Secure your investment when you seek the help of the best real estate agent.
Like many other Americans, your Pleasanton CA home is probably the biggest financial investment you've ever made. If you're thinking of selling it, considering how valuable it is for you, you obviously would only want the help of the best Realtor® in Pleasanton.
But there are plenty of agents and Realtors® in Pleasanton, so how do you choose the best one?
Choosing means having options, so start by narrowing down your options.
Selecting the best real estate agent.
You need to have a basis of comparison. Just like finding the best restaurant or best drinks, you need the right selections.
1. Create your shortlist. Ask referrals from people you know who have sold homes. Ask recommendations from your friends and family members.
Search online!
Great Realtors® have a strong online presence and previous customers aren't intimidated to give feedback or reviews of how they think the agent performed.
2. Take the time to talk to the agents. Learn how long they have been working. You want someone who has been licensed for more than five years. It can be difficult to entrust your hard-earned investment to someone who is new.
You have to know how they work under pressure, their current listings, about homes they’ve sold, their marketing plan, etc. You want to have first hand knowledge on the agent's communication and social skills, and more importantly, find out if they connect well with you.
3. Ask for any professional awards or recognition. An agent can proclaim himself or herself as the best agent, but without any awards or recognition to back up that claim, you'd know he or she isn't the best one.
4. Choose the one with the right credentials. Like doctors and lawyers, agents also have specialties. Some of the designations are :
CRS means Certified Residential Specialist, someone who has completed additional training in real estate.
ABR means Accredited Buyer's Representative, someone who has completed additional education as a buyer's representative.
SRES means Seniors Real Estate Specialist, someone who has completed training in helping clients age 50 and above.
Of course, you know that a Realtor® means an agent who has sworn an oath to work within the parameters of a code of ethics, and a member of NAR.
5. Choose someone who is continually educating herself, learning and adapting to the constantly changing real estate market. Find an agent who does not stop learning, who doesn’t just rely on what she knows, but still aims to improve and get better.
You want to hire me Rhonda Fee, the best Realtor® in Pleasanton.
I’ve been in the real estate business for 14 years. I earned my Broker’s degree in 2011 and received the Grand Master’s Award in 2014 and 2015 from Bay East Association of Realtors®.
I firmly believe in integrity and honesty in dealing with clients. I can try and convince you that I’m the best in this town, but I think it’s better to let my former clients do the talking. Visit my testimonials page here : http://HomeValuesPleasanton.com/Testimonials/.
Call me, Rhonda Fee, at 925-200-0827. Allow me to let you experience the best real estate transaction you’ll ever have.
Buying a home for the first time can be a confusing and daunting experience.
You may find yourself overwhelmed by the many things you have to do, and in the process make mistakes that may cost you more than you originally planned for.
It’s essential that you know what to do and who to turn to, so I’ve prepared a 10-step guide to help you buy your first home.
Check out the different topics included in this home buying guide.
Step 1. Determine if you’re ready to be a homeowner
Owning a home is an all-American dream. It's also a major milestone towards the world of adulthood and financial responsibility.
Are you ready to be a homeowner?
Because it's a decision that takes months of planning and preparation, here are some signs that indicate your readiness.
Signs You're Ready to Be a Homeowner
1. You are financially stable. One of the best indicators you're ready to own a home is your finances. You need a steady source of income that will help you save for your initial deposit, cover your monthly mortgage and still allow you to live a comfortable lifestyle. Experts recommend that your mortgage costs no more than 20 to 30% of your monthly income.
A home purchase is one of the biggest financial investments you'll make, and it can put you in a financially dire situation when you're not prepared.
2. You've saved enough down payment. Do you have enough money saved for a down payment? A home sale requires a down payment. Depending on the loan type, the down payment can range from 3.5% -20% of your home's purchase price. The larger your initial payment, the smaller your monthly mortgage payment.
3. You have strong credit. This three-number score is essential in securing a mortgage. If you're rocking a good score, you can secure a better interest, which can save you thousands of dollars in interest payment.
A strong score takes time to build. If you plan to buy a home in Pleasanton this year, you should have started building your credit score last year.
Making payments on all tradelines on time helps boost your credit score. The same goes for avoiding large purchases months before you have your credit score checked.
If you have no idea what your credit score is, now is the time to find out. The Federal law allows you to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting company.
4. You plan to stick around. Buying a Pleasanton residence means you’re planning to keep your home at least 2-years or more. Longer is great, so give this some consideration.
