All Forum Posts by: Carolina Solorzano

To add to what Chris Mason just said, I would add Al Williamson.

It all depends on when you bought your house. If you have equity from at least 5 years ago, then I would say that's a good sign in the peninsula. You also should speak to a qualified realtor in SSF who knows your neighborhood to give you a realistic value of your property once you've done the reno. 

Here is what worries me- 220K- that's just the physical labor. The city will want plans with drawings and then you'll have to pay for the permits. For my large addition it was an additional 40K. 

Now, saying all of this, I would only move forward if you plan to stay at that location for at least another 3-5 years as your primary residence... better to play it safe with a high investment then to lose it all once the economy flips again. 

Here's two that I would recommend.

Gary Meyer by far I think is the most reasonable and great with small spaces- http://waynemeyerworks.com/profile.html

Sarah Hobstetter at Hobstetter Architecture Studio is a little more high end and modern-

http://www.hobstetterarch.com

Best of luck.

Thanks for getting this together Al. See you this Saturday. 

Hello Brett. I would also suggest that you attend local meetups in both Sacramento and Bay Area. http://norcalreia.com, https://www.meetup.com/N-California-Real-Estate-In...

Some great ones in San Francisco, Milpitas and San Jose. Either way there are plenty of resources out there to help you on your search. 

Keep me posted, I'd love to attend. Just went to a meetup last night at the Urban Hive downtown. 

I grew up in Concord and went to high school in Walnut Creek. I can tell you to avoid anything in Concord towards downtown below 6th Street/Coventry. Some of the main corridors I would try to be near would be Ygnacio Valley Road/Treat Blvd/Denkinger. If you have the budget and want to buy a condo, you can also look in Pleasant Hill. Both options would be a short commute to Walnut Creek. Clayton is safe, but it's out there with less to do and if you're looking at this as an investment, try to think what type of lifestyle you and your tenant would want to have. 

As far as Antioch goes, the safer sides are going towards Brentwood and then it's a full commute. Freeway 4 is no joke. My parents moved out there in 2002 and traffic is a nightmare, but prices are much more affordable. Again, you have to figure out what you want out of this investment in the long run, I'm trying to give you the perspective from a local. 

Hello Michael, 

If you're in San Mateo, I would also recommend that you attend meetups in San Jose. Here are the ones that I think are really great. @Johnson H. hosts his in Milpitas- just drinks and talk, but great locals show up to his. Ryder Meehan and Chris V have their VIG meetup now held near downtown SF. Lastly, @Jeff Pollack has his meetup in San Jose, again it's worth the drive. 

Here are the links:

https://www.meetup.com/SF-Bay-Area-Real-Estate-Inv...

https://www.meetup.com/SF-real-estate-investors-gr...

https://www.meetup.com/San-Jose-Real-Estate-Networ...

Carolina. 

Try Diaz-Christians in Santa Clara. I work with Sharon Fazio there. I'll PM you info. 

I have one in Santa Clara, if it too far away for you?