to talk about: The Effect Low Inventory is Currently Having on Home Prices

According to CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index, prices appreciated by 6.9% year-over-year from December 2016 to December 2017 on a national level. This marks the fifth month in a row with at least a 6.9% increase.

Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic, gave insight into the reason behind the large appreciation,

“The number of homes for sale has remained very low. Job growth lowered the unemployment rate to 4.1 percent by year’s end, the lowest level in 17 years. Rising income and consumer confidence has increased the number of prospective homebuyers. The net result of rising demand and limited for-sale inventory is a continued appreciation in home prices.”

This is great news for homeowners who have gained nearly $15,000 in equity (on average) in their homes over the last year! Those homeowners who had been on the fence as to whether or not to sell will be pleasantly surprised to find out that they now have an even larger profit to help cover a down payment on their dream homes.

As we near the traditionally busy spring buyers season, there is still hope for buyers as mortgage rates remain low compared to recent decades. The report also predicted that home price appreciation will slow slightly, rising by 4.3% by this time next year.

Bottom Line

If you are looking to enter the housing market, as either a buyer or a seller, let’s get together to go over exactly what’s going on in our neighborhood and discuss your options!

Source… KCM Peter Maclennan Blog

Having a knowledgeable and experienced real estate broker on your side helps protect your interests and insure you make the best possible decisions. We are dedicated to keeping on top of the real estate market and keeping you informed of changes. You can rest easily knowing you made a well-informed decision based on experience and insight into the Concord California market.

To reach us please call 925.385.8798 or email us at peter@maclennaninvestments.com.

Search for the newest homes for sale in Concord, CA by map (click the map below):

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Concord CA Real Estate Map Search

Concord Real Estate News (February 13, 2018)

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Here are some of the latest real estate news headlines: Some bay area residents have seen their houses sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars over the listing price. Others have balked at the Bay Area’s high housing costs and have left. On another note, do you think California is ready for a Proposition 13 overhaul? Finally, explore recent home sale prices in Contra Costa County.

Packing up and moving out: Bay Area exodus continues

Efforts to move out of the Bay Area continued in recent months, with 16,000 residents packing up and taking to the road for cheaper housing and new opportunities. A study by real estate brokerage Redfin found the Bay Area remains the top region for outward migration in the country.

The most popular destination for Bay Area refugees remains Sacramento, followed by other tech hubs and California cities. “It’s pretty much in line with what we’ve seen for the past few years,” said Taylor Marr, senior economist at Redfin. “Many people leaving the Bay Area are still looking in California.” Read More…

Is California ready for a Proposition 13 overhaul?

A new ballot initiative that takes aim at how commercial properties are taxed under California’s Proposition 13 could raise $6 to $10 billion more each year for schools and other programs and services, according to a new analysis by the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Read More…

Why Even ‘Ordinary’ Homes Sell for $500,000 Over the List Price

Almost a quarter of U.S. home sales were above the asking price last year, with an average premium of $7,000. These sellers managed to get a lot more. Read More…

Home sale prices from Contra Costa County, Feb. 2

Click Here to explore recent home sales in Contra Costa County.

Having a knowledgeable and experienced real estate broker on your side helps protect your interests and insure you make the best possible decisions. We are dedicated to keeping on top of the real estate market and keeping you informed of changes. You can rest easily knowing you made a well-informed decision based on experience and insight into the Concord California market.

To reach Peter Maclennan please call 925.385.8798 or email us at peter@maclennaninvestments.com.

Search for the newest homes for sale in Concord by map (click the map below):

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Concord CA Real Estate Map Search

Homeownership: “The Reports of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated”

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Homeownership: “The Reports of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated”

As the largest city in Contra Costa County, there are many Concord homes for sale, particularly in the zip code 94519. Concord offers accessibility and a measure of affordability when compared to its pricier neighbors of Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Clayton.

Neighborhoods within the 94519 zip code include:

  • Dana Estates
  • Monte Gardens
  • Holbrook Heights
  • Wren Avenue
  • El Monte
  • San Vincente

These Concord neighborhoods offer proximity to Todos Santos Plaza and the downtown Concord BART station. As well, they provide access via Willow Pass Rd. to Highway 4.

Today I would like to talk about: The Increasing Home ownership Rates That We See Today

The famous quote by Mark Twain in the title of this article can be used to describe homeownership in America today. Last week, the Census revealed that the percentage of homeowners in the country increased for the first time in thirteen years.

Homeownership: "The Reports of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated" | MyKCM

A story in the Wall Street Journal gave these new homeownership numbers some context:

“The annual increase marks a crucial turning point because it comes after the federal government reined in bubble-era policies that encouraged banks to ease lending standards to boost homeownership. This time, what’s driving the market is a shift in favor of owning rather than renting.

‘This is market, market and market…There’s no government incentive program in sight that is having this effect,’ said Susan Wachter, a professor of real estate and finance at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, ‘This is back to basics.’”

