Finding a top-notch realtor

When selling a home, the right real estate professional is absolutely essential. When selecting one, a homeowner should do a little research. A prospective agent should be able to tell the homeowner of his/her marketing strategy and the advertising towards a sale. This helps a homeowner decide whether the real estate agent is capable and able to communicate effectively and convincingly. The homeowner must judge dispassionately if the realtor will present and sell the less obvious assets of a property.

Real estate professionals must necessarily be conversant with the community, know the history of the area and the relevant features and advantages. He or she must be in a position to highlight the advantages in a persuasive and convincing manner. The agent must be able to assess the expected price with a reasonable degree of accuracy and what equivalent properties are asking or have been sold for.

Dale Warfel, Bay Area Real Estate Consultant

Dale Warfel has been working as a full time real estate consultant in the Silicon Valley since 2004.  In 2013, Dale's average sale price was more than 6.5% higher than the listed price, and sold homes in an average of 12 days.  Dale's past clients speech very highly of his services.  In fact, Dale is the top rated on Yelp! in San Jose, with 32 reviews written as of the time of this posting.

Here is the link to Dale's Yelp! page: http://www.yelp.com/biz/dale-warfel-keller-williams-realty-san-jose-2

Before making a decision on who you want representing you while either buying or selling your home, it makes sense to see how Dale and his team can work to get you the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time.

Homebuyer Tax Credits

In March of 2009, President Obama signed a law adding a new tax credit for certain repeat homebuyers of up to $6,500. Together with the existing first-time homebuyer’s tax credit of $8,000; the stimulus package of $11 billion was intended to boost housing sales. Credits were available to taxpayers who used the home as a principal residence for the following three consecutive years. To avail of these tax credits, the buyer is required to have the contract completed before May 1, 2010 and to close the transaction before July 1, 2010. One of the criteria for repeat home buyers is that he/she should have lived in one residence consecutively for five years of the preceding eight. The new law incorporated anti-abuse measures intended to stem fraud that had become endemic with the existing homebuyer tax credit. The definition of principal residence included a co-op apartment, condominium, attached or semi-attached townhouse; even a boat, motor home or trailer, provided it had eating, sleeping and toilet conveniences.

Dale Warfel knows Federal and State tax credits

Many homebuyers have bought homes in San Jose neighborhoods through the services of Dale Warfel a real estate agent who has worked the area for the last 13 years. Dale Warfel is both Real Estate Consultant and a Certified Short Sale Professional who specializes in the California Bay Area from where he hails. He also deals in foreclosed properties some of which are listed on his website www.dalewarfel.com. Dale Warfel is familiar with federal and state tax credits available to first-time or repeat homebuyers.

Living Green

The US Green Building Council and other bodies are actively promoting the concept of green building. This concept has filtered down to existing homes and many homeowners are remodeling their homes to make them green compliant. Most people believe that living green is all about saving natural resources and cutting carbon emissions to avoid global warming. Living green is that and much more. Remodeling a home for green living makes it more energy efficient, which translates into reduced fuel and other operating costs. For example, a green home would exploit sunlight for illumination so saving on electricity consumption. It would also be remodeled in a manner to utilize free wind and shade so reducing air conditioning costs. The same applies to water usage, which is minimized. Most of all, a green home provides healthier living. Remodeling a home to make it green compliant adds to its value and increases the resale price, a hidden benefit.

Buy green in the Bay Area

If you are looking for a home in San Jose or the surrounding neighborhoods, then moving into a green home would be an excellent idea. Apart from reduced operating costs, it displays a social awareness and social responsibility. Dale Warfel is a Saratoga resident who knows Bay Area real estate intimately. He is a realtor who takes pride in finding just the right property to meet his client’s preferences. If it is a green home you are looking for, Dale Warfel will find it for you. To contact him, please call 408.624.6202. A visit to his website www.dalewarfel.com tells you more listings in San Jose neighborhoods.

