June 27, 2008

Bay Area: Do You Really Belong Here?

Forget your psychic friend and magic 8 ball. CurbedSF has it that today’s savvy home hunters leave it to programmers to come up with a way to tell them, via scientific survey, whether a neighborhood is a good fit or not. Indeed, Hoodeo is the “neighborhood match maker,” your online connector of human to ‘hood.

So I gave it a spin- God knows I am having a hard time finding a place I can afford in SF; maybe Hoodeo knows something I don’t.  Among its questions, the survey asks me if I wanted to stay in this city or if I would go anywhere. Since my job and friends and life are here, I actually do want to stay here, but just for fun, I chose “will go anywhere.” Hoodeo also smartly inquires how much I make and how much I “want to spend” on my next home, as well as how big I want it, cleverly reminding me that those square feet I desire will also have to be cleaned (I picked 1000 square feet, and since I had the option, 2 beds and at least 1.5 baths since I share with a man whom occasionally disgusts me). I decided the fair amount to pay, based on what we make, and that we would like to have money left over to travel and buy beer and such, would be 400 to 450K.

I should be, according to Hoodeo, living in Philidelphia. Wait, but you didn’t ask if I like sub-zero winters! I don’t!

Back to Hoodeo then, this time insisting on staying in the Bay Area. If I am to spend what I want to spend, I will need to think about Pacifica, San Bruno, South San Francisco, or– if I want the city proper– Bayview. Wait, you didn’t ask if I like gunfire in my front yard. I don’t!

Needless to say, Hoodeo has left some poignant questions off the list in determining if a ‘hood will fit you. For instance, nowhere am I asked what I think of On Deadline’s report that

Members of the Presidential Memorial Commission tell the San Francisco Chronicle that they’ve already collected 8,500 signatures on a petition to put the proposal before voters this November. If it passes, the Oceanside Water Pollution Control Plant would be renamed [the “George W. Bush Sewage Plant.]

To which I say: I am home.

June 25, 2008

Perk Up Those Ears!

One of my favorite houses near where I live is up for sale again! This house goes on sale about every 3 or 4 months and has done so over the last 2 or 3 years. It is now at its lowest price during that time. Check out 41467 Fremont Blvd., Fremont – 3/2.5 – 2278 sf on 1/3 acre for $885,000. It’s a great looking place but the location isn’t terrific because Fremont Blvd. is a very busy street, and since sidewalks have been put in around this house it sits very close to the street and people passing by. But I love this style house. It looks like a dollhouse! If only (as I posted on this house last year) I could muster up the money to move it to some grand lot in the foothills, where it so obviously belongs. It needs a space that will show off its grandeur. But alas, it is where it is. Still a great looking house though. While we are in this neighborhood, the Irvington District of Fremont, let’s see what else is going on. Some of these may stand a better chance after today of selling to buyers who are having a tough time qualifying for the stringent loan requirements. Apparently Congress is voting today on a change for the better. Let’s hope it passes. I hate to see the way the pendulum on mortgage loans swayed from extremely easy to extremely difficult to qualify. That was just plain irrational! Especially when you look at a Google map showing all the listings, because right now it looks like an ant infestation there are so many. Help! I present to you some very cool deals on houses in the Fremont and Milpitas areas based on $ per square foot:

FREMONT:
3300 Walcott Cmn #117 – 1/1 – 712 sf - $237 sf for $168,888
This condo is actually very spacious for only 712 sf because it is laid out very nicely. It’s close enough to Ohlone Junior College to make it a good investment for the parents to get and let their college student live in. Although my Grandpa always said to never, ever get in to financial deals with family and/or friends, times are tough now.

This next house doesn’t give an address but says it is very close to Lake Elizabeth (Central park is a super great park) and it’s only 10 years old to boot. At only $237 sf it’s almost too hard to refuse. Its stats are 7/2 – 2,346 sf all for only $698,888. I say run, don’t walk to nab this baby up. AND it is in a desirable neighborhood. I’m almost ready to write a check now.

