Tiffany:

With a budget of $550,000, there are a large number of options open to you. The best approach would be to meet with a Realtor with extensive Fremont experience who can take you on a tour of the various neighborhoods and point out the advantages/disadvantages of each. Fremont has some wonderful neighborhoods – you have listed a few.

We’ve lived in the Fremont area for over 25 years and would love to help you if desired.

carl@carlmedford.com

Hi Tiffany,

The best schools in Fremont are Gomes, Mission Valley, Chadbourne, Forest Park, Ardenwood,Parkmont, Warm Springs, Weibel and Mattos according to the Great Schools.com website.

Are you also considering Castro Valley? The schools in Castro Valley are also very good and worth considering.

If I can be of help in showing you homes in these good school districts, please call me at 510-279-9580.

Dear Tiffany:

Your chances are better now than in recent years, and each of the area you mention have wonderful benefits to offer home buyers.

Many people focus their attention on which schools their children will attend, even though you do not have children you should also consider Re-Sale value when purchasing. Let me give you the Fremont School's website so you can view test scores and information.

Another thing to consider is Preparation. Those buyers who are prepared to move through the process are more apt now to be successful in their bid to buy. For example: Be Pre-Approved by a Lender, a simple letter of Pre-Qualification from a mortgage representative isn't enough. Be able to demonstrate to the seller or bank in the case of foreclosures that you are 'Loan Worthy', it will add strength to your offer.

Next, try to refine your needs and wants to a home. Single story or two or does it matter. If a townhouse what kind of money do you want to spend monthly for HOA dues. Repairs and updating - done or are you ok with taking on a project and if so what degree can you manage. Location: Busy street or something in the interior of a neighborhood. Do you need or want to be close to Hwy 880 or Bart. All keys points to consider, but the single most important decision is Who Are You Working With? Make sure you understand what your Realtor can offer you and ask them why they are the best choice for you to work with. Ask them if Real Estate is a Part-Time Job or their only career. Who and what affiliations they have and how often they work with buyers, and how many buyers have they worked with thus far this year? That is key - lots of agents are writing contracts but not all are securing their clients dream home because of variety of things.

I wish you the best, being a Home Owner is an accomplishment, particularly in the Bay Area. Please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions.

Andrea Davis
WINDERMERE WELCOME HOME
(925) 824-4801