Tax Benefits of Home Ownership

Purchasing a home is the most important and probably the largest purchase for most families. Home buying decisions are influenced by different factors. One of them is the available tax benefits which help offset part of the cost of investment. Homeowners are entitled to three major tax benefits which, taken together, substantially reduces the cost of homeownership. These are:
Mortgage interest which is deductible

Real estate taxes which are deductible

Capital gains tax which is excluded for principal residences

From these estimates it clearly evolves that the deduction of mortgage interest is usually the single largest benefit to most homebuyers. Tax code provisions allow homeowners a reduction of taxable income by the total amount of mortgage interest paid annually on the first and second home up to $ 1 million in total home mortgage debt. Taxpayers may also deduct the interest allocable on home equity loans up to a ceiling of $100,000. These are some of the major tax benefits of home ownership.

Homes in the Bay Area

Prospective home buyers interested in a home in San Jose or the surrounding communities are advised to contact Dale Warfel at 408.624.6202. This realtor has been buying and selling Bay Area real estate since 1997. In addition, he is conversant with the entire slew of tax benefits that are available to a home buyer. Dale Warfel is native to Saratoga and specializes in properties in Santa Clara County. His website http://www.dalewarfel.com/ has a fund of guides for prospective home buyers.

HUD Grants for Green Housing Retrofit

In an effort to promote green living, the Department of Housing and Urban Development grants loan for eligible property owners to upgrade their properties. The loans are intended for green, energy-efficient retrofit investments in their property; ensuring the maintenance and preservation of the property and the sustained operation and maintenance of energy efficient technologies. The size of each grant and loan will be determined by a physical and financial analysis of each property. Participating owners will be eligible for certain incentives. The terms of the loans or grants will be subject to continued affordability agreements.

A Boon to Homeowners

This grant or loan to promote green living will benefit many existing homeowners and prospective buyers interested in a first-time home purchase in a Bay Area property. The advantages of green living are well established. Not only does it save operating costs through energy savings but also preserves scarce natural resources and offers more healthy living. Retrofitting a property to make it green compliant is a demonstration of social responsibility in protecting and preserving the environment.

Dale Warfel is an experienced Bay Area real estate agent who has been working the area for 13 years. He keeps abreast of all properties in San Jose and the surrounding neighborhoods and has a sixth sense of knowing a particular buyer’s requirement. He can be contacted at 408.624.6202. His website www.dalewarfel.com has substantial data for prospective homebuyers.

Troubled Times for Real Estate

Mortgage defaults have reached a 20 year high. The fallout is a transfer of ownership of real estate assets. Borrowers and owners have now had to relinquish title deeds in favor of lenders and investors. Real estate capital providers are mystified, frantically searching for a painless exit strategy from real estate investments that have turned sour. The problem has worsened since lenders possess property ownership expertise. Many are seeking to outsource the function of real estate management to real estate professionals. This opens a Pandora’s Box for experienced real estate professionals to offer their expertise on management of REO properties.

A Dedicated Bay Area Realtor

Despite the vagaries of the real estate market and the new opportunities that have opened, Dale Warfel, an experienced real estate professional, has confined his activities to buying and selling properties in San Jose neighborhoods. He has been in the business for over 13 years now and has witnessed a property boom in 2006 and the present low. He offers his substantial expertise to prospective home buyers, not merely in finding a suitable home but also in seeking an affordable mortgage. Dale Warfel is fully conversant with prevailing California real estate laws. With his experience he is able to correctly assess a fair value of a property in a particular neighborhood, given the depressed economic environment.

Mortgage Norms

Though housing prices have fallen, in most places they prevail alarmingly high when compared with rents and incomes. A bank norm for a safe mortgage is a maximum of 3 times the annual income of a buyer with a down payment of 20%. According to landlords, a safe mortgage runs to a maximum of 15 times the income from annual rent. However these norms are being grossly violated on the coasts. With a 3% down payment, buyers are borrowing as much as 6 times their annual income. Even with declining prices, sellers are quoting as much as 30 times the annual rent.

