CJ Brasiel's (cjbrasiel) Blog

Recently, I attended a presentation at the Santa Clara Association of Realtors® office on to learn about Envision San Jose 2040.  This is a project created by the City of San Jose' planning group and the overview was presented well by Laurel Prevetti and Kim Walls.  If you are not familiar with t...

After living in San Francisco for a few years, moving back to San Jose and its suburban nature took some getting used to.   I missed the ability to walk to a variety of restaurants at any time of the day or night.  I missed the ability to stop in at a library without getting in the car.  I missed...

Ahhh, the question that will be on everyone's mind for at least the next decade.  I bought my first house in the late 1980's.  I sold it about a year and a half later and had to pay at the closing table.  My interest rate was about 8% on that loan.  The first month I moved in, the AC condenser l...

Disclaimer: What you’re about to read is true. Only the inanes have changed to protect other stagers from pointing and laughing at my clients. When I’m called in to stage a house, the Realtor and I will chat about anything I should know before I go in so I won’t be shocked…like the homeowner usua...

Lead poisoning is a serious issue.  According to researchers, "Lead poisoning can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral problems and, at high levels, seizures, comas and death".   Children under the age of six are at a higher risk due to their natural tendency to place things in their mouths....

The municipalities of Silicon Valley attract a lot of attention and have certainly become the central focus of many home buyers. But more and more, the south end of Santa Clara County is being recognized for its opportunities in housing and general lifestyle.   Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy...

I admit that I am not a window shopper.  I do not go to a store without a purpose to buy.  Generally, I have already  determined what I want, what brand I want, and where to get it the cheapest before I ever get into my car.  I have my wallet and the only challenge is how fast can I get in and ou...

FHA loans have been a large part of Silicon Valley housing recovery in the last two years.  Previous to 2007, the loan limit for an FHA loan was $417,000 and there simply were not that many homes in the Bay Area that were priced low enough to utilize FHA.  In 2007 the government increased the max...

Before we can discuss the impact  non-permitted work has on a home, it is important to talk about what a permit is and why it is required for work completed on a home.  Permits are typically issued in accordance with a city or county ordinance.  Therefore, not obtaining permits for required items...

As buyers walk through a home it is not uncommon that they fall in love with a certain room or aspect of the home.  Maybe it is the dining room and the beautiful chandelier.  Maybe it is the basketball hoop in driveway.  Maybe it is the six-burner professional grade gas stove in the kitchen.  Wha...