Introducing: Willow Glen

Willow Glen is known for tree-lined residential streets, shopping along bustling Lincoln Avenue, great schools, and friendly neighbors. Casual dining options include family-friendly restaurants, bakeries and pizzerias, and the neighborhood frequently holds downtown festivals, including art and wine walk events.

Almost a century ago, Willow Glen was its own city before being annexed by the City of San José, and the historic charm still remains. The neighborhood is centered around Lincoln between Willow and Minnesota Avenues, featuring repurposed buildings like the Garden Theater alongside modern developments like the Willow Glen Town Square.

Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.

Number Talk: Coronavirus Update

Around the Bay Area, many homes have been pulled off the market due to the COVID-19 crisis. But the sellers who are still out there desperately need to find buyers, which means you could get a great deal if you’re ready to act now!

– The Geek

Chic vs. Geek: Green Homes

It’s not always easy to tell a green home from a not-so-green one, and that’s because most green upgrades are “invisible”. There are five basic areas to consider when evaluating a green home: planning and design, energy efficiency, material conservation, water conservation, and environment. But there are tons of ways to make your home more sustainable.

CHIC (PEARL)

One easy way to save energy is to install a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans can be used in place of air conditioners, which require a large amount of energy. You can take it a step further with a programmable thermostat to make sure you’re only using your heating and air conditioning appliances when you really need them. Programmable thermostats contain no toxic mercury like thermometer-based models, and, in some climates, they can save up to $150 a year in energy costs!

GEEK (KEVIN)

Did you know the average household spends 11% of its energy budget on lighting? Traditional incandescent lamps only convert about 10% of the energy they consume into light, while the rest becomes heat. Investing in new lighting technologies, like light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can reduce your energy use for lighting alone by 50% to 75%. Have a look at these additional tips, and let us know if you have any questions about making your home a little greener!

Chic Life: Working From Home

Already bored with your work-from-home lifestyle? Have a look at these Instagram tips for sprucing things up during shelter-in-place, and set up a space that will be the envy of your coworkers on Zoom meetings.

Speaking of Zoom, send me your tips for effective online meetings, and I’ll feature them in a future blog!

Property Highlight: Quarantine Living

Where would you rather be quarantined?

1262 Magnolia Ave

Los Altos, CA 94024

4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 3,227 sqft | 9,798 sqft lot

High ceilings and wonderful use of glass create a light, airy atmosphere that extends throughout this home, from the comfortable living room, to the superb chef's kitchen, to the family room warmed by an elegant fireplace.

---

1436 Harker Ave

Palo Alto, CA 94301

7 Beds | 5.5 Baths | 4,500 sqft | 7,433 sqft lot

A main floor suite caters to guests or extended family. The large open kitchen is ideal for entertaining and flows into a magnificent great room with dining area and a spacious living room. The professionally landscaped backyard exudes California outdoor living!