The average Silicon Valley Homeowner used to be able to leave his home to his children as part of his estate planning. There were tax advantages just as there are for inherited 401k plans. Many parents hope to create a family home or business that will help their children and possibly their grandchildren. Proposition 19, promoted as "Home Protection... (for) ... Victims of Wildfire" had the more significant impact of making it difficult to create an inherited family home as…
What stands out in Millbrae real estate? The average size of houses sold in Millbrae has changed surprisingly little during the last 25 years. However, the third quarter of 2023, as of August 18, is showing a sharp spike upward in the average size.This spike seems to be more than just normal variability in an average. Eight cities in San Mateo County show a similar spike. The county average has been affected.The eight cities in San Mateo County are Foster…
The news media has reported both tech companies and venture capital firms leaving Silicon Valley. Indeed the percentage of all US venture capital activity has declined in the Bay Area over the last decade. However end of year 2020 venture capital data (from PitchBook) shows over 2,500 VC deals completed in the Bay Area which is over that of 2019, with more data still expected.Over the last five years, over $151 billion of fundraising has happened in the Bay Area…
Perhaps now is a particularly good time for first time home buyers to buy a condo.In our 2021/01/09 webinar & our 2021/01/10 Chinese webinar we pointed out a difference in Silicon Valley real estate trends for houses vs. real estate trends for condos. House prices have been climbing a little faster than condo prices.Santa Clara County House Prices (per sq.ft.) Santa Clara County Condo Prices (per sq.ft.) The incoming Biden administration has talked about a $15,000 tax credit for home…
San Mateo County trends and Santa Clara County trends have begun showing greater differences. At the beginning of 2018 prices spiked higher in Santa Clara County due to the expected increase in mortgage rates. At the end of 2020 Santa Clara again is showing greater increases, possibly due to its greater economic influence from tech companies.Strong increase at the beginning of 2018 and end of 2020 Modest increase at the beginning of 2018 and end of 2020
When deciding to fix or replace a property line fence, you need to understand the California Good Neighbor Fence Act. It makes both neighbors equally responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing a property line fence. A key requirement is that you have to notify your neighbor(s). Most people would talk with their neighbor but few would normally follow the steps specified (30 days’ prior written notice to each affected adjoining landowner).
What stands out in Millbrae real estate? The average size of houses sold in Millbrae has changed surprisingly little during the last 25 years. However, the third quarter of 2023, as of August 18, is showing a sharp spike upward in the average size.
This spike seems to be more than just normal variability in an average. Eight cities in San Mateo County show a similar spike. The county average has been affected.
With no recent significant economic changes nor changes in government policies, the fact that the affected cities are closer to San Francisco than other Silicon Valley cities seems to be the only common thing. Historically, San Mateo County was dominated by San Francisco newspapers, while Santa Clara County was dominated by San Jose newspapers. Perhaps the constant negative news surrounding San Francisco is making San Mateo residents reconsider where they want to spend their future. Homeowners whose children are no longer at home and those approaching retirement may have decided to sell. Price per sq. ft. has not climbed, so it does not appear that increasing demand from buyers is what is behind the change.
