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Real-Estate:  Top 5 tips to find the right home in the US real estate market
An interview with Michelle Bodley, residential real-estate agent in the San Francisco Bay Area


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With over 12 years experience in the US West Coast's glorious San Francisco Bay area, Grahamstown born Michelle Bodley has seen the American real estate markets soar and plunge. With a significant track record in helping foreign families relocate and purchase homes in and around the Silicon Valley, she has solid (and first-hand) tips on how to approach investing in the area.  

Tip #1:  Location Location Location
Nothing unusual about this piece of advice, that a prime location is critical for the resale value of your home. However, what exactly does the US market consider “prime location”.

Carefully choosing your community or neighborhood is top of the list to appeal to the largest number of potential future homebuyers. Find one that is safe, affordable and that will provide you with everything that you need but also consider these important factors for the neighborhood you will invest in:
  • Proximity to well rated schools
  • Quiet streets or a busier, active area
  • Walking to amenities
  • Trees and parks
  • Close to shopping and restaurants
  • Older neighborhood or a newer development
  • Distance to work and leisure
SAABC Michelle Bodley Real Estate US

Tip #2:  Schools
School districts go hand in hand with location, and keep prices relatively stable, especially through downturns in the market. Even if you do not have school-age children and do not intend to have children, you must pay attention to the quality and reputation and rating of local schools. Potential future buyers of the home you select will have concerns regarding the local school system because of its major affect on resale value. To find more information and school ratings in your area, click on http://www.greatschools.com

Tip #3:  Establish Credit
Pursuing the American dream of home ownership is virtually impossible without an established credit history. Building a credit history that reflects a pattern of timely payments to creditors for two years or more will improve your ability to qualify for such financing. Using a variety of credit-building concepts, you can position yourself to obtain a mortgage loan. Here is a great article on building good credit in the US: http://money.msn.com/credit-rating/raise-your-credit-score-to-740-weston.aspx

Tip #4:  Timing and Incentives
The US has a very favorable tax treatment for home ownership, including mortgage interest deduction, property tax deductions, and programs such as 1031 exchanges. Mortgage interest rates are at an historic low, and this combined with home affordability makes it a great time to get into the property market in the US.

Tip #5:  Work with a Professional Realtor who is a good fit
Working with a good and trustworthy agent who knows the market you’re interested in can save thousands of dollars and have you experience a smooth real estate transaction. But what should you look for in a good fit?

  • Good communication skills – you’ll know it when you see it.
  • A specialist in the neighborhood that you are considering.
  • Associate of a reputable real estate company with a strong presence in the neighborhoods you’re considering. 
  • A realtor with a strong network of professionals to best support you through all aspects of your real estate transactions, such as: Mortgage brokers, financial planners, contractors, property inspectors, homeowners insurance providers, landscapers, stagers etc.

Here is a helpful link to more information about selecting the right real estate professional: http://www.realtor.com

After 4 years of declining home prices, housing is again becoming an attractive asset class in North America. The cost of buying is becoming a better financial deal than renting. With the worst of the price declines likely behind us, mortgage rates are at historic lows. This makes for a strong buyers market in the US right now.

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About Michelle

Putting her clients' success first, Michelle is focused on exceeding their Real Estate expectations. With extensive sales, marketing and finance experience, Michelle aims to make the purchase or sale of their home as successful and as smooth as is it can be. With an intricate understanding of the local real estate market combined with a strong team of experts to meet all of her clients' real estate needs, she has first-hand experience and a vast track record in relocation to the Bay Area. Michelle is passionate about giving back to the community. Find more information at www.michellebodley.com

Born in Grahamstown South Africa, Michelle has a B.Com degree from the Nelson Mandela Institute of Technology in Port Elizabeth. She worked in marketing at Volkswagen South Africa, where she met her husband Grant. They were transferred to work internationally at Volkswagen head quarters in Germany and then relocated to Vancouver Canada for 6 years where Michelle held several roles at Trans-Canada Glass. 

The couple moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2000 which is when Michelle focused her career on residential real estate. Michelle has helped many families with their relocation to the glorious San Francisco Bay Area where she and Grant still live with their son and daughter in Foster City.

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