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!

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!

What to Ask When Interviewing a Del Prado Real Estate Agent

What to Ask When Interviewing a Del Prado Real Estate Agent

Selling your home to buyers looking for Del Prado Pleasanton homes for sale is not easy. Having an experienced and hardworking real estate agent by your side can make the home selling process smoother. To find the right agent, you need to probe deeper and ask a wide range of questions before making any decision. 

Here are five questions that sellers should ask prospective real estate agents:

1. Do you have experience in selling homes in Pleasanton and what is your success rate?

Although it may seem like an obvious place to start, many sellers still neglect to ask potential agents about their work experience. Though a new real estate agent can certainly be motivated and eager to please, sellers should look for an agent who has a good and established track record in dealing with real estate for sale in Pleasanton. A professional with years of experience will have the knowledge and skill to comfortably handle Del Prado transactions from listing to closing. 

2. What is the price range of the homes you have sold?

Asking this question will help you determine if the agent is familiar with how to market your Del Prado home for sale. While you might already have a figure in mind for your home’s price, inquiring about the range of homes that the agent has sold will indicate whether he or she typically represent homes in that price range. 

3. How will you communicate with me?

During the home selling process, you will be hearing from your agent often. Make sure to discuss their means of communication and how often they communicate with their clients prior to hiring an agent. You can verify what the agent says by looking at how he or she has communicated with you thus far. If the agent has not shown any respect for your preferences, has failed to follow up, or has been sloppy with emails and texts, then you better start interviewing someone else.

4. What are the negative aspects of my home?

You know an agent is the right one if he or she could name several potential drawbacks to selling your home. This could include repairs, location, and other important details. Do not look for someone who gives you a rainbows and unicorns response. Seek out a real estate agent with a realistic but tactful approach.

5. How much do you charge? Are you willing to negotiate?

This question does not mean that you are going for the cheapest agent. As a seller, you have know what is included in the agent’s fees. Remember that you are looking for a good negotiator and value for your money. A good agent will have no difficulty in justifying his or her price. 

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!

What You Need to Know about the Top 5 Real Estate Myths

What You Need to Know about the Top 5 Real Estate Myths

Selling your home to buyers looking for Del Prado Pleasanton homes for sale requires research in order to separate fact from fiction. With all the information readily available everywhere, it is easy to fall victim to home selling myths. This could drain you of your time and money. 

Here are the five real estate myths that you should know: 

#1: Curb appeal is no longer important once buyers are inside your home

The importance of curb appeal can never be downplayed when it comes to selling a home. Buyers will be less willing to enter your home if the outside does not appeal to them. 

Since most buyers drive by a home before deciding whether or not to look inside, you have to make a good first impression. Make sure you have spruced up the lawn and cleared the walkways and driveway of leaves and other debris. You may also put potted flowers, a wreath, or a pleasing welcome mat for added curb appeal.

#2: You need to spend money to make money

Many sellers mistakenly believe they can add value to their homes by making renovations and upgrades. These changes can make your home more attractive to buyers looking for real estate for sale in Del Prado Pleasanton CA. It can even boost the asking price a little. However, it doesn’t mean that you will automatically make back the money that you’ve spent. There are times when even the most popular renovations, like a bathroom or a kitchen, can end up as break even renovations.

#3: You need to wait for the right season to sell your home

Many would-be sellers allow months and months to pass by because they’ve been told that spring and summer are the best times to sell their homes. The idea of spring as a prime real estate season began because parents waited until the end of the school year to move. At present, home sales are no longer driven mainly by young families with school aged children. The other seasons are just as competitive.

#4: You’re better off selling your home on your own

Some sellers try to sell their properties without the help of a real estate agent thinking they are saving money usually intended for the agent’s commission. 

The truth is, statistically, many sellers who try to sell their homes on their own cannot complete the sale without the service of a real estate agent. Sellers often net less when they go through the home selling process without a real estate agent.

#5: An open house is a sure way to move your home

People often think that the best way to sell the home is by way of an open house. This is sometimes true, but rarely. You see, many buyers come through the open house with their agent and are looking at other multiple homes on the same day. 

Others might be nosey neighbors or window shoppers rather than serious buyers. It is good to have open houses, but don’t rely on them to be what sells your home. The marketing your real estate agent does for you and the networking connections they have made in the real estate industry are much more effective. 

On the other hand, there are occasions where someone serious will come through the open house and your house is their dream! 

While open houses can help stir up interest, you must not rely on it to seal the deal.

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!

Top 5 Keys to Increase Buyer Traffic to Your Home for Sale

Top 5 Keys to Increase Buyer Traffic to Your Home for Sale

If you are selling your home, you want to attract as many potential buyers of Del Prado Pleasanton homes for sale as possible. The more buyers that have interest in your home, the more likely someone will submit an offer. How can you convince prospective buyers to visit, and fall in love with your property? Here are a number of ways that you can do attract potential buyers to your home.

1. Boost the exterior appeal of your home

One sure way of attracting buyers is by improving your home’s curb appeal. To do this, get in your car, drive around the block, and take an objective look at your home. Check how the driveway looks. Make sure your landscaping, including all trees, plants, and shrubs are attractively maintained. Does the exterior of your house appeal to you? Remember that prospective home buyers may have been shopping around for Del Prado Pleasanton real estate for sale for quite some time. They have already seen several properties so you need to give them fresh impression of your home. 

2. Make necessary repairs

If there are minor problems with your home it is better to have them fixed as earlier as possible. Don’t wait until prospective buyers are already in your door. Since you are probably going to spend on repairs before your close your home, you might as well do it in time to boost the appeal of your home. Get rid of leaky faucets, a cracked windowpane, or a carpet stain. If you start taking care of repairs now, you will sell sooner and avoid the expense of last-minute rush jobs. 

3. Add incentives

Another way to generate a lot of interest to your home is by adding incentives. These incentives can make a difference in your home sale. Consider throwing in popular incentives like a home theater system, a pool table or new flooring. Just remember to properly include all of your upgrades on the seller disclosures.

4. Make your home an easy show

Avoid being too restrictive on viewing times. Keep in mind that the more time available for the agent to show the home, the larger number of potential home buyers can see your property. Also remember to have a key available for your trusted real estate agent. This way, your agent can still have access to your home even when you are not there or are unavailable. 

5. Make buyers feel at home

If you want to make a lasting impression on buyers of homes for sale in Del Prado Pleasanton, make sure to stage areas that you want to highlight within your home. Consider having an attractive place settings and a centerpiece on the dining room table. You may also place a reading light next to an armchair or display fruit or jars on the kitchen counter along with an open cookbook. If you want to appeal to the buyer’s sense of smell, try offering freshly baked treats and placing firewood or pinecones in or next to the fireplace. 

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!

Selling Your Home in Del Prado Pleasanton without a REALTOR®?

Selling Your Home in Del Prado Pleasanton without a REALTOR®?

Nowadays, it’s easy to become an expert at anything by using the resources readily available online. Sellers of homes in Del Prado might think they can save money by selling their home themselves. Why would you pay a costly commission for real estate agents when you could do it yourself? There’s so much of information about selling homes online, right?

Not so fast! 

Even if you can read and study all the information about the home selling process online, it takes an expert with years of experience to interpret the data and apply it to make a home sale successful. What the online DIY might not tell you is how to handle problems and obstacles along the way. 

Owners wishing to sell their Del Prado Pleasanton home by themselves usually do so to save money by not having to pay for a real estate agent’s commission. But do they really end up saving or losing money in the long run?

As a seller, you may have asked yourself, “What is the value of my home in Del Prado Pleasanton?” Chances are you could overprice your home if you did not get the guidance of a professional real estate agent. Most overpriced homes on the market are from For Sale By Owner (FSBOs). The consequence of overpricing a home is a home that sits on the market for months without interested buyers. 

