Last May, the Brookings Institution wrote about the post-Covid19 recovery as having several possible shapes of recovery (Z-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped, W-shaped, L-shaped, and even the Nike Swoosh) but here are four major financial institutions predictions for recovery (below image).

In a Realtor.com study-  we have seen a similar V-Shape recovery, but recently there’s been a deceleration as potential sellers found it harder to list and show their home as wildfires spread through the West coast.

Housing Market Recovery Index Highlights – Week Ending September 12

California has shown that social distancing and economic resilience continue to be key factors driving local differences in the housing recovery. Per Realtor.com’s research, the spread of COVID-19 is closely linked to the housing slowdown, with markets with higher cases per capita more likely to see a bigger impact on supply and the pace of sales. The speed and sustainability of the reopening, and each market’s ability to contain COVID-19, are dictating the speed of recovery across the regions. Finally, resilient economies may have an edge in the housing recovery, and areas with strong job markets before COVID-19, especially those with thriving tech sectors (such as in the SF Bay Area), are seeing buyers and sellers reconnect faster than the rest of the country.

Below are the V-shaped curved found in the northern California communities. Notice the downward trend in Aug – Sept due to the numerous wildfires.

The higher the index value, the higher the level of recovery. The lower the index value, the lower the level of recovery.

Recovery of Roseville, Sacramento, Arden, Arcada, California from Feb 1, 2020 – Sept 1, 2020

Recovery of San Francisco, Oakland, Hayward California from Feb 1, 2020 – Sept 1, 2020

These are photos taken as my husband and our Chihuahua, Angel, crossed the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Sept 9th, 2020 –  11AM Smoke and fog

Recovery of Recovery of SJ, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara California from Feb 1, 2020 – Sept 1, 2020

Thank you to the brave California Fire Department for coordinating a fantastic job containing many of the fires in California, we applaud their heroic service as many sacrificed their time, energy away from their families to protect people and properties throughout California.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/california-fire-map/

https://www.fire.ca.gov/

How is your family and how are you handling the aftermath of the fires? I hope you and your family are doing well, but just know that it has effected everyone. It’s been a very rough few weeks here in northern California and the housing market certainly has been effected by the enormity and tragedies around us. Be safe & let me know if there’s anything we can do to assist.

Congratulations to first time homeowners, Viv and Steve!

~ Welcome, welcome, welcome to beautiful San Jose, California! ~

I admired their fortitude during multiple offers in a fierce competitive market and wanting to own a single family home (vs. condo/townhouse). They knew that a single family home would appreciate more, they had to jump into the real estate market, and after discussing their desire to put in ‘sweaty equity’ by doing their own remodeling and cosmetic fixes rather than buying a home that was ‘turn-key’ they had to make difficult decisions that was within their budget. They ultimately found a home with unique character, attractive curb appeal, and with a detached garage which could be used as a workshop or possibly an ADU (granny unit) for passive income. The larger lot is big enough to build an addition…their options are there for future use.

Congratulations again to Viv and Steve on making an offer to a home that will forever be remembered as the Valentine’s Day, gift of love, a cozy home!

Built-in cabinets, wide baseboard, casement windows from every room.

Join me at my Open House at 448 N 21st Street San Jose

Aug 18th Sunday from 1PM – 4:30 PM

Following yesterday’s ADU (accessory dwelling unit) event called “Small Homes, Big Impact” sponsored by the Housing Trust of Silicon Valley and the AARP of California, I will host the open house at 448 N 21st Street in San Jose as example of a home built with an attached ADU in the backyard. There is 2,265 SF of living space with a lot size of 6,375 SF lot. This 5 Bedroom and 4 Bath is ready for move-in. All you have to do it think how you’d like to take title… as  a home allowing multi-generational living, one can pass the property down to adult children or two or three couples can purchase as tenants in common, it’s up to you how you would like to use the space.

