I think the story here is believing in your Seller's product. As we write this in Fall of 2026, the market has been so volatile. Agents telling us that we need to drop price or understand that the market has spoken and that we should be telling our Sellers that they need to think about a price reduction. We received several offers that were short of our transparent price point of $3.495MM. We had an offer from an agent that represents several homes in this community that had also pitched these sellers. She said that the market has shifted and that this was the best her clients were willing to offer. That did not work for us. We also had the luxury of being patient. I understand market shifts having been in the industry for over 25 years; but there is also a point where you have to stick to your beliefs and view this from a position of conviction vs naivete
Brand new homes (and there were about 8 that sold this year) were selling in the $3.2MM - $3.6MM range for a comparably sized home in this same community. Those homes are delivered with a dirt lot; a large 10,000-20,000 sq.ft. dirt lot at that! My sellers purchased this home in 2019 and invested over $540,000 in the backyard renovation. In today's dollars and materials market; that number would be significantly higher. In addition, the time it would take to create this oasis vs just moving straight in and living; easily 12 plus months. So when we received an offer just shy of $3MM we knew it was worth waiting for the right party. Scroll down and check out the photos for the justification for paying for this Oasis of a backyard.
We were approached by a buyer that wasn't represented by an Agent and we were able to work some magic. My patient sellers were rewarded and our buyers were equally happy to get to their number accepted with some adjustments to commissions. Something we are not permitted to talk about on the MLS. But we are happy to say my Sellers after being on the market 2 months and receiving 5 offers in the high $2.9MM and low $3MM range finally ratified and closed escrow at a net of $3,420,000!!
Similar to the legacy listing at 9508 Sugar Babe, we really wanted buyers to understand the community and Owner Experience of living at the prestigious Borello Ranch Estates here in Morgan Hill .So I interviewed the sellers.
Here is the story of their journey...
Back in 2017, we began looking for what we hoped would be our forever home, as our eldest child was preparing to leave for college. We wanted a space where we could spend more meaningful time together as a family, host friends, stay connected with nature, and be part of a warm, welcoming community. It was also important for us to have enough space for our parents to feel at home when they visited. We knew we were asking for a lot, and felt like we were chasing too many “must-haves.”
At the time, we owned a house in West San Jose and explored many areas (Saratoga, San Ramon, Dublin, Evergreen), but none of the houses felt right or truly clicked. Then one day, on a drive to Gilroy, we noticed a sign for Toll Brothers along Highway 101 and decided to take a chance. As we turned onto Cochrane Road, we were immediately struck by the serenity, the lush greenery, and the calm. It felt almost unreal, like we had stepped outside the Bay Area and into something more special.
We discovered Borello Ranch, and although the process required joining a list and waiting through phased lot releases, we knew we found something worth waiting for. The larger lots, thoughtfully designed homes, and gated community felt like the perfect combination we were looking for.
From the very beginning, I had my eyes on a few north-facing lots on Corte Arcangel. When we were finally able to secure this home, it felt truly meant to be. From the moment we moved in, the house became a place filled with love, care, dreams, and prayers.
What made this home even more special was the community. We quickly formed connections with our neighbors. We shared tea and coffee, chatted outside, watched kids ride their bikes, and took evening walks. This place had the perfect balance of privacy and community. We remember Halloween and meeting people, celebrating Diwali with music and dance, and participating in a spontaneous “Secret Santa” tradition that brought so much joy. Lifelong friendships began here, and we continue to cherish them.
Our backyard, which we lovingly created soon after moving in, became our personal retreat. We enjoyed evenings under blankets, enjoying the cool breeze, music, and rare sense of privacy that very few homes offer. We biked and walked regularly, and having orchards and wineries nearby made it feel like we had the best of both worlds.
During COVID, while the world faced uncertainty, this home became a place of comfort and gratitude for us. Although our eventful move out of state was not an easy decision, looking back, we feel thankful for the time and memories we were able to create here.
Even after moving, we held onto this home for a few years, hoping one day our daughter might choose to make it her own. Because of that, the house was never rented and has been carefully maintained with consistent landscaping, pool care, and upkeep to keep it as fresh and welcoming as ever.
Now, as we prepare to pass it on, it is not without emotion. This home has been a true blessing for our family. Our heartfelt wish is that it brings the same joy, warmth, and sense of belonging to its next lucky owners.
Our team of incredible photographers shot this montage
Some more of the video shoot
I asked them to come back in the evening to show how incredible this backyard was at night. This was a very large part of the reason we felt convicted to our price expectation.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.