Working with a real estate agent, they would have helped you price your home right from the start, having better chances of selling your home successfully and quickly.

Hiring a real estate agent has numerous advantages for the seller. You can capitalize on their marketing skills and network of contacts. They could bring in more buyers to look at your home, especially if you are in an area where there are a lot of other properties for sale.

Your agent can also help you market your home online with websites that only they have access to, print out excellent marketing materials, and help you get professional photography for your home. On top of all that, you get expert advice every step of the way so you can avoid making costly mistakes that many FSBO sellers make.

Aside from saving you money in the long run, a real estate agent will also save you time. Not all sellers have the time to continually run home every time there is a showing or home inspection, or to talk constantly to the lenders. 

With a real estate agent, you can rest assured that your chosen professional will have time for buyers, inspections & lender talk, while you can have time to do other things. Having the assurance that selling your home in Del Prado is being handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

In a 2015 Survey of Home Buyers and Sellers by the National Association of Realtors, statistics show that out of all the closed home sales, more were closed by real estate agents than FSBOs. 89% of all homes sold involved a real estate agent while the share of FSBO in home sales was just 8%. 

With the ever changing rules and real estate laws, the complexities of compliance, fair housing, disclosures, legalities, and paperwork involved in a real estate transaction, hiring a real estate agent to help you through the entire process is the best decision you could make in selling your home. 

Without the help of a real estate agent, selling your home in Del Prado could end up becoming ‘stale’ on the market or you could lose money each time you commit a major mistake in the selling process. 

Sell your home fast and at the best price by working with a real estate agent you can trust. If you need help buying or selling a home in Pleasanton CA, visit http://www.HomeValuesPleasanton.com today.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton CA 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 People You Need to Help You Sell Your Home in Pleasanton CA

4 People You Need to Help You Sell Your Home in Pleasanton CA

When you’re ready to put your home for sale in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton on the market, one of the things you need to realize is that time is a resource you shouldn’t waste. The phrase “Time is gold” applies to the real estate industry as well. A faster sale means fewer time spent showing homes and fewer mortgage payments to make. 

The key to properly managing your time when you have a home for sale is having a great set of reliable people on your team. Check out this list of professionals you need to help you sell your home fast for 2016. The real estate agent you choose should have these individuals ready to assist as part of their service.

Real Estate Agent

One of the most important people to have on your team, a real estate agent to help guide you through the different processes and techniques to get your home sold for top dollar fast. 

Contractually bound by the state to act in your best interest, they will be working as your partner and keep on top of everything related to your listing - creating the listing, marketing your home, attending to buyers during a private showing or an open house, explaining the industry jargon to you, providing you a comprehensive market analysis so you can properly determine the asking price for your home, and more. They will also be there for you until after the sale closes.

Home Inspector

In the due diligence period, buyers usually bring in a home inspector with them to identify whether the home has any major issues that they weren’t informed about. From leaky roofs to creaking doors to fire hazards, it’s best if you hire a home inspector before accommodating any open house event or private showings so you can make sure that your home is in tip top shape. Your home inspector will inform you of any major issues and let you know which steps to take to get these fixed.

Homekeeper

Nobody likes looking at an unkempt and cluttered Shadow Cliff Pleasanton home for sale. This is a major turn off for potential buyers who have already expressed interest in your home before visiting it in person. Have a home cleaner do a thorough deep clean of the home so that every nook and cranny is cleaned, ready for buyers to take a see. They will be impressed just by seeing the neatness & cleanliness of the space.

Home Stager

Selling the space doesn’t just involve a neat home that has no major issues or repairs. Buyers want to see the potential of the space and a professional home stager can help arrange the furniture and create a home that has a move-in ready feel. Allow your buyers to picture themselves living in the home by creating a beautiful and inviting space.

