By Ken DeLeon and Michael Repka As the sagacious Benjamin Franklin noted, “nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.” While very true, death can sometimes help lessen taxes, as your heirs receive a stepped-up basis on inherited real estate after you pass. With tax day approaching, this article highlights three strategies […]
By Audrey Sun Many homeowners assume a record sale was luck. In Silicon Valley, it rarely is; rather, it’s preparation, strategy, and careful execution. And when done correctly, it can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in difference. It Wasn’t Luck, It Was Preparation At DeLeon Realty, preparation is the backbone of our brokerage. We […]
By Francis Lopez In late 2024, Compass gained publicity with their three-phase marketing plan for sellers. Under the plan, sellers are first encouraged to place their listings on Compass’ exclusive platform, before entering a “coming soon” phase, and ultimately going live on the market. In April 2025, Zillow and Redfin responded by announcing they would […]
By the DeLeon Design Team Before and After the Garage Update In California, a garage is a highly valued feature, yet for many homeowners, it hasn’t felt the warmth of a car tire in years. Many Californians take great pride in the appearance of their vehicles and appreciate knowing their “baby” is safely tucked away […]
By Louisa Brunner, Buyer Specialist If there is one word that defines the 2026 Silicon Valley housing market, it is intentional. Buyers are no longer rushing into decisions or reacting emotionally to headlines. Instead, they are informed, strategic, and focused on long-term value. That mindset is reshaping how successful purchases are made across Palo Alto, […]
By Ken DeLeon, Managing Broker & Attorney The 2025 Silicon Valley housing market was exciting and volatile, shaped by countervailing forces and seasonal patterns that differed from the norm. Traditionally, spring is the busiest and most favorable time for sellers. In 2025, however, the spring market was subdued, marked by lower prices and longer days […]
By Lisa Lombardi, Certified Appraiser Recent changes to Multiple Listing Service (MLS) rules, driven by industry-wide commission reforms, have not-so-quietly changed how transaction details are reported. Most notably, broker compensation and seller concessions are no longer displayed in the MLS. While sale prices are still public, the terms behind those prices often are not. In […]
By DeLeon Staff The DeLeon Team is proud to congratulate Francis Lopez and Alexander Lewicki on their election to leadership roles within two of California’s most influential real estate organizations. Francis has been elected 2026 President of the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), Silicon Valley Chapter, while Alexander has been elected President-Elect of […]
