Luxury home sales dropped in Palo Alto, jumped in Atherton last year. Where is the market headed in 2024?
If 2023 was the year that the local housing market defied expectations in the face of economic challenges, then we can expect 2024 to be a year of continued improvement. Here's what to anticipate along the Midpeninsula. Monday, January 22, 2:40 PM

Home Sales: Old Palo Alto home fetches $12.5M
At $12.5 million, a newly built home in the Old Palo Alto neighborhood sold with the highest price tag. Out of this week's 27 sales, Palo Alto saw the most transactions with nine homes sold. Friday, January 19, 5:59 PM

Here's how Seniors Real Estate Specialists are helping older homebuyers
Whether downsizing, joining a retirement community or relocating closer to family, navigating the real estate market can come with a unique set of challenges for older homebuyers. Here's how Seniors Real Estate Specialists can help. Wednesday, January 17, 5:47 PM

Here's 5 easy gardening resolutions for healthier trees in the new year
Paying a bit more attention to your trees can make a world of a difference. With the new year here, now is a good time to establish a maintenance routine to keep your trees healthy year round. Here are some tips. Monday, January 15, 10:39 AM

Home Sales: Contemporary custom home with 9 bathrooms sells for $16.8M in West Atherton
At $16.8 million, a newly built 7,276-square-foot contemporary home with nine bathrooms in West Atherton sold with the highest price tag on the Midpeninsula. Friday, January 12, 12:45 PM

Exploring the Midpeninsula's neighborhoods: A day in Palo Alto's University South
Want to explore the Midpeninsula's neighborhoods? Embarcadero Media's new "A Day In" series highlights the history, architecture and points of interest of different local neighborhoods on an interactive map each month. Thursday, January 11, 10:40 AM

Experts optimistic that lower interest rates will mean more affordable housing prices in 2024
With interest rates expected to drop in the coming year, many real estate experts and economists are optimistic that the housing market will see housing prices ease in 2024. Wednesday, January 10, 4:45 PM

These Midpeninsula homes sold for over $20M in 2023
There were plenty of homes that sold for eight figures along the Midpeninsula over the past year. We've compiled a list of 12 single-family homes that sold for north of $20 million in the region during 2023. Tuesday, January 9, 5:44 PM

Ask a Master Gardener: Winter is here, and it's time to prune your fruit trees and roses
With most fruit trees dormant during the winter, this is the optimal time to prune most deciduous varieties (except apricot and cherry). Monday, January 8, 10:54 AM

Home Sales: Atherton home with its own sports bar sells for $24M
At $24 million, a 12,778-square-foot Atherton home with seven en suite bedrooms, a wine cellar, a one-bedroom guest house and recreation room with a sports bar sold with the highest price tag. Friday, January 5, 5:08 PM

Home Briefs: Ring in the new year with winter landscaping classes, fungi hikes and a garden tour
Whether you're looking to maintain your winter landscape, want to head outdoors to explore fungi during the rainy season or are in need of homebuying resources, you'll find plenty of opportunities in our January events calendar. Tuesday, January 2, 7:53 PM

Home Sales: Los Altos Hills Mediterranean-style hilltop home sells for $9M
At $9 million, a Mediterranean home with vaulted ceilings, a custom pool and trail access to Rancho San Antonio park in Los Altos Hills sold for the highest price tag. Friday, December 29, 4:59 PM

Six new laws impacting housing in 2024 that you should know about
Whether you're a home buyer, seller, landlord or tenant, there are several new laws set to go into effect in California in 2024 that will impact housing. Here are six laws you should know about. Wednesday, December 27, 4:33 PM | 1 comments

Home Sales: At $6M, Los Altos home with guest house near golf course sees highest price
A single-level 4-bedroom-, 3-bath home with a guest house on 1.1 acres in Los Altos' Country Club neighborhood saw the highest sales price at $6 million. Friday, December 22, 10:24 AM

These Californians live in affordable housing: Why did their rent skyrocket?
When California passed a rent cap to protect tenants from rent hikes, they exempted hundreds of thousands of units reserved for some of the state's poorest renters. Now, advocates are pushing for new Bay Area tenant protections. Thursday, December 21, 10:32 AM