Selling a house for sale in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton can become stressful and challenging but if you have a trusted team to work with, you’ll surely get the best value for your home in no time at all. If you need help buying or selling a home in Pleasanton CA, visit http://RhondaFee.com today.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton CA 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 Ways to Prepare Your Del Prado Pleasanton Home for Sale Open House

5 Ways to Prepare Your Del Prado Pleasanton Home for Sale Open House

When you ask REALTORS® of Del Prado Pleasanton homes for sale whether an open house is a crucial part of the home selling process, you’ll definitely get varied responses. There has been an on-going debate in the industry about the effectiveness of hosting open houses as a marketing tool to sell your home. 

Some say it’s a waste of time, some say it’s a must. No matter their differences, both parties agree though that increased attention to your home certainly doesn’t hurt. 

Open houses are marketing events that need proper planning, preparation, and strategizing. If your agent will soon be hosting one, here are some tips to help you prepare your home for sale:

1. Hire a home inspector. 

Home inspectors are professionals who will check the home thoroughly to make sure that everything is in tip top shape. He or she will check for leaky faucets, faulty wiring, roof issues, and other possible problems your home might have. Having this information can help better guide you into making sure all problems are fixed before your open house. You wouldn’t want potential buyers to get turned off because of leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or any broken windows, would you?

2. Declutter, clean, and organize.

As much as nobody wants to go to an open house only to see needed repairs in the home, they also don’t want to see a mess once they open the front door. 

Buyers wants to see the potential of the space for their lifestyle and that’s a hard thing for them to do if they can see dirty dishes in the sink or misplaced laundry in the bathroom of your house for sale in Del Prado Pleasanton.

3. Remove all personal items in the home. 

At an open house, buyers want to experience how a home will make them feel. Your collectibles, family photos, diplomas, refrigerator magnets, and certificates are personal items that can be distracting leaving the buyer to forget the details of the home after they leave. 

Buyers need to be able to see themselves living in the home and they won’t be able to do that with such distractions.

4. Stage your home.

Another way to prepare your home for sale in Del Prado Pleasanton for an open house event is by staging your home. Just because you have decluttered and cleared your home of any personal belongings doesn’t mean you should leave it empty and bare. Some sellers work with a professional stager to design a beautiful interior. Staging your home helps buyers to easily picture themselves living in your home. 

5. Don’t be present during the open house.

Leave the open house to your real estate agent. This way buyers won't be distracted during an open house because the seller is at home. REALTORS® have shared a lot of instances where the buyers were uncomfortable and unable to be honest about what they really think of the home because of the presence of the seller. As much as possible, leave the home during an open house and let your real estate agent give the tour, instead.

Selling your home can become challenging and at times, frustrating but with the right tools, marketing ideas, and an experienced, trusted, local Realtor® by your side, you’ll soon be choosing from multiple offers for your home for sale. If you need help buying or selling a home in Pleasanton CA, visit http://RhondaFee.com today.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton CA 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 Luxurious Must-Have Items for Your Home in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton

5 Luxurious Must-Have Items for Your Home in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton

Once you’ve found your dream home for sale in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton, there’s really nothing that can feel quite as exciting as furnishing the space with fun, functional, and luxurious items to make it truly feel like home. 

From the living room, the bedroom, and the dining room to the kitchen and outdoor area, here are some of the must-have luxurious home items you might want to invest in for your new home:

1. Stainless steel appliances for your kitchen.

Who wouldn’t love preparing and cooking sumptuous homemade meals in a kitchen that’s fully equipped with state-of-the-art stainless steel appliances? 

While these items are a bit pricey, quality kitchen appliances have a longer warranty period and can last you and your family for decades if maintained properly. 

Apart from updating your kitchen appliances, you can also add intricately carved kitchen molding, granite countertops, custom-made shelves with modern wine racks, and more.

2. A comfortable and cozy sofa bed for your living room.

What would you do in a house for sale in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton which comes with a beautiful fireplace, large windows, and wide space if you don’t have the right sofa to go with it? 

Invest in a beautiful leather sofa or a custom hand painted upholstered one. Whatever style you prefer, make sure that it’s made of high-grade materials and sourced from a trusted supplier so you can be sure that it will last long. 

