StynesGroup Real Estate Solutions

Sunnyvale CA Real Estate up 7.27% in 2011 – Upward Trend for 2012

Tom Stynes — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:32:35 +0000

2011 was a good year for Sunnyvale CA Real Estate; total home sales were up 7.27% compared to 2010. In 2011, 841 homes sold (565 single family and 276 condo / townhouses) compared to 575 SFHs and 209 Sunnyvale condos / townhouses sold in 2010. The Median Home Price for Sunnyvale Single Family Homes decreased slightly from $795,000 to $785,000.

The Median Home Price for Sunnyvale condos / townhouses was also down to $455,000 from $472,000. This continues a trend where Sunnyvale CA home sales have increased year-over-year for the last three years while the medium home prices drop slightly.

The Complete Sunnyvale CA Real Estate Story

Unfortunately, the above numbers do not tell the complete Sunnyvale CA Real Estate story. What we’re really seeing is a shift in Sunnyvale CA home sales where more lower price homes in Northern and Central Sunnyvale are selling compared the Southern Sunnyvale (94087) where a majority of higher cost homes are located.

We’re also seeing a shift in Sunnyvale CA home sales to smaller single family homes and condo / townhouses. Sunnyvale Buyers are electing to purchase smaller homes as financing has been harder to obtain. Higher priced homes also require larger down payment and tend to entail Jumbo Loans (loans in excess of $625,000) which are more difficult for first-time buyers.

Which Sunnyvale CA Homes are Selling?

Consequently, it has become more challenging to sell larger, more expensive Sunnyvale CA homes unless the home is located in the Cupertino School District and/ or the home is in excellent condition. Excellent condition means: open floor plan, newer kitchen and baths, dual pane windows, newer roof, and more than likely no pool. In addition, the homes which are selling have recently been painted and staged.

Sunnyvale CA Real Estate Sales Volume Looks Positive for 2012

Regardless of all the above, most Sunnyvale home Sellers should be pleased as they were able to receive very close to their asking price. We don’t see any reason for this trend to change in 2012. In fact, we envision 550 single family homes and 280 condo / townhouses should sell in 2012. Unfortunately, we also believe Medium Home Prices will continue to drop slightly to $780,000 for Sunnyvale Single Family Homes and $470,000 for Sunnyvale condos / townhouses.

The 2012 Sunnyvale CA Real Estate Market is a Standout in the Silicon Valley

In summation, the Sunnyvale CA Real Estate market is very strong compared to most communities even in the Bay Area. This has to be great news for Sunnyvale CA homeowners. Why not, Sunnyvale CA has all of the characteristics of the perfect California city. Sunnyvale is a well run, safe city with wonderful weather, and easy access to all major job markets. Home prices are mid-range for area. Sunnyvale has all the charm of a small city, but easy access to the large Bay Area cities: San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose.

Sunnyvale CA Single Family Homes Market Statistics

New listings in December – 27
Active – 80
Closed sales – 35 versus 38 in November
Current Average Days on Market – 64 days
Median Sale Price – $773,000

Sunnyvale CA Condos / Townhouses Market Statistics

New listings in December – 11
Active – 58
Closed sales – 11 versus in 24 November
Current Average Days on Market – 45 days
Median Sale Price – $450,000

Tom Stynes – Sunnyvale CA Real Estate Broker®

I’m a proud to be a member of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, the California Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors and MLSListings the regional Multiple Listing Service. These relationships guarantee my Silicon Valley buyers immediate access to hundreds of the newest Silicon Valley listings added to the market each day while also providing my Silicon Valley sellers exposure to a vast network of buyers across the state, country and globe.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell real estate in Santa Clara County California, my goal is to provide expert advice and exceptional customer service utilizing the latest, cutting-edge Internet marketing technology available.

As my customer’s attest, I am a committed and passionate Silicon Valley REALTOR® who prides myself on putting my customer’s priorities above all else. My determination and attention to detail allows my customers to receive first class service with utmost integrity.