You’ll not just be committing to the property, you’ll commit to the neighborhood and the larger geographic location as well. So love where you choose to live!
5. You're prepared for home maintenance. Homes require maintenance to continue functioning well. Repairs are inevitable, so you should at least have basic skills to handle minor fixes and flaws or be prepared to hire someone if you are not so skilled in these areas. If this is not your forte’, your Real Estate Agent can offer you names of tried and true professionals to assist in times of need.
Step 2. Get Pre-Approved
You've probably been looking at various homes online, thinking you can afford them.
Before you make the mistake of fixating over a certain type of home or on certain features you want in a home, you need to know what you can really afford.
Knowing your budget gives you realistic expectations, allowing you to choose a home that's right and within your financial range.
To get an idea of how much you can possibly qualify for, you can get a prequalification or preapproval from a reliable lender. Again, your chosen Real Estate agent can give you names of experienced, professional lenders that will take the best care of you.
It's a quick process where you provide the bank or the lender with your financial information, like your income, assets and debt. It can be done online or over the phone. After a simple evaluation, the lender can give you an great idea of how much home you qualify to purchase!
Getting a pre-qualification is helpful, but it's not the same as getting pre-approved.
Having an idea of how much you can afford is different from knowing exactly how much you can spend.
My advice is to get a pre-approval.
A pre-approval is a more in depth evaluation of your finances by the lender.
With a pre-approval, the lender will do an extensive check on your financial situation and current credit rating. The lender will also tell you the specific mortgage amount for which you are pre-approved. It holds a heavier weight over a mere pre-qualification.
How do you get a pre-approval? Which lender will you choose? Again, your chosen Real Estate professional can help you choose the right Mortgage profession to assist you.
Here are the advantages of securing a pre-approval.
It tells you exactly how much mortgage you qualify for. Knowing how much you can afford helps streamline the properties you seek out. This way, you don't waste time looking at homes you'll just end up pining for because they are out of your budget range.
It increases your negotiating power. When sellers know that you've been pre-approved, they'll take your offer more seriously. It boosts your ranking in a pack of potential buyers because the seller thinks that your offer is much stronger than the others.
Let’s hear what HGTV has to say about budgeting for home buying.
Step 3. Hire the right real estate agent.
Purchasing a home is a big investment, and you need the guidance of a full-time, in-the-trenches, so-to-speak, agent. You need someone who’s got your back, someone who'll look out for your interests, someone who'll prioritize your needs and someone who'll listen. In other words, you need more than a good real estate agent, you need an excellent real estate agent like me, Rhonda Fee.
How do you find the best real estate agent? It takes some effort and legwork, but the results are worth it.
Here are four steps you can do to ensure you'll pick the best one out of hundreds of Pleasanton real estate agents.
1. Search online. Everything is done online these days, and the same applies to looking for an agent. An excellent agent has a strong online presence, as well as a good track record. Online reviews left by former clients can give you an idea of how the agent works.
2. Ask for referrals. Don't be satisfied with what's available online. Ask for referrals from your family and friends. Ask people you know who have sold homes.
3. Set an appointment. You want an agent you can trust, and that can be difficult online or over the phone. The best way to find out if you can work well with the agent is to meet her. Make an appointment and sit down for an interview.
4. Have a prepared list of questions. You are not meeting with the agent just to establish friendship. You are meeting so you can see if he or she can give the answers you need. Having a prepared list of questions is helpful so you won't forget any important questions.
What are some things you should be asking? Since it’s quite easy for a consumer to find properties themselves, ask some tough questions: Take a look at some of the suggestions below:
> How long have you been in real estate?
> How long have you been working as an agent in Pleasanton?
> Do you work fulltime or part-time?
> How do you set yourself apart from other agents in a difficult market?
> In a multiple offer situation, what strategies do you use to help me?
> Please explain your fiduciary duty to me? What does that entail?
> How might my earnest money deposit be protected if I change my mind during the process, once we are in escrow?
> Does the seller have a right to change their mind once we are in contract?
> Do you continually educate yourself on current obstacles in the real estate market? If so, how?
>Have you ever had a dispute that ended up in mediation?
>Do you have an attorney at your fingertips should we need legal advice?
Sitting down and asking these questions will help you gauge which agent you can work best with.
You’ve secured a pre-approval and you now have an amazing REALTOR®. You’re ready for the most exciting step - Choosing a home.
