Silicon Valley Real Estate Blog

Information and updates about the Silicon Valley Real Estate Market, lifestyles, schools, and interesting facts about the communities.  

Dec. 21, 2021

Willow Glen | Ultimate Guide To This Charming San Jose Neighborhood | Best Places to Live

Willow Glen, San Jose CA - Best Neighborhoods to live

What's it like living in Willow Glen San Jose?

Willow Glen is located in beautiful San Jose in a small section that is virtually a self-contained village within the tenth-largest city in the United States, named after the stunning Willow trees that thrive here. Downtown San Jose borders Willow Glen on the north, South San Jose on the east and south, and West San Jose on the west.

Lincoln Avenue, a tree-lined main thoroughfare that seems like it belongs in a little town, is the center of commercial activity. Willow Glen's downtown area is walkable and enjoyable to explore. There are about 250 enterprises in the neighborhood, the majority of which are privately owned.

Restaurants and good eats are found everywhere, as are exquisite sweets like croissants, frozen yogurt, and other delicacies, which keep locals and visitors coming back for more. Nearly every need is met in bookstores, spas, antique stores, dry cleaners, and other enterprises. Although this isn't a nightlife hotspot (nor is it elsewhere in the Valley), there are a good variety of alternatives here, ranging from sports bars to wine and cheese tastings to lounges.

Willow Glen is considered one of the Best Neighborhoods to Live in San Jose.

Willow Glen Restaurant

Willow Glen has no shortage when it comes to housing – there's a great mix of townhomes, condos, and single-family homes. The average age of the houses in the area is 50 years old, compared to 20-30 years in other parts of San Jose. They have, however, been meticulously maintained, remodeled, and modernized. Victorian and Spanish-style exteriors from the 1920s are frequently combined with more contemporary styling and elegantly restored modern interiors. Home costs are also varied, and there are many economical and appealing homes for middle-class individuals.

A handful of excellent public schools for children of all ages complement the charming lifestyle. Willow Glen's vibrant downtown center will appeal to young singles and couples, while families appreciate the peaceful residential areas.

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Dec. 12, 2021

The #1 Guide To The Best Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

The #1 Guide To The Best Neighborhoods In San Jose, CA: Best Places To Live - Main Image

Nestled in Silicon Valley, San Jose is at the heart of the cultural and technological epicenter of California. The area has become a magnet for people attracted to its booming economy which has grown to include some of the biggest names in technology.

Regardless of whether you are currently living in San Jose or planning on relocating to San Jose, understanding the different neighborhoods in San Jose is important to find one of the best places you can call home.

The city is filled with a wide assortment of great neighborhoods, many of which are very different from one another. Offering different real estate options, amenities, and atmospheres, the city offers something for everyone.  San Jose has many good, safe neighborhoods for families looking to move to the area. And also has some of the best options for young professionals looking to move to Silicon Valley.

Below we will look at some of the best neighborhoods located in San Jose, CA

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Jan. 12, 2021

Silver Creek Homes For Sale | Is This the Year to Sell My House?

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Locals know that Silver Creek Valley is a great place to raise a family.  The scenic Silver Creek Valley resides on a mountain ridge and is bordered by numerous oaks and environmentally protected areas thru the heart of the community while the hillsides, parks and golf courses have estates that can see all the way to San Francisco on a clear day.  There's is an abundance of open space, hiking trails and great schools. 

 

Silver Creek value comes from its welcoming warm atmosphere, where neighbors participate enjoying various spectacular amenities enjoying a great convenient location.

 

There are many upscale home styles and communities to choose from. All the great neighborhoods; Silver Creek Country Club (Gated community), Bel Aire Luxury Estates, The Ranch, Hillstone, The Meadowlands, Tuscan Hills and California Oak Creek have this in common. Pride in ownership is obvious when the residents, whether renters or owners, maintain their homes and care about their neighborhood. 

 

Every home buyer has a wish when looking for a home, while not all of them are granted, the ‘feel good magic’ happens when they start selling homes around neighborhoods of this beautiful area.

It's the people what makes this place a little different from others, It's a great place to live.

Today I would like to speak to you about Is This the Year to Sell My House?

