How the Neighborhood Can Influence the Value of Your Pleasanton Home

How the Neighborhood Can Influence the Value of Your Pleasanton Home

Are you thinking of selling your home to buyers looking for Pleasanton homes for sale? If so, it pays to know some factors that may affect your home’s worth. 

It is a must for you to check the value of your home. Asking for a “free market evaluation for my home in Pleasanton CA” is quite simple and easy. Before you rush and have your home assessed, read on for some ideas on how the neighborhood can influence the value of your property.

Logistics Rule

Buyers ranked safety as the number one characteristic that they look for in a neighbourhood. This is followed by commute, real estate prices, cleanliness, and public transit. Having a neighborhood watch is also a plus factor because it conveys that the people in the neighborhood truly care and look out for one another. Be sure to inform buyers about these neighbourhood courtesies as they are part of the valuable fabric of everyday life.

Homes that have physical problems

As you consider, “What's my home worth in Pleasanton CA,” you also have to take a look at the homes in your area. Your home’s value will be affected if you live in a neighbourhood dotted with properties that are in visible need of repair. Buyers will not be interested in a home that is an eyesore and a lawn that is in disrepair. The closer these problem homes with negative appearance are to you, the more likely buyers will be turned off. On the other hand, living near homes with attractive landscaping can increase your home value.

Living near a power plant

A power plant or a power generating station, is basically an industrial location that is utilized for the generation and distribution of electric power in mass scale. In the U.S., there are more than 8,000 power plants responsible for the modern convenience of electricity. Living in the vicinity of one can drag your home value by 5.3%, with safety concerns being the most cited reason. The perceived dangers of living near a power plant may vary - from the seemingly harmless solar to the dreaded nuclear. Generally, having a power plant in the neighborhood is linked to lower property values.

Living near a cemetery

There are pros and cons to living near a cemetery. One advantage is that there would most likely be no chance of future developments on the site of a cemetery. Aside from that, it is quiet and many cemeteries are quite picturesque. On the other hand, cemeteries give some people an uneasy feeling, as it represents mortality. Also, it may not be an area they want to ‘live’ next to everyday. Living near one can decrease you home’s value by 12.3%.

School district

Living near a high-scoring school can increase your home’s value. Aside from that, there are plenty of attractive advantages that come with proximity to a school, including increased police protection, personal use of school facilities and living in a “Drug Free School Zone.” On the other hand, a poor school district is harmful to your overall home value. A school where one teacher handles a class of 40 students with a slim graduation rate is usually an indicator of a deprived neighborhood and can drag your home’s value down by 22.2%. 

Check out www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com if you need assistance in selling your Pleasanton CA home or need help knowing where to start.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

4 Upgrades That Will Boost the Value of Your Pleasanton Home for Sale

4 Upgrades That Will Boost the Value of Your Pleasanton Home for Sale

If you want to sell your home fast and for top dollar to buyers of Pleasanton homes, you need to invest in certain upgrades that can boost your home’s worth. Some of these updates are easy and can be done without the help of a professional. Others may require the skill of experts. Whether it is a DIY project or one that needs the help of a pro, it pays to know which improvements will be beneficial to your home sale. 

Here are some upgrades that can increase your property’s value:

Basic updates

This may not be a surprise but basic updates add the most value to your home. Before you put your home on the market, you need to verify, “What's my home value in Pleasanton CA?” Then, you need to check your home to see if everything is in good condition. Give your home a fresh coat of paint. Do not forget to fix the roof if there are leaks. Replace rotting wood and get rid of any mold. 

These chores may be simple but they are the ones that keep your home from deteriorating over time. Keep in mind that buyers are looking for a healthy, solid, safe, well-cared home. They look closely and carefully for signs that the home has been well-maintained. 

Add another bathroom

Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are often the most important rooms to update and most buyers prefer homes that have more than one bathroom. If your home has only one bathroom, you can recover a big portion of your investment by adding another one. 

Check your home for any extra rooms or underutilized spaces. If you want a half-bath, you need at least 18 square feet of space. For a full bath that includes a stand-up shower, you need at least 30 square feet. If you prefer a bathtub, make sure you have at least 35 square feet to work with for a bathroom addition. The money that you will spend will depend largely on the types of additions and accessories that you want for your bathroom.

