Hi Janicee,

Foster City is really nice city to invest, and Whisman Station in Mountain View is really great place. I hope you will take a good decision.

Janicee,

Congratulations! Getting past the media and realizing today's real estate market is a unique opportunity to invest. I call it the "Perfect Storm" Prices down to values of 2002-2004, lowest interest rates in 40 years, plus tax incentives and motivated sellers.
Location, Location, Location is equal to good schools, good schools and more good schools. I believe that is what drives the values. Both areas you are considering are good. You can't go wrong with either. They will probably appreciate in the same proportion in the long term. I will advise you to review the financials of a the HOA. Many reserve accounts are not properly funded and will have major increases and or assessments shortly. It is required for the HOA to perform a 30 year reserve study I believe every 3 years. don't expect any to be funded 100% but beware if funded under 50% I am not saying is should be a deal breaker but be aware and make your decision after review. Could be an opportunity to negotiate a credit or lower price. Good Luck! Feel free to contact me at 877-Lee-Sells or lee@leesellsmore.com with any quesitons. http://www.leesellsmore.com

I can only address Foster City - I'm more familiar with it. There are some that are concerned enough with the fact that Foster City is built on fill that they won't buy there; however, during this downturn in the market Foster City prices have held up well and it's only recently that they've been affected at all.

There are so many desirable things about FC - the schools, convenient location to jobs, freeway and shopping - that they outweigh most people's concern about it.