South Bay Real Estate Blog

January 5, 20268 min read

First-Time Home Buyer's Guide to the South Bay

Buying your first home in the South Bay can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything from pre-approval to closing day in Campbell, San Jose, and beyond.

January 12, 20267 min read

How Much House Can You Afford in the Bay Area?

Bay Area home prices can feel intimidating, but understanding your true buying power is the first step to homeownership. Let's break down the numbers so you can figure out exactly how much house you can afford.

January 22, 20269 min read

Campbell vs. Los Gatos: Which Neighborhood Is Right for You?

Campbell and Los Gatos are two of the South Bay's most beloved cities, but they offer very different lifestyles. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide which one fits your family best.

February 2, 20269 min read

10 Things to Know Before Selling Your Home in Silicon Valley

Selling your home in Silicon Valley is a high-stakes process that requires strategy, timing, and expert guidance. Here are the 10 most important things every seller needs to know before listing.

February 10, 20267 min read

Understanding Closing Costs in California

Closing costs in California can add up quickly, especially in the Bay Area. Here's a clear breakdown of what buyers and sellers should expect to pay at the closing table.

February 18, 20268 min read

Best Schools in Campbell, CA: A Family's Guide

For families considering Campbell, the quality of local schools is often the deciding factor. Here's a comprehensive guide to Campbell's public and private school options across all grade levels.

Market Update

Bay Area Housing Market Update 2026

The Bay Area housing market in 2026 is shaped by shifting interest rates, tech industry dynamics, and limited inventory. Here's what buyers and sellers need to know right now.

February 28, 20268 min read

How to Win a Bidding War in the Bay Area

Multiple offers are the norm in the South Bay, and winning a bidding war takes more than just offering the highest price. Here are proven strategies from a local agent who has helped buyers come out on top.

March 5, 20268 min read

Saratoga & Los Gatos: Luxury Living in the South Bay

Saratoga and Los Gatos represent the pinnacle of South Bay living, offering world-class schools, stunning hillside properties, and vibrant downtowns. Here's what makes these communities so special.

March 10, 20269 min read

Renting vs. Buying in San Jose: What Makes Sense Now?

With San Jose rents and home prices both at record levels, the rent-vs-buy decision is more nuanced than ever. Let's break down the real math to help you decide what makes sense for your situation.

March 18, 20268 min read

Free Easter Egg Hunt in the Bay Area — March 28 & 29, 2026 | Dixon & Campbell

Looking for a free Easter egg hunt near San Jose? Join us March 28 in Dixon and March 29 at John D. Morgan Park in Campbell. Free food, games for kids and families, prizes, and giveaways — no cost, just fun.

March 26, 20263 min read

Willow Glen vs. Rose Garden: Which San Jose Neighborhood Wins for Families?

Two of San Jose's most charming neighborhoods, side by side. I'll break down the real prices, the school differences, the commute, and the vibe so you know which one actually fits your family — not just which one looks prettier on Instagram.

April 27, 20269 min read

Should You Buy a Fixer-Upper in the South Bay in 2026?

Fixer-uppers in Campbell and San Jose are tempting when the median is $1.58M. But with labor at $400/sq ft and permits taking 9 months, the math has changed. Here's when a fixer makes sense in 2026 — and when you should run.

April 29, 20268 min read

ADU Gold Rush: How a Backyard Unit Can Add $300K+ to Your Bay Area Home

California's ADU laws just got even friendlier in 2026, and a well-built backyard unit can add $300K-$500K of value to your South Bay home — plus $3,000+/month in rent. Here's the playbook I use with my sellers.

May 1, 20269 min read

Cupertino Homes: What You Actually Pay for Apple Park Proximity

Living next to Apple Park comes with a price tag — but it's not the one everyone assumes. I break down Cupertino's real 2026 numbers by neighborhood, school boundary, and commute radius to Apple's headquarters.