In a separate report comparing the rental population in America to the homeowner population, RentCafé also concluded that the gap is now shrinking.

“Undoubtedly, the recession had a great impact on homeownership…However, it looks like it takes more to discourage Americans from buying a house than that.

As the years go by, it seems more and more certain that the fact that renting has seen a sudden gain in popularity is more a reaction to the economic crisis than a paradigm shift in the Americans’ attitude toward housing.”

America’s belief in homeownership was also evidenced in a recent survey by Pew Research. They asked consumers “How important is homeownership to achieving the American Dream?”

The results:

  • 43% said homeownership was essential to the American Dream
  • 48% said homeownership was important to the American Dream
  • Only 9% said it was not important

Bottom Line

Homeownership has been, is and will always be a crucial element of the American Dream.

*Pictured Above – Mark Twain’s home in Hartford, Connecticut.

Source… KCM Peter Maclennan Blog

Having a knowledgeable and experienced real estate broker on your side helps protect your interests and insure you make the best possible decisions. We are dedicated to keeping on top of the real estate market and keeping you informed of changes. You can rest easily knowing you made a well-informed decision based on experience and insight into the Concord California market.

To reach us please call 925.385.8798 or email us at peter@maclennaninvestments.com.

Search for the newest homes for sale in Concord, CA by map (click the map below):

concord california real estate search by map
Concord CA Real Estate Map Search

Bidding Wars Abound… How Long Will They Continue?

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Bidding Wars Abound concord real estate

Bidding Wars Abound… How Long Will They Continue? | Concord Homes For Sale

As the largest city in Contra Costa County, there are many Concord homes for sale, particularly in the zip code 94519. Concord offers accessibility and a measure of affordability when compared to its pricier neighbors of Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Clayton.

Neighborhoods within the 94519 zip code include:

  • Dana Estates
  • Monte Gardens
  • Holbrook Heights
  • Wren Avenue
  • El Monte
  • San Vincente

These Concord neighborhoods offer proximity to Todos Santos Plaza and the downtown Concord BART station. As well, they provide access via Willow Pass Rd. to Highway 4.

Today I would like to talk about: Bidding Wars and What they Mean to You Selling Your House

Just like with any product or service, the law of supply and demand impacts home prices. Any time that there is less supply than the market demands, prices increase.

In many areas of the country, the supply of homes for sale in the starter and trade-up home markets is so low that bidding wars have ensued, and the busy spring-buying season is just around the corner.

CoreLogic recently conducted an analysis on national home prices at the time of sale for their January 2018 MarketPulse Report and found that a third of homes sold for at least list price.

“The share selling above list price was almost three times the trough in January 2008 and represented more than one-fifth of total sales.”

Many markets in the western part of the country and around major cities are experiencing higher shares of homes selling above list price.

“San Francisco had the largest share of homes—76 percent—that sold for at least the list price, and Seattle and Los Angeles followed with 63 and 51 percent, respectively. Miami had the lowest share—16 percent—of homes selling at or above the list price.”

Increased demand during the spring and summer months, the traditionally busier seasons for real estate, will no doubt influence how many homes continue to sell over list price.

This should not be seen by sellers as permission to overprice their homes, though. Buyers are becoming more and more educated, especially those who have been searching for their dream homes for a while now while waiting for new inventory to come to market.

Realtor.com gives this advice:

“Aim to price your property at or just slightly below the going rate. Today’s buyers are highly informed, so if they sense they’re getting a deal, they’re likely to bid up a property that’s slightly underpriced, especially in areas with low inventory.”

Bottom Line

Without a large wave of new listings coming to market, buyers will continue competing with each other for the homes that are available. If you are thinking of selling your home, now may be the time to do so before more competition comes this spring. Let’s get together to determine the demand for your house in our area.

Source… KCM Peter Maclennan Blog

Having a knowledgeable and experienced real estate broker on your side helps protect your interests and insure you make the best possible decisions. We are dedicated to keeping on top of the real estate market and keeping you informed of changes. You can rest easily knowing you made a well-informed decision based on experience and insight into the Concord California market.

To reach us please call 925.385.8798 or email us at peter@maclennaninvestments.com.

Search for the newest homes for sale in Concord, CA by map (click the map below):

concord california real estate search by map
Concord CA Real Estate Map Search

Concord Real Estate News (February 6, 2018)

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concord real estate news

Explore the latest Concord real estate news here: Concord will invest millions to provide affordable housing. Bay Area home prices continue double digit gains and looking back to the recession, the real estate market here has regained all it lost and more. Under Concord’s new district election system, the city council is seeking input from residents on the proposed district maps. Looking ahead, a developer with big plans proposes building a professional soccer stadium along with retail, hotels, a convention center, and housing. All of this would be built on a three acre piece of property near the downtown Concord BART station.

With rents soaring, Concord to invest millions in affordable housing

CONCORD — Affordable housing is expensive to build, so the city plans to pitch in several million dollars to fund two projects.

Housing developers have until March 1 to submit proposals to the city for funds to build new affordable apartment complexes or to purchase and rehabilitate existing rental units.

