DeLeon Insight- September 2025 Cover Page

The DeLeon Insight – September 2025



OpenAI’s Legal Victory Could Send Silicon Valley Real Estate Higher Than a SpaceX Rocket

By Ken DeLeon Real estate in Silicon Valley has always been driven by more than square footage, school districts, and interest rates. At its highest levels, the market is powered by wealth creation. When technology companies are formed, funded,…

The DeLeon Insight – May 2026

Silicon Valley’s Growing Interest in Napa Valley Properties

By Francis Lopez, Director of Listings Six years after the onset of the pandemic, lifestyle changes persist. Many companies have adopted more flexible work schedules in a variety of ways that make remote work a possibility. At DeLeon Realty, we have…

Will the New SALT Tax Deduction Cap Benefit Home Buyers?

By Alexander Lewicki, Esq. When the Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law in July of last year, one of the more impactful tax breaks included was the increase of the state and local tax deduction (SALT) cap from $10k to $40k. In theory, the SALT deduction…

Tax Tips: 1031 Exchanges, Installment Sales and Deferred Sales Trusts

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…

Why Your Neighbor’s Home Sold for More Than Expected

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…

Judge Makes Ruling on Zillow/Compass Injunction

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,…

The DeLeon Insight – March 2026

Enhancing Home Value by Updating the Garage

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…

Winning Offers in 2026: What Buyers Are Doing Differently

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,…