But first-time buyers are getting squeezed out, and this is so unfortunate in a booming economy where average prices in North Coast homes exceed $300,000.

An ideal remedy would be for property owners who feel they are cramped for space should not consider an add-on but rather they should take advantage of the shortage of lower-priced affordable homes and sell the small home and use the equity to use for a move-up. There are homes priced in the mid-$200,00 range with ample square footage and special features. A responsible agent will coordinate both the marketing and sale of a smaller home and will make transition into the newer home a smooth one.

By use of Realtor.com, one can easily peruse the local listings, utilize the services of a competent Realtor to tour desired properties and then plan the course of action. Your Realtor will have access to lending agents with good funding track records. A smart beginning is to meet with your selected real estate agent and a lender in a confidential synergy session and let the plan evolve.

There is such a wide range of options in the lending field. Coordination via such a preliminary conference may well expand the options for the move-up buyer, which could include leveraging some of the property equity into stock investments that will give added long-range benefits.