May 4, 20269 min read

Spring 2026 Selling Playbook: When to List for Top Dollar

The South Bay spring market has a sweet spot — and it's not March. I'll show you exactly which weeks in 2026 are driving the highest sale prices, why Thursday listings outperform Friday, and how to time your launch for multiple offers.

May 6, 20268 min read

Mello-Roos in the Bay Area: The Hidden Tax That Surprises Buyers

That cute new construction in North San Jose or Evergreen has a property tax you don't see on Zillow. Mello-Roos can add $3K-$10K a year to your bill — and it catches buyers off guard. Here's how to spot it and what it actually costs.

May 8, 20267 min read

Almaden Valley: San Jose's Best-Kept Family Secret

Tucked against the foothills in south San Jose, Almaden Valley gives you Los Gatos-quality schools, quiet cul-de-sacs, and rolling open space at a price most Silicon Valley families can actually reach. Here's why I keep sending my buyers to the 95120.

May 11, 20268 min read

Home Staging That Adds 10% in Silicon Valley — Room by Room

In a market where buyers are more selective than they were two years ago, staging isn't optional — it's leverage. Here's exactly what I have my Campbell and Los Gatos sellers do in every room to add 8-12% to their final sale price.

May 13, 20269 min read

Prop 19 Explained: How to Transfer Your Parents' Low Tax Base

If your parents own a Saratoga, Campbell, or Los Gatos home they bought decades ago, you might be able to inherit their low property tax base — or lose it overnight if you miss a deadline. Here's how Prop 19 actually works for South Bay families in 2026.

May 15, 20268 min read

Sunnyvale vs. Santa Clara: Which Pays Off Long-Term?

They share a border, Caltrain tracks, and a lot of the same tech employers — but Sunnyvale and Santa Clara behave very differently when you zoom out 10 years. Here's how I advise my buyers when they can't decide between the two.

May 18, 20269 min read

The 3 Contingencies You Should NEVER Waive in the Bay Area

Bay Area buyers have been waiving contingencies for years to win in multiple-offer situations. Some of those waivers are smart. Three of them can cost you your down payment. Here are the ones I tell every client to keep — no exceptions.

May 20, 20268 min read

How to Price Your Los Gatos Home When the Market Shifts

Los Gatos isn't the runaway market it was in 2022. In 2026, pricing a $2.65M median home wrong can cost you 6-8% of your sale and 45 extra days on market. Here's the disciplined pricing framework I use for every listing in the 95030 and 95032.

May 22, 20269 min read

Cambrian Park: The Quiet San Jose Pocket Buyers Are Rushing Into

Cambrian Park used to be the neighborhood buyers overlooked on their way to Willow Glen or Almaden. Not anymore. In 2026 it's become one of the most competitive pockets in San Jose, and I'll tell you exactly why my buyers are writing offers here before anywhere else.

May 25, 20268 min read

Pre-Inspection: Why Smart Bay Area Sellers Pay for It First

Paying $800 for an inspection before you list sounds backwards — until you realize it's saving my sellers an average of $28,000 in renegotiation credits. Here's why pre-inspection is now standard practice for every listing I take in 2026.

May 27, 20267 min read

Commute Math: Living in Gilroy vs. Buying in San Jose

A Gilroy home costs $700K less than a comparable San Jose home, but the commute eats it alive. I ran the 2026 numbers for a typical Silicon Valley family, and the answer surprised me. Here's the honest breakdown before you trade your mortgage for your morning.

May 29, 20268 min read

Market Update

South Bay May 2026 Market Update: Price Per Square Foot by City

Median price tells you about the mix of homes sold. Price per square foot tells you the truth. Here's the May 2026 South Bay market update, city by city, with real price-per-sqft numbers and what they mean for buyers and sellers right now.

June 1, 20269 min read

HOA Fees in Silicon Valley Condos: What's Worth Paying For

A $480 HOA is cheap. An $820 HOA can be worth every penny. A $680 HOA can be a disaster waiting to happen. The fee number alone tells you almost nothing. Here's how I actually evaluate HOA fees for my condo buyers across the South Bay in 2026.

June 3, 20268 min read