Jean Powers, CRS, ASP, e-PRO, PMN

Hi Ron, Not only have I lived in Alameda all my life but I have been a Broker for over 25 years. I feel that now is definitely the time to purchase a home. The prices have dropped everywhere and Alameda seems to have dropped about 15 to 20%. We are now seeing multiple offers again which means prices will slightly start escalating again. Regarding interest rates, when I purchased my home in 1973 it was 7 1/2%. and then went up to 16 and 18% for awhile. I never thought it would go lower. Boy was I wrong! I feel any rate below 7% is still very good. We have been spoiled with the low rates. We are now going back 20 years in which a buyer must have a steady job, a good down payment and good credit.
That is how it was when I first started in real estate. Alameda is a great city and buyers plan on living in their homes for 5 to 7 years their homes will be worth a lot more than when they purchased.
If you have any questions about Alameda, themarket and homes for sale, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jean Powers CRS
Certified Residential Specialist
Real Estate Broker
510.908.9002
Homes@jeanpowers.com - Fri Jun 26 2009, 18:24

Good Morning Southern Girl,
There are quite a few great cities in the Oakland area. I live in Alameda and sell not only in Oakland and Alameda but in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. I would be happy to help you. You can go on my webisite to find out about the schools in our area. Each city is unique. The Alameda public schools are good as well as nearby communites of Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga. Please contact me anytime with questions. I do have a wealth of information for you. - Wed Jun 3 2009, 11:46

Hello Francie,
I was born and raised in Alameda, been a broker here for over 25 years and I also taught K-5 computers in the district for over 10 years. Although I feel that all of our schools are pretty good, the schools with the highest test scores are Edison, Otis Earhart, and Bay Farm School.. They are all K-5 schools. Edison and Otis are located on the east end of the city. Earhart and Bay Farm Schools are located on Harbor Bay Isle. Please contact me if you want more information. If you go the Home Page of my website, there is a link in which you can find out the test scores of all the schools. The most preferable middle school is Lincoln and high school is Alameda High. I personally attended Otis, Lincoln and Alameda High schools. I hope this has helped you and have a great week. - Sun May 31 2009, 18:05

This property is 3 units (triplex) according to county records. According to the info in the multiple listing service it is not for sale or has been sold with an agent. Are you interested in purchasing this property if it is for sale? I can research further to see if it is going into foreclosure.
Have a great weekend. - Sat Apr 18 2009, 16:36

Buyers also need to becareful regarding multiple offers. I have been a broker for 25 years (raised here) and felt that during the time when properties were skyrocketing it was because buyers were competing and scrambling to buy now out of fear of not getting into a home.. Even in that market I educated my buyers on the pitfalls of competing and that it is possible to pay too much for the property even though it may appraise for the higher price. The Woodstock development has always been good for buyers because of it being a coop which kept the values lower than other townhouses and condos in Alameda. This development is still valued well the only issue is that a buyer must use only one particular lender or pay cash. The plus is that there is a lender for this deveopment now as yrars ago the only way to purchase in Woodstock was all cash or seller carryback. Multiple offers are great for sellers. - Tue Mar 3 2009, 09:40

Good Morning Joan,
214 Cypress has an accepted offer. It went pending on 2/27/09. Contrary to what the media is promoting to the public, home are selliing in Alameda. Especially if they are priced properly. There are many buyers out there right now who are ready to make purchases while the prices are very good. Do you have a Realtor working for you? Let me know if I can be of help. Have a great day.. - Tue Mar 3 2009, 07:32