Sjdad,
We have been working with a number of investors in the Brentwood/ Antioch market and yes, it is a good time to buy. What we're finding though is that the Brentwood market is a bit more competitive (thus prices are a bit higher) than surrounding markets. The $150k purchase price may be a bit tough considering what you're looking for. The 3/2 homes are generally going around $200k and up.

Personally, I like SFH for investments over condos, etc. though they can be more work, you get more for your money and they generally appreciate faster than other products. I am not a fan in this market of paying hefty HOA fees when you can own a SFH. But as an investor myself, that's just my preference. I would be happy to speak with you in more detail if that would be helpful. I can also get you the names of some lenders you could talk to also about the numbers.
Best,

Erica

Erica Jones Starkey
Broker, Co-Founder
DRE# 01503540
JSCA Real Estate Group
Providing Superior Solutions for Your Individual Real Estate Needs http://www.JSCArealty.com
office: 925.989.1613
fax: 925.905.2417

Hi Sjdad,

This is a very good time to invest in any kind of property. However, in my experience working with investors, buying a single family home for rent vs. a duplex or 4-plex may not be a good idea. For example, if you lose a renter on your home, then you pick up the slack for the entire mortgage. However, if you lose a renter on a 4 plex, you pick up the slack on a 1/4 of the mortgage payment. In your price range, it will be difficult to find a SFR or a multi family in Brentwood. I have a list of rentals in other cities that provide positive cash flow over a $1000 on most of these properties and they are in your price range. Please feel free to call or email me anytime. Good luck

Kamal Randhawa
Broker
510-932-1066

Yes, this is an excellent time to buy and rent. At my blog I have started a series for investors. you may wish to review it .

If you like I can send the relevant links to you and a list of homes that you may wish to consider. There may be some available in the area that you can get for 10% as rentals.

Blog Site EastContraCostaCountyHomes.com

I am sorry Sjdad.. were you referring to Brentwood California or the subdivision of Brentwood in Raleigh NC? My prior email to you was regarding the latter.

Yes, there is a rental demand in Brentwood and many investors are purchasing property in the Brentwood/Oakley/Antioch/Pittsburg area.

I can send you data on the rental market in Brentwood, however your biggest obsticle is your price of $150,000. In Brentwood, there are currently only 7 homes listed for sale up to $150,000 (vs. 48 in Antioch, 12 in Oakley and 44 in Pittsburg) and most of these 7 are short sales.

If you increased your price to $250,000 then you would have 39 homes available in Brentwood (of those, 13 are bank owned, 20 are short sales and 6 are regular sales).

Please contact me directly if you'd like to discuss further or if you'd like info on the rental market.

Thank you.


Craig Lawler
Security Pacific Real Estate
Craig@RealEstateCraig.com
Cell: 925-698-2581

oh yes! Brentwwod has a high percentage of rental properties. Go for it! it's a good thing...
we have a good number of up and coming neighborhoods around the Triangle. I would not consider a 2 bedroom home for investment purposes but a 3/2 is. what do you mean by 3/2/2? if it's a garage... you can almost forget that option in that price range for up and coming...but it can be done, its just not the norm.
Do you have a Realtor in the Triangle you are working with? I have worked with a handful of California investors in recent years including investors from all over the world.

Hi Sjdad. I am a mortgage broker in that area and would be happy to crunch numbers with you. I also highly recommend to talk to an area expert Tom Scheiber to help guide you with the area and the rental markets. He is truly a Brentwood expert. His number is 925-487-3172