Bargains I've Found: October 2007 Archives

Older Home in Great Area - Beautiful Inside!



General: Urban East County, 3 bedroom 2 bath, and two extra rooms. Asking Price between $400,000 and $425,000. Worth every penny and then some. I think $380,000 net might get it sold!



Why you should be interested: 1) It's gorgeous 2) Quiet Neighborhood 3) Large back yard 4) Great Schools 5) It's close to just about everything.



Selling Points: Throughly modernized kitchen and bathrooms, water efficient front yard, back yard is large enough for kids to play. You could put a pool in and never miss the space. The ceiling is a little low on the extra rooms for them to be legally bedrooms, but people have obviously used them for that.




Why I think it's a potential bargain: Actually, it's a steal, and in any less fearful a market, this one would be long gone. This is one of those wonderful surprises you find every once in a while if you look at enough properties.



Obvious caveats: I do want to slap whoever it was that put pergo down on top of hardwood in the front section of the house. As I said earlier, I don't think the ceiling is high enough for the extra rooms to be legally called bedrooms. Other than that, I just didn't see anything wrong with it.



Why it hasn't sold already: The listing agent is basically acting like a bump on a log.



Monthly Income to Qualify: (assuming no down payment and average credit on a thirty year fixed rate mortgage, full documentation, one total point or less) $6520 gross with zero down. If you have 20% down, monthly gross income to qualify will be $6020



If you keep it ten years and it averages only 5% annual average appreciation per year: Based upon a purchase price of $380,000 the property would be worth approximately $620,000. If you held it those ten years before selling, you would net about $290,000 in your pocket (not including increased value from updates!), assuming zero down payment. As opposed to renting the $2300 per month most comparable currently available rental and investing the difference at 10% per year tax free, you would be approximately $260,000 ahead of the renter, after the expenses of selling.



Fact you should be aware of: Evidently, school buses use the street in the morning.



Obvious way to enhance value or appeal of property: Other than get the pergo off the hardwood, not much.



This property does not appear to be eligible for a first time buyer Mortgage Credit Certificate provided your family income is not more than $82,800 or $96,600. Ask me for more details, on this or any other property.



I'm a buyer's Realtor®. I am looking to represent buyers, so I find places like this that can be gotten at bargain prices. I save you money while getting paid out of the listing agent's commission, not costing you a penny. Nor are these the only bargains I find. In order to protect everyone's best interests, I require a Non-Exclusive Buyer's Agent Agreement. This is a standard California Association of Realtors form that leaves you are free to work with other agents, but if I find the property you want, I'm the agent you'll use. That's fair, and there is no reason not to sign such an agreement unless you're an agent yourself. If your current agent was finding properties like this, you wouldn't be interested.



Contact me: Action Realty 619-449-0723, ask for Dan or email danmelson (at) danmelson (dot) com. Ask me to find a bargain that fits you!

Cosmetic Fixer in Good Area!



General: Urban East County, 3 bedroom 2.5 bath. Asking price between $350,000 and $375,000. I think $300,000 net might get it sold!



Why you should be interested: The property has very good basics, but the surfaces are old. Consequently, it should be possible to talk them down off the asking price



Selling Points: 2 car garage with storage and inside access! 2 full baths upstairs, vaulted ceiling!



Why I think it's a potential bargain: A Three Bedroom home in a nicer area, with great schools for this kind of price isn't enough?



Obvious caveats: This is a PUD.



Why it hasn't sold already: Most people just look inside and they see old. They don't see what a small amount of work could bring it up to!



Monthly Income to Qualify: (assuming no down payment and average credit on a thirty year fixed rate mortgage, full documentation, one total point or less) $5270 gross with zero down. If you have 20% down, monthly gross income to qualify will be $4020



If you keep it ten years and it averages only 5% annual average appreciation per year: Based upon a purchase price of $300,000 the property would be worth approximately $480,000. If you held it those ten years before selling, you would net about $230,000 in your pocket (not including increased value from updates!), assuming zero down payment. As opposed to renting the $2200 per month most comparable currently available rental and investing the difference at 10% per year tax free, you would be approximately $240,000 ahead of the renter, after the expenses of selling.



Fact you should be aware of: Most of the furnishings are original, but solid



Obvious way to enhance value or appeal of property: Paint and new carpet. Update the kitchen and bathrooms.



This property does not appear to be eligible for a first time buyer Mortgage Credit Certificate provided your family income is not more than $82,800 or $96,600. Ask me for more details, on this or any other property.



I'm a buyer's Realtor®. I am looking to represent buyers, so I find places like this that can be gotten at bargain prices. I save you money while getting paid out of the listing agent's commission, not costing you a penny. Nor are these the only bargains I find. In order to protect everyone's best interests, I require a Non-Exclusive Buyer's Agent Agreement. This is a standard California Association of Realtors form that leaves you are free to work with other agents, but if I find the property you want, I'm the agent you'll use. That's fair, and there is no reason not to sign such an agreement unless you're an agent yourself. If your current agent was finding properties like this, you wouldn't be interested.