Dale Warfel’s Bay Area Expertise

Dale Warfel is a realtor who buys and sells housing properties in the Bay Area. He is an experienced real estate agent who guides a buyer or seller as to a fair price for a property given the uncertain times and the neighborhood. He can also advise a buyer on a safe and affordable mortgage. San Jose real estate can be confusing to the unfamiliar, since there are so many neighborhoods. Dale Warfel’s website www.dalewarfel.com contains comprehensive data on homes in San Jose communities. It offers a homeowner an expert assessment of the value of his property and a buyer can search San Jose MLS – and all this for free. Dale Warfel can be contacted at 408.624.6202.

The Housing Market in 2010

The collapse of the housing market is what triggered the current economic meltdown. Housing determines consumer confidence and bank behavior. Lack of consumer confidence reflects in a falling housing market, as the United States has been witness to. The present financial crisis is unlikely to improve till the housing market demonstrates a recovery. Where are housing prices headed, in this New Year? That is a question no one has an answer to. Broad economic indicators like price to rent and price to income ratios along with prevailing housing inventory all point to housing being far better placed than last year. But housing is still far from cheap. Worse, the foreclosure plan and first time homebuyer’s credit are due to expire during the current year. When that happens, there is every possibility of a negative impact on prices. It would hence be fair to assume that housing prices have not seen the bottom.

San Jose Housing

Despite the ups and downs of the economy, Dale Warfel, a real estate agent of many years standing has been buying and selling homes in San Jose and other surrounding neighborhoods. Dale Warfel knows the area intimately having worked in it for the last 13 years. He has established a reputation for reliability and integrity, which remains unshaken despite the vagaries of the uncertain housing climate. To buy or sell Bay Area real estate property, do contact Dale Warfel at 408.624.6202. His website www.dalewarfel.com is a fund of useful information for buyers and sellers.

Finding the Right Home

The home buying process in California is different than most other states in the country. An offer is invariably made in writing, accompanied by a deposit check for 3% of offer price as a measure of ‘good faith’. The agent then presents the offer to the sellers and their agents. The buyer and seller never really get to meet.

Before then, a good agent will conduct an interview with the buyer to ensure he/she is ready and able to buy a home and is aware of the implications. The agent will also require full details of the home the buyer is looking for. This gives the agent a clear picture to take the buyer to the ideal home he/she is looking for. No good agent proceeds without an initial qualifying interview. The agent will then take the buyer through the loan process. An approved loan puts the buyer in a strong negotiating position.

An Experienced Bay Area Realtor

Dale Warfel has been buying, selling and investing in Bay Area real estate properties since 1997. He is fully conversant with the real estate laws and procedures. Dale Warfel is a skilled realtor and has concluded numerous deals to the satisfaction of both the buyer and seller. He can be contacted at 408.624.6202. His comprehensive website is at www.dalewarfel.com. Apart from listings, it contains useful information for both buyers and sellers.

Foreclosed Homes

A foreclosed home or property is an attractive proposition as it is usually available at well below the market rate. The possible saving has attracted many homebuyers. Unfortunately alert investors come to know of such bargains well before and close a deal long before the homebuyer. To preclude speculators and investors, Fannie Mae launched its First Look initiative in November to promote home purchases by owner occupants. Under the First Look initiative, for the first 15 days a property is put on the market, the only offers to be considered are those from buyers using public funds and owner occupants. It is essential for eligible buyers to act immediately on these properties in the first few days to exploit this competitive advantage. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac together are the two largest foreclosed homeowners in the nation. It is estimated that Fannie Mae alone holds an account of over 75,000 foreclosed properties in its REO inventory.

Buying Foreclosed Properties

Dale Warfel is a long-standing realtor who operates in the San Jose neighborhood and surrounding areas. He also deals in foreclosed real estate properties in Almaden Valley for which he holds a hot-list of listings on what is available. Dale Warfel is able to guide a homebuyer in the advantages and disadvantages of a foreclosed property purchase. He can be contacted at 408.624.6202. Please visit his website, www.dalewarfel.com and check out the hot-list of homes for sale in Willow Glen.

