In the past couple of months, housing inventory has been very low in the Tri-Valley real estate market. This set up the perfect circumstances for prices to rise and homes to sell fast. Therefore, what we have right now is a market with conditions like this:

• Home prices rose for the 14th straight month in April, and they posted their highest year-over-year increase in more than seven years, according to Inman News. Even within just one month, April prices moved 3.2 percent above what March prices were. They are rising and are predicted to continue to rise.
• Home sales are increasing and happening at record speeds. Half of homes sold in April were on the market for 46 days, down from 62 in March and 83 a year ago, according to the Wall Street Journal. But with inventory low, many homes are flying off the market within a week or two!
• More home sellers are finally joining the market, now that conditions are looking so good, according to Realtor Magazine. April was the first time in a while that there were more listings than there were homes under contract.

So, with all of that said, I’d like to point out a few factors that would make this summer the time to sell your Livermore Valley home:

• There are lots of homebuyers right now. With mortgage rates increasing and prices rising, they’re in a hurry to buy. With low inventory, they’re willing to bid at higher prices and buy your home fast.
• As more home sellers join the market, competition will get fierce. You will no longer have the upper edge as the seller in a pool of buyers, so even if prices do continue to rise, you might not get as much for your home if you don’t have multiple buyers interested.
• If you’d like to buy another home after you sell, you should also want to buy now, before prices continue to rise. You’re in a good situation to sell at a reasonable price but still buy at a reasonable price, too.

As your Livermore real estate agent, I want you to know that it really comes down to a personal decision on whether you should sell your Livermore Valley home this summer or wait. Do you want to sell now? Do you have somewhere you’d like to move, or would you like to buy a bigger or smaller home? If you do, then yes, the conditions are great for selling. If you don’t, then wait it out.

Have questions? Ready to sell? Contact me!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

This annual tradition began back in 1918, while World War I was still raging. Livermore had to come up with $1,200 for the Red Cross, so John McGlinchey, president of the Livermore Stockmen’s Protective Association, proposed a rodeo be held to raise the funds. It was such a hit, and was reported about nationwide, that the special event became an annual hit.

This is the rodeo’s 95th appearance in Livermore! Festivities kicked off Wednesday, but the official rodeo takes place Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9. Gates open at 11 a.m. and Grand Entry begins at 3 p.m.

As always, the rodeo includes Saddle Bronc and Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, Wild Cow Milking, and the ultimate show, Bull Riding!

Other activities to be aware of:

• On Saturday, check out the Cowboy Experience at 12:30 p.m. This is especially great for newbies to the rodeo. It allows you to visit each station in the arena and learn the in’s and out’s of how a rodeo operates. You’ll also get to see the animals and ask the pros questions.
• Each year, a rodeo queen is announced. The contest took place March 23 this year, and Alyssa Perry was announced 2013 Miss Livermore Rodeo Queen! You can learn more about her here and you can see her at the rodeo live.
• The 17th Annual Lil’ Pardners Rodeo will take place on Sunday, with check-in at 10 a.m. and the rodeo at 11 a.m. This rodeo is for 40 local, mentally or physically challenged children between the ages of five and 15. The event includes lunch and simulated rodeo activities, as the kids partner up with real cowboys and cowgirls. The general public is welcome to watch!

Interested in checking out this year’s rodeo? General admission tickets cost $12, with specific seats ranging from $13 to $20. You can purchase tickets over the phone by calling 925-455-1550 or by visiting the ticket booth inside Baughman’s on First Street in downtown Livermore.

Enjoy your weekend, and as always, when you’re ready to buy your Livermore Valley home or sell your Livermore Valley home, contact me, your Livermore real estate agent! I’m here for you!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

Zillow recently reported on the five home upgrades that will hurt your home’s resale value in the future. Here’s a summary:

