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About Me
While I'm certainly proud of my professional performance and association with Prudential Realty, I'm most proud of -and grateful for - the numerous referrals I've received and the many personal relationships I've built through my role as a trusted advisor.
My key to being successful real estate agent is my firm belief in customer service. Let's face it, if you are looking for an agent in Contra Costa County, you have thousands to chose from. Many are *outstanding* (and many are not). How do you pick the right agent? Almost any agent can complete the paperwork required to close a deal. Every agent has a broker they work with that can help. But not every agent will bend over backwards to make sure that YOU are COMPLETELY satisfied with EVERY aspect of your real estate purchase or sale. That is my commitment to you.
Buyer Specialist
A Buyer Specialist is a Realtor® who works only with prospective home buyers to assist them in finding and acquiring the perfect property for their needs. That's what I love to do.
I often previews 30 or more properties per week, allowing me to recognize ‘true values' in any given community. I have a priority access to an extended team of service providers, from lenders and title companies to inspectors and other tradesmen to make your purchase experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Furthermore, I receive specific, ongoing training in various topics that are relevant to the home buying experience, such as ethics, contracts, agency law, negotiating effectively in a seller's market, how to structure an offer that stands out from the crowd, market analysis, buyer consultations, and special topics training taught by mortgage consultants, home inspectors, pest inspectors, tradesmen, and home warranty representatives.
You can rest easy knowing that I am a dedicated and experienced professional armed with the skills and resources to vigorously represent your best interests at no-cost to you!
Other areas Include:
Investors
Relocation
Luxury Home Sales
My key to being successful real estate agent is my firm belief in customer service. Let's face it, if you are looking for an agent in Contra Costa County, you have thousands to chose from. Many are *outstanding* (and many are not). How do you pick the right agent? Almost any agent can complete the paperwork required to close a deal. Every agent has a broker they work with that can help. But not every agent will bend over backwards to make sure that YOU are COMPLETELY satisfied with EVERY aspect of your real estate purchase or sale. That is my commitment to you.
Buyer Specialist
A Buyer Specialist is a Realtor® who works only with prospective home buyers to assist them in finding and acquiring the perfect property for their needs. That's what I love to do.
I often previews 30 or more properties per week, allowing me to recognize ‘true values' in any given community. I have a priority access to an extended team of service providers, from lenders and title companies to inspectors and other tradesmen to make your purchase experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Furthermore, I receive specific, ongoing training in various topics that are relevant to the home buying experience, such as ethics, contracts, agency law, negotiating effectively in a seller's market, how to structure an offer that stands out from the crowd, market analysis, buyer consultations, and special topics training taught by mortgage consultants, home inspectors, pest inspectors, tradesmen, and home warranty representatives.
You can rest easy knowing that I am a dedicated and experienced professional armed with the skills and resources to vigorously represent your best interests at no-cost to you!
Other areas Include:
Investors
Relocation
Luxury Home Sales
Testimonials
""Thank you for your help and kindness. You are amazing, trying to help me in such a way! Mostly, thank you for all of your help, professionalism and effective communication.""
M. Ojermark Sun Jun 8
M. Ojermark Sun Jun 8
""I could have never been able to move here if it weren't for Steve. I was in a rush to find a place and he helped me understand the area quickly and gave me honest answers that I could trust. I definitely will be referring all my friends to you.""
Mrs. Reeves Thu May 15
Mrs. Reeves Thu May 15
""Steve got me $30K more than other agents told me my property was worth. Selling my house through Steve was a painless experience. Thank you!""
Mr. Wardell Thu Apr 10
Mr. Wardell Thu Apr 10
My Q&A
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Steve Dawson's Questions (1)
Steve Dawson's Answers (5)
Steve Dawson answered:
Be careful bidding on auction homes. You have to research each property and the title of the property to make sure there are no leins on the property.
You can usually get a list of auction homes from any title co. Most of them are willing to send you an email of them, so you can do your research. It is really hard to find a good deal at an auction. They are usually 1 in 10,000 will be good. Most people jump right into auctions not knowing what they are doing and they get themselves in trouble. Also, you have to have the cash for the property on hand, and most people don't have that either. I would do more research online to see the whole process of buying an auction property. Know everything about it first.
You can usually get a list of auction homes from any title co. Most of them are willing to send you an email of them, so you can do your research. It is really hard to find a good deal at an auction. They are usually 1 in 10,000 will be good. Most people jump right into auctions not knowing what they are doing and they get themselves in trouble. Also, you have to have the cash for the property on hand, and most people don't have that either. I would do more research online to see the whole process of buying an auction property. Know everything about it first.
Steve Dawson answered:
Jeannine,
My advice is always the same. Make sure you love the home you buy because you never know what the future holds. We all have ideas, goals and directions we want to go in, but sometimes life doesn't let us. You may be stuck in that home for a long time. But whatever you do, plan on being there for at least 5 years to wait for the market to correct itself so you can build some equity.
Remember this, always buy a home thinking you will be there forever and knowing that you may have to sell it tomorrow. And always pick a home that others would buy as well.
