Napa County Real Estate (American Canyon, Sonoma: for sale, real estate market, foreclosures)

[annerk]

My husband and I are considering buying a second home in Napa County.

I've been watching the market for quite some time, and it seems like prices are still falling--does everyone else agree with that?

What is the best way to find foreclosures or short sales? Locating real estate for sale in CA seems to be very different than doing so on the east coast.

We are in no rush, like I said, this would be a vacation home for now, and when we retire we will use it about half the year. We would want something small--a condo or perhaps a small house, 800-1200 s/f, 1-2 bedroom. It needs to be in a reasonably good neighborhood but doesn't need to be an "exclusive" neighborhood. It needs to be structurally sound, if we need to do interior cosmetic renovations (updates to kitchen and bath, new carpet, refinishing hardwood, etc.) that's fine, but I want plumbing and wiring to code when we buy, and the roof needs to be in good condition.

Also tell me about property taxes. Are there any areas with really high taxes that we should know about? Give me some real life examples of property taxes out there.

We are open to pretty much any area of Napa County from American Canyon to Calistoga. The one place I know I don't want to be is right along the train tracks.

Sorry I've rambled a bit, but I'm open to thoughts and opinions.

[andlw2004]

I'm a Realtor in the East/North Bay area. The Napa real estate market took thier hit a bit later than some of the other areas paricularly in Solano County (next door to Napa County). The upper ranges are still moving and some prices are still falling, however in the lower ranges there are alot of multiple offer situations that are popping up lately. Hope this helps with your decision.

[annerk]

Thanks for your input. We might consider the eastern side of Sonoma County or very southern Lake County as well, but we aren't interested in Solano County.

I'll keep looking, like I said we are in no rush and will only buy if we find the right property for a good price.

[cookehb54]

Hello, Annerk;
We are semi-retired, and thinking about selling a very comfortable home in Southern part of city of Napa.
The house is not large, approximately 1350 square feet, with three bedrooms and two baths and a two car garage. This home meets the rest of your criteria.
We offer water views and mountain views from living room and bedroom.
We have not listed the house, and it is not on the open market, yet.
You can walk to stores and restaurants nearby.
Contact us at [EMAIL="cookehb54@yahoo.com"]
Eliza