 

 

If one of the questions you’re asking yourself is, “Should I sell my house this year?” consumer sentiment about selling today should boost your confidence in the right direction. Even with the current health crisis that continues to challenge our nation, Americans still feel good about selling a house. Here’s why.

 

According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index from Fannie Mae, 57% of consumer respondents to their survey indicate now is a good time to buy a home, while 59% feel it’s a good time to sell one:

 

“The percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to sell a home remained the same at 59%, while the percentage who say it’s a bad time to sell decreased from 35% to 33%. As a result, the net share of those who say it is a good time to sell increased 2 percentage points month over month.”

 

As you can see, many still believe that, despite everything going on in the world, it is still a good time to sell a house.

 

Why is now a good time to sell?

There simply are not enough homes available to meet today’s buyer demand, and they’re selling just as quickly as they’re coming to the market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), unsold inventory available today sits at a 2.3-month supply at the current sales pace, which is down from a 2.5-month supply from the previous month. This record-low inventory is not even half of what we need for a normal or neutral housing market, which should have a 6.0-month supply of unsold inventory to balance out.

With so few homes available for buyers to choose from, we’re in a true sellers’ market. Homeowners ready to make a move right now have the opportunity to negotiate the best possible contracts with buyers who are feeling the pull of intense competition when it comes to finding their dream home. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, notes how quickly homes are selling right now, further confirming the benefits to sellers this season:

 

“The market is incredibly swift this winter with the listed homes going under contract on average at less than a month due to a backlog of buyers wanting to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates.

 

However, this sweet spot for sellers won’t last forever. As more homes are listed this year, this tip toward sellers may start to wane. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, more choices for buyers are on the not-too-distant horizon:

 

“The bright spot for buyers is that more homes are likely to become available in the last six months of 2021. That should give folks more options to choose from and take away some of their urgency. With a larger selection, buyers may not be forced to make a decision in mere hours and will have more time to make up their minds.”

 

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to make a move, you can feel good about the current sentiment in the market and the advantageous conditions for today’s sellers. Let’s connect today to determine the best next step when it comes to selling your house this year.

 

Source.. KCM Don Blog

 

 

“All agents are NOT alike, We are Different … and We Want To Earn Your Business and Trust”

“The real estate market is constantly changing. I would like the opportunity to show you some of the new ways in which you are able to buy, sell and search for new homes”. 

We continually invest in the latest technology to give you the most up to date information on homes for sale and the most exposure for your property when selling.   

Give us a call at 408–741–9300 before buying or selling your next home. 

Don Orason, Owner — Silicon Valley Real Estate Team   

www.siliconvalleyrealestateteam.com

 

 

Posted in Silver Creek
Nov. 3, 2020

Silver Creek Homes For Sale | Rent vs. Buy: How to Decide What’s Best for You

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Locals know that Silver Creek Valley is a great place to raise a family.  The scenic Silver Creek Valley resides on a mountain ridge and is bordered by numerous oaks and environmentally protected areas thru the heart of the community while the hillsides, parks and golf courses have estates that can see all the way to San Francisco on a clear day.  There's is an abundance of open space, hiking trails and great schools. 

 

Silver Creek value comes from its welcoming warm atmosphere, where neighbors participate enjoying various spectacular amenities enjoying a great convenient location.

 

There are many upscale home styles and communities to choose from. All the great neighborhoods; Silver Creek Country Club (Gated community), Bel Aire Luxury Estates, The Ranch, Hillstone, The Meadowlands, Tuscan Hills and California Oak Creek have this in common. Pride in ownership is obvious when the residents, whether renters or owners, maintain their homes and care about their neighborhood. 

 

Every home buyer has a wish when looking for a home, while not all of them are granted, the ‘feel good magic’ happens when they start selling homes around neighborhoods of this beautiful area.

It's the people what makes this place a little different from others, It's a great place to live.

Today I would like to speak to you about Rent vs. Buy: How to Decide What’s Best for You

 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, median rent continues to rise. With today’s low mortgage rates, there’s great opportunity for current renters to make a move into homeownership that stretches each dollar a little bit further.

 

While the best timeline to buy a home is different for everyone, the question remains: Should I continue renting or is it time for me to buy? The answer depends on your current situation and your future plans, so here are some thoughts to help you decide if you’re ready to own a home of your own.

