If you’re looking to buy a Los Gatos home, you may want to consider purchasing a short sale listing or bank owned property as they are usually more affordable, as real estate prices go, than “regular sales”.

There are a few caveats to buying distressed properties in Los Gatos, though. First, be aware that there are hardly any of these foreclosure or pre-foreclosures homes for sale at any given time in the Town of Los Gatos. At last count, it was about 12% of the real estate inventory altogether (both REOs and short sales combined).

How low will the short sale home seller go? Or the bank if it’s an REO property?

Second, there is some confusion about pricing and discounts. Just as with normal sales, if a short sale house, condo or townhouse is offered at a low price (or is reduced to become attractive) they will sell fast and very likely close to list price. Sometimes you can get a home for much less than list price, but you need to check the comps. In some cases, the home may be priced below a reasonable market value already and it may get bid up, especially if there are multiple offers.

Whoever bids first gets the house, right?

Third, a quick reminder that these sales are not like normal ones in which the first person in contract gets the house. With distressed sales there aren’t a lot of guarantees that the buyer will be able to close on the deal even after acceptance by the seller. With a short sale, remember that the bank or lending institution must approve the sale. If the lender thinks the price is too low, the sale won’t go through unless they buyer goes up in price. Other offers may still come in after yours is accepted, and the bank can simply not approve yours and instead decide, with the seller, to work with the higher offer.

When banks own the property, they want to sell to the highest bidder. You may get into contract only to have the bank find a better offer – and kick you out of escrow! This doesn’t happen in a regular sale, of course. (See also this post:  What is a “Kick Out” Clause? )

All disclaimers now made, below please browse the list of available REO listings and short sale listings in Los Gatos, CA.

Browse Los Gatos Short Sale Listings & Bank Owned Properties for Sale

(more…)

The Alta Vista neighborhood, which sits along the border of Los Gatos and the Cambrian Park district of San Jose, is very highly sought after and valued for many, many reasons. Real estate prices vary depending upon the precise location within the neighborhood as well as the size and condition of the home.

Why is this area so popular?  Most of the streets close to Alta Vista School are beautifully tree-lined, and from virtually everywhere in the neighborhood, you are close to Blossom Hill (that’s the name of the hill, not just the name of the road!).  Homes are well kept, streets are wide enough, and except when there’s a school function, there really aren’t too many cars on the street. It is very scenic, pleasant and uncrowded feeling.  Although you’re in the city or town, you feel close to the country there.

Additionally, many homebuyers select this area because the school scores are high and because it’s easy to get to the elementary and middle schools without crossing any major streets: that is a big plus!  It is also a quick drive to highway 85, just a couple of miles to the Los Gatos shopping areas (at Los Gatos Blvd and Blossom Hill Road) or to Vasona Lake County Park.  For many, it’s a way to be close to Los Gatos while paying less expensive San Jose prices.

Prior to being developed for housing, this spot at the base of Blossom Hill was once blanketed in orchards and was scenic enough that it was part of the “blossom tours” that used to take place at the height of the flowering.  Hence, one large section of this neighborhood has street names that begin with “blossom”.

(more…)