California home sales drop to the lowest level in 16 years, California Association of Realtors reports
The number of homes sold in California in November dropped to the lowest level since the Great Recession in the early 2000s, according to a new report from the California Association of Realtors.
Wednesday, December 20, 10:53 AM

Why winter pruning is essential after your tree loses its leaves
As trees shed their leaves for the winter, you can learn a lot about their health because you will be able to see their natural shape without all that greenery in the way, making December a good time to give them a seasonal pruning.
Wednesday, December 20, 10:56 AM

Besides packing and setting up your new home, here's other ways concierges can make moving way easier
Moving is universally regarded as one of life's least desirable tasks. The good news: There is a growing number of "moving concierges" in the Bay Area who can handle everything from scheduling movers to setting up your utilities. Tuesday, December 19, 9:44 AM

Home Sales: Atherton home with 'California style' garden by noted landscape pioneer sells for $12.75M
A remodeled 1960s-era home with classic French details and original landscaping by 20th-century landscape architect Thomas Church, who is credited with creating the "California style" garden, fetched $12.75 million in Atherton. Friday, December 15, 10:34 AM

How Mountain View's oldest house became a motive for the 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping
Most people who have ventured into Shoreline Park have seen the Rengstorff House. Years before the mansion became Mountain View's history museum, it was part of the motive behind one of the country's largest mass kidnappings. Thursday, December 14, 10:55 AM | 1 comments

Sure, artificial intelligence can provide real-time data on demand, but can it really replace Realtors?
With artificial intelligence handling tasks once done by real estate professionals, homebuyers might wonder why they need a Realtor at all. Here's what a Realtor can do for buyers that AI can't. Wednesday, December 13, 4:48 PM

Palo Alto's neighborhoods mapped: See where median prices jumped, inventory dipped and sales surged
Palo Alto's overall home sales have taken a dip compared to last year, but not all neighborhoods, reflect this trend. In fact, five of the city's 13 neighborhoods have closed more deals this year than last. See how they compare. Monday, December 11, 10:57 AM

Home Sales: At $11.7M, Atherton home with wine room, tennis court fetches highest price
A 7,880-square-foot home with a 750-bottle wine room, tennis court, pool, spa and library sold for $11.7 million in Atherton. See which homes sold for the highest amounts in various cities along the Midpeninsula. Friday, December 8, 3:10 PM

Higher home prices push government-backed loan cap above $1.1M in San Mateo, Santa Clara counties
With home prices rapidly appreciating nationwide over the past year, the federal government has decided to raise the limits for loans it backs in 2024 to $1.149 million in most counties in the San Francisco Bay Area. Wednesday, December 6, 5:24 PM

Home Briefs: 'Tis the season for decked-out homes, holiday plant sales and 'winter flora' hikes
Whether you're looking to enjoy holiday displays, lend a hand at a farm, find renter/landlord resources or hone your interior design skills, you'll find plenty of opportunities. Check out our December home & garden events calendar. Tuesday, December 5, 3:32 PM

Ask a Master Gardener: Tired of poinsettias? Try these festive plants for your Christmas decorations
Poinsettias aren't the only plants that can be used for Christmas decorations. From tropical Amaryllis to Christmas cactus, there are plenty of other plants that can make your holidays festive. Monday, December 4, 2:31 PM

Home Sales: Custom home with 2 pools sells for $40M in Atherton
A custom-built home with two swimming pools, a 100,000-square-foot guest house, wine cellar and bocce ball court sold for $40 million in Atherton. Friday, December 1, 6:28 PM

Cramped 1960s Blossom Valley rancher gets open floor plan that extends outdoors
After living with a dated, cramped 1960s kitchen for more than a decade, Karen and Geoff McKinley decided it was time to make a change. They knocked down the interior walls and bumped out the exterior wall to create their dream space. Thursday, November 30, 4:43 PM

Income of typical U.S. homebuyer sees highest annual jump on record
The income of a typical homebuyer in the U.S. jumped to $107,000 from $88,000 last year, underscoring the increasing income required to buy a home, according to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors. Wednesday, November 29, 4:24 PM

Community organizations turn to rain gardens to prevent flooding in East Palo Alto
Last winter, residents experienced the second largest flood in East Palo Alto history. Now Bay Area nonprofits are installing gardens designed to soak up stormwater and mitigate future flooding. Tuesday, November 28, 10:21 AM

