Americans Say Buy Now …that applies to buyers in the Silicon Valley area

Homes in the Silicon Valley area are more affordable. Home buyers in California continue to see buyer’s market in housing. It’s a great time to pick up your dream house especially in the desirable bay area. Are you thinking of buying a house in San Jose, Sunnyvale, further up in San Mateo county, or east in East Bay? You are smart that you’re thinking about purchasing a home in the bay area. See the reports below by “Affordability Reaches Generational High,” Realty Times (May 5, 2011) and “Gallup: Time Is Right to Buy,” RISMedia (May 5, 2011)

With dropping home values in many markets mixed with interest rates at historical lows, homes are more affordable now than they’ve been in the last 35 years, reports Zillow.com

The average buyer nowadays can expect to spend about 17% of her monthly gross income on a mortgage, which compares to a 25% average since 1975, Zillow reports.

With affordability high, Americans seem to be getting the message about the value of home ownership. Nearly 70% of Americans say now is a good time to buy a home, according to a recent Gallup poll.

Men are about 16% more likely to say now is a good time to buy a home than women. and Americans living in the West are most favorable toward buying (75%), which compares to 64% of Americans who live in the South who say now is a good time to buy.

Americans with higher incomes also expressed more of an interest in home ownership, according to the Gallup poll. Americans who make $75,000 or more a year are 18 percent more likely to say that 2011 is a good time to buy a home than those making $30,000-$75,000.

Tips for a More Energy Efficient Home In the Bay Area

In this time of environmental and economic awareness, making your home more energy efficient just makes sense! Home buyers are not only looking for real estate in a great area, they are also looking for a home that will benefit them in the long run. A home that has been updated and is energy efficient, fits that mold.

Compact Florescent Light Bulbs - I know this may seem like a no-brainer, but simply changing the light bulbs in your home can save you as much as $400 per year! Nevermind the fact these bulbs last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, saving you time in replacing light bulbs.

Energy Efficient Appliances – No, Energy Star is not paying me to add this to my list.  Since 2001 Energy Star has improved their appliances so much that in 2001 an energy efficient fridge would save 20% more energy, and now it will save 40% more energy! Newer appliances really do use less energy and add greater visual appeal to your home.

Change Your AC Filter – Changing your air conditioner filter once a month can improve the effectiveness of your air conditioning unit, decreasing your energy costs.

Landscaping – Planting trees that provide shade around your home will block the suns rays from heating your home on hot days, and will block cold wind. Nice landscaping always makes a home seem more approachable as well.

If you’re selling your home, consider these tips to give your home even more desirability.

Featured Home – Santa Clara, California

In what will be a regular occurrence of featured homes and listings, this week’s featured home is a beautifully updated home in Santa Clara.

Santa Clara, CA is loaded with history from the Mission Santa Clara de Asís to the Mission Gardens at Santa Clara University, fulfilling a history buffs dream as well as a center for business in Silicon Valley. There are also family and sports fans attractions here including the Great America amusement park and the San Fransisco 49ers Stadium. The surrounding Bay Area is also filled with activities, businesses, and beautiful natural attractions.

This home has a lovely fenced yard, brand new bathrooms, hardwood floors, a brand new kitchen with new  rich maple cabinetry, new granite countertops, new stainless steel appliances, new floor tiles, and new granite breakfast bar and many more updates. It is conveniently located with easy access to major highways and business centers.

If you would like to view this lovely home in person, please contact us!