Kathleen Daniels is a California Real Estate Broker, and a CPRES or Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist. She specializes in probate real estate and works exclusively with probate and trust estate representatives listing homes for sale. What is a CPRES? A CPRES Designation is a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist.There is so much more to learn about probate real estate beyond receiving the CPRES designation. Why Hire Kathleen Daniels, CPRES?With probate real estate, one size does not fit all. Real estate agents with a CPRES designation, and even those without the designation, are not created equal in terms of depth of knowledge, training, education, and development. Kathleen’s background includes working with top Silicon Valley law firms as a Probate and Estate Planning Paraleg... 09/22/2023

The sale of probate real estate under IAEA is part of the probate process. Probate is the legal process to administer a deceased person's estate.  The legal process is managed by the probate court in the county where the deceased person resides. Among other things, the process involves:  Determining if there is a will and if it is valid The heirs and/or beneficiaries Value of the estate Managing the financial responsibilities of the decedent Distributing or transferring assets to heirs and/or beneficiaries What is IAEA?The California Probate Code governs the Independent Administration of Estates Act also referred to as IAEA.The laws allow an administrator or executor to manage most aspects of an estate without court supervision. When does the authority to act under the IAEA get granted?... 09/16/2023

                                                                Sam Shueh                                                                 BRG Realty                                                           San Jose, CA  95124                                                    (408) 425-1601   Sshueh@gmail.comPeople who obtained their mortage at historically low rate who want to move or relocate have second thoughts.  They can not afford a steep mortgage payments. They will stay. This causes a 25% inventory resulting in a sellers market scenario again.  With what is on the market people start a bidding war.Want a million dollar home, sorry it is more like 2 millions now.   Housing Inventory Snapshot July 31, 2023   Average List Price 30 Day Trend Average Sold Price 30 Day Trend Average ... 08/05/2023

 Above is an older map dipicting South San Francisco Bay in 1939. Most of Silicon Valley is built west or Northwest of the map over Valley of the Delight.Inspite of interest rate hikes, and headcount adjustments we happen to have one of the best years in housing. Sam Shueh (408) 425-1601  SamShuehRealtor@Gmail.com  Housing Inventory Snapshot March 31, 2023 County AvgList Price 30 Day Trend Avg Sold Price 30 Day Trend Avg DOM: active/sold 30 Day Trend No Active Listings 30 Day Trend Alameda County, CA Single Family $979,856 +0.37% $1,067,280 +1.08% 44 / 25 -3 / -1 367 5 Luxury Single Family $2,862,866 -7.37% $2,242,903 -3.26% 51 / 24 -20 / -9 122 5 Condo/TWN $616,776 +1.21% $677,159 +11.04% 53 / 33 0 / -1 170 -3 Luxury Condo/TWN $1,165,631 +1.31% $1,113,498 +8.94% 33 / 40 -21 / -31 55 1 ... 04/10/2023

I received a call from a local commercial real estate agent interested in a duplex I had listed. He explained that he does not have Supra key access and would be representing himself on the purchase.  We agreed to meet at the property, and I would provide access. We spent 2 hours at the property.  I answered all of his questions. He was drooling. He wanted the property. He lives less than 2 miles away.He had preapproval yet it was not nearly enough to make the purchase.  He asked if I had other lenders I could recommend.  Why yes, I do.  He actually worked with two lenders I recommended.No matter how he tried to slice and dice it, he just could not understand the commission he had not yet earned on his commercial real estate business and the commission from the purchase of the duplex, c... 03/25/2023

For my first entry, I am choosing directly from the list of suggestions in Patricia’s Challenge Post.  Buyer's Agent presents an offer and does not fill in all the blanks.Before I dive into this, I need to say that this has happened 100% of the time with all offers received on my listings.  Dare I say, this is a huge peeve of mine.Describe the scenario. In this situation, I am the listing agent. During this time the market was still a relatively hot seller market with multiple offers over the list price. This particular property was in a “highly desirable area” with buyers competing for homes.  Who is involved?  Listing Broker (Kathleen Daniels), Out of State Seller (name intentionally omitted), and a parade of people masquerading as professionals in the real estate business. What happe... 03/09/2023

                                                            Sam Shueh                                                            BRG Realty                                                             San Jose, CA  95124                                                          *408-425-1601   February 25, 2023   Average List Price 30 Day Trend Average Sold Price 30 Day Trend Average DOM: active/sold 30 Day Trend Number of Active Listings 30 Day Trend Alameda County Single Family $976,250 +5.8% $1,055,897 +6.4% 47 / 26 -8 / -14 362 -36 Luxury Single Family $3,090,795 +10.9% $2,318,383 +8.9% 70 / 32 4 / 2 117 -16 Condo/Thome   -2.6% $609,856 -1.13% 53 / 34 -5 / -17 173 -5 Luxury Condo/Townh $1,150,583 -4.5% $1,022,109 -13.6% 53 / 72 -13 / 21 54 -2 Contra Costa County, CA Single Family $838... 03/03/2023

                                                             Sam Shueh                                                             BRG Realty                                                           San Jose, CA 95124                                        SamShuehRealtor at Gmail.com  (408) 425-1601We have seen a sharp increase in mortgage interest rates last few months. We have also experienced minute reduction in working force in Silicon Valley. What is not clear is the housing industry is still very active. What we do not see is homes still quickly sold over 25% as a few months ago. Rather most homes sellers still have more buyers than they know what to do. Unless homes are grossly overpriced offers come in without viewing.    As Feds appear to stall interest rate increase, people ... 02/05/2023

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