Are You Gonna List Or Buy With Me In Fall?

With the Feds deciding last week not to raise the interest rates, buyers are very motivated to go "House Haunting" during October and find their future home to fry the Thanksgiving Turkey in.

There are plenty of treats in this goolish Fall scenario for the seller as well - less competition on the MLS! VA and FHA approved buyers tend to concentrate on the Fall season to get their offers accepted rather than waiting for the next Spring bidding wars.  Some of my most successful open houses happened during Fall season. 

How inviting can we make a home look just by staging a few pumpkins at the door step or on the fire place?

I would love to make a dirt cake with extra big worms in it and hold a twilight open house for you on Halloween, costumes are welcome, and we don't mind to receive a scary high offer from a gool or goblin, aren't we?

Let's talk and get the listing appointment scheduled to be ready for Halloween. I swing on my broom to visit you TODAY.  

Email: silviabichler@kw.com or txt: 408.706.0671

Here are the Gilroy Stats from Week 38, 
the force is still with us in Silicon Valley South:
1 Single family homes currently listed as bank owned.
11 Single family homes currently listed as short sales.
39 Single family homes are currently overpriced.
171 Is the average days on market of overpriced homes.
85 Single family homes sold in the past 90 days.
83 Single family homes in escrow (8 short sales).
183 Single family homes listed for sale.
$653,000 Median sale price for single family homes in past 90 days.

This Month in Real Estate - Gilroy Edition June 2015

I truly appreciate my fan club who reminds me every month to publish the Gilroy edition of "This Month in Real Estate." Here are the June 2015 numbers fresh out of the MLS oven.

Remember, the June numbers reflect the strong real estate market of May 2015. Starting Memorial weekend I have noticed a gradually softening Gilroy real estate market which will be reflected in next month's edition.
Looking back to 2014, the Gilroy number of homes sold in June compared to May dropped by 20 percent. Will we see the same scenario again? 

This week's selling pressure in the mortgage market has largely been created by mortgage investor profit - taking in front of Friday's May nonfarm payroll figure. The majority of analysts are currently projecting the May headline non farming report will show the economy created 225,000 new jobs nationwide. The national jobless rate is expected to continue to hover at 5.4% while hourly earnings are projected to edge 0.2% higher. These numbers are already well priced in the mortgage market. Mortgage update provided by Turnkey Mortgage Solutions .

May Day May Day - This Month in Real Estate - Gilroy Edition

Thinking of Mooooving?

Thinking of #retiring and #moving to a place with living costs below the national average and home prices in the $200,000-s? Abelene TX for example? Forbes Magazine just stated this city as the number one of the 25 Best Places to Retire.

How Fast Are Selling Homes In California?

For Silicon Valley homebuyers it means, "Don't sleep on it if you want to sleep in it." Homes sell faster than hot dogs around here, the majority of them are less than the average Californian 30 - 45 days on the market.
Thank you Tony Garcia for the great info.

This Month in Real Estate - April 2015 - Gilroy Edition

The Neighbor's Grass Is Always Greener...

...but is it also more drought resistant than yours or even fake? This is the question of the spring season in California because, and let's face it, we will be confronted with another drought and city ordinances which will limit the watering of lawns.

Those of you who reject switching to an attractive desert landscape theme with succulents and nopales and are not thrilled with fake grass, should wise up on drought-resistant grass seeds which are summer dormant and require only little or even no watering during the hot season.

Thirsty Bluegrass, which 95% of American lawns consist of, is not the best choice unless you live in a climate that gets sufficient rainfall.

According to a NASA study on lawns, 50,000 square miles of grass covers the US, which it says should be turfgrass to reduce watering, which the EPA estimates accounts for one third of Americans' water usage.

I found the following suggestions at Treehuger.com - great alternatives in a time when water should be conserved where ever and when ever we can.

Zoysia grass
Flexible. Loves sun and shade. Slow growing. Tolerates traffic. Produces lush carpet. El Toro, Empire, Jamur, and Palisades most drought-resistant.
Bermuda grass
Loves the sun, responds well to watering, good traffic tolerance, but needs lots of mowing. Many varieties are drought-tolerant. Best in sub-tropical southern zones.
St. Augustine grass
Floratam is most drought-tolerant variety but generally it prefers dappled shade. Got trees? Ask your local municipality if it's giving them away. LA gives up to seven but palms don't count. Water-wise arbors here are crape myrtle, London plane and silk tree.
Buffalo grass
Midwest prairie native needs full sun but so-so with traffic. Warm season but tolerates cold. Low rainfall and slow grower. Most are drought-tolerant.
Bahia grass
Decent choice for infertile soil. Needs full sun. Course but thick covering.
Fescues
Cool season grasses for more northern climates. Absorbs water well after drought.

