How much does my real estate agent need to know?

Real estate agents would say that the more you tell them, the better they can negotiate on your behalf. However, the degree of trust you have with an agent may depend upon their legal obligation.

Agents working for buyers have three possible choices: They can represent the buyer exclusively, called single agency, or represent the seller exclusively, called sub-agency, or represent both the buyer and seller in a dual-agency situation.

Some states require agents to disclose all possible agency relationships before they enter into a residential real estate transaction.

Here is a summary of the three basic types:

* In a traditional relationship, real estate agents and brokers have a fiduciary relationship to the seller. Be aware that the seller pays the commission of both brokers, not just the one who lists and shows the property, but also to the sub-broker, who brings the ready, willing and able buyer to the table.

* Dual agency exists if two agents working for the same broker represent the buyer and seller in a transaction. A potential conflict of interest is created if the listing agent has advance knowledge of another buyer's offer. Therefore, the law states that a dual agent shall not disclose to the buyer that the seller will accept less than the list price, or disclose to the seller that the buyer will pay more than the offer price, without express written permission.

* A buyer also can hire his or her own agent who will represent the buyer's interests exclusively. A buyer's agent usually must be paid out of the buyer's own pocket but the buyer can trust them with financial information, knowing it will not be transmitted to the other broker and ultimately to the seller.

Whether you’re a buyer or seller, for homes in San Jose get in touch with realtor Dale Warfel. He has years of real estate experience and specializes in homes in Almaden Valley and Willow Glen.

Hot property in Blossom Valley, San Jose – Dale Warfel

Take a look at this hot buy in San Jose, a move-in ready treat!

This Blossom Valley beauty , a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features a completely remodeled kitchen with maple cabinets, matching laminate flooring, gorgeous Swanstone countertops, and recessed lighting. Stay warm in the winter with a newer central heating system, and cool with an efficient central air conditioner.

The dining area features a stylishly recessed ceiling fan. Crown moldings accent the dining and living areas. Dual pane windows throughout help keep energy costs low, and the pellet stove insert in the living room fireplace will help keep the heater at rest on those cold winter nights.

The front and back yards have been beautifully landscaped, with a private front courtyard, and driveway, beautifully designed retaining wall and accent lighting.

Click on this link to get more details of the house:
http://dalewarfel.com/Nav.aspx/Page=%2fListNow%2fDefault.aspx%2fLNLID%3d2.

This home won't last long, so call Dale Warfel today to schedule a private tour! Call him at: 408-624-6202 or email him to: dale@dalewarfel.com

“I Will Sell Your Home in 39 Days or Less or I Will Sell it for Free”Restrictions apply. Call for details

Bay Area Realtor Dale Warfel

Realtor Dale Warfel specializes in properties and homes in San Jose, especially in the communities of Almaden Valley and Willow Glen. As a Silicon Valley native, having lived, worked, shown, listed, and sold homes in practically every corner of Santa Clara County, you can rest assured that Dale Warfel’s combination of area knowledge, technical background, and negotiation skills will benefit you, whether you are buying or selling your home.

For more information, please call 408-624-6202. Spaces are limited so please RSVP today at 408-694-9806 or by email to dale@dalewarfel.com

How Market Conditions Affect Your Offer Price

A hot market is a "seller’s market." During a seller’s market, properties can sell within a few days of being listed and there are often multiple offers. Sometimes homes even sell above the asking price. Though most buyers want to get a "deal" on a home, reducing your offer by even a few thousand dollars could mean that someone else will get the home you desire.

A slow market is a "buyer’s market. During a buyer’s market properties may languish on the market for some time and offers may be few and far between. Prices may even decline temporarily. Such a market would allow you to be more flexible in offering a lower price for the home. Even if your offered price is too low, the seller is likely to make some sort of counter-offer and you can begin negotiations in earnest.

More often than not, the market is simply "steady," or in transition. When a market is steady, no real rules apply on whether you should make an offer on the high end of your range or the low end. You could find yourself in a situation with multiple offers on your desired house, or where no one has made an offer in weeks.

Transition markets are more difficult to define. If the economy slows unexpectedly, as it did in the early nineties, people who buy on the high end of a seller’s market (like the late eighties) could find their home loses value for several years. So far, no one has proven reliable in predicting when markets change or how good or bad the real estate market will become.

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, for properties and homes in San Jose, especially in the communities of Almaden Valley and Willow Glen, do get in touch with realtor Dale Warfel.

“I Will Sell Your Home in 39 Days or Less or I Will Sell it for Free”Restrictions apply. Call for details.

