Roadmap with Irina - October 2023

MARKET SNAPSHOT

Hi << Test First Name >>,

This is a very unsettling time in real estate, both for buyers and sellers. Buyers are concerned about the rising interest rates, which are approaching 8%. For many, this has significantly reduced their buying power. Those who can still afford to buy are worried they won't find a house they like due to the lack of inventory. Sellers are anxious about selling their homes for less than they expected. Everyone is also apprehensive about the political and economic situations, both in the country and globally. All of these uncertainties are reflected in the current real estate market.

The number of homes sold in Santa Clara County is 25-28% lower compared to September of the previous year, but the median sale price is higher and continues to rise slowly but steadily. Interestingly, the inventory of single-family homes has decreased by 8%, while condos and townhouses are moving in the opposite direction, having increased by 15% since last year. As single-family home prices have become unattainable for some buyers, they are shifting their attention to more affordable townhouses and condos.

It's challenging to predict what to expect in the real estate world in the coming months, but realtors are preparing for tough times and fewer transactions. Let’s see how the real estate market develops in the coming months.

If you are thinking about buying or selling, let’s connect, talk about your options, run some numbers, and see if this is the right time for you. Call me, I am always here for you.

Questions? Comments? Contact me!

HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES AND PLACES

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re still looking for holiday spirit and picture-worthy activities, I am here to offer some help.

Pumpkin Patches and Farms

1) How about exploring a massive Minotaur's Labyrinth Hay Maze not far from the ocean?
ARATA Pumpkin Farm
185 Verde Rd,
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Find more information HERE

2) Have you ever tried your hand at Pumpkin blasters or taken a ride on a Cow train? Head over to Spina Pumpkin Farm For some exciting experience.
SPINA Pumpkin Farm
Corner of Laguna Ave & Santa Teresa Blvd,
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Find more information HERE

3) And have you ever seen an enormous Atlantic Giant pumpkin, which can weigh over 1500 pounds? You can find this and more than 60 of other
varieties of pumpkins all in one place.

FARMER JOHN’S Pumpkin Farm
850 North Cabrillo Highway,
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Find more information HERE

If you’re interested in more information about pumpkin patches in the area, feel free to find it: https://secretsanfrancisco.com/bay-area-pumpkin-patches/

Festivals and trick-or-treating

If, when you hear Halloween, the first thing that pops up in your head is the desire for some nice places for trick-or-treat fun and Halloween festivals, there are options to consider.

1) Halloween Spooktacular
Entertainment will include an arm painter and a balloon maker. Plus, receive a free goodie bag with treats while supplies last.
3905-3986 Rivermark Plaza,
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Find more information HERE

2) History Park Children's Halloween Haunt
Enjoy the Halloween event as kids are ready to trick or treat in San Jose. Families can enjoy crafts, activities, and trick-or-treating at our historic houses. The event ends with a single showing of our traditional Light Show at 6:00 PM.
635 Phelan Ave,
San Jose, CA 95112
Find more information HERE

3) Trick-or-Treat The Row Halloween Family Festival
Santana Row is excited to welcome back the annual Halloween Family Fest. Enjoy live music, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating The Row, stilt-walkers, balloons, and much more. Bring your Trick-or-Treat Bags and costumes for a Halloween fun-filled day event in San Jose. Kids Eat FREE with the purchase of an entree at LB Steak, Left Bank, and Rosie McCann’s.
377 Santana Row,
San Jose, CA 95128
Find more information HERE

4) Los Gatos Kid And Pet Costume PAW-Loosa
Bring your PET, your FAMILY, and ALL your FRIENDS dressed in costume for trick or treating with the children starting at The US Bank Parking Lot (Directly Across From “The Green Street” – next to Loma Brewing) and along N. Santa Cruz Avenue.
127 North Santa Cruz Ave,
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Find more information HERE

If you’re interested in more information about trick-or-treat activities for kids in the area, feel free to find it  HERE

Haunted Houses

If you looking for something spooky, like haunted houses built right on the homeowner’s properties, here you go:

1) Church Drive Haunted House
1441 Church Dr,
San Jose, CA 95118
Find more information HERE

2) Pharaoh Khupertino’s Tomb
19992 Rodrigues Ave,
Cupertino, CA 95014
Find more information HERE

3) Spaich Scary House
1188 Spaich Drive,
San Jose, CA 95117
Find more information HERE

If you’re interested in more information about haunted houses in the area, feel free to find it HERE.

You still have time to have fun and enjoy all kinds of Halloween activities!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

SHOW MUST GO ON

Kids grow up so quickly, and at some point, they start wearing our clothes and using our cars. Sometimes they pick up our habits (hopefully not the bad ones) and preferences too. It was cool to find out that my older daughter shares the same taste in music as I do. Now we can share our thoughts about our favorite songs and bands. This summer, we went to her first concert in Reno. I guess I'm a great mom because I didn't just allow her to go; I went there with her. By the way, at the concert, I saw a bunch of moms like me hanging out with their girls. It was a fantastic mom-daughter trip. Besides the concert, we went to a bookstore, restaurants, and had lots of time to talk about things I would never talk to my mom about. It gives me hope that she trusts me enough to share anything.

A week ago, I took my daughter and her friends to a concert in San Francisco. I dropped the kids at the concert venue, which was around Market and 6th Street, and stayed in my car for the next 3.5 hours waiting for them. Sitting there, I had a great opportunity to observe San Francisco's nightlife in person. It was quite disappointing to see the changes: so many homeless and very unusual people (I choose my words carefully). I feel sorry for those who have to live here. It's just not safe. I never saw myself living in the city, but now I think it's much safer not to even visit it. Super sad! But the kids had a blast! They came back excited and were chatting about the music, the people around, and the experience they had. My daughter felt like a veteran: it was her second concert while the other two went for the first time. And it was good for me too. I was just driving and listening to what they were talking about to have a better understanding of what's going on in their lives.

Next summer, we are thinking about a family trip to Europe, and my daughter asked if we can go to a concert there. I think it's a great idea! In 2016, we combined traveling in Europe and watching Euro Cup, so why cannot we combine sights seeing and attending a concert or two? My husband is not quite on the same page with us, but we're working on it. Now we are checking which bands have concerts next summer and where, so it looks like we will adjust our plans according to their schedule. I am sure it will be exciting adventures and we might visit countries and towns that we would never go to otherwise.

It's great to have older kids! They give us opportunities to feel younger and do things that bring us joy.

Always yours,
Irina