4162 Bullard St – 3/2 – 1677 sf - $298 sf for $499,950
This house is a steal in the Irvington district. It’s clean, neat, and well presented at an amazingly low price. Landscaped with sprinklers and all. And with all these grass fires in California happening I would think sprinklers would be a great idea. Turn those puppies on when there is a fire nearby. That’s got to help, right?

Check out 40396 Canoga St – 3/1 – 1376 sf - $327 sf for $450,000
Okay, so I think this house looks a little boxy, but it is near my favorite park, Central Park/Lake Elizabeth. It also has RV parking so if you didn’t want to hang out at home maybe because you’re retired, you can just hop in the old RV and split for the wide open spaces. I LOVE to RV. We did that for our honeymoon in Canada. We have friends up there living in Lions Bay (a quaint community between Vancouver and Whistler) that let us take their RV for a drive through Canada. What a fantastic treat. They said we could use the RV for weeks (or they even were kind enough to say months). Months were tempting but we opted for 3 weeks. Spectacular scenery!! Anyways, back to Fremont and reality. The above houses are great deals that I would encourage you to look into. C’mon, do it, you know you want to!

MILPITAS:
Now Milpitas has been proving to be a real bargain hunters dream over the last few months. Check these places out (that are well away from the dump stench). Sorry I seem repetitive on the stench of the dump but my husband always relates a childhood story about whenever his family was in the car and riding by the Milpitas dump area on 880 no matter what the bad smell (even a skunk) when the kids would ask Mom & Dad what that bad smell was the answer was always “Milpitas”. Sad, but true, except for the skunk smell.

1445 Jupiter Ct – 4/3 – 2555 sf - $219 sf for $559,000 (reduced $60,000)
Well, this is a good deal but to say in the description “put in some sweat…” doesn’t sound too appealing when the temperatures here have been over 100F. But that’s not all the time and having a house to work on does keep you out of trouble! Working, raising kids, etc. the rest of the time assures no time for getting into trouble. This would actually be a great home for first-timers or someone who wants to invest in a rental. It is a lot of house for the price and it is in a good area.

256 Temple Dr – 6/3 – 2037 sf - $290 sf for $590,000
What is it with these 5+ bedroom houses for low prices (the Fremont one above with 7 bedrooms)? I thought families were supposed to be smaller these days what with over-population and all. I’m puzzled! This one has a good sized lot and is in a nice area to boot, so meander over there soon.

Both of these areas have lots of houses for sale so we’re talking great bargaining potential, so go see what you can find. You won’t be sorry.

June 16, 2008

Top of the Line New Listings in Fremont

1504 Lemos Ln 5/3.5 (2131) $999,999
This is probably one of the best areas for great schools. It’s not far from the beautiful foothills and in between two beautiful parks. Fremont’s own Central Park is quite spectacular and a new swim park is being added that will be ready next year about this time.

180 Montevideo Cir 4/3 (2503) $1,259,950
Another great looking house in the Mission District of Fremont. This place is very open and airy. Although I have been noticing over the years that the houses are getting bigger and the yards are getting smaller. And yet fewer people are having large family nowadays. What’s with that?

41431 Joyce Ave 4/4.5 (3300) $1,588,000
And yet another large house in the Mission District. This one is buried deep into the neighborhood so if you don’t like to be on or near busy streets this one would be a good choice.

44483 View Point Cir 5/3 (3418) $1,728,888
Now if I was to decide on a place to live in Fremont I would go towards the foothills. Just about every home nestled in the foothills has a fantastic view of the whole bay area. Granted, some of the homes (this one included) don’t come with that thrilling view right out the window, but you are just a hop, skip and jump away from the wonderfully grueling hike up Mission Peak. And if you survive that hike all the way to the top you also get a great view of the Pleasanton and Livermore areas.

