Allison Klein

I totally agree. You should speak with a local mortgage broker here as they know the area and can get the loan done quickly and can make sure it will happen. I like to use John Esplana at Residential Pacific Mortgage in San Mateo 650-784-4395. Before you start looking at houses the first thing you should do is solidify your loan as once you find the house you want your financing needs to be in order.

Of course I would love to recommend myself to be your real estate agent as I would do a great job. But you should get referrals and talk to a few agents before you decide. The main thing I find is do you like the person and will they do a good job for you? Most agents can fill out the contract and explain the disclosures, but can they negotiate the best deal for you and do you like being with them. Are they slick or are they laid-back, depends on your personality and what you like as emotions run high when a large amount of money is involved. Hope this helps. - Thu Aug 7 2008, 07:19

Yes, now is a great time to buy. The market is definitely starting to turn around and I am seeing many properties go quickly with multiple offers if priced right and in good neighborhoods. If you are in a position to buy with 20% down the interest rates are still great and prices are still good on a lot of homes. - Fri Jul 4 2008, 18:40

There are a few great homes for sale right now in RWC: 134 Nimitz is super cute and good neighborhood, 247 Beresford is good, 1112 Palm Ave is super nice, and I like 306 Hillview. I have a listing at 1099 Haven and it is ok up and coming neighborhood for $699K. Let me know if you need further info. - Sat Jun 21 2008, 16:08

Congrats on your new job! Menlo Park is a very pricey area. Average sales price for homes there last month was $1.497M. You will get more for your money in Redwood City and San Carlos with a bit of a commute but not bad as they are the next cities north. Palo Alto will be even more expensive. I can send you more info just let me know and good luck! - Fri Jun 20 2008, 07:12

Shoreview and San Mateo Village along with the Laurel school areas are good, but of course it is all relative in terms of what you see as good for your kids in San Mateo. In terms of schools Belmont and Foster City schools are all very good that might fit your price range. Also visithttp:// www.greatschools.net for more info on schools and I hope this helps. - Thu Jun 19 2008, 13:41