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Bidding Wars Abound… How Long Will They Continue?

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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):

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Concord Real Estate News (January 23, 2018)

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Explore the latest real estate and local news headlines: Why San Francisco is the nation’s most competitive housing market. Tech execs back California bill that aims to build more housing near transit locations. Here in Contra Costa County, there is a debate over whether home owners are responsible for storm drain repairs under private property or not. Now for things that affect more of the Bay Area: A proposed $3 toll hike moves to the ballot box. Finally, for those who ride BART, their first new train is here at last.

This is what makes S.F. the nation’s most competitive housing market

In possibly a bit of unwelcome news for prospective homebuyers, San Francisco comes up on top in a LendingTree ranking of the most competitive housing markets in the country.

The online lending exchange identified the financial elements that make buying a home difficult and used its database of 1.5 million mortgage loan requests to rank cities based on three factors: the share of buyers shopping for a mortgage before choosing a home, average down payment percentage and percentage of buyers who have prime credit.  Read More…

CoCo County: Homeowners Responsible for Storm Drain Repairs Under Private Property

KPIX ConsumerWatch reporter Julie Watts explains there is a storm brewing over who is responsible for paying to fix and replace aging storm drain pipes buried under Bay Area neighborhoods.

Click ‘play’ on the video above to watch the report and Click Here to see the original post on Claycord.com

Now in voters’ hands: Proposed $3 toll hike moves to the ballot box

SAN FRANCISCO — Bay Area voters now will decide which is worse — unrelenting traffic or paying up to $9 to cross a bridge.

The Bay Area Toll Authority on Wednesday voted unanimously to place a $3 toll hike on the June 5 ballot in all nine counties. If approved, the $4.45 billion measure is expected to be at least a partial answer to the traffic woes plaguing commuters. Read More…

It’s here! First train in BART’s new fleet makes inaugural run

OAKLAND — Brighter, cleaner, quieter: Those were just a few words BART riders used to describe the first train in the agency’s new fleet, which made its inaugural ride Friday…

The milestone was significant for the transit agency, which struggled with delays as it sought to iron out all the kinks with the new cars. BART is replacing all 669 of its train cars with 775 new ones, a $2.6 billion effort to update the aging and sometimes unreliable fleet, add capacity by running longer trains and improve passengers’ experience. Read More…

Tech execs back California bill that aims to build more housing near transit

Bigger, taller apartment buildings surrounding your neighborhood BART station? More than 100 California tech leaders are enthusiastically saying yes, please. 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

 

What Impact Will the New Tax Code Have on Home Values?

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What Impact Will the New Tax Code Have on Home Values? | 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: What Impact Will the New Tax Code Have on Home Values?

Every month, CoreLogic releases its Home Price Insights Report. In that report, they forecast where they believe residential real estate prices will be in twelve months.Below is a map, broken down by state, reflecting how home values are forecasted to change by the end of 2018 using data from the most recent report.

What Impact Will the New Tax Code Have on Home Values? | MyKCM

As we can see, CoreLogic projects an increase in home values in 49 of 50 states, and Washington, DC (there was insufficient data for HI). Nationwide, they see home prices increasing by 4.2%.

How might the new tax code impact these numbers?

Recently, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) conducted their own analysis to determine the impact the new tax code may have on home values. NAR’s analysis:

“…estimated how home prices will change in the upcoming year for each state, considering the impact of the new tax law and the momentum of jobs and housing inventory.”

Here is a map based on NAR’s analysis:

What Impact Will the New Tax Code Have on Home Values? | MyKCM

Bottom Line

According to NAR, the new tax code will have an impact on home values across the country. However, the effect will be much less significant than what some originally thought.

