Add a comment | Friday, January 22, 2010
The Real Estate and Dinner Blog
The Tracy area historically has always been slim pickings for foreclosure buyers mostly because of its proximity to the Bay Area, of course until everything about real estate changed in the past few years. The Tracy/Mountain House areas are literally the closest commute to the thriving East Bay and Tri-Valley areas, where seemingly all persons must commute.
That being said, even considering the news on the national stage about waves of new foreclosures coming on the market, the Tracy/Mountain House real estate market is a market unto itself. As the price of gas seems to have become an acceptable nuisance, and the job markets rebounding across the hill, these areas are breaking away from the rest of the Central Valley if you follow the real estate stats. From a Realtor’s vantage point, it is difficult to find an available listing for a buyer in Mountain House or Tracy, let alone a foreclosure bargain. Of course one could argue all listings are bargains compared to the prices of yesterday.
If you feel this information is leading us to continued pressure on home values in the are if the Central Valley, then buying foreclosures may make sense. If it makes sense to you, here are some things to consider when buying foreclosures. If you do not want to devote full time to the venture, and you are not a real estate expert, hire a Realtor by finding someone with experience in foreclosures and sign a Buyer Representation Agreement with that Realtor. That will convey to the Realtor your level of interest and commitment, which should get you the undivided attention of a professional in the field.
1) Avoid outstanding liens by either doing your homework on pre-auction homes or sticking to post-foreclosure listings. 2) Understand home values in the big picture knowing that prices in real estate have become as volatile as stock prices. 3) Be prepared for surprises by making sure your decision to buy will not leave you with enough resources to undo any mistakes you may make 4) Know the area by either studying your particular market or by hiring the services of a professional Realtor in your are of interest. 5) Understand your financing needs by getting pre approved for the necessary loan before negotiating a purchase, or making arrangements for a cash purchase ahead of time. 6) Give your strategy a timeline by writing a plan with with a budget for one year, 5 years, and ten years, along with a contingency plan.
If you can handle these issues you will probably do well no matter where the real estate market takes you and your investment. Here is what’s cooking for tonight at our house.
Quick Pan Fried Salmon
If you always keep cooked brown rice or pasta in your refrigerator you can microwave it and then build your dish on top of it to make one-plate meals that are appetizing, healthy, and nutritious and this dish can be made in a matter of minutes. After preparing your favorite green vegetables, simply prepare your salmon into small pieces on a metal surface for 30 minutes to bring to room temperature (the temperature of the meet determines how well it will cook without becoming tough or dry). In a good, solid pan add olive oil and sprinkle Johnny’s seasoning. Simmer at medium heat for a few minutes not to burn, then add your pieces of salmon one by one. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side (maximum time) and remove from heat immediately. (Don’t worry if the fish is not completely cooked as it will continue to cook slightly after done.) Arrange the vegetables and salmon over the rice and serve.