Also, keep in mind that a sofa can be the starting point where your entire home design will evolve, so make sure to find one that suits your style preference best.

3. A mattress with the right amount of sink and bounce for your bedroom.

Not everyone’s bodies are built alike. We all have different types of back health needs that can be addressed by purchasing the right kind of mattress for your body. 

No matter what type of bed frame you have - box spring, slatted base, flat platform - it’s highly important to invest in a mattress which hugs your body just right. No more sleeping for long hours and waking up with an aching back. Treat yourself and your body better with a luxurious comfortable mattress.

4. Replace the shower head in your bathroom.

When you buy a home for sale, chances are you’ll be stuck with an old shower head that has been used by the previous owners for years. Unless you purchased a Shadow Cliff Pleasanton home for sale with a newly-remodeled or updated bath, investing in a luxurious shower head is a treat you wouldn’t want to miss. 

5. Quality dining set for your dining room.

If you’re the type to host dinners, parties, and lunches often, it’s a must to invest in a sturdy dining room set that can seat all of your friends without them feeling cramped as if in the backseat of a car. 

If you have a spacious dining area, fill the space with a 6 or an 8-seater wooden dining table and chair set that will delight your family and friends. 

Be wise about your purchases and invest your hard-earned money into these must-have pieces that helps to make your home luxurious and profitable at the same time. If you’re still on the hunt for that perfect home to furnish with these luxury items, visit http://RhondaFee.com today.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton CA 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!

Tips for New Year Renovations of Del Prado Pleasanton Homes for Sale

Tips for New Year Renovations of Del Prado Pleasanton Homes for Sale

Every January, people of all ages come up with list upon list of ways to improve themselves and do the things they said they would do the year before but never got around to doing. 

Most people are motivated with the overwhelming sense of a fresh start that a new year brings and as such, are compelled to create their wish lists and goals during the first month. As a homeowner, you’re probably thinking of ways to improve your home but are stumped with the costs of remodeling and renovating your Del Prado Pleasanton homes for sale. While some home improvement projects definitely add value to the resale price of your home - if you intend to sell it - not all projects are worth undertaking. 

If you have a limited budget for home improvement but want to enjoy a fresher look and feel for your home this year, here are some tips to help you maximize your budget and prioritize your projects:

Figure out what the most important part of the home is for you and your family.

Different families have very different requirements for what makes a room in the home important. Individuals working at home need a personal space for their home office. Couples with small children need a fun, colorful, and safe nursery. Some parents with teenagers find that an entertainment room that the whole family can enjoy is important. Others spend precious family time in the dining room, feasting on homemade meals created right from their kitchen. 

You don’t need to spend all your home improvement budget on the entire home. Figure out what type of homeowner you are, what you and your family’s needs are, and focus on renovating the space that fills those needs. 

Reduce your energy consumption.

Another way to help you improve the look of your home for sale in Del Prado Pleasanton while reducing your energy consumption is by replacing worn out light bulbs with energy-efficient ones. You can also replace windows and doors with improved materials so that there won’t be any air leaks that can add to your energy expenses. Think of your home improvement projects as an investment in adding value to your home, while saving money on your energy bills.

Make sure that you get a good warranty on the lighting fixtures, doors, and window brands. While most companies offer lifetime warranties on these, it wouldn’t be of any use to you if the company closes down after a few years, right?

Improve the space for entertaining family and friends coming over.

Some people add “spend more time with family and friends” in their New Year’s resolutions list. To help you fulfill that goal this year, why not do a home improvement project which ensures that you have the right kind of entertainment space where family and friends can hang out? 

Whether you prefer to have your own game room, a renovated family room, or installing an outdoor deck, decide on one that will benefit you and your family most. If you already have a game room or an outdoor deck, a budget-friendly tip is to simply add a fresh coat of paint and redecorate the space to give it a fresh new look.

