Real Estate negotitions and current market conditions by Steve Eveleth 5...

so what does an "as-is" sale really mean? By Steve Eveleth 925-487-2246

blog and link to video, enjoy
http://www.580homesales.com/Web/AR470747/CustomContent/index/5447175

Livermore California luxury home prices on the rise along with entry level by Steve Eveleth 925-487-2246

When you look at cost per sq ft, amenities the Livermore luxury homes have to offer, one may be surprised at the new high of Livermore California luxury homes. Its been said that luxury homes are the first to come down and the last to go up in price in a shifting market. At this current time we are not seeing that be the case which continues to be a sign the Livermore luxury home market continues to thrive. This past weekend I was out with buyers shopping in the $1,250,000 range. There were only 5 properties to look at. Just like the entry level market, the higher end market lacks inventory as well. Eager buyers paying over asking, short offer cutoff dates, quick pending signs up and multiple offers are the name of the game when a turnkey luxury Livermore home is priced right. 10 years ago, Livermore California was looked at by many as “way out there in Livermore” and always lagged behind the most desirable areas like Pleasanton, San Ramon, Danville ect…..not so much the case now! The best bang for your buck for a luxury has many eyeing Livermore as “the hot spot” of the Bay Area. My hunch tells me in 2-3 years Livermore will be just as desirable in the luxury homes areas as any other in the Bay Area. If your comparing apples to apples, it’s clear to see the Livermore California housing market is an opportunity that shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re in the market to purchase a luxury home in a great area and wonderful town. Take a look for yourself and compare luxury home prices and amenities below.

Livermore luxury homes

http://www.580homesales.com/web/AR470747/ListingSearch/load_saved_search/?ss_id=5255498&nav_page_id=6514799

Blackhawk luxury homes

http://www.580homesales.com/web/AR470747/ListingSearch/load_saved_search/?ss_id=5255526&nav_page_id=6514814

The reality of a Real Estate agents commissions by Steve Eveleth 4/14/2014

                          The Reality of a Real Estate agents commissions breakdown

Often times buyers and sellers are under the Grand illusion Real Estate agents are  overpaid. Before that perception is validated let’s take a look at the reality and details. Each brokerage is independently owned. A Real Estate agent either works for a broker or works as a broker for themselves. An agent that works for a broker is considered an “independent contractor” for the broker. An agent that works for a broker receives a “percentage” of the commission. There are several different ways an agent and broker may have the commission split between them set up. Typically, on average, the splits are something like broker 20%, the agent 80%. There are also the following agents fees associated with each transaction that typically include the following:

Brokerage transaction fee (range anywhere from $250 to $750)

Company royalty fee (typically a few percent until a cap is reached)

E & O insurance (typically about $1,500 per year)

Transaction coordinator fee (typically about $300 to $500)

MLS fees Realtor association fees (about $1,200 per year)

 Aside from the above costs per transaction, each agent is also 100% responsible for their marketing costs that may include printing, business cards, website, virtual tour videos, flyers, mailers and various other types of marketing. When a Realtor markets your home they are 100% responsible for other costs as well like signs, sign posts,  open houses, brokers tours   (which include food that could range from some simple cookies and drinks to an elaborate catered events or BBQs)

Now that some of the hard costs are mentioned above let’s talk about the agents time. Marketing your home or mapping out and checking availability if you’re  a buyer setting up properties to show, entering into MLS, taking pictures, videos, meeting potential buyers, sellers, other agents at the property, staging, interviewing, preparing comps, ordering materials, open houses and brokers tours , gas to and from the property, the list goes on. And we haven’t even got to being in contract yet which opens up intense negotiations, property inspections, title & escrow and getting the buyer or seller to a smooth close and keep everyone happy during the process.

It’s safe to say a good agent can have anywhere from 40 to 100 hrs into a transaction plus the hard costs mentioned above AND WAIT we forgot about Uncle Sam, taxes, health insurance for ourselves and family’s yes that’s right we pay all that stuff to! A Real Estate agents paycheck can be looked at like a contractor’s paycheck owning their own business; it’s not always cracked up to be what it looks like at the end of the day.  It’s also typical at the end of the day for an agent to net about 20% to 30% on the back end when it’s all said and done at the end of the day.

Sure you can find a  “discount brokerage” and can always find an agent out there willing to “do it for a little less” but consider the saying “you get what you pay for” and keep into consideration when an agent is willing to work for a discount, that discount will be made up somewhere in the transition and when it comes to navigating what is for most, their biggest financial transaction of their life, are you willing to settle for the Wal-Mart of Real Estate?