Contact me: Action Realty 619-449-0723, ask for Dan or email danmelson (at) danmelson (dot) com. Ask me to find a bargain that fits you!

4 Bedroom Home in a Nice Community!



General: Urban East County, 4 bedroom 1.75 bath. Asking price between $350,000 and $375,000. I think $320,000 net might get it sold!



Why you should be interested: Well kept property, good to excellent public schools, nice place to raise a family!



Selling Points: One bedroom and 3/4 bath downstairs, vaulted ceiling, master has own balcony!



Why I think it's a potential bargain: A Four Bedroom home in a nicer area, with great schools for this kind of price isn't enough?



Obvious caveats: Some traffic noise outside, noticeable when it's quiet.



Why it hasn't sold already: It's hard to find in MLS.



Monthly Income to Qualify: (assuming no down payment and average credit on a thirty year fixed rate mortgage, full documentation, one total point or less) $5620 gross with zero down. If you have 20% down, monthly gross income to qualify will be $4300



If you keep it ten years and it averages only 5% annual average appreciation per year: Based upon a purchase price of $320,000 the property would be worth approximately $520,000. If you held it those ten years before selling, you would net about $240,000 in your pocket (not including increased value from updates!), assuming zero down payment. As opposed to renting the $2200 per month most comparable currently available rental and investing the difference at 10% per year tax free, you would be approximately $230,000 ahead of the renter, after the expenses of selling.



Fact you should be aware of: Most of the furnishings are original, but solid



Obvious way to enhance value or appeal of property: Just update the kitchen and bathrooms.



This property does not appear to be eligible for a first time buyer Mortgage Credit Certificate provided your family income is not more than $82,800 or $96,600. Ask me for more details, on this or any other property.



I'm a buyer's Realtor®. I am looking to represent buyers, so I find places like this that can be gotten at bargain prices. I save you money while getting paid out of the listing agent's commission, not costing you a penny. Nor are these the only bargains I find. In order to protect everyone's best interests, I require a Non-Exclusive Buyer's Agent Agreement. This is a standard California Association of Realtors form that leaves you are free to work with other agents, but if I find the property you want, I'm the agent you'll use. That's fair, and there is no reason not to sign such an agreement unless you're an agent yourself. If your current agent was finding properties like this, you wouldn't be interested.



Contact me: Action Realty 619-449-0723, ask for Dan or email danmelson (at) danmelson (dot) com. Ask me to find a bargain that fits you!

Lender Owned Condo - Great Intrinsics!



General: Urban East County, 2 bedroom 2 full baths. Asking price between $180,000 and $200,000. I think $175,000 net might get it sold!



Why you should be interested: Well designed buildings, very little deferred maintenance. Well kept unit even if it is older inside. Very close to one of the best area high schools!



Selling Points: This property would be great for a starter home, or for single parents!



Why I think it's a potential bargain: Less than $200k for a solid 2 bedroom condo in good neighborhood!



Obvious caveats: Roof has leaked at some point since last painted. Furnishings and surfaces are clean and solid, but not new.



Why it hasn't sold already: Most people want brand new and already beautiful. They end up paying for it. That's not this property.



Monthly Income to Qualify: (assuming no down payment and average credit on a thirty year fixed rate mortgage, full documentation, one total point or less) $3342 gross with zero down. If you have 20% down, monthly gross income to qualify will be $2619



If you keep it ten years and it averages only 5% annual average appreciation per year: Based upon a purchase price of $175,000 the property would be worth approximately $285,000. If you held it those ten years before selling, you would net about $135,000 in your pocket (not including increased value from updates!), assuming zero down payment. As opposed to renting the $1200 per month most comparable currently available rental and investing the difference at 10% per year tax free, you would be approximately $92,000 ahead of the renter, after the expenses of selling.



Fact you should be aware of: There's nothing new here. But everything I could see looked sold.



Obvious way to enhance value or appeal of property: Just update the kitchen and bathrooms.



This property does not appear to be eligible for a first time buyer Mortgage Credit Certificate provided your family income is not more than $82,800 or $96,600. Ask me for more details, on this or any other property.



I'm a buyer's Realtor®. I am looking to represent buyers, so I find places like this that can be gotten at bargain prices. I save you money while getting paid out of the listing agent's commission, not costing you a penny. Nor are these the only bargains I find. In order to protect everyone's best interests, I require a Non-Exclusive Buyer's Agent Agreement. This is a standard California Association of Realtors form that leaves you are free to work with other agents, but if I find the property you want, I'm the agent you'll use. That's fair, and there is no reason not to sign such an agreement unless you're an agent yourself. If your current agent was finding properties like this, you wouldn't be interested.



