Many Silicon Valley homeowners have already taken advantage of lower-than-ever interest rates to save several hundred dollars a month by refinancing their mortgage loans.

But until now, millions of owners across the country who could probably use those savings the most have been locked out of them: those who bought near the top of the market and whose home values are worth less than their current mortgage balance. » Read More

I’ve noted before that, just as Silicon Valley is an area of weather micro-climates, it’s also an area characterized by real-estate micro-markets.

A snapshot of average per-square-foot list prices in eight of the cities and neighborhoods in which I’m active brings those differences into focus.

They range from less than $300 in San Jose’s Blossom Valley area to more than $900 in Palo Alto. It comes as no surprise that the toney San Mateo County city is much further removed financially from Blossom Valley than it is geographically. » Read More

The “Super Bowl Bump” in sale prices started a few months early in San Jose’s 95126 zip code, and my analysis of the area – which includes the popular Rose Garden and Shasta Hanchett Park neighborhoods – indicates that a downturn in inventory played a significant role in the surge. » Read More

It seems to get harder and harder for prospective homebuyers to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime “buyer’s market” in real estate.

From San Francisco to Palo Alto to San Jose, many move-up buyers are trapped in their current homes because they’ve lost so much equity they can’t afford a down payment – or worse, they’re under water. » Read More

This video explains how the speed of the San Jose area real-estate market – along with sale prices and inventory – gains steam after Super Bowl Sunday and how that can take home buyers and their agents by surprise.

It’s estimated that Facebook will mint 1,000 new millionaires among its 3,000 employees after it goes public. They’ll need that largesse if they want to buy a home in Palo Alto – and given the wherewithal, who wouldn’t? (Yes, I realize the new executive offices are in nearby Menlo Park, but like I said, “Who wouldn’t?”)

Only 30 homes are listed for sale in Palo Alto – and an average price of $960 per square foot. Compare that, for instance to Cupertino – another Bay Area headquarters city with great public schools – at $563 p.s.f., and you start to get the idea.) » Read More

As a San Jose real estate advocate, I’ve chosen not to follow the “Ziggers.” I’m going to tell you what you need to know, give you my best advice – and leave the decision up to you.

This video explains why homeowners thinking about selling now need a real-estate coach – not a cheerleader.

Average home sale prices in the city of Santa Clara have remained remarkably stable over the past 12 months, ignoring both normal seasonal variations and a steep drop in monthly sales between August and December 2011.

As you’ve seen in previous posts, some zip codes and neighborhoods in the Bay Area have had huge swings of $50,000 or more in prices between the summer and winter months. But Santa Clara has remained within a few thousands dollars of the $600,000 mark for nearly all of the past year. » Read More

Workers recently scrambled to complete the latest Finley home. It's done now, see photo (below left).

(Notice: In honor of the 49ers appearance in the NFC Championship Game Sunday, I am making a special offer to unrepresented buyers: If I write your successful offer on this home, I will credit you $4,949.49 at closing. This home only!)

Finley Enterprises is about to strike again in Willow Glen and the ante is being raised – again.

The builder’s unique formula – state-of-the-art new construction of a large, ranch-style home in an established neighborhood – worked like a charm in 2011, when it completed five homes in Willow Glen and sold them all at full price in a matter of days. » Read More