Does the buyer have to fall in love with the house in order to buy it? Or, does the love come with time? Sometimes, they get confused when they see too many properties. My buyers fell in love with the house during the inspections, since they spent some time there and visited the house few times.

I previewed this bank owned property last week. The fruit trees in the back yard were trying to survive this difficult real estate market. Come on Buyers, what are you waiting for? There are many good homes out there waiting for you to give them life back.

I've been having a hard time showing a particular property which is tenant occupied. Even the owner and the listing agent can not convince the tenants. I've been there 4 times and every time a different person open the door and says the owner (the main tenant) is not home and they can not show the house. My client just change her mind. There are so many properties in that area. Why bother?

I know Halloween is over, but I just remembered to share this photo of an interesting and very creative costume with you. As you know our San Bruno Prudential participated in giving candies out to children at Serramonte and Tanforan Malls as before. It was a lot of fun. I saw the "Foreclosed House For Sale" walking and had to ask him for a picture. The turbulence in housing market has affected many aspects of our lives, including our holidays. I wonder what kind of real estate Christmas ornaments we will see this year.

My first time home buyers became terrified when their offer ratified! They had submitted few offers on other properties and were overbid every time. Is it the market we're in today? Is not expected for the first offer to get accepted? What has been your experience?

Would you buy cheaper and remodel or buy remodeled? Does it make sense for the first time home buyers to try to save money by buying a property that needs some TLC and remodel it themselves? How much TLC is reasonable? Just some thoughts and concerns! Do you have to be a good handyman to buy a fixer upper? Why do we realtors use "Contractors' Special" comment on MLS? Should a non-contractor buy a fixer upper? What do you think?

Do I really need a home inspection?

August 25, 2008 · Shokoofeh Nowbakht · (650) 871-3686  

My client asked if he really needed a home inspection. "I'm going to buy this house, no matter what. Why should I pay for home inspection?", he wondered. My suggestion was that he would want the inspection to find out what is defective and in need of repair in the house. It is important to know if there are any serious health and safety issues, foundation problems. Home inspection includes, but not limited to, evaluation of structure of the house, plumbing, electrical, water heater, furnace, and appliances. Home inspectors gives buyers a report on what they're buying. And, yes, my client happily scheduled a home inspection.

I have a client and here's her situation. She and her daughter are on title, but only the daughter is on the loan. They're going through short sale. Mother beleives she can go ahead and buy another property on her own, but I'm not sure if she can.

Any input  or advice is greatly appreciated.

First time home buyers and investors, what are you waiting for? I just checked the multiple listings and found 19 homes in San Bruno for sale, listed under $500,000. WOW!!! These include regular sales, shortsales and bank owned.

This is the time to buy real estate! 

Dear Oregan realtors,

What is the median price for a 3 bedroom house in Portland? I have a friend who is thinking about moving to Portland. She has small kids and would want a good school districk and a family oriented neighborhood.

Any help is highly appreciated.

Shokoofeh Nowbakht
Prudential California Realty
shokoo@earthlink.net