Mind your carpet

Carpeting is another detail that can easily improve your home and increase its value. More often than not, professional cleaning is enough to get it ready to show. It is an inexpensive investment, especially if your rugs are in good shape and are neutral in color. 

If your carpet is showing serious wear, you can choose to cover it with inexpensive, strategically placed area rugs. You may also consider replacing unsightly carpet. Stained or dated carpet is a huge turnoff to potential buyers. If you are selling an empty property, fresh new carpet is essential since that is all the buyers will see in the room.

Have a front yard makeover

Another update that can increase your home’s value is by giving your front yard a makeover. Keeping your yard looking fresh does not require a large amount of money. You can do it by simply adding some color to your planters of a nice paver walkway. 

Remember that the front yard is the first thing that prospective buyers will see when viewing your home. It is always crucial to make a positive first impression when selling a home. Updating your front yard also shows that you take pride in your home and it makes your property stand out from the rest of the competition.

An experienced real estate agent can guide you throughout the whole home selling process. As you consult with your trusted real estate professional, it is comforting to remember that, “There is a free home value for my home in Pleasanton CA.”

Check out www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com if you need assistance in selling your Pleasanton Ca home or need help knowing where to start.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

5 Major Factors That Impact the Resale Value of Your Pleasanton Home

5 Major Factors That Impact the Resale Value of Your Pleasanton Home

Are you trying to figure out what your Pleasanton home will be worth years from now? There are many factors that can impact the market value of your property. These can range from home improvements to the mood of the seller. It is important to learn about these factors. This will help you make an informed decision as you price your home when the time to put the ‘for sale’ sign in your lawn has come. Below are five crucial factors that impact the resale value of your home.

Location

One of the factors that will affect your home’s resale value is its location. This does not only include the geographical position, but also other details such as the selling price of nearby comparable homes for sale, the quality of schools, and the area’s sense of community. Most buyers today put value not just on the property, but on the community, activities, and the school district as well. Walkability has also become more important in many markets.

Negative events

There are many challenges that come with home selling. It is a good thing that you can tell yourself, “There is a free home value for my home in Pleasanton CA.” However, it could be more difficult to sell your home if you have mold issues, experienced a fire or was the site of a violent crime. These negative events command a lower price. Although Federal law requires disclosure of all known lead-based paints, state laws differ as to whether the seller must disclose issues related to natural disaster or crimes committed in the home. 

Overly customized components

Buyers might get turned off by unique tile colors or layout in the kitchen. Your thousand-plus-dollar hardscape might not appeal to the buyer’s taste. The elaborate home office and over-the-top lighting can make it hard for buyers to envision themselves in your home. In addition to that, a smart buyer will find it counterintuitive to remodel a space that has been remodeled already. Avoid adding too many quirky or custom-tailored components to your home, especially if you do not have long-term plans of staying in it. 

Bedroom conversions

Homes with three to four bedrooms are among the most popular options for many buyers today. Knowing this does not mean that you have to knock down a wall to make your master larger or convert your garage into a bedroom. Doing so will likely have a negative impact on the resale value of your home. Keep in mind that a two-car garage is also on top of many buyers’ must-have list. 

Condition

Before you show your home to potential buyers, you have to settle the question, “What's my home value in Pleasanton CA?” You have to ensure that you home is in immaculate condition since this will also be a deciding factor to a potential buyer. It will affect the amount that the buyer would be willing to pay for your home. If your home is in good condition, it has a much higher potential for top dollar sale as compared to one that is obviously lacking the most basic routine maintenance. Buyers will surely be checking conditions like paints, floor covering, walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows. They are also likely to pay close attention to the plumbing, electricity work, repairs, bathrooms, and kitchen.

Check out www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com if you need assistance in selling your Pleasanton Ca home or need help knowing where to start.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

Increase the Value of Your Pleasanton Home with These 3 Tips

Increase the Value of Your Pleasanton Home with These 3 Tips

With the fact that Pleasanton was reported to be the 4th among “America’s 50 Best Cities to Live In” by USA Today in 2014, it is not surprising if you, together with many other potential home sellers, get curious and ask the question, “What’s my home worth in Pleasanton CA?” This is part of the San Francisco Bay Area and is considered to be one of the most affluent cities close to San Francisco with many parks, trails, open spaces, shops, and restaurants nearby, not to mention great schools!

In general, Pleasanton homes for sale have a high market value. Additional factors that contribute to your home’s value are the neighborhood, establishments close by, and geography to name a few. There are many other ways that you can increase the value of your home especially when you have plans of putting it on the market. Add value to your home with the tips listed below.

