Tag: home value

Zillow Quiz: How To Add Value To A Home

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I found this quiz from Zillow a while back and thought the findings were pretty interesting. Even as a professional realtor, I scored 70% on this, so it’s not easy! Fun, but not easy. Can you guess which features add value to a home? Take the quiz here.

Come back when you’re done!

Credit: Zillow

Okay, good job. How did you do? Comment your score below. For me, I didn’t realize beverage fridges were more popular than wine fridges, nor that rounded counters and plant shelves add value. Personally, I don’t care for those things, and don’t see much of that in newer California homes, but of course, Zillow is nationwide and those may be hot in other locales. Personally, I think plants shelves just collect dust!

Luckily for you, I do know my way around homes and home value. It’s my job to help you add value when selling and save money when buying. So, if you want to work with a longtime realtor in the East Bay with a track record of success, I’m your gal. Give me a call next time you are looking to buy or sell!

Living Near Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Improves Your Home Value

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Really? According to the Huffington Post, homes located within a mile of Trader Joe’s stores are seeing a significant increase in value, compared to homes that are not within that range. Same thing goes for Whole Foods!

Luckily for us living in the immediate East Bay, where healthy eating and living is quite common, there are at least 12 Trader Joe’s and no less than six Whole Foods (including one each in Walnut Creek!). Chances are, as HuffPo says, if you’re close enough to one of these stores, your home value will see an uptick. I am not so sure this shows the entire picture; maybe Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods just tend to pick more affluent neighborhoods. I have never heard a buyer say they would like to be in close proximity to either of those stores when thinking about purchasing a home.  On the other hand, I personally live within walking distance to both stores in Walnut Creek.  Do I like it, absolutely!  I just finished eating a salad from Whole Foods and often stop off at TJ’s on my way home.

On the other hand, I personally live within walking distance to both stores in Walnut Creek. Do I like it? Absolutely!  I just finished eating a salad from Whole Foods and often stop off at TJ’s on my way home.

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For me, the real estate market is never boring and always provides interesting insights – location and surrounding amenities play such a huge role in pricing. Walnut Creek and the Bay Area overall are much different than the rest of the country: great for those who already own, but not so much for those trying to find a home or move in from another state. I feel very blessed to own my own and live in such a beautiful place, whether I am located within a mile of Trader Joe’ or not.