There are so many decisions and considerations before you can pick out the right home.
How do you find the right home? Do you just base it on the price? How about the location? Should you also factor in the finishes?
All these questions boggling your mind can make it challenging to find the right home.
Take a look at these 3 factors you should consider in choosing a home
Price. Your top consideration in looking for a home is price.
Pleasanton real estate market has homes at different price ranges, but you have to find a home that's within your budget range. You want a home that will keep your mortgage payments at a minimum.
Location, location, location! You've heard this before, you'll hear it again.
Your home's location is essential in living comfortably and conveniently. It is influenced by the kind of neighborhood it belongs to and by the amenities surrounding it. If you have kids, you may want to consider finding a property near schools. How far or how close is it to your workplace? Having shops, dining options, and hospitals within driving distance are also good points to factor in your search for the right location.
Type of home. What home are you seeking? Are you looking for a single-detached home, a condo, a townhouse or maybe a patio home? Do you want a home near the city center or on the outskirts of the city? How large do you want it to be?
Consider your needs and wants. The home should have the type of floor plan you desire. It must also have the number of rooms needed to accommodate everyone in your family comfortably.
The right home will speak to you. When you step inside the front door, you’ll know right away that it is the home you’ve had in mind.
Here’s a great tip : Make a list of wants and needs. The “needs” column will have all the things you need to live comfortably, and the “wants” column will contain amenities and finishes that are good to have, but are negotiable.
Let’s watch HGTV’s house hunting tips for first-time buyers.
Step 5: Get a mortgage
You’ve found “the one”! It’s now time to secure a mortgage.
This part should be easy enough because you’ve already gone through the trouble of researching the lenders, learning about the various mortgage loans available for you and comparing loan terms and payment.
If you haven’t found the mortgage lender to work with, here are my top tips to find the best one :
Research on the different mortgage lenders. You want to find a lender that offers a good loan program with low interest rates. Searching online and asking for references from family, friends, coworkers and your real estate agent can help you find the best lender.
Mortgage broker or mortgage banker. Do you need a mortgage broker or a mortgage banker?
A mortgage broker can help you easily find various lender programs and guidelines. They are convenient to use and they handle the requirements with expertise.. You may encounter mortgage brokers who'll set you up with a lender just because they'll receive a higher commission, regardless of whether you'll be asked to pay a higher interest. This is why recommendations are very important.
A mortgage banker is like a loan officer. He or she works in the bank or lending institution and will guide you in choosing the most suitable loan option for your budget they they personally offer.
Ask questions. When you've created a list of possible lenders, set up an interview with your top three. Prepare your questions to know if their services are what you want.
Don’t make up your mind just yet. Get a loan application from three different lenders. After two to three days, you’ll receive a breakdown of the loan terms for which you qualify. This can be known as a Good Faith Estimates.
Compare the different options available to you. Once you’ve found the lender which has the best loan terms and rates, secure a pre-approval.
Step 6: Make an offer - and get it accepted
Making an offer is not as easy as you stating an amount, the seller accepting the amount, and ending it with a handshake.
It's a little more complicated, and having my expert help will really make things easier for you.
The first thing you have to settle is the price. We'll be working together to decide on the offer based on similar properties in the area.
Your offer letter, will include terms & program you intend to use. If the seller likes your terms, it may be accepted. If he has multiple offers, a Seller Multiple Offer Counter may be sent to several buyers at one time.
When both parties have come to an agreement regarding the terms, the property will go into escrow and stay there until all the steps of the home buying process have been completed.
Step 7: Get a home inspection and a home appraisal
Whether you’re buying an almost new home or one that’s been around for a long time, you’ll need a home inspection. The home inspection is your best protection. It will tell exactly what you’re buying.
If there are any repairs you’d like to ask the seller to complete, during the inspection contingency period is the right time to negotiate.
However, you should also be reasonable. Don’t expect the house to be perfect.
You just want the most important things taken cared of so you can move into the house with fewer worries.
In a seller’s market, such as we are currently experiencing, it may be best to accept the home in its current condition unless there is something of extreme expense that you cannot undertake.
A home appraisal will be required by your lender to ensure they are loaning based on a fair market value of the home you are buying.
In case you want to buy an old home, here’s a video from HGTV which will help you know some good tips to embrace and pitfalls to avoid.
Step 8: Get an insurance
Another step the lenders will require you to take is to get home insurance.
This is one way they can protect themselves from accidents like fire and some other risks.