Contact me: Action Realty 619-449-0723, ask for Dan or email danmelson (at) danmelson (dot) com. Ask me to find a bargain that fits you!

Lender Owned in Good Shape!



General: Urban East County, 2 bedroom + 1 optional, 1 bath. Asking price between $325,000 and $350,000. I think $300,000 net might get it sold!



Why you should be interested: Large well kept lot, white picket fence front and back, with alley access. Close to the freeway!



Selling Points: This cottage like home would make a great starter, and is in very good shape considering the age. Detached garage!



Why I think it's a potential bargain:Nice pleasant place in an area that most people wouldn't even look for a residence in, on a large lot!



Obvious caveats: Facade needs paint



Why it hasn't sold already: Most people won't look for a home in this sort of area. But it's still nice!



Monthly Income to Qualify: (assuming no down payment and average credit on a thirty year fixed rate mortgage, full documentation, one total point or less) $4940 gross. If you have a down payment or want to buy the rate down more, it will be less.



If you keep it ten years and it averages only 5% annual average appreciation per year: Based upon a purchase price of $300,000 the property would be worth approximately $480,000. If you held it those ten years before selling, you would net about $230,000 in your pocket (not including increased value from updates!), assuming zero down payment. As opposed to renting the $1650 per month most comparable currently available rental and investing the difference at 10% per year tax free, you would be approximately $150,000 ahead of the renter, after the expenses of selling.



Fact you should be aware of: This is the sort of home most children grew up in a generation ago!



Obvious way to enhance value or appeal of property: Just update the kitchen and bathroom. If you're feeling ambitious, add another bathroom or expand the garage



This property does appear to be eligible for a first time buyer Mortgage Credit Certificate provided your family income is not more than $82,800 or $96,600. Ask me for more details, on this or any other property.



I'm a buyer's Realtor®. I am looking to represent buyers, so I find places like this that can be gotten at bargain prices. I save you money while getting paid out of the listing agent's commission, not costing you a penny. Nor are these the only bargains I find. In order to protect everyone's best interests, I require a Non-Exclusive Buyer's Agent Agreement. This is a standard California Association of Realtors form that leaves you are free to work with other agents, but if I find the property you want, I'm the agent you'll use. That's fair, and there is no reason not to sign such an agreement unless you're an agent yourself. If your current agent was finding properties like this, you wouldn't be interested.



Contact me: Action Realty 619-449-0723, ask for Dan or email danmelson (at) danmelson (dot) com. Ask me to find a bargain that fits you!

Lender Owned in Good Shape!



General: Urban East County, 3 bedroom 1 optional, 2.5 bath (one full, 2x3/4). Asking price between $375,000 and $400,000. I think $350,000 net might get it sold!



Why you should be interested: Lush yard, light and bright inside! Easy to get around in, not cramped!



Selling Points: The optional room apparently lacks only a door to make a legal bedroom, and has it's own bathroom! Good home for entertaining in a quiet neighborhood!



Why I think it's a potential bargain:Nice pleasant place that doesn't look like much from the outside



Obvious caveats: Most of the furnishings are older, but clean. May be permit issues with converted garage.



Why it hasn't sold already: That is a good question. Even a few months ago something like this would have been snapped up in a hurry



Monthly Income to Qualify: (assuming no down payment and average credit on a thirty year fixed rate mortgage, full documentation, one total point or less) $5730 gross. If you have a down payment or want to buy the rate down more, it will be less.



If you keep it ten years and it averages only 5% annual average appreciation per year: Based upon a purchase price of $350,000 the property would be worth approximately $570,000. If you held it those ten years before selling, you would net about $270,000 in your pocket (not including increased value from updates!), assuming zero down payment. As opposed to renting the $2200 per month most comparable currently available rental and investing the difference at 10% per year tax free, you would be approximately $250,000 ahead of the renter, after the expenses of selling.



Fact you should be aware of: Probably more suitable for older children. Roof looks like it needs replacing



Obvious way to enhance value or appeal of property: Put a door on the optional room and resolve the permit issues. Update the kitchen and bathrooms



This property does appear to be eligible for a first time buyer Mortgage Credit Certificate provided your family income is not more than $82,800 or $96,600. Ask me for more details, on this or any other property.



I'm a buyer's Realtor®. I am looking to represent buyers, so I find places like this that can be gotten at bargain prices. I save you money while getting paid out of the listing agent's commission, not costing you a penny. Nor are these the only bargains I find. In order to protect everyone's best interests, I require a Non-Exclusive Buyer's Agent Agreement. This is a standard California Association of Realtors form that leaves you are free to work with other agents, but if I find the property you want, I'm the agent you'll use. That's fair, and there is no reason not to sign such an agreement unless you're an agent yourself. If your current agent was finding properties like this, you wouldn't be interested.



Contact me: Action Realty 619-449-0723, ask for Dan or email danmelson (at) danmelson (dot) com. Ask me to find a bargain that fits you!