…

City leaders have said they want to use the funds to provide housing for seniors, veterans and teachers. Read More…

Bay Area home prices continue double-digit gains on historic streak

Tight housing supply pushed Bay Area home prices higher yet again in December, extending year-over-year, double-digit gains for the fifth straight month — and overall gains to an historic 69 straight months.

The median sales price for a single-family home in the nine-county region rose to $765,000 in December, up 13.8 percent from last year, according to real estate firm CoreLogic.

The latest data continues a Bay Area housing narrative now stretching toward six years — a rollicking market great for property owners but punishing to newcomers and middle-income families hoping to buy. Read More…

Developer pitches pro soccer stadium, hotel complex for Concord

CONCORD —  A professional soccer stadium could be the anchor for a downtown development with hotels, shops and a convention center, but only if BART agrees to play ball.

Walnut Creek developer Mark Hall, whose business empire includes hotels, restaurants, residential and commercial projects, has expanded into the world of professional sports…

With the Oakland Raiders leaving for Las Vegas, the Golden State Warriors moving to San Francisco and uncertainty about where the Oakland A’s will build a new stadium, Hall said he believes there is “an opening and an opportunity here for a professional team, and soccer is definitely on the way up.” Read More…

Concord Seeking Input from Residents on Proposed District Maps

The Concord City Council is seeking input from residents.

Currently, five City Councilmembers are elected at-large, meaning that all registered voters in Concord have the opportunity to vote for all five council positions.

Under the new district-election system, City Councilmembers will be elected by district. One Councilmember, who lives in a district, will be elected by registered voters who also live in the same district. Read More…

U.S. Housing Market Has Gained Back All $9 Trillion in Value Lost During Recession, but Uneven Recovery Means Some Markets Still Lag

SEATTLE, Jan. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. housing market has gained back all $9 trillion in value it lost when the market collapsed, but the uneven nature of the crisis and subsequent recovery has left many housing markets trailing behind, while others surge further ahead.

More than half of the nation’s largest housing markets have regained all of the value lost during the recession, with the typical U.S. home worth $55,200 more than it was at the bottom of the housing bust, according to a new Zillow® report. Read More…

Having a knowledgeable and experienced real estate broker on your side helps protect your interests and insure you make the best possible decisions. We are dedicated to keeping on top of the real estate market and keeping you informed of changes. You can rest easily knowing you made a well-informed decision based on experience and insight into the Concord California market.

To reach Peter Maclennan please call 925.385.8798 or email us at peter@maclennaninvestments.com.

Search for the newest homes for sale in Concord by map (click the map below):

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Concord CA Real Estate Map Search

Dana Estates Real Estate | The Cost of Not Owning Your Home

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Dana Estates Real Estate | The Cost of Not Owning Your Home

The real estate market in Concord, California is still very active. Reasonable sellers are receiving offers quickly and buyer confidence remains strong. There are multiple price points and types of houses available in Concord, CA.

Particularly around the Dana Estates neighborhood 94519 zip code, homes are in demand. The neighborhood provides convenient access to Highway 4 and to downtown Concord. It is also about equal distance from both the Concord BART station and the North Concord BART station.

Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial decisions that a family can make. Because of the size of the transaction, there are many complicated decisions that surround the purchase of a home.

Today we are going to talk about: The Cost of Not Owning Your Home

Zillow recently reported that:

“In reality, buying or renting a home is an intensely personal decision, with emotional and even financial considerations that go beyond whether to invest in this one (admittedly large) asset. Looking strictly at housing market numbers, there is a concrete point at which buying a home makes more financial sense than renting it.”

What proof exists that owning is financially better than renting?

1. We recently highlighted the top 5 financial benefits of homeownership:

  • Homeownership is a form of forced savings.
  • Homeownership provides tax savings.
  • Homeownership allows you to lock in your monthly housing cost.
  • Buying a home is cheaper than renting.
  • No other investment lets you live inside of it.

2. Studies have shown that a homeowner’s net worth is 44x greater than that of a renter.

3. Just a few months ago, we explained that a family that purchased an average-priced home at the beginning of 2017 could build more than $48,000 in family wealth over the next five years.

4. Some argue that renting eliminates the cost of taxes and home repairs, but every potential renter must realize that all the expenses the landlord incurs are already baked into the rent payment– along with a profit margin!!

Bottom Line

Owning a home has always been, and will always be, better from a financial standpoint than renting.

Source… KCM Peter Maclennan Blog

Having a knowledgeable and experienced real estate broker on your side helps protect your interests and insure you make the best possible decisions. We are dedicated to keeping on top of the real estate market and keeping you informed of changes. You can rest easily knowing you made a well-informed decision based on experience and insight into the Concord California market.

To reach us please call 925.385.8798 or email us at peter@maclennaninvestments.com.

Search for the newest real estate listings in Concord, CA by map (click the map below):

concord california real estate search by map
Concord CA Real Estate Map Search

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