August 2008

The Real Estate Market in Westside Alamo

There are currently several homes for sale in Westside Alamo. Not all of them are on the MLS. Currently I am aware of one being sold by the owner of the home and a second which will be placed in the paper in about two weeks. The one currently on the market is being advertised via a yard sign and a small open house sign on the corner of the street. It seems to be priced well but does not have much of a chance because it is not getting the exposure necessary to attract buyers. For example, most of the buyers looking to move into the Westside are coming in from out of the area. Other than a Craigslist posting there are very few opportunities for buyers to see the home. Conversley, the homes currently being marketing on the MLS have the benefit of exposure to agents all over the country. Also, many agents utilize Realtor.com, Trulia, company websites, personal websites, home specific websites…. in order to draw attention to the home. Other issues regarding an owner selling a home on their own is access. It is much more convenient for a potential buyer, especially one coming in from out of town and on a short time cycle for finding a home, to be able to see the home during the week with an agent. Agents will typically shy away from homes being sold by a home owner. The reasons for this have to do more with fiduciary responsibility than anything else. For example, people selling homes without an agnet usually have other jobs and do not have the time or experience to process all of the paperwork properly, so the buyer’s agent usually must council the seller during the escrow process which puts the agent in a compromised position.

Selling your Westside Alamo Real estate with an agent

In this current market, where homes are taking much longer to sell with people having more difficulty getting loans, to not use and agent puts the seller at an extreme disadvantage. Almost every buyer looking to purchase is working with a real estate agent. Real estate agents will almost always work only with other agents when transacting a real estate purchase. The main reason for this is that they are better protected legally and they are better protecting their clients. Agents understand the importance of fullk disclosure, arms length negotiating and fiduciary responsibility. All of these requirements minimize the chance of a failed transaction and undisclosued issues with homes. Also, in this market, lenders prefer working with agents because an escrow has a far greater chance of closing as opposed to two individuals working on thier own. The homes for sale in Westside Alamo stand a much better chance of selling if it is properly marketed and priced and the only way to accomplish this is with a licensed agent.

The Real Estate Market in Sycamore

There are currently several homes for sale in Sycamore. Not all of them are on the MLS. Currently I am aware of one being sold by the owner of the home and a second which will be placed in the paper in about two weeks. The one currently on the market is being advertised via a yard sign and a small open house sign on the corner of the street. It seems to be priced well but does not have much of a chance because it is not getting the exposure necessary to attract buyers. For example, most of the buyers looking to move into the Westside are coming in from out of the area. Other than a Craigslist posting there are very few opportunities for buyers to see the home. Conversley, the homes currently being marketing on the MLS have the benefit of exposure to agents all over the country. Also, many agents utilize Realtor.com, Trulia, company websites, personal websites, home specific websites…. in order to draw attention to the home. Other issues regarding an owner selling a home on their own is access. It is much more convenient for a potential buyer, especially one coming in from out of town and on a short time cycle for finding a home, to be able to see the home during the week with an agent. Agents will typically shy away from homes being sold by a home owner. The reasons for this have to do more with fiduciary responsibility than anything else. For example, people selling homes without an agnet usually have other jobs and do not have the time or experience to process all of the paperwork properly, so the buyer’s agent usually must council the seller during the escrow process which puts the agent in a compromised position.

Selling your Sycamore Real estate with an agent

In this current market, where homes are taking much longer to sell with people having more difficulty getting loans, to not use and agent puts the seller at an extreme disadvantage. Almost every buyer looking to purchase is working with a real estate agent. Real estate agents will almost always work only with other agents when transacting a real estate purchase. The main reason for this is that they are better protected legally and they are better protecting their clients. Agents understand the importance of fullk disclosure, arms length negotiating and fiduciary responsibility. All of these requirements minimize the chance of a failed transaction and undisclosued issues with homes. Also, in this market, lenders prefer working with agents because an escrow has a far greater chance of closing as opposed to two individuals working on thier own. The homes for sale in Sycamore stand a much better chance of selling if it is properly marketed and priced and the only way to accomplish this is with a licensed agent.

The Real Estate Market in Greenbrook

There are currently several homes for sale in Greenbrook. Not all of them are on the MLS. Currently I am aware of one being sold by the owner of the home and a second which will be placed in the paper in about two weeks. The one currently on the market is being advertised via a yard sign and a small open house sign on the corner of the street. It seems to be priced well but does not have much of a chance because it is not getting the exposure necessary to attract buyers. For example, most of the buyers looking to move into the Westside are coming in from out of the area. Other than a Craigslist posting there are very few opportunities for buyers to see the home. Conversley, the homes currently being marketing on the MLS have the benefit of exposure to agents all over the country. Also, many agents utilize Realtor.com, Trulia, company websites, personal websites, home specific websites…. in order to draw attention to the home. Other issues regarding an owner selling a home on their own is access. It is much more convenient for a potential buyer, especially one coming in from out of town and on a short time cycle for finding a home, to be able to see the home during the week with an agent. Agents will typically shy away from homes being sold by a home owner. The reasons for this have to do more with fiduciary responsibility than anything else. For example, people selling homes without an agnet usually have other jobs and do not have the time or experience to process all of the paperwork properly, so the buyer’s agent usually must council the seller during the escrow process which puts the agent in a compromised position.

