Many Silicon Valley home buyers seek a great home with excellent schools and an affordable price – and I have just such a listing to present to you!   Not only that, but additionally it’s located on a very quiet street (no through traffic), it has recently been updated and remodeled, and further, it’s on an over-sized lot!

Just listed this week, the home at 5114 Nerissa Way in San Jose’s Cambrian neighborhood is sure to please!  Here are some of the highlights:

• 3 bedrooms + small office or hobby room
• 2 baths – both recently remodeled
  • hall bath features shower/tub combo & big skylight
  • master bath includes stall shower
• updated kitchen with slab granite countertops, large skylight & breakfast bar
• living room offers cozy, wood burning fireplace
• family room open to dining and kitchen & offers back yard and patio access
• hardwood floors in bedrooms and under carpeting in hallway and living room
• house is appx 1233 square feet and lot is appx 7500 SF
• loads of natural light – sunny house!
• open, flexible floorplan
• 1 car garage, attached
• Room to add on to house, possible to make 2 car garage, and room for pool – many possibilities

(more…)

The St Martin of Tours School’s annual tour of beautiful homes in San Jose’s Rose Garden district is happening this weekend.  It’s a fabulous opportunity to see gracious homes, attractively decorated and remodeled, and to support the school.

If you’re new to Silicon Valley and are unfamiliar with the area, the school (and Church) are close to O’Connor Hospital (which is close to Valley Fair Mall).  The Rose Garden District is close by, surrounding the San Jose municipal park bearing the name of Municipal Rose Garden. It’s considered part of “central San Jose” and has the zip code 95126. This area, along with nearby Shasta-Hanchett, has some gorgeous older homes. Many of the streets are wide and tree lined. This neighborhood is convenient to both major nearby freeways (280 and 880) so is a great commute location. It’s an area with enduring popularity.

View Larger Map

For all the details, please see their Rose Garden Homes Tour website.

Willow Glen is one of the most charming areas of San Jose, consisting of many older homes which feature lovely, classic architecture.  Most Silicon Valley home buyers treasure the Willow Glen charm and ambiance, but many are seeking newer homes.  A fabulous option is “The Willows“.

KB Homes built “The Willows” in 1999 to 2000.  It is tucked away at the southernmost tip of Willow Glen, off of Foxworthy Avenue & close to Almaden Expressway, but only about 2.5 to 3 miles from all the action on Lincoln Avenue.

The tree-lined streets are built in something of a loop shape with Rubino Circle being the main access or loop road.  Situated on the inner part of the loop are homes with smaller lots that are a little more affordable.  The outer part of the circle is built with slightly larger homes on larger lots (but none of the lots are “big”). Sidewalks with soft curbs at the corners accompany the streets and make for a pedestrian-friendly, bike, wheelchair or stroller friendly area. Visit in the early evenings and you will see children and adults walking, strolling, taking dogs for a walk etc. – always a good sign! Because the neighborhood is a bit like an oversized cul-de-sac (no through traffic), it is very quiet in terms of traffic.  The area has large street lights, too, making for a safe feeling community.
(more…)

Homebuyers sometimes call or email me, explaining, ˜I want to buy a home so that my child can go to Williams Elementary in Almaden Valley or ˜I want to buy a house and have my kids attend Alta Vista Elementary School in Los Gatos or ˜If I purchase a condo in downtown Saratoga, my son or daughter will be able to attend Saratoga Elementary School.

Usually.

But its not guaranteed. Schools tend to drive real estate values here in highly educated Silicon Valley. But we dont have as much control of this slippery issue as most might think.

It is a big mistake to believe that if you purchase a home in a certain location, youll be guaranteed that certain school. Lots can happen.
(more…)