Geek's Number Talk: Slim Pickin's

Did we mention inventory is a little lean? Okay, it’s a lot lean. And that’s driving prices higher and triggering a lot of bidding wars. Here’s a look at where things stand in Santa Clara County:

Geek's Number Talk: Market Opening Up

Open house activity can provide a glimpse at what the real estate market will look like weeks and months into the future. A recent spike in open houses after a slow Spring coupled with increased consumer confidence in the wake of record-low 30-year mortgage interest rates means we can expect an uptick in demand throughout the summer months.

If you’re interested in how the market is moving in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to talk with you about it!

Market Update: Pending home sales on the rise!

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, pending home sales increased 8% in May over April and are up 13.1% from just one year ago. And a Pending Home Sales Index of 114.7 was the highest reading for May since 2005! NAR’s newsroom has all the details.

Chic's Picks: Feeling hot, hot, HOT!

Like the summertime weather, the real estate market is getting hotter and hotter. Check out these homes that sold for at least 20% over the asking price!

1564 Meadow Lane

Mountain View, CA 94040

4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,590 sqft | SOLD $4.336M

1929 Johnston Ave

San José, CA 95125

4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2,123 sqft | SOLD $2.53M

5085 Derek Drive

San José, CA 95136

2 Beds | 1 Bath | 900 sqft | SOLD $1.101M

Geek's Number Talk: What causes inflation?

We are in the midst of a global economic re-awakening, with at least 56 nations currently experiencing inflation above 4%. As a point of comparison, the U.S. inflation rate in 2008 was 3.84%; but it has risen as high as 11% in 1974 and 13.55% in 1982!

So, what causes inflation? There are three types: demand-pull inflation – when the demand for goods and services increases quicker than production capacity; cost-push inflation – the result of an increase in the cost of production and labor; and built-in inflation – driven by standard cost of living increases.

Of course, there are two sides to every coin. Just as inflation may have a negative impact on renters and those without a lot of assets, it can help homeowners and landlords access additional wealth as their property values rise.