Although wildly fluctuating financial markets and questionable past real estate lending practices have created some havoc in the national and international real estate field, there are still major opportunities which should be carefully considered for maximizing one’s real estate investments. The Bay Area has not been immune to these wild fluctuations, with property values in certain areas retaining their value quite well, while other areas have experienced a large number of foreclosures and subsequent resales by banks (called REOs), or sales for less than what is owing on the property (called Short Sales). These disparities can provide great opportunities for real estate investors and home buyers.

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The current market also provides an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs to seize control of their future by purchasing real estate to conduct their business, potentially for a smaller initial investment amount than anticipated, followed by significant tax advantages.

Home Buyers: As you are no doubt aware, there are substantial bargains throughout the Bay Area.

Home Sellers: While the sales price of your residence may have dropped a bit below what it would have been in the past several years, a reasonable seller will recognize that the market has adjusted to reflect a more prudent reality. And more to the point for the analytic client, what one DOES with the sales proceeds is the key, for often repurchasing a home in a more outlying area can result in a fantastic net result. For example, assume that in the high-flying market 2 years ago, you could have sold for your property for $800,000, and repurchased what you wanted for $700,000. Today, you might be able to sell your property for $600,000, and then turn around and buy a replacement property for $400,000. In that situation, which is not unrealistic, you would be ahead by $100,000!

Investment Properties: Residential rental property in the Bay Area presents some very attractive opportunities, from single family homes to multiple units, and can be handled in a management-free method.

Business Properties: From small to large business properties to suit the buyer-user’s needs, these represent sensational and often little-understood situations for buyers. These transactions can require much more significant involvement, effort, and follow-through. With tenacity making a difference, I am proud to say that I have closed specific transactions which had been previously attempted unsuccessfully, and dropped, by other real estate agents.

There are an untold number of real estate options, dependent on one’s circumstances and desires. I am active throughout the Bay Area and work with individual and commercial properties. I am always available to discuss your real estate options, with no obligation. My experience in building, buying, selling and managing my own properties has given me extensive first-hand knowledge of the elements of a successful sale and purchase and the skill to be able to offer my clients more options than just buying and selling. The renovation, improvement and marketing of my own residences, commercial and investment properties, including multi-unit buildings, and my personal experience in obtaining small business loans and doing tax deferred exchanges have provided me with an extensive referral list that I willingly pass along to each of my clients.

By Monique Haritchabalet, Peterson & Associates, Realtors