This ADU is 404SF, complete turnkey with 1Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, kitchen with stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, a living room, and A/C. This ADU has a separate entryway allowing the resident independence from the main home. It can be used as a business office, an in-law/family unit, or rented for lease or AirB&B.

The structure has permits for all work and shows very well.

The pass-through garage looks like a single car garage, but actually allows 3 or more cars inside the long driveway.

Here’s my Open House video:

Let me know if you’re interested in receiving this home’s property report &/or disclosures. This is a fantastic turnkey property with many uses!

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy, sell or invest in the San Francisco Bay Area, I am never too busy for your referrals! Thank you.

Here’s my quick video preview of my  Open House – 448 N 21st St, San Jose, CA 95112

Friday (June 28th) 8:30 AM – 11 AM  &   Saturday (June 29th) 1 PM – 4 PM

This is a fantastic multi-generational home with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, 2,265 sqft, completely renovated including a desirable accessory dwelling unit #ADU (1BD/1BA, kitchen, 400+SF) which can be used as passive income rental or an in-law unit. Don’t let the modest exterior fool you, this has a modern design with multiple skylights, open floor plan kitchen/living area, quartz counters and gleaming new stainless appliances and a ‘faux single car garage’ – lots of parking space inside. Central San Jose location  near Hwys 101, 280/680 exchange, just a short commute to downtown and Diridon area, future Google development. Welcome Home!

The nonprofit organization Silicon Valley Creates is building a cultural and arts community center at the former Japantown Corporation Yard along N. 7th Street between E. Taylor Street and Jackson Street. Long time a dusty vacant lot that provided space for J-town’s Farmer’s Market, now has begun construction.

The center, slated to be 55,000 square feet, is expected to house the nonprofit, as well as San Jose Taiko, the New Ballet School, the media nonprofit CreaTV and other groups. It will include rehearsal space and meeting rooms for other arts organizations and community groups. The space is expected to be bordered by housing on two sides and a park.

“This is our opportunity to make San Jose the real arts center for the West Coast,” said Roy Hirabayashi, founder of San Jose Taiko.

A rendering of an arts center to be built in Japantown by the organization
Silicon Valley Creates. (Courtesy of Silicon Valley Creates)

Silicon Valley Creates is the largest nonprofit arts council in California, providing a comprehensive suite of programs that provide funding, capacity building, and promotional services that support the creative sector throughout Santa Clara County. This grant will support the development of the Creative Center at Japantown Square, a 5.75-acre mixed-use development that will provide a permanent home for more than two dozen artists and arts organizations, including at least three Performing Arts Program grantee organizations.

We’re excited to see leadership step-up and to value and promote the local arts in our community.

More from San Jose Mercury article here.

What is the importance of supporting arts in our community?

• Creates a culture in our community – Research has even shown that cities that emphasize art have more civic and social engagement, better child welfare and even lower poverty rates.
• Arts stimulates business – The arts contribute more than $ Billion to the U.S. economy and the arts employ 4.9 million workers across the country according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA.
• Driving tourism & creating inspiration to the next generation – It has even been found that children who receive education in the arts have higher GPAs, better test scores and lower dropout rates. By inspiring people of different ages, not only the youth, is to embrace individual creativity and expression! San Jose’s Japantown is one of the last remaining three Japantown in the U.S. and it’s important to the community to retain the heritage and values to pass on to future generations.

Article on Why the Arts Matter by National Endowment for the Arts.

Come on by, great for investors. Make your offer quick!

What are Opportunity Zones?

An Opportunity Zone is an economically-distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Localities qualify as Opportunity Zones if they have been nominated for that designation by the state and that nomination has been certified by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury via his delegation of authority to the Internal Revenue Service. Frequently ask questions & more about opportunity zones  here.

How Can I benefit learning about them?

Opportunity Zones may benefit rising neighborhoods first – these areas have potential to stabilize and revitalize “distressed neighborhoods” and surrounding communities by inviting private investment capital through a series of tax benefits.

