How to Buy a Livermore, CA Home With Lasting Value!

money in hand2If you’ve been thinking about buying a Livermore Valley home but haven’t put your plan into action yet, now is the time to do it! Predictions have been made that as home prices and home sales continue to rise, historically low mortgage rates will fade away. Mortgage rates did rise this week, so that’s a good indication.

When you’re ready to buy a Tri-Valley home, contact me, your Livermore Valley real estate agent! I can help you find the home of your dreams that has what you need and is in your price range, and I will work as your advocate to help you negotiate a price and make a bid that works for you.

One important tip when buying a home is to choose one that will have lasting home value. What does this mean? Down the road, when you decide to become a Tri-Valley home seller, you’ll want the home to be worth as much or more as it is now. That’s what makes homeownership a great investment opportunity, unlike renting, where you never see that money again.

How can you ensure that you buy a Livermore home that will keep its value for years to come? Here are some tips:

  • Location. Since you can’t lift a home and move it to a better location, you’re pretty much stuck where you are. You want to choose an ideal location that will still be ideal down the road. Are there good schools nearby? Parks? Is it quiet, but close enough to restaurants, shopping and nightlife? Are there jobs? Is transportation convenient? Think about what makes a home’s location ideal before buying it. (Luckily, Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin are full of great neighborhoods that fit these categories!)
  • Rooms. No matter what happens in the future of real estate, rooms will always hold value to homebuyers, especially if they are moving up and growing their families. Right now, the ideal home is usually a home with two or three bedrooms and two bathrooms. If you find something similar to this size, there’s no doubt it’ll keep its value for years to come.
  • Age. Newer homes will hold their value longer than older homes, unless the older home displays impressive architecture or a historical context. (Frank Lloyd Wright homes will never go out of style!) A newer home means that everything is newer: roof, water heater, furnace, windows, appliances, insulation. The older the home is, the more issues that might come up.

To view more tips on how to buy a Tri-Valley home with lasting value, check out this article from The Street.

If you have questions about any of this, contact me, your Livermore Valley real estate agent! I know everything about homes in the Tri-Valley real estate market, including values. I can help you find a home that suits your needs now and in the future.

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

4 Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Home in Livermore!

Livermore Valley is an ideal place to settle down.  Its beautiful golf courses and numerous wineries, over 40 to be exact, make this community one in which relaxation and enjoying life is expected.  Close proximity to San Francisco, San Jose, Walnut Creek and Oakland mean that Livermore residents can take advantage of great restaurants, museums, sporting events and much more that the surrounding towns have to offer!  Once you’ve visited Livermore Valley, it’s apparent why so many are deciding to make it their permanent home.

Livermore Valley Real Estate is wide open to buyers right now, which means you’re likely to find your ideal Livermore Valley home!  If you’re considering a move to Livermore Valley, or currently live in Livermore Valley and are hoping to “buy up,” there are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your home search.

1. Location- We’ve heard it before, “location, location, location,” but it really is important.  The location of your Livermore Valley home can make or break your living experience as well as the resale process if you ever need to sell.  You’ll want to consider your commute to work, the school district the home is in, safety, and close proximity to shopping centers, libraries, churches and other places you would need to go on a regular basis.

2. Important Features- You’ll need to narrow down which home features are the most important to you.  Think of where you’ll be down the road, will your family be growing?  Do you have pets and a large backyard?  Be picky about storage space, even though the home may have large rooms, there may be issues with the amount of storage space.  Will you need to do a lot of remodeling?  The home may be a steal, but if you’ll have to put in a lot of work; those costs will add up.

3.  Ask Questions- It may be tempting to fall in love with a well designed or beautifully decorated Livermore Valley home, but you’ll need to look past the external features and ask questions about the specifics of the home.  What are taxes like?  How old are the appliances and the roof? Has there ever been water or foundational damage?  You want to know exactly what kind of home you’re buying before making such a large purchase.

4. Scrutinize the Home- Don’t be afraid to look inside cabinets and closets to get an idea of storage space.  Take note of ceilings for any cracks or water damage.  Inspect floors and windows to verify their condition.  Make a list of any repairs you can foresee and then weigh out the pros and cons of buying the home.

You’ll find that buying a home in Livermore Valley will be a very rewarding decision and one that you’ll enjoy for years to come!   I would enjoy the opportunity to help you walk through the entire Livermore home buying process.  I have years of experience within the Livermore Real Estate market and can help you find the Livermore home that best fits your needs and style!  Feel free to contact me today to get started!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

437 Knottingham Circle

http://www.437Knottingham.com