Housing Forecast for California

California has been battered by 30% unemployment, increasing bankruptcies and an economy in shambles. The state is a classic example of the consequences of unethical mortgage lending practices tinged with Wall Street manipulation. Real Estate has survived through unprecedented financial losses. California has faced the worse economic meltdown since the Great Depression. Nonetheless, housing markets are poised for a faltering U-turn in some parts of the state.

A recent spurt in sales has slashed the inventory of homes in some neighborhoods of the San Francisco area. In the Bay Area, home prices will have to drop further before activity resumes to match the demand. The forecast for San Francisco is a 6.8% deflation for the year. The situation is likely to be worse in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area where housing deflation is projected to touch 8.9%.

A realtor from Santa Clara County

Dale Warfel is a real estate agent with 13 years of dedicated experience in the real estate market, who operates in buying and selling homes in San Jose. He has a number of foreclosed properties on his listings that are available at bargain prices. Dale Warfel is a Certified Short Sale Professional (CSP) who has come to the assistance of many a distressed homeowner facing imminent foreclosure. For information on available San Jose homes for sale or real estate properties in Santa Clara County and for assistance in short sale negotiations, call Dale Warfel at 408.624.6202 or email him through his website www.dalewarfel.com.

A Housing Bubble in the making

Housing prices have not reeled under such a blow since the Second World War. Expectations are high and a new housing bubble is in the making. But industry analysts are guarded, deflating hopes of double-digit appreciation. Instead they predict an unsteady, tortoise-like rise. The Fed has been mopping up mortgage notes so far, which is likely to end soon. In an effort to woo homebuyers back into the market, the Board of Governors is keeping interest at or around zero percent.

The embryonic housing bubble is nurtured by the Fed’s goal to resuscitate the housing market and stimulate economic recovery. However, little has been done for real estate speculators and investors, entrapped in the foreclosure vortex. A record inventory of foreclosures will be on offer, as soon as the banks raise the mortgage floodgates. Property prices in the major part of the country are expected to see a further decline if the government does not take firm measures with bankers, to work with homeowners facing foreclosure.

Forecast for the Bay Area

Housing markets in some parts of California appear to be poised for a turnaround. The turnaround is likely to take place at snails pace in the Bay Area where large numbers of sub-prime and adjustable rate mortgages were transacted.

Dale Warfel is a Bay Area realtor backed by 13 years experience. He knows the territory and is on top of fluctuations in real estate prices. He has been of invaluable assistance to homeowners in effecting short sales to avoid foreclosure. Dale has a listing of foreclosures for investors and homeowners looking for a bargain. To contact him, call 408.624.6202. For more on Bay Area homes listings, please access his website at www.dalewarfel.com.

Virtual Staging a Home

A house should be presented at its best to fetch the best price and attract buyers. But the cost of staging a house can be excessive, well outside the reach of a prospective seller, especially for a vacant property. Props and furniture will need to be hired which makes the staging cost prohibitive.

Many home sellers and realtors are resorting to virtual staging, resorting to computer technology to adorn their potentially listed homes for sale with furniture, photos and other décor. Many buyers today use online photos to narrow their choices, so this method makes sense. Today professional stagers can create staged images of a home at a fraction of the cost of physical staging and in double quick time. The images, which are stunningly realistic, veer away from the idea that they are computer generated.

Dale Warfel for Bay Area Listings

Dale Warfel is in the business of buying and selling homes in San Jose and other surrounding neighborhoods in California. He is an experienced realtor who knows the area intimately and keeps his ear to the ground for Bay Area homes, condos and general real estate that are up for sale. Dale Warfel offers advice on buying and selling and staging a home for sale. His website, www.dalewarfel.com is a fund of information. This Bay Area realtor can be contacted by calling 408.624.6202.

