Livermore 

It looks like the spring housing season has already started in Livermore, but more on that in a moment. Personally the biggest news is that a new Trader Joe's will be opening in Livermore in March! Hurray! That's another great reason to move to Livermore along with its new Downtown. Now back to housing...Great sales in January in Livermore, but the inventory has been climbing since mid-January, with 312 homes currently on the market. This increase is normal (think Spring), if perhaps earlier than other cities in the Tri-Valley. But with 148 of these units under $600,000 versus just 39 in Pleasanton and 59 in Dublin, buyers have more choices and better deals in Livermore. If looking at only single-family homes under $600K, Livermore has 84 versus 6 in Dublin and 3 in Pleasanton. When you want choice and value think Livermore!

Pleasanton

We talked last month about the 46% decline in inventory since the end of July. This drop in inventory is slowing. At the end of January, there were 174 homes on the market and currently there are 169, not a big change, as we transition from a holiday market to a pre-spring one. Pleasanton along with Danville, have a 10-week inventory of homes, which historically is a fairly balanced market for our area. Remember, nationally, 6 months is the average supply of homes on the market. Pleasanton is always going to be one of the prime locations in the East Bay, with great schools, parks, job opportunities and a wonderful downtown. The housing market has passed the bottom...whether buying or selling do it now.

Dublin

The recent slowdown in the housing market (at least here in the Bay Area, including Dublin) was not based on jobs, interest rates or other economic factors, which normally drive housing slumps. Instead it was because prices were rising way too fast. Now is a great time to buy in Dublin, with 174 homes to choose from on the market. Prices should be stabilizing for the foreseeable future as less-than-motivated sellers keep their homes off the market this year. This will keep a lid on the inventory and keep prices from dropping any further. For buyers, now is the time to lock in prices that are 10 to 20% below the peak in spring of 2005, because however slowly, these prices will eventually go up, just not as fast as in our recent go-go days. Sellers, if you need to sell this season, do it early before other motivated sellers come on the market in competition with you.
 

So if you are considering buying or selling now or in the near future, we need to talk to you now. Why? Because as we mentioned, the market is shifting again and if you think what happened last fall is still happening today, it could cost you a lot of money. Both buyers and sellers need to understand the strategies it takes to get the best deal in this type of market.

Please contact us if you're considering making a real estate purchase, or contemplating selling your home! We will work with you every step of the way, so as to make your next transaction as stress-free and pleasant as possible! Let us show you how we use technology and cutting edge tools to your advantage in getting you the best deal possible

ZIP Codes: 94550, 94551

Location Characteristics: One of the oldest wine growing areas in California with over 20 wineries and home to Lawrence Livermore and Sandia Laboratories, Livermore is over 140 years old and still changing for the better. Great living, great schools and a wonderful place to live.

For More Information:

            Visit My Web Site 
            View My Newsletter

            Ask Me A Question

About Joan Budne & Ted Elwell, Broker Associate, MBA: