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Silicon Valley Market Activity For Single Family Homes Jan 2018 To April 19 2018
| Cupertino |
$2,351,930 |
106 |
| Sunnyvale |
$2,006,745 |
150 |
| Almaden Valley |
$1,738,154 |
82 |
| Willow Glen |
$1,629,353 |
166 |
| Campbell |
$1,585,780 |
111 |
| Santa Clara |
$1,578,591 |
169 |
| Evergreen |
$1,393,288 |
122 |
| Cambrian |
$1,382,979 |
160 |
| Milpitas |
$1,224,971 |
60 |
| Berryessa |
$1,152,968 |
111 |
| Central San Jose |
$1,121,434 |
114 |
| Blossom Valley |
$1,073,856 |
157 |
| Santa Teresa |
$1,044,924 |
67 |
| Morgan Hill / Gilroy / San Martin |
$978,356 |
266 |
| South San Jose |
$870,799 |
78 |
| Alum Rock |
$842,398 |
148 |
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| "Surban" Lifestyle May Offer the Best of Two Worlds |
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Suburban lifestyle or city amenities? That's the issue many millennials are facing, but now it seems that choice has become a lot easier: a new hybrid blends the best of suburban and urban living into one. Of course, it's called "surban."
According to Urban Dictionary, this concept involves "new or redeveloped suburban downtown areas comprised of elements of urban living while maintaining suburban affordability."
From the '90s on, we've lived in an "age of urbanization," according to a recent article in RISMedia. As author Len Elder suggests, this "centered around the renewal of inner cities, development of mixed-use properties in urban areas, increased attention to mass transit, and a renewed focus on downtown condos."
Recently, however, there's been a renewed interest in suburban living. And for those with urban tastes, unable to afford city living
and perhaps not quite ready for the true suburban lifestyle, surban offers the best of two worlds - a variety of housing types with nearby city-like amenities at affordable prices.
In fact, the surban trend is popping up all across America. As Elder notes: "The Urban Land Institute estimates that these areas will draw at least 80% of the coming wave of households and will attract the most families in the next 10 years."
As "surbanite" KTGY explains in Urban Dictionary: "I love my new house in the surban area of Phoenix, located outside of the city but within our vibrant and walkable community that offers restaurants, transportation, entertainment, education, employment and recreation."
KTGY can expect lots of company. |
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| Cities Are Thinking Instagram: Is This Good, Bad, or Just a Fad? |
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Do you want to live in an "Instagram Playground"? According to a recent CityLab headline, it's happening right now: "Your Entire City Is an Instagram Playground ...." But is this good or bad? You decide.
People have been posting on Instagram since 2010, but now there's a twist: humans are sharing the frame with city signs, like the mega tourist attraction "I Amsterdam" sign, which became the city's marketing slogan. Posted outside the Rijksmuseum (and now in several spots around town), the giant red and white sign has attracted millions of tourists, all toting cellphones and looking for the perfect angle for selfies.
Many others have followed, including Toronto, Canada, where big block letters shout "Toronto" in front of its iconic city hall. Brand experts describe it as a huge marketing success, drawing some 120 million social media impressions. Kids (and adults) love the letters, climbing on them, jumping off them, and crawling through them as if
the sign were a giant jungle gym.
But, of course, there's a downside. Notes Amsterdam website Dutchamsterdam.nl: "... now that (according to a growing number of locals) Amsterdam is 'overrun' with tourists, many Amsterdammers believe the sign has worked too well, and has overstayed its welcome." With it, apparently, came petty crime, vandalism, and crowded restaurants and attractions. As a result, the city's marketing message is now targeted to corporations and organizations, not tourists.
The
dilemma: anonymity or tourist overkill? Decide where you stand now. Big block letters may soon be on their way to a city near you. |
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| On the Road Again: The Return of the RV Lifestyle |
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North Americans are traveling the highways and byways again. And doing it in style. After the halcyon days of RVing in the 70s, the industry declined. The 2008 financial crisis practically destroyed it, but now vehicles ranging from small trailers to high-end products (like the $400,000 Winnebago camper "that looks like a fancy, spacious apartment," according to an NPR report) are once again "on the road."
As RV sales rep Renèe Hinson told NPR: "Having seen the business since the '70s forward, it's back to like the '70s. ... We've seen astounding growth." Why the popularity? Seems there's a new wave of RV fans: millennials.
Traditionally the largest group of RV enthusiasts has been retirees, staking out a place in the sun or just traveling the country. But according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, the average age of an RV owner is now under 50. And Hinson says she's selling campers to 30-year-olds "like never before."
As a
CBS News report from last summer says: "Images of millennials on RV road trips and outdoor adventures have filled social media all summer long, and #Camping posts on Instagram are now over 14 million." As Allison Lago Leonard, general manager of the KOA campsite in Mystic, Connecticut, notes in the CBS article: "There's 75 million campers out there, and one third, 38%, of us are millennials. So, I mean, we're catching up and we're catching on."