Selling your Greenbrook Real estate with an agent

In this current market, where homes are taking much longer to sell with people having more difficulty getting loans, to not use and agent puts the seller at an extreme disadvantage. Almost every buyer looking to purchase is working with a real estate agent. Real estate agents will almost always work only with other agents when transacting a real estate purchase. The main reason for this is that they are better protected legally and they are better protecting their clients. Agents understand the importance of fullk disclosure, arms length negotiating and fiduciary responsibility. All of these requirements minimize the chance of a failed transaction and undisclosued issues with homes. Also, in this market, lenders prefer working with agents because an escrow has a far greater chance of closing as opposed to two individuals working on thier own. The homes for sale in Greenbrook stand a much better chance of selling if it is properly marketed and priced and the only way to accomplish this is with a licensed agent.

The Real Estate Market in Danville

There are currently several homes for sale in Danville. Not all of them are on the MLS. Currently I am aware of one being sold by the owner of the home and a second which will be placed in the paper in about two weeks. The one currently on the market is being advertised via a yard sign and a small open house sign on the corner of the street. It seems to be priced well at $998,000 but does not have much of a chance because it is not getting the exposure necessary to attract buyers. For example, most of the buyers looking to move into the Westside are coming in from out of the area. Other than a Craigslist posting there are very few opportunities for buyers to see the home. Conversley, the homes currently being marketing on the MLS have the benefit of exposure to agents all over the country. Also, many agents utilize Realtor.com, Trulia, company websites, personal websites, home specific websites…. in order to draw attention to the home. Other issues regarding an owner selling a home on their own is access. It is much more convenient for a potential buyer, especially one coming in from out of town and on a short time cycle for finding a home, to be able to see the home during the week with an agent. Agents will typically shy away from homes being sold by a home owner. The reasons for this have to do more with fiduciary responsibility than anything else. For example, people selling homes without an agnet usually have other jobs and do not have the time or experience to process all of the paperwork properly, so the buyer’s agent usually must council the seller during the escrow process which puts the agent in a compromised position.

Selling your Danville Real estate with an agent

In this current market, where homes are taking much longer to sell with people having more difficulty getting loans, to not use and agent puts the seller at an extreme disadvantage. Almost every buyer looking to purchase is working with a real estate agent. Real estate agents will almost always work only with other agents when transacting a real estate purchase. The main reason for this is that they are better protected legally and they are better protecting their clients. Agents understand the importance of fullk disclosure, arms length negotiating and fiduciary responsibility. All of these requirements minimize the chance of a failed transaction and undisclosued issues with homes. Also, in this market, lenders prefer working with agents because an escrow has a far greater chance of closing as opposed to two individuals working on thier own. The homes for sale in Danville stand a much better chance of selling if it is properly marketed and priced and the only way to accomplish this is with a licensed agent.

The Real Estate Market in Westside Danville

There are currently several homes for sale in Westside Danville. Not all of them are on the MLS. Currently I am aware of one being sold by the owner of the home and a second which will be placed in the paper in about two weeks. The one currently on the market is being advertised via a yard sign and a small open house sign on the corner of the street. It seems to be priced well at $998,000 but does not have much of a chance because it is not getting the exposure necessary to attract buyers. For example, most of the buyers looking to move into the Westside are coming in from out of the area. Other than a Craigslist posting there are very few opportunities for buyers to see the home. Conversley, the homes currently being marketing on the MLS have the benefit of exposure to agents all over the country. Also, many agents utilize Realtor.com, Trulia, company websites, personal websites, home specific websites…. in order to draw attention to the home. Other issues regarding an owner selling a home on their own is access. It is much more convenient for a potential buyer, especially one coming in from out of town and on a short time cycle for finding a home, to be able to see the home during the week with an agent. Agents will typically shy away from homes being sold by a home owner. The reasons for this have to do more with fiduciary responsibility than anything else. For example, people selling homes without an agnet usually have other jobs and do not have the time or experience to process all of the paperwork properly, so the buyer’s agent usually must council the seller during the escrow process which puts the agent in a compromised position.

Selling your Westside Danville Real estate with an agent

In this current market, where homes are taking much longer to sell with people having more difficulty getting loans, to not use and agent puts the seller at an extreme disadvantage. Almost every buyer looking to purchase is working with a real estate agent. Real estate agents will almost always work only with other agents when transacting a real estate purchase. The main reason for this is that they are better protected legally and they are better protecting their clients. Agents understand the importance of fullk disclosure, arms length negotiating and fiduciary responsibility. All of these requirements minimize the chance of a failed transaction and undisclosued issues with homes. Also, in this market, lenders prefer working with agents because an escrow has a far greater chance of closing as opposed to two individuals working on thier own. The homes for sale in Westside Danville stand a much better chance of selling if it is properly marketed and priced and the only way to accomplish this is with a licensed agent.

The Greenbrook Real Estate Market is heating up.