Intensive Cleaning

In many households, cleaning is done frequently, but not thoroughly. The visible surfaces are usually cleaned during routine cleanings. It is important to do intensive cleaning once in a while. As you do this, you are not just able to clean every space, but this also gives you the chance to inspect your home. When intensive cleaning is done, even the less visible area in the house can be checked for mold that can eventually destroy the walls. This can also extinguish bugs and insects which may weaken the structure of the house.

Repainting

Repainting a home always gives it a clean look. New paint erases dirt and stains that consequently adds more value to the house. It is best to choose neutral colors when repainting your home since this gives buyers a blank canvass to work on as they visualize living in your home. Brighter colors may look cute to some people, but if you are planning to sell, there will be many potential buyers with different tastes and personalities. Additionally, neutral colors also add style and elegance to the house. It may give a modern or vintage look, depending on your choice of decor and accent.

Decorating

“What’s my home value in Pleasanton CA?” is a good question especially if you have intentions to sell your home in the future. One of the best ways to increase its value is to decorate and design it. The first thing potential buyers could see are photographs of your home. This is one of the ways to let your buyer pick up the phone as they see the value of your home. As potential buyers view your and space and see that its design and decoration look dull or cluttered, then they might think that your home is not well maintained or cared for. You can organize your home and still give it a classy feel. One of the best ways to handle this matter is to hire a a stager.

Don’t hesitate to visit this website www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com if you need assistance in selling your Pleasanton Ca home or need help knowing where to start.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

Top 7 Things That Can Decrease the Value of Your Pleasanton Home

Top 7 Things That Can Decrease the Value of Your Pleasanton Home

If you want to sell your home fast to buyers looking for Pleasanton CA homes, you have to be clear about one question --- “what's my home worth in Pleasanton CA?” 

A lot of factors such as the location, square footage, and number of rooms, can affect your property’s value. There are also certain things, both controllable and uncontrollable, that could significantly reduce your home’s worth. Steer clear of these pitfalls when selling your home.

Landscaping without considering the future

Landscaping your yard can help make your property look more attractive. However, you have to think about the future before you make any change. For instance, if you plant a tree too close to the house or driveway, it can result to major problems later. Roots can cause breaks in the pavement, which can be quite costly to repair. Before you plant anything in your yard, consider how it will look years later.

Meddling with the fireplace

Think carefully before you start fussing with the fireplace, especially if you are planning on painting over exposed brick. If the look is not trendy when the time comes for you to sell, it could decrease the value of your home. Some people tend to like the visual aesthetic of exposed brick. 

Holding onto old kitchen appliances

Buyers looking for homes for sale in Pleasanton do not want to move in and have to buy all new appliances. Make sure to pay attention to the brand and quality of your major kitchen appliances. 

If something is classic and well-maintained, you may still keep it. However, if a piece has had a long life, you might consider replacing it rather than risk reducing your home’s value.

Being over trendy

Mixing in the latest trends can make your home look more appealing. However, not all buyers are attracted to the latest trends. In fact, most of them prefer kitchens or bathrooms in classic, neutral colors. If you want to add color and personality to your home, you may use bright accessories to bring in fun details. They are much easier to change later.

Neglecting your wood floors

Most buyers today prefer wood floors. They are more likely to pass up homes with wall-to-wall carpet. Make sure you know how to properly maintain your wood floors. Do not clean them with water and vinegar as these tend to dull them over time. You can also have your floors buffed every year instead of having them refinished. 

Poor school district

School quality continues to be one of the top priorities for homebuyers. People looking for Pleasanton CA homes for sale can feel confident about all the schools in the district. However if you are selling in another location, be thoughtful of the school scores nearest to your home. It could affect the value of your home.

Proximity to airport, interstate, or train

There is no doubt that buyers like a convenient location. They usually dismiss the homes that compromise their solitude and the air quality. Homes that are too close to freeways, airports, and commuter trains suffer from wary buyers who do not want anything to do with the exhaust fumes and the constant hum of traffic.

Check out www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com today to see the latest luxury homes and estates for sale in Pleasanton CA. 

