Homes in Eagle Ridge

Well, as inventory shrinks, home prices seem to be stabilizing. Prices are settling down and are mixed as some are skewed regarding the big homes, The Glens, and The Courtyards. Can you believe Courtyard homes were selling for more (per Square Foot) than the bigger homes?
When I talk to people, they always bring up "how much per square foot?" Quite frankly, that is NOT necessarily the best way to buy a home. It's not the "feet"--It's the shoe. Square footage is more of an accurate measurement if you want to rent office space...
What square footage does not measure is floor plan layout, the size of the lot, and it can vary-i.e. how wide are the hallways? How is the kitchen laid out? How about landscaping? What part of the neighborhood is the house located.
Another important aspect (and this is why it is important to get a Realtor(r) who knows the area is that homes generally sell for more on a golf course than not on the golf course. Basic "rule" as pointed out by Walt Huber in his book Real Estate Economics. More people like the visual "easement" found on a golf course home located on a fairway, than say, overlooking someone else's back yard. This is why the developer put lot premiums on the golf course homes. Of course, these homes also have balconies, safety glass (originally) and some other upgrades. Most people don't know this. Plus, the desire for these homes is what keeps their prices slightly higher. "Value" is defined as the price one is willing to pay for the 'thing' desired.
Always choose a local expert!!! I've seen so many homes just sit, and the For Sale signs have actually started growing roots. Also, get somebody who knows the floor plans-- One house was listed at over 5,000 square feet (a lawsuit waiting to happen, if I ever saw one) and besides being illegal per city code for a house that size, the Realtor was totally oblivious to liability. Glad it wasn't one of my Realtors.
Deal with only experts people. Yes, McDonald's sells more hamburgers than anyone else in the world...Does that mean they make the best hamburger? Think about that. Go with an independent Broker--ALWAYS. When I think franchise, I think Taco Bell, Burger King, Starbucks, etc. Who do you want to work with when deciding the most important aspect of your life?
Gary Frimann
Broker/Owner
Eagle Ridge Realty
(408) 846-8284
www.EagleRidgeRealty.net
Gilroy, California 95020