Bay Area Home Hub: Insights for Buyers, Sellers, a

3 Reasons New Construction Homes Are Your Ultimate Advantage In The Bay Area Real Estate Wave

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:54:02 -0800

Bay Area Homebuilders are paying attention. “Bay Area Homebuilders are downsizing the American Dream to lure in entry-level homebuyers frustrated by the Bay Area resale housing market,” according to Dani Romero at Yahoo Finance.They’ve already increased Bay Area housing starts, which reflects their aim to meet the wants and needs of homebuyers who are frustrated by the paltry number of existing homes for sale.This is huge news for you if you’re among that group. Would you ever imagine that you could buy a brand-new home? No greasy smells from someone else’s cooking, no nasty carpet. Everything, down to the last detail, is brand new.But wait … there’s moreHave you ever met a Bay Area homeowner who threw in a pricey country club membership as an enticement to purchase his home? We haven’t either, yet we have met home builders who do just that.It’s called an incentive and in slow-moving real estate markets, it takes more than offering a choice of countertops and sexy landscaping to sell a home. In some Bay Area luxury home communities, in fact, huge incentives are the norm.Incentives from Bay Area home builders run the gamut from appliances to gift cards to mortgage rate buydowns. The latter should be particularly attractive to first-time homebuyers.If you aren’t familiar with rate buydowns, learn more at CNBC.com.Incentives aren’t the only reason, however, that many Americans are touring Bay Area new home communities.Shop smart and you’ll save money in the long runMost new homes are energy efficient. If you go a step further and buy a house that bears the ENERGY STAR label, you’ll use 20 to 30 percent less energy every year than you would had you purchased an existing home without ENERGY STAR labeling.Considering that the average American spends $2,368 on utility bills every year (NerdWallet.com), this reflects substantial savings. What would you do with an extra $473 to $710 a year?Add that to any incentives you’re offered and you may save a significant chunk of money, not only on the purchase, but down the road with less expensive power bills.While all of this is good news for homebuyers there are aspects of the new-home purchase that should be considered.Don’t shop without representationThe builder is represented by a real estate agent. As such, he or she owes a fiduciary duty to the builder, not the buyer.To protect your interests, use a real estate agent while shopping for and purchasing a newly constructed home. It will cost you nothing, as the builder pays all real estate brokerage fees.Try to ignore the blingModel homes are alluring – it’s easy to fall head over heels in love with them. The builder knows this and loads the models with her top-of-the-line options and upgrades.So, while you dream of having a replica of the model home, the builder dreams of giving it to you – at tens of thousands of dollars over the original price of the home.New home specialists suggest that you choose options and upgrades that appeal to you and will make living in the home more pleasant, rather than trying to copy the model home’s features.Ask the builder’s representative if you will be held financially responsible for installed upgrades should you need to cancel the sale.Finally, if you absolutely must have an expensive upgrade, find out how much it would cost to have an outside contractor purchase and install it after the close of escrow. You may be surprised how much money you can save by going this route.Inspect to protect“Buy a new one [home], and you’re essentially the guinea pig testing how well the HVAC system works and whether the basement floods during a storm,” cautions Lisa Kaplan Gordon at Realtor.com.There are several other reasons you should have the new home professionally inspected by an independent third party prior to closing escrow.Experts with the California Real Estate Inspection Association take the inspection process one step further, suggesting that the home should be inspected during construction. This helps “… ensure that the work completed is in compliance with plans, specifications, and the construction schedule.”Finally, real estate legal experts suggest that you purchase a new home warranty that takes up any slack in the builder’s warranty.So, what are you waiting for? Grab your real estate agent (that would be us, by the way!) and head out to tour the new homes under construction. You may be surprised by what you find.🚀✨ #BayAreaRealEstate #NewConstructionHomes #HomeownershipDreams

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3 Reasons your Home isn’t Selling in Pittsburg, CA.

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 12:54:12 -0800

A home languishing on the real estate market is one of life’s more frustrating ordeals. Especially if you’ve owned the home for some time, there’s that emotional attachment that tells you, “Hey, this is an incredible house. It should sell really fast!”If you’re under contract on another home or if you need to relocate there is also the need for speed.There is no reason, at least not in the current market, that a home in good condition and in a desirable area shouldn’t sell. Homebuyers are clamoring for these homes.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.There are several common reasons that homes don’t sell and one of these may just be the solution to your problem.1. The home is overpricedThe most common reason a home selling sits on the market is because it’s overpriced. Asking too much for the home could be a result of you ignoring your real estate agent’s pricing advice, an error on the part of your real estate agent or because the market corrected and your agent didn’t notice.Regardless of the reason why, you’ll need to drop your price, as soon as possible, to renew interest in it and get it sold.In a nutshell, homes sell for what buyers are willing to pay, not what sellers hope to get. The only way to know what a buyer is willing to pay for a home like yours is to check the sale prices (not the asking price of active listings) of homes similar to yours.If it’s less than what you’re currently asking, I urge you to drop the price. The price reduction may just be the key to getting more buyers through the front door and, thus, to the home selling. Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.2. Your home needs workWe’ve noticed that the homes that sell the fastest are priced right and they’re in good condition. What do I mean by “good?” They have curb appeal – the exterior reflects pride of ownership, not necessarily opulence. The trim is painted, the siding is in good condition and the landscaping is tidy.Inside, the paint is fresh, the carpets clean and the house is neat. The buyer has the impression that he or she can move right in and not have to work to make the home livable.Because we tend to be “married” to our homes and don’t notice their flaws, the ideal way to get feedback on its condition is for your agent to solicit it from the buyers’ agents who’ve brought their clients to the home.If your agent isn’t doing this, he or she is doing you a disservice. Ask your agent to do the follow-up – you are, after all, paying him or her. Which leads us to reason number 3 that your home isn’t selling.3. You have a lousy real estate agentYour real estate agent’s primary job is to market your home. If it’s priced right and in good condition, the next biggest reason it’s not selling is because you have an agent who is failing at the marketing game.Get together with your agent and find out what is being done to market the home. If the only marketing that’s been done is a sign in the front yard and an MLS listing and, perhaps, a blurb on the freebie websites, consider finding another agent.It’s a lesson many homeowners learn the hard way: Never hire an agent that doesn’t consistently make enough money to offer a powerful marketing plan. It’s the essence of what you’re paying for and you should demand the service you deserve.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.If you follow numbers one and two, above, and you are convinced your agent is doing a stellar job, ask yourself if you’re flexible enough in showing the home.We know from our own listing clients that the worst part of home selling is having to keep it in model-home condition despite life continuing to happen – kids, pets, guests and all of that.Buyers work too, and often the only time they have to look at homes is in the evening or on weekends. Accommodating last-minute requests to see the home earns bonus points (at least with us!) and gets you even closer to selling the home.Even in the hottest sellers’ markets there are slow periods, so if you’ve done all you can to ensure that your home is competitive, relax and give it more time. To learn more how to sell your home fast or Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

10 ways to transform your home in Pittsburg, CA.