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 (January 18, 2018)

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concord real estate news 2018.01.18Read some of the latest local real estate news headlines: Unfortunately, if you want to buy a house in the bay area, you’ll most likely have to over-ask when bidding for it. Other news: for many reasons, one of the latest housing trends is to build “Granny Flats” or small in-law units on your property. Speaking of more density, read about a new proposal that would raise height limits for housing near major transit stops. Finally, check out rent control in California. A proposal to lift restrictions was blocked but would it have been a good idea to lift it anyway?

New Bay Area housing trend: Living in the backyard

The walls weren’t even up yet on the granny flat Limei Huang is building in her San Jose backyard when people started lining up to rent the space.

The first offer came from the worker who laid the unit’s foundation. After his day’s work, he called Huang up and asked: When it’s finished, can I move in? Not long after, Huang brought in a painter. While he was giving her an estimate, he asked the same question. She had to tell him to get in line. Read More…

Bay Area housing: Over-asking bids are the new normal

Back in September, a modest ranch house sold in Sunnyvale for $782,000 over its asking price, signaling that the Bay Area housing market was even crazier than it seemed.

That sale was extreme: The buyer paid $2,470,000 for a four-bedroom, two-bath house — less than 2,000 square feet — that had listed for $1,688,000. But the deal turns out to have been an over-the-top version of what has become the new normal in the Bay Area, where home buyers are more likely to pay over-asking prices than anywhere else in the nation, according to a report from Zillow.

The analysis shows that 68.5 percent of the homes sold last year in the San Jose metropolitan area went for over the asking price. The median amount paid over list price was $62,000, which translates as 6.8 percent above list. Those were the highest numbers in the country.

The San Francisco metropolitan area, which includes the East Bay, was close behind in second place: 64.5 percent of deals were for over asking and the median amount paid above the list price was $41,000, or 6.0 percent over list. Read More…

Rent control in California: Proposal to lift restrictions blocked in committee

SACRAMENTO — A closely watched attempt to repeal a California law restricting rent control died at a packed committee hearing Thursday, but proponents vow to keep fighting — and, if they get nowhere in the Capitol, to take the issue straight to voters…

The raucous hearing attended by landlords and tenants underscored the deepening tension in the state as the housing crisis shuts out many from buying a home and forces residents to pay rising rents that outpace their incomes. Read More…

Our view: Can ‘density’ stop being a dirty word in the Bay Area?

Scott Wiener is the state senator for San Francisco. He is also quickly carving out a reputation as the state senator for housing.

Still in his first term, Wiener was the primary author and driving force behind last year’s most influential piece of housing legislation. SB35 effectively takes away from Bay Area cities and counties many of the bureaucratic tools they have long used to delay, deny or downsize zoning-compliant housing projects. Municipalities can regain those powers if and when they start meeting state-mandated housing targets.

Now Wiener’s back, teaming with fellow Bay Area legislators Phil Ting and Nancy Skinner on an even more dramatic proposal. SB827 would remove arbitrary local density restrictions and raise height limits for any project within a quarter mile of a “major transit stop” or a half-mile of a “high-quality transit corridor.” (Both are terms of art, not generic descriptions, with detailed definitions in state code far too complicated to get into here.) The bottom line is that large swathes of the tightly-packed Bay Area will be covered. 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 Real Estate News (January 11, 2018)

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Review the latest real estate and local news headlines: Concord will move to district council elections. Affordable apartments in Walnut Creek and Russians at center of bribery trial! Also for renters, the new normal: lower expectations and shrinking apartments. Economists say both 2018 rents and house prices will continue to grow with no end in sight. Plus, Millenial homebuyer credit scores are apparently decreasing.

Bowing to pressure, Concord will move to district council elections

CONCORD — In a move that may empower the city’s Latino voters, Concord will transition from at-large City Council elections to selecting representatives by district.

Although several of his colleagues expressed concern that districts may lead to “provincial” leaders who advocate for their areas instead of the entire city, Mayor Edi Birsan said the onus will be on voters to choose wisely.

