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Home Sales Update for Livermore Valley!

January 13, 2012 By John Kurtzer Leave a Comment

Are you thinking of buying or selling a home during 2012? You’re not alone! Consumer surveys show that more people are gearing up for a real estate transaction this year, especially home buyers. In fact, mortgage applications for home purchases are up by 8.1% in the last week alone. The Mortgage Bankers Association reports that national mortgage application volume is up by 41.9% from a year ago. That’s encouraging news!

Closer to home, there’s a lift in buyer activity in Alameda County. Per the latest statistics from the California Association of Realtors, we saw home prices increase an average of 1.50% from October 2011 to November 2011. We also experienced a reduction in home inventory on the market, which contributes to firmer prices. Overall, Alameda County posted the strongest month-to-month sales volume increase of any market in the San Francisco Bay area.

While that’s all good, we still have distressed properties to deal with, and home price gains are expected to be very gradual this year. No one can be exactly sure how many homes remain in the “shadow inventory” that banks will eventually release to the market. For this reason, some cities and neighborhoods could fare better than others in price recovery.

On the bright side, California as a whole benefits by strong investor activity, with a portion of it coming from foreign buyers. We’re a popular choice among Canadian purchasers, who seek warm-weather havens in California, Florida and Texas. The presence of these buyers, as well as local investors, should help contain the market impact of distressed properties.

2012 will be a busy year for Livermore Valley real estate! If you are buying or selling a Livermore Valley home, you’ll need professional expertise you can trust. Today’s market conditions are complex and they can change rapidly. As your professional Livermore Valley real estate agent, I have the local market experience you can rely on. I can help you buy or sell real estate in Livermore, Dublin or Pleasanton, so give me a call today!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
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Filed Under: Real Estate Tips Tagged With: Alameda County, Buying a Home in Livermore Valley, Dublin, John Kurtzer, John Kurtzer Real Estate, Livermore, Livermore Valley, Livermore Valley Market Update, Livermore Valley Real Estate Market, Pleasanton, selling your livermore valley home

Take a Trip in Time in Livermore Valley!

December 29, 2011 By John Kurtzer Leave a Comment

If the New Year has snuck up on you, join the club! We’re about to enter those empty weeks that come after the holidays and before the Super Bowl. After the rush and bustle of the holiday season, this time of year can be a bit of a letdown. Fortunately, there’s plenty to do in Livermore Valley! For example, why not welcome 2012 by taking a trip back in time?

The Blackhawk Museum in Danville has an unparalleled display of vintage automobiles. With an average of 90 cars presented and exhibits that are continually updated, there’s always plenty to see! But it’s the rarity of the autos that make the Blackhawk Museum stand out from the average car collection. Where else might you find a 1937 Figoni et Falaschi Delahaye?

Continue your trip in time by visiting the Firehouse Theater in Pleasanton for an Early Elvis Tribute Show. If you like the early classics recorded by the King, you’ll enjoy this performance by Jim Anderson and The Rebels. Tunes will include the 1954 -1966 Elvis era hits, like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” There is only one show date, Jan 7, so grab your tickets fast.

Revel in more memories at the Dublin Libray on Jan 19, with author Fred Setterberg. He will discuss his book “Lunch Bucket Paradise” and share his reflections on an East Bay childhood during the 1950′s and 60′s. This is a free program for adults. No reservations are required.

We can’t leave Livermore out of this trip down Memory Lane! The Tri-Valley Repertory presents “Annie” at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore, starting on Jan 21. “Annie” takes the depression out of the Depression Era with this heartwarming, musical tale of an orphan who finds herself in elite company. Weekend performances continue through February 5.

Livermore Valley always has something to do! As your Livermore Valley real estate professional, I’m proud to call this area home, and I’m happy to share information about Livermore Valley events. When you’re buying or selling a home in Livermore, Pleasanton or Dublin, I’ll be ready to help you! Always feel welcome to contact me with your real estate questions.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year,

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
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Filed Under: Real Estate Tips Tagged With: Dublin, John Kurtzer, John Kurtzer Real Estate, Livermore, Livermore Valley, Livermore Valley Events, Pleasanton

Home Loan Tips for Livermore Valley!

December 15, 2011 By John Kurtzer Leave a Comment

Will you start the new year with a new Livermore Valley home? If you’re thinking of becoming a homeowner during 2012, there’s good news: the Federal Housing Administration could help you. FHA-backed mortgages in California are alive and well, thanks to a reinstatement of higher loan limits effective last month.

There’s a common misconception that FHA loans are only available for first-time homebuyers, or that income limits apply. Not true! However, there’s a limit on the mortgage amount itself. Now through 2013, that limit is as high as $729,750 for some areas of Alameda County, for a single-family residence.

Why go with a FHA-backed mortgage? For openers, your down payment requirements are lower. Your down payment could be as low as 3.5%! FHA also allows you to have down payment assistance from your family or employer.

With FHA loans, you will have a monthly mortgage insurance premium added to your payment. The mortgage insurance protects the lender in case you default on the loan. Basically, the government isn’t loaning you the money directly; but they are promising to repay the lender if you don’t. They collect a monthly insurance premium from you to fund an insurance pool for that purpose. In turn, this gives the lender additional security on the debt, which helps keep credit available for home buying.

FHA loans are also more forgiving concerning credit scores. You should always keep your credit history in the best possible shape, but with FHA, a past blemish won’t sink your chances of a mortgage.

To find out more about FHA-backed mortgages, you can visit the FHA questions and answers page on HUD.gov. You should also talk to local mortgage lenders. They will know the guidelines that apply to you and the local area. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an important step in becoming a Livermore Valley homeowner!

As your Livermore Valley real estate professional, I study our local markets and keep on top of the real estate news. When you’re buying or selling a home in Livermore, Pleasanton or Dublin, I’ll be ready to help you! Always feel welcome to contact me with your real estate questions.

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website