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 12:16:01 -0800

Home improvement projects can not only be fun, but they add value to your home as well. Whether you’ve decided to add improvements to your home before it goes on the market or are planning improvements to your new home, here are some creative ways to add sparkle.1. Window TreatmentsBecause windows are such a focal point, it pays to decorate them. It’s amazing what a simple curtain or valance can do to change the atmosphere of a room.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.Your bedroom can be transformed with sumptuous drapery fabrics. A kitchen can become a country charmer or sleek and modern with the addition of the appropriate window treatments.Walk through your local fabric store to find fabrics that suit your decorating taste. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, all the better. Simple curtains and drapes are easy to make (check out this YouTube video walk-through) and will save you a lot of money.2. Paint and WallpaperPainting a room not only adds an air of freshness but can serve as a backdrop for your decorating ideas. If your home is on the market, your color choices are limited as its best to stick to neutral colors.If the home is one in which you plan to stay for some time, don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite colors.TIP: If you are decorating your home because you’ll be selling it, stay away from wallpaper. Patterns are a matter of personal taste. If you currently have wallpaper in the home it will need to be stripped and the walls painted.3. Area RugsArea rugs are so versatile. Use them to accent a seating area or to add color, texture and a hint of personality to a room. Area rugs can also be used to delineate “zones” within a room.There are “rules” about the size and placement of area rugs to get the most impact. LampsPlus offers a tutorial at YouTube and find additional tips at PotteryBarn.com and HGTV.com.4. FurnitureNew furniture, such as a sofa or other seating, can dramatically change the look of your living room. If there’s no room in the budget for new furniture, gently used items are widely available both online and at consignment stores.If you’re budget is really squeezed visit a thrift store, such as Salvation Army. Sometimes you can find pieces that can be slip-covered.5. Rearrange Existing FurnitureFind the focal point of your room, usually an interesting architectural element, a fireplace or a view from the window. No, the television is not a focal point. Then, rearrange your furniture to take advantage of the focal point. Learn more about decorating around a room’s focal point at RedHouseStaging.com, FreshHome.com and TheCasaCollective.com.6. Fun with room functionsIt isn’t written in stone that a bedroom has to be a bedroom. If you don’t need a guest room or already have one, why not transform a bedroom that isn’t being used into an office, a gym, a library or even a theater room?A formal dining room that never gets used can easily become a family room.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.7. Bedroom LinensBedrooms can be so much more than repositories for a weary body after a hard day’s work. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to come home to an oasis in the middle of a hectic world? Bedroom linens are the first step in creating this relaxing atmosphere. From comforters and duvet covers with matching bolsters and pillows to bedspreads with dust ruffles, your bedroom can easily be transformed into your refuge. 8. LightingLighting is one of the decorating items most overlooked by many homeowners. Reading lamps, floor lamps and under-cabinet mounted strip lighting can all add beauty and function to your home.Large or unusual lighting can also become a room’s focal point.TIP: If you’re redecorating to sell the home, add more lighting. You can never have too much when a home is on the market.9. ArtworkIf a piece of art speaks to you, if you enjoy looking at it, then buy it. It doesn’t matter if it’s an inexpensive reproduction or an expensive original, art is a personal preference.Art is fun, too. Groupings of small photos or paintings can enliven any wall. Large pieces over a sofa can enhance the atmosphere in your living room.The trick to hanging art work, even groupings, is to place it so that the center of the piece is at eye level.And, don’t limit yourself to using only photos and paintings on the walls. Artwork can be anything from antique plates to your grandmother’s handmade quilt. Mirrors, in groupings or one dramatic piece can make a room appear larger.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.10. A touch of the outdoorsHouseplants add color, texture and charm to a home’s interior. Some even help keep the air clean, according to NASA.You’ll find houseplants that thrive on neglect and some that will bloom even in dark, shady corners. Yes, there are the divas of the plant world – those that require exacting care but will pay you back with amazing beauty.MiracleGro.com and BHG.com offer tips on how to choose the right plant for your home and Gardenologist.org offers a brilliant list of “80 Pet-Safe Houseplants.”To learn more how to sell your home fast or Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

Budget your way to a new home in Pittsburg, CA.

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 11:15:46 -0800

Buying a home isn’t as easy as walking up to a lender and requesting a mortgage. You’ll need cash for a down payment and the loan’s closing costs, unless you’re applying for a VA or USDA loan.If you’ll be going after a conventional loan, you’ll typically (but not always) need 20 percent of the loan amount as the down payment.Right now, the median sales price of a home in the U.S. is $240,000. Based on that price, you’ll need to come up with between $8,400 and $48,000 (depending on the loan program) just for the down payment.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.Then, there are closing costs to consider. These vary, but they are typically between 2 and 5 percent of the loan amount.Unless you have a stack of cash sitting around, you’ll need to start saving, and that takes careful planning. A well-though out budget is your road map.The BudgetIt’s important to get your budget in writing, whether that means using a spreadsheet, paper and pencil or personal finance software. Financial guru Dave Ramsey recommends the free budgeting software at everydollar.com or try Microsoft Money Plus Sunset DeluxeThe most basic of budgets includes your income and your outgo. Income should include all money from all sources.Outgo includes not only your fixed expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments and installment loan payments, but variable expenses (utilities, telephone, etc.) and every single penny you spend on a daily basis.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.Some spending that is frequently overlooked by budgeters includes: Money given to charity Dining out (yes, even that bagel and coffee you stop for each morning) Transportation expenses (fuel, insurance, tolls and parking) Auto maintenance Pets (food, accessories, vet visits) Keep a small notebook on you while you’re away from home so that you can quickly jot down the small purchases we all make every day. These may include items such as coffee and bus fare.Give it a Trial RunTake the new budget for a spin for a month or two and see how it fits and adjust where necessary.Your budget will show you where you spend your money every week. More important, it will show you areas you can cut ― unnecessary spending that you can add to your house fund instead.By the way, open an online savings account in which to stash your house fund and forego the debit card. Without a debit card, these accounts are a bit harder to access than a brick and mortar bank so you’ll be less tempted to raid the account.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.Choose a fee-free account such as those offered by: Ally Bank Barclays Discover Bank Today’s homebuyer has options when it comes to buying a new home for the least amount of cash out-of-pocket. Go for one of the low-down payment programs and ensure your real estate agent requests that the seller pay a closing cost credit.These two items alone will slash your cash out-lay tremendously and you’ll be in your new home sooner, rather than later. To learn more how to sell your home fast or Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

Open Houses This Weekend in Clayton, Concord, and Martinez

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 14:36:11 -0800

https://thompson-realtygroup.com/open-houses-clayton-concord-martinez

Open Houses This Weekend in Brentwood and Discovery Bay

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 14:11:48 -0800

click the Link below:https://thompson-realtygroup.com/open-houses-brentwood-discovery-bay

Open Houses Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 13:57:41 -0800

click the Link below:https://thompson-realtygroup.com/open-houses-pleasant-hill-walnut-creek

Your guide to understanding the home purchase offer in Pittsburg, CA.

