Shopping to Buy a First Home

Rental prices are currently high, and for some, it may make sense to buy instead of signing another year-long lease on your rental property.

I am working with clients moving here from Hawaii who are excited to purchase their first home, instead of renting.

They had a brief visit here, and looked at a few homes, but when it came time to purchase, they picked something they hadn’t seen.

That’s right, first-time home buyers, buying their home sight-unseen.

They are brave. I am nervous.

I can’t pick out an appliance online, much less imagine buying a whole house that way. 

However, the buyers' reasoning is quite sound: They qualify for a VA loan with 100 percent financing, and with rates what they are, their monthly mortgage will be less than what they could expect to pay in rent.

Here are some options for the first home buyer, available for $300,000 or less:

Alamo

1470 Danville Blvd. is offered by Kim McAtee of Coldwell Banker. This is a townhome with two bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and just over 1,000 square feet. The complex was built in 1962, includes a pool, with monthly HOA dues of $276. It’s move-in ready with a creekside location, wooded views, and set back in the rear of the complex for privacy. See the virtual tour. Priced at $299,000. For showings or questions, please call Kim at 925-376-3974.

Danville

832 Podva Rd. is offered by Vicki Nakamura of Better Homes. This is a two-story duet with two bedrooms and 1.5 baths and almost 1,100 square feet in a desirable Westside Danville location, near downtown. It has a fenced rear yard with lawn, and inside laundry. The HOA dues are $343 monthly. The unit includes a carport for parking and has a storage room. Priced at $240,000. For showings or questions please call Vicki at 925-284-9520.

San Ramon

413 Skyline Dr. is offered by Steve Kehrig of Better Homes & Gardens. This condo is 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with nearly 1,000 square feet. The monthly HOA dues are $275. The complex is newer, built in 1996. This condo has a lot to offer including panoramic views, a fireplace in the living room, and a one-car garage. Priced at $239,000. For showings or questions, please call Steve at 925-487-6618.

Dublin

7635 Arbor Creek Circle is offered by Elbert Mui of Nu Level Realty. This condo has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 732 square feet and a detached garage. The complex was built in 1987 and includes a pool with $351 monthly HOA dues. There is pergo in the living room, wall-to-wall carpet in the bedrooms, and cermaic tile in the kitchen and bath. It is a convenient commuter location, along with easy access to shopping. Priced at $235,000. For showings or questions, please call Elbert at 650-996-0125.

Pleasanton

2179 Arroyo Ct. is offered by David Rosen of David Rosen Real Estate. This is a two bedroom, 1 bath condo with 903 square feet. The complex was built in 1972, and has a pool and playground. HOA dues are $235 monthly. The unit has been updated with new floors, stainless appliances, fresh paint and crown molding. It is in a good commuter location and desirable school district. Priced at $198,888. For showings or more information, call David at 925-389-2444.

Livermore

1451 Marigold Rd. is offered by Natalie Swanson of Prudential. This is a detached home with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 866 square feet, and a single car attached garage. It's located in Springtown, where there is an HOA, with an annual fee of $260 that includes a pool and club house. Nicely landscaped and backs to the golf course. Priced at $259,000. For showings or questions, please call Natalie at 925-580-9829.