Establish your turf
Determine if cool or warm season grass is best for your location. Keep in mind, not all varieties of warm season species are drought-friendly. Check with a local nursery or master gardener for natives. The key is deep roots and deep watering. Over-watering can damage roots.
Be a conservative when watering your yard, even if you're growing food, try drip irrigation, and harvest rainwater instead of using the tap.

Those other things to do: make it a smaller patch of lawn by surrounding the plot with drought-tolerant plants and ground covers. Might be a good time for thyme, and at the risk of another pun, think sedum.

4 Million Homes in the Palm Of Your Hand

Download my KW App and search homes for sale allover the United States, where ever you are, while driving by. Calculate your monthly mortgage expense, look up open houses or rentals, and directly get into contact with me to write up the winning offer once you have found what you are looking for. App me up, it's free!

This Month in Real Estate: March 2015 - Gilroy Edition

Gilroyans you do me proud! Your number of home sales are up 11% compared to last year. The South County had exactly the same number of home sales and Santa Clara County as a whole is down 12%. Gilroy you won this round! We are only slightly down compared to last month - 3% actually translates into one home down and we can live with that.

Home prices are stabile, slightly down year over year but 4% up month over month. Interest rates continue to attract buyers to buy. If you are one of them, you know what to do. Together we will make it happen.

Don't forget to spring forward coming weekend!

A quick update on what happened this week in the housing and financial markets.

A quick update on what happened this week in the housing and financial markets.

Fed Chair Janet Yellen eased concerns of a pending policy rate increase. Her testimony helped to stabilize rates this week.

Durable goods orders rose in January, showing manufacturing may be starting to stabilize. This points to a strengthening of the U.S. economy.

Consumer prices dropped in January, led by cheaper gas. Low inflation means the Fed may have to start the process of hiking rates later than June.

January new home sales fell only slightly despite big declines in the snow-battered Northeast. Supply rose to its highest level since 2010.

January existing home sales were at a 9-month low but were still up 3.2% from a year ago. Tight inventory and low rates continue to be factors.

Freddie Mac's Multi-Indicator Market Index improved for the 4th consecutive month, showing that housing is stabilizing at a national level.

Teacher: "What is the chemical formula for water?"

Student: "HIJKLMNO"

Teacher: "What are you talking about?"

                                                                        Student: "Yesterday you said it's H to O!"

Spring Forward

Find Your Dream Home In A Cloud

I remember some Silicon Valley software developer telling me a few years ago that the profession of a real estate agent will be obsolete in the year 2014 and replaced by hi-tech virtual tools.

Well, what can I say? We are writing the year 2015, and I am still here assisting buyers and sellers with their real estate needs. The way we do business though has changed drastically as well as my work environment, and my sphere of influence. More than ever, it is important to combine local real estate know how and personal touch, w-i-r-e-l-e-s-s with my clients. They expect the convenience to connect and get informed without leaving their home. 

Not only in Silicon Valley but especially right here in this El Dorado of programmers, geeks, and hi tech enthusiasts, a real estate agent needs virtual presence on Facebook, Linkedin, a blog, several web sites, a twitter account, youtube and google plus to find the millenials currently entering the housing market, empty-nesters who want to downsize, and anyone in between. It gives an unlimited potential of new clients to a realtor like me who uses social media as a method to connect with people.

70% of my leads in 2014 came from facebook. In January 2015 I referred eight first-time homebuyers to agents in other areas of California and out of state from which I eventually will receive a negotiated referral fee and hopefully business coming back my way. International contacts have become a reality as well. Your property is not selling on the local market? Well, let's contact buyers in Asia where right now, real estate in the United States is considered on sale because of the relatively low Dollar exchange rate. Not only clients but also my international professional network is a product of the internet data autobahn.

Online instruction instead of sitting in a classroom is my choice of education. I just passed the exam and got certified as a military relocation professional.

My sphere of influence includes people I have never met in person but shared my pictures with, and part of my daily life and business. Some of them share my ethnic background and native language, some of them share my interest for horses, many find me because they are looking for a realtor in my fields of expertise, military relocation and rural properties. In my professional database, I categorize most of my facebook friends as "met" because I know just as much about them or even more than about the local homeowner in Gilroy on whose door I knock to hand out my flyers. Both channels are important to be successful in this people business environment. It is not about taking away old ways to connect - it is about adding new ones.