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 13:05:23 -0800

The seemingly endless hours searching for homes on the internet are finally over. No more open house visits, no more house tours with your agent. You found the one – the home you may have spent months waiting for.“I want to make an offer.”The statement that starts the process of turning your dream into a reality.It’s easy to get overly excited. It’s far too simple to allow your desire to get the better of your common sense. Yes, you’re buying a home. But you’re also making a significant financial investment both now and for your future.Of course, we’ll be with you every step of the way and you should feel free to ask us any and every question that pops up.Read on for what you’ll need to know about your purchase offer and why we ask some of the questions we do.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.DecisionsYour first decision in home purchase will be a financial one: how much should I offer? Although we will most likely know the home’s market value, we’ll run a comparative market analysis to ensure that you don’t offer too much, or too little.Not only is understanding the market value important, but knowing how long the home has been on the market may affect how much you offer.Why?Homes that sit on the market for longer than comparable homes typically sell for less and the most common reasons for this are that the home is overpriced or it may have problems that impact its value.If the average time a home stays on the market is 30 days, and the one you love has been sitting for 90 days, we’ll want to find out why.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.Remember when we suggested that you keep your excitement and emotions in check? Imagine how disappointed you’ll be if we find out the home has significant problems when you’ve already emotionally moved into it.How long?After determining your offer price you’ll want to give the seller a specified amount of time to mull it over.Too long and another buyer may sneak in with a better offer. Too short of an offer expiration date may anger the seller. We will counsel you on this, as it varies, according to the type of market we’re currently in.Other time limits you can negotiate include: Loan approval (although there’s not much wiggle room here) Approval of the appraisal Approval of the title report Approval of the home inspection Acknowledgement of disclosures The closing date Date you want to take possession of the home Think carefully about the last two on the list. You’ll need enough time for your loan to be approved plus to get packed before closing.Closing and possession dates are often used as negotiating tools. For instance, if the seller needs more time because the home he or she is buying won’t close on the same day, offer to extend the closing date.Or, offer to rent the home back to the seller for a specified amount of time (with stipulations).Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.Additional considerationsIf we are aware of any problems with the home when we write up the offer, we can add a contract contingency stating that your offer is only valid if the problem is remedied.You will have another chance to ask for additional fixes of items of concern in the home inspection report.For instance, suppose the homeowner has disclosed that there are problems with the HVAC system. We can insert a request to have it fixed or replaced by the time escrow closes.Then, the home inspection report mentions another problem of concern. We will then submit an amendment to the purchase offer asking for repairs. Sellers are under no obligation to agree to this but they often do to ensure the home sells.While these aren’t the only contract considerations, we think these are among the most important that you should be prepared for.As always, we are happy to answer any questions you may have.To learn more how to sell your home fast or Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

A critical early step toward buying your dream home in Pittsburg, CA.

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 13:20:03 -0800

Shopping for a new home can be overwhelming. Finding a real Pittsburg, CA Realtor agent, looking at homes online, and applying for loan approval, there is a lot to do, and it can be difficult to know where to start.Believe it or not, there is a first step that every home buyer should take–before they start interviewing real estate agents and before they look at even one home online.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.Know What You Can’t Live WithoutMake a list of everything you want in a home. If you are part of a couple, you should each have your own list.When you have completed your home purchase wish list, take a look at each item. Ask yourself,“Is this something that I really need in order to enjoy life in my new home?”Then, get rid of anything that you know you can do without, and still be perfectly content.The Tough DecisionsNow it is time to prioritize the wish list. The top two items should be those items on which you will not compromise, as living without them would make you miserable. For some folks that might be a gourmet kitchen or space for a garden.The bottom two items should be those that you are willing to compromise on.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.Now, compare your home purchase wish list with your partner’s. Anything that is on both of your lists is a priority and should probably be moved to the top.Inevitably, though, there will be items each of you will need to compromise on, thus the little “bargaining chips” at the bottom of the list: sort of a “I’ll give you the garage in exchange for the fireplace” type of thing.It’s Not Set In StoneOne thing that may surprise you is that this list will change as you begin to actually view homes. You may discover a feature in a home that you didn’t consider when you wrote the original list.It’s very common that some buyers say they absolutely need to have a certain feature in a home yet the home they finally choose lacks that feature.Don’t feel as if this list is set in stone, but do inform us if anything changes.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.The wish list works well to help cut down your confusion when presented with an array of homes to view. It also helps your agent to keep focused and not waste everyone’s time by showing you homes that don’t fulfill your desires.You’ve just taken the first step to make sure that your new home is one that fulfills at least most of your wishes. That house is out there. Count on it.To learn more how to sell your home fast or Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

Antioch, CA Realtor Homebuyer tip: Don’t commit these negotiation blunders

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:37:10 -0800

As a homebuyer, unless you are buying direct from the owner, you’ll not negotiate with the seller of the home you have your eye on.That’s your real estate agent’s job. But he or she negotiates on your behalf. So, when we talk about buyer negotiations with sellers, we’re referring to indirect negotiations through your agent, as middle-person.Unless you’re an attorney, a salesperson or in another occupation that requires negotiating skills, we think it’s safe to say that it’s not something you do on a regular basis.Thinking of Buying A Antioch CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.If done correctly, negotiation requires subtlety and the ability and willingness to find a win-win for all parties.Certain negotiating tactics can railroad a real estate deal, instantly. Let’s take a look at some of these to help you avoid losing out on that home you want.Using the home inspection as a negotiation excuseThe one blanket statement that we feel safe in making to all homebuyers in Antioch, CA is that they must get the home professionally inspected. Yes, even recently-built homes.After the inspection, the inspector will issue a report, listing all of the problems or potential problems he or she found during a visual inspection of the home.Some of the problems may be significant but most are not. If you find the report somewhat acceptable, but would like a few items repaired or replaced, we will reopen negotiations with the seller.This is where some homebuyers become unreasonable, using nit-picking in an attempt to drive down the price of the home.Keep in mind that, unless the home was listed for sale “as-is,” homeowners are only obligated to remedy defects that your lender or insurer will require (typically those of a health and safety nature), those specifically named in the purchase contract and those required by law.The seller is not required to adjust the price instead of making repairs. And, most sellers won’t even consider replacing or repairing defects that can be remedied easily and inexpensively.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Antioch CA Homes For Sale.Everything, however, is negotiable and your choices in the deal include: Asking the seller to make the repairs Asking the seller to decrease the price of the home to compensate for the cost of repairs Walk away from the deal The homeowner’s choices include saying yes or no to the first two, coming up with a list of what he or she is willing to deal on, or deciding not to continue with the sale.If you really want the home, think twice about reopening negotiations unless the home’s defects are major and will require great expense.Insisting on making a lowball offerWe understand that you want the best deal possible, but a very low offer on a home you truly want to purchase is typically a foolish negotiating tactic.In a buyers’ market, when there are lots of homes for sale but few buyers, you may get away with an offer under asking price. But a ridiculously low offer will most likely be treated as an insult by the seller.It also makes you appear like a bargain hunter, ruining your credibility in the eyes of the seller.A homeowner has several choices when confronted by a low offer. Unfortunately, many of them feel so insulted they won’t even respond.So, instead of getting a chance to haggle on the price of the home, you’re shut out. Completely.Assuming the seller wants to part with personal belongings to get the home soldSure, in slow markets, sellers may do almost anything if their home has been sitting on the market and they need it sold quickly.But, before you demand that they leave the home’s furniture, appliances and the dog, keep in mind that desperation on the seller’s part is the exception, not the rule.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Antioch CA Homes For Sale.Unless expressly stated in the contract, the homeowner is selling their home, not their personal belongings.Asking for too much makes you appear greedy – and not someone a seller is likely going to want to negotiate with.The most important thing to remember, especially in a market that favors sellers, is that the seller may very well be negotiating with other buyers. Go in with your best and highest offer and try to keep it as “clean” as possible.We’re happy to show you how.To learn more how to sell your home fast or Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

3 critical first steps for the first-time home buyer in Antioch, CA.

