Insights
Notes from the Bay Area — and life in between
Real estate guides when you need them, plus occasional personal notes on travel, food, and what I'm up to.
Happy Halloween — Plus Two Spooky-Good Open Houses This Weekend
Costume contest vibes at Compass, then come tour with me: Saturday 2–4:30 PM at a renovated 6-bed in San Jose ($1.688M) and Sunday 1:30–4 PM at a Mountain View condo near Google & Castro Street ($650K).
Stanford Faculty Staff Housing: Homebuying Support for Eligible Employees
Eligible Stanford faculty, executive staff, and clinician educators may access specialized loan programs, housing allowances, and certain Stanford housing purchase opportunities through FSH.
UC Employees: Shared Appreciation & 20% Down Payment Assistance
If you work for the University of California, you may qualify for shared appreciation education and down payment assistance — key criteria and how to get started.
Open House This Weekend | 1868 Anne Marie Court, Berryessa
Sat & Sun, Sept 26–27 · 2–4 PM — 3 bed / 2 bath, 1,320 SF on ~6,000 SF lot. Recently reduced $200K. Quiet court in Berryessa, San Jose.
San Jose Neighborhood Home Values — September 2026
Market update: typical home values across Cambrian Park, Almaden, West San Jose, Willow Glen, Evergreen, Berryessa, Santa Teresa, and East San Jose — plus citywide ZHVI context.
Condo, Townhome, or Single-Family? Choosing Your First South Bay Home
Nearly September — and for first-time buyers in San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Warm Springs, and Sunnyvale, the biggest decision isn't only where to buy. It's which home type fits your 5–10+ year plan.
Why Fall Can Be a Smart Time to Buy in the Bay Area
If you've been on the fence about buying, this fall may be worth another look — motivated sellers, more room to negotiate, and a quieter market than spring.
Should I Buy a Condo Now or Wait?
With rates still high, waiting is understandable — but softer condo and townhome pricing in the South Bay can give buyers more room to analyze, negotiate, and decide.
First-Time Buyer Checklist for the Bay Area in 2026
Pre-approval, HOA diligence, and contingency strategy — a practical checklist for Silicon Valley first-time buyers.
Next step
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