Castro Valley

5 Ways to Save on Moving Costs

December 12, 2013 in Tips - Leave a Comment
5 Ways to Save on Moving Costs

There is no reason for you to overpay when it comes to making your next move. Here are some tips that may keep moving costs down.

  1. Lighten your load. Moving companies frequently charge by the weight of your cargo and the number of trucks required. Eliminate anything you rarely use. Measure your furniture and determine if your new space will accommodate the items BEFORE moving. You’d be surprised how much you can make with a yard sale or the value of a tax deduction for donated items.
  2. It never hurts to ask. If you are moving due to business, ask your employer if they cover any of the costs. Often businesses offer employees an incentive to move, such as a lump sum to put towards moving costs.
  3. Uncle Sam can help. Save all moving expense receipts. The government may offer tax breaks if your move fits certain criteria.
  4. Hire the right movers. Shop around before hiring a moving company. Get at least three different bids on your job to compare prices. Companies typically charge more on the weekends and in the summer months, so if possible, be flexible with your dates.
  5. Don’t pay for supplies. When it comes to buying boxes and bubble wrap, it adds up. Visit local liquor stores, bookstores and grocery stores and ask for any unused boxes and containers. Instead of Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap, which are harmful to the environment, use bath and dish towels to pad your items instead.

This information is courtesy of Century 21 life@home newsletter.

Castro Valley: What has your home done for you lately?

July 17, 2013 in Real Estate News, Uncategorized - 2 Comments
Castro Valley: What has your home done for you lately?

Looking at recent sales data, it is clear that home values in Castro Valley are on the rise for the first time in years.  The median sale price during the second quarter of this year was $593,423, an increase of over 11% from the median price of $534, 900 just 3 months earlier. If we look at the last 12 months, the median sale price is up 27%. While gains like these are outstanding, they are even more impressive when you consider that most of the gain may be tax free if you lived in that home as your main residence for 2 of the last 5 years!

Even if you are not considering a move right now, knowing your home’s current value is still important. If you’re like most people, the home you live in is the largest asset you have. The fact that it is also the place where you and your family spend most of your time makes it even more important to know its worth. There are several reasons why you should keep up-to-date on your home’s value:

  • Refinance: Reduce your monthly expenses by refinancing your loan.
  • HELOC: Use a Home Equity Line of Credit to finance desired upgrades.
  • Peace of mind: Know exactly where you stand financially.

A proper valuation arms you with information on your home and your financial position. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

*Home prices based on information from Bay East Association of Realtors

Neighborhood Sales Report – April – June 2013

July 12, 2013 in Neighborhood Reports - Leave a Comment

Castro Valley home values have increased by 27% over the last 12 months.

So, how much is your home worth? When determining your home’s value, websites like Zillow and Trulia are a good place to start, but do not take into account the things that make your home special.

  • Have you made upgrades that increase your home’s value?
  • How close is your home to neighborhood amenities?
  • What unique features make your home standout?
  • How does the size, topography and landscaping compare to other homes?

You need a professional realtor to help you determine your home’s value. We will give you a free, professional valuation for your home. There will be no high-pressure sales tactics, no hidden commitments.

Matrix of recent home sales.

Interesting Fact: How QE affects you as a homeowner.

Ever wonder how you are directly affected by decisions made in Washington? The fact is, the implementation of QE has helped the Real Estate market stabilize and recover. The acronym QE is short for Quantitative Easing and is the name used to describe the action taken by The Federal Reserve to buy Mortgage Backed Securities and Federal Bonds. The net effect has been a significant drop in interest rates. The fall in interest rates means more buyers are qualifying to purchase homes and home prices are rising as a result. If you have been considering selling your home given the current market conditions and the significant lack of inventory now is the best time to explore your options.

Feel free to contact us with any questions.