With an estimated population of 33,529, Los Gatos in Santa Clara, California, is fast growing. It’s currently the headquarters of Netflix, Safeway supermarket chains, and Digital Media Academy, among other leading companies. Los Gatos offers a flurry of outdoor adventures ranging from mountain biking and kayaking to trail running and hiking and is home to the New Museum, Vasona Lake County Park, Testarossa Winery, Oak Meadow Park, Caste Rock State Park, among other attractions. Hence, it’s an excellent destination to relocate to and possibly own a home. Below are essential tips for buying a home in Los Gatos.
Timing is Key
Like most property markets in the United States, the Los Gatos housing market peaks during the summer holidays. Usually, kids are on school breaks from June to September, and most parents are looking for new schools to switch their kids to, which may force them to sell off their homes and relocate. Thus, the summer holiday presents the perfect window if you want a good deal for a house in Los Gatos.
Get Familiar with Applicable Property Taxes
Before moving to a new home in Los Gatos or during the first year of ownership, you must pay a few property taxes. First is the annual property tax, payable to Santa Clara County. According to the 1978 California Proposition 13, the yearly property tax for new homes in Santa Clara shouldn’t exceed 1% of the property’s value.
Another property tax to be aware of is the one-time supplementary property tax, which you pay when buying a new home in Los Gatos. An expert real estate agent can liaise with a tax professional to help you understand and comply with these tax obligations.
Shop Around for the Best Offer
Now that you know when to buy a home in Los Gatos and the applicable property taxes, it’s time to shop around for a good deal. Don’t just buy any home available for sale. An expert real estate professional like Ali Sung can help you find the various homes for sale in Los Gatos and pick the best one, depending on location and other preferences.
Examine the Disclosures
Once you find a home you like, the real estate agent you work with will facilitate several disclosures you must examine. These include the Transfer Disclosure Settlement (a questionnaire about the property that the seller fills out), Property Inspection Report, Pest Inspection Report, Preliminary Title Report, Natural Hazard Zone Disclosure, and Agent’s Visual Inspection Disclosure. Go through them, and if something is unclear, ask your real estate agent.
Negotiate the Offer
After you are certified with the disclosures, you can negotiate the offer. Again, this is where an expert real estate agent comes in. They’ll help you submit an almost irresistible offer.
Ready to Buy a Home in Los Gatos, Santa Clara?
The Los Gatos real estate agent Ali Sung is your go to guy when you have finally made up your mind. She has extensive real estate property market knowledge and has helped many clients with land acquisition and home purchasing. Her clients like her property evaluation, market analysis, and negotiation skills. Indeed, Ali Sung will help you get your dream home in Los Gatos!