Aside from your home, you can also insure any other structures in the property like the detached garage and storage shed, your personal property, your family, and more.
Step 9: Sign Closing Documents
You’re almost there!
This step is where all the necessary documents related to the home purchase are collected and updated, signed and notarized.
All you’ll need to do is to review the mortgage documents. I can help you do that during the signing appointment.
Step 10: Closing
This is it! This is the last part of the home buying process. This is where the final documents are signed, and the cashier’s check is transferred from your hand to the seller’s hand, via the escrow account. Once the new deed has been recorded with the county, you are truly a homeowner!
Congratulations! Your next step is to move in and enjoy your property.
Buying your first home can be a difficult experience, but when you have my help, you’ll know what to do and when to do it. This step by step guide already laid down the essentials of the home buying process, making things easier for you.
I am Rhonda Fee, your Realtor® here in Pleasanton CA. Call me at 925-200-0827 and let’s discuss how you can buy your first home.
The quote “Everything has a price” may well be talking directly about your home.
These days, any home upgrades, even minor renovations, cost something. Therefore, it is only fair when you put your Pleasanton home up for sale, the upgrades should also be considered.
When you are selling your home and you want to increase its value, you may consider getting renovations.
But before you start planning home renovations, there are three important principles you have to remember.
Choose the right upgrade. Anything and everything that you do in or out your home may raise your home’s price from the ‘average’ price of homes for sale in your area.
What is its complication? If the renovation you choose will raise your home’s price to the “upper end” but your neighborhood does not exactly give the “high-end” feel, you may have a hard time selling your home.
Not all upgrades and renovations will bring you ROI. Different upgrades, improvements and renovations have different returns, however, when you are selling a home, there are some improvements that will have higher returns.
These improvements are usually more on the “general maintenance” scale, simply because homeowners have different preferences, and what you like may not be what the new homeowners prefer.
Improvements should be geared toward what would make the home “timeless” and “always in style”.
Don’t overspend. The idea of upgrading the home before selling it is to make it more enticing and marketable so you will have home buyers flocking to your door.
You don’t need to overspend or borrow money to make your home more presentable.
Here is a list of upgrades you can do that will not cost you too much, but will be considered when agents come in and appraise your Pleasanton home for sale.
1. Landscape. The first thing people see when they visit your home is the landscape. This means everything you see outside your window when you look out.
Window boxes, porch planters, and new mailboxes are considered in valuations, so improve and repaint them. If you don’t have them, buy some and install them. They not only make a house look cozy and more alive, they also bring color to the home.
The fence, porch railings and front door are also part of the landscape, so fix them and give them a new coat of paint.
Work on your lawn and garden. Remove any weeds. Get the grass as green as possible.
2. Insulation. An attic air seal and fiber glass installation has an ROI of 116/% upon resale, says the Chicago Tribune.
Some upgrades are meant to beautify, others to tighten the home’s shell. You may not see it, but when you look at your utility bill, you’ll know the value. Home seekers care about these things because it means fewer expenses for them.
3. Kitchen remodels. The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the house, and is often among the living spaces visited by potential buyers. A kitchen upgrade can be expensive, but it also has a high ROI.
Painting your kitchen is an improvement. New cabinets, kitchen fixtures and lights will also add value.
4. Basement renovations. Improving the basement means adding finished space to the home. It increases value because it converts a rarely used room into one that is usable.
You can convert your basement in your Pleasanton’s home for sale into a game room, a den, or a play area. Or you can leave it like that, and let the new owners decide how they want to use it.
While these are the common ones that are usually looked at when deciding the value of a home, there are still many other upgrades out there.
Don’t worry! Your real estate interests are my top priority. That is why upgrades you have, that might not be on this list will also be considered. :)
You've decided to put your Pleasanton CA home up for sale.
You've had a couple of real estate agents come by and provide you with your home's value based on the comparative market analysis (CMA). However, the prices you were given were drastically different from each other. Which one should you choose?
This is a common issue among many home sellers. You know you need to price your home right so it will sell successfully, but no two agent can give you the exact same price.
You've probably considered getting a third opinion, maybe from another real estate agent.
Or if you have extra money to spare, you may have thought of getting a home appraisal.
The benefit of home appraisal
An appraisal determines the current market value of your home by sending a professional state licensed appraiser to check your home's physical properties.
The appraiser compares the sale of several similar real estate properties within a couple of miles from your home. He or she will then make adjustments based on the condition of the home, upgrades made, location etc.