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 07:14:52 -0800

It’s tough being a first-time home buyer or a newbie at anything, right? Learning new lingo, how things are done and how you’ll do them is a little confusing at first. Once you get the hang of it, though, everything becomes clear and you can relax into whatever it is you’re learning.The same holds true for the home-buying process; when you’ve never bought a home before it can be challenging to know where to start and tempting (but not wise) to jump into the process by looking at homes for sale.So, let’s get you off to a good start – one that will lead to success when buying your first home.Thinking of Buying A Antioch CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.The money stuffWaiting for loan preapproval is brutal for those who have no idea where they stand on the credit scale. Those in the know, however, are far more confident, understand the loan process better and still have fingernails when the preapproval decision comes in.Be a member of the latter group by ordering your credit from the “Big 3” credit reporting agencies, Trans Union, Experian and Equifax. By law, you are entitled to a free copy from each agency every year or if you’ve been turned down for credit.Make sure you order your reports from AnnualCreditReport.com, the only company authorized by the government to provide these free reports.When you get your reports, read over them carefully, keeping track of any problems you find. Each report will tell you how to file a dispute, so if you do find errors, even seemingly insignificant ones, file one. Even a small discrepancy can cause a big impact on your credit score.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Antioch CA Homes For Sale.Go over your finances, figuring out how much money comes in every month and how much goes out, paying close attention to recurring debt payments. The lender will do the same when it figures your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI.If you want to calculate where you stand now, you’ll find information on how to determine your DTI on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s website.If your DTI is high, work on bringing it down by either bringing in more income or paying off some debt.Stash some cash for your down payment, closing costs, home inspection fees and earnest money deposit. The National Association of Realtors recommends setting aside between 2 and 7 percent of the purchase price of a home just for closing costs, although I think 7 percent is rather high.Shop for a mortgageI’m happy to refer you to some of the lenders my clients commonly work with, or ask friends, family and colleagues for a referral to someone they enjoyed working with.You’ll typically need the following documents when you meet with a lender to apply for a mortgage: If you are self-employed you’ll need tax returns otherwise, gather up your pay stubs and W2s. Copies of the bills you pay every month. Bank statements (including blank pages). I.D. Document requirements vary depending on your personal situation and the lender, so ask for a complete list of what you’ll need to supply.Make your wish listNeed To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Antioch CA Homes For Sale.Yay! The fun part. Now you can start thinking about that new home. As a first-time home buyer what exactly do you want? Use these considerations when trying to figure it out: Nail down the location. Do you need to live near schools, downtown, public transportation? Do you want a neighborhood with lots of activity or something more serene? Kids nearby or few kids? As a first-time home buyer what type of home do you want? Is there a particular architectural style? New or old? What are your must-haves when it comes to the interior of the home? Include things such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage of the house. Describe your dream home. Once we know your budget, we can pare it down, but for now list everything you want in a home. Carpet or hardwood, gourmet kitchen, an office, a media room, gym, space to garden and views are something that might go on this list. Finally, name three features that you simply must have in your new home. These items are non-negotiable and they’ll be at the top of the list. These are the basic steps in the home-buying process. Take steps 1 and 2 and then call us for help with your wish list.Take the steps in order and you’ll be moving in no time!To learn more how to sell your home fast or Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

Are you ready to stop renting and become a homeowner in Pittsburg, CA?

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 11:30:26 -0800

It’s a fact that homeowners are wealthier than those who rent homes. In fact, the average net worth of U.S. homeowners is $231,400.Renters? $5,200. Crunch the numbers and you’ll learn that the net worth of homeowners is 44.5 percent higher than that of renters.Sadly, the net worth of those who rent has actually decreased from $5,500 in 2013, according to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances.If you’d like to get on the homeowner wealth train, but are not sure if you’re ready, ask yourself the following questions.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.How secure is your employment picture?Love your job? More important, does your job love you? Job security – knowing you’re in it for the long haul – is a good sign that you can take on a monthly mortgage payment and be responsible for maintaining a home.It’s also one of the things a lender will look at when considering how risky it might be to lend you the money for a home.While it’s not impossible to get a mortgage when you’re new to a job, lenders like to see a two-year minimum tenure. If the new job is in the same field as your old one, it shows commitment to a field of work, which is attractive to lenders. Do you have any money saved? Don’t believe the myth that you need 20 percent of the purchase price of a home for a down payment. While this may have been true in the past, it isn’t any longer.Depending on your circumstances, you can obtain a mortgage for nothing down or a down payment as low as 3 percent. Then, there are the many down payment and closing cost assistance programs.You will, however, need a bit of cash when you purchase a home for the earnest money deposit, down payment, closing costs and moving expenses.If you don’t have any savings, you may not be ready to buy a home. If you do have some money set aside, speak with a mortgage broker to find out if you qualify.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.How’s your credit?If you’re unsure, order your free annual credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. This is the only site authorized by the federal government that offers free credit reports.A strong credit score (as compiled by Fair Isaac Company, or FICO for short) is higher than 700. Borrowers with strong scores get lower interest rates so raising your score is a worthy endeavor.This doesn’t mean you can’t get a mortgage with a lower score, because you most certainly can. In fact, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) wants to see a score of 580 or higher but even those with lower scores may otherwise qualify.It isn’t as difficult or time consuming as you may think to raise your credit score. Learn “How Student Loan Borrowers Improve their FICO Scores” at FICO.com. And, learn some general information on how to raise your credit score at NerdWallet.com.Do you need more room?If you’re currently in an apartment, the chances are good that you’d like or maybe even need more space. Apartments by their very nature are typically small and very cramped. Worse, they lack sufficient storage space.Especially if you’re starting a family or hope to soon, dreams of a house may be swimming in your head. If so, you may be ready to become a homeowner.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale. Are you tired of paying your landlord’s mortgage payment? Paying rent every month and watching that money go into someone else’s bank account gets old after a time. As mentioned earlier, one way to accumulate wealth is through putting that monthly payment in your own pocket by building equity through home ownership.Depending on the current market, you may be able to purchase a home with a monthly payment that is less than or only slightly more than your current monthly rent payment. A mortgage professional can crunch the numbers for you to find out.Feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