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

5 Reasons Why You Should Never Overprice Your Pleasanton Home

5 Reasons Why You Should Never Overprice Your Pleasanton Home

When selling your home to buyers looking for Pleasanton homes for sale, you have to be careful not to overprice. While it is natural for a seller to maximize the sale of a home, overpricing your property can backfire and leave you with nothing to show but a stale listing.

Read on for some reasons why you should be careful not to overprice your home when selling.

You will scare off buyers

Pleasanton has become a popular destination for buyers looking for luxury homes and starter homes. If you overprice your home, you will scare off the best buyers. They will be dashing to the next house even before you get the chance to show them your home. Buyers often work with real estate agents who can easily tell when a home is overpriced. If they think that yours is, they will advise their client to consider other more reasonable priced homes. Even if the buyers are not using a real estate agent, they still usually avoid homes that seem far pricier than others in the neighbourhood. 

You will attract lousy agents

Real estate agents are in the business of selling homes, and they prefer homeowners who have realistic expectations. A good agent will honestly answer your question, “What's my home value in Pleasanton CA?” On the other hand, there are some agents who take advantage of your unfamiliarity with real estate matters and encourage you to overprice your home or worse yet, don’t have the nerve to explain the importance of proper pricing in fear they will lose a chance to take a listing. Some agents will tell you what you want to hear just to get their for sale sign in your yard. 

These kinds of agents are just using your home as an advertising vehicle to acquire other clients. The good news is that there are lots of great and experienced real estate agents who do not prey on unsuspecting clients. Instead, they have your best interest in mind. As a seller, your job is to find an agent that knows the market and knows how to sell homes for the best price in the shortest amount of time and is not afraid to advise you as to proper pricing.

You will have missed showings

Buyers and real estate agents looking for a home, search within a price range when using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). If you price your home outside of the comparable range or above the current market value, your property will not come up in their search. You will end up losing showings from prospective buyers who can afford your home.

You actually help sell the competition

Buyers usually compare properties when considering a home purchase. When a buyer compares your overpriced home versus one that is priced at a fair market value, the buyer will likely be convinced to place an offer on the well priced property instead of yours. With an overpriced home, you are helping the competition get sold.

You will face a tough closing

It is quite difficult to close an accepted offer on an overpriced home. This is mainly because of the fact that buyers will continue to look at the competition. Once they quickly realize they have overpaid, it will result to buyer’s remorse and a collapsed sale prior to contingency removals.

Check out www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com today to see the latest luxury homes and estates for sale in Pleasanton CA. 

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

How to Give Your Home a Modern Appeal That Buyers Will Surely Love

How to Give Your Home a Modern Appeal That Buyers Will Surely Love

After saying to yourself, “Good thing there is free market evaluation for my home in Pleasanton CA,” put yourself in the shoes of the buyers and consider the value of your home. Additionally, remember that after looking at several homes for sale in Pleasanton, buyers will definitely get tired of seeing outdated homes. Make yours stand out by giving it a modern touch. Updating your home before putting it on the market will also boost its appeal and increase the chances of getting sold sooner than you expected.

Here are some tips on how to modernize your home before showing it to buyers:

1. Update your light fixtures

As you ask yourself, “What's my home value in Pleasanton CA?,” one simple way to add value and modernize your home is by updating your ceiling, sconces, and bathroom light fixtures. Aside from giving your home a modern appeal, they can also bring better and more efficient light to the space. You may also add skylights and solar tubes in dark areas that need more lighting. Remember that you can reduce the use of or totally remove lighting fixtures with the introduction of more natural light into a space.

2. Paint and brighten it up

One of the most basic ways to give your home a modern look is by painting it. Replace dingy white paint or faded wallpaper on interior walls. Colors such as warm golden beige, robin’s egg blue, or muted sage tones create a clean, updated look. Using lemon yellow or soft coral can add flair and give life to any space. Using bright yet soft mint green can create a youthful look as well. Before doing this however, it is best to consult with your best real estate agent’s stager. Don’t waste money painting walls that the stager may dislike.

3. Open up your kitchen

Making your kitchen accessible to the living and dining rooms can also help create a modern appeal. You can achieve this in several ways. You can widen the doorway or create a pass through. You may also knock down the upper half of a wall, or totally remove an entire wall. Whichever option you go for, it is better to hire a contractor to do the job. If there is enough space, you can add an island or a peninsula.

