Buyers line up for new homes in Santa Maria Valley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Living on the Central Coast is becoming more popular than ever.

"Overall the central coast to seeing a lot of demand whether it’s up in Paso or San Luis Obispo certainly Santa Maria and down to Ventura," said spokesperson Mark van de Kamp of the City of Santa Maria.

Local broker Laura Passmore says more people are looking to buy a new home, even if the homes aren’t available yet.

"For example new homes … there’s a waiting list for future construction," said Passmore of the Santa Maria Association of Realtors.

In resale, there’s often no inventory.

"So if something comes on the market it sells right away. So as a brokerage I have a waiting list of people waiting that are pre-qualified … like ready to go so as soon as house comes on the market we go look at it," said Passmore.

Managers at the newly developed Azure Apartment Homes say the complex was fully leased before construction was completed earlier this year.

"Your apartments, rentals, anything like that … property management … The folks have applications after applications on one property," said Passmore.

Passmore says the pandemic has also added to the challenge as less people are choosing to move.

Since January of this year the average single family home went for roughly $500,000.

By August, that number jumped to about $600,000.

Housing at Rice Ranch is even higher.

"I believe out there you’re looking anywhere from $800,000 to just under $1 million," said Passmore.

If you’re looking to buy a home, Passmore suggests finding a professional who can help with the process. in