Inexpensive but safe areas near American River College and Sac State?? Thanks (Sacramento: real estate)

[Momandboys]

Hello,

I am coming up again this weekend from Marin to view neighborhoods. I homeschool my boys.

I am a single mom with limited income.

I just found out that SAC State allows highschoolers to attend, (even 6th graders...my boys are still young) and the American River College also has a good program for highschoolers. My ideal would be to live by good public transportation accessible to both of these and still be in a very safe neighborhood for hopefully under $160K. Do you know of any areas like this?

If not, what is the best next price up? (Hopefully prices may drop)

I saw a house in Arden for $145K.

Also: brokers keep telling me that prices aren't going to drop lower on the entry level neighborhoods and I should buy now. What does anyone think?

I am coming up this weekend...ANY insight would be delightful!!
Momandboys

[ElenaF]

Brokers have a vested interest in getting you to buy NOW, regardless of reality. That's because *their* bills are due NOW and they need the commission. As far as they're concerned, NOW is a great time to both buy and sell, you betcha!

Take anything a realtor tells you with a grain of salt. According to every respected economist on the planet, it is a buyers market with prices headed down even further in the next 12 months, especially at the lower end of the market.

Those that listened to realtors telling them "now is a great time to buy!" and bought even 3 months ago are already underwater with their new homes. Don't buy unless a) you absolutely have to and b) you plan on living in the house for 5 years minimum. Unless you are at the high end of the housing spectrum, there's a lot more hurt coming down the pike still.

Keep in mind this is all just my opinion, so do your homework. I researched all this stuff deeply because we're looking in the same area and the same price range. We've decided to rent for a while and just take our time shopping for the perfect bargain

[zen_klown]

In the past year housing prices have dropped almost 34% for resale homes in Sacramento. When prices are dropping this fast and as long as they continue to drop, like they are now, I probably wouldn't be in a hurry to buy unless I had too. I think this is the time to wait and probably rent.

Real Estate News - Home Front: Home inventory trimmed in capital, W. Sac - sacbee.com

HousingTracker: Median Home Price & Inventory Data for Sacramento, California

[CityGirl72]

I realy would not want a house ANYWHERE for 145K right now, it's probably best that you rent.

What is your monthly amount you can afford? If you can get into a Duplex at River Park, then you will be walking distance to Sac State.

The bus system in Sac area is kind of a joke, and unless it's during commuting hours it's a little dangerous at times too

Never listen to anyone who tells you to "buy right now!" they are trying to turn a buck at your expense.

[cb73]

The area around American River College, College Oaks Drive, etc. is NOT good. The area behind the college, Walnut Avenue and back is very good, but somewhat expensive. If you have transportation, you are right down the street from the college. Walnut from Marconi to Fair Oaks has pockets of cheaper homes, but is still a good area.

The house in Arden is most likely Arden Manor. I love that area, grew up there, and I'm sure some streets are better than others, but I wouldn't really classify the area as good. I've gone back to walk my dog in the park there, and wasn't comfortable doing that.