4. Update the bathroom

The bathroom is another area that buyers will surely check. A few small touches in this space can go a long way. Replace old curtains, shades, or blinds with something more modern like snapview shutters. Get rid of old towel racks with more modern looking metal ones. Change the shower curtains especially if they are already showing signs of wear or age. You can also install a new mirror. These are basic easy, quick fixes....oh and don’t forget to replace the old toilet seat!!

5. Go for hardwood floor

Having carpet in the bedrooms is practical and comfortable. However, carpeting the entire home has long been out of style. Instead of carpets, go for hardwood floor. It exudes a natural vibe and a classic feel. You can also explore other flooring options such as tiles, bricks, or stone. Your real estate agent will have someone you can get quotes for to get great pricing!

6. Add new accents

Adding new accents can also help attract more buyers who are looking for homes with modern appeal. New throw pillows, new wall art, and flower vases can do the trick, but remember not to overdo it. Select versatile pieces that will complement your existing style.

As you remember, “There is free market evaluation for my home in Pleasanton CA,” keep in mind that your trusted real estate professional will greatly help you. Following these tips will freshen up, modernize, and also add value to your home. 

Check out www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com today to check your home’s value and for more home selling tips for your home in Pleasanton CA. 

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

The Truth behind the Top 5 Home Improvement Myths

The Truth behind the Top 5 Home Improvement Myths

Doing some home improvement projects before showing your home to buyers looking for Del Prado Pleasanton homes for sale is a good idea. It can add value to your property and help increase buyer traffic. However, you need to be careful with your choices when it comes to investing time and effort in improving your home.

To help you make the right decision, take a look at the top 5 home improvement myths and the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Do-it-yourself is always the best option.

As a seller, you want to make a great first impression on buyers looking for homes for sale in Del Prado Pleasanton. In order to achieve this, you need the help of experts and professionals. While you may have knack for certain things, it is still better to hire a contractor to do the job. Doing it yourself can sometimes save money, but you also need to be aware of your limits. Think it through before you commit to doing all the nitty-gritty work yourself. Ask yourself if you have the skill, time, or license required to perform the work. Do not hesitate to ask for help. You can tackle certain low-risk projects, but know which remodeling requires the expertise of a professional.

Myth 2: Swimming pools add value.

Many people believe that adding a swimming pool or a hot tub will surely sell the home. While adding a pool may sound appealing, it is not always a sure sell. You have to consider your home’s location. If you live in a pool-friendly region and every day is summer in your climate, then adding a pool is a great idea. If you live in a cooler climate, you might have to reconsider. You also have to keep in mind that adding a pool is a scary proposition because it is a liability and can require a lot of work to maintain in the off-season. Before building a pool, weigh the pros and cons. Otherwise, you might end up with a money pit.

Myth 3: Putting wallpaper is a piece of cake.

Placing wallpaper on wall looks easy and simple. However, this is one of those projects that can quickly become a nightmare if not done correctly. Before starting with the project, carefully examine the room. If there are obstacles such as a vanity or a toilet, you will have to cut the wallpaper and match it up to go around. It is not always an easy job to tackle.

Myth 4: Adding square footage always adds value.

Some sellers believe that adding square footage will increase the value of their home. You have to carefully think about this before deciding to expand. Square footage in attics and basements that are finished, and by county standards considered livable, may not be appealing to a buyer if the space is substandard compared to the rest of the house.

Myth 5: Adding a bedroom is better than adding a bathroom.

Before you add either a bathroom or a bedroom you need to assess your home and the potential need of future buyers. If you only have one or two bedrooms to start with, adding a bedroom is probably a better choice. After all, buyers are more attracted to a three bedroom home. On the other hand, if you already have enough number of bedrooms and only one bath, you better invest on a second bath.

Check out www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com today for more home selling ideas and for a free market evaluation of your home in Del Prado. 

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

Top 5 Signs That You Are Ready to Sell Your Home in Birdland Pleasanton

Top 5 Signs That You Are Ready to Sell Your Home in Birdland Pleasanton

When is the right time to sell your home to buyers looking for homes for sale in Birdland Pleasanton CA? Knowing when to take that leap of faith as you put your home on the market for sale is not always easily recognized. This is an important decision that requires careful planning and honest assessment. There are indicators that can help you determine if you are truly ready to sell your property. 