1. Going overboard on landscaping and gardens. While landscaping has been found to increase home values, too much will do the opposite. Not every homeowner wants to spend their weekends trimming and grooming their yards. Simple is better!
2. Converting a garage into a family room. In a recent survey, homebuyers said that they’d be willing to spend more for a garage. Why? They want the garage! You’re better off leaving it as is.
3. Taking out a bedroom. Sure, some potential homebuyers might like a home theater or home office. If they do, let them convert the room. In the large scheme of things, more buyers are interested in bedrooms for their growing families.
4. Adding highly personalized colors, finished and fixtures. The rule of thumb in real estate is always to stick to neutral décor. This doesn’t just mean paint colors. You’re better off not upgrading with expensive tiles or from a certain historic era. Not everyone will agree with your style and won’t want to pay extra for it.
5. Adding a swimming pool. This was included on the Zillow report as an upgrade that homebuyers won’t want, but it depends on the location. It’s hot and sunny most of the time here in Livermore Valley, so more buyers will be willing to take care of the extra maintenance! Look around your neighborhood to see how popular pools are in your area.

So, now that you know what not to do as a Tri-Valley home seller, are you wondering what you can do to add value? Here’s a summary from AOL Real Estate:

• Make renovations in the kitchen and bathroom, because homebuyers are usually most willing to spend more for upgrades in these two rooms.
• Focus on updating your kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures. Stainless steel appliances are always popular among buyers.
• Update your countertops with granite or stone, because these wear well and last longer over time. Update your floors with hardwood, or choose a Pergo or laminate flooring that looks like hardwood.
• Tone down the colors in your home. Decorate with neutral colors, but add appeal with woodwork around doorframes and windows, and crown molding or chair rails for the walls.

When you’re ready to sell your Tri-Valley home, contact me! As an experienced Livermore Valley real estate agent, I’d be happy to assist you.

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

Check out these events and leave me a comment to let me know where you’ll be going! Have a great weekend!

Fenestra Winery is hosting their Spring Fling and Annual White Wine Sale this Saturday, Sunday and Monday! Drive on over to this winery in Livermore between 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. each day to picnic on the lawn and taste new wines. Every white wine will be available for a special price. There will also be live music by the Hurricane Band, local vendors and grilled kebabs!

Help benefit the Livermore Heritage Guild by attending their 40th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner & Auction on Saturday night! This is free to attend and open to the public. Doors open at 5 p.m. If you’d like dinner, that begins at 6 p.m. and costs $15. The auction will begin at 7 p.m. They’ll have antiques, collectibles, rare newspapers, books, Livermore wines and local olive oils to auction off!

The Downtown Pleasanton Antiques & Collectibles Fair takes place on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stroll along Main Street while shopping for antique and vintage items. This event includes free admission and parking, so there really isn’t any reason not to go check it out! If you have antique items you’d like to sell, you can bring up to three items for a free appraisal between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Head to Dublin High School on Sunday for an afternoon of family fun! Whether you participate or just cheer others on, there is a 5K Run/Walk, a Kid’s 100m Dash, a Mascot Race and a Dance Off! Aside from these events, everyone can enjoy music, food, inflatables, games and fitness activities. The event is to showcase how fun it can be to live a healthy lifestyle, and from the sounds of it, it’s true!

Arista Winery’s Memorial Day Weekend Backyard Party is this Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at their Pavilion Event Area! Head to the winery to enjoy panoramic views of the Russian River Valley while chefs pair barbecue creations with the winery’s newest wine releases. Dinner items include a whole roasted pig, flatbreads roasted on a backyard pizza oven, featured wines and so much more. As you savor these pairings, you can listen to the live music of SoulShine Blues Band.

On Monday, join the VFW and American Legion to honor our fallen service men and women, which is what Memorial Day is all about. The Pleasanton Community Band will play patriotic music as officials make speeches. Then, the USAF ROTC from UC Berkeley will present a 21 gun salute. Afterward, you can enjoy a barbecue lunch and an awards presentation for the winners of the Voice of Democracy essay contest. It’s a great community event to partake in!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

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

Here are the top home buyer motivations expressed by the poll, along with my own thoughts:

Home ownership is an investment. Despite the loss of equity that happened during the housing bust, the long-term opportunity to build equity and come out ahead of the market still holds tremendous appeal.

Home ownership provides personal financial security. With fixed-rate mortgages below 4% for a 30-year loan, and below 3% for a 15-year loan, mortgage payments can be cheaper than rent, even with taxes and insurance factored in. And if you go with a 15-year loan, you could be mortgage free by the time your kids go to college, or before you retire.

