AFTER 22 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS, WHY REVAMP THE SITE NOW?!
Simply put, I have more to show you….
Over the past 20 years I have personally handled over 325 Real Estate Transactions (Over 120 as a Listing Agent and over 200 as a Buyers Agent). This does not include the work I have done for my Buyers looking at New Construction where we have gone straight to the Builder and, YES, we can still NEGOTIATE there! My recent Sale at the Borello Estates came with over $200,000 in Constructions Credits for my Buyer.
In all, I have bought and sold over $300,000,000 worth of Real Estate and it has been an absolute blast! I felt now was a great time to start chronicling some of those journeys and to continue meeting and helping new friends on their journeys of buying or selling. Most importantly, I wanted to provide a comprehensive place for consumers to get information on the often confusing Real Estate landscape as a Buyer or Seller….
in other words, to bring CLARITY
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take...
The great Wayne Gretzky once opined “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take”. This is so true. We are constantly bombarded with the notion that buying in more desirable locations means you are resigned to overpay. While this is true in many cases, for those of us patient enough to identify a deal, a deal can happen. It typically means that we have researched the area for several weeks, watching and seeing what homes move and what they move for. See some examples of the incredible deals I have worked on for my Buyers. I guess, ‘ole Wayne was right. We have snagged some incredible homes for great prices. So for those of you looking in Palo Alto, Saratoga, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Willow Glen and Menlo Park; there are deals to be had if you are patient.
Saratoga: ML81943317
Represented Buyer:
This was a great opportunity to work with an old friend. We had worked together on the purchase of his starter home a few years ago. This time, he and his wife had a very specific area and home type that they were looking for. This particular location was right down the road from the grandparents of their newborn. The home had been on the market for a while; we knew there was some deferred maintenance and an opportunity to have an Inspection Contingency. The home was originally listed higher than the number we settled on. With the inspection, I was able to negotiate an additional $50,000 off the final price. Can’t wait to see what my friends do with this place! So much potential!
Orig Price: $4,400,000
Sales Price: $3,350,000
$1,050,000 Off Original List Price
Los Altos: ML81795035
Represented Buyer:
This was an epic adventure. I first met my buyer over a decade ago. He had a very strong desire to purchase an Eichler or Mid-Century. We looked all over the Peninsula, but for one reason or other the deal did not come together. He decided on a more contemporary home and figured we would eventually come back and complete the journey when the right house and situation presented itself. Ten years later I got the unexpected phone call and we were back out trying to complete our Odyssey. We had been circling this one for a few days. The location was right, the price was not. We did our comp search and then I started engaging with the Listing Agent. The reason the house had sat on the market was not just about price, there were some Easement issues. We decided to take our shot with a Contingency in place to protect my Buyer in the event we couldn't get the Easement handled. We started work immediately with an Attorney focused on Easements. It was not a simple process, but the hard work paid off and we got this incredible Mid Century in Los Altos Hills for an awesome price.
Sidebar, a buyer approached me after we closed escrow stating that they had been circling but were just not ready. They begged him to consider an offer that almost broke $4MM to have him sell to them. I am glad he chose not to take that offer. This truly was a journey of epic proportions and a great finish!
Orig Price: $3,895,000
Sale Price: $3,184,000
$711,000 Off Original List Price
Saratoga: ML81498338
Represented Buyer:
This amazing Saratoga single story home with a massive backyard had sat on the market for 75 or so days when we started looking. We wanted to test the waters and submitted our offer. As you can see, we were almost $400,000 less than list. I explained to my customers that the sellers were out of town and that we may have to be patient. Sure enough, almost 24 hours went and passed without an acknowledgment. It turned out that the sellers were out of town with their agent in Europe! Once communication was established, we started our dance. We diplomatically went back and forth over a pretty weak cell signal and they finally accepted our offer. Perhaps the European Sun had something to do with this?!
Orig Price: $2,699,000
Sale Price: $2,302,873
$396,127 Off Original List Price
Willow Glen: ML81920188
Represented Buyer:
I walked through this stunning home one weekday evening with my new buyers. Unbeknownst to me at that point, the listing agent had offered an incredible deal to my new friends if he were to represent both buyer and seller. I felt it was my obligation to not stand in the way of a good deal. I gave the listing agent an option. Have your seller sign that deal and I will walk away and simply act as an advisor. The reason I wanted his seller to sign the deal was so that my buyers could ratify and there would be no additional negotiations. In other words a done deal. Unfortunately that deal would not be made...
So I stepped back into the transaction with full force. We pored over the disclosures but because they had no inspections we threw in an Inspection Contingency. We submitted our bid. Which, based on metrics in the area, was still a good deal. After much blustering and back and forth, the listing agent said his seller was resolute and would not budge on price. We had planned on this event and had a number where we were willing to walk away, so we did. The next day we were out looking at alternatives when I received a call from the agent. "Why would you walk away? Do you really want to waste the next few months showing home after home?" I found that to be a strange threat. "A few months to further solidify the relationship and see amazing homes in West San Jose?! Yes" I said, "that sounds nice." An hour later, we got the call that his seller had acquiesced and decided to accept our initial offer.