42648 Baron St 4/2 (1779) $1,299,950
This one looks a little pricey for what you get but then again it is in the much desired Mission District of Fremont. What can I say?

44293 Hunter Pl 5/4.5 (4268) $2,156,888
Now this house definitely qualifies as a top-notched. I often go on walks through this neighborhood because I get some great gardening ideas from the homes here. And I can mentally pick them apart with very critical thoughts like: “why did they put that big fountain right there…how tacky”. Somehow this makes me feel superior because I can see all kinds of faux-pas’ in these muckety-muck houses. Hah!

180 Montevideo Cir 4/3 (2503) $1,259,950
Looking at the pictures of these homes I am noticing a definite trend in how they vacuum the carpets. They all have a fresh vacuum cleaner path with no footsteps on them. Sort of like the patterns on a freshly mowed baseball field. It bothers me and I don’t know why. I want to go stomp around on the carpet or some such silliness.

So obviously I have chosen a specific area of Fremont that I am rather fond of, the Mission District near the foothills and Mission Peak. I love it here and like to come here to hike, but feel totally stupid when I feel it necessary to ‘drive’ to where I want to hike, so these houses are all near many hiking trails all headed up to the top of Mission Peak. And believe it or not, on summer weekends it is next to impossible to find a parking place in the Mission Peak parking lot that provides about 30 parking spaces. Shows how many people feel they need to drive to a place to walk for exercise. We are a strange lot, us humans! As an added bonus there is a long-running rumor that M.C.Hammer (rap singer) used to have a spectacular house up in these foothills. When you take the trail behind Ohlone College up to Mission Peak along the way you can look down on what once was his house. It would be funny if he never really lived there but people kept pointing at it and saying ‘Look, that used to be M.C.Hammer’s house’. Can you imagine having random people driving by your house and pointing at it and whispering and making oooh’s and ahhh’s sounds? Is that a good selling point or not? I don’t really know.

June 9, 2008

Buy 1 Get 1 Free?

This really got my interest while perusing Yahoo this morning: Slow home sales? Buy one, get one free in San Diego

Yowza — now we’re talking good deals. Sure — get a car, an exotic vacation trip, etc. are really provocative and enticing, but a free house? I’d say San Diego has got it going-on! Come on Bay Area, we can do that. I can imagine some deals I would offer. Here are examples using some of the new listings on the market in the East Bay:

163 Linmore Dr., Fremont – 5/4 - 3437 sf $1,738,000
4189 Blewett St., Fremont – 3/2 - 1148 sf $434,950 (*FREE)

448 Pine St., Fremont – 3/2.5 - 2352 sf $1,168,888
5125 Shalimar Cir., Fremont – 3/2.5 – 1383 sf $569,000 (*FREE)

2740 Plover Ct., Hayward – 4/3.5 – 3489 sf $1,099,000
323 Solano Ave., Hayward – 3/1.5 – 1676 sf $414,900 (*FREE)

746 Kirkwall Pl., Milpitas – 4/3 – 2690 sf $1,099,000
1668 Pinewood Way, Milpitas = 3/2 – 1270 sf $459,900 (*FREE)

32433 Pacific Grove Way, Union City – 4/2.5 – 2139 sf $759,900
4814 Barbara Ct., Union City – 3/2 – 1320 sf $470,000 (*FREE)

*Keep in mind these are just pretend offers I have made up; each of these houses may be worth the asking price without any FREE offers involved.

I’ve always felt a love/hate relationship with marketing in any industry. But I have to say I have a love relationship with the real estate industry at the moment. Marketing bad food choices, bad habits, useless junk, etc. really irks me but this – marketing ideas that help the people and boost the economy can be good. I just wouldn’t want it to encourage more home building that could compromise the environment. Let’s utilize what we have already created instead of creating more, okay?