 

1. Rent Will Continue to Increase

This is one of the top reasons why renters decide to move because in most cases, rent will continue increasing each year. As noted above, the U.S. Census Bureau recently released its quarterly homeownership report, and as the graph below shows, median rent is climbing year after year. When you own a home, you’ll lock in your monthly payment for the life of your loan, creating consistency and predictability in your payments.

 

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2. Freedom to Customize

This is a big decision-making point for many people who want to be able to paint, renovate, and make home upgrades. In many cases, landlords determine all of these selections and prefer you do not alter them as a renter. As a homeowner, you have the freedom to decorate and personalize your home to truly make it your own.

 

3. Privacy

When renting, your landlord has access to your space in case of an emergency. If you own your home, however, you’re the one to decide who can come inside. Given today’s health concerns around the pandemic, this may be a growing priority for you.

 

4. Flexibility for Relocation

If you’re renting, it may be easier to move quickly should you have a job transfer or simply decide it’s time for a change. When you’re a homeowner and need to sell your house, this might take a little more time. Today, however, with the housing market’s low inventory, this may no longer be the case. Homes are selling at a record-breaking pace, so you may have more flexibility than you think.

 

5. Building Equity

When you pay your rent, your landlord earns the equity the property gains. If you own your home, the benefits of your investment go directly toward your net worth. This is savings you’ll be able to use in the future for things like sending children to college, starting a new business, buying a bigger home, or simply downsizing to save for retirement.

 

6. Tax Advantages

When you own your home, there are additional that work in your favor as well. You can deduct things like your property taxes and mortgage interest (Always make sure you check with your accountant to see which tax-deductible benefits apply to your situation). When you rent, however, the tax benefits are directed to your landlord.

 

Bottom Line

It’s up to you to decide if you’d prefer to rent or buy, and it’s different for every person. If you’d like to learn more about the pros and cons of each, as well as resources to help you along the way, let’s connect to discuss your options. This way, you can make a confident and informed decision with a trusted expert on your side.

 

Source.. KCM Fernando Blog

 

“All agents are NOT alike, We are Different … and We Want To Earn Your Business and Trust”

“The real estate market is constantly changing. I would like the opportunity to show you some of the new ways in which you are able to buy, sell and search for new homes”. 

We continually invest in the latest technology to give you the most up to date information on homes for sale and the most exposure for your property when selling.   

Give us a call at 408–741–9300 before buying or selling your next home. 

Don Orason, Owner — Silicon Valley Real Estate Team   

www.siliconvalleyrealestateteam.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Silver Creek
Oct. 13, 2020

Almaden Valley Homes For Sale | 6 Reasons You’ll Win by Selling with a Real Estate Agent This Fall

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We've streamlined and perfected the process of finding dream homes for our clients in Almaden Valley 

 

We know you want to spend less time looking at perhaps hundreds of homes for sale, looking all over. . .just to find that special place, allow our knowledge, experience and passion for Almaden Valley to guide you through the process of finding the right neighborhood that will fit your lifestyle. We strive in making it easier and have a direct path to help you find your dream home.  

 

We are also your Trusted Resource for Almaden Valley Real Estate, offering complete solutions for buyers, from financing assistance to creating innovative marketing strategies for home sellers.    

 

Check out the Almaden Valley Real Estate Market Report here!  

 

We are your neighborhood specialists and we are ready to help you..    

 

Today I would like to speak to you about 6 Reasons You’ll Win by Selling with a Real Estate Agent This Fall

 

There are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times, like what we face today, it becomes even more important to have an expert you trust to help guide you through the process. If you’re considering selling on your own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO), it’s critical to consider the following:

 

1. Your Safety Is a Priority

Your family’s safety should always come first, and that’s more crucial than ever given the current health situation in our country. When you FSBO, it is incredibly difficult to control entry into your home. A real estate professional will have the proper protocols in place to protect not only your belongings but your family’s health and well-being too. From regulating the number of people in your home at one time to ensuring proper sanitization during and after a showing, and even facilitating virtual tours for buyers, real estate professionals are equipped to follow the latest industry standards recommended by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to help protect you and your family.