North side Livermore a great place to invest by Steve Eveleth 925-487-2246

457 N O new Livermore listing on a 7500 sq ft lot. Fixer. T4N Zoning. Multiple units possible or add on in law. This is a good one for a build or fix and flip. Not much around Livermore for $350k. The north side of Livermore is a GREAT place to invest or purchase and live. As Livermore keeps getting more and more desirable, what use to be a questionable area to some is becoming a smart opportunity for others. North side Livermore is def on its way up with folks moving in and rehabbing, upgrading properties like crazy. In a few years just watch how desirable it becomes:) http://maxebrdi.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=29f3f855-5384-4b05-be78-f3aacf540812&Report=Yes

Yelps #1 most reviewed Livermore agent   http://www.yelp.com/biz/steve-eveleth-livermore-4

Zillow past sales and client reviews http://www.zillow.com/profile/Steve-Eveleth/Reviews/

Trulia blog and client reviews   http://www.trulia.com/myprofile/

Steve Eveleth YouTube channel  http://www.youtube.com/user/seveleth

Excellent home search platform http://www.580homesales.com/

Very few Livermore Ca home buyers on the fence when it comes to a home purchase by Steve Eveleth 925-487-2246

Very few buyers are on the fence when it comes to pouncing on a Livermore California home purchase. With an ever so quickly increasing population there are simply not enough homes to meet Livermore home buyers needs. This is especially true in the first time buyer entry level market of Livermore homes priced between $400 & $600k. At the end of the day there are two choices to make when looking for a place to live and that is do we "rent or buy" that's it! There are no other options. What often comes into play in decision making for Livermore home buyers is not necessarily "timing the market”, it’s all about can we qualify for a loan, afford the payment and is the opportunity there for a home that suits our needs, let’s go for it! With low rates, tax benefits, long term equity and pride of homeownership are just a few of the reasons I promote jumping in the market and buying a home in Livermore California whenever you have the opportunity. In my opinion you can't go wrong with a Livermore home purchase if you’re in it for the long run. Most know a home purchase is the best investment on will make in their lifetime. For most, as soon as they are able to buy they pull the trigger and make the plunge and don’t regret it in the long run!  If you’re on the fence about when the "perfect time" to buy is, if not now, when?

Steve Eveleth 925-487-2246  steveeveleth@gmail.com

Yelps #1 most reviewed Livermore agent   http://www.yelp.com/biz/steve-eveleth-livermore-4

Zillow past sales and client reviews http://www.zillow.com/profile/Steve-Eveleth/Reviews/

Trulia blog and client reviews   http://www.trulia.com/myprofile/

Steve Eveleth YouTube channel  http://www.youtube.com/user/seveleth

Excellent home search platform http://www.580homesales.com/

Livermore Ca first time buyer home purchase quick link app

There are several options for first time buyers in Livermore California. The City of Livermore has funds available to help first time buyers with down payment and closing costs to those who qualify. There are also BMR (below market rate) homes in Livermore that can be purchased for less than market value. There are certain resale restrictions and equity limitations. Although many Livermore Ca first time buyers consider this opportunity, at the end of the day, end up taking traditional financing like FHA or conventional if they have the option. Here is a short quick link first time buyer application if your interested in seeing what you qualify for to buy a Livermore California home. The first step to buying a home is being pre-approved so you know how much you qualify for, what your monthly payment will be and what price range you and your Livermore Real Estate agent Steve Eveleth will be shopping in to find you the right home.
quick link  http://www.580homesales.com/Web/AR470747/CustomContent/index/5468469

Check Yelp reviews before hiring a local Real Estate professional

When you comes to buying or selling homes in Livermore California you can count on Steve Eveleth for exceptional above and beyond service. Buyers and sellers in the Livermore housing market are doing extensive due diligence before they hire a Livermore Realtor to represent them on a home purchase or sell their home. One of the biggest "go to" review sites to check agent’s portfolio of online reviews is Yelp! Yelp you got it! Any agent that is providing excellent, consistent service more than likely has a Yelp account so always check Yelp first when it comes to hiring a Livermore Real Estate professional in your area to get the job done. Another point to consider is when an agent prides themselves on their Yelp account they may just go above and beyond keeping in mind a good or bad Yelp review can have an impact on their business!  Although there's mixed controversy on how yelp works one thing is true about yelp it can't be monopolized or rigged. What this means to the consumer is real client feedback and transparency. When choosing a professional Livermore real estate agent to handle what is for most, one of the largest financial transactions of their life do your homework and check yelp before you hire a Livermore real estate professional!

Steve Eveleth 925-487-2246  steveeveleth@gmail.com

Yelps #1 most reviewed Livermore agent   http://www.yelp.com/biz/steve-eveleth-livermore-4

Zillow past sales and client reviews http://www.zillow.com/profile/Steve-Eveleth/Reviews/

Trulia blog and client reviews   http://www.trulia.com/myprofile/

Steve Eveleth YouTube channel  http://www.youtube.com/user/seveleth

Excellent home search platform http://www.580homesales.com/