Almost every day when I run into someone and we start talking about real estate or someone from my past finds out that I'm working as a Realtor, I feel as if I've just walked into a funeral. I hear about how rough the economy is and all about foreclosures/short sales and falling home values that they've heard about on the news. Now I can relate to the news. I worked in broadcasting for several years. Without murders, suicides, war, destructive weather, sickness and a bad economy, they would pretty much be out of business. You won't find too many stories on the news with a happy ending. It happens, just not that often.

But one good story that local news outlets are not reporting on is that real estate in Silicon Valley up the peninsula towards San Francisco is faring pretty well despite national trends. According to a Business Week article that printed on July 10, 2008, job growth in the technology sector along with some of the highest salaries in the nation have helped this area buck the trends that have befallen many other California communities. Median home prices in prime areas of Silicon Valley are "plus or minus 5%" compared to a year ago, according to Kenneth Rosen, chairman of the Fisher Center for Real Estate & Urban Economies at UC Berkeley. Commercial real estate is even stronger. Apartment rents climbed 5% to 10% in the first quarter compared to a year ago, he says.

With limited land to build on, a great economy and fantastic weather, people continue to make this area their home. At an open house that I hosted in Santa Clara this past weekend, I had several people who came thru the property who were ready to buy. It's a smart move. Interest rates are at historic lows and are forecasted to rise later this year.. Add in some price reductions on properties and you have a recipe for a great deal for homebuyers. Just remember the next time you are watching the news, every real estate market is different. In fact, in the SF Bay Area there are several micro-markets. And while many out there aren't doing so well, the Silicon Valley market is still one of the best in the nation to invest in.

People have always appreciated the unique neighborhood of Willow Glen. It is no wonder that it remains one of the most stable housing markets in the San Jose city limits. Even as far back as the 1800s, the land of Willow Glen was priced 10 times higher than... More.

The Federal Reserve is concerned about a recession, but doesn't want to cut rates too much because it may stoke the flames of inflation. In a speech last Thursday, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke signaled... More.

Cannery Square at Monte Vista is comprised of condominiums that bring the historic city life into the modern era with rough brick exteriors and beautifully finished interiors. The new San Jose condos are not only chic but offer... More.

One of the great retirement communities of our area exist not far away from the hustle and bustle of San Jose. Many have heard of The Villages Golf and Country Club but if you... More.

With all of the "scary" articles going around about home sales slumping, downward trends nationwide, sub-prime loan fiascos etc., there is finally an explanation for frustrated buyers in certain Bay Area neighborhoods that are still eliciting multiple... More.

Complete with San Francisco inspired architecture, Stonecrest invites you to stroll through the tropical courtyards or simply relax by the pool. As an added bonus, the property is located in one of the safest cities in America and within the celebrated Cuppertino School District, giving your family access to some of the best schooling available.

Offering 2 bedroom 2 ½ bath town homes... More.

Offering two and three bedroom homes, Park Place offers all of the essential luxuries such as 12x12 ceramic tiles in entryways... More.

Tip #1 - Make sure that your cell phone can get a signal from the home that you are previewing. Imagine if you purchased the home and could never use your cell phone because of a weak cell phone signal. Many homes are in drop out zones that no cell phones can work properly. If you rely on your cell phone for business, avoid these homes.

Tip #2 - Don't Use Zillow As Gospel Truth. Zillow gives buyers and sellers estimates. In fact... More.

Private Mortgage Insurance is an special insurance that protects the lender from default and foreclosure. It applies to any loans where a borrower puts less than a 20% down payment on a home. Lenders use PMI to protect themselves from the riskiest... More.

Taking the lead in offering affordable luxury living close to shopping, dining and entertainment, visionary developer Barry Swenson has created The Lofts, a boutique community of 40 two-story condominiums with floor plans as desirable as their downtown location. Here high and low tech converge in a harmonious blend of... More.