House hunters get my own app which keeps them connected with me but also gives them the opportunity to check out every listing in the street they are driving through. The mortgage calculator of my app can instantly tell them how high the monthly payment will be which they will have to budget for including private mortgage insurance, principal and interest.

Home sellers can go on vacation without losing out on prospective buyers. They know that their property is securely accessible through an e-supra key, electronic access that can be programmed into an agent's cellphone. A virtual tour on youtube markets their home directly to house hunters and disclosures are at the buyer's fingertips online.

My expense budget does not include rent for an office - unthinkable for a real estate agent 10 years ago. A wireless hot spot which I can use anywhere to connect my tablet and cellphone to C.A.R. forms and contracts and the MLS has replaced the good old swivel chair and the prestigious teak office. Mobility and the flexibility to meet where-ever and whenever, virtually and in person, is what my clients expect from me. Customer satisfaction is where I invest my budget.

Buyers tweet, we meet at a coffee shop and put in the offer after we found the house of their dreams. Digital ink is a convenient way to sign most of the necessary documents and a virtual transaction point keeps everyone on the same page - without hard copies. The client can be on his flight to Hawaii while purchasing or selling a home.

There are safety risks involved with living in a cloud like there are risks anywhere out there in this jungle called world. Knowing the risks, prevention, and understanding the bigger picture helps brokers and clients avoiding damage such as identity theft.

For me personally, the technological advantages outweigh the negative by far, and I am looking forward to meet YOU to talk about real estate whether it is in a cloud, at Starbucks, or on facebook. My virtual gate is as open as the door to my brokerage. You know what to do. #South County Twang and Gilroy Spice

Free Legal Advice in Gilroy Library, Mondy Feb. 9

#legal#advice#Gilroy

On Monday, Feb 9, from 5PM - 7PM,as part of the ProBono Project, virtual lawyers in the Gilroy library will be offering free legal advice on a variety of subjects including immigration, landlord/tenant, divorce, child custody, elder issues, and small claims court. This is your chance to inform yourself free of cost! They will use video and internet technology to connect participants for a free 20 minute legal consultation with an attorney. Space is limited - make your appointment at the information desk!

This Month in Real Estate, January 2015 - Santa Clara County, South County, and Gilroy Edition At A Glance

2015 starts with a seller's market in Santa Clara County as well as  in the South County and Gilroy. Interest rates continue to be low and attractive for homebuyers. There is opportunity for everyone in this market.

Music, Munchies and More...Your First Good Deed in 2015!

Instead of rocking into  2015 with good intentions only, how about starting it with a good deed?

Here is your chance: I have six tickets left for the spaghetti dinner. If you email me at silviabichler@kw.com, with the amount of tickets you need and your address, I will personally bring them over to you. First come, first serve! There will be a ticket sale at the door. If you have an item for the silent auction, I will pick it up at your house. If you want to write a check, I will take it to the violin instructor after the holidays. All you have to do is giving me a holler and you can start 2015 as a very much appreciated sponsor of our violin kids and as my personal hero of 2015! 

Antonio Del Buono Elementary School in Gilroy has been providing free violin instruction and instruments under the direction of accomplished violinist and credentialed Suzuki Violin instructor Lori Franke for many decades. Due to rigorous state cuts, however, funding for music and art has almost been wiped out for our school kids during the past years.

My 7-year-old granddaughter started to play violin and through the unique Suzuki method improved her ability to concentrate on a task not only in music but also  in math and other subjects. Her last report card showed "exceeding district bench mark" in all tests.

Experiencing the joy of playing an instrument and open the door to the world of Mozart and Bach should not only be reserved for students whose affluent parents can afford private lessons. There is tremendous talent among the Antonio Del Buono students many of them are children of migrant workers  - don't let this talent go to waste because of lack of funds.

I joined the Board of the Antonio Del Buono violin program and pledged to support the program in 2015 with a percentage of any of my business transactions as Keller Williams Real Estate Consultant. I want to give back to the local youth because it is you who help me grow my business with your referral to friends and family. Thank you for your continued support and friendship!

Help me to support this wonderful program - probably the only free violin program offered by an elementary school in the South County.

There are many ways you can help: Buy tickets for the upcoming spaghetti dinner, donate items for the silent auction or write us a check. Anything you can do is very much appreciated.

