Introducing: Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is one of San José's oldest neighborhoods outside the downtown core around the Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe. Several existing Victorian houses in the neighborhood date from the 1860s and 1870s, particularly along Magnolia, Hester, and Hedding Streets. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, The Alameda or “Beautiful Way” attracted wealthy residents who built mansions along its frontage.

In 1927, the neighborhood and its immediate surroundings were primarily pear and prune orchards. That year, the City of San José purchased an 11-acre prune garden and converted part of it into the Municipal Rose Garden, which has been recognized as “America’s Best Rose Garden” and features more than 3,500 plantings! It’s this city landmark that gives this unique and charming neighborhood its name.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.

Working from home (with kids)

Many of us are working from home these days, whether we like it or not. But it’s a double whammy for parents, who are also serving as homeschool teachers supporting their kids’ distance learning.

But don't panic, we've got you covered. Here’s the ultimate guide.

Chic vs. Geek: Work From Home Edition

What are some helpful habits and activities to keep us healthy in mind and body during the shelter in place?

CHIC (PEARL)

It’s important that we all remember to take care of ourselves each and every day, and especially while we’re all stuck at home during this health crisis. I find it helps if I carve out time for personal wellness checks, so I’ve been taking 10 minutes every day for short, easy exercises and a little yoga. There’s no equipment, no monthly payments, and no sweaty chairs left by inconsiderate gym rats. Who could ask for anything more? Need a little motivation? There are a bunch of apps and websites where you can find easy-to-follow beginner workouts.

GEEK (KEVIN)

I don’t know about you, but when I’m stuck at home, I’m not thinking about working out. It’s all about the bread, baby! Sourdough bread, that is, which has become my own personal science project! Over five weeks of working from home, I’ve baked 15 sourdough loaves from scratch – including olive, chocolate, and rosemary – using my own starter (that's the mix of flour, water, wild yeast, and bacteria that helps sourdough rise and creates its distinctive flavor). I’ll admit that there have been failures along the way, but email me for tips, and I’ll send you my starter recipe!

Number Talk: Lagging Market Indicators

There’s always a lag of about 3 to 6+ weeks between a new listing coming to market, an offer being negotiated and accepted, and the close of sale. This means almost all the data we have as of the first week of April still reflects the market before the shelter-in-place rules went into effect. And in virtually all Bay Area counties, median sale prices were actually quite strong in March.

The spring selling season is usually the most active of the year and, typically, the standard market indicators - new listings coming on market, total listings for sale, listings going into contract, sales closing escrow - all climb steadily from March to June.

As you might expect, all of these standard indicators have seen very significant declines during the shelter in place. At the same time, the number of listings pulled off the market has spiked. That said, even though inventory is down, listings continue to go into contract.

– The Geek

Introducing: Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale is a prime spot at the center of Silicon Valley. It’s home to just as many mom-and-pop businesses as tech startups – with a rich history that follows the evolution of valley from orchards to office parks. The comfy, sunny climate is blended with easy access to transit, shopping, and highly-rated schools.

With a population of over 150,000, Sunnyvale is the seventh largest city in the Bay Area and second largest in Santa Clara County. It’s a city of technology and innovation, but also quiet family neighborhoods and a diverse community. You’ll feel right at home no matter where you roam.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.