I service Silicon Valley Real Estate sales in the following cities:

I have been listing and selling homes in and around Sunnyvale California for the last 10+ years. Call or send me an email so we can discuss how I can best serve your Silicon Valley Real Estate needs!

Tom Stynes, Broker, CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) | CA DRE Lic. #: 01329098
Telephone: 408.863.3052 |Fax: 866.222.2140
Email: Tom@StynesGroup.com | Websites: www.StynesGroup.com | www.GreatSVHomes.com

Sunnyvale CA Homes for Sale

Showing properties 1 - 25 of 30. See more city of Sunnyvale real estate.
(all data current as of 2/15/2012)

$1,199,000 : 1076 Lynn Wy, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 1,942 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft

Year built: 1953
$599,000 : 915 W Homestead Rd, Sunnyvale

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 892 sq ft

Lot size: 7,405 sq ft

Year built: 1949
$838,000 : 821 Duncardine Wy, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,328 sq ft

Lot size: 6,696 sq ft

Year built: 1961
$1,098,000 : 1446 Knowlton Dr, Sunnyvale

4 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,908 sq ft

Lot size: 7,776 sq ft

Year built: 1961
$1,098,000 : 1167 Pimento Av, Sunnyvale

4 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,945 sq ft

Lot size: 8,276 sq ft

Year built: 1961
$757,995 : 1031 Mango Av, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,265 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft

Year built: 1953
$599,000 : 974 E Evelyn Av, Sunnyvale

2 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,202 sq ft

Lot size: 4,400 sq ft

Year built: 1969
$899,000 : 797 Lusterleaf Dr, Sunnyvale

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,204 sq ft

Lot size: 8,600 sq ft

Year built: 1966
$839,800 : 1232 Poplar Av, Sunnyvale

4 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 1,738 sq ft

Lot size: 4,967 sq ft

Year built: 2010
$749,000 : 838 Henderson Av, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,324 sq ft

Lot size: 7,227 sq ft

Year built: 1963
$710,000 : 156 Charles Av, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,331 sq ft

Lot size: 6,100 sq ft

Year built: 1942
$1,058,000 : 639 Dorset Wy, Sunnyvale

5 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,028 sq ft

Lot size: 6,528 sq ft

Year built: 1962
$1,249,000 : 895 Spinosa Dr, Sunnyvale

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,770 sq ft

Lot size: 6,930 sq ft

Year built: 1967
$787,500 : 1199 Lynn Wy, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,272 sq ft

Lot size: 6,300 sq ft

Year built: 1955
$715,000 : 147 Sunset Av, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,210 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft

Year built: 1956
$799,950 : 1268 Morningside Dr, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,065 sq ft

Lot size: 6,272 sq ft

Year built: 1952
$899,000 : 1586 Oriole Av, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,525 sq ft

Lot size: 6,175 sq ft

Year built: 1960
$780,000 : 1328 Yarmouth Te, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,630 sq ft

Lot size: 3,049 sq ft

Year built: 1994
$829,950 : 1134 W Mckinley Av, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,214 sq ft

Lot size: 5,000 sq ft

Year built: 1954
$799,000 : 539 Castlerock Ct, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,540 sq ft

Lot size: 4,180 sq ft

Year built: 1969
$549,000 : 433 S Fair Oaks Av, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,078 sq ft

Lot size: 5,661 sq ft

Year built: 1951
$888,000 : 1033 Hollenbeck Av, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,571 sq ft

Lot size: 7,900 sq ft

Year built: 1967
$799,000 : 830 W Iowa Av, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,780 sq ft

Lot size: 5,000 sq ft

Year built: 1948
$975,000 : 415 S Frances St, Sunnyvale

4 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,612 sq ft

Lot size: 3,250 sq ft

Year built: 1994
$788,000 : 229 Florence St, Sunnyvale

6 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 1,856 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft

Year built: 1930

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Map of Sunnyvale CA

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Are You a Silicon Valley Baby Boomer Looking to Downsize?