One benefit of getting a home appraisal is you, as the home seller get an assurance of your Pleasanton home for sale's value.
Another benefit is knowing that the value was given by someone who is an expert and professional and who can back up that value by an appraisal report.
But should you get a home appraisal before listing your home?
I don't normally suggest getting a home appraisal before listing your home.
Here are my reasons why:
1. Before listing your home, an appraisal is just another opinion of your home's worth.
You can use your money however you want, but don't think the value will be transferrable to the buyer. The buyer will not use that appraisal because the lender will order another appraisal from their end. The appraisal, therefore, will only be for your use.
2. Appraisals are based on comparables of homes sold. But what if there are no recent sales in your area? The appraiser will then use old sales from last year, sometimes as far back as three or four years to get a good comparison. Sometimes, insufficient data can affect the appraiser's value, especially since he or she relies heavily on comparables.
You would be better off asking assistance from an experienced real estate agent like me, Rhonda Fee, since I can help determine your home's worth based on comps and market trend. Also, it is likely that since I may have already visited the home several times that I know more about the updates and changes.
3. Appraisals are subjective to appraisers, therefore, you will always get different value. Like with the two real estate agents, no two appraisers will give you the exact same price.
I can help determine your home in Pleasanton’s value using the CMA and it’s free!
4. Sometimes, you can get so stuck on the appraisal that you don’t want to negotiate because you expect the value from the appraisal.
There have been some occasions that the sellers I am helping refuse to consider a good price from a buyer because they wanted the value from their appraisal. Though you set the home's price, I hope you'll remember that it in the end, you'll have to mutually agree with the buyer when it comes to your home's value.
Getting an appraisal before listing your home really depends on you. If you have the money to spare, do it for your peace of mind, but also know it is not a necessity.
**In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view Should I Get a Home Appraisal Before Selling My Home? on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cr0kDe-Pvk&feature=youtu.be**
Putting your Pleasanton home up for sale is a major decision.
Your home is probably your biggest financial investment. Entrusting one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make to a person you have only met a few times can be difficult. This is the reason many home sellers would rather work with an agent they know.
However, you should know that not all listing agents are equal.
When it comes to an important and major investment like your home, it must be placed in the hands of a reliable and trustworthy real estate agent. The listing agent’s expertise should also be taken into account.
Be a proactive seller. Clarify things with your real estate agent. Ask questions. You want to ensure the sale of your Pleasanton home will be as smooth and stress-free as possible.
To know more about the real estate agent and his/her plans to market your home, here are some questions you can ask.
a. Do you work part-time or full-time? Though there is nothing wrong with working with a part-time agent but you can expect more time and commitment from a full-time agent.
b. How long have you been working as a real estate agent in Pleasanton? The years of experience are less importance than the years working in the local market.
You want someone who knows Pleasanton’s real estate market like the back of their hand. Why? Because your home has a better chance of being sold successfully if the agent has been selling homes in the area for at least two years.
In my case, I have been working in the Pleasanton market for a long time. I became a licensed agent in 2004 and six years after, I got my broker’s license and opened my own business.
In 2014 and 2015, I received the Grand Master’s Achievement Award from the Bay East Association of Realtors. It is an award given only to the top real estate sellers in Pleasanton.
c. How will you market my home? This is a question all sellers MUST ask.
You want to know the specific plan of the agent to sell your home successfully. There should be a solid plan more than putting up the for sale sign in the yard, or producing flyers.
There are methods and techniques to market your Pleasanton home for sale, and some are more effective than others, so talk to your agent about the best methods to utilize.
d. How strong is your online presence? A strong online presence is crucial for a good listing agent.
These days, most buyers do online research before they actually begin visiting homes. If your real estate agent is not using the latest available technology, you should seriously consider switching to one who does.
You can also know more about the agent through the testimonials and reviews on their site. Google their name and see how well they do compared to other agents.
e. How does the selling process get from start to finish?
Part of being a proactive seller is knowing the details of the processes. There will be bumps along the way, but when you have a great real estate agent to guide you, and you have already learned what to anticipate, you and your real estate agent will manage well together.
When you ask these questions to your real estate agent, you will have a better chance of successfully putting your Pleasanton CA home up for sale.
**In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view What Do I Ask A Real Estate Agent in Pleasanton CA about Listing My Home for Sale? on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7Fi-jHZKZw&feature=youtu.be**