Opportunity Zones – Are there any in Silicon Valley?

YES!

Here’s a map of the designated qualified opportunity zones. These zones demonstrate the anticipated ability to revitalize neighborhoods and get even more people working.

Opportunity Zones – Santa Clara County (San Jose)

Opportunity zones are also located “over the hill” in Santa Cruz. As previously mentioned in my previous blog post, there are many new developments in Santa Clara county and Santa Cruz county.

Opportunity Zones – Santa Cruz County

Opportunity Zone investments can attract new businesses, thereby potentially generating millions, if not billions, in economic development and create jobs in these communities. (Forbes, 2018)

Call me today to discuss new investment opportunities that are noted to be in the areas “path of progress”. 

Lynne Watanabe MacFarlane, MCDM

Intero Real Estate Services | Berkshire Hathaway affiliate

831.346.2743 mobile

lmacfarlane@intero.com

Lofts are undeniably modern, fun and spark the imagination for decorating, living and entertaining.

Several movies have featured lofts with their tall floor to ceiling spaces that allow lots of desirable natural light. Here are a few movies that have captured our imagination with their cool lifestyle living space.

Family Man (2000)

Do you remember the movie “Family Man” with Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni?  Jack, a wildly successful Wall-Street broker stumbles through this alternate suburban universe and meets his former girlfriend and wonders what his life would have been if he chose a different path. In the movie, Jack lived a “lavish, fast-paced lifestyle” eating gourmet food and wine, wearing designer clothes and walked around parading in his underwear, looking out from his floor to ceiling window with a view from his modern condominium, do you remember that scene?

Big (1988) – Trampoline Scene

 After wishing to be made big, a teenage boy wakes the next morning to find himself mysteriously in the body of an adult. The trampoline scene is the best use case for having high vaulted ceilings  – Imagine the fun with overnight guests as your neighbors look on with envy!

TRON: Legacy (2010)

TRON: Legacy’s Sam Flynn lives in his container home with industrial glass garage doors which allows him to drive his low rumbling Ducati right into his living room with prime workboat views. Cool and industrial. I know this isn’t a loft, perhaps more like a container home which are growing in popularity, but wouldn’t you love the industrial masculine feel of this set? – His home decor is about bringing the outdoor in and a introduces a casual lifestyle that defines his character in this opening scene.

Wall Street (1987)

Who could ever forget the Oliver Stone movie Wall Street featuring Charlie Sheen as Bud Fox as the young upcoming broker. this loft decorating scene represents success as his new girlfriend, Daryl Hannah as decorator, exhibits flamboyant 80’s flair – For interior decorators, this scene could be even more important than Gordon Gekko’s “Greed is Good”.

Lofts  for Sale in San Jose

Are you interested in defining your own living space and ready to have fun with your very own loft? Here’s are just a few for your review! Check them out and scroll below.

• 88 E San Fernando St #1307  San Jose, CA 95113

Light, bright and airy with views of the eastern foothills. Don’t miss out on your chance to own this 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom floor plan with ample closet space, and, floor-to-ceiling windows!The 88 features resort-like amenities, including pool, spa, gym, rooftop sky deck, 24-hour security/concierge, and much more! One deeded parking spot. Excellent property for investors. Come see this warm, cozy, and inviting home.

Listed: $770,888

More Info 

• 88 Bush Street #4198 San Jose, CA 95126 

Luxury living near Diridon Station & proposed Google Village in the highly sought after gated Plant 51 community. Features penthouse-like view, open/bright floor concept, high ceilings, big living room, recessed lights & hardwood floor. Kitchen with granite counters, European style cabinets & stainless steel appliances. Big master bedroom with walk-in closet. Built in 2008 & HOA $467/mo. covers water, garbage, gated underground parking with 2 assigned spaces. Resort style amenities to include cascade waterfall, elevator, fitness center, Yoga room, clubhouse with movie area, shared BBQ area & bike storage room. Steps to Cahill Park, Diridon Station & Whole Foods.

