DeLeon Insight- September 2025 Cover Page

The DeLeon Insight – September 2025



Why DeLeon’s In-House Marketing Team Makes a Real Difference

By David Tobener At DeLeon Realty, we’ve always believed that marketing is one of the most important parts of selling a home. It’s not an afterthought or a box to check; rather, it shapes how a property is perceived, how widely it’s seen, and…

How the DeLeon Design Team Made Our Seller Over $800,000 with Less Than $35,000 Worth of Improvements

By Ken DeLeon It is rare to create a win for everyone in business, and DeLeon Realty is the rare brokerage with a client-focused approach that seeks to achieve this optimal outcome for both sellers and buyers. Silicon Valley buyers are extraordinarily…

The AI IPO Boom Is Coming. Here’s How Silicon Valley Sellers Can Benefit

By Ken DeLeon Silicon Valley real estate has always moved in cycles, but the next cycle may be unusually powerful. As an attorney at Wilson Sonsini during the dot-com boom, I had a front-row seat to new millionaires minted with each IPO. Yet the…

Why Do Agents Love Off-Market Sales?

By The DeLeon Team The Hidden Cost to “Pocket” or “Office Exclusive” Listings Off-market listings have always appealed to real estate agents for one simple reason: control. Double-sided commissions, minimal prep, lower marketing costs, and…

Top Full-Service Brokerages in Silicon Valley in 2026

By Ken DeLeon When Silicon Valley homeowners choose a real estate brokerage, they should look beyond the agent’s name, marketing claims, or commission structure. The better question is whether the brokerage provides the full range of services…

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,…

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,…

The DeLeon Team Leads the Way in Organized Real Estate

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…