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There is a buyer out there for every property. It is the price that varies. If you are getting the house at a lower price than comparable homes away from the noise and if the freeway noise does not bother you and your family, then you should go for it. Now the question in your mind might be "How much lower should this house be, as compared to a similar house across the street or away from the noise ?" This is where your agent can help you.

Harpal Harika

I agree with all comments but finding good house with all features is not possible in Fremont. I was looking for house myself in 2002 and spening more than a year finding the right house,I end up buying perfect home but next to busy road.Definately It bother me noise specially at night but my family got used to it and I thing we made right decision to buy house. So it all depend on personal taste.

Dave, great point on the mapping review. The first thing I do, and what I suggest all my clients do as well, is to "Bing Map" the property using Bing's (formerly MSN.com) "Birdseye" view to see 360 degrees around the property - not just for walls and railroad tracks, but to look at street parking usage and any other possible concerns. Great tool. -Steve

The current comps in the neighborhood should reflect how current and potential buyers will perceive the wall. It will bother some folks - others will have no issue as long as the home is priced properly.

I agree with John. When I see a listing, first thing I do is to map it.

If I see that the property is adjacent to a highway or railroad track, I discard it immediately. I won't even care to investigate if it has a tall wall or not around it.

So, imagine how people out there might think like me and you immediately see a smaller group interested in your home.

Location…Location…Location. Those are the three most important words in real estate.

A buyer should pay less for a property at an inferior location. It is hard for me to believe that anyone thinks that a property located next to an unsightly freeway sound wall is as good as a similar property located away from the noise of the freeway. Even if you think the noise level is acceptable, the perception of noise next to the freeway will remain. When you are ready to sell, your universe of potential buyers will shrink when they look at the location. Those who are interested will expect to pay you less than they would pay for a better located property.

The fact that you asked the question in the way that you did shows that you already know the answer.

Brian's got it right. When the supply of home is low and demand is strong, the discounts given on blemished propertites is less than it would be when supply exceeds demand. If you've been bidding on properties you know it's not easy right now.

If you like the house and the noise doesn't bother you, than bid up to what you think it's worth compared to the other properties you've tried to buy knowing what they sold for.

Don't pay more than what you think it's worth. I'd rather rent than overpay for a home.

Good luck.

-sunil

SMA REALTY

Sunil Sethi / Broker, Preisent, REALTOR, MBA, CPA / SMA Realty
38350 Fremont Blvd. #202 / Fremont, CA 94536
Office 510 793 8600 / Mobile 510 388 2436 / Fax 510 431 9046
My Bio: http://sunilsethi.com/about_me.htm
My blog: http://fremontrealestate.blogspot.com/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/fremontrealtor
CA DRE#: 01173766

Hi Truliaardenwood,

Much like power lines and cell towers, the proximity of the home next to the freeway will take a percentage of possible buyers out of the picture. Sometimes buying a home is not necessarily based on finding the "best house", but more about finding the home with the "least negatives." For some, the wall will be an issue, but for others, such as yourself, it will not be a major concern.

As Brian has stated, market conditions can certainly sway opinion!

Best, Steve

We've seen this type of question before.
If you get the home for a lesser price than others in the neighborhood, you may sell the home for less in the future due to the sound wall. It often depends on the 'market'. In a sellers market, buyers are sometimes willing to buy anything.

If you like this home and the price is right for you and you can see yourself living there many years - I'd say go ahead.

Hope this helps.

Brian Ripp, CRS, GRI
Broker, Notary
Check my web site: http://www.BrianRipp.com
Real Estate Market Weekly Update Webcast: http://realtytimes.com/REUv/BrianRipp
510-710-4905 cell
510-794-9006 wk
Realtor since 1985
DRE Lic. 00886348