Hey Found!,

Stop pulling up old questions and using your tired comments. None of the professionals said it was the best time ever to buy or sell. Maybe you can go back and re-read each entry and get it right. Lastly, leave the advice up to us professionals. The last thing prospective buyers or sellers need is advice from someone who does not have the guts to add their picture nor their professional background before going on line and spewing your nonsense about the market.

I live in 94602 and am familiar with the area. The buying up technique is a very well know "process" in a down or flat market. I actually wrote an article on that several years ago. A couple of things to be carefull about. If buying and selling is for the same "type" of property and even better for the same property configuration, then by all measn go ahead as interest rates are probably better now than what you currenly have. If you are "downsizing", the advantages are somewhat less as a smaller property in comparsion is more expensive per sqft than larger property.
Lets analyse the two properties in question to make a financial decision. For the "emotional" part of the equation ( better school district, etc) I cannot decide for you.
Come see me if you prefer. I am on Leimert Blvd.

In addition to what the other RE pro's have said, I think its important to have your mind set right when you are buying up. You may have to accept less (selling price) for your current home in order to pay less for your move-up home. Don't get stuck on what you WANT to get for the price of your current home, speak to a saavy Realtor who can tell you what the market says your home is worth and price it right to get it sold! Once you have all the numbers crunched make your decision based on your financial abilities at that point. Best of luck to you!

Good morning:

I live and work in the area you requested. I am a Realtor with Wells and Bennett on Leimert blvd.
Generally speaking it is always a good time to buy up in a down market. I can show this from a financial perspective and investment perspective. I hold real estate investment forums every month and talk about these topics. To go into detial in this email is a little too much but would be hap[pt to explain it in detail during a meeting. NO obligation at all.
Antoine (510 485 7270).

Hi KP;
This is an excellent time to be looking at a move. Buyers have not had as much power as they do now in a very long time. The season is just starting, and more homes will be coming onto the market. As a buyer, you have greater freedom to negotiate for the home you want, in the school district you want to be in.
Sellers are even willing to look at offers that are contingent on the sale of a property, such as your home in the Laurel District.
Do your homework on the right schools, get a Realtor to help you with a Seller's Net Proceeds sheet for your home in the Laurel District, make a plan with your finances in mind, and, armed with all the right information on past sales, get out there and start looking.
As I said, the time has never been this good for Buyers.

Eric H Wong
Prudential California Realty
510-469-7363

Hi,

I'm a Realtor with Alain Pinel and specialize in the neighborhoods that you mention. The inventory is definitely increasing, especially as we get ready to head into spring.

Since you're looking at Chabot as a specific school district, you may want to contact the OUSD about the boundary changes that may take into effect next year. This change is caused from the overflow at Hillcrest.

Currently, buyers are in an excellent position for negotiations so you should do well in your purchase. Also, on Feb. 13th, President Bush signed a bill to support the temporary increase in Conforming Loan Limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans, and potentially all areas of FHA loans. This will open the market for more buyers to be approved and hopefully, stimulate the market.

Good luck!

I think there are good buys in Oakland, particularly in the Montclair area. This is an upscale area with alot of good houses staying on the market for more than 30 days. We are shopping in Montclair right now. The flats are good too, but be very cautious where you look and what you look at. All the Best. Liz

Now is a great time to consider buying almost anywhere and certainly in maximizing the inventory of houses in all ranges. Good Luck