“You are going to have to pick leaders who are sophisticated enough to represent your interests, not only in the district, but wherever else the city is,” said Birsan, a longtime proponent of district elections.

Concord joins Martinez among Contra Costa County cities scrapping at-large elections to avoid a potentially costly lawsuit. Read More…

Affordable apartments in Walnut Creek and Russians at center of bribery trial

MARTINEZ — The trial started Monday for a man accused of bribery involving low-income apartments in a lavish transit village in Walnut Creek, but the defense alleged its client and numerous others were discriminated against because they are Russian nationals.

It is an outlandish case, which authorities say might not have been solved if not for the defendant’s love of quirky, old-fashioned automobiles that led to numerous parking complaints, the property manager being transferred to another building, and the new property manager using Nancy Drew-like instincts to uncover what was going on.

The defendant, Walnut Creek resident Aziz Artykov, 50, is accused of facilitating tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to the former property manager of Avalon Walnut Creek Apartments, Matthew McVicker, who would in turn move Artykov’s friends to the top of a wait list for Avalon’s low-income housing program, which offered nice units for way below the market rate, to people who made less than half the median income. Read More…

For renters, the new normal: lower expectations and shrinking apartments

Gabriel Rodarte grew up in San Jose and has worked there for 30 years as a mailman for the U.S. Postal Service. Making his rounds, he says, “I see it all. I see three families living inside one small apartment, or total strangers who share a room. None of them stay very long; they can’t afford it”… A generation of tenants now sees itself as rent-poor, with every last dime doled out for gas, groceries and the landlord. Renters struggle throughout the Bay Area.  In San Jose, the median monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is now $2,550, far above the national average of $1,560.  A similar two-bedroom flat can cost even more elsewhere: $3,080 in Walnut Creek and $4,910 in Cupertino, according to a recent report.

As the Bay Area’s economy booms, and as the tech sector continues to expand, this is the new normal for those on the margins: shrinking expectations and shrinking apartments. Nearly 40 percent of working adults in the Bay Area are now “doubled up” with roommates in order to afford rent, according to a study from Zillow. Read More…

2018 house prices and rents will keep growing with no end in sight, economists say

Will 2018 be the seventh year home prices go up? Or the year the market stalls? Will this be the year that tenants get the upper hand over landlords? Or will rent hikes just keep coming?

In other words, will the seller’s market of the past 69 months continue in 2018?

We interviewed 10 economists and reviewed nine forecasts to find an answer to that question. It can be summed up in one word.

Yes. Read More…

Ellie Mae: Millennial homebuyer credit scores decreasing

The latest Ellie Mae Millennial Tracker report shows a slight decline in the average credit scores of closed loans to Millennials from the previous year.

The report, which covers November 2017, shows that the trend was most noticeable for FHA and VA loans.

According to Ellie Mae, in November 2016, the average FICO score on a closed FHA refinance loan to a Millennial borrower was 678, but that dropped to 669 in November 2017. On VA loans, the average FICO scores on closed VA refinance loans dropped from 725 in 2016 to 710 in 2017.

“With the average credit score dipping, lenders are extending credit to borrowers who may have had no previous access to the housing market,” said Joe Tyrrell, executive vice president of corporate strategy at Ellie Mae. “While these scores are still significantly above the levels seen a few years ago, it is encouraging to see increased accessibility, especially as the millennial population continues to pursue home ownership.” 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

 

The Impact of Tight Inventory on the Housing Market

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The Impact of Tight Inventory on the Housing Market  | 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: The Impact of Tight Inventory on the Housing Market

The housing crisis is finally in the rearview mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up, home sales are up, and distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen to their lowest points in years. It seems that the market will continue to strengthen in 2018.

However, there is one thing that may cause the industry to tap the brakes: a lack of housing inventory. While buyer demand looks like it will remain strong throughout the winter, supply is not keeping up.

