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
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

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
Visit My Website

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

There are many ways to enjoy the holiday spirit in Livermore Valley! You’ll want to make a list – and check it twice – of all the events going on in December! Here’s a few favorites:

Dec 3 – Downtown Livermore Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade, 6:00 p.m.

Dec 3 – Pleasanton Hometown Holidays Celebration & Parade, beginning 3:30 p.m. with parade at 5:00 p.m.

Dec 3 – Dublin Holiday Winter Market, 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Dec 3 & 4 – Holidays in the Vineyards, noon to 5:00 p.m.  Wine tasting, arts & crafts and more.

Dec 10 – Breakfast with Santa, Robert Livermore Community Center, 9:00 a.m.

Dec 10 & 11, 16, 17, 18 – The Nutcracker, performed at the Bankhead Theater, downtown Livermore

Dec 11 – Ravenswood Victorian Yuletide, Livermore, noon to 4:00 p.m. Old-fashioned holiday fun.

Dec 11 – Bay Bells Winter Concert, Dublin Senior Center, 3:00 p.m.

All Dec - Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights, boarding at Sunol and Fremont. Various dates and times.

There’s more going on than what I can list, but you’ve got the idea! Planning a special outing in Livermore Valley with friends, family, and business associates is a great way to celebrate the season and make lasting memories. And by doing some local shopping and dining, you’ll be supporting local entrepreneurs who add to the character of our communities.

I’m always happy to share information about the events that contribute to our Livermore Valley lifestyle. I’m proud to call this area home! And if you are asking Santa for a new home in Livermore, Pleasanton or Dublin, I can help you with your wish! As your  Livermore Valley real estate professional, I have all the latest market information. I’ll be ready to help you, so contact me today!

Wishing you all the best this holiday season,

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

It’s true that the number of distressed properties on the market affect home values. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to sell your home – or to get a good price for it. Each home for sale in Livermore Valley has competition, but understanding the local market and having a sales strategy makes the difference.

If you’re thinking of selling your Livermore Valley home, start by considering your motive and sense of urgency. For example, if you have a financial hardship, and your home value is less than your mortgage, try a short sale. The first step would be to contact your lender for the requirements. The next would be to obtain a free market analysis of your home.

Short sales require patience. Sellers need to comply with all bank requirements for income and asset documentation. Buyers need to prove themselves qualified and make an offer within fair market value. Lowball offers cause rejection by the bank and a re-start of the process. If the bank needs approval from a third-party investor, which is often the case, this phase can take several weeks by itself.  Short sales work best when all parties understand the timeline, and agree to abide by the bank’s rules. 

If you are a traditional home seller, you will have competition from short sales, foreclosures, and bank-owned properties. How this affects your pricing depends on the number of such properties in your area, and on your own sense of urgency. The good news is, not all buyers are interested in distressed properties!  Some homes will appeal strongly to bargain-hunters; others to first-time buyers, others to move-up buyers, or relocating executives. Knowing how to market to the right audience is critical; this is why working with an experienced real estate professional is so important.

Keeping your property in the best possible condition – at all times – will help you when it’s time to sell. Don’t let routine maintenance slide, or small projects go unfinished!  It can become daunting down the road when you suddenly find yourself with a honey-do list a mile long. And if repairs are left undone, buyers will discount the purchase offer accordingly.

As your Livermore Valley real estate professional, I study our local markets and keep on top of the latest sales trends. 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

California produces an abundance of groceries. We lead the nation in commodity production, with over 400 varieties of foods, and farm cash receipts of over 37.5 billion dollars! Our agricultural diversity is the envy of the world.

Yet there are people right here in Livermore Valley who struggle to provide enough food for their families. Grocery costs have gone up while packaging has shrunk. The tough economy has driven more people to food pantries and meal services than ever before. In fact, the Alameda County Community Food Bank helps 49,000 people each week!

Meanwhile, the Open Heart Kitchen provides fresh, hot meals to 4,500 people each week. They serve meals at locations in Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton. They also provide weekend box lunches to needy school children, who would otherwise go hungry when no school lunch is available. 

Basic Necessities provides winter food baskets during the holiday season to low-income families. They work in tandem with the Community Association for Preschool Children in Livermore. 

Each of these organizations could use a little extra help this year, in the form of donations and volunteers. These are local charities who make a direct impact on the quality of life in Livermore Valley. And if you ever need to verify the accountability of a charitable organization, visit CharityNavigator.org. 

As a resident of Livermore Valley, I’m always gratified by the ways people help each other in our communities. I’ve often talked about our vineyards, our climate, our downtowns, and the unique features that make living here so attractive. Yet it’s the people who make a place special, and the wonderful volunteers we have in this area are a great example. We also have generous donors who support a wide variety of causes. Together, those contributions make Livermore Valley a better place for everyone.

As your Livermore Valley real estate professional, I’m proud to be a part of this area and I always welcome your real estate questions. When you’re buying or selling a home in Livermore, Pleasanton or Dublin, my experience will make the difference! Always feel welcome to contact me for personal assistance.

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

September home sales  in California were lower than August by 6.2%, marking the beginning of a seasonal slowdown.  Statewide, 35,404 units were sold in September as compared to 37,734 in August. 

Looking back a year ago, September 2010  home sales totaled only 33,176.  On the whole, California home sales improved in volume on a year-to-year basis, with a gain of 6.7%. 

Despite the increased sales activity, home prices remain softer than what we saw a year ago. This is due to the continued presence of short sales and foreclosures in the market. 