How to buy a house in Pittsburg, CA: 5 tips to get the best deal

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 07:32:43 -0800

So, you’ve heard that home prices are falling, the inventory of available homes is beginning to grow and, if you look closely, you’ll see a crack beginning to form in that once-fiery sellers’ market.Whereas in the recent past, homebuyers were a dime a dozen, you may just be on the precipice of being an in-demand commodity and, with that status, comes power.It’s already begun in the new-home market, with builders and developers offering buyers (and their real estate agents) attractive incentives. The resale market is expected to catch up, so let’s get you prepared to get the best deal possible when you buy a house.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.1. Why are they selling?There are a number of reasons people sell their homes and a seller’s reason, or motivation as it’s known in the real estate industry, is powerful information in the hands of the buyer.It’s not easy to learn a seller’s motivation, but it’s not impossible either. The key is to be face-to-face with the seller, a situation often discouraged by real estate agents.If you or your agent can arrange a meeting, however, (perhaps during a tour of the home), strike up a conversation. “How long have you lived here?” can lead to an opening for the “and why are you moving, if you don’t mind my asking?”If you can’t meet with the owner in person, try asking the neighbors. Take a weekend walk through the neighborhood, stopping to chat with folks working on their cars, in their yards or playing with their kids.Let them know you’re thinking of buy a house and ask if they’d mind answering some questions about the neighborhood. During the conversation, ask if they know why their neighbor is selling. You’d be surprised how much neighbors know about one another.If the homeowner is selling because of a divorce or job relocation they may be in a bit of a hurry to sell. This is information we can use in structuring your offer (offering a quick close, for instance) to soften the blow of a lower price.2. How long has the home been on the market?This is information that we can get for you from our MLS. Why is this information important?Recently listed homes are still in their “honeymoon” phase with buyers and agents. There is a lot of activity surrounding a new-to-the market home so the seller has very little motivation to accept a low offer.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.As the home sits on the market with few offers, the seller may become more desperate to sell and, thus, more likely to entertain a lower sales price.We can also let you know the average number of days homes in the neighborhood remain on the market. If the home you have your eye on has been listed for longer than that, you may be dealing with a very motivated seller, putting you in a strong negotiating position.3. Study the pricing historyWe’re happy to look up the pricing history of homes you’re interested in. From the time the home is first listed, the MLS will show us how many price changes have occurred, whether they were price hikes or reductions.A seller who has reduced the home’s price more than once is a seller who needs to get the home sold.4. Soften the blow of a low-ball offerAsk for everything in the offer to purchase or buy a house. That’s right, EVERYTHING. Even if you don’t want their furniture and appliances, ask for them.Ask for the drapes, the barbecue, everything you can think of to put the sellers in overload. You want to divert their attention away from the low price you are offering and toward all their “stuff.”Once the bartering begins all of their focus will be on trying to hang on to their backyard furniture, not that you’ve offered several thousand dollars less for the home than what they are asking.Compromise with them; you didn’t really want all those items anyway. Keep your eye on what it is that you really want: your price.No, it doesn’t always work, but in the end, you might get that price and maybe even a few appliances as well.One more tip about what to include in the purchase offer: make sure you don’t give the sellers too much time to think about it. A 24-hour acceptance request is quite common and a strategic move in your position as a bargain hunter.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.5. Get help with your closing costsGetting the best deal on a home doesn’t always mean getting the home for a discounted price. If the seller won’t budge on price and you truly want the home, we’ll find ways for you to save money in other parts of the transaction.One of the easiest is to negotiate closing costs by asking the seller to pay them. Sure, some will balk at this. Others might raise the sales price of the home to absorb the costs.The danger in the latter scenario is that the new price may exceed market value and not meet the bank’s appraisal amount.Put yourself in the seller’s shoes. The sale of a home is often an emotional event. The right real estate agent in your corner will be able to negotiate on your behalf while appealing to the sellers’ emotions.To learn more how to sell your home fast or Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

3 Things your cat can teach you about house hunting in Pittsburg, CA

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 09:31:13 -0800

Whether you’re a crazy cat lady with a house full of felines or you prefer the company of just one kitty, if you watch closely you can learn a lot about successful house hunting.Of course, you never want to rub up against a homeowner’s couch or destroy the roll of toilet paper in their bathroom, but there are three cat characteristics in particular that you might put to good use when searching for a home.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.1. Be a hunterCats are serious hunters. Even when the prey is a stuffed mouse, they practice their stealth and hunting prowess.Watching a cat in a house hunting is a lesson for home buyers. If a cat were house hunting instead of mouse hunting, she would stalk the latest MLS listings tenaciously, pouncing immediately on those that look tasty.Don’t give up the hunt because it seems too challenging. Crouch, crawl, stare hard and then twist, curl and pounce when that perfect home is within striking distance.Ok, so you don’t need to go through the physical gyrations that cats do when you’re on the hunt for the perfect house, but you do need to use that same laser-focus, remain flexible and be oh-so-tenacious.Keep in mind that the absolute perfect home for any one person probably doesn’t exist, unless it’s custom-built. Decide what your priorities are and aim for fulfilling at least three of them.Then, be flexible enough to compromise on the others if they conflict with your partner’s priorities.2. Don’t be distracted by shiny objectsStaged homes are attractive, there’s no doubt about it. Especially if the staging was performed by a professional, it’s so easy to see yourself living there.Homes with features you’ve been dreaming of (a fireplace in the master bedroom, that to-die for Wolf® range or the perfectly-perfect-for-entertaining backyard can blind you to other, perhaps undesirable aspects of the home.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.Don’t be like your cat – easily distracted by shiny objects.But do be like kitty in that you should be curious. Look beyond the sexy paint colors and amazing décor to the bare bones of the home. Don’t be distracted – be curious.3. Remain aloofMany cats are mysterious, somewhat aloof and can keep you guessing about why they even allow you in their presence.Once you find a home that you’re excited about, don’t EVER show it — at least not around the homeowner or the homeowner’s agent (or the homeowner’s Nest Cam).Maintain that cat-like aura of coolness, disinterest or, at the very least, neutrality.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.The worst thing you can do is gush over the home, expressing your love for it and your overwhelming desire to own it – at any cost.Nope, this is the time to be very cat-like and back off, as aloof as possible. When how you feel about the home is inscrutable to the homeowner, you’re in a stronger negotiating position.Oh, one other thing your cat can teach you – when we win the battle for the home of your dreams you are allowed to purr in contentment To learn more how to sell your home fast or Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

Weekend Open Houses in Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek, CA Come and Join Us!

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:50:07 -0800

https://thompson-realtygroup.com/open-houses-pleasant-hill-walnut-creek

Weekend Open Houses in Clayton, Concord, and Martinez, CA Come and Join Us!

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:32:17 -0800

https://thompson-realtygroup.com/open-houses-clayton-concord-martinez

Weekend Open Houses in Brentwood and Discovery Bay Come and Join Us!

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 10:17:51 -0800

https://thompson-realtygroup.com/open-houses-brentwood-discovery-bay

3 Tips to sell your home FAST!

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 09:41:45 -0800

For whatever reason, many homeowners need to sell their homes as quickly as possible. If that describes you and you don’t want to hand over a huge chunk of your equity to an iBuyer or investor, read on.1. Pre-sale home inspectionWhen we looked at the common obstacles along the way to closing a home sale, several steps loomed large. But, none larger than the home inspection.Soon after you accept an offer to purchase your home, the buyer will send a home inspector to your house to inspect its condition. Soon thereafter, he or she will issue an inspection report to the buyer and I’ve yet to see one that didn’t have at least a few, even minor, problems.Some problems, such as those that can impact health and safety, will need to be repaired. Even if the buyer doesn’t request it, the lender may, especially if the buyer is using an FHA-backed loan to purchase the home.Depending on the scope of the work, this can significantly slow down the sell your home.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.Fixing items before putting the home on the market is a smart move if you need to sell your home quickly. It also shows potential buyers that you’re dealing in good faith.Your buyer will likely order his or her own inspection so keep in mind that all issues in your report will need to be disclosed to potential buyers.Ridding the sale process of the biggest stumbling block is the best way to ensure your home sells quickly.2. Ensure you have clear titleShortly after you’ve accepted the offer to purchase, the buyer will obtain title insurance. First, however, the title company will want to find out if you truly are the rightful owner to the home, that nobody else has a claim to it and that there are no liens against the property.A problem discovered in a title search is known as a “cloud” on the home’s title. Home sellers are often surprised to learn that there’s a cloud, but it’s a common occurrence.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.The most common cloud is a lien against the property and many homeowners aren’t even aware of it. Either it was placed so long ago that the homeowner forgot or it may be so new that he or she isn’t yet aware of it.Be proactive if you suspect that there may be a cloud on the home’s title. A trip to the county recorder’s office (where you can search public records by address) is often all it takes. Otherwise, you can order an official title search from a title company. While the fee varies, it typically starts at around $200.If a lien shows up on the title report, you’ll be responsible for clearing it. You can dispute it, but this is a court procedure that takes time. Paying the amount owed is the quickest way to clean up the property’s title.But liens aren’t the only problem that may show up on a title report. Some of the more common title defects include: Clerical errors Disputes over property boundaries Encroachments and easements Marital status falsely reported Fraud Forgery Improperly probated wills Unknown heirs Unreleased deeds of trust Some of these are quick fixes. Others, such as clerical errors take substantially longer.In fact, “depending on the nature and extent of the error, it can take anywhere from days to months to correct these types of issues,” according to the experts at LinearTitleandEscrow.com.Avoid this source of major slowdowns in the sale process by checking your title before putting the home on the market.3. Don’t play games with your home’s price“More than half of all closing problems are related to mortgages,” according to Peter Miller at MyMortgageInsider.com.Slightly more than 20 percent of these problems are caused by appraisal issues.Unless the buyer is paying in cash, he or she will be using a lender for financing. The lender will send a property appraiser to the home to determine the value.Much of the time, the appraiser’s evaluation meets the price agreed upon. Sometimes, however, it doesn’t and negotiations reopen.There are several ways to work around an appraisal problem but most of them take time.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.Avoid appraisal problems by understanding how market value for a home is determined, hire a listing agent experienced in determining fair market value and avoid the temptation to overprice the home.We are happy to answer any questions you may have on how to sell your home quickly and still get top dollar.To learn more how to sell your home fast or Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

