Terry Osburn

I have found it interesting that many become so caught up in commission they neglect to really verify the creditentials and the negotiating abilities of a Realtor.
The value of a Realtor really starts in the negotiations of the offer and oversight of escrow, protecting their clients interests and being that 3rd party who has no emotional interest in helping you assess homes for purchase and from a business sense guide you in pricing your home.
In California the seller pays the commission which is split between the buyer and the seller.
The buyer only pays commission if there is pre agreed to contract where the seller does not pay buyer agent commission.
You have some savvy sellers and buyers who are very apt at negotiating and being in charge of their own escrows . Perhaps all you need is a Real Estate Consultant. You only pay for the time and certain services and usually is paid up front to the Realtor who will most often if brought in on full time basis will credit back to you any fees paid up front from total fees agreed to at close of escrow. - Tue Apr 8 2008, 09:16

The best info you can get on safety is to actually drive the community at various times during the week to observe activities . You should also be able to go to your local police department and pull the call log to view what activity the police were called out for in that area. Some police depts charge a small fee. Most communities have some type of crime activity . Obviously if the activity is rape, shootings or suspected gang activity vs car break ins and theft would make a difference.
You also want to go to the Megan's law website to see if any sex offenders or child molesters are located in that area. - Tue Apr 8 2008, 09:03

Ahh, if I knew those answers I would not be selling real estate...However, if you go by the traditional real estate cycles , prices go down and prices come up again. What many buyers are not seeing due to the past years of real estate escalation, is that real estate is a LONG term investment. Even though your question is certainly very valid and a concern, I would be approaching the purchase as to how long do I see myself staying there and is the seller motivated to work with me on repairs and credits and is the price and loan obtained giving me the best value for my money. There are no guarantees however generally speaking the longer one lives in a home the greater the appreciation they will see. - Tue Apr 8 2008, 08:59

Definitely seeing the Buzz in the Walnut Creek area. We have had several multiple offers on our various short sale listings and the activity is picking up to show homes and to inquire about homes.
I believe the buyers are starting to see there is value in this market despite the naysayers..... - Tue Apr 8 2008, 08:51

I would concur with Doug and definitely talk to the HOA and review their regulations and disclosures. - Tue Apr 8 2008, 08:46