2010: Mortgage Rates Predictions

The Federal Mortgage Program has been extended once already. The revised date of termination is currently end of first quarter 2010. But the Fed is worried that the private market may not be able to survive without the support of its program. If market conditions show no improvement when the program is scheduled to end, the Fed is very likely to extend it further. If and when the Fed decides to end the program, market gurus forecast that mortgage rates are likely to rise to perhaps 5.75%. More than likely rates will run around 5.5%, as soon as the program ends. The state of the economy and the job market situation will determine any shift from this median. Gurus feel that the rates will even out at just below the 6% mark.

Dale Warfel San Jose Realtor

The neighborhoods of San Jose are Dale Warfel’s territory. He has been working the area for nearly 13 years now, having bought and sold homes, properties, condos … in fact anything in real estate. Dale Warfel has lived all his life in Santa Clara County which makes him a true son of the soil. By discipline, Dale Warfel is an engineer but has since been accredited with numerous real-estate designations. Please visit his website at www.dalewarfel.com to know more of him. Peruse the testimonial page to learn of his many eminently satisfied clients.

Shopping around for a Loan or Mortgage

Before you start looking for a home loan or mortgage, be clear in your mind on what exactly you’re looking for. This will save a lot of time chasing deals that wouldn’t suit your need. Here are some steps that will help:
Ask friends and acquaintances who have been through the mill for their experiences and recommendations.
Talk to banks, mortgage companies, credit unions and brokers. Study and compare the various offers.
Check out websites that tell you about thousands of loan deals from various lenders. You will be required to enter a few details of what you’re looking for and be directed to a list of lenders that meet your requirements.
Major Banks, Building Societies and Finance Companies have special offers. Details are available on their websites.
Loan deals are also available through brokers. Brokers search the market for the best deals saving you a lot of work.

Dale Warfel and Bay Area Properties

Dale Warfel is a Bay Area realtor backed by 13 years experience in buying and selling homes in San Jose and the surrounding neighborhoods. His website at www.dalewarfel.com is a fund of information for buyers and sellers. It also contains a rundown of the most popular areas in and around Almaden Valley and Willow Glen. Dale Warfel lists foreclosures and offers a free market analysis of your property. To contact him, please call 408.624.6202

The Three commonest methods of estimating Property Values

The three customary methods Property appraisers use, to assess Property values are:

1. The Comparison Sales Method: The comparison sales method uses recent sale prices of comparative properties of the same size, quality, features and amenities as a benchmark for assessment. Suitable adjustments have to be made for properties sold at unrealistically high or low prices.

2. The Replacement Cost Method: The replacement cost method is based on an assessment of the cost involved in rebuilding the property with construction materials and methods of equivalent quality. The best method of getting such an assessment is through an independent insurance broker attached to an insurance company that covers property insurance.3. Income Method: The income method is used when estimating the value of an income producing property. It is based on the net income potential of the property.

Dale Warfel and Property Assessment

Dale Warfel is a realtor who deals with properties in San Jose neighborhoods. He offers a free comparative market analysis of any Bay Area home. You can fill in the details by clicking on http://dalewarfel.com/Nav.aspx/Page=/HomeValue/Default.aspx. Dale Warfel can be contacted at 408.624.6202. This Bay Area realtor has 13 years of experience in the real estate market, which has made him completely familiar with property price movements in this particular area of California.

Sources of Real Estate Information

There are many sources of information that a prospective buyer can resort to when looking for a real estate property. Some of these are:

Bulletin boards, small publications and local papers. Make sure you buy the first copy straight off the press so someone hasn’t beaten you to a bargain.
20% of garage sales are held by people selling out and moving on. Ask neighbors of people holding garage sales whether the house is coming up for sale.
Check out with local lenders about any imminent foreclosures or short sales. If you pre-qualify with lenders, you stand a better chance if something arises.
The local newspaper has postings about tax sales, foreclosure auctions, HUD and VA listed properties. The best chances of success are when a property must be sold and the auction is held in bad weather.
Post fliers in public places, offering a commission on a hot deal.

What about a Real Estate Agent?