Here are five obvious signs that you should sell your home now: 

Your home no longer suits your lifestyle

If you are thinking of selling your home, an important factor to consider is how well your current home meets your everyday needs. If your family is growing, perhaps you could use another bedroom. Downsizing can also be a good option if your adult children have already moved out. It is liberating to sell a larger home, pay cash for a smaller one, and invest the rest in your retirement. Whether you are expanding or downsizing, make sure that you factor in your family’s financial considerations. 

You already have a game plan

If you already have an idea where you want to relocate, it is a good sign that you are ready to sell. Serious sellers will always have a game plan as to the location of their new home. It will help you determine the direction of your future and is a great motivating factor to put your home on the market. Aside from the location, serious sellers also have an estimated listing price of the home that they can afford. 

You can actually afford the move

Before you start shopping for a new home, remember to account for the cost of leaving your current one. Whether you are hiring professional movers or hauling all your stuff by yourself, you need to be sure that your budget can cover all your moving expenses. You should also invest and work on getting your current home ready for a sale. 

You are no longer emotionally attached to your current home

Emotions can tremendously affect your decision whether to sell or stay. If you are still emotionally attached to your property, you are not ready to sell yet. There are dangers to being too attached to your home. If you are still very much connected to it, there is the danger of not listening to the advice and suggestions of your real estate agent. Also, you may be willing to do what it takes to sell your home to buyers looking for real estate for sale in Birdland Pleasanton. If you can already see your home as a product to be sold and no longer a memento of your family’s special moments, then it is time to put the “for sale” sign in your yard. 

You are ready for change

Any change is difficult, especially in the beginning. Adapting to new surroundings can pose a challenge to you and your family. You need to be ready for that change. Expect that with the decision to sell and relocate, other factors in your life will be affected. If you look forward to these changes and believe that things will eventually fall into place, if feel that you are genuinely prepared for a major change, then you are ready to sell your home. 

Check out www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com today for more home selling ideas and for a free market evaluation of your home in Birdland. 

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

5 Incentives to Offer Shadow Cliff Home Buyers for a Quick Sale

5 Incentives to Offer Shadow Cliff Home Buyers for a Quick Sale

If you have a home to sell, you can consider offering incentives to buyers looking for homes for sale in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton to sweeten the deal. Incentives are perks, either big or small, that you offer to your home’s eventual buyer.

Here are five incentives that can help sell your home faster as you discuss with your trusted real estate professional the answer to your question, “What’s my home worth in Pleasanton CA?”

1. Closing Credit 

Most sellers want a quick closing for different reasons. It could be because of an upcoming job transfer or for tax purposes. If you want a quick closing, you can offer a closing credit to the buyer and even a bonus commission to the buyer’s agent. Buyers will appreciate this unexpected help and would be more than eager to sign the closing papers. This incentive is actually icing on the cake.

2. Interest rate buy down

To secure a fast sale, you can offer to award the buyer a certain percentage point of the sale price. This will be paid to the buyer’s lender as discount points that will decrease the interest rate for which the buyer has to pay the lender. Buyers will surely appreciate this incentive because it affects the totality of the loan and will cause them to save more on monthly payments. It also sends a message that if they decide to purchase your home, they will have a little extra money left over for any home improvements they wish to make.

3. Broker incentives

The majority of homebuyers on today’s market are represented by an agent. These agents have to sort through several similar homes for sale to decide which one to show a buyer. If you cannot afford to offer closing credits or to give particular percentage points to your buyer, consider giving an incentive to the REALTOR®. Offer to pay a bonus percentage point to the eventual agent of your home’s final buyer. This bonus is on top of the said agent’s commission. This strategy will help sell your home faster.

4. Home Items

Parts of your home that are affixed to the property should be included in the sale. A good example of this is a wall to wall carpet. In spite of these fixtures, you can provide home items and features that will suit the house and the preference of its future owners. It could be a piece of furniture, a patio set that goes well with your landscaped yard, or an exercise machine that are assembled and ready to use. Including this in the package could also help seal the deal.

5. Pre-paid services

Being a homeowner is no easy feat. You have to take care of several responsibilities like tidying up the home, mowing the grass, maintaining the heating and air conditioning systems, cleaning the pool and gutters, and changing the light bulbs regularly. To encourage buyers to step up and submit an offer, you can include pre-paid services like a lawn mowing service, a pool cleaning service, or even a housekeeping service as part of the package.

Offering incentives on Shadow Cliff Pleasanton homes for sale will surely catch the attention of buyers. You can promote them in a number of ways with the help of your trusted real estate agent. These incentives can help move the deal over the finish line.

