I understand now, tugg. A VA deal makes sense in Salinas, as does a 10 yo 3000+ sf SFR on a large lot situated within an HOA … for ANY price.
I’m sure you’re aware that in Monterey proper the land there is far more valuable than Salinas … and the housing stock there is older than possibly 90% of Salinas’ housing stock and thus not encumbered by MR and there are very few (if any) SFR HOAs there. Thus, the differences you mentioned (which will always be so). One city is coastal and the other is not.
When you mentioned you were purchasing in “Monterey” in your http://piggington.com/375_no_points thread, I wondered how you found a “seller” to accept a zero-down VA offer (esp approved by a lender selling short) in Monterey.
In any case, whatever “magic” you or your agent pulled out of a hat to get your “seller” out of there can be resurrected now to get her to MOVE her stuff out promptly, as well ;=)
Congrats again on your purchase, tugg and I sincerely hope you are not left holding the bag on any back taxes and/or HOA dues and that you will be able to close by the holidays!