Important Things To Know Before Moving

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 11:45:21 -0800

Bad moving company Some moving companies are incompetent and can even be completely fraudulent.The movers don’t show up or arrive lateThe time you agreed with the company passes and after making a phone call you are given an excuse, more time elapses before the movers finally turn up several hours late. The result is a very stressful day and a lot of wasted time. The worst possibility is that you cannot get in contact with the moving company and are left with a wasted day and the financial loss of the deposit you gave to a fraudulent moving company that disappeared.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.Your movers aren’t prepared Your moving day can also be disastrous if the company you hire arrives in a vehicle too small to transport your belongings, or lacks the expertise and equipment to safely handle your valuable items. An incompetent moving company may cram your belongings into a small van and scratch your expensive TV, or drop the set of china you inherited from your grandmother. The result is an emotionally and financially damaging moving day.The movers are criminals or scammersThis might be the worst potential problem that can occur with the movers. The moving scammers may ask for much more money than was previously agreed by claiming that extra services are required for the move. They can even withhold your belongings until you pay an additional fee, or steal your expensive items and abandon the rest.The solution to problems with moving companies is simple. Ensure that you carefully research the company before hiring them and handing over any deposit. Make sure that you are hiring a reputable company that is experienced and fully licensed. It is also recommended that you purchase any appropriate insurance for transporting your possessions, better to be safe than sorry.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.Problems with trafficBad traffic or accidents can derail your moving day.Stuck in trafficThe moving truck is late due to traffic and you run out of time to go ahead with your move. You might have to postpone your moving day and go through the stress of moving all over again.AccidentsA traffic collision could occur on the moving truck’s route, it could delay the arrival of your belongings. The worst scenario is that the moving truck is involved in the accident and your possessions are badly damaged or even worse and lost completely.The moving truck breaks downIf the moving truck breaks down you will have to wait for a replacement vehicle and transfer your belongings. Your relocation will delayed by some considerable time.Parking problemsThere is no space for the moving truck to park, you may have to wait for hours until a suitable space opens, or the moving truck has to park a long way from your new home. As well as wasting your time, the moving company may charge you for the delay or the extra distance they have to carry your possessions.Sometimes you will suffer bad luck, and there is not much you can do about breakdowns and accidents. Pick a reputable moving company with several vehicles and make sure to reserve a parking space outside your old and your new home if possible.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.Bad organizationPlan your relocation step by step to avoid the common moving day problems below.Last minute packingIf you leave packing to the last minute, you may discover that you have many more possessions to relocate than you previously thought and it doesn’t fit into the moving truck. You might not even be ready when the movers arrive and lose time and possibly money due to extra fees.Furniture issuesIf your larger possessions don’t fit through the door, you might have to pay for a hoisting service to have it removed at extra cost, or leave behind items that have sentimental value.Problems with paperworkMany people forget to transfer utilities and don’t have any electricity or water when they arrive at their new property. You can be fined if you don’t change the registration of your car and driver’s license in time.Safety concernsDon’t overlook safety on moving day. Many people suffer injuries and accidents on their moving day by overlooking safety concerns.To learn more about smooth moving day or Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

Top 3 New Home Construction Guide In Pittsburg, CA

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 12:56:32 -0800

Pittsburg CA - Will this be the year you buy a brand-new home in Pittsburg CA? We've come up with the best new home construction guide to help build your dream home.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.Moving into a new construction home in Pittsburg CA is a lot like the first time you sit behind the wheel of a new car, but on steroids. No stinky smells from whatever it was the previous occupant was cooking, no greasy range hood and walls, no dinged-up baseboards – everything is new and pristine.While these aspects may make you starry-eyed, there’s reality to contend with as well. Today we share with you some things to watch for when taking on the purchase and give you the best new home construction guide in Pittsburg CA.Find the Best Builder's Real Estate AgentWhen you drive up to the new construction home community you’ll notice quickly how you’re directed first to the builder’s office before you get to the model homes. That guy or gal sitting in the office isn’t a receptionist, but the builder’s real estate agent.She or he will show you a map of the buildable lots available, talk to you about the new home construction guide, naturally, the homes, before sending you on your way to view the models.If you fall in love with one, which is every builder’s goal, you’ll want to get the purchase process underway quickly.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.Hey, I don’t blame you, this is exciting stuff! And, what better and easier way to do it than to allow the builder’s agent to get the ball rolling?Okay, that’s the third time I’ve said it: “the builder’s real estate agent.” Sure, legally this agent can represent both you and the builder, but is it a wise move?Think about this: if it were legal, would you use your about-to-be former spouse’s attorney in your divorce proceedings? Why do you suppose that isn’t common practice?Here’s why: it is almost impossible for the builder’s agent to protect both the builder’s interests and yours in the same transaction.Since the seller pays for the buyers’ real estate agent at closing, it only makes sense that you have your own agent who will look out for nobody else but you.Avoid this problem by letting the builder’s agent know, upfront, that you have an agent and listen to your agent especially about the new home construction guide in the area.Get the Best deal from a Builder's LenderHey, this is a one-stop shop, right? Of course!New construction home builders understand that they need to hook the buyer when he or she is most excited so they offer all the services one might need to get the process started. This includes an “in-house” or “preferred” lender.Now, unlike using the builder’s agent, there’s nothing wrong with using his or her lender, as long as you’ve shopped around and know that you’re getting a good deal.Never feel that you have to use this lender, however, because you don’t.Thinking of Buying A Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.Hire the Best BuilderCheck out the builder’s reputation if you aren’t familiar with him or her. They often give you the best new home construction guide in the area. Start with the Better Business Bureau and then scour the city’s public records for lawsuits against the builder.Buying a new construction home in Billings is a lot more involved than buying an existing home, but the end result is well-worth the steps it takes to get there.

