The Good News for Sillicon Valley – January 20, 2026

One of the most common phrases I hear from longtime Bay Area homeowners is, “I want to sell my home as-is.” Unlike most REALTOR®s, I am all about selling homes as-is, where-is. In most cases, it’s just the smart thing to do.

What “as-is” really means is this: you’re not trying to turn your home into something it doesn’t need to be in order for you to cash out with the maximum out of money in your pocket once the dust settles.

The truth is that many pre-sale renovations – like new kitchens and baths, flooring, paint and other cosmetic upgrades – rarely return dollar-for-dollar value, especially in the Bay Area. You could easily spend $50K “fixing up” your home before selling it, but only see a $35K bump in price.

I’ve way too many sellers spend six figures on improvements, only to discover that the market priced the home nearly the same as it would have before the work. The difference? More stress, more disruption, and more out-of-pocket expense.

A smart “as-is” sale focuses on clarity and confidence, not perfection. Strategic preparation, cleaning, decluttering, safety fixes, and transparency, creates strong buyer demand without unnecessary spending.

The goal isn’t to impress buyers with new luxury vinyl plank floors and Home Depot lighting fixtures. It’s to let the market compete for a home that’s honestly presented, well-positioned, and priced for today’s reality.

When done correctly, “as-is” isn’t selling quickly and selling for less. It’s about putting the most money into your pocket at closing, with the least amount of stress, hassle, and risk.

If that’s what you’re looking for when you move to sell your home, we should talk! Contact me at your convenience.

Talk soon?

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Sell As-Is. Sell Easy. Sell Smart!

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From the Bay Area Wayback Machine

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HP Expands into Graphic Instrumentation (January 17, 1958)

Hewlett-Packard executives completed the acquisition of the F.L. Moseley Company, extending HP’s capabilities into graphic recorders and specialized instrumentation. The move supported the company’s rapid growth by broadening its product line beyond test and measurement equipment. By integrating Moseley’s technologies, HP strengthened its position in scientific and industrial markets. The acquisition reflected a strategic expansion approach that helped shape Hewlett-Packard’s rise as a diversified technology leader during Silicon Valley’s formative years.

Atchison Village Transitions to Veteran Housing (January 15, 1946)

The City of Richmond began the formal process of converting wartime housing at Atchison Village into permanent low-cost homes for returning World War II veterans and their families. Originally built to house shipyard workers during the war, the units were repurposed to address severe postwar housing shortages. The move reflected Richmond’s shift from emergency wartime measures to long-term community planning and helped establish Atchison Village as one of the nation’s earliest examples of federally supported, resident-focused veteran housing.

Sunnyvale Plant Pivots from War Engines to Industry (January 17, 1948)

Sunnyvale’s Joshua Hendy Iron Works announced a major transition from wartime naval engine production to manufacturing civilian heavy machinery, aligning with the surge of post–World War II industrial demand. The shift reflected changing national priorities as defense contracts declined and factories retooled for peacetime growth. By focusing on equipment needed for construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure, the company positioned itself to benefit from the booming economy. The move also signaled the South Bay’s evolving identity from wartime production center to diversified industrial powerhouse.

Your Neighbor Sold their House too Cheap!

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This Week in Silicon Valley

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Santa Clara Delivers Housing Surge With 2,768 New Units in 2025

Santa Clara completed 2,768 new housing units in 2025, marking a dramatic increase from previous years and signaling a major acceleration in residential construction across the city. The surge reflects a combination of streamlined permitting, stronger state housing mandates and growing demand driven by Silicon Valley’s continued economic expansion.

City officials say the jump represents one of Santa Clara’s strongest housing delivery years in decades, far exceeding annual totals seen earlier in the 2020s. New developments included a mix of multifamily apartment complexes, mixed-use projects and affordable housing units, many located near transit corridors and employment centers.

Local leaders view the increase as a critical step toward easing housing shortages that have driven up rents and home prices throughout the region. However, housing advocates note that while the numbers are encouraging, demand still outpaces supply, particularly for low- and middle-income residents.

Santa Clara is expected to maintain elevated construction levels in 2026 as additional projects move through the pipeline.

Click here to learn more.

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Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA

Date: Wednesday, January 21
Time: 8:45 pm
Location: Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose

Step into an enchanting candlelit concert experience where a live string quartet brings the music of Queen and ABBA to life in a warm, immersive setting. Hear iconic hits reimagined in a stunning venue, surrounded by the gentle glow of candlelight for a night that’s equal parts nostalgic and magical.

Click Here to Learn More

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Yoga Play

Date: Thursday, January 22
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Bus Barn Theatre, 97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos

Step into a sharp, satirical take on modern wellness with Dipika Guha’s Yoga Play, following the CEO and employees of a yoga apparel company as ambition, branding, and identity collide. Witty and thought-provoking, this production explores commercialization and cultural appropriation through a smart, contemporary lens.

Click Here to Learn More

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Silicon Valley Country Takeover with Shawn Wrangler

Date: Saturday, January 24 – Sunday, January 25
Time: 8:30 pm
Location: Homestead Bowl & The X Bar, 20990 Homestead Road, Cupertino

Get ready for a high-energy night as Shawn Wrangler brings big country vibes to Silicon Valley, live and loud. Expect a feel-good crowd, boots-on-the-floor energy, and a set built for singing along and dancing late.

Click Here to Learn More

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Jeffrey Halford & The Healers

Date: Saturday, January 24
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Poor House Bistro, 317 W. St. John St, San Jose

Settle in for a rootsy, high-voltage night with Jeffrey Halford & The Healers, blending blues, rock ’n’ roll, country, and soul into a sound they’ve honed for 30 years. Fresh off a European tour and celebrating the reissue of Kerosene, this show brings big storytelling, gritty groove, and road-tested Americana that’s built to move a room.

Click Here to Learn More

Time to talk to a REALTOR?

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About the Author
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I specialize in helping families with homeowners over 60 plan and confidently execute their next move for a clear financial advantage. Since 2003, I’ve helped Bay Area clients navigate complex housing decisions using deep Silicon Valley market knowledge and practical, real-world strategy. My goal is to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence as they enter their next chapter.