by David Burckhard While more famous as the center of contemporary, high-tech achievements, Palo Alto is also rich in local history. Nothing better demonstrates that than the diverse and remarkable collection of its iconic homes. Locals and soon-to-be locals are fortunate that the presence of historically significant residences provide character and a sense of place, […]
by Michael Repka, Esq. Silicon Valley is one of the best places to live in the entire world. From our robust economy and rich culture, to our great weather and scenic beauty, there are few places on earth that can compare to where we call home. Unfortunately, the attractiveness of this area, coupled with the […]
By Michael Repka, DeLeon Listing Team When I originally got my real estate license many years ago, a manager pulled me aside and gave me what she considered wisdom. These words were really powerful because they clearly showed me what’s wrong with the real estate industry. First, the manager explained that new real estate agents […]
By Michael Repka, Esq. (LL.M.—Taxation; NYU School of Law (’01)) The federal government and the state of California provide for the deferral of tax when a taxpayer exchanges investment or business real property for other real property that will be used as investment or business property. This is commonly referred to as a “1031 Exchange” […]
by Michael Repka, Esq. Dishonesty in Real Estate — Fraudulent Marketing Techniques There are an awful lot of real estate agents out there and they all seem to be scrambling for the same potential clients. Given the low barriers of entry in the real estate industry, and the tremendously high commissions, some agents give in […]
By Michael Repka, Esq. I recently had a listing in Palo Alto, which illustrated the importance of having free legal representation as part of the listing. The facts of this war story are interesting to say the least. The home was owned by a lovely couple for nearly 50 years. They raised their children in […]
By Michael Repka, Esq. In Silicon Valley, the typical approach to taking offers on a home is for the buyer’s agents to present their clients’ offer in-person to the listing agents and the sellers on offer date. The buyers are generally not present for this presentation. The listing agents often advice their sellers to remain […]
by Michael Repka, Esq. As the world continues to shrink due to efficient transportation and ever-evolving telecommunications, global reach has become critically important. This is as true for real estate as it is for most industries. The real estate community is served by countless professional organizations that go to extraordinary lengths to enhance the lives […]
By Michael Repka Over the past 20 years, technology has enhanced and improved many industries. The quality of products and services has gone up, while, thanks to improvements in efficiency, the cost to consumers has often gone down. Unfortunately, real estate is not one of those industries — even in Silicon Valley, the technology capital […]
By Michelle Lee As a long-term resident, it sometimes feels like there’s not much to do in this quiet small town where the bars close at 10:00 pm and the streets are empty by 9:00 pm – how many can relate? However with recent remodels, expansions, and initiatives, it’s clear that the City is facilitating […]
CBS: Silicon Valley’s Hottest Neighborhood for Foreign Buyers: Old Palo AltoAugust 6, 2019 - 9:34 amEight Things That Make DeLeon DifferentJuly 26, 2019 - 11:04 amSeminar 8/15: Selling a Home in a Down MarketJuly 25, 2019 - 9:12 amThe Angle of Evolution: Responding to Life’s Ups and DownsJuly 23, 2019 - 2:09 pmCross-Collateral FinancingJuly 21, 2019 - 3:08 pm