Tom Stynes — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:50:10 +0000

It’s a new year and you’re looking at your goals for 2012 . The kids are gone; you no longer need the big four-bedroom house, the ongoing cost of landscaping fees or possibly a pool service. You say, “Who needs it. I want to enjoy my life.”

Is It Time to Downsize?

Well if you or your spouse is 55 and live in the Silicon Valley (Santa Clara County, or San Mateo County) you may not be aware of Propositions 60 and proposition 90.

What is Proposition 60 and Proposition 90?

Proposition 60 allows for the replacement of the primary residence with a new home of equal or lesser value within the same county and transfer of the Prop 13(*) assessed valuation from the old home to the new property. This transfer is once in a lifetime benefit and may have tax implications so we encourage you to consult your tax or financial advisor for your specific impact.

Prop 90 allows counties to elect to transfer Prop 13 values for moves from other California counties when the primary residence is replaced with a less expensive property. Being over 55 and you move into one of these California counties: Alameda, El Dorado, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Ventura, and you may take your old, lower Prop 13 value, regardless of which county you moved from. For instance, using Prop 90, you can sell your $700,000 San Francisco home, assessed value $100,000 and move to a new $500,000 condo in Mountain View, Sunnyvale or San Jose; the new home assessed value of $100,000!

Is NOW the Right Time to Make that Move and Downsize?

Today might be a better time than your realize. While you may believe that your existing Silicon Valley Real Estate value is down, chances are the property you want to buy will also cost you less. Likewise, pulling out funds from your existing Silicon Valley Real Estate may allow you to buy a new the new home for cash. If you do you need a new loan, rates have never been lower. Currently 15 year fixed loans are running 3.5% with no points.

So don’t wait in downsizing your Silicon Valley Real Estate portfolio. It time to create the life you want!

To discuss specifics about selling your Silicon Valley Real Estate in Mountain View CA, Sunnyvale CA or San Jose, give Tom Stynes a call.

(*) Prop 13 was passed by the California legislature in 1978. This law limits property taxes to 1% of sales price, plus nominal local fees, per year. Property taxes can go up no more than 2% of assessed value per year

Tom Stynes – Silicon Valley, CA – Real Estate Broker®

I service Silicon Valley Real Estate sales in the following cities:

Linked-in | Facebook| Twitter.

Sunnyvale Homeowners, Think Before You Dump!

Tom Stynes — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:13:44 +0000

Often we don’t think about what we throw away? For example, how do you dispose of old, burnt out florescent lamps? Did you know florescent lamps can contain small amounts of mercury, a toxic pollutant?

When mercury-containing lights are improperly disposed or break, the toxic pollutant can be transported by air and runoff from rain can get in to our creeks and San Francisco Bay. The good news we have options, many of the local Silicon Valley Communities have set up disposal options. For example, Sunnyvale Homeowners can bring these toxic lights as well as batteries, thermometers, and thermostats to the Sunnyvale SMaRT station at 301 Carl Road, Sunnyvale, CA.

Sunnyvale Homeowners here are a few additional topics which might be of interest to you:

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Events are held every third Saturday monthly
Electronic E-Waste Programs
Pharmaceuticals and Sharps Disposal
Compost Workshops are held every second Saturday, February through November.

For other Silicon Valley residents take the next step, check with your local city officials to see how you can properly dispose the mercury contained fluorescent lights and other toxic waste. Be a friend to the environment!

Should have specific questions about Silicon Valley hazardous waste options in your community; feel free to contact Tom Stynes, your Silicon Valley Real Estate Expert

About the Author: Tom Stynes – Silicon Valley, CA – Real Estate Broker®

I have been listing and selling homes in and around Sunnyvale California for the last 10+ years. Call or send me an email so we can discuss how I can best serve your Silicon Valley Real Estate needs!

I service Real Estate sales in the following Silicon Valley, CA cities: Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Sunnyvale CA.

Please call or send me an email today so we can discuss how I can best serve your Silicon Valley real estate needs!

