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House hunting in a buyer's market

Experts say your dollars goes further now than a year ago

BY VANESSA GREGORY | Saturday, Jul 28 2007 10:20 PM

Last Updated: Saturday, Jul 28 2007 11:21 PM

Home shoppers will likely find a few bargains this summer.

Prices have dropped and the selection of available homes has grown, local realty pros said.

Those searching in the northeast, where a four-bedroom home at 2817 Loch Fern Court is selling for $275,000, will find “gobs of choices” in the same price range, said Watson Realty ERA agent Mike Saba.

“Between $225,000 and $300,000 right now, you’d have about 65 choices of a four-bedroom,” Saba said after doing a search on Bakersfield’s Multiple Listing Service. The Loch Fern Court house might be a tad overpriced, he said.

Buyers can also get more house for their money than they could in the past two years, said Jeanne Radsick, an agent with Century 21 Hometown Realty.

The homes Radsick has listed at $500,000 or higher start at about 2,700 square feet.

And sellers may strike a deal.

“People who up to this point might not have entertained offers, are now entertaining offers,” Radsick said.

Luxury homes have been discounted as well, said agent Gail Malouf of Coldwell Banker America West.

“For a million dollars, there’s several homes on the golf course at Seven Oaks,” Malouf said. “You’re getting granite counter tops, pretty good square footage, pools.” A buyer might snap up a home on a half acre for a million, she said.

“You can get out in the country, too, if you want a little room,” Malouf said.

If a million-dollar mansion on the links is too pricey, take heart. A manicured lawn, spare bedroom or extra space might no longer break the budget.

“You’re getting a better deal on all houses than you were a year ago,” Malouf said.

2817 Loch Fern Court $275,000

Size: 1,475 square feet Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 2 Garage: two-car Lot size: 5,530 square feet Built: 1999 Other facts On market: about 5 months Amenities: Living room with a kitchen/family/dining room combination. Backyard is professionally landscaped and includes two patios, a spa and gazebo and a waterfall. Indoor utility room. Neighborhood: In northeast Bakersfield, just north of Auburn Street, between Oswell Street and Fairfax Road. Located in the Bakersfield City School District. Nearby schools include Eissler Elementary, Chipman Junior High, Highland High School. Freeway access: Highway 178 is two minutes to the east, off Oswell Street.

3403 Buccaneer Rose Ave. $499,950

Size: 2,758 square feet Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 2.5 Garage: three-car Lot size: 10,890 square feet Built: 2002 Other facts On market: about 11 months Amenities: Formal living and dining rooms, with separate family and breakfast rooms. Bill office and indoor utility hookups. Pool with rock waterfall and two covered patios. RV parking with hookups and alarm system. Neighborhood: In southwest Bakersfield’s Stonecreek area. Located in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. Nearby schools include Ridgeview High and Stonecreek Junior High School. Freeway access: Highway 99 is two minutes to the north off Panama Lane and Wible Road.

15102 Henderson Ave. $1 million

Size: 5,468 square feet Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 4.5 Garage: three-car Lot size: 28,750 square feet Built: 2007 Other facts On market: about 6 months (recently sold) Amenities: Brazilian cherry hardwood floors. Kitchen has granite countertops and double oven. Great room includes custom cabinetry, fireplace and a crystal chandelier. 1,485-square-foot master bathroom includes gold onyx marble countertops, his/hers walk-in closets. Neighborhood: In northwest Bakersfield’s Talladega Estates. Located in Bakersfield City School District. Nearby schools include Frontier, Centennial and Liberty highs. Freeway access: Highway 99 is located about 10 minutes to the west.