Orig Price: $2,749,888
Sale Price: $2,420,000
$329,888 Off Original List Price
Palo Alto: ML81962808
Represented Buyer:
Another buyer that was in love with Eichlers. They loved the open floor plan and the iconic floor to ceiling windows. These mid-century works of wonder were made famous by by developer, Joseph Eichler and architect, Bob Anshen in the late 1950's. The challenge is that these beautiful homes often need a little "contemporizing"; but to do so while remaining true to the aesthetics that make them an Eichler/Mid Century is tough to do. Well we found one that did just that. We were looking at another house at the time when this came on the market. This house was painstakinlgly remodeled with Central HVAC (Eichler lovers out there will tell you that is a great upgrade) AND a brand new permitted ADU (2023) plus a permitted Primary Suite (additional 265 sq ft in 2023).
Having focused our search in Palo Alto, Mountain View and Sunnyvale; we literally knew every Eichler on the market, Sold and Pending. We even had insider info on the pending listings so we knew what they were going to sell for. Knowing the market, we knew the offer we wanted to make was a bit of a long shot, but we asked the question of ourselves. "What sales price would we regret if we saw it close and we hadn't played?" We gave ourselves a quick pep talk and were off to the races. The Sellers accepted our offer and my Buyers successfully completed their journey for a number they were happy to see someone pay... THEM!!
Orig Price: $3,898,000
Sale Price: $3,762,500
$135,500 Off Original List Price
Menlo Park: ML80943676
Represented Buyer:
"Style and sustainability flow seamlessly in this new home combining the best of contemporary design with the comfort of eco-friendly materials. Expansive open floor plan complimented by over sized windows and doors creating a light filled and relaxed indoor/outdoor living experience. Located in the highly regarded Las Lomitas school district, close to Downtown Menlo, Stanford, and commute routes."
MLS Notes
Orig Price: $2,049,000
Sale Price: $1,695,888
$353,112 Off Original List Price
Morgan Hill: ML81422243
Represented Buyer:
"This gorgeous home is truly built like an S Class Mercedes. All interior doors are 8' high and solid core. Kit cabinets not only look gorgeous, they have dovetailed joints, self close under-drawer glides. Anderson wood windows. Every room is pre-wired for sound and computer. Media room can be instead be used as formal dining room. City water/sewer for home, Ag well on property used to water lawn".
MLS Notes
Orig Price: $2,250,000
Sale Price: $1,945,000
$305,000 Off Original List Price
Campbell: ML81783990
Represented Buyer:
"Modern Campbell Farmhouse, this idyllic family home is the quintessence of curb appeal, welcoming guests with a brick walk & buttercream facade. Beyond a stunning, glass-panel door lies a stately foyer furnished in French Oak, wainscoting, & arched alcoves. Fully remodeled January 2020, with new fixtures, carpeting, hardwoods & paint, this sprawling abode offers endless windows & abundant natural light. Ornate crown molding punctuates dove grey walls, leading guests from living room to dining room, fireplace-clad family room to modern kitchen with Quartz counters & stainless-steel appliances. Beyond the living area lies a cozy home-office/bedroom, mud room, & full bath. Upstairs 2 bedrooms are serviced by an adjacent bath, while a massive master suite w-fireplace flows seamlessly into master bath w- jacuzzi tub. Set on a bike-friendly residential street near city-bound commutes, this pictorial property is located near Campbell's quaint boutiques, eateries, parks, & trails." MLS Notes
Orig Price: $1,989,888
Sale Price: $1,830,000
$159,888 Off Original List Price
Monte Sereno: ML81893388
Represented Buyer:
"Gorgeous single-level Monte Sereno home with a front yard fountain to greet you as you come home. This 4 bed 2.5 bath home features vaulted ceiling over both the living room & dining room. The open concept kitchen is shared with a separate family room. The Corian cooktop island serves as a focal point for family gatherings. The primary bedroom features a private balcony where you can enjoy your morning coffee or tea. Top quality plantation shutters, Hunter Douglas blinds, recessed lighting, dual-paned windows, wood floors in entry, living room, kitchen and dining room. Carpet in all bedrooms. Indoor washer/dryer in utility room with half bath. The low-maintenance backyard features many gathering areas. Minutes away from downtown Los Gatos & Saratoga restaurants, entertainment, & shopping. Los Gatos creek trails, Vasona & Oak Meadow Parks nearby. Near high tech companies and major commute routes such as HWY 9, CA-17, CA-85 and Saratoga/Sunnyvale Road. Award winning Los Gatos schools!"
MLS Notes
Orig Price: $2,999,000
Sale Price: $2,870,000
$129,000 Off Original List Price