00,000 in appreciation since buying his house in 2012.           New House, New Townhouse or New Condo – Positives: Builder warranties, less maintenance and a common denominator with other new owners. Negatives: Paying a premium price because it’s new, extra costs to make it look like the model, lack of mature landscaping. For townhouses, condos and some new homes – HOA (Home Owners Association) fees. House – Positives: Better resale potential, more flexibility to remodel or add space, usually more of a back yard. No common walls to share with neighbors. Negatives: Can be more maintenance and cost more to maintain over time. Townhouse – Positives: Usually better resale potential than a condo. Often have a yard or patio. May have access to a pool or other amenities without having to maintain them. HOA will often keep the neighborhood consistent, free of eye sores and nuisances. Negatives: Shared wall or walls with neighbor. Condo – Positives: Often a better option than renting. May have access to a pool or other amenities without having to maintain them. HOA will often keep the neighborhood consistent, free of eye sores and nuisances. Negatives: Can be like living in an apartment. Mobile Home – Positives: Cost is often much lower than any other type of residential dwelling. Negatives: Lowest resale potential of the choices. Space rent, like HOA dues. Livermore – Positives: Last stop before heading over the hill to Tracy. More affordable than other Tri Valley locations. Good upside potential for appreciation. Schools improving, downtown has been upgraded and a growing wine country may help values. Negatives: Freeway 580 will be congested until it is widened. Pleasanton – Positives: Solid appreciation, one of the closest Tri Valley communities to Silicon Valley, access to BART, excellent schools, nice downtown. Negatives: More expensive than neighboring areas of Livermore and Dublin. Dublin – Positives: Easy access to 580, 680 and BART. Schools are improving. Negatives: No real downtown, appreciation and desirability often falls below neighboring communities. San Ramon – Positives: Excellent schools, kid friendly with many parks, balance of newer homes and established neighborhoods. Anchored by Bishop Ranch business park. Negatives: No downtown yet, parts of community are far from freeway. Danville – Positives: Excellent schools, nice downtown, less wind compared to other Tri Valley areas, good appreciation. Negatives: More expensive than other Tri Valley areas. If you have any questions or input on this information, or any other real estate questions, please contact Glenn at 925 735-7555.