June 8, 2008

Spraying Deception Across the Bay Area

Outrage in the Bay Area against the planned apple moth spraying continued today, with a protest in Marin County.  Although there is no present danger to crops from the apple moth, the State plans to spray in heavily populated areas this summer - to include Marin, San Francisco, and the East Bay. 

Spraying of this pesticide, called Checkmate, was set to begin in August and could continue over five years.  The State obtained an emergency exemption from registration with the EPA - which means that spraying can begin without statewide approval.  If the apple moth were to gain ground, it could be devastating to many different types of crops, such as fruit trees, citrus and grapes.  But the residents of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties who were sprayed last year contend that the health risks outweigh the risks to crops.   After these areas were sprayed from September to December, hundreds of residents complained about health issues ranging from headaches to coughing and wheezing, and first time asthma attacks. 

State officials contend that the spray is perfectly safe, and that it is just a pheromone that confuses the male apple moths.  Residents contend that the testing was hurriedly done and not conclusive.  Based on the furor over this moth, Governor Schwartzenegger ordered a halt to spraying back in April until the spray could be proven safe.   The California Assembly also narrowly approved a measure in late May mandating that an EIR - or “environmental impact report” be done before spraying could continue. 

The facts are that hundreds had health issues the last time spraying was done, and these sprayings occurred over less densely populated areas.  The chemical used has not been classified by the EPA.  And some independent researchers have found that the chemical CAN cause respiratory issues based on the particle sizes in the spray - some of which are small enough to lodge deep in the lungs.   Spraying would have to be done every 30 days for years in order to completely eradicate the apple moth.  I see no tests showing the long term impact of this chemical on human health, or on other crops for that matter. 

Most Bay Area cities, including San Francisco and Fremont, have strongly opposed the scheduled August spraying.  Many residents say they will move if spraying continues.  What will this do to a state already beseiged by foreclosures and empty homes? 

I think our lawmakers need to think about the potential impact to the tax base if many people leave, or become ill - a concern that should be dwarfed by the real human issues here; the health of the people and the land. 

June 4, 2008

Living High On the Hog

Here is a list of the top 10 most expensive houses in the world over $1.5 million (check out the $$ per square foot on some of the places listed in the article):

1. London
2. Monaco
3. St. Jean Cap (France)
4. Courchevel (France)
5. Hong Kong
6. Manhattan
7. Cortina d’Ampezzo (Italy)
8. Portofino (Italy)
9. Singapore
10. Tokyo

Okay — so now I don’t feel quite so bad about housing prices in the Bay Area. Except for the fact that I don’t really plan on living anywhere else in the world; so it’s like comparing apples to oranges. But it is still fun to mock other places, I suppose.

Here are a couple of places in the East Bay for $1.5 million or more:

430 Panorama Ct., Fremont – 5/3 – 2900 sf $1,699,000
This is described as a Mediterranean-style house so Italy eat-your-heart-out! What ‘would’ it sell for in Italy? Yikes! Guess we’re better off just keeping it in the upper-scale Fremont hills and learning to speak Italian.

Or, let’s live really ‘high-on-the-hog’ in another house described as Mediterranean-style at 44601 Gabrielino Trail, Fremont – 4/4 – 4713 sf $2,290,000
We could learn a couple of other languages whilst living here!

Or, scratch the language lessons, speak good old American-ese and live a thrifty-nifty life at 40467 Vogel Ct, Fremont – 3/1 – 950 sf $379,900
The Irvington District of Fremont demands no uppity, lotto-winning, exotic–lifestyle, yacht-owning people. Just fun backyard BBQ’s and down-to-earth livin’.

On the other hand, let’s take a look-see at Hayward fancy living. I think 3755 Arbutus Ct. – 4/3.5 – 4793 sf $2,497,000 rivals some of the homes I’ve seen in The Sound of Music! I can picture those kids on the staircase singing along with Julie Andrews. Oh yeah! Of course my kids would just have toys deposited on every step, hah!