Listed: $959,000

More Info

• 331 Bautista Pl San Jose, CA 95126  

Luxury townhome near Diridon Station and proposed Google Village in highly sought after Monte Vista Community. Features open and bright floor plan, big living room, high ceilings, recessed lights, engineered wood and carpet floor. Kitchen with granite counters opens to the dining and living room. Loft upstairs can be converted to 3rd bedroom per builder’s original plan. Large master bedroom, walk-in closet, master bath with tile floor, oval tub and frosted glass stall shower. Full laundry room, 2-car garage with storage, balcony, dual zone AC and plenty of guest parking. Built in 2009 and HOA $250/mo covers roof, landscape and more. Next to the newly planned Google Campus, Del Monte Park, playground, dog park and soccer fields. Easy access to 87, 280, Caltrain, Whole Foods and downtown Willow Glen.

More Info

• 350 N 2nd ST 333, San Jose CA 95112  

Stunning two-story loft-style condo with soaring 17′ ceilings, a wall of windows and an open floor plan. The kitchen features granite countertops, glass back splash & stainless-steel appliances waiting to be yours! Secure building ideally located within close proximity to San Pedro Market Square and Japantown. Master bedroom suite on second floor with spacious open loft/work area, walk-in closet & lovely pebble stone accents in the master bath. Enjoy morning coffee on the cozy private balcony. Flexible entry room can function as an office or guest room with full bathroom and walk-in closet. Other amenities include: in-unit stacked washer/dryer, storage under the staircase, pool, work out facility and secure parking.

More Info 

Call/Text me and let’s discuss your real estate goals today over coffee! 

Lynne Watanabe MacFarlane, Realtor

831.346.2743 mobile

lmacfarlane@intero.com

Join me!  OPEN HOUSE this Saturday April 12th!

Location: 3298 Kimber Ct #148, San Jose CA 95124

Date: Saturday April 13th from 1:30 – 4:30 PM

You won’t want to miss this beautiful upper-level, end-unit,

1 bedroom/1 bathroom condo!

Listing $565K

Wow! Located in the popular “Court Yard” community, you won’t want to miss this beautiful upper-level, end-unit, 1 bedroom/1 bathroom condo! Featuring designer paint and new, Shaw brand, luxury laminate flooring & baseboards, this beauty is move-in ready! With a gorgeous updated kitchen that includes sleek quartz counters and new stainless steel appliances, you’ll be able to whip up “insta-worthy” creations to your hearts delight. The washer & dryer are included, and conveniently located in-unit to make your lives easier. Get ready to relax in the generously sized living room, or when the weather improves, outdoors on two separate balconies that offer a bird’s-eye-view of the lovely greenbelt or the community pool & spa. A storage closet on the balcony, an assigned carport and plenty of additional parking space completes the picture. With a fantastic location near award winning schools, shopping & restaurants, why look any further? This could be your new home!

Let me know if you’re interested in a private tour if you can’t make it to my open house on Saturday.

Lynne MacFarlane, MCDM Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay DRE #02066698 lmacfarlane@intero.com

Intero | A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate 518 N. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos CA  95030 Office 408.357.5700, Cell 831.346.2743

Join me at my OPEN HOUSE

Location: 350 E. Mission, Unit #114. San Jose CA 95112

Date: Saturday March 30 from 1 – 4 PM

Call me to let you in the security/ private tour: (831) 346.2743 cell

– Award Winning Architectural Designed, Modern Loft in the Heart of San Jose, Japantown. Close to shops, restaurants, San Pedro Market, and the proposed Google Village and CalTrain, Lightrail and major freeway. Beautiful light and airy. Come take a look this Saturday. Let me know if interested, I can show you with a personal tour.

See below flyer for more details.