Check out www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com today for more home selling ideas and for a free market evaluation of your home in Shadow Cliff. 

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

Top 5 Easy Tips to Help You Buy and Sell a Home Simultaneously

Top 5 Easy Tips to Help You Buy and Sell a Home Simultaneously

Selling your home to buyers looking for homes for sale in Birdland Pleasanton CA is a serious endeavor. You have to deal with the paperwork, deadlines, statutory obligations and other important aspects. Couple this challenging task with buying a home and you can end up with an overwhelming and stressful experience.

Here are a few things to remember when buying and selling a home at the same time.

Know the market first

Before you open your doors to buyers looking for Birdland Pleasanton homes for sale, make sure you have a clear and solid understanding of the housing market in your area and the area where you are planning to buy. Find out if the market is weighted toward buyers or sellers. Knowing the current condition of the market will help you strategize and prepare for your next course of action. Connect with a professional full time real estate agent to aid you in pricing your home correctly. 

Remember that having your home on the market for several months because your price is too high implies several months of paying two mortgages.

Coordinate closing dates

For a smoother transaction, your closing date on your old home should come before your new home. With the help of your real estate agents, you can make the selling and buying dates line up a little better by preparing for one activity while doing the other. While actively selling your current home, you can prepare to buy a new home as well. Check your options, keep your credit score high, and research loans.

Plan your schedule strategically

Should you buy first then sell or sell first then buy? Both have their risks and advantages. If you decide to sell your home first it will make getting a mortgage easier. However, you will need a temporary place to live in. If you buy first, moving will be relatively hassle free, but it can affect your debt-to-income ratio, making it harder to qualify for a new mortgage. In addition to that, it can be quite difficult to juggle two monthly house payments. Whichever option you choose, make sure that you are ready for the consequences.

Get your finances in order

You need to have your finances in order if you are planning to buy and sell a home at the same time. You need to know whether you can qualify for a mortgage without having to sell your existing home. Although many people are unable to do so, this can be a great advantage if you are able.

Know your game plan

As a homeowner, you need to understand that not having a game plan in place could lead to costly mistakes. You need to determine if you will list your home first prior to looking at homes that are for sale. You also have to decide in advance if you will make any offer received on your home contingent on finding a suitable property for you and your family. Ask yourself if you can afford to purchase a home that would make it worth selling your current home.

You can minimize the stress of buying and selling a home at the same time by doing the right preparations. With the right people on your team, the experience can be as seamless as possible. Check out www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com for more home selling ideas, and for a free market evaluation of your home in Birdland. 

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

Home Seller's Guide to Basic Real Estate Terminologies

Home Seller's Guide to Basic Real Estate Terminologies

When selling your Del Prado Pleasanton homes for sale, the best thing you can do is hire a good real estate agent who can help you through the process. It also helps to know some of the basic terminologies used in real estate so you can speak and understand their language. Selling a home could be frustrating if you’ve never done it before and don’t have the right information. 

Here are some basic real estate terms that you need to know: 

Contract

Contract refers to a legally binding agreement between the buyer and the seller. In real estate, a Contract of Sale will be deemed valid if there there is an offer, an acceptance, competent parties, consideration, legal purpose, written documentation, description of the property, and signatures of principals.

Counter offer

Counter offer refers to the new offer made by either the buyer or seller when rejecting a previous offer. In the case of a seller generating a counter offer, the counter offer will typically indicate that the seller has accepted the buyer’s offer subject to some particulars. These may include total consideration (generally a higher price), increasing the size of the earnest money deposit, refusal to pay for certain reports fees, changing service providers, altering closing date, and modifying contingency time frames. 

Earnest money deposit

As a seller, you want to ensure that a buyer is serious about purchasing your property. An earnest money deposit is the deposit a buyer makes at the time of submitting an offer to show their true intent to purchase. It is sometimes called a binder or good faith deposit. When the transaction is finalized, the funds are put toward the buyer’s down payment. However, if the deal falls through, the buyer may not be able to reclaim the deposit. 

Market Value

The market value of a property is the price it might be expected to bring if offered for sale in a fair market. This is usually in relation to the current real estate market. Market value is also the price at which a particular house, in its current condition, will sell for within 30 to 90 days. 

Seller’s market

A seller’s market is a situation where the demand is larger than the supply. This means there are more buyers than homes for sale in Del Prado Pleasanton. Since supply is less than the demand, several buyers compete to buy properties, which in turn drives up the price. 