Below is a letter from Lori Franke, Director of the ADB Violin Program

2015 Horses for Warriors - Free Support for Veterans Must Continue!

Starting in January 2015, DreamPower on WoodMyst Farm in Gilroy will be offering four weekly or bi-weekly groups for veterans of all eras and their families.  All the information is below.  Please share this information with any veterans you know who may be interested in participating in any of these groups, and with those who work with veterans and their families.

All of DreamPower's groups are offered without cost to the veterans. That is possible only because of the generosity of our donors and volunteers. Wounded Warrior Project values each equine group at $100 per veteran per session. So a group of four veterans would be worth $400 for each weekly meeting. We need more donors to help cover the costs for these expanded services for our veterans and their families. Please share this information with anyone you know who cares about veterans and might consider supporting DreamPower's Horses for Warriors.  The deadline for donations to be applied to 2014 taxes is Dec. 31, 2014 at 11:59 pm.

The above paragraph was written in an email by Martha McNiel, Director of DreamPower.

In 2014, I witnessed the healing power of DreamPower Horsemanship for our veterans, other therapy groups, and yes, even us volunteers. My whole family felt at peace, whether it was during walking in the 4th of July parade in Morgan Hill,  sipping tea with grandparents invited by Trigger the Mini Horse, drinking wine at the Satori Cellar fundraiser, or caroling in the wagon around Wood Myst Farm during last Christmas. No wonder that the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce voted DreamPower the Charity organization of 2015.

 With every real estate transaction, I support this 100% non-profit organization to help our heroes coping with post traumatic stress disorder. It is my way to thank this great country that has become my home during the past decade and all US service members who defend individual freedom in this world. Please help me to help them! Thank you with all my heart!

 

This Month In Real Estate - December 2014, Gilroy Edition

Dear Gilroyan neighborhood, after publishing the December statistics for Santa Clara County and the South County, I still owe you the local Gilroy numbers.

For Your Thanksgiving Table: Healthy, Tasty, Easy!

I tested this wonderful recipe from Detoxinista and my entire family was completely sold, two thumbs up!

This is how I prepare my Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts on Thanksgiving following the Detoxinista's easy recipe, see below:

Brussels sprouts can be a bit intimidating on their own, but when roasted with a splash of balsamic vinegar, they become a delectable treat!

Traditional roasting methods usually call for a coating of olive oil before cooking, but I opted for coconut oil in this particular dish. The higher the saturated fat content in a cooking oil, the less likely it is to be damaged or oxidized, making coconut oil a more stable fat source for cooking at high temperatures. In fact, I’ve noticed that when I cook with coconut oil, my vegetables rarely burn!
Tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside, these Brussels sprouts are a quick and easy addition to any meal.
—
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts (Vegan, Paleo)
serves 4
Lightly adapted from this recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound Brussels sprouts, washed and trimmed
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375F. If your coconut oil is solid at room temperature, place the two tablespoons of coconut oil in a small bowl, and set it on top of the oven to warm while you prepare the Brussels sprouts. If the top of your oven isn’t warm enough, you can place the bowl inside the oven for 2 minutes to melt.
Slice the Brussels sprouts in half, and place them in a large bowl. Pour the balsamic vinegar over the halves, and toss well to coat. Add the melted coconut oil, and toss again to coat. Arrange the Brussels into a single layer on a baking sheet, cut-side facing down, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
the Brussels sprouts for 25 minutes, turning the pan after 10 minutes for even browning.

The sprouts are ready when they are lightly golden. Eat immediately!

Holiday Parade and Doggie Dress Up Contest in Gilroy

Are you ready to light the Gilroy Christmas tree? My 7-year-old granddaughter Adriana is. She and all the other violin kids from Antonio Del Buono Elementary School will walk in the parade together with their instructor, Lori Franke.

 We appreciate any tax deductible donation to this violin program which is not funded by the state and want to keep it free of cost for all Antonio Del Buono kids to attend.

Watch out for upcoming fundraisers which I will post information as soon as available.

 For information how to donate to the ADB violin program, please do contact the school or write me at: silviabichler@kw.com.

Thank you on behalf of our kids who have the chance to get introduced to music during their elementary school years - no matter how small their family's budget is. Keep the spirit alive because these kids are our future presidents, mayors, and teachers.
 

Wacky Shoe Day in Gilroy!

Wacky shoe/school spirit day at Antonio Del Buono Elementary School in Gilroy today. My granddaughter dressed herself, hair done by my daughter, Sarah Bichler fabulous hair stylist at Hello Gorgeous - Hair Salon in Gilroy. Happy Friday everyone!