Condo owners who purchased between 1999-2003 could be one group of big winners with the proposed increase to the conforming loan limit.

• House prices and interest rates are down
• Buyer negotiating power is up
• Higher conforming loan limit
• First-time buyer programs still exist, but applications are down

These factors are creating a window of opportunity for condo owners that want to move into single family homes. This is a rare opportunity in the 680 Corridor – something we may not see again for years to come.

When savvy first-time buyers realize that this is the perfect time for them to buy that first condo, we could see them greasing the wheels for those move-up buyers.

Move up buyers need to keep their focus on the buy-side savings – give a little to get a lot. 

We think markets like San Ramon, Dublin and Concord may benefit more from this scenario than Danville, Pleasanton and Alamo. Walnut Creek sits midway.