Actually, according to Leslie Appleton-Young, Vice President and Chief Economist for the California Association of Realtors, California real estate bottomed out in October of 2007 for number of units sold.

Housing prices are still settling, but the number of homes sold has been climbing steadily since November of 2007. Contra Costa County has not suffered as much as most of the state and we are ahead of the national average on positive trending.

Does this mean sunny skies and clear sailing?

No, we are still very much in a market that is facing tough challenges. Sellers will continue to grapple with pricing it right. Buyers will still struggle with the constant changes and challenges of financing.

BUT – Contra Costa County is currently experiencing a fairly normal market for sales activity. Months of inventory is in the 5 month range.

A lot of the good news with the number of sales and the months of inventory is being fueled by the high levels of foreclosures and REO’s being purchased by investors and home buyers looking for a good deal.

What to look for in today’s real estate market if you are considering the purchase of an investment property.

• Transitional recovering/growing economy
• Positive net population migration
• New net job growth
• A short-fall of new construction and permits
• Affordable housing to wage ratios

Why do Antioch and Brentwood represent such attractive investment opportunities? It’s more than price. Contact Paul (925) 963–4246 if you would like to know why these two communities are looking so attractive to real estate investors.