Over the past couple weeks we've seen lots of news reports relating to the local and national real estate market. Napa County tax assessor John Tuteur announced that his estimates of property values county-wide increased about 1% over last year.

In the City of Napa, values increased .27%, but this was still a slight increase over last year’s decline.

Statewide, foreclosures fell to a four-year low in the quarter ending June 30, suggesting that the slide in housing prices may be slowing.

Recent price reductions, continued low mortgage rates and nice weather may have contributed to a slight uptick in home sales compared to May of this year; but overall, the market is still slow and it's a great time to look for bargains -- particularly if you are handy and want to dive into a fixer-upper.

Here is a sampling of single-family houses on the local market for $150,000 or less. True, some may need more than a fresh coat of paint, but this just might be the time to jump in with your hammer and a bucket of nails and get a real bargain.

115 Adobe Ln  2 BR 1 Bath $109,999. Zillow says this property's price has been reduced $40K since March. 

2743 Kilburn Ave  2 BR 1 Bath asking $131,000. This place once sold for about $125K way back in 1999.          

66 Harrison Ave  2 BR 1 Bath listed at $141,500.

1706 E St 1900 era farmhouse. 3 BR 2 Bath asking $149,000. Recently reduced from $161,000 in early July. 

610 Silverado Trl   2 BR 1 Bath on the Silverado Trail by the Expo listed for  $150,000. This one is ready to move into and may already be gone!