Almaden Valley – Homes

Almaden Valley (often just called ‘Almaden’) is a neighborhood of about 37,000 in the south of San Jose, California, USA, roughly equivalent to the 95120 ZIP Code. The neighborhood is east of Cambrian Park, west of Santa Teresa, and south of Coleman Ave. It is named after the New Almaden Mines, which are themselves named after the mercury mine in Almadén, Spain.

Like its Spanish namesake, California’s Almaden had a number of quicksilver mines. They are closed now but despite their closure, there still remains a high mercury content in the nearby creeks and rivers. Even still, many of the names in Almaden still retain their mercury mine themes.

As part of the Silicon Valley, the main industry in the neighborhood is now high technology research and development; IBM’s Almaden Research Center is located here. The neighborhood is primarily upper-middle class, with homes owned by local professionals, scientists, and Silicon Valley executives. Almaden Valley’s key attraction is Almaden Quicksilver County Park, which contains remnants of a historic mercury mine. It also boasts of plenty of hiking and biking trails and a spectacular wildflower display during the springtime.

One of the most attractive residential areas of Silicon Valley, the South San Jose community of Almaden is distinguished by nice hillside views and is one of the most gorgeous landscapes in America. Almaden Valley Real Estate features more contemporary style homes in prestigious neighborhoods, along with top rated schools.

If you’re looking to buy or sell properties in this community, feel free to get in touch with Dale Warfel. Call him at: 408.624.6202 or Email him:dale@dalewarfel.com

“I Will Sell Your Home in 39 Days or Less or I Will Sell it for Free”Restrictions apply. Call for details.

Living in Willow Glen

Willow Glen is a neighborhood in San Jose, California. It is located southwest of Downtown San Jose, south of the Midtown and Rose Garden neighborhoods, east of the West Valley neighborhoods, and north of the Cambrian Park neighborhood and the city of Campbell, California. Once an incorporated city in its own right, Willow Glen is today the only part of San Jose that feels like a small town with its own main street--Lincoln Avenue--surrounded by tree-lined neighborhoods of architecturally distinctive single family homes, many of them Spanish-style homes built in the 1920s and 1930s.

Willow Glen is a district roughly 3 miles southwest of downtown San Jose. The traditional boundaries of Willow Glen are the Guadalupe River, Los Gatos Creek, and Coe and Curtner Avenues, though many adjacent areas are usually included today. "Downtown Willow Glen" is on Lincoln Avenue, generally between Coe and Minnesota Avenues.

Gentrification transformed Willow Glen in the 1990s, though it remains a diverse community with Latino, Italian, Asian, Jewish and gay influences contributing to the rich tapestry of a quiet, enjoyable and very livable Silicon Valley community.

Willow Glen Real Estate offers some of the most charming neighborhoods, with older homes, many of which are on larger lots, and a small town feeling, particularly near Lincoln Avenue. If you’re looking to buy or sell properties in this community, feel free to get in touch with Dale Warfel. Call him at: 408.624.6202 or Email him: dale@dalewarfel.com

Prepare your home for selling

Selling your home requires a mindset that is quite difficult for a long time home owner. The house, at the time of selling, becomes a mere product. If you have been living in your house for a long time, it is difficult to see it being commoditized. However, the secret of selling is in understanding the product. It has to be packaged and marketed well.

One of the first things that a prospective buyer looks at is the exterior of the house. So, you should make sure that you present the best possible exterior to your prospective buyer. Repair the fence by replacing the posts and slots if necessary. Paint it. Your yard needs to be at its best – mow, trim and fertilize the lawn. Clean the greasy spots in your garage and make sure your automatic doors work. Provide unobstructed view by clearing up parked cars in your driveway. Polish door handles and door knockers. Replace worn or broken items, such as an unsightly mailbox or rusty doorbell.

Be sure porch lights are working and add welcoming features such as a new door mat and flowering plants. Pay close attention to your exterior and look at it from the buyer’s perspective. You should get convinced yourself before convincing the other person.

When you take the buyer inside, your house should make him/her comfortable. Pay attention to the minor details and make every appliance work. Oil hinges to both doors and windows. Keep stairways tidy and secure handrails. Repair or replace bent or damaged screens and window glass. Cut back outdoor plants that restrict natural light. Keep windows clean and tidy with draperies firmly affixed and in proper working order. Repair or replace missing or damaged tile, hardwood, vinyl and baseboards. Steam-clean or shampoo carpets. Secure loose carpeting and replace damaged areas. Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, high-traffic areas or pets.

Keep living areas clean and inviting. Arrange furniture to allow a spacious atmosphere. Clear counters, drawers and cabinets of unnecessary items. Clean soap dishes, mirrors, faucets and appliances (inside and out).

You must also ensure that all your electrical and mechanical fixtures are working well. Plumbing, lighting, cooling/heating systems should be checked.Finally, when you show your home, bear in mind that it is a sale Act professional.