What’s Happening in Today’s Market – Walnut Creek Real Estate
The total number of sales in Central Contra Costa County increased in all areas versus the previous few years over the same period, a reflection of more buyers taking advantage of low interest rates to purchase a home, as well as investors entering the market place in greater numbers. The median sales prices in most areas continued to drop slightly. The biggest factors influencing that are the high number of distressed sales, both short sales and foreclosures, that continue to permeate the market. As you can see from the chart below, short...
read moreBest Improvements to Make Prior to Selling
When I meet a potential home seller for the first time, one of the first things I’m asked is what improvements or repairs they should make prior to putting their home on the market. It’s a difficult question, given there are so many variables that determine what a buyer is willing to pay for a home. Of course, you could spend a fortune to make everything look brand new, but generally, that doesn’t pay off in the end. What I try to look for are improvements that are cost effective – those that when completed as a whole,...
read moreIs Getting A Permit Really Necessary? – Walnut Creek Real Estate
Many times over the years, I’ve been involved in home sales in which the seller had done work to their home without getting permits from the local city or county building department. The reasons are usually along the lines of “I didn’t think I needed one” or “It’s too expensive and unnecessary”. While there may be some added expense and time, it usually is much less dramatic than the homeowner anticipates. There are also a number of very good reasons to get a permit for any substantial work taking place on your property: A...
read moreWalnut Creek Area Home Sales for November, 2011
Click on the links below to see sales that finalized and closed in our area in November, 2011. The link will show pictures and information for all properties sold though the MLS. Walnut Creek Home Sales for November, 2011 Pleasant Hill Home Sales for November, 2011 Concord Home Sales for November, 2011 Clayton Home Sales for November, 2011 Martinez Home Sales for November, 2011 Lamorinda Home Sales for November, 2011 Danville Home Sales for November, 2011 San Ramon Home Sales for November, 2011 Dublin Home Sales for November,...
read moreArea Home Sales for Week Ending 11/20/11
Click on the links below to see sales that finalized and closed in our area this past week. Walnut Creek Home Sales for Week Ending 11/20/11 Pleasant Hill Home Sales for Week Ending 11/20/11 Concord Home Sales for Week Ending 11/20/11 Clayton Home Sales for Week Ending 11/20/11 Martinez Home Sales for Week Ending 11/20/11 Lamorinda Home Sales for Week Ending 11/20/11 Danville Home Sales for Week Ending 11/20/11 San Ramon Home Sales for Week Ending 11/20/11 Dublin Home Sales for Week Ending 11/20/11 Pleasanton Home Sales for Week Ending...
read moreArea Home Sales for Week Ending 11/13/11
Click on the links below to see sales that finalized and closed in our area this past week. Walnut Creek Home Sales for Week Ending 11/13/11 Pleasant Hill Home Sales for Week Ending 11/13/11 Concord Home Sales for Week Ending 11/13/11 Clayton Home Sales for Week Ending 11/13/11 Martinez Home Sales for Week Ending 11/13/11 Lamorinda Home Sales for Week Ending 11/13/11 Danville Home Sales for Week Ending 11/13/11 San Ramon Home Sales for Week Ending 11/13/11 Dublin Home Sales for Week Ending 11/13/11 Pleasanton Home Sales for Week Ending...
read moreContra Costa Real Estate Market Update
The total number of sales in Central Contra Costa County increased in all areas versus the previous few years over the same period, a reflection of more buyers taking advantage of low interest rates to purchase a home, as well as investors entering the market place in greater numbers. The median sales prices in most areas continued to drop slightly. The biggest factors influencing that are the high number of distressed sales, both short sales and foreclosures, that continue to permeate the market. As you can see from the chart above, short...
read moreUpgrading A Rental Property Has Benefits
Rental properties can be a great long term investment, but like any home, repairs, maintenance and improvements over the course of time are necessary expenses to get the most out of them. Some rental property owners see their investment only in terms of minimizing expenses while the rent income keeps coming in. I’ve heard many property owners state the “it’s only a rental” mentality when considering potential repairs and improvements in a rental property. Many of the homes in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, & Danville...
read moreFHA Guideline Changes Affecting Home Buyers
Many homebuyers in today’s market lack the 20% down payment to purchase a home with conventional financing. When the housing market was booming a few years ago, homebuyers could make up the difference by getting a second mortgage or equity line to cover some of that 20%. Prior to that, one could also hope to get private mortgage insurance (PMI) so that the lender would allow a lower down payment in the range of 5-10%. With many of the PMI companies still reeling from the housing crisis and unwilling or unable to write new policies of...
read moreBuying New Construction Can Have Downside
There are all the pretty models, beautifully and professionally decorated—eye candy to attract new homebuyers. What could be more perfect than owning a brand new home. No worries about replacing the roof, remodeling a kitchen or bath, and all those shiny new appliances, countertops and fixtures just look so nice. Buyers of new construction include many first time homebuyers, especially those that are inexperienced and a bit daunted by the process of buying a home. Typically, one of the main reasons for buying something new is the...
read moreRecent Mortgage Rates
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