Concludes CBS's report: "... you can live just about anywhere. And for the millennials now driving RV sales, that's the point." |
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| Wondering How Much Your Home Is Worth? |
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How has the price of your home or rental changed in today's market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for?
If you're wondering what's happening to prices in your area, or you're thinking about selling your house or investment property, I'll be able to help.
Just give my office a call for a no-fuss, professional evaluation.
I won't try to push you into listing with me or waste your time.
I'll just give you the honest facts about your home and its value.
And maybe I'll also give you the "inside scoop" on what's happening in the housing market near where you live!
Just give my office a call or reply to this email to arrange an appointment. Alternatively, stop by at the office. |
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| Standing Strong: Paints That Reflect Our Reality |
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If you have the urge to remodel this spring, don't start tearing down walls. Consider updating with paint.
This year, you can find just the color to suit your mood; the very influential paint manufacturers have chosen palettes ranging from peaceful shades to vibrant colors.
Turn inward but stand strong
According to Martha Uniacke Breen in The National Post, paint colors reflect the way we see the world. "[This year] in both a décor and a psychological sense, it's hard to be neutral," Breen suggests. "There's both a turning inwards towards peace and refuge, and a sense of standing strong, even defiance."
For example, Benjamin Moore's color of the year for 2018 is a spicy red called "Caliente" ("Hot" in Spanish), and red, generally, is showing up in everything from appliances to cars. But for the shy among us, Benjamin
Moore offers a variation: deep rich pinks.
Dark colors are also on trend. Paint manufacturer PPG's Black Flame is best as a wall color; it highlights the room's architecture, furniture, and lighting. That said, dark colors can be unforgiving and may highlight those less-than-perfect walls.
Challenging "Ultra Violet"
Pantone has challenged décoristas with its 2018 color of the year, Ultra Violet. It has a tendency to take over, designers say, and so must be handled with care. Some are using softer shades (even extending to lavender), and others are pairing it with partners such as celadon green or camel. But be aware: this bold color should be used judiciously.
Another trend is bringing the outside in with colors such as Beauti-Tone's Green Peace. "It's peaceful and almost neutral, but it has attitude," says company representative Bev Bell.
Fortunately, the 2018 color palette is generally easy to use. Says Breen:
"...all of these shades are amazingly versatile. They can be either dramatic or quietly enveloping, depending on what else you choose to put with them." |
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Judy Stringari
REALTY WORLD Golden Hills
2680 South White Road
Suite 265
San Jose CA 95148
1-408-313-9067 Cell
1-408-223-3647 Office
1-408-238-6896 Fax |
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| www.JudyStringariRealEstate.com |
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| Judy@RWnetwork.comm |
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| Want to Sell Your Home Fast? Get My Free Guide |
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Preparing your home for sale can make the difference between getting the price you want and ending up disappointed.
Discover some easy things you can do by requesting my free guide, "50 Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Speedy, Top-Price Sale." |
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| Just reply to this email and I'll send it right out to you. |
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| Quick Quiz |
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Each month I'll give you a new question.
Just reply to this email for the answer.
What color of paint was once the most expensive? |
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| Orzo Salad with Spring Peas and Fresh Herbs |
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| Serves 6 |
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1 1/4 cups (8 oz.) uncooked orzo pasta |
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2 teaspoons lemon zest, reserved |
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1/2 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice |
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1/4 cup minced shallots |
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1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme |
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard |
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1/2 teaspoon ground pepper |
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3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil |
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2 cups fresh peas, cooked and cooled |
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1 cup mixed chopped fresh herbs (e.g., mint, chives, parsley) |
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1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted |
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| Directions |
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Prepare orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, shallots, garlic, thyme, mustard, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking while gradually pouring in olive oil. Set aside.
Drain the orzo and place in a large bowl. Fold in the dressing and cool, then cover and chill for 1 to 48 hours.
Before serving, toss the orzo with the peas, herb mixture, zest, and almonds. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if necessary. |
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| Ask the Agent: This Month's Question |
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What Can Sellers Do Before a Home Inspection?
Buyers want to know they're purchasing a property not only that they love, but that's safe and well-maintained. A home inspection is designed to reveal any potential problems with the property. So sellers should try to make the buyer's inspection as smooth as possible to avoid red flags that might scrap the purchase.
Clean, then tackle tasks you might overlook in your day-to-day life. Change the furnace filter. Replace light bulbs. If you haven't yet, replace smoke detector batteries. Review major home features for potential concerns. Check windows for cracks, and replace any damaged panes or screens. Check outlets and replace if needed. Remove any clutter around HVAC systems to provide easy access. Some inspectors are more thorough than others, and some buyers are pickier. Completing these
steps proactively may bring you and your buyer to the closing table - faster and happier. |
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