Or who could resist a 2/1 – 1118 sf bungalow at 23098 Mansfield Ave., Hayward for $1,650,000?
Wait…that DOES sound like a house in one of the 10 most expensive places to live in the world. But, when you look closely you realize that it is zoned to accommodate up to 10 lots on 1.48 acres. This is actually a very good investment opportunity. Or an opportunity to build houses for your toddlers to live in order to save your sanity.

All kidding aside, this really does make me feel better about living here in the Bay Area even with the high cost of housing. Life is good here and gas is still cheaper here than in Europe, so far!

June 2, 2008

On San Leandro (Or Why It’s Tiresome To Buy Underwear In Berkeley)

It thrills me that I can rely on my readers for swift, in-depth information on subjects where I lack knowledge.

My post on San Leandro (pictured above) was prompted by David, a reader who describes himself as “a former Berkeley/Oakland/Alameda snob” who has now outdone himself by providing an insider’s guide to San Leandro.

It’s worth knowing that David is in contract on a “cosmetic fixer house” in San Leandro that’s “1,700+ sq ft for $435K, with closing costs covered by seller, who’s also clearing the pest report ($25,000 in total credits+repair work)”. The house sold listed last year for $609K and David reckons after it is updated (new kitchen and floors), he’ll be spending about $270/sq ft.

So this is someone who knows what he’s doing.

Here’s his lowdown on SL:

Bay-O-Vista you get views, but limited “walkability”. Estudillo Estates you get nicer housing stock, the lowest crime and better school, but it’s much pricier. Broadmoor you can get a better school (depending on which side of Bancroft you’re on), decent housing stock, much cheaper, and just as walkable as Estudillo Estates (but a bit more crime as it’s proximal to Oakland).

Assumption Parish is a bit less walkable, but flat, still pretty low crime (esp. if you’re on the side closer to Estudillo) but the housing stock is 90%+ 1950 ranchers, which is great if you like that style (I don’t).

Cons: The shopping is not as good as Berkeley, Grand Lake or Rockridge certainly. However, there are a few decent shops, there’s a farmers’ market downtown on wed. evenings now, and one on the weekend at Bayfair. There’s also Bayfair for your mall needs (it’s tiresome trying to buy simple underwear etc in Berkeley).

Pros: Easy access to Alameda, Oakland and Berkeley for your Trader Joe’s or other desires, or if you need to go to Chez Panisse or whatever. Easy commute to SF–BART’s just 25 minutes to the Embarcadero from SL, also have AC Transbay express bus to SF. A tougher, but possible car commute to the Peninsula or South Bay; ideal for the two commute family (one to SF, one to SJ/Peninsula). I also think it’s generally “nicer” (looking, set-up, shopping, crime etc) than Hayward/Fremont.

And of course, the much cheaper housing. Berkeley will always have people willing to pay to be in Berkeley, but I really don’t understand those willing to pay up for Oakland for higher crime, higher property taxes (btw, SL is 1.25%, Oakland is 1.46% for a typical house), generally bad schools, and many neighborhoods are actually less convenient for commuters (say up the winding roads in Montclair).

As for crime, I think SL has had one murder in the past two years. Muggings and burglaries are also much less than Berkeley. SL cops actually respond to citizens’ calls and complaints. Heck, even the mayor does.

Your comments, as always, are welcome.

[Photo credit:www.city-data.com/picfilesc/picc14202.php]

May 29, 2008

Taking the Plunge: First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Everytime I go to a social gathering these days (from BBQ’s to weddings to birthdays) two life-changing events keep popping up: having babies and buying a home. Sure, having kids and nesting into a home are nothing new under the sun, but in the Bay Area with home prices and cost of living the way they are, I find that both events take on a new significance, e.g. “Wow, you can afford to have a baby/buy a house in the Bay Area?” But now that the market is easing up, I’m hearing more and more couples (and single folks) talking about undertaking two of the possibly biggest steps of their lives and often in quick succession.