Del Prado Pleasanton homes for sale improvement projects need not be overly expensive. By simply incorporating some of these top tips, you’ll soon go home at the end of a stressful work day to a home you’ll definitely enjoy and you’re glad to call your own. For even more 2016 tips for savvy homeowners, visit http://RhondaFee.com.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton CA 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!

3 Financial Habits to Break Before Buying Birdland Pleasanton CA Homes

3 Financial Habits to Break Before Buying Birdland Pleasanton CA Homes

According to studies, only about 8% of Americans are able to fulfill their New Year’s resolutions. Due to a lot of different factors, people make various decisions that ultimately sabotage the goals set for the year. 

If your goals include saving money and buying a home for sale in Birdland Pleasanton CA this year, then here are some bad financial habits you need to break that might just be costing you your dream home:

Bad Habit: Not monitoring your credit report.

Resolution: Order and study your reports meticulously.

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the nationwide reporting companies Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion are required to provide you, upon your request, a free copy of your credit report one every 12 months. With this, you can check your report for any inaccuracies that might cause your credit score to suffer.

Keep in mind that your credit report will be one of the things that lenders will thoroughly review to determine whether you qualify for a mortgage and how favorable your interest rate and monthly payments would be on your Birdland Pleasanton CA home for sale.

Bad Habit: Saying yes to someone else using your credit.

Resolution: Offer another way to help without risking your financial health.

We’ve all been in a situation where a family member, relative, or a close friend will ask you to co-sign a lease or a loan for them. While it might seem like a simple request with little effort on your part, think about how it can affect your credit if they make late payments or ultimately default on the loan. 

With your name on the loan, your credit score will be affected based on their activity. Unless you’re more than financially able to take over all their payments if they default, don’t agree to co-sign anything. 

Offer them other ways to help them establish or build their own credit line such as taking a financial health class together or even just explaining to them how the credit system works.

Bad Habit: Making too many financial decisions.

Resolution: Automate as many financial-related concerns as possible.

On payday, you might be torn by all of your different financial decisions: How much should you put in your savings? How much should you allot for your daily living budget? Is that enough? Should you add more? 

While choices are a welcome retreat for other aspects in life such as buying houses for sale in Birdland Pleasanton CA, your financial health should not be dependent on your unstable decisions about your monthly paycheck. 

To help minimize these decisions, take a long hard look at your financial status and determine how much you want to save so you can buy your dream home. With each paycheck, pay yourself first via an automatic transfer to your savings account and using what’s leftover to pay for your daily living expenses. 

Start the new year right by kicking these bad credit habits and resolving to make better financial decisions. Soon enough, you’ll be living in your dream home. If you’re looking to buy or sell homes in Pleasanton CA, visit http://RhondaFee.com.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton CA 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!

Enjoy an Eco-Friendly Home for the New Year in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton

Enjoy an Eco-Friendly Home for the New Year in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton

As you welcome the New Year in, in your home for sale in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton, have you thought about any resolutions for the home this year? 

Much like our personal New Year’s resolutions, industry experts believe that homeowners should also take the time to create annual resolutions and goals for their homes. Some prefer to cut the clutter, some are working on making sure that all their mortgage payments are made on time every time, while others commit to a more eco-friendly home for the coming year. 

If you’re part of the latter and want to help further the cause of helping to take care of our planet, here are some tips for making your home more earth-friendly for 2016:

Do an inventory of all your appliances.

One of the ways to make your home more eco-friendly is audit all the appliances in your home. You don’t want to be stuck with a huge electricity bill just because your appliances are under today’s standard. 

Nowadays appliances come with energy star ratings to help you determine how much it costs to use an appliance. Maybe one or more are worth replacing with a newer, more efficient model.

Choose durable materials.

When you’re planning a home improvement project or doing a remodel of any room in the home, opt for more durable materials. Contact a local supplier for help on where to get the best materials at a price you can afford.

Save your trees.

