Linda Baker

Hi Melissa,
Congrats on your teaching credential. What a great time to look to buy a home. Believe it or not, there are a lot of homes that you will be able to consider, in areas that I would personally live in. There is a lot to answer here, and I don't want to overwhelm you. The best thing for you to do is hook up with an experienced Realtor and go over the various areas and homes available. Take into account proximity to your new job, where your friends or family are, etc. Areas that I would consider include Cambrian, Blossom Valley, parts of Central San Jose (I know the good areas).
Remember, homes don't have any feelings, so if you drive up to see something and you don't like what you see from the outside, just move on. There are way too many choices for you to feel obligated to anything.
Have fun looking. If you need any references to lenders, let me know. I have a number of teacher clients, so I am familiar with the various programs out there, and you want to take advantage of everything you can.
Cheers,
Linda Baker
Alain Pinel Realtors
408.712.3432 - Yesterday, 14:09

Hi Heather,
Congrats on looking to take the first step towards home ownership! Yeah!
The first thing you need to do is sit down with a lender to get pre-approved. I have several great lenders that I work with who have access to various first-time buyer programs as well as traditional lender programs. It is important to work with a lender who knows the market, and to be qualified with a lender who will be there at the close of escrow. (It is also important to get the right kind of loan. That is what has contributed to this whole housing credit mess we are in.)
Once you know your budget, then it is time to go "shopping!" Work with a realtor who knows the market, understands your needs, and doesn't push you into something that doesn't work for you. We will discuss your needs, both short term and long term, and find the house & neighborhood that fits best for your. I work with many first-time buyers, and I am very protective of my clients. I look to build relationships not just for one transaction but for a lifetime, and I want you to fall in love with the house you buy.
If you would like me to refer lenders to you, please feel free to call or e-mail me. And I would love to help guide you into the great world of home ownership.
Happy house hunting,
Linda Baker
Alain Pinel Realtors
408.712.3432
LBaker@apr.com - Thu Jul 17 2008, 17:40

Hi Ted,
First of all, welcome to Silicon Valley. I am an Erie PA transplant from many years ago. You will love it here.
Second, without knowing what your areas of interest are, your "hot buttons" such as schools, shopping, etc, it is difficult to to describe the differences between LG, Saratoga, & Cupertino. There are strong similarities, such as great schools, close to the foothills, and easy access to freeways. LG & Saratoga have historically been the high end areas of the South Bay, following the pricing trends from further up the peninsula. LG has more eclectic neighborhoods, and not many track homes. Saratoga has a similar feeling, but different. Cupertino has been the young upstart in the rising housing market, driven by very strong schools, and the proximity to employers such as Apple.
Comparing the first 6 months of this year to last year, Cupertino & LG have had a small increase in average sales price. Saratoga decreased a bit.
But in the end, you need to feel the difference. Go out to dinner, walk the downtown areas, see what community feels like. There is not one that is better than another. But everyone has a personal preference based on the own style, etc.
I love the entire area. I love the parks, great restaurants, and the general "feel" of the area. The good news is that you won't go wrong with any of these towns. Look at the houses, schools, neighborhoods, and then you will be able to make an informed decision on which has the best fit for you.
If you would like to schedule a buyers tour and look at selected properties in these areas, let me know. I have worked in the Los Gatos area since 1983, and I would be happy to show you around. One of the added benefits of working with me is that APR is the #1 broker in these neighborhoods, and we often hear about homes coming on the market before everyone else. It is always nice to have a leg up on the competition.

Happy House Hunting,
Linda Baker
Alain Pinel Realtors
408.712.3432 - Thu Jul 17 2008, 14:49

Almaden has been holding its own fairly well, though it has come down from its highs.
But there have been a couple of short sales & reo listings, and that will have some downward pressure on the market.
Market prices will depend greatly on the overall supply & demand. If the "distressed" sales increase, then prices will go down. But, if they are few are far between, then prices should continue to hold well, due to the great school system, desirable homes, and great environment. (Not that I am biased - I live here & sell here!)
Happy house hunting. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Cheers,
Linda Baker
408.712.3432 - Mon Jul 14 2008, 17:05

Hi John,
First, congratulations on your upcoming baby.
Your question is a broad, open-ended question, with lots of room for variables, such as your definition of a good school. There are many good schools in family-friendly neighborhoods, and $1m can find you many great homes. Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, West San Jose, Cambrian or Almaden in San Jose all have high scoring schools, with safe neighborhoods and nice houses.
I think the first thing you should do is work with a realtor who can help you define your criteria, show you what you can buy with your budget in the different areas, and start shopping.
I would be happy to meet with you & your wife to help you discover the various neighborhoods, and find the best house in the best neighborhood for you. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that there is no perfect, absolute answer. It is putting the variables together to make the best decision for you. I will help you steer through the process so that you feel as if you are in control of your destiny. It really can be a fun experience buying a home! Especially when it is a buyers market!!
Happy House Hunting,
Linda Baker
Alain Pinel Realtors
408.712.3432 - Fri Jul 11 2008, 17:24