 

2. A Powerful Online Strategy Is a Must to Attract a Buyer

Recent studies from NAR have shown that, even before COVID-19, the first step 44% of all buyers took when looking for a home was to search online. Throughout the process, that number jumps to 93%. Today, those numbers have grown exponentially. Most real estate agents have developed a strong Internet and social media strategy to promote the sale of your house. Have you?

 

3. There Are Too Many Negotiations

Here are just a few of the people you’ll need to negotiate with if you decide to FSBO:

 

The buyer, who wants the best deal possible

The buyer’s agent, who solely represents the best interest of the buyer

The inspection companies, which work for the buyer and will almost always find challenges with the house

The appraiser, if there is a question of value

As part of their training, agents are taught how to negotiate every aspect of the real estate transaction and how to mediate the emotions felt by buyers looking to make what is probably the largest purchase of their lives.

 

4. You Won’t Know if Your Purchaser Is Qualified for a Mortgage

Having a buyer who wants to purchase your house is the first step. Making sure they can afford to buy it is just as important. As a FSBO, it’s almost impossible to be involved in the mortgage process of your buyer. A real estate professional is trained to ask the appropriate questions and, in most cases, will be intimately aware of the progress being made toward a purchaser’s mortgage commitment.

 

Further complicating the situation is how the current mortgage market is rapidly evolving because of the number of families out of work and in mortgage forbearance. A loan program that was available yesterday could be gone tomorrow. You need someone who is working with lenders every day to guarantee your buyer makes it to the closing table.

 

5. FSBOing Has Become More Difficult from a Legal Standpoint

The documentation involved in the selling process has increased dramatically as more and more disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. In an increasingly litigious society, the agent acts as a third-party to help the seller avoid legal jeopardy. This is one of the major reasons why the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20+ years.

 

6. You Net More Money When Using an Agent

Many homeowners believe they’ll save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real estate agent’s commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save on the commission.

 

A study by Collateral Analytics revealed that FSBOs don’t actually save anything by forgoing the help of an agent. In some cases, the seller may even net less money from the sale. The study found the difference in price between a FSBO and an agent-listed home was an average of 6%. One of the main reasons for the price difference is effective exposure:

 

“Properties listed with a broker that is a member of the local MLS will be listed online with all other participating broker websites, marketing the home to a much larger buyer population. And those MLS properties generally offer compensation to agents who represent buyers, incentivizing them to show and sell the property and again potentially enlarging the buyer pool.”

 

The more buyers that view a home, the greater the chance a bidding war will take place.

 

Bottom Line

Listing on your own leaves you to manage the entire transaction by yourself. Why do that when you can hire an agent and still net the same amount of money? Before you decide to take on the challenge of selling your house alone, let’s connect to discuss your options.

 

Source.. KCM Fernando Blog

 

 

“All agents are NOT alike, We are Different … and We Want To Earn Your Business and Trust”

“The real estate market is constantly changing. I would like the opportunity to show you some of the new ways in which you are able to buy, sell and search for new homes”. 

We continually invest in the latest technology to give you the most up to date information on homes for sale and the most exposure for your property when selling.   

Give us a call at 408–741–9300 before buying or selling your next home. 

Don Orason, Owner — Silicon Valley Real Estate Team   

www.siliconvalleyrealestateteam.com

 

Posted in Almaden Valley
June 23, 2020

Almaden Valley Homes For Sale | What Are the Experts Saying About Future Home Prices?

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We've streamlined and perfected the process of finding dream homes for our clients in Almaden Valley 

We know you want to spend less time looking at perhaps hundreds of homes for sale, looking all over. . .just to find that special place, allow our knowledge, experience and passion for Almaden Valley to guide you through the process of finding the right neighborhood that will fit your lifestyle. We strive in making it easier and have a direct path to help you find your dream home.  

We are also your Trusted Resource for Almaden Valley Real Estate, offering complete solutions for buyers, from financing assistance to creating innovative marketing strategies for home sellers.    

Check out the Almaden Valley Real Estate Market Report here!  

We are your neighborhood specialists and we are ready to help you..    

Today I would like to speak to you about What Are the Experts Saying About Future Home Prices?