Some people living in houses for sale in Shadow Cliff Pleasanton might do a bit of remodeling and home improvement projects as a way to welcome in the New Year. 

Maybe updating your home for a fresher, brighter, and cleaner look for the coming year appeals to you. However, if you’re planning on uprooting trees, perhaps in your backyard in order to put an oversized outdoor deck in that space, you might want to reconsider that project.

As we’ve all learned in our science classes, trees are essential to the survival of the human race, as they convert our CO2 emissions into O2. 

Fewer trees means less clean air to breathe. Besides, grown trees help give you shade during the summer so why not opt to build your deck around the trees instead? 

Put your windows to work.

Another key to living a more eco-chic lifestyle is by maximizing the flow of natural light into your home. Think about opening those drapes before turning on a light. There’s nothing like a room bathed in natural light to make it cozy and inviting for family, friends, and all of your guests to enjoy.

If your windows are old, consider replacing your them with more energy efficient windows. 

Consider a solar panel for the roof.

After some investigation, you might consider investing in solar to help minimize energy costs. 

With Shadow Cliff Pleasanton homes for sale conveniently located in a place with nearly year-round good weather, there’s no reason not to tap into the sun’s rays and convert it to usable energy. 

Talk to a professional solar panel expert to learn more about the benefits and learn how much you can save on your energy bill.

As you welcome the new year with high hopes for a brighter and more sustainable future, start with your home. For even more tips to make your home more energy-efficient for 2016, visit http://RhondaFee.com.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton CA 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!

Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying a Birdland Pleasanton CA Home

Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying a Birdland Pleasanton CA Home

As we experience a boost in the real estate market with more and more consumers looking to purchase their first-ever homes for sale in Birdland Pleasanton CA, it’s important to determine exactly how your credit score affects your home-buying capacity. 

The entire process of buying a home begins long before you start the home search. It’s a long road towards finally moving in and setting foot inside your own home and one of the first steps to take is figuring out your finances.

Mortgage lenders usually require a FICO score of 720 or higher. Some lenders want a 740 score but for those with scores below 700, you may still qualify for an FHA loan. 

Keep in mind that the lower your credit score is, the higher the interest rates you’ll get when applying for a loan. This is mainly the reason why real estate agents suggest buyers to get pre-approved for a loan first before buying a home. This way they can determine exactly how much they can afford when they buy a home.

Whether you’ve got a good credit score and you’re looking to keep it that way or you need a major overhaul on your finances, here are some ways to help you improve your credit score before you buy a home for sale in Birdland Pleasanton CA:

Review your credit report. 

Get your hands on a copy of your latest and most updated credit report. Under the FACT Act, you’re entitled to one free report once a year from each of the three credit bureaus. All you have to do is go to the Annual Credit Report website to request for a copy. Make sure to review your report for any errors or inaccuracies, keeping in mind that event the tiniest misplaced decimal point can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars. 

Pay down or pay off any credit card debt.

Compared to auto loans or student loans, credit card debt weighs your credit score down significantly. Aim to keep your credit card debt at no more than 20% or 30% of your total available credit limit to help boost your credit score. Pay off the ones with the highest interest rates and late payment fees first.

Lose all debt, don’t just move it around.

Some people who have huge credit card debt take another credit card and use the available credit there to pay off their other card, therefore incurring additional, and possibly higher, debt on the new one. Some banks let clients shift their balances between cards but there are huge fees involved. So instead of acquiring additional debt, pay off the one on the card you already have to help boost your credit score before you buy a house for sale in Birdland Pleasanton.

Pay your bills on time all the time. 

This goes without saying but paying your bills on time is the best way for you to boost your credit score. Never miss any payment and try to pay more than the minimum fee required.

Buying a home can be a pleasant experience. By simply following these Realtor® secrets to boosting your credit score before buying a home, you’ll soon find yourself living in your dream home with a mortgage you can actually afford. Get more helpful advice on buying and selling homes when you visit http://RhondaFee.com.

If you are looking for a Pleasanton CA 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!