Home Sales: West Atherton home with in-law apartment on 1.11 acres fetches $13.2M
This week's highest sale is a two-level home in West Atherton that features 6 bedrooms, 6 baths and an in-law apartment that sold for $13.2 million. Monday, November 27, 9:54 AM

California homes affordable to only 1-in-5 buyers, yet Peninsula still sees 'over-asking' sales
California's housing affordability has dipped to its lowest point in 16 years with only 1-in-5 (15%) homebuyers able to afford a median-priced, single-family home, yet the Peninsula continues to see homes sell for over asking price. Wednesday, November 22, 2:44 PM

How to outsource your holiday decorating this season
Looking to up your game on the festive front this year? Dreaming of a dazzling light display but just don't have the time (or, perhaps, the desire to risk life and limb climbing up a ladder) to make it happen? Well, there's help. Tuesday, November 21, 9:44 AM

California reduces payments for rooftop solar power — for second time in a year
After months of debate and two postponed votes, California's utility regulator unanimously voted last week to overhaul incentives for owners of apartment buildings, schools and businesses that install solar panels. Tuesday, November 21, 11:52 AM

Santa Clara County has the 2nd most expensive U.S. housing market
Santa Clara County is the second most expensive housing market in the nation with 16 of its ZIP codes ranked among the top 100, including those in Los Altos and Palo Alto, according to a new report by PropertyShark. Monday, November 20, 4:47 PM

Home Sales: Los Altos Hills home that overlooks private lake sells for $16.2M
This week's most expensive home sale is a 6-bedroom, 7-bath modern-style home perched on 3.02 oak-studded acres in Los Altos Hills. The home comes with a 1,600-square-foot guest house, an infinity pool and views of a private lake. Friday, November 17, 9:44 AM

How California's fire insurance woes are impacting Peninsula homeowners
Obtaining new homeowners insurance policies -- and even securing renewals on existing policies -- has become increasingly difficult in parts of the Midpeninsula and throughout the state considered high-risk for wildfires. Thursday, November 16, 11:00 AM | 2 comments

Homebuyers could see mortgage rates drop to 6% by early spring
With inflation cooling more than expected, economist Lawrence Yun forecasts that the Federal Reserve will adjust its monetary tightening posture, and buyers could see mortgage rates drop to 6-7% by early spring. Wednesday, November 15, 3:54 PM

Meet the Stanford grad who created a 'plug-in' ADU to solve the housing crisis
As California grapples with its housing crisis, one Stanford grad has come up with an affordable solution for families living in East Palo Alto and Menlo Park by designing "plug-in" ADU kits that convert garages into living space. Tuesday, November 14, 11:57 AM | 1 comments

How to prepare your trees for stormy weather before El Nino arrives
November typically signals the beginning of the rainy season, and with El Niño in the forecast, this winter and spring could be wetter than normal. Local arborist George Reno shares tips on how to winterize your trees and yard. Monday, November 13, 1:13 PM

Home Sales: 5-bedroom home in Menlo Park's Vintage Oaks neighborhood sells for $6.2M
Of the 31 homes sold, eight had price tags over $5 million and nine were listed for under $2 million. Menlo Park saw the highest sale at $6.2 million and recorded the most sales with 11 transactions. Friday, November 10, 6:37 PM

The ups and downs of leveraging AI in real estate
With artificial intelligence all around us and here to stay, real estate professionals find themselves navigating the ups and downs of using this powerful technology to sell homes. Wednesday, November 8, 2:41 PM

Home Briefs: Filoli and Gamble Garden kick off holiday festivities with garden tours, light displays
Whether you're looking to tour a garden, hone your home maintenance skills, get some gardening tips or learn homebuying strategies, you'll find plenty of opportunities. Check out our November home & garden events calendar. Tuesday, November 7, 6:48 PM | 1 comments

Ask a Master Gardener: What you should know about planting bare-root fruit trees
Looking for November gardening tips? Want to know why the leaves on yours citrus tree look gnarled and disfigured? Experts from UC Master Gardeners can help. Send your questions and they will diagnose your plant problems. Monday, November 6, 11:33 AM

Home Sales: Contemporary home in downtown Menlo Park sells for $9.1M
Of the 42 homes sold, 30% had price tags under $2 million. Palo Alto recorded the most sales with 12 transactions. Atherton and Menlo Park each saw sale prices above $9 million. Friday, November 3, 2:15 PM | 1 comments