 

A worldwide pandemic and an economic recession have had a tremendous effect on the nation. The uncertainty brought about by both has made predicting consumer behavior nearly impossible. For that reason, forecasting home prices has become extremely difficult.

 

Normally, there’s a simple formula to determine the future price of any item: calculate the supply of that item in ratio to the demand for that item. In housing right now, demand far exceeds supply. Mortgage applications to buy a home just rose to the highest level in 11 years while inventory of homes for sale is at (or near) an all-time low. That would usually indicate strong appreciation for home values as we move throughout the year.

Some experts, however, are not convinced the current rush of purchasers is sustainable. Ralph McLaughlin, Chief Economist at Haus, explained in their June 2020 Hausing Market Forecast why there is concern:

 

“The upswing that we’ll see this summer is a result of pent-up demand from homebuyers and supply-in-progress from homebuilders that has simply been pushed off a few months. However, after this pent-up demand goes away, the true economic scarring due to the pandemic will begin to affect the housing market as the tide of pent-up demand goes out.”

 

The virus and other challenges currently impacting the industry have created a wide range of thoughts regarding the future of home prices. Here’s a list of analysts and their projections, from the lowest depreciation to the highest appreciation:

 

 * CoreLogic: Year-Over-Year decline of -1.5%

 * Haus: Year-Over-Year decline of -1%

 * Zillow: Year-Over-Year change is forecasted to bottom out at -0.7%.

 * Home Price Expectation Survey: Decline of -0.3% in 2020

 * Fannie Mae: Increase of 0.4% in 2020

 * Freddie Mac: Increase of 2.3% in 2020

 * Zelman & Associates: Increase of 3.0% in 2020

 * National Association of Realtors: Increase of 3.8% in 2020

 * Mortgage Bankers Association: Increase of 4.0% in 2020

 

We can garner two important points from this list:

 

 * There is no real consensus among the experts.

 * No one projects prices to crash like they did in 2008.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re thinking of buying a home or selling your house, know that home prices will not change dramatically this year, even with all of the uncertainty we’ve faced in 2020.

 

Source.. KCM Fernando Blog

 

“All agents are NOT alike, We are Different … and We Want To Earn Your Business and Trust”

“The real estate market is constantly changing. I would like the opportunity to show you some of the new ways in which you are able to buy, sell and search for new homes”. 

We continually invest in the latest technology to give you the most up to date information on homes for sale and the most exposure for your property when selling.   

Give us a call at 408–741–9300 before buying or selling your next home. 

Don Orason, Owner — Silicon Valley Real Estate Team   

www.siliconvalleyrealestateteam.com

 

Posted in Almaden Valley
Sept. 24, 2019

Almaden Valley Homes For Sale | Should You Fix Your House Up or Sell Now?

We've streamlined and perfected the process of finding dream homes for our clients in Almaden Valley  

We know you want to spend less time looking at perhaps hundreds of homes for sale, looking all over. . .just to find that special place, allow our knowledge, experience and passion for Almaden Valley to guide you through the process of finding the right neighborhood that will fit your lifestyle. We strive in making it easier and have a direct path to help you find your dream home.  

We are also your Trusted Resource for Almaden Valley Real Estate, offering complete solutions for buyers, from financing assistance to creating innovative marketing strategies for home sellers.    

Check out the Almaden Valley Real Estate Market Report here!  

We are your neighborhood specialists and we are ready to help you..    

Today I would like to speak to you about Should You Fix Your House Up or Sell Now? 

 

If you’re thinking about remodeling your house before you list it, take a look at these three tips to help you decide if you really need to fix it up before you sell. The answer may surprise you.

With the fall season upon us, change is in the air. For many families, children are growing up and moving out of the house, maybe leaving for college or taking a jump into the working world. Parents are finding themselves as empty nesters for the first time. The question inevitably arises: is it finally time to downsize?

If you’re pondering that thought, you may also be wondering if you should fix-up your house before you sell it, or go straight to the market as-is, allowing a potential buyer to do the updates and remodeling. If you’re one of the many homeowners this camp, here are a few tips to help you decide which way to go.

 

1. Analyze Your Market

A real estate professional can help you to understand your market and the potential level of buyer interest and demand for your home. Are you in a seller’s market or a buyer’s market? This can change based on the price range of your home, too. A professional can also give you some insight on what you can change or remodel, and how to declutter your house to make it attractive to buyers in your area.