10 Home Improvement Tips for Your Pittsburg, CA Home

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 21:52:29 -0700

Pittsburg CA – Home improvement projects can not only be fun, but they add value to your home as well. Whether you’ve decided to add improvements to your home before it goes on the market or is planning improvements to your new home, here are some creative home improvement ways to add sparkle.Thinking of Selling Your Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.1. Window TreatmentsBecause windows are such a focal point, it pays to decorate them. It’s amazing what a simple curtain or valance can do to change the atmosphere of a room.Your bedroom can be transformed with sumptuous drapery fabrics. A kitchen can become a country charmer or sleek and modern with the addition of the appropriate window treatments.Walk through your local fabric store to find fabrics that suit your decorating taste. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, all the better. Simple curtains and drapes are easy to make (check out this YouTube video walk-through) and will save you a lot of money.2. Paint and WallpaperPainting a room not only adds an air of freshness but can serve as a backdrop for your decorating ideas. If your home is on the market, your color choices are limited as its best to stick to neutral colors.If the home is one in which you plan to stay for some time, don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite colors.TIP: If you are decorating your home because you’ll be selling your Pittsburg CA home, stay away from wallpaper. Patterns are a matter of personal taste. If you currently have wallpaper in the home, it will need to be stripped and the walls painted.3. Area RugsArea rugs are so versatile. Use them to accent a seating area or to add color, texture and a hint of personality to a room. Area rugs can also be used to delineate “zones” within a room.There are “rules” about the size and placement of area rugs to get the most impact. LampsPlus offers a tutorial at YouTube and find additional tips at PotteryBarn.com and HGTV.com.Thinking of Selling Your Pittsburg CA Home? Get Your Real Estate Question Answered Now.4. FurnitureNew furniture, such as a sofa or other seating, can dramatically change the look of your living room. If there’s no room in the budget for new furniture, gently used items are widely available both online and at consignment stores.If you’re budget is really squeezed visit a thrift store, such as Salvation Army. Sometimes you can find pieces that can be slip-covered.5. Rearrange Existing FurnitureFind the focal point of your room, usually an interesting architectural element, a fireplace or a view from the window. No, the television is not a focal point. Then, rearrange your furniture to take advantage of the focal point. Learn more about decorating around a room’s focal point at RedHouseStaging.com, FreshHome.com and TheCasaCollective.com.6. Fun with Room FunctionsIt isn’t written in stone that a bedroom has to be a bedroom. If you don’t need a guest room or already have one, why not transform a bedroom that isn’t being used into an office, a gym, a library or even a theater room?A formal dining room that never gets used can easily become a family room.7. Bedroom LinensBedrooms can be so much more than repositories for a weary body after a hard day’s work. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to come home to an oasis in the middle of a hectic world? Bedroom linens are the first step in creating this relaxing atmosphere. From comforters and duvet covers with matching bolsters and pillows to bedspreads with dust ruffles, your bedroom can easily be transformed into your refuge.Thinking of Selling Your Pittsburg CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.8. LightingLighting is one of the decorating items most overlooked by many homeowners. Reading lamps, floor lamps and under-cabinet mounted strip lighting can all add beauty and function to your home.Large or unusual lighting can also become a room’s focal point.TIP: If you’re redecorating to sell your home in Pittsburg CA, add more lighting. You can never have too much when a home is on the market.9. ArtworkIf a piece of art speaks to you, if you enjoy looking at it, then buy it. It doesn’t matter if it’s an inexpensive reproduction or an expensive original, art is a personal preference.Art is fun, too. Groupings of small photos or paintings can enliven any wall. Large pieces over a sofa can enhance the atmosphere in your living room.The trick to hanging art work, even groupings, is to place it so that the center of the piece is at eye level.And, don’t limit yourself to using only photos and paintings on the walls. Artwork can be anything from antique plates to your grandmother’s handmade quilt. Mirrors, in groupings or one dramatic piece can make a room appear larger.10. A Touch of the OutdoorsAnd lastly on our list of home improvement tips, houseplants add color, texture and charm to a home’s interior. Some even help keep the air clean, according to NASA.You’ll find houseplants that thrive on neglect and some that will bloom even in dark, shady corners. Yes, there are the divas of the plant world – those that require exacting care but will pay you back with amazing beauty.MiracleGro.com and BHG.com offer tips on how to choose the right plant for your home and Gardenologist.org offers a brilliant list of “80 Pet-Safe Houseplants.”Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611More information on this site: https://thompson-realtygroup.com/blog/home-improvement/

Homebuying Negotiations: What to Consider Other than the Price

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 01:10:13 -0700

Naturally, the price of a home is top-of-mind when we talk about negotiating in a real estate deal. And, for some homebuyers, these homebuying negotiations are critical. If you need any help, you can always contact an Antioch CA Realtor.But, did you know that there are other ways to bargain with a home seller other than on price? The purchase agreement is full of haggling opportunities. Let’s take a look at five of them we deal with most often.Thinking of Buying An Antioch CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.1. RepairsNegotiating home repairs is something we are quite familiar with. After the home inspection, when the homebuyer receives the inspector’s report, homebuying negotiations often begin anew.Understand, however, that no home is perfect; even newly-constructed homes can have problems. Don’t sweat the small stuff – save the homebuying negotiations for anything major that needs repair or replacement.This is especially true if the problems are in one or more of the home’s major systems, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing or with the roof or foundation.We can negotiate for a price reduction, closing costs credit or for the repair work to be performed by the seller before closing. The first two options (price reduction or credit towards closing costs) are preferable, as they won’t typically delay the closing.Plus, there is no way to guarantee the repair work, if performed by the seller’s contractor, will meet your standards.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Pittsburg CA Homes For Sale.2. Closing CostsWith a mortgage comes a requirement to pay a down payment and closing costs. The latter includes all the costs of obtaining the loan, such as lender fees, notary fees and more.While sellers are under no obligation to do so, many buyers negotiate with the seller to pay all or part of their closing costs.It’s an easier pill for the seller to swallow if: Your offer for the home is at full asking price You intend to keep your request for repairs to a minimum. If the seller has to pay for a laundry list of requested repairs, he or she may not be amenable (or have the funds) to assist with your closing costs. You put some skin in the game as well, by paying for a portion of your closing costs 3. Personal PropertyAnything that isn’t permanently affixed to the home or land (real property) is considered the personal property of the homeowner. Personal property that we commonly negotiate over for our homebuying clients include: Appliances, such as refrigerator, washer, dryer Window coverings Chandeliers Portable out-buildings Buyers, however, have negotiated for furniture, pool tables, artwork and even the family pet. Moreover, make sure to inspect the life expectancy of home appliances you are negotiating to ensure quality.Thinking of Buying An Antioch CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.4. Closing DateThe closing date – the day on which the home becomes yours – is negotiable. This is important to know for several reasons: If you are trying to time the closing of your current home to be simultaneous with the new home’s closing. You need more time to find another home You are relocating and need to be in your new city by a certain date If your schedule doesn’t conflict with the seller’s this is often a successful negotiation.5. Home WarrantyReal estate agents have a love-hate relationship with home warranties. Some consider them useless while others love them for the peace-of-mind they offer homebuyers.If a home warranty is something that you desire, it’s possible to ask the seller to provide you with one – at least for the first year of home ownership.Basic coverage varies by region and company, but commonly includes coverage for: HVAC systems Kitchen appliances Plumbing Electrical Roof leaks While the above is only a partial list of commonly negotiated items in a home purchase, it outlines the ones we see most often.Feel free to reach out to us if you have questions on this or any aspect of the home purchase process.Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

The Life Expectancy of Home Appliances

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 20:49:08 -0700

Concord CA – Whether you’re shopping for a home or already own one, knowing the current age of the home appliances is important. Like us, they have an average life span. Unlike us, they can be replaced. But it’s pricey to do so.The experts at Consumer Reports recommend that you replace home appliances if the cost to repair them is more than half the price of a new one. While that’s a good rule of thumb, it’s something you can put off with care and proper maintenance of your home appliances.As a bonus, your home appliances won’t become energy hogs.Thinking of Selling Your Concord CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home. Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House in Concord CA?