If you’re looking for something in a San Jose neighborhood, your best bet is to contact Dale Warfel, a local realtor. Dale Warfel has been buying and selling San Jose properties for over 13 years now. He has a sharp nose for what a person is looking for and is quick to close in on a sale. Dale Warfel is also on the ball with foreclosures and short sales. Visit his website at www.dalewarfel.com or call him at 408.624.6202

Selling Strategies to Maximize Sale Price

Most homeowners are unfamiliar with the ebbs and flows of the real estate market. It is well worth educating oneself of the process and details before listing with an agent to sell your home. The agent becomes a key player in the exercise of getting the best price possible. It pays dividends to exercise caution when appointing an agent. Here are a few useful tips when placing your home on the market.

Ask for a detailed plan from title to escrow, so you have no surprises in store.

Request a comprehensive property report, listing suggestions for improvement, superficial changes and anything likely to enhance the selling price.

What are the alternatives to selling like leasing, renting etc.

Insist on prequalification of prospective buyers so you don’t waste time on unqualified prospects.

Ask for a detailed marketing plan that includes telemarketing, direct mail, advertising and any other method suited according to the location of your home.

Selling a San Jose Property

Dale Warfel is a realtor who deals specifically in buying and selling properties in San Jose. This real estate agent with excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills has nearly 13 years of experience, behind him. He is thoroughly versed in the State laws of California and the legalities of purchases and sales. His website at www.dalewarfel.com contains a wealth of useful information for a prospective property seller. Dale Warfel can be contacted on 408.624.6202

Buy energy efficient homes

The public have grown increasingly aware on environmental issues and most consumers are doing their bit by choosing eco friendly products that has a minimal impact on the environment. More and more people are opting for environmentally-friendly, green homes that are energy-efficient and use the minimal amount of scarce resources. Some areas of particular note are listed below:

Are the walls insulated? An insulated wall retains heat in winter and repels it in summer resulting in reduced energy bills.

Are the walls made of an approved environmentally-friendly material?

Is the flooring green-compliant and of a renewable resource?

Do the doors and windows leak? This is a major source of energy loss. Many homes are now being built with Energy-Star rated fitments.

How old is the furnace. Pre-1992 furnaces with a standing pilot are high energy and nearing the end of their efficient life.

Are water lines insulated for heat retention?

Does the landscaping provide trees and shrubs with foliage to block infrared solar radiation?

Dale will help find you an energy efficient home

Dale Warfel is an experienced realtor in the San Jose area who is aware of changing environmental concerns. He is intimately familiar with all the neighborhoods and is able to meet all the requirements of his clients, no matter how exacting. Do visit his website at www.dalewarfel.com to view his listings or specify your requirements on http://dalewarfel.com/Nav.aspx/Page=/Forms/ContactForm.aspx with particular reference to an energy-efficient preference.

Short sale negotiation

A short sale is a sale of property when the borrower is in distressed circumstances because of the inability to keep up with mortgage repayments. A short sale is a last resort of a borrower to avoid a foreclosure. Though the lender loses money in a short sale, it is often a preferable alternative as the process is quick and cuts further losses and delays that are associated with the legalities of a foreclosure. Even if lenders have many short sales on their books, the procedure is often daunting for the buyer of the property.

Negotiations start at the ‘Loss Mitigation Department’ of the lender and entails offers and counter offers. A host of documents are involved, which require to be carefully scrutinized. The lender will also wish to see a written contract between the seller and proposed buyer to ensure that the seller stands to gain nothing from the deal.

Dale Warfel, Short Sale Professional

Dale Warfel is a real estate professional whose area is the neighborhoods of San Jose. He is a seasoned realtor who has been buying and selling San Jose homes for nearly 13 years. Dale Warfel is a Certified Short Sale Professional (CSP) and a skilled negotiator, experienced in the thrust and parry of short sale negotiations. Do visit his website at www.dalewarfel.com to know more about his activities. Dale Warfel can relieve you of the frustrations associated with a short sale purchase. He can be contacted at 408.624.6202.