Tom Stynes, Broker, CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) | CA DRE Lic #: 01329098

Intero Real Estate Services |12900 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070

Telephone: 408.863.3052 |Fax: 866.222.2140

Email: Tom@StynesGroup.com | Website: www.StynesGroup.com

Linked-in Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/tomstynes | Facebook: www.Facebook.com/StynesGroup | Twitter: www.Twitter.com/TomStynes

Mountain View Real Estate | List of Active Short Sales

Tom Stynes — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:14:46 +0000

Mountain View Real Estate | List of active Short Sales

Looking for a Great Deal? Start your search here! Here is the complete list of Pre-foreclosure “Short Sales” in Mountain View, California.

Our Mountain View, CA short list is updated daily so “Bookmark this page” and check back with us often.

Tom Stynes – Silicon Valley, CA – Real Estate Broker®

I service Silicon Valley Real Estate sales in the following cities:

Linked-in | Facebook| Twitter

This Month in Sunnyvale Real Estate, September 2011

Tom Stynes — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:04:31 +0000

This Month in Sunnyvale Real Estate, September 2011

1541 Alisal Ave, San Jose 95125

Tom Stynes — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:56:59 +0000

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 81138685 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

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74 Loyola Ave, Menlo Park, Ca 94025

Tom Stynes — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:43:11 +0000

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 81138755 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

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1494 Ernestine Ln, Mountain View 94040

Tom Stynes — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:26:00 +0000

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 81133119 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

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Remodeling your Sunnyvale CA home? Did you get a permit?

Tom Stynes — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:35:19 +0000

Many Sunnyvale CA homeowners are electing to upgrade versus move to a larger home in today’s challenging real estate environment. The thought is “Let’s upgrade the kitchen, add on a master bedroom with a second bath”. The focus becomes finding the right light fixtures or choosing a granite counter top for a kitchen. The thought of obtaining a building permit is not part of the conversation. This could be a huge mistake down the road when that Sunnyvale CA home is put up for sale. Ignoring local building permit requirements not only poses safety and legal issues, but it can also potentially derail an otherwise smooth real estate transaction.

When homeowners use licensed contractors for remodeling work, they typically do not have to worry about permitting procedure. The general contractor should handle the process for them – filling out the paperwork with the local planning departments in Sunnyvale, Mountain View, or Cupertino and paying the required fees. But when homeowners tackle do-it-yourself projects or use unlicensed contractors they risk problems in the future.

As a REALTOR, when I list a home, I always ask sellers what work was done to the home and by whom. Was the work done by a licensed contractor? And were permits pulled in final at the conclusion of the project(s)? California real estate law requires this information be documented and disclosed to any future buyer. Failing to provide this information during escrow or after the home sells can result in legal action and fines.

Some homeowners, however, are tempted to sidestep the permit process not wanting to pay the fees. In Sunnyvale CA, for example, the minimum permit fee is $25. However, extensive work can be as much as 1% of the total project cost. In addition, the permit process can delay a project a few days to a few weeks.

People have an incentive to cheat as the permit process can be time consuming and frustrating; however, not having the proper permits when a home is being sold can cost the seller thousands of dollars in a lower sales price. If faulty work is discovered after the home is sold, and this information is not properly disclosed to the new buyer, the cost to the seller can be much more than a few thousand dollars. In cases of obvious known fraud it could result in criminal charges.

No project is too small

Sunnyvale homeowners making any changes to the structure of a house will likely need a permit – and may need more than one permit if the project is extensive. While kitchen and bath remodels and room editions are obvious permit candidates, homeowners need to realize they also need a permit for such projects as adding a new roof, installing a new window or even adding new light switches.

It’s better to be safe than sorry. For local resources, contact the Sunnyvale planning department, Mountain View planning department, Cupertino planning department, Los Altos planning department, or call StynesGroup and we will do our best to guide you to the best resources.