Buyer’s market

A buyer’s market is a situation where there are more homes for sale than there are buyers. Since supply exceeds demand, buyers have advantage over sellers in price negotiations. Sometimes, prices drop over time as homeowners become more eager to sell their property. 

Multiple Listing Service

A multiple listing service or MLS refers to a marketing database set up by a group of cooperating real estate brokers providing property for sale information. It is used by real estate brokers who agree to share their listing agreements with one another to locate ready, willing and able buyers for properties more quickly than they could on their own.

Pre-approval 

A pre-approval refers to a written statement from a lender. It states the lender’s preliminary determination that a borrower will qualify for a particular loan amount under the lender’s guidelines. It also contains the maximum amount that the lender is willing to lend. The pre-approval process involves a thorough look into the income and expenses of the borrower. It also takes into consideration the borrower’s credit report and score. Getting pre-approved demonstrates to real estate agents and sellers that a buyer is a qualifies, serious borrower. 

Check out http://www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com for more home selling ideas, and for a free market evaluation of your home in Del Prado. 

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!

5 Tips to Successfully Sell Your Birdland Home to Younger Buyers

5 Tips to Successfully Sell Your Birdland Home to Younger Buyers

If you are considering selling your home for sale in Birdland Pleasanton CA to millennials, you must first discover what they truly want in a home. According to the National Association of Realtors, millennials account for 32% of real estate buyers. They have specific values and desired lifestyles. They also have definite criteria in choosing homes.

Read on for some tips on how to sell your home to the younger buyers.

1. Make sure your home has WiFi access

One helpful tip that can make your property desirable to millennials who are looking for Birdland Pleasanton CA homes for sale is making sure that your house is equipped with WiFi and has a good signal. Millennials have very demanding jobs and social lives and they constantly need to be online. If your home can’t get a good signal, you may install WiFi boosters. Remember that a faltering signal or lack thereof can be a deal breaker for this type of buyer.

2. Make sure your home is healthy for its inhabitants and guests

Nobody wants to live in a home that can potentially lead to serious health problems. This is very true for the more health-conscious millennials who prefer homes with improvements focused on health and well being. Make sure your home has good air quality, mold. Younger buyers prefer less driving and want more walkability. In fact, these buyers are foregoing their cars for bikes or their own two feet. They will surely appreciate homes that have a corner store and public transportation nearby. If your home’s location is not accessible to public transportation and does not have a good walking score, discuss with your trusted real estate agent how you can offset this negative point. Make sure your home has good air quality, mold and fungus free basements, and no VOC off-gassing from paint. Millennial homebuyers also choose wood flooring over carpet. This is because carpets can look dirty and can aggravate some people’s allergies.

3. Millennials want walkability

Younger buyers prefer less driving and want more walkability. In fact, these buyers are foregoing their cars for bikes or their own two feet. They will surely appreciate homes that have a corner store and public transportation nearby. If your home’s location is not accessible to public transportation and does not have a good walking score, discuss with your trusted real estate agent how you can offset this negative point.

4. Make sure you have online photos of your home

Most millennial home buyers looking for real estate for sale in Birdland start their search online. If you want to get their attention, you need to carefully consider how your property shows online. In real estate, photos make the first impression on potential buyers. Some buyers will not even consider buying a property if it doesn’t have photographs in the online listing. Get professional photography that will show your home in its best light. Otherwise, these buyers will never step foot in your door. Remember that the quality of listing photos and the expertise of the person taking them can have a big impact on home sales.

5. Make sure to employ proper home staging

Staging is a critical part of selling your home to millennials. Staging is a method of decorating where the goal is to showcase your home’s best assets. With proper staging, buyers feel at home the moment they walk through the door. On the other hand, without staging, it will be harder for the buyer to imagine what it could be like once they move in. Professional home staging helps meet buyer’ expectations.

Check out http://www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com for more home selling ideas, and for a free market evaluation of your home in Birdland. 

If you are looking for a Pleasanton luxury REALTOR® who can help you sell or buy your dream luxury home, call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. You can also text 925-660-7110 with any of these codes: seller411, buyer411 or homesearch. With my extensive experience and knowledge of the Pleasanton luxury real estate market, combined with a track record of satisfied clients, your next transaction will be the best move you’ve ever made!