A new government-sponsored refinance program for underwater homeowners is just gearing up in Sonoma County. But loan officers told local real estate agents Tuesday that it can provide real help to those owners who qualify.
Bay Area home sales rose 14 percent in February as investors and cash buyers snapped up properties at record rates.
This two-story home in northeast Windsor was built in 1989. It features an attached family room and dining area, plus a covered patio deck and koi pond in the backyard. The owners had lived there since 1990.
Sonoma County home buyers signed sales contracts for low-priced short sales and more expensive houses last month at a level reminiscent of the days before the housing bubble deflated five years ago.
The number of underwater homeowners in Sonoma County continues to slowly recede, even as the national numbers remain stubbornly high.
Bay Area home sales jumped 10 percent last month, the best January sales level in five years.
Sonoma County’s housing market got off to an uncharacteristically strong start in January with more contracts signed and sales completed.
This single-level home in northwest Santa Rosa was built in 1991 and features a bay window and hardwood floors. The property was put on the market by its original owner in October as a short sale, with a listing price of $324,500.
This custom, two-story coastal cottage was built in 1974 and remodeled in 2006, when the sellers purchased the property for $635,000 and used it as a vacation rental. Located above Goat Rock Beach, the home features views of both the Russian River and Pacific Ocean.
Sonoma County home construction rose in 2011 to its highest level in three years, but the pace of building still trails far below historic levels.
Christina Molcillo is a full-time writer with experience in online content development, digital marketing, and creative strategy. She has a background in journalism, magazine publication, web design, teaching, as well as avoiding karaoke nights and awkward situations. She also has a penchant for old cars, older houses, and vintage Italian scooters.