Here are the thoughts of a few industry experts on the subject:

National Association of Realtors

“Total housing inventory at the end of November dropped 7.2 percent to 1.67 million existing homes available for sale, and is now 9.7 percent lower than a year ago (1.85 million) and has fallen year-over-year for 30 consecutive months. Unsold inventory is at a 3.4-month supply at the current sales pace, which is down from 4.0 months a year ago.”

Joseph Kirchner, Senior Economist for Realtor.com

“The increases in single-family permits and starts show that builders are planning and starting new construction projects, that’s a good thing because it will help to relieve the shortage of homes on the market.”

Sam Khater, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic

“Inventory is tighter than it appears. It’s much lower for entry-level buyers.”

Bottom Line 

If you are thinking of selling, now may be the time. Demand for your house will be strong at a time when there is very little competition. That could lead to a quick sale for a really good price.

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

Time on the Market Drops to New Low in 2017 | Dana Estates Real Estate

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Time on the Market Drops to New low in 2017 | Dana Estates Real Estate

The Concord real estate market 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 Low Time on the Market and how you can take advantage of this.

According to recently released data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median amount of time a home spent on the market hit an all-time low of only three weeks in 2017.

Strong buyer demand, a good economy, and a low inventory of new and existing homes for sale created the perfect storm to accelerate the time between listing and signing a contract. The time needed to sell a home has dropped substantially since its highest mark of 11 weeks in 2012.

The chart below shows the median weeks on the market from 1987 to today.

Bottom Line

If you are a homeowner who is debating whether or not to list your home for sale, know that national market conditions are primed for a quick turnaround! Let’s get together to discuss exactly what’s going on in our area, today!

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 (December 14, 2017)

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Concord Real Estate News (December 14, 2017)

Is there a housing bubble in sight? Apparently economists don’t think so. Read more and explore other predictions for 2018. A Proposition 13 ballot proposal could give older people a tax break. This could potentially get more homes on the market. Plus, check out last week’s home sale prices in Contra Costa County. Finally, explore an extra “how to” article with tips on updating a popcorn ceiling. These are some of the latest Concord real estate news headlines.

No housing bubble in sight — and other predictions for 2018

A real-estate site’s predictions for 2018 offer yet more disappointing news for would-be first-time home buyers in California hoping that the New Year might bring some relief.

“The outlook for next year is rising prices, rising rates and rising property taxes,” said Redfin’s chief economist, Nela Richardson. “I wish I could have better news.” Read More…

Giving Grandma a tax break to get more homes on the market: realtors’ Prop. 13 ballot proposal

The proposal from the California Association of Realtors would expand Proposition 13, the landmark constitutional amendment passed by voters in 1978 that has kept homeowners’ property taxes artificially low over the years, even as their home values have doubled or even quadrupled. Under the initiative, homeowners who are over 55 or severely disabled would be able to keep those lower tax obligations for life, regardless of how many times they move, as long as they stay in California. Read More…

Home sale prices from Contra Costa County, as of Dec. 8

Home sales may have slowed for the holiday season but they sure aren’t stopping. Check out how much homes have been selling this past week in Contra Costa County. Click Here

Methods and costs of updating a popcorn ceiling

A popcorn ceiling, otherwise known as an acoustic ceiling, is a ceiling that’s been sprayed with a textured coating. A popular design element between the 1950s and the 1980s, the texture is useful for hiding imperfections but is now considered outdated… Popcorn ceilings are not only behind the times, but they’re also difficult to repair and clean. What’s more, they may deter potential buyers if and when the time comes to sell your home. There’s also a chance that your popcorn ceiling may contain asbestos. 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 | Home Prices Up 7% from Last Year

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Home Prices Up 7% from Last Year | SellingDanaEstates.com

Dana Estates Real Estate | Home Prices Up 7% from Last Year

The Dana Estates 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: Home Prices. They’re up 7% from Last year.

According to CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index, national home prices have appreciated by 7.0% from October 2016 to October 2017. This marks the second month in a row with a 7.0% year-over-year increase.