Throughout California, distressed properties accounted for nearly half of all September 2011 home sales activity.  The discounted prices of these properties continue to attract investors.  But these discounts also affect the market values of area homes. 

Half the battle of clearing  foreclosures and short sales, is preventing more homes from becoming distressed properties.  In many cities where high unemployment is a factor, it’s difficult to stop new dominoes from falling.  

This is what separates Livermore Valley from much of California and the rest of the country, and gives our home sales outlook more optimism.  Unemployment levels in Livermore are at 7%.  While this isn’t great news by itself, it’s better than Oakland’s 16% and also beats the national average of about 9%. Meanwhile, Dublin has unemployment of 6.5%, and Pleasanton shows a jobless rate of 5.4%.    

Stronger employment figures means fewer mortgage defaults, and in turn, fewer distressed properties, which eventually lead us to improved home values.

Livermore Valley’s diverse economy, scenic vineyards and pleasant climate continues to attract new residents to our area. I pay close attention to local market data in order to give my clients the best information possible. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Livermore, Pleasanton or Dublin, get the expertise of a Livermore Valley real estate professional.  I can help you with all of your real estate needs, so contact me today!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

Joan’s Farm offers hayrides, pumpkins, gifts, an antique museum and more. Enjoy a slower pace and relax.  Admission is my favorite price – free! 

Next, lose yourself in the six-acre corn maze at  G&M Farms.  This nationally famous maze changes each year and will challenge your sense of direction! Kids will also enjoy the farm animals and weekend pony rides. Admission fees apply, but children 5 years of age and younger are admitted free.

If you have young children who enjoy screaming, take the little monsters to the Costume and Scream Contest at the Livermore Downtown Halloween Carnival on October 29! With fun designed for 5th graders and younger, kids will enjoy games, activities and entertainment designed just for them.  $5.00 admission applies.

Ready to spook yourself? Visit some famous haunts in Pleasanton during the 2011 Ghost Walk!  The two-hour guided tour takes you through several downtown structures that are known for their unexplainable spectral activity. These tours attract ghost hunters from all over, so be sure to get your tickets early! Tickets are $18 for adults, $13 for children 12 and younger.

If you prefer your spirits in a bottle, don’t miss Pleasanton’s Beer Crawl on October 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.! Described as a “trick or treat for adults”, the event features local craft brews paired with delicious foods. Come in costume, or come as you are and enjoy an enchanted evening downtown. Advance tickets are $25 each and a maximum of 500 tickets will be sold.

Whether you prefer the tranquility of a day in the country, or the spirited fun of a night in town, 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.

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

Numbers also moved in the right direction for the August 2011 inventory index, showing a slight reduction in the number of properties on the market, dropping to 4.3 from the previous 4.4 in July.  In tune with this trend, the Days on Market for August 2011 dropped to 73.3 from the July average of 73.8.

More facts about Livermore home sales are in the Market Statistics section of my website. 

How are we shaping up against the national picture? Realtor.com’s August 2011 data shows national home sales up by 7.7% from July 2011. When comparing August market data from a year ago, the nationally averaged sales increase is an eye-opening 18.6%.  The perspective to keep in mind here is that the nationally averaged median sales price is $168,300. 

Shrinking inventories and reduced days on market are always welcome trends and generally point to rising home values.  Other positives include a gradual climb in sales activity and market value of luxury homes, particularly in regional hot spots such as Silicon Valley. We’re seeing regional markets lifted by a mix of cash buyers, foreign investors, and first-time homebuyers seeking relief from increasing rent.

Certainly, concerns about the broader economy remain. Also, the presence of foreclosures and distressed properties continue to affect prices. Each local market has unique considerations that factor into home value, which is why having an experienced real estate professional on your side is so very important.

Are you thinking of buying or selling a home in Livermore, Dublin, or Pleasanton? As your Livermore Valley real estate professional, I provide market information and home sales statistics  as a service to you. When you need help with real estate, I will take the time to listen to your needs and explain how today’s changing market will work for you.

If you have questions about Livermore Valley’s real estate market, trust a professional who will work in your best interests. Contact me today and I’ll be happy to help you!

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website

The Harvest Festival is the West Coast’s largest arts & crafts show, featuring over 200 artisans.  Here you’ll find handmade jewelry, clothing, art work, wood crafts, custom accessories, holiday decor, and one-of-a-kind novelties.  It’s fun to browse, easy to shop, and it might just spur creative ideas for decorating your home. 

There will be live music daily by the energetic Bad Catz and the toe-tapping Fargo Brothers.  You’ll also find crafty family fun in the Kidzone, where parents and children can combine talents on creative projects. 

The admission prices are also family friendly, at $9.00 for adult, $7.00 for children 13 and over, and free for children 12 and younger when accompanied by an adult.  You can shave two bucks off the admission price by bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to the Alameda County Community Food Bank. 

Speaking of food…of course there will be wonderful food at the Harvest Festival! If you didn’t get your fill of festival food yet this summer, it’s not too late to enjoy your favorites! You’ll also find gourmet foods and tasty goodies available for purchase among the wide array of exhibitors. 

Events like the Harvest Festival are one of the reasons people love living in Livermore Valley. As your Livermore Valley real estate professional, I’m proud to live in this area, 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.

John Kurtzer
Your Livermore Real Estate Expert
RE/MAX Accord

Livermore Real Estate
View Livermore Listings
Visit My Website