The home sales in Greenbrook have been steady with some homes selling in 2 weeks or less with multiple offers. While there is plenty of inventory, and more being added all the time, the home sales in this desireable area have outperformed the rest of Danville. The reasons for this are amny but a few obvious ones are 1. Desireable schools

2. Great family neighborhoods

3.  Close proximity to downtown Danville

4. Easy Freeway access

5. Great prices relative to westside Danville home prices

The homes that are priced well and show well are selling very quickly. This is a trend that should maintain throughout the foreseeable future. The neighborhoods of Sycamore, Danville Station, and Shadow Hills are are experiencing similiar markets.

When looking to buy Real Estate in Greenbrook.

In this are, as is with most real estate, location is king. There are several pocket areas that border or back to open space, Charlotte Wood middle School, the swim center, and the walking trails.These locations are prime within Greenbrook with one caveat. Homes on the main road will suffer from traffic during the morning and evenings corrisponding with school hours, and lower values as a result of busier streets. In all the market for Real estate in Greenbrook is neutral with prices flat and sales moderate.

Market shift in Real estate sales for Westside Alamo

The Real Estate market in Westside Alamo has shifted from one where you only had to put a sign in the yard and stand back to receive multiple offers to one where homes are sitting for a long period of time and suffering price reductions. That is not to say the it is a bad market, but it is different. The homes priced over $1,200,000 are sitting for 3-6+ months where those homes priced under $1,200,00 seem to be moving much faster. The reasons for the shift are many but there seem to be a couple of variables that are affecting things. 1: The price per sq. ft is very high in relation to nearby areas like Walnut Creek and homes on the east side of the freeway. 2. People are really concerened about paying alot for a home and having to then drop another $200,000-$300,000 in order to have it fit their needs. However, If you are looking to buy a home in the Westside of Alamo and are expecting to low ball you may have a long wait. Unlike the Windemere area where there are many distress sales, the sellers in the Westside of Alamo are not desparate and are willing to wait for the right offer. So while the Westside Alamo Real Estate market has slowed it is not dead and in fact has held prices pretty well relative to neighboring communities.

Market shift in Real estate sales for Westside Danville

The Real Estate market in Westside Danville has shifted from one where you only had to put a sign in the yard and stand back to receive multiple offers to one where homes are sitting for a long period of time and suffering price reductions. That is not to say the it is a bad market, but it is different. The homes priced over $1,050,000 are sitting for 3-6+ months where those homes priced under $1,050,00 seem to be moving much faster. The reasons for the shift are many but there seem to be a couple of variables that are affecting things. 1: The price per sq. ft is very high in relation to nearby areas like Greenbrook and Sycamore. 2. People are really concerened about paying alot for a home and having to then drop another $200,000-$300,000 in order to have it fit their needs. However, If you are looking to buy a home in the Westside of Danville and are expecting to low ball you may have a long wait. Unlike the Windemere area where there are many distress sales, the sellers in the Westside of Danville are not desparate and are willing to wait for the right offer. So while the Westside Danville Real Estate market has slowed it is not dead and in fact has held prices pretty well relative to neighboring communities.

 The Westside Danville Real estate market

The Westside Danville Real Estate and home sales market has been relatively stable of the past several years after a huge surge in pricing during the preceding years. In general homes are taking much longer to sell than in previous years but are more in line with what is considered a “Normal” market. In the Westside of Danville, the location west of the 680 freeway and north of the Danville ranch area, the sale of higher priced homes has slowed dramatically. However, those homes which are aggressively priced and are less than $1,050,000 sell within just a few weeks. Prices have dropped in the area but not significantly. The recommended course of action for homes in the westside Danville is to price aggressively from the start but be prepared to wait 3-6 months.

Sycamore Real Estate

In the areas of Sycamore and Greenbrook (including Danville Station and Shadow Hills) we have seen some reduction in price but like Westside Danville not significant. Because the homes are still relatively close to downtown, these homes are still in demand. Additionally they demand a lower price point. So strategy for selling these homes is to again price aggressively and be prepared to wait 2-4 months. This does not mean that homes won’t sell quickly in this area because on occasion they do, sometimes with multiple offers, but the average days on market indicate some waiting period.

 Real Estate in East Danville CA

The home which have suffered the most severe price reductions are in east Danville specifically the areas of Bettencourt Ranch and Shadow Creek. These homes tend to take up to a year to sell and have seen a 20% or greater reduction in value over the past 2 years. Unless there is a strong need to sell, I recommend holding or leasing these homes. If you do need to sell be prepared for a long wait and a significant reduction in price. However, all is not lost in these areas. A home that has been well maintained, is updated with new lighting fixtures, bathroom fixture, flooring and new kitchen and Master bath will demand a higher price and most certainly will sell faster.

 Real Estate in the Balckhawk area of Danville CA

The Blackhawk area is a mixed bag with the smaller tract style home now selling for under $900K. Some of the reduction in price is due to the REO and Short Sales in the area. The higher end home market in Blackhawk (greater than $2,000,000) have seen some slow down but not a significant reduction in price The keys to selling in this area is to insure that the home is immaculate, price aggressively, and be creative with your marketing so that you target the proper demographic for the high end home market.