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Showing posts from January, 2014

Home Improvements That Pay You Back

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Do not hesitate to contact me at (415) 832-9151 for any real estate purpose you may have. Janice Lee 415-832-9151 International President's Premier Top Producer, Realtor JaniceFLee@gmail.com www.JaniceLeeHomes.com BRE #01720205

Will 2014 be The Year of the Move-Up Buyer?

The housing market has enjoyed a strong rebound over the past few years with sales and median prices steadily improving across the country and especially here in the Bay Area. For a variety of reasons, one segment of the market has not bounced back quite as fast: the “move-up” market. But that could change in 2014.   The recession took its toll on many homeowners, especially those who bought near the peak of the housing market. As property values dipped, many of these consumers found themselves “underwater” on their mortgage – that is, owing more than it is worth. But as home prices continue to climb and home equity levels steadily improve, more homeowners are once again in a position to trade up. The National Association of REALTORS® expects the median sale price nationally to be up 11 percent in 2013 from the previous year. And some parts of the Bay Area have seen median prices jump 15-20 percent or more. Move-up buyers are gradually coming bac

Four Reasons 2014 Could Be A Very Strong Year for Local Housing Market

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Happy New Year! As we kick off 2014, it’s a good time to take a look at what might be in store for the local housing market in the coming year. While I don’t claim to have a crystal ball, I feel very optimistic about the potential for a strong housing market in 2014. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that home prices across the country  – but especially in Silicon Valley and other parts of the Bay Area – have zoomed back to near record territory. Valuations jumped 25% or more in some communities over the past year, nearing or even exceeding their pre-recession highs. Prices in Palo Alto are nearly 40% above their 2007 peak, one of the largest gains in a recent survey. So what do we do for an encore in 2014? I see four major reasons why the Bay Area’s housing market will continue to be strong in the coming year: 1. A robust local economy. The Bay Area economy is one of the strongest in the country. Silicon Valley, the Peninsula and San Francisco are the h