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Mon, 14 Oct 2019 22:36:11 -0700

Concord CA – Three digits. They may be all that is standing between you and your own home in Concord CA or continuing to rent. Known as your “credit score,” those digits reflect how risky it will be to lend you money. The score may also impact other aspects of the homebuying process as well.Thinking of Buying A Concord CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.How Your Credit Score is CalculatedThe road to your credit score, also known as a FICO® Score, begins with the credit reporting agencies. Known as “the big three,” they include Equifax, TransUnion® and Experian®.The information the agencies collect ends up in the hands of the Fair Isaac Corporation (or, the aforementioned FICO®, for short), one of the nation’s top two credit scoring companies.Ninety percent of what FICO calls “top lenders” rely on your FICO score to determine your credit risk and how much they will charge you for the money you borrow.FICO’s score calculation is complicated and secret. What they end up producing, however, is a three-digit score from each of the reporting agencies.“Mortgage lenders usually take the middle score” from this subset, according to Craig Anthony at investopedia.com.“For example,” he continues, “if your credit scores from the above agencies are 710, 690 and 610, the lender typically makes its decision based on the 690 score.”Learn more about how FICO determines your score at myfico.com.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Concord CA Homes For Sale.What is Considered “Good” Credit for a Mortgage?FICO Scores can range from a low of 300 to a high of 850. According to FICO, about 1.4 percent of Americans with credit scores have a perfect 850.Last summer, however, the company announced that the average score in the United States reached an all-time high of 704, up four points from 2017’s average.So, what’s the magic number you’ll need to buy a house in Concord CA?It depends on the type of loan you’ll be pursuing. FHA – 580 and above to qualify for the 3.5 percent down payment and 500 and above with a 10 percent down payment. Veterans Administration (VA) – The VA doesn’t loan money so it doesn’t mandate a minimum credit score. Most VA lenders want to see at least a 620 score, although some lenders may approve a borrower with a 580 score. Rural Development (USDA) – 640 and above. Conventional loans – 620 and above Since requirements change occasionally, use the above minimum scores as a general guideline and consult with a lender for current requirements.How Does a Low Score Impact the Homebuying Process?If you find your credit score on the borderline, just barely acceptable to a lender, you may run into the following problems along the road to homeownership.You’ll Pay More for Your House Payment Every MonthFirst, your credit score will determine the interest rate on your loan.Use FICO’s Loan Savings Calculator to determine how much money you can save by raising your credit score before applying for a loan.Home insurance rates are higher for those with poor creditIf you won’t be paying cash for the home in Concord CA, the lender will demand that the home be insured. And, if you’re credit is poor, you’ll pay more than homeowners with good credit pay.“People with poor credit pay at least twice as much as people with excellent credit in 37 states and Washington, D.C.,” according to Laura Adams, InsuranceQuotes’ senior analyst.Live in West Virginia? A poor credit score may doom you to paying more than twice the rate (208 percent).And, since insurance is one of the four components of your mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes and insurance), a higher premium will impact how much you pay for the home each month.Thinking of Buying A Concord CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.How Quickly Can I Raise My Credit Score?The first step to take when trying to raise your credit score quickly is to look for errors in your credit reports. You are entitled to a free copy of your reports every 12 months, from all three credit reporting bureaus.The Federal Trade Commission recommends that you order these reports from annualcreditreport.com, the only agency authorized by the U.S. government.Items to look for in your credit report include: Personal information – Ensure that your name, address and Social Security number are accurate. Check all listed account numbers for accuracy. Check that there are no accounts listed as closed which are actually open. Look for accounts that are incorrectly listed as delinquent. You will find more tips on what to look for in your credit report online, at consumerfinance.gov. If you find errors, dispute them according to the bureau’s instructions. These are listed on each credit report.In the meantime, don’t open any new credit accounts. Since the credit bureaus don’t know how you’ll use this credit, they consider you a higher credit risk with new credit and it may result in as much as a 10-point reduction in your score.Don’t close any credit card accounts, either. The lack of installment credit makes you appear riskier.Pay your bills on timeSince your payment history accounts for 35 percent of your credit score, late payments are brutal on your credit score. Start meeting those payment deadlines.Consider putting the accounts that you typically pay late on an automatic payment schedule with your bank.Don’t be shy about obtaining financial counselling. You’ll find a list of approved credit counseling agencies on the Department of Justice website.Or, consider meeting with a non-profit housing counselor in your area. You’ll find a list of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved counselors online at consumerfinance.gov.Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611

How to Budget Your Way to Buying a Home

Shonn Thompson, Experience and Results To Move You! (Thompson Realty Group) — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 22:11:00 -0700

Antioch CA – Buying a home isn’t as easy as walking up to a lender and requesting a mortgage. You’ll need cash for a down payment and the loan’s closing costs unless you’re applying for a VA or USDA loan.If you’ll be going after a conventional loan, you’ll typically (but not always) need 20 percent of the loan amount as the down payment in buying a home.Right now, the median sales price of a home in the U.S. is $240,000. Based on that price, you’ll need to come up with between $8,400 and $48,000 (depending on the loan program) just for the down payment.Then, there are closing costs to consider. These vary, but they are typically between 2 and 5 percent of the loan amount.Unless you have a stack of cash sitting around, you’ll need to start saving, and that takes careful planning. A well-thought-out budget is your road map to buying a home.Thinking of Buying An Antioch CA Home? Click Here For A Free Market Analysis of Your Home.The BudgetIt’s important to get your budget in writing, whether that means using a spreadsheet, paper, and pencil or personal finance software. Financial guru Dave Ramsey recommends the free budgeting software at everydollar.com or tries Microsoft Money Plus Sunset DeluxeThe most basic of budgets include your income and your outgo. Income should include all the money from all sources.Outgo includes not only your fixed expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments and installment loan payments but variable expenses (utilities, telephone, etc.) and every single penny you spend on a daily basis.Some spendings that are frequently overlooked by budgeters includes: Money is given to charity Dining out (yes, even that bagel and coffee you stop for each morning) Transportation expenses (fuel, insurance, tolls, and parking) Auto maintenance Pets (food, accessories, vet visits) Keep a small notebook on you while you’re away from home so that you can quickly jot down the small purchases we all make every day. These may include items such as coffee and bus fare.Need To Find Your Next Home? Click Here To See Antioch CA Homes For Sale.Give it a Trial RunTake the new budget for a spin for a month or two and see how it fits and adjust where necessary.Your budget will show you where you spend your money every week. More important, it will show you areas you can cut ― unnecessary spending that you can add to your house fund when buying a home instead.By the way, open an online savings account in which to stash your house fund and forego the debit card. Without a debit card, these accounts are a bit harder to access than a brick and mortar bank so you’ll be less tempted to raid the account.Choose a fee-free account such as those offered by: Ally Bank Barclays Discover Bank Today’s homebuyer has options when it comes to buying a home for the least amount of cash out-of-pocket. Go for one of the low-down-payment programs and ensure your real estate agent requests that the seller pays a closing cost credit.These two items alone will slash your cash out-lay tremendously and you’ll be buying a home sooner, rather than later.Get Your Real Estate Question Answered. Send Us an Email at Info@Thompson-RealtyGroup.com or Click Here to Contact Us and We Will Contact You For a Free Consultation. Or, If You Prefer, You Can Call Us at 925-754-1611