What To Do About Low Inventory?

Coming Soon 857 Murdell Lane Livermore

Livermore real estate could use some good value homes right now.  With the lack of inventory buyers are looking closely at every home. This upcoming home represents good value, great schools and an excellent South Livermore neighborhood. These are always a big plus. 

Preview now! Don't miss the opportunity.   This 4 bedroom, 2 bath home is getting some quick updates prior to going on market.  It has 1438sf of living space and a 7,000sf lot which includes a pool.  With a new roof and gutters and exterior paint, the home will be ready for a new buyer to complete the interior finishes. 

 

Call me to arrange your sneak peak.

 

Natalie Swanson

925-580-9829


5 Apples to Apples Tips in Tri-Valley Real Estate

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Ok, what does this anology have to do with writing offers on homes?  Well, it’s all about a simple concept.  You want your apple to be sweeter than the other guy.  You have competition to beat. 

 

If you want to get your offer accepted, please listen up.   I have a few tips and advise you might want to consider. 

 

Tip #1:   Choose your buyer agent wisely.   If your agent is not well respected by other agents and does not cooperate well within the local real estate community, you move one branch down the tree.  All else equal, the cooperative, well-liked agent wins out every time. 

 

Tip #2:   Use a local expert.  When buying investments in Rome, use a Roman agent.  All kidding aside,  if you are buying investment property or otherwise,  in Livermore, seek the advise of a Livermore expert.  If buying a home in Fremont, Ca, seek out help from a local Fremont specialist.   Local experts have thier ears to the ground and have deep connections that are valuable to you in your home search. They will keep you from making embarrasing offers that may upset a Seller. 

 

Tip #3:  Put as much money down as you can.  Large down payments are seen as a sign of strength.

 

Tip #4:  Provide a compelling cover letter with photo to complete your offer package.   It’s time to get back to basics like in the  “olden days “ when a hand written note and photo of the family was provided to the Seller.  In a traditional sales situation, this can make the difference.

 

Tip #5:  When viewing a home with the Seller present,  keep you mouth quiet.   The houses you preview are practically sacred  to the Seller.  Remember, this is their home.  If you are overheard saying negative things about the home,  you might as well have shot yourself in the foot.  Whether or not a Seller likes you,  is a big deal.  It can make or break you.

 

Shopping for a home today?  I can help.  

 

Natalie Swanson

925-580-9829

What Are Tri-Valley Real Estate Investors Facing Today?

Investors are facing fierce competition,  lots of cash buyers, and a trend that has curbed the tide of foreclosures.

If you are just now trying your hand at buying investment property in Livermore and Pleasanton,  you may have missed the boat.  It seem the boat  left last year.  Back when regular folks were lamenting about the horrible market, savvy investors were picking up sweet deals left and right.  Fearful buyers worried why nobody else was bidding on the property they seems interested in.  Boy, how quickly things change. One smart client who picked up two great deals in Livermore last year in the $219k-$230k range now would see these same two homes sell for at least $240k – $260k.  To say she did well, is an understatement.  The lower end has jumped.  This jump was inevitable.  

Entering the market today you will find that the savers have come out of the wood-work.  They are flush with CASH, CASH, CASH.   Multiple offers are not only common in the Tri-Valley, they are being seen all over the California.  Investing has become quite popular and if you enter the arena you will be met with fierce competition.   What might be stopping investors now??   Bulk purchasing, that's what.

Bulk foreclosure purchases are competed by hedge funds and large organizations. They are being allowed to purchase large quantities of foreclosures at deep discounts.  They will probably be renting these homes out in a hot rental market.   I'm sure eventually they will be fixed up and sold for a hefty profit as well.  This shrinking of "potential inventory" is taking it's toll on the middle investor. The middle investor is the guy who works on a team at the county courthouse helping others buy homes,  or the one who tries to  " flip " homes by purchasing in the resale market.   The courthouse auctions are getting bid up with the inflow of "green" investors, making the good deals less and less likely.   Unless foreclosures get released singularly,  we will continue to see a battle go on with buyers trying purchase their investments.  Simple supply and demand dictate this. 

If you are interested in picking up your first investment property please contact me.  Although it is challenging,  it is not impossible.  With some due diligence and preparation, you too can take advantage of some fantastic deals. 

