This advise is for anyone, before you start shopping for real estate, interview at least 3 agents to find someone who is skilled. Of course, before you can shop around, you'll need to get pre-approval first. You can conduct phone interviews if it's easier for you. Good luck!

Kamal Randhawa
Broker
510-932-1066
"Straight answers all the time"

Ric,

There is so much to ask here before we even get started. What price point? What general area? How important are schools? commute? What do you want or need in a home? Is age important? Condition important? Do you need a yard? What are your feelings about associations?

The bay area has so much to offer in terms of amenity and home that what you want and can afford will drive the early decision making process in order to find you that perfect home! That said, this market is much tighter than the market you are leaving which may force compromises that may pose challenges. I'd love to talk at length about it.

Bob 'Love' Georgiou
RE/MAX Accord
Broker, ABR, e-Pro, GRI, CRS
Lic #01270522
http://www.bob2sell.com
925 980 3248

Buy and sell homes like an investment and make every dollar work!

LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/in/bobgeorgiou

Ric

I suppose reading and researching may be what could help you develop a familiarity with prices, markets and learn enough to be able to ask questions.

This has a lot of Bay Area info..http://www.sfgate.com/homes/news_tools.shtml

This may help with Med Prices, Declines, Sales and News...http://www.dqnews.com/Charts/Monthly-Charts/SF-Chronicle-Cha…

http://www.dqnews.com/Articles/2009/News/California/Bay-Area…

Good luck, Dunes