January 2023 begins my 21st year in real estate.  Although I already had a broker license, in January 2012, I ventured out on my own as an independent real estate broker.There were many reasons I decided to become an independent real estate broker. Among them was the expectation that as an affiliate broker with a Big Box Brokerage, I was expected to do things that my moral and ethical compass would not do. Being an independent real estate broker is not for everyone. I get that. Neither is owning a brokerage and managing agents.  I get that too because it is not something I have ever wanted to do.The real estate marketing that has worked for me may not work for others.  Real estate agents are not one size fits all. Our personalities and styles are different. Adhering to real estate laws,... 01/31/2023

How to Rock the 2023 Conforming Loan Limits!!!  I ain't foolin'! Even though there's been a whole lotta interest rate hikes in 2022.  And even though there's been a whole lotta rumbling about home values declining in some areas, the FHFA will again be increasing the conforming loan limits into 2023. This means that where the one-unit conforming limit was $647,200 in 2022, it will become $726,200 in 2023. And in high-cost (aka high balance) metropolitan statistical areas like much of CA, NY and other housing-expensive counties, you may see the conforming limit go from $970,800 all the way up to $1,089,300. Note that FHA and VA loan limits fall outside of this change, so if you need to know the specific loan maximums for any program, in any area, just get in touch!  Been a long time!  Rob... 12/01/2022

                                                             Sam Shueh                                                          BRG Realty                                                Silicon Valley Businesses Ctr                                                          San Jose, CA  95124                    (408) 425-1601   SamShuehRealtor at Gmail.comThis is the stat summary from third quarter of 2022. The mortgage interest rise is the main reason for longer market time (more red than almost all green for last many qtrs). Sam Shueh Realtor I've called San Francisco South Bay home for over many years. We love this area and all it has to offer, and I enjoy sharing what I know about homes.  I documented in several books about Silicon Valley history. I have much expertise in real estate... 10/11/2022

                                                         SAM SHUEH                                                         BRG REALTY                                                       SAN JOSE, CA  95124                              (408) 4250-1601   SSHUEH AT GMAIL.COMA taco is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a corn or wheat tortilla folded or rolled around a filling. A taco can be made with a variety of fillings, including beef, pork, chicken, seafood, vegetables, and cheese, allowing great versatility and variety. In 1964 Roberto L. Gomez, the head of the San Antonio Social Civic Organization sent President Lyndon B. Johnson a 55-pound taco as a way to remind politicians in Washington about the political power of Hispanic Americans.That PR stunt helped launch the Nationa... 10/02/2022

                                     Is the hot spell in California an annual ritual ?                                                 Sam Shueh                                                BRG Realty, Silicon Valley We used to have one of those west desert weather events once every ten years.  For what was worth quickly the hot days passed us.  Perhaps we experienced high nineties a few days with mostly spring like weather. With global warming the weather is certainly changing around us.I heard in Furnace Creek, Bad Water, CA in the Death Valley had an once in 1,000 years flood.That deluge translates to 9 months of precipitation in 3 hours in August. The real experience here in Silicon Valley did not arrive until last week.  The first order of business is stockup popsicles and icecre... 09/12/2022

Nestled in Silicon Valley, San Jose is at the heart of the cultural and technological epicenter of California. The area has become a magnet for people attracted to its booming economy which has grown to include some of the biggest names in technology.Regardless of whether you are currently living in San Jose or planning on relocating to San Jose, understanding the different neighborhoods in San Jose is important to find one of the best places you can call home.The city is filled with a wide assortment of great neighborhoods, many of which are very different from one another. Offering different real estate options, amenities, and atmospheres, the city offers something for everyone.  San Jose has many good, safe neighborhoods for families looking to move to the area. And also has some of ... 07/21/2022

                         Silicon Valley Realtor Review from a home owner                                            Sam Shueh                                                BRG Realty                                         Silicon Valley Offices                                             San Jose, CA                                           (408) 425-1601                                       SamShuehRealtor at Gmail.comI went to a home owner for a market analysis.I came out with a scribbled note from the owner who is a retired teacher. He likes crossword puzzles.                                                  KIND           LOYAL                           INTELLIGENTPRODUCTIVE                           AUTHOR WIDE RANGING INTEREST LOVING                           GENEROUS         ... 03/09/2022