 

2. Get an Inspector

Right now, the average length of time a family stays in a home is between 9-10 years. That’s a little longer than the historical average, so if you’ve been living in your home for a while, it might be time to make some significant improvements. Think: electrical system, HVAC units, roof, siding, etc. An inspector can give you a better idea of the condition of your home, if it is up to current code standards, and recommendations on how to have your house ready before you put it on the market.

 

3. Decide If You Need to Remodel

You may also be thinking about driving buyer appeal with something like a kitchen or a bathroom remodel. If so, first dig into the market value of your home, and compare it to the actual cost of the remodel. A local real estate professional can help you determine your home’s market value, and you’ll want to get a few quotes from contractors on the potential remodel pricing as well. Once you have those two factors narrowed down, you can to decide if a remodel will give you a return on your investment when you sell. Oftentimes, it is actually more advantageous to price your house to sell, list it competitively, and then let the buyer pick the colors they want for their bathroom tiles and the type of countertop they prefer. The 2019 Cost vs. Value Report in Remodeling Magazine compares the average cost for remodeling projects with the value those projects typically retain at resale.

 

Bottom Line

Nationwide, inventory is low, meaning there is less than the 6-month housing supply needed for a normal market. This drives buyer demand, creating a perfect time to sell. If you’re considering selling your house, let’s get together to help you confidently determine what will be the best choice for you and your family.

 

Source.. KCM Bill & Fran Jenkins Blog

 

There are many opportunities for growth in the current real estate market. To find out what’s right for your family, let’s get together to help you understand your options and guide you toward the best decision

All agents are NOT alike, We are Different … and We Want To Earn Your Business and Trust”

“The real estate market is constantly changing. I would like the opportunity to show you some of the new ways in which you are able to buy, sell and search for new homes”. 

We continually invest in the latest technology to give you the most up to date information on homes for sale and the most exposure for your property when selling.  

Give us a call at 408–741–9300 before buying or selling your next home. 

Don Orason, Owner — Silicon Valley Real Estate Team   

www.siliconvalleyrealestateteam.com

 

 

Posted in Almaden Valley
June 4, 2019

Almaden Valley Homes For Sale | How Homeownership Delivers Unsurpassed Family Wealth

Almaden Valley Homes For Sale | How Homeownership Delivers Unsurpassed Family Wealth

 

We've streamlined and perfected the process of finding dream homes for our clients in Almaden Valley      

We know you want to spend less time looking at perhaps hundreds of homes for sale, looking all over. . .just to find that special place, allow our knowledge, experience and passion for Almaden Valley to guide you through the process of finding the right neighborhood that will fit your lifestyle. We strive in making it easier and have a direct path to help you find your dream home.  

We are also your Trusted Resource for Almaden Valley Real Estate, offering complete solutions for buyers, from financing assistance to creating innovative marketing strategies for home sellers.    

 

Check out the Almaden Valley Real Estate Market Report here!  

 

We are your neighborhood specialists and we are ready to help you..    

Today I would like to speak to you about How Homeownership Delivers Unsurpassed Family Wealth

 

There are many financial benefits to homeownership, but probably none more important than its ability to create family wealth.

How Housing Matters is a joint project of the Urban Land Institute and the MacArthur Foundation. It is an online resource for research and information on how homeownership contributes to individual and community success.

Their article, The First Rung on the Ladder to Economic Opportunity Is Housing, explains the importance of homeownership to a family’s financial health. In that article, they simply stated:

“The ladder to economic success can stretch only so high without the asset-building power of homeownership.”

To this point, National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Economists’ Outlook Blog revealed in a recent post:

“Housing wealth contributes positively to the homeowner’s and children’s economic condition, because home equity can be tapped for expenditures such as investing in another property (which can generate rental income), home renovation (which further increases the home value), a child’s college education, emergency or major life events, or expenses in retirement…

Housing wealth (or net worth or equity) is built up over time via the home price appreciation and the principal payments that the homeowner makes on the loan.

