Geek's Number Talk: Bay Area Market Factors

The factors at play when it comes to buying and selling a home can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned real estate professional. And that’s before you consider factors specific to the Bay Area market, which run the gamut from the ebb and flow of the tech industry to federal immigration policy.

Chic vs. Geek: An agent or a partner?

Selling a home is one of the biggest things you’ll ever do. You want to work with an agent who will do more than just get the sale. We use our unique perspective and experience to guide you through the process from start to finish – and beyond! Here’s how…

CHIC (PEARL)

Whether you need to increase your property value or expedite your sale, we’ll give you custom solutions that are just as unique as your home. Need to upgrade your home to sell at a higher price but don’t have the funds? Our Compass Concierge program can provide you with a no-interest loan, and I have an eye for how to curate a strategic first impression that drives buyer excitement. By expertly staging and strategically marketing your home, we can drive early offers, and make your sale as profitable as possible!

GEEK (KEVIN)

As you’d expect for realtors in the heart of Silicon Valley, we use live data to competitively price your home based on today's market. With access to real time market data, I can provide you with a targeted valuation strategy that drives results. Additionally, Compass proprietary technology allows us to compare your home price to similar listings so we can sell with confidence. Get in touch today to start the conversation and discover more about how we can elevate your selling experience.

Geek's Number Talk: Santa Clara County Market Snapshot - Jan. 2022

As you may have heard (from reading this newsletter), housing inventory is getting short just about everywhere, and especially in Santa Clara County. January continued to see reduced stock, shorter times on the market, and higher median sales prices compared to one year ago. Things are a little more chill on the condo side of the market than with houses, but not by much.

Chic vs. Geek: The Benefits of Paying Taxes

Buying your first home can be a daunting commitment when you add up a monthly mortgage, property tax increases, and potential renovations. But there’s a silver lining to these expenses.

CHIC (PEARL)

It may seem like a long, uphill climb now, but I guarantee that nobody who bought their first home 10 years ago regrets the decision, no matter what they had to pay. That’s mainly due to the appreciation of the home’s value, but it’s also about the tax benefits. For one thing, you’re living in the home rent-free, and you’re not being taxed on income from renting the property. You can also deduct mortgage interest and property tax payments, as well as certain other expenses from your federal taxable income, as long as you take the time to itemize your deductions. Additionally, you can exclude capital gains you get from the eventual sale of the home – up to a limit, of course!

GEEK (KEVIN)

True, the benefits of homeownership outweigh any of the negatives, but it’s important to note that homeowner tax deductions and exclusions are worth more for folks in higher tax brackets than to those in lower brackets. For example, according to the Tax Policy Center, deducting $2,000 for paid property taxes saves someone in the top tax bracket about $740, but it only saves a taxpayer in the standard bracket $440. And despite representing only 26% percent of all taxpayers, folks with incomes of $100,000 or more get 90% percent of the tax benefits from the mortgage interest deduction. That’s because they’re likely paying more and itemizing their returns.