                                                             Sam Shueh                                                           BRG Realty                                                           San Jose, CA Dr. DreDr. Dre is known as a rapper, record producer, actor, entrepreneur and is the CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics. He co-founded and co-owned Death Row Records. Dr. Dre rose to fame in the 1990s with the rap group N.W.A. and released his first solo album "The Chronic" in 1992. On top of his own music career, he helped launch the career of many -- including Eminem and 50 Cent.Dre has songs with Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Mary J. Blige, all of whom are set to perform during halftime. Dre has added two deaf rappers, Sean Forbes and Warren "WaWa" Snipe, to the hal... 02/13/2022

In Post 1, What's Your Personal Story by Kathleen Daniels, the experiences I shared in my personal life most definitely influenced my professional life especially in terms of choosing my niche. Or, shall I say, how my niche chose me because of my life experiences. I worked in several law firms as a legal secretary, admin, and ultimately as a paralegal.  I loved paralegal work.  It is in my blood and DNA; I just know it. From private law corporations, I made the leap into technology. Worked at Tandem computers as a paralegal and contract manager.  Cisco was a hot company and many of us left Tandem after the acquisition and got jobs at Cisco. Still working with contracts, I was both a program and project manager in various departments.  The pay and benefits were great but the blood the co... 02/12/2022

                                                            Sam Shueh                                                           BRG Realty                                                         Silicon Valley,  CA In our area it has been cold. Not far from the Pacific Ocean it has been in the high 30 degrees with frost appearing on the roof in the morning. In mid afternoon it has been in the lower 60 degrees F.How cold is it in your neighborhood?  Is the weather causing property showing to be difficult?  01/30/2022

YouTube Thursday? That's the Way You Do It!  In keeping with the spirit of YouTube Thursdays, and adhering to my resolution to build a YouTube channel this year, I'm optimistic this post will count as my first contribution. This week, I'm covering the basics of cash out refinances, because as rates begin to rise, cash out refinances still offer value to homeowners (where "rate and term" refinances begin to make a less compelling case).  Also, we put a fun spin on the '80's hit "Money for Nothing," because while cash out refinances may offer a really cost-effective way to do home improvement, finance a large purchase or permit consolidation of higher-interest rate debts, the money isn't free.  Even if you know how to play the guitar... So come rock 'n' roll with me on a short, fun and ed... 01/27/2022

After 64 years, the successor trustee for the original owners SOLD their single-story family home.  Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, Kathleen Daniels, had explicit instructions, among them, no open house. The title to the home was held in the family trust. With the death of the trustee, their mother, the successor trustee knew she needed help from a real estate agent with experience, not only working with a successor trustee selling homes but experience working with people who had lived in the home their entire life.  Kathleen Daniels is a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist and certified in Professional Fiduciary Management for Trustees. Two family members highly recommended Kathleen to the seller of this home because they had first-hand experience with the service she pr... 10/04/2021

The West San Jose real estate market with homes in the Lynbrook High Homes area with Cupertino Schools remains strong. Rates are again at historic lows this week. Even with "back to school" and continued challenges with COVID-19, sellers and buyers continue to act decisively. While more properties are on the market, inventory remains low, which is usual for this desirable neighborhood.Curious to know your-or any-home's value in the market right now? Just Call 408-252-8900 for a Free and Private Confidential Consultation. Thanks for reading "San Jose Lynbrook High Homes Update 8/25/21". 08/25/2021

                         Sam Shueh                      Silicon Valley, CaOur governor has about 1 year left with his term.  Prior he was the mayor of San Francisco City.It has brought to my attention that there are several 1,000s candidates interested to be elected as new governor. Candidate: Angelyn Party She has huge pictures of herself on the billboards all over prior to the election. No, not hanging in Las Vegas. Right in Los Angles area. Here is her WebsiteAngelyne4governor. '  No,  her name is not Rona Tama Goldberg anymore. She says she is Poland holocaust decendant.  Just assume to buy a poster hang on the wall pay her $100 by Paypal.  She ran for Hollywood City Council in 2002 and governor of California recall gathered 2,536 votes, finished 28th. She probably will be more popu... 08/20/2021

