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 […]
By Michael Repka, Esq. It is easy to tell when an election is coming up—just watch the countless television commercials paid for by special interest groups. However, every proposition seems to be either the greatest idea ever or pure evil, depending on which side’s ad happens to be on at the moment. Here are some […]
By Michael Repka, Esq. When looking to buy or sell real estate, many clients ask their real estate agent whether they should initial the arbitration provision. If initialed by both sides, this provision binds the parties to arbitrate most disputes that arise under the contract. Realtors® typically respond in one of two ways: (1) they […]
By Michael Repka, Member This article is the first of a series in which we will look at some of the area’s best country clubs and social meeting places. Approximately five years ago, my wife and I considered joining a local country club. We looked at a few options and found the Palo Alto Golf […]
By Michael Repka, Pilot As a licensed pilot and Silicon Valley’s most active real estate listing agent, I have a unique perspective on how air traffic impacts local real estate. From this vantage point, I can see and understand the concerns of both sides of the debate as to how we can keep aircraft noise […]
By Michael Repka The way that real estate is typically sold in Silicon Valley varies from the way that many sellers may envision. Nowadays, buyers like to be able to access properties on their own schedule with their own agents without the seller or even the listing agent present. Although this is not the general […]
By Michael Repka, ESQ. Many sellers enter into a listing agreement feeling very optimistic and with a high level of trust in their listing agent. However, there may be devils lurking in the details of the listing agreement that the sellers are being asked to sign. Many sellers erroneously conclude that they can sign the […]
By Michael Repka Over the past decade, the building industry has become more environmentally conscious while also striving to find ways to improve the quality and durability of homes. One construction technique that has seen increased popularity in recent years is building with Insulated Concrete Forms, also known as ICF construction. Traditional residential construction generally […]
By Michael Repka, Esq. (LL.M.—Taxation, NYU School of Law ‘01) On December 22, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) into law. This sweeping legislation dramatically lowered corporate tax rates, encouraged multi-national companies to bring money back to the United States, generally lowered individual income tax burdens, reduced mortgage interest deductibility, and, […]
