Location: California
Submitted 08/23/12 07:29 AM

Q. We might be moving back to the SF Bay Area after a job-related move to CT eight years ago. We want to look for an area to live that would be convenient (I.e. not a killer commute) to the 680/880 area in Fremont. We used to live in the western hills of Redwood City (Emerald Hills, 94062) but we're afraid the price of the houses there is out of our reach for the kind and size of house we want. I'd love to hear suggestions on community/neighborhood/city with these criteria: - within 30/40 minutes commute to the 680/880 interchange in Fremont - house size at least 2800 square feet (we are living in a 4800 sq ft home now) - price range $580K - $700K - newer homes, but we are willing to do some remodelings if there's any inherent value to the house - stable and safe community/town - view of hills, open space (I know this one is a tall order) - though we don't have kids, but would like a good school district for resale value. We'd consider San Ramon, Pleasanton, San Leandro, Castro Valley, Dublin, etc. How are these towns compared to one another? We are willing to look for short sale, pre-closure properties though we understand it might take a long time to close on such deals. Any suggestions or comments will be greatly appreciated.

 

Answer #1
Submitted 08/23/12 09:59 AM
Dana Cohen (The Grubb Company): Agent in Piedmont, CA Dana Cohen (The Grubb Company)
Agent
Piedmont, CA

Contact Me

A.

I too did a job related move with my family to Connecticut (GE Capital in Stamford) some time ago.  Unfortunately, I represent clients a bit out of your geographic range (San Leandro is about as far south as I go), and primarily focus on the hill areas of Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley.  For a number of reasons: commute, lack of newer housing stock, price and your desire for open space, I wouldn't recommend any of these areas for you given your requirements.  That being said, I have a number of excellent agents that I could refer you to in the areas you've identified if you have not yet selected someone to represent you.  The market as of late has strengthened a bit and inventory is a bit tight in many areas, but if you are patient and can move quickly when an opportunity arises, you should be able to find a wonderful home.  Let me know if I can be of help.  Best, Dana Cohen (www.danacohen.com).
Sponsor

Disclaimer: ActiveRain does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Ask a Real Estate Professional responses. All questions and responses are provided by ActiveRain Real Estate Network community members. You agree that any use you make of such responses is at your own risk and that ActiveRain is not responsible for any losses resulting from your reliance on any Ask a Real Estate Professional responses. Ask a Real Estate Professional responses should never be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified professional. By submitting a question to Ask a Real Estate Professional, you acknowledge that ActiveRain is not responsible for any response you receive or do not receive, and you agree to hold ActiveRain harmless from any loss, harm, injury or damage resulting from or arising out of your submission of the question or your use of or reliance on any response thereto.