My advice is always the same. Make sure you love the home you buy because you never know what the future holds. We all have ideas, goals and directions we want to go in, but sometimes life doesn't let us. You may be stuck in that home for a long time. But whatever you do, plan on being there for at least 5 years to wait for the market to correct itself so you can build some equity.
Remember this, always buy a home thinking you will be there forever and knowing that you may have to sell it tomorrow. And always pick a home that others would buy as well.
Steve Dawson answered:
Elouise,
In this market, it is tough to sell you home, unless you are in a very specific part of the state. If you do decide to sell your home, you have to be understanding that you may get less than what you think it is worth, or what you want for it.
Instead, think of the possiblity of renting your current home for now and buy in San Juaquin. The prices are still relatively low there and you don't have to sacrafice any equity you have built up in your current home. The rents are going up right now because people aren't buying as much, so the supply and demand curve sets in. See what you could rent your current home for and run to numbers to see if it makes sense to do that.
In this market, it is tough to sell you home, unless you are in a very specific part of the state. If you do decide to sell your home, you have to be understanding that you may get less than what you think it is worth, or what you want for it.
Instead, think of the possiblity of renting your current home for now and buy in San Juaquin. The prices are still relatively low there and you don't have to sacrafice any equity you have built up in your current home. The rents are going up right now because people aren't buying as much, so the supply and demand curve sets in. See what you could rent your current home for and run to numbers to see if it makes sense to do that.
Steve Dawson answered:
Rick,
Don't be fooled. Just because it is a short sale or REO (Real Estate Owned) doesn't mean you will get a deal. You may, but be careful. Many people think that if the home is in this situation, it will be great. What many people don't know it what a short sale or reo is. First of all, if the home is in "short sale" it means that the owner is in trouble and is trying to get rid of the home. They list the home at a price to hopefully get it sold. But just because they list it at that price, doesn't mean you will be able to buy it at that price. The bank has to approve it many times because the price of the home is lower than what the current owner owes on the property. The bank is trying not to lose money on they notes they write.
Also, the process takes at least a month, usually longer just to get an answer from the bank. And it may not be an answer you like. Then you just wasted a month waiting. Do you homework, or have your agent do the homework. Find out what the owner owes on the property. A short sale means the owner owes more on the property than what it is worth. They are definitely in trouble, but make sure you know what you are getting into. It is probably better to find an agent who will be a great negotiator to get a great deal for you on a property that you love instead of on a property someone "has" to dump.
Don't be fooled. Just because it is a short sale or REO (Real Estate Owned) doesn't mean you will get a deal. You may, but be careful. Many people think that if the home is in this situation, it will be great. What many people don't know it what a short sale or reo is. First of all, if the home is in "short sale" it means that the owner is in trouble and is trying to get rid of the home. They list the home at a price to hopefully get it sold. But just because they list it at that price, doesn't mean you will be able to buy it at that price. The bank has to approve it many times because the price of the home is lower than what the current owner owes on the property. The bank is trying not to lose money on they notes they write.
Also, the process takes at least a month, usually longer just to get an answer from the bank. And it may not be an answer you like. Then you just wasted a month waiting. Do you homework, or have your agent do the homework. Find out what the owner owes on the property. A short sale means the owner owes more on the property than what it is worth. They are definitely in trouble, but make sure you know what you are getting into. It is probably better to find an agent who will be a great negotiator to get a great deal for you on a property that you love instead of on a property someone "has" to dump.
Steve Dawson answered:
I understand what you are feeling. But never rush on anything. Buying your first home can be a big step. The market is not getting any better anytime soon. In reality, the foreclosures will be rising higher next year and the buyers are going to be hold for awhile, which will increase the availability of homes. The good thing you have found something you like, but don't feel like you will never find anything again, or that you are running out of time to buy in a "great buyers market."
If you choose to get out of your lease, make sure that it won't affect you credit negatively. Also, make sure that the money you will have to spend to get out of your lease, which could the 7 months of rent, is actually saved on the purchase of your condo. There is no use in throwing money away.
My suggestion is to save up for the next 7 months, start looking for the condo in five months and you should be able to find something that is even better than what you have already found. The biggest mistake people can make is to buy too quickly, thinking that nothing else will come around, and not have enough money to pay for the home they buy. Believe it or not, there are more expenses than just your mortgage, taxes and insurance. (Homes are known to breakdown as soon as they are bought, ie: water heaters, refrigerators, a/c...) Dont put yourself in a bind. Homeownership is hard enough.
If you choose to get out of your lease, make sure that it won't affect you credit negatively. Also, make sure that the money you will have to spend to get out of your lease, which could the 7 months of rent, is actually saved on the purchase of your condo. There is no use in throwing money away.
My suggestion is to save up for the next 7 months, start looking for the condo in five months and you should be able to find something that is even better than what you have already found. The biggest mistake people can make is to buy too quickly, thinking that nothing else will come around, and not have enough money to pay for the home they buy. Believe it or not, there are more expenses than just your mortgage, taxes and insurance. (Homes are known to breakdown as soon as they are bought, ie: water heaters, refrigerators, a/c...) Dont put yourself in a bind. Homeownership is hard enough.
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