Here is a graph showing the build-up of wealth over time:

Just last month, NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, explained that even though home appreciation has slowed, homeowners are still building wealth:

“Homeowners in the majority of markets are continuing to enjoy price gains, albeit at a slower rate of growth. A typical homeowner accumulated $9,500 in wealth over the past year.”

 

Later in life, this wealth is crucial…

This wealth is important to a family’s retirement plans. In a recent report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University titled, Housing America’s Older Adults 2018, they revealed that a renter 65 years old or older has a net worth of $6,710. Meanwhile, a homeowner 65+ years old has a net worth of $319,200. That huge difference will allow for a dramatic upgrade in one’s lifestyle during your retirement years.

 

Bottom Line

Homeownership builds wealth. This, in turn, allows families to have more and better options when it comes to their children and their life in retirement.

 

Source.. KCM Don Orason Blog

 

All agents are NOT alike, We are Different … and We Want To Earn Your Business and Trust”

“The real estate market is constantly changing. I would like the opportunity to show you some of the new ways in which you are able to buy, sell and search for new homes”. 

We continually invest in the latest technology to give you the most up to date information on homes for sale and the most exposure for your property when selling.  

Give us a call at 408–741–9300 before buying or selling your next home. 

Don Orason, Owner — Silicon Valley Real Estate Team   

www.siliconvalleyrealestateteam.com

 

 

Posted in Almaden Valley
Nov. 22, 2018

Thank You for Your Support! SILICON VALLEY REAL ESTATE TEAM

Nov. 8, 2018

Almaden Valley Homes For Sale | 75% of Renters Have Been Misinformed

Almaden Valley Homes For Sale | 75% of Renters Have Been Misinformed

 

We've streamlined and perfected the process of finding dream homes for our clients in Almaden Valley      

We know you want to spend less time looking at perhaps hundreds of homes for sale, looking all over. . .just to find that special place, allow our knowledge, experience and passion for Almaden Valley to guide you through the process of finding the right neighborhood that will fit your lifestyle. We strive in making it easier and have a direct path to help you find your dream home.    

We are also your Trusted Resource for Almaden Valley Real Estate, offering complete solutions for buyers, from financing assistance to creating innovative marketing strategies for home sellers.     

Check out the Almaden Valley Real Estate Market Report here!  

We are your neighborhood specialists and we are ready to help you..    

Today I would like to speak to you about 75% of Renters Have Been Misinformed

 

Recently, multiple headlines have been written asserting that homeownership is less affordable today than at any other time in the last decade. Though the headlines are accurate, they lack context and lead too many Americans to believe that they can’t partake in a major part of the American Dream – owning a home.

In 2008, the housing market crashed and home values fell by as much as 60% in certain markets. This was the major trigger to the Great Recession we experienced from 2008 to 2010. To come back from that recession, mortgage interest rates were pushed down to levels that were never seen before.

For the last ten years, you could purchase a home at a dramatically discounted price and attain a mortgage at a historically low mortgage rate.

 

Affordability skyrocketed.

Now that home values have returned to where they should be, and mortgage rates are beginning to increase, it is less affordable to own a home than it was over the last ten years.

However, what is not being reported is that it is MORE AFFORDABLE to own a home today than at any other time since 1985 (when data was first collected on this point).

If you take out the years after the crash, affordability today is greater than it has been at almost any time in American history.

 

This has not been adequately reported which has led to many Americans believing that they cannot currently afford a home.

As an example, the latest edition of Freddie Mac’s Research: Profile of Today’s Renter reveals that 75% of renters now believe it is more affordable to rent than to own their own homes. This percentage is the highest ever recorded. The challenge is that this belief is incorrect. Study after study has proven that in today’s market, it is less expensive to own a home than it is to rent a home in the United States.

Thankfully, some are starting to see this situation and accurately report on it. The National Association of Realtors, in their 2019 Housing Forecast, mentions this concern:

“While the U.S. is experiencing historically normal levels of affordability, potential buyers may be staying out of the market because of perceived problems with affordability.”

 

Bottom Line

If you are one of the many renters who would like to own their own homes, let’s get together to find out if homeownership is affordable for you right now.

 

Source.. KCM Don Orason Blog

 

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Don Orason, Owner — Silicon Valley Real Estate Team   

www.siliconvalleyrealestateteam.com

 

 

Posted in Almaden Valley