should i rent or buy a home in oakland, CA?
91765
Whether you should rent or buy really depends on a lot of factors.  If you only need a place to live for a short term, you should rent.  If you want a place to build equity over the long term, buy.  However, if you buy now, don’t expect to see the massive increases in property values we’ve seen over the past few years.  The housing market is cooling some, so prices are leveling off.   That in mind, the housing market has historically performed very well as an investment.  I wish you all the luck in your venture.
209914
At this point, it may not be the wisest choice to buy a home in Orange County.  Prices are incredibly high and the prices seem to have peaked and may be heading down.  If that happens, you could be upside down on your loan (i.e. owing more than the property is worth).  Some people in Orange County are selling their homes and moving into rentals till the prices come down.  They will then buy another home and pocket the profits from the first sale.
782
Both buying and renting in California can be expensive, depending on the area you're looking to live in.  My husband and I were paying $900 a month in 2001 for a two bedroom, two bath apartment (900 sq ft) in Anaheim, CA.\n\nWhen we purchased our home in 2002, we were paying $1700 a month in mortgage payments for a 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home that is 1700 sq ft.  \n\nOur mortgage payment has since dropped, since we refinanced and got a lower interest rate.  I'm certain the rent price would've only increased year after year, as it had been.\n\nIf you can afford to purchase a house in California, I would consider doing so.  The investment is well worth it.
474740
Better idea....\n\nPAY YOUR RENT.
1066479
if i were you, i will buy some investments in Berkeley, keinsintong, el cerrito, and around there. now the prices are just ok, some are over too much, but it is still cheaper than s.f. and north bay!
567839
Hi 90802!\nNow that the housing market is finally looking up, it's the perfect time to seek out a new place to live. This summer you need to shake off that "lucky I even have my folks to live with" mentality, polish up your shoes, and explore your living quarters options! There are fun, flexible, fantastic places out there just waiting for someone like you!\nNow, get out there and pound the pavement. Beat on some doors until you latch onto that incredible tree house or fort you always wanted!\n(I heard the LongBeach area is a great place to find a cardboard box near a dumpster behind the pizza joint?)\n-Kenny
942859
www.craigslist.com is a great source. You should get many leads. I am a Realtor and I had clients that listed their rentals with me. Believe it or not, we got more calls from that website than from the MLS. If you own a property in Burbank, CA...good for you. No rent control and good tenants. Good luck.
99586
Not exactly if you are renting. If you can prove that you have a regular source of income such as paystubs, etc, you should be good to go.\n\nBut if you are buying.. it will impact ur ability to seek loans
570017
Maybe. It depends upon the local real estate market. It also depends upon your definition of Investment. Are you looking at paying cash for a home there in the hopes of seeing the price go up in order to make a profit? OR are you looking to pay cash for this home to Live in either full or part time? I would hesitate if you are looking at using it as an investment vehicle. Most of the time Real Estate is a Liability with Maintenance, insurance, utilities, Property Taxes, association dues etc... That exceed the annual appreciation of the value of the property. My question to you is Do YOU REALLY NEED 2 houses? If not, put your money elsewhere to grow. Unless you are looking to purchase property in one of the few areas that are involved in states of Hyper-Inflation of property values, your money is better invested elsewhere and you can use it at any time to buy property where you want to live. Examples of these are the Ridiculously overpriced Condominium market in Florida and the WAY overpriced houses in Southern California. I believe that these growth rates are unsustainable and many people are going to lose their shirts there eventually. \n  Point is I would need alot more information to make an educated answer to your question beyond Maybe.
343
the market for homes over $1m is definitely softening and will continue to soften as rates increase. the active part of the market is in the $600k-$900k range, which in los altos would be a condo. therefore if you are looking to buy you should take your time and be picky and you should be able to negotiate.
57265
Be conserative and consider leasing/renting. If your sucessful your will need to expand.\n\nCash flow will be important for the first five years.\n\nOption to purchase is great, if you have that opportunity.
5579
I think that if given the choice between rent and buy in this market, I would buy if not worried about the "bubble" bursting and rent if I was.  The real estate values are inflated right now which is why it's called the "housing bubble."  If you buy a 650k house today, when the "bubble" bursts and the value declines largely, you will be paying a 650k mortgage on a 400k house.  The rates being low is an advantage to home owning right now, but the interest payments are always "write-off-able" for your taxes.  If you are not worried about the bubble bursting within your 5 year stay at the house, then I would buy.  You would be able to build equity and not have to worry about rent increases.
337988
I would do it.\n\nCRA is something that all lending institutions are required to participate in so that they do not only loan money to wealthy people in nice areas.  Cities are trying to clean up certain neighborhoods by offering deals for people who will buy homes in those areas to live in as their primary residence.  Homeownership is better for a neighborhood than slum landlords.\n\nIt sounds good.  Get the terms of the loan detailed for you.  The loan may come with penalties if you do not live in the property for a certain length of time.  This might mean you cannot sell it or rent it without penalties.
1008133
I would recommend buying land in Riverside. You must bare in mind that its about location, location, location, but you really can't go wrong buying in Riverside. It is a booming city! If you have any more questions please call the Pelican Group Realty @ 1-888-601-3970.
10258
current real estate forcasts think that So. Cal real estate prices should start heading down soon.  We should see a adjustemnt in asset prices soon.
1038653
Yes I heard San Fran is insane. I am from Long Island, and the average house price is about the same as that. I think that upstate NY is beautiful and reasonable...Saratoga Springs is to die for and the average 4 bedroom 2.5 bath is around 200k....the town is booming! If you are looking to move to the east coast...its definately somthing to consider.
1034456
Depends on what metrics are important to you. Are you considering buying a residence? Are you looking to rent? \nDo you have a family? Are you going to school? Are you looking for a law office?\n\nE. walnut St is part of a commerical area near the university