DeLeon Insight- September 2025 Cover Page

The DeLeon Insight – September 2025



What is an H-1B Visa and How Does it Affect Silicon Valley Real Estate?

by Audrey Sun Silicon Valley has always been known as the tech hub of the world, where many innovative and entrepreneurial tech CEOs begin their journey in some garage lacking heat but full of passion. More so than anywhere else, Silicon Valley…

2018: Year in Review

By Michael Repka, Esq. By virtually any measure, 2018 has been a turbulent year for Silicon Valley real estate despite the general local economy doing very well. Overall, businesses have been thriving but there have been some hiccups along the…

Palo Alto Preserves Historic Homes; Homeowners Benefit Too

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…

12 Ways to Find a Home Below Market Value with Ken DeLeon

Risk of Using Friends & Family As Your Real Estate Agent

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…

Reverse 1031 Exchanges

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…

The Diminishing Role of Buyers’ Agents

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,…

Palo Alto Spotlight: Rinconada and Mitchell Parks

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,…

Open House Liability: The Risk and Benefits of Open Houses

By Audrey Sun Although I have been with DeLeon Realty for over four years, I still remember my time as an independent contractor agent working at a big brokerage. At my old firm there was always a push for open houses. However, much of what I heard…

A Snapshot of Some Real Estate Related Propositions on the November Ballot

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…