Home ownership improves your credit. This is more than just an opinion. Whenever a creditor asks you if you own or rent your home, it’s because they use this data in evaluating your risk profile. Being a renter doesn’t mean you won’t get the credit you apply for, but it could influence the rate you are offered.

Home ownership provides a better family environment. Renting has uncertainties because of things like frequent changes of tenants, and changes in landlords or property managers. Changes in lease agreements, rental rates and tenant rules can be unsettling. Most apartments are also relatively small for the money, compared to what you could obtain when buying a home.

Home ownership is important to personal well-being. For many people, this comes down to having control over your living situation and being able to putter around the house. Want to pound nails in the wall? Go ahead. Tear out the carpet? Go for it. The intangible factors of home ownership, like personal freedom, privacy, and pride of ownership, are a large part of home buyer motivation.

The poll also revealed that many renters would rather be homeowners, but most are unable to buy a home due to bad credit, or a lack of funds, or because of frequent job transfers. Some 57% of renters cited financial reasons as their main obstacle to home ownership. Only about 13% of surveyed renters say that renting is a choice, made for convenience reasons or due to the downsizing of the household.

Are you ready to become a homeowner? Let me help you! I will refer you to trustworthy mortgage lenders, and I will help you find the ideal home for your needs and budget. Please feel welcome to contact me for the latest home listings in Livermore, Pleasanton or Dublin. I’ll answer all of your questions, and provide you with expert guidance!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

As a whole, Alameda County’s population grew by 1.2% to reach 1,548,681 residents. Our population growth is ahead of statewide trends. California’s rate of growth is 0.8%.

An increase in residents means increased demand for housing, and it’s no surprise that the cost of renting and buying a home is also going up. The average listing price of a Livermore home for sale was $701,998 as of last week.  In Dublin, the average listing price of homes for sale came in at $734,783.

Please keep in mind that this also represents some higher-end homes hitting the market, which pulls up dollar averages. We have a few more listings in the $600,000 to $1 million range. There are several excellent properties available in the $1 million-plus range, including large parcels with acreage. If you’ve ever wanted to start your own winery, now is your chance!

Overall, homes are spending less than 30 days on market, and our home inventory remains lean. Even without population growth factored in, demand is far ahead of supply, and home prices are poised to increase. It’s going to be a hot summer for real estate in Alameda County!

We can expect home sales to remain brisk in Livermore! Mortgage interest rates are excellent, and there are some beautiful homes on the market at very attractive prices. It’s a great time to buy a Livermore home, and thanks to limited home inventory, it’s an even better time to sell! My experience can help you make the most of today’s opportunities.

Thinking of buying or selling a Livermore home? I will be happy to help you, just give me a call!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

Some homeowners feel so confident about the market, that they are tempted to try selling their home themselves! Of course, there are for-sale-by-owner services popping up again, trying to tell you how easy it is. These opportunists don’t really care if you sell your home or not, because they make money by charging you an up-front fee.

Here are some cold hard facts to consider before you try to sell on your own:

1. For-sale-by-owner (FSBO) home sale volumes have declined. In 1991, about 19% of the market nationwide consisted of FSBO’s. In 2012, only 9% of the market consisted of FSBO’s.

2. Nationally, the average selling price of a home listed through a real estate professional averaged $215,000. Comparable properties offered as FSBO’s averaged a selling price of only $174,900.

3. Home buyers prefer to work with real estate professionals. 89% of home buyers bought their home through a real estate professional.

4. Automated home value tools that you find online can be inaccurate by tens of thousands of dollars. They are a starting point for discussion, but these tools cannot factor in your home condition, amenities, curb appeal, and other details that a real estate professional includes in a comparative market analysis.  It doesn’t make much sense to worry about saving money on commission if you are shorting yourself on the home price.

5. Real estate professionals like myself don’t make a dime unless a deal gets closed. We don’t push people, however; we educate them, and help match up the right buyer for the right home.  All of the up-front expenses are covered, whether or not the home sells.