Enter: first-time homebuyer programs. As prices come down, they’re becoming all the rage for newbie homeowners, especially those who never thought they could own and/or will be newbie parents looking to nest. Although these programs have been around for awhile, they didn’t make as much sense when the market was booming since the stringent ceilings on income were incompatible with the actual market prices of homes (e.g. very low incomes qualified for many programs yet these same incomes could not afford the bubble’s mortgages).

Programs are generally available in every city and interestingly can be combined. For example, you could get a loan through Acorn Housing (a national non-profit), pay below-market APR, pay no mortgage insurance and then get down-payment assistance through CalHFA (a state program) or your city’s program (for example, Oakland has a down payment assistance program  which pays either $10,000 or 6% of the purchase price, whichever is greater).  Each program has its own income and family size requirements so you will need to do your research. Ideally,  you should attend a workshop held by your city, a lender, or one of the many non-profits dedicated to housing counseling. Not only will these types of workshops give you information about each program, they should be able to refer you to knowledgeable loan officers at eligible lenders.

Here is a sampling of some of the programs available:

Acorn Housing This is a non-profit with service offices across the country. They provide home-buying counseling and workshops as well as special loans to those who qualify. Highlights: below-market APRs, no mortgage insurance, lower down payments and closing costs.

CalHFA A state agency, CalHFA provides mortgage products, down payment assistance, and special programs for those who are buying in areas needing revitalization, as well as unique programs for teachers and individuals with disabilities.

Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America A national non-profit, this organization’s tagline touts “America’s Best Mortgage Program”, and it just may be since it requires no down payment, charges no closing costs or fees, has below-market mortgage rates and has “no requirement for perfect credit”.  While there is no income limit (very interesting!) there are maximum purchase prices.

Oakland The Town offers both a Mortgage Assistance Program (a $75,000 loan with no payments due until the home is sold again) as well as down payment assistance ($10,000 or 6% of the purchase price, whichever is greater).

City of Alameda Loans from $50,000 to $80,000 available to use as down payment or towards closing costs.

Emeryville Provides down payment assistance for both regular properties as well as “Below-Market-Rate” properties. Special assistance for City of Emeryville employees as well as teachers.

Dublin Loans available for up to 10% of the purchase price (15% for Below-Market-Rate units). Those who live or work in Dublin have priority as well as individuals with disabilities, seniors, or people needing to relocate due to housing demolition or condo conversion.

Pleasanton Pleasanton’s program consists mainly of Below-Market-Rate units. They had a down payment assistance program but funds were not available as of February 1st, 2008. However, the website states to “check back periodically” as the status may change.

Livermore Provides loans up to $30,000 for low and moderate income borrowers.

May 28, 2008

Richmond Gets Greener

Beset by unemployment, crime, and an image so bad that even foreclosure-torn Antioch compares favorably with it, Richmond, the “city of pride and purpose,” is taking steps to shade its image toward the greener end of the spectrum.

Solar Richmond, a nonprofit organization, provides free training to young job-hunters on how to install solar panels.

The former Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant is now home to a cluster of green businesses including Vetrazzo, which gathers glass from broken vodka bottles and recycling bins and uses it to make kitchen counters, and San Jose-based solar firm SunPower Corp.

The city’s mayor, Gayle McLaughlin, herself an environmental activist, helped involve the city in the East Bay Green Corridor Partnership, a group that aims to make the East Bay one of the nation’s green economic engines. Along with Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville, Richmond and other partners will pursue a federal earmark for green collar jobs and workforce development funds for 2008.

In 2007 alone, despite the cooling economy, there was a 40 percent increase in revenue for solar, wind, biofuels and fuel cells, topping $77 billion. Thousands of jobs have been created in the green arena, with some going begging.