FREE Furniture! First Come, First Served! 1394 Heckman Way, San Jose, Calif. 95129First Come, First ServedPick up at 1394 Heckman Way, San Jose, CA 95129 between W. Walbrook & McKellar off Johnson by Lynbrook High1 Square wooden end table in fair condition 2 matching wooden 6 drawer dressers in fair condition (kids put stickers on sides)2 coordinating neutral cabinets in fair condition 1 drawer piece needs to be re-attached1 Wooden cabinet for garage/storage in fair conditionAnything not picked up by Sun., July 25 will be hauled away on Mon., 7/26.Thank you & God bless you for reading "FREE Furniture! First Come, First Served! 1394 Heckman, SJ". 07/23/2021

Can I Get a Jumbo Mortgage with an H-1B Visa? Right now, immigration is a hot topic in the United States.  Also right now, real estate is a hot market in the United States.  And also right now, at the intersection of these two, I field a lot of questions from those with H-1B visas who are looking to get a jumbo mortgage in order to buy or refinance a home.  Here are the three most common:  "Can I get a jumbo mortgage if I am on an H-1B visa?" "What are the requirements for getting a jumbo mortgage if I am on an H-1B?" "Are the terms any different for a visa holder compared to a US citizen?"  Let's look at the answers for each, but first delve into just a little bit of the technical definitions of both the H-1B visa and a jumbo mortgage. Citizenship Status and the H-1B In mortgage lendin... 07/05/2021

Hurry to see and buy it now! HOT BUY with COOL Central Air Conditioning is Open Sa. ONLY, July 3rd from 1:30-4:30!Lovely & Updated 4 Br, 3 Ba, with Full 2 Master Suites + Studio*, all on a HUGE ~10K Lot! https://listings.realbird.com/tour/E2F3C3C5/587904/1-3/2270-Lindaire-Avenue-San-Jose-CA-95128Attractive Floor Plan with Charming Arches Connecting the Entertainment Rooms! Separate Living & Family Rooms + Formal Dining! Dramatic Black Granite Kitchen with Gas Range & All White Appliances with Convenient Granite Breakfast Bar Opens onto Family Room + Sunny Back Yard. Sellers Expanded & Added ~396-sf with Permits in ~2010 (Orig. 1740-sf 3 Br, 2 Ba). Separate Artist's Studio with Bath in Back has Unknown Permits (was there when Sellers bought the house). Hurry to See Now Before It's Gone! ... 07/03/2021

There's still time to sign up for Senior Hour happening at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose at 9am on June 24, 2021.For Silicon Valley senior citizens, local attraction Happy Hollow Park and Zoo is once again offering a special "power hour" to enjoy the place before the children arrive.Previously known as "Senior Safari" it's now "Senior Hour" from 9 am to 10 am on the fourth Thursday of the month from May through October. Assuming no more COVID or a Zombie apocolypse that is. June Senior Hour Senior Hour, Happy Hollow’s 2021 Covid-modified stand-in for Senior Safari, saw many happy guests in May and is now back for June! Seniors 50+ can join us between 9 and 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 24, for an exclusive hour to enjoy Happy Hollow before the Park & Zoo opens to the general public.... 06/23/2021

10121 Torrance Ave San Jose, CA 95127 Charming 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom probate home for sale in the Alum Rock area of San Jose, listed by Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, Kathleen Daniels, Broker-Owner of NeedProbateHelp.  An extended driveway provides additional parking space. Gates on both sides of the home offer access to the side yards leading to the backyard. The single-car attached garage conveniently leads directly into the kitchen. The washer and dryer in the garage are included.   Tile Flooring in the Dining area. Two large dual pane windows provide plenty of natural light. Updated kitchen with tile flooring, granite countertop, tile backsplash, stainless steel dishwasher, microwave, sink, and hood over the stove. Convenient direct access to the kitchen from the att... 06/18/2021

Just 455 days ago, Silicon Valley and much of the world went dark with the first mandatory "shelter in place" order, designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. With curfews, restrictions on gatherings, business closings and requirements for masks, gloves and sanitizers, the world resembled (and sometimes felt like) an apocolyptic horror movie. Now that the Nine-County Bay Area is re-opening on June 15, inquiring minds want answers.Here are links to Frequently Asked Questions and resources to help people make good choices moving forward as of June 15, 2021. While it's reported that more than half of all Californians age 12 and up are reportedly vaccinated, caution is still advised. Employees should be aware that California's Occupational Safety & Health Association will be releasing new wo... 06/15/2021