6. Think of all the first-time home buyers in the market – they represent nearly 40% of all buyers. FSBO sellers simply do not have the time, information or resources to assist first-time buyers. This effectively removes a good chunk of buyers from looking at FSBO homes.

7. Negotiation is an art, and real estate professionals are trained in it. It’s beneficial for all concerned to have an experienced professional involved.

Naturally, I could list more reasons not to go it alone, but you get the idea! I will also mention, though, that market conditions can vary widely from one neighborhood to another. Even similar houses on the same block can have material differences in value. Plus, the Livermore real estate market is always changing, and keeping up with it is truly a full-time career.

Let me tell you how I can sell your home for the best possible price! If you are thinking selling your home in Livermore, Pleasanton or Dublin , please contact me! My many years of experience in California real estate will be your competitive advantage!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

Whether you are buying or selling a Livermore home, moving your household can be a challenge. Moving can be hard work, expensive, and stressful – and if that isn’t enough, moving fraud is a growing problem. Fortunately, there are ways to save yourself money and headaches if you are moving within California or across the country!

1. Get familiar with the American Moving & Storage Association. Their website has a wealth of information about preparing for a move. Members of the association adhere to a code of ethics and standards of professional practices.

2. Professional movers are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Visit protectyourmove.gov to find out how to screen your moving company and protect yourself against fraud.

3. The peak moving season is May through September. Don’t wait until the last minute to reserve your moving truck and storage units.

4. Consider using moving pods. The mobile storage unit is placed on your property for you to load. When you’re ready to go, the pod is loaded to the truck and transported by a professional driver to your new home. The pod is left at your new location for however long you specify, giving you plenty of time to unpack. If you are doing a multi-stage move, secured storage of your belongings is also available.

6. If you rent a truck, be sure to read the fine print carefully and look for fees that are piled on for extra miles, late return, re-fueling, ect. Don’t skimp on the truck size; making multiple trips with a smaller truck can be more expensive. Hand carts, furniture padding and cords may also cost extra.

7. Plastic, stackable moving containers make a great alternative to cardboard boxes. If you go with cardboard, avoid the temptation to see how much you can fit into the box or how high you can stack them. Cardboard isn’t always as tough as it looks – especially if you’re moving on a rainy day.

8. Verify if your move is tax deductible in advance of making your moving plans. If it is, document your expenses and keep receipts!

Ready to get moving? Let’s talk! I’m here to help you whenever you are buying or selling a home. I will share the latest market data for your neighborhood and help you make the most of today’s opportunities. Always feel welcome to contact me for real estate guidance in Livermore, Pleasanton or Dublin!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

There’s only one problem: we still have more buyers than homes for sale, especially in the entry-level price ranges.

Home buyer competition is a fact of the current market, and analysts expect that the California market will remain competitive for the balance of the year. In order for you to successfully buy a home, you will need to be fully prepared with your mortgage financing, and you will need to understand the art of the purchase offer.

I call it an “art” because two offers that are materially the same can be viewed differently by the seller, depending on the professionalism and tone of the offer. Here are some suggestions to help you get your offer on top of the stack!

1. Give prompt, courteous feedback after viewing the home. I will pass this on to the selling agent, and this will begin a rapport with the seller. However, if you intend to make an offer and the market is moving fast, don’t wait too long – compliments won’t hold the home.

2. Make sure to have a mortgage approval letter in hand. This certifies that your loan application has been processed, your income and credit verified, and your mortgage underwriting approved. A copy can be submitted with your purchase offer to prove you are qualified and ready to buy.

Note: the home will still need to meet appraisal guidelines, but in our current market, this isn’t quite the worry it used to be.

3. Your contingencies should be few. An offer that has too much red tape will be tossed out. Protect yourself, but make it easy for the seller to say “yes” to your offer.

4. Make your best offer first. In a competitive market, you may not get a “second round” of negotiation. Multiple offers have become more common – don’t assume you have the only deal on the table.

5. Work with an experienced real estate professional who will make sure your offer is complete and clear, and well-presented.

Naturally, before you make an offer, you’ll want to be familiar with the recent sales activity and price trends. I will share the latest home sale details for the neighborhoods that interest you, so you can be fully informed about market conditions. In the meantime, my website contains recent statistics to help you get started!