Real Estate News & Market Trends

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Spring buying and selling season is under way. Are you prepared as a first-time homeseller? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Contact us for more homeseller knowledge and strategies.

4 Things First-Time Sellers Should Know Before Putting Their Home On The Market

You might think a big empty room will help home buyers see the potential, but empty rooms can actually overwhelm buyers because they can’t get a sense of how much furniture will fit. A staged room might be a better choice.

Contact us for more homeseller knowledge and strategies.

Click on each property image or address to view more details!

4338 Burdick Ln
Santa Clara, CA 95054
$2,268,000
Date: Sat 4/13 & Sun 4/14
Time: 1:30PM - 4:30PM

26 Barcelona Cir
Redwood City, CA 94065
$1,795,000
Date: Sun 4/14
Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM

1022 Inverness Way
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
$1,758,000
Date: Sat 4/13 & Sun 4/14
Time: 1:00PM - 4:30PM

3973 Twilight Dr
San Jose, CA 95124
$1,699,000
Date: Sat 4/13, 2:00PM - 5:00PM
Date: Sun 4/14, 1:30PM - 4:30PM

1245 Vernon Ter
San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,685,000
Date: Sat 4/13 & Sun 4/14
Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM

1704 Via Flores Ct
San Jose, CA 95132
$1,288,888
Date: Sun 4/14
Time: 1:30PM - 4:30PM

48973 Air Fern Cmn
Fremont, CA 94539
$1,288,000
Date: Sat 4/13 & Sun 4/14
Time: 1:30PM - 4:30PM

1940 Hillebrant Pl
Santa Clara, CA 95050
$1,258,888
Date: Sat 4/13 & Sun 4/14
Time: 1:30PM - 4:30PM

756 Bridge Creek Dr
San Ramon, CA 94582
$1,189,000
Date: Sat 4/13 & Sun 4/14
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

161 Redding Rd
Campbell, CA 95008
$1,099,000
Date: Sat 4/13 & Sun 4/14
Time: 1:30PM - 4:30PM

20780 4th St #8
Saratoga, CA 95070
$988,000
Date: Sat 4/13, 2:00PM - 5:00PM
Date: Sun 4/14, 1:00PM - 4:00PM

2789 Sierra Village Ct
San Jose, CA 95132
$950,000
Date: Sun 4/14
Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM

989 Lakeshire Ct
San Jose, CA 95126
$919,000
Date: Sun 4/14
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

4415 Norwalk Dr #21
San Jose, CA 95129
$799,000
Date: Sat 4/13 & Sun 4/14
Time: 1:30PM - 4:30PM

1066 Ruby Ter
Union City, CA 94587
$748,000
Date: Sat 4/13 & Sun 4/14
Time: 1:30PM - 4:30PM

7052 Cherry Chase Way
San Jose, CA 95139
$645,000
Date: Sat 4/13 & Sun 4/14
Time: 1:30PM - 4:30PM

3465 Dublin Blvd #311
Dublin, CA 94568
$615,000
Date: Sat 4/13
Time: 1:30PM - 4:30PM

3327 Norton Way #5
Pleasanton, CA 94566
$610,000
Date: Sat 4/13
Time: 1:00PM - 4:00PM

3443 Pepperwood Ter #302
Fremont, CA 94563
$395,000
Date: Sat 4/13 & Sun 4/14
Time: 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Thinking of investing in a distressed property? It’s helpful to understand the foreclosure process and the buying opportunities to be found along each step of the way:

Missed payment or default. When a homeowner misses at least one mortgage payment, they are in a stage called default. In this stage, a homeowner may try for a short sale, in which a lender allows a property to be sold even though the selling price doesn’t fully cover the mortgage obligations. A short sale can be a great way to purchase a property in good condition at a significant discount. But in some cases, the homeowner isn’t sure they really want a short sale and may be trying to work with the bank to modify the terms of their loan so they can keep their home. Banks can take a long time to respond to offers. This can make buying a home in this phase uncertain, difficult, and time-consuming.

Notice of default or pre-foreclosure. After three months of missed payments, a notice of default, or NOD, is issued. This stage is called pre-foreclosure. Though a short sale is still a possibility, it will depend on the bank that takes a loss on the loan. Some lenders would rather sell a property via short sale than proceed with foreclosure.

Trustee’s sale or public auction. If the homeowner hasn’t been able to work things out with their lender or arrange for a short sale, the next step is a trustee’s sale. This is where the property is offered for sale via public auction. Some investors like to purchase homes at auction because of the big discounts. But buying homes this way can be tricky. For example, the trustee may or may not allow you to inspect the property. And if you’re interested in auctions because you’ve heard you can pick up homes for pennies on the dollar, that isn’t likely to happen either. The trustee typically starts the bidding at a certain price. As with homes sold through traditional means, some deals are better than others.

Real estate owned or bank repo. If a property doesn’t sell at public auction, the lender will take it back and typically sell it through traditional means with a realtor. At this stage a property may be called an “REO”, short for real estate owned, or “bank owned,” a bank repo or simply a foreclosure or post-foreclosure. They all mean the same thing. Properties in this stage are typically sold “as-is,” meaning most banks aren’t interested in fixing anything or offering repair allowances. Sometimes the property is priced higher than the minimum it was offered for at auction; other times the bank puts it up for sale for less. In any event, a thorough inspection of the property is a must; but you probably have to act fast because a lot of REOs get multiple offers these days.

As you can see, there are opportunities in each stage of the foreclosure process. Getting to know each stage may just help you find the deal you’re looking for.

Contact us for more homebuyer knowledge and strategies.

Your down payment is in the bank and you’re pre-approved for a mortgage. You’re all ready to start looking at homes. Here are some tips for home buying the smart way:

Don’t go it alone. Some tech-savvy buyers like to use the Internet and mobile apps to search for homes. But there is no substitute to having someone by your side who can help you navigate the home buying process. Buying a home could be the biggest purchase you ever make, and consulting an expert can make all the difference. That’s why even though most home buyers today use the Internet at some point in the home buying process, nearly 90 percent of all home buyers work with a real estate agent.

Don’t be swayed by staging. You found a home that looks like it could be featured in a magazine. But don’t be swayed by expensive furniture and decor. Pay close attention to the condition of the roof, the heating and cooling system and plumbing — anything that would be costly to upgrade or repair.

Take your time (and a deep breath). Don’t let a hot real estate market cause you to forgo the basics, such as a home inspection. Many who skip home inspections regret it later. Don’t be rushed into purchasing a home. Take your time so that you can truly find the home that’s right for you and your family.

Ready to get started? Start your home buying journey with a visit to our office. Our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you.

Now is the time to let us help you achieve your home ownership dream! Contact us today.

The American Dream Of Homeownership Is Still Very Much Alive
With interest rates low, and home prices throughout much of the country still affordable for those earning little more than the median income, ownership grounds Americans in their communities like nothing else.

Did you know? Flowers aren't just beautiful, they can help you sell your home. Maximize your opportunities during the spring home buying and selling season!
Contact us for more homeseller knowledge and strategies.

Let Flowers Sell Your Home
Watters Garden Center conducted a survey to discover which landscape brush-ups and flowers are most appealing to house hunters. In addition to trimming your trees and shrubs and freshening up your mulch, consider adding value to your home by adding one or more of these flowers to your perennial beds or front porch containers.