Sunnyvale Homes for Sales

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 67. See more city of Sunnyvale real estate.
(all data current as of 2/15/2012)

$939,000 : 1151 Viscaino Av, Sunnyvale

5 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 2,392 sq ft

Lot size: 5,700 sq ft
$1,199,000 : 1076 Lynn Wy, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 3 full baths

Home size: 1,942 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft
$599,000 : 915 W Homestead Rd, Sunnyvale

2 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 892 sq ft

Lot size: 7,405 sq ft
$578,000 : 715 Quetta Av #I, Sunnyvale

3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 1,356 sq ft

Lot size: 871 sq ft
$359,000 : 151 Bradford Dr, Sunnyvale

4 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,152 sq ft

Lot size: 5,000 sq ft

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Tom Stynes – Silicon Valley, CA – Real Estate Broker®

I service Silicon Valley Real Estate sales in the following cities:

Linked-in | Facebook| Twitter

Mountain View Real Estate Sales | August 2011

Tom Stynes — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:04:22 +0000

Mountain View Real Estate activity was mixed last month. Single-family homes dropped a significant 39%, with 22 closings in August vs. 36 in July. Condo / townhouses sales were flat at 30 closings in August compared to 31 in July. Although the total number of Mountain View single-family homes sold was down in August, the median price increased slightly to $996,500 from $957,552 in July. The medium home price of condos / townhouses increased 10.6% ($580,000 from $518,250).

With only 22 single-family homes closings, this is the first drop in units sold since May 2011. We could be seeing the end of the 2011 sales cycle. It was encouraging to see an increase in median home price, even with the drop in deals. We believe this is indicative of homes in better condition selling at a premium, with the Sales Price versus List Price remaining at over 100%.

However, we could also be starting to see a shift in the Mountain View real estate market. With a drop in single-family home sales and a consistency in condo / townhouse sales, overall affordability may be becoming an issue in Mountain View. With the median sales price close to $1 million for single-family homes, Mountain View is clearly an affluent community. For anyone who still wants to live in this community and doesn’t have $250,000 for the down payment and the ability to obtain a $750,000 loan, they are left to only look at only condos and townhouses.

With this shift, I expect condo sales to be strong for the balance of 2011 leading in to 2012. This opinion is affirmed by the increase in median sales price for condos/townhouses which have gone up each month since February 2011. We’ve also seen a steady increase in Sales Price versus List Price which is now at 99.15%.

In closing, we suggest to any Mountain View condo / townhouse homeowner, who might be considering the sale of their home, now could be a great time to move forward a sale. Be sure you take the time to prepare your home for the market (clean out, paint etc.), price the home correctly, and you should be rewarded with a quick sale.

Market Statistics

Single-Family homes

New listings – 27
Active – 47 versus 46 in July
Closed sales – 22 versus 36 last month
Current Average Days on Market – 41 days
Median Sale Price – $996,500
Percent List Price received – 100.18%

Condos / Townhouses

New listings – 31
Active – 85 versus 88 in July
Closed sales – 31 versus 30 last month
Current Average Days on Market – 45 days
Median Sale Price – $580,000
Percent List Price received – 99.15%

Complete List of Active Listed homes in Mountain View

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 56. See more city of Mountain View real estate.
(all data current as of 2/15/2012)

$775,000 : 2363 Adele Av, Mountain View

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,302 sq ft

Lot size: 6,000 sq ft
$868,000 : 904 Camille Ln, Mountain View

3 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

Home size: 2,091 sq ft

Lot size: 2,302 sq ft
$640,000 : 83 Sierra Vista Av, Mountain View

3 beds, 1 full bath

Home size: 1,050 sq ft

Lot size: 6,534 sq ft
$1,049,000 : 1538 Nilda Av, Mountain View

3 beds, 2 full baths

Home size: 1,331 sq ft

Lot size: 5,980 sq ft
$299,900 : 183 Del Medio Av #305, Mountain View

1 bed, 1 full bath

Home size: 756 sq ft

Lot size: 756 sq ft

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.