Natalie Swanson

925-580-9829

3940 California Way, Livermore Real Estate

Home Sweet Home in Livermore

 

It's all DONE! 3940 California Way  has a Stunning kitchen remodel, including cherry cabinets, stunning granite, some Bosch appliances and pendant lighting.  Remodeled baths are fresh and bright, new neutral carpeting and paint. New front/backyard landscaping including concrete patio and slate porch.  New insulated garage door.  Dual pane windows, mirrored closet doors. Large master walk-in closet. The roof is only 2 yr. old.  Dual pane windows. Pellet stove in family room included.  This home has been meticulously cared for! 

 

This home is owner occupied and has been taken care of meticulously.  You will not be disappointed!  Call for an appointment today!

 

Natalie Swanson

925-580-9829

homes@natalieswanson.com

 


Short Sales are Here For Awhile Longer

I hate to say it, but short sales are here for the long haul, meaning,…..at least another 5 years.  We might as well get used to it.   We all know that short does not mean short, so if you are wanting a "deal" as some people say to me,  then you need to get educated about some of the pit-falls and frustrations about the process.

Banks are not giving homes away, so don't expect to get a steal.  If you expect the unexpected, than you will not be disappointed with the short sale process.  I spend a good amount of time trying to educate folks about what to expect, so that even the "unexpected" happens, you are able to cope.  If you want a free education on the process,  please contact me.  I'm happy to sit down with you and teach you how to find the real deal and not go crazy or waste time in the process.

If you are considering purchasing a short sale you might find these statistics interesting.   Here in the Livermore short sale market you will see roughly 25 to 30% of the market to be in this category.   Contact me for more details.  If you want to see any properties here in town, please visit my website where you can access listings for free.

Natalie Swanson

www.natalieswanson.com

925-580-9829

Livermore Neighborhood Garage Sale Saturday April 21st!

 

Ok, now, who doesn't like a garage sale?  You don't have to do much of the planning.  Just call me or email me and let me know about your interest to participate.  I will provide the advertising and a cool "GARAGE SALE KIT" to help you out. 

 

Mark Your Calendars ~ If you are planning on having a GARAGE SALE this year, you may want to participate in the neighborhood event I am hosting for you.  I am putting together a GARAGE SALE KIT full of goodies to help you with your sale.  I will even do the advertising for you.  The sale will be held in SATURDAY APRIL 21ST FROM DAWN TILL WHENEVER that day.   

 

I need to plan your advertising so please contact me early.  I will drop off your preparation kit the week before.  Call or email me anytime for more details. 

 

Natalie Swanson

homes@natalieswanson.com

925-580-9829


Sneak Peak at Livermore Home, 254 Nadine St.

 

254 Nadine Street in Livermore is nearly ready for market. Great buyer opportunity.  For a sneak peak of this newly remodeled home call today!  Home has new everything, which includes the kitchen sink and brand new A/C unit!   This home has 5 bedrooms,  3 baths.  With  1806 sf of living space,  this is a true family home.  There is a full office upstairs, and master bedroom down.  Pricing not yet established. Make an offer!

 

Call today to preview with me:

 

Natalie Swanson

homes@natalieswanson.com

925-580-9829


How Can a Listing Expert Save You $50,000?

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Can you spend $7,000 to make $40,000 or even more? YES! A modest investment in preparing your home can make even more money. How? Let me use an example to illustrate.

Seller prices a Livermore house at $815,000 and makes no improvements to the home even though it was built in the 1990’s and has blue faded carpet. Seller’s home sits on the market for 4 months and after several price reductions, eventually sells for $775,000. Over these 4 months, the owner paid out $12,000 is mortgage payments and taxes.

Take the same Livermore home and invest $7,000 in in new carpet, paint and minor fixes. Put the same home on the market at $825,000. The house then sells in under 30 days at list price. The Seller is now out from under having to pay another $9,000 in mortgage payments and taxes. If you add this savings to the price difference, you now come up with a whopping $59,000 increase in net monies to the Seller.

Did the Seller make more money in the second deal?? You bet he did!

If you are about to sell a home and have not considered these things, please contact me. I can help you spend your dollars wisely and help you bring more dollars to the bottom line after your sale.

Natalie Swanson

925-580-9829

 

Walk-In Wednesday – February 29th

Walk in Wednesday PC front

Please join me for a complimentary consultation on Wednesday, February 29th between 5:30 PM & 7:30 PM. 

Come with your questions about the short sale process, foreclosure prevention, refinance, bankruptcy and credit restructuring. I can also provide you with a market analysis.  

 
Contact me for more details:
925-580-9829
Homes@NatalieSwanson.com