“A green economy which focuses on the triple bottom line of economics, environment and social equity is the greatest opportunity of the twenty-first century to improve the lives of all people,” McLaughlin has said.

With that in mind, here’s a sampling of recent sales in the northeast hills neighborhood of Richmond - one of the city’s better areas. (Photo of the bay from Pt. Richmond: shayan.)

5851 Arlington Boulevard, Richmond: 2 bedrooms/1 bath, 832 sq ft. Sold April 1 for $280,000.

1204 Yuba Avenue, Richmond: 3 bedrooms/1 bath, 990 sq ft. Sold April 18 for $228,000.

830 Sonoma Street, Richmond: 3 bedrooms/2.5 baths, 2,120 sq ft. Sold on April 17 for $410,000.

5950 Park Avenue, Richmond: 3 bedrooms/2 baths, 1,086 sq ft. Sold on March 28 for $600,000. This is one of the best locations in Richmond.

May 22, 2008

A Disturbing Dilemma

I find this dilemma disturbing, but not surprising: in some areas homeless people are moving into foreclosed homes that are empty. Also transients, drug dealers, criminals, and various people who don’t or can’t abide by society’s rules are moving into these abandoned houses. Some by choice and others by necessity or survival. The real danger of this situation is evident. Fires, homicide, you name it can wreak havoc on law-abiding citizens. And because most of these houses are in neighborhoods this activity will definitely bring the value of surrounding houses down, down, down. As if they aren’t crashing enough as it is. Let’s face it, banks can’t keep tab on every foreclosure because there are so many now. And some previous homeowner of a now empty house may have moved a good distance away because the Bay Area is just plain unaffordable…still! So that homeowner can’t keep tabs on their foreclosed house. Evidently this all comes back to participating in your community. Too many of us are so busy with work, etc. these days we don’t or can’t get to know our neighbors. Well, I personally think we all need to make that effort. Get to know your neighbors. Be aware of what is going on. It’s not being nosey it’s being safe. For instance, say a foreclosed house that is now empty has a swimming pool that isn’t being maintained (who would maintain it?). If that swimming pool has water in it, it is probably now stagnate – hence mosquito infestation which could harbor West Nile Virus. Or children swimming in it unsupervised. Even if that swimming pool is empty it is still a hazard for children playing in it or around it. It used to be that if your home went into foreclosure you didn’t want your neighbors to know about your financial situation because it was embarrassing. Those days are no longer. Foreclosure is a common state of affairs nowadays. Actually, I take that back. Back in the days of the wild west pioneer communities HAD to be close and help each other to survive. Funny how most things come full circle isn’t it?

Here are some homes that are bank-owned and in foreclosure in nice neighborhoods that I’m sure the neighbors would be horrified if they fell prey to one of the aforementioned situations (they haven’t, by the way):

459 Sentinel Pl., Fremont – 4/3 – 3604 sf $1,175,000
22858 Upland Way, Hayward – 3/2 – 2184 sf $499,900
6214 Truckee Ct., Newark – 4/2 – 1519 sf $508,500
371 Riverside Ave., Fremont (Niles district) – 3/1 – 1476 sf $325,000
34313 Larkspur Ct., Union City – 5/3 – 2671 sf $740,000

Also, there or those out there that are renting out these empty homes under false pretense. They state they own the home and even have legal-looking paperwork to present to the renter. Just when you think that thievery is harder because of this computerized world we live in now, bam…that world also works very well for those thieves that are computer savvy. I would say that for every second ‘big brother’ is watching us there is at least one hacker producing something deceitfully to evade ‘big brother’.

Where does one turn to find out the truth? Can you really trust the internet when it is so full of false information? It never ceases to amaze me how you can type practically anything into a search engine and find good, bad, and ugly information. You really need to make sure you go to trusted sites for your information, be it real estate, medicine, or any other important issue. There will always be crime in the world no matter how advanced (or backward) we become.