Oceanside, California Pricing Out Of Range For First-Timers, Say Realtors
by Blanche Evans
Quickly growing, but out of the price range of many first-time homebuyers, Oceanside, California is no longer known as the reasonable place to buy beach access property. "Oceanside is a large city with varying property types," says Realtor Dawn Valenti. "There are coastal areas that offer some of the most inexpensive beach properties in California, planned developments both old and new, as well as rural areas and horse properties." Valenti explains, "Oceanside is still a popular city to purchase a home, but more and more first-time homebuyers are being priced out of the market. Good listings are selling quickly at top prices. Buyers are beginning to be more diligent as they search for their home and are not as eager to pay the higher prices. The amount of available listings is increasing so we are beginning to see an adjustment of the high prices. Interest rates continue to be at an all-time low, which gives the buyer an advantage. What this means is that if you are a buyer you need to be working with an agent that is on the ball and will work hard for you. Waiting to buy will not be a good strategy as you will probably experience higher interest rates and prices are expected to maintain. If you are a seller you should expect a longer market time, but should still get a fair price. Make sure you choose an agent who can give you quality market conditions for your area, quick and diligent service." Agrees Realtor Deborah Danko, "In the midst of a renaissance, Oceanside has it all - from rural lands to suburbs to the fabulous beach community! January temperatures average 55 degrees, ranging from 45 to 65 with 2.6" of rainfall. Not bad!" About the market, Danko says, "In the last 30 days we saw 129 homes sold with an average selling price of $528,538. During this period, properties were on the market for an average of 62 days with an average price per square foot of $299. Inventory has dropped again and stands at 299 single-family homes as of 1/4/2005. Even though the value of existing homes overall continues to rise, sales of both new and existing homes remain strong in most communities. Real estate continues to be one of the best investments around. There is no time like the present to jump in! Interest rates continue at lows not seen for decades. There are a wide variety of great loan programs that can help make your dreams come true!" "Oceanside is one of the fastest growing communities in the North County," says Realtor Jason Yow. "It is freeway close to Interstate 5 and Highway 78. With coastal property prices reaching astronomical levels, this is one place where you still might be able to get something at a decent price." Yow advises, "According to the latest statistics from Data Quick (a trusted resource for Home Price Research), November 2004 sales data indicate that Oceanside detached median home prices are now at $471,083 which represents a rise of 23.7 percent compared to last year. Attached homes also reached a median of $345,833 which represents an increase of 44.8 percent from last year. Although prices for homes have stabilized since July, home owners are still able to sell their homes in a relatively short amount of time as long as they have done their research, priced it well, and listed their home with an agent that provides a comprehensive marketing plan." |