A lack of supply of homes for sale has led to upward pressure on home prices across the country, especially in areas where both existing and new home inventory have not kept up with buyer demand.

CoreLogic’s Chief Economist Frank Nothaft elaborated on the significance of such a large year-over-year gain, 

“Single-family residential sales and prices continued to heat up in October. On a year-over-year basis, home prices grew in excess of 6 percent for four consecutive months ending in October, the longest such streak since June 2014.

This escalation in home prices reflects both the acute lack of supply and the strengthening economy.”

This is great news for homeowners who have gained over $13,000 in equity in their home 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 home.

CoreLogic’s President & CEO Frank Martell had this to say,

“The acceleration in home prices is good news for both homeowners and the economy because it leads to higher home equity balances that support consumer spending and is a cushion against mortgage risk. However, for entry-level renters and first-time homebuyers, it leads to tougher affordability challenges.”

Any time the price of a home goes up there will likely be concern about the affordability of that home, but there is good news. Mortgage interest rates remain at historic lows, allowing buyers to enter the housing market and lock in a low monthly housing cost.

Rents Are Also Rising

The report went on to mention that over the same 12-month period, median rental prices for a single-family home have also risen by 4.2%.

With rents and home prices rising at the same time, first-time buyers may find the task of saving for a down payment a little daunting. Low down payment programs are available and have been a very popular option for first-time buyers. The median down payment for first-time buyers in 2017 was only 5%! 

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

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Concord Real Estate News (December 7, 2017) | Dana Estates Real Estate

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Concord Real Estate December 7 2017

Concord Real Estate News (December 7, 2017)

Here are some of the latest Concord real estate news headlines. During this past month, house prices shot up again. If you’re a renter, check out some of the cheapest apartment rentals in Concord. Speaking of rent, Concord’s new ordinance get’s its first test as a dispute has arisen over a rent hike. Also, check out what it would take to bring a University to Concord, and finally, discover the local happenings this holiday season.

The cheapest apartment rentals in Concord, explored

If you’re apartment hunting, you know how hard it can be to find a good deal. So what does the low-end rent on a rental in Concord look like these days and what might you get for the price?

We took a look at local listings for studios and 1-bedroom apartments in Concord via rental site Zumper to find out what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find around the Town.

Take a look at some of the cheapest listings available right now: Read More…

What will it take to bring a university to Concord?

CONCORD — The city plans to develop a long-term strategy to attract a four-year university to the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.

Contra Costa is the only county in the state with a population of at least 1 million that does not have a Cal State or a UC campus. Consequently, many high school graduates leave home or commute to another county to pursue a bachelor’s degree, creating what assistant city manager Kathleen Trepa called a “brain drain.” Read More…

In dispute over $275 rent hike, Concord ordinance gets first test

CONCORD — The panel that hears disputes over proposed rent increases will hold its first public hearing Wednesday, Dec. 6…

In July, Walnut Creek-based Key Property Management notified a tenant of 1491 Bassett Drive, a 10-unit apartment complex, that it was raising the rent for his two-bedroom apartment by $275 per month, bringing it to $1,600 — a 21 percent increase.

Under the residential rent review program Concord adopted in May, tenants of all buildings with three or more units who receive a rent increase of more than 10 percent in a 12-month period may seek mediation. Read More…

Bay Area housing: Sales dwindled in October and prices shot up — yet again

Reflecting the chronically tight supply of available homes, Bay Area housing sales fell in October from a year earlier as prices marched up across the nine counties by nearly 11 percent. The region’s median sale price of a single-family home was $800,000 and surpassed $1 million in four of its counties. Read More…

Local Happenings: Concord, Clayton, Pleasant Hill, Martinez Dec. 8 and beyond

Discover all the many events happening this holiday season from ice skating and Christmas carols to events and more! Click Here for a complete list.

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.

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