Charo Bhatt

Hi Ravi,

If you want to negotiate price and terms of the house, I would recommend getting your self an agent. You really should have your agent (buyer’s agent) even though you are buying a new home.

All discounts and closing cost credit should remain the same in spite of having your agent. To the best of my knowledge, builders not necessarily give you discount because you don’t have an agent. On the contrary, they benefit if you don’t have an agent in terms of sales price (They charge you more) Agents can get you price reductions; they know what the market is like out there. Builders don’t want their price reductions, so they probably discourage an agent with you.

When you met some one at the sales office and also met their lender, have you registered your name there? If you have not yet registered your name then you can select your buyer’s agent. If you have already registered, builders may not allow you to be bring your agent.

It’ true, an agent must accompany buyers at the time of the first visit to their development in order to negotiate on their behalf and getting paid.

If you have any other questions please feel free to call me at 510-381-2105
or email me at CharoBhatt@gmail.com

Good luck to you,

Charo Bhatt - Yesterday, 19:07

Hello Ruchi,

As a Real estate professional, visually looking at homes, in general, Summer Hill homes builder looks fine to me.

Here is my suggestion: Summer Hill Homes or any builder’s new home that you wish to buy, have a complete property inspection done. Have that as a contingency for a first few days after acceptance. That ways, even though it’s brand new home you know what you are getting into and which items needs correction/attention before move in. Also based on the licensed contractor/inspector’s opinion you can make a decision whether to move forward or back out of the deal.

It’s very much advisable to have a buyer’s agent represent you. You don’t have to pay any commissions to the buyer’s agent. If you don’t have an agent doesn’t mean they will charge you less money. A licensed professional who knows how to negotiate can get a great price reduction and possibly all closing cost for you that you would otherwise pay any ways.

If you already have registered with the sales person out there, then they will gear in the directions of their interest. If you have yet not registered, feel free to
call me at 510-381-2105
or email me at CharoBhatt@gmail.com
I will happy to help negotiate a great deal for you.

Wish you good luck,

Charo Bhatt - Sun Aug 17 2008, 18:32

Hello Mr/Ms. Sandhu,

As far as suggestions for buying a house in this market: It’s an excellent idea. Price are low, interest rates are still good, can negotiate your terms with sellers.

When you mentioned a specific zip code 94542

• Highland is a community up on the Hayward Hills
• Close to Cal State East Bay
• Close to 2 Bart stations ( A street and Mission X Tennyson)
• Two elementary schools on the hills
• Several homes have views
• Highland, Good area of Hayward (I would compare as Piedmont in Oakland)

If you are interested in Hayward Hills, get a house at a very reasonable price according to the condition, lot size, floor plan that’s easily resalable etc.

How far the prices will fall? Accept the fact that we in declining market. In my opinion it will continue to decline until the demand is higher than the supply (inventory) Historically Hayward took more time to appreciate in it’s value. Therefore if you have a plan to stay there for at least 10 years or more, you are safe and you will make a good investment.

If you have any more questions please feel free to call me at 510-381-2105 or
Email me at CharoBhatt@gmail.Com

Good luck to you,

Charo Bhatt - Sat Aug 16 2008, 13:22

Hi Vansun,

It sure is a good idea to buy a condo in Ardenwood compared to single family home in an average area.

Pros:
• It will give you better return on your investment when you sell it.
• If you have elementary school age kids, it saves you from sending them to may be a private
school this may easily cost $2000 a month (est. of $1000 a month for each child)
• If you are an investor and buying to rent it, your vacancy factor will be minimal.
• Low maintenance because of association taking care of the exteriors
Cons:
• You don’t have yard of your own
• You share walls with other neighbors
• You may hear Radio/TV of neighbors
• Parking may be an issue if you get one car garage
• Guests may have to find parking and walk to your home( not an easy access)

If you need a realtor to help you find a good deal feel free to call me at 510-381-2105
or email me at CharoBhatt@gmail.com

Good luck to you!

Charo Bhatt - Fri Aug 15 2008, 18:55

Hi Tiffany,

I read that you are looking to buy a home and you are a first time home buyer.
You mentioned the word ‘investment’ point of view… the first thing that comes to my mind when the word comes ‘investment’ is ROI Return On Investment.

In your scenario you are trying to do two things
• Use the home now as a prime residence
• When you sell you get better dollars for your investment (funds invested now)

If you invest now in a good location
1. Where prices were higher in history
2. Properties are selling faster even in this market
3. In good schools districts where the scores are high
4. Newer community
5. Close to parks and commute etc

Your chances of making more money are greater even in a town house than in a single family residence.

If you buy a single family home where you renovate/rebuild when the property gets older, but your neighbors didn’t even keep up their front yard, you will not be able to get good return. Townhomes are governed by an association/management company, where generally all out side maintenance is done by the association. that ways all homes look symmetric in harmony.

In town house, you generally don’t have to do any our side maintenance. Interior Maintenance of home is your responsibility in both town home and single family home.

I would ask these questions to myself before a decision.
1. Do I have time for maintenance?
2. Do I enjoy yard work?
3. Am I Okay living in an attached walls home?
4. What is my life style in general , am a party person?
5. Do I often invite guests that need parking?
6. Do I like younger home or I am okay buying an older house?
7. What is my budget?
8. How long do I plan to live in this first home?

Tiffany, In the process of buying your first home if you want a real estate professional
Who has time for you and will work in your interest call me at 510-381-2105
or e-mail me at CharoBhatt@gmail.com

Good luck to you,

Charo Bhatt - Thu Aug 14 2008, 00:14