Silicon Valley's hottest housing markets lose residents
Median home sale prices have skyrocketed in Silicon Valley's hottest housing markets, and residents are moving out. Thursday, November 2, 5:47 PM | 7 comments

Meet the company creating urban farms on stadium rooftops, tech campuses, private homes
Silicon Valley's heyday as the "Valley of the Heart's Delight" may be gone with the disappearance of most of its farmland, but one company is looking to reconnect the region with its past by establishing backyard urban farms. Thursday, November 2, 5:56 PM

First-time homebuyers in California may be eligible for $10K grants to cover closing costs
First-time homebuyers may be eligible for financial assistance through the Housing Affordability Fund, which recently reached the $2-million mark in grant money to help California residents from underserved communities purchase a home. Wednesday, November 1, 4:03 PM | 1 comments

Flegels Design likely to shutter Menlo Park showroom by end of year
Flegels Design, a longtime downtown Menlo Park institution that has provided custom-made furniture and interior design services to generations of customers, likely will be closing the doors of its showroom by the end of the year. Tuesday, October 31, 3:28 PM

Home Sales: New construction in Atherton sells for $27.9M
Of the 47 homes sold, nearly a quarter (21%) had price tags over $5 million. Palo Alto recorded the most sales with 13 transactions. Atherton saw the highest home sale at $27.9 million. Friday, October 27, 11:52 AM

Santa Clara County reports a record $4.7B in property value losses
Santa Clara County may be about to experience one of its worst declines in property value in 15 years. Data from the assessor's office shows a significant number of properties declining in value from last year. Thursday, October 26, 3:19 PM | 8 comments

Rare 1930s 'Streamline Moderne' home listed for $6.38M in Palo Alto
Palo Alto may have its share of Queen Anne, Craftsman, Spanish Revival and Eichler homes, but there's one style that is nearly impossible to find on its residential streets -- throwbacks from the Art Deco era. Wednesday, October 25, 3:33 PM | 1 comments

Housing forecast: Seasonal monthly sales declines expected, followed by price jumps through end of year
Home prices are expected to head upward due to the severe housing shortage. Sales numbers show more buyers are paying over list price even with today's high interest rates.
Wednesday, October 25, 3:22 PM

If not for defiant land squatters, Redwood City may have been forever known as 'Mezesville'
After evicting squatters from Peninsula rancho land in the 1800s, developer Simon Monserrate Mezes decided to create a town called "Mezesville" and charge people to come back and live there. The ousted settlers had a different idea.
Monday, October 23, 11:22 AM

Home Sales: Actress Michelle Pfeiffer's former Woodside estate sells for $33.5M
Actress Michell Pfeiffer's former 1940s-era Woodside estate, which comes with a 10-stall barn and riding arena, sold for a whopping $33.5 million. Friday, October 20, 10:13 AM | 1 comments

Demand for Peninsula housing picks up as would-be homebuyers adjust to mortgage-rate realities
Housing sales, prices and inventory may be down and mortgage interest rates may be higher than they've been in years, but Midpeninsula real estate professionals maintain a cautious optimism for the fall. Thursday, October 19, 12:03 PM

California considers new rules for property insurance pricing
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara recently announced a package of executive actions aimed at making property insurance more available throughout the state. Wednesday, October 18, 11:58 AM | 2 comments

Before & After: Midpeninsula kitchens go from dated to ultimate entertaining spaces
Whether you're looking to accommodate more than one cook or create a gathering space for guests, designer Gloria Carlson shares tips -- and before-and-after photos -- on how to reconfigure your kitchen into an entertainment space. Tuesday, October 17, 12:06 PM

Real Estate Matters: Real estate rebound on the Peninsula?
Prospective homebuyers are reemerging in the housing market despite escalating interest rates. Open houses, particularly in the entry-level range of $3 million to $4 million, now draw crowds of young families. Monday, October 16, 10:48 AM

Home Sales: Modern Atherton home built in 2020 sells for $27.7M
Of the 48 home sales along the Midpeninsula, those with price tags over $5 million accounted for 25% of all transactions, with five homes selling for more than $10 million, while those priced under $1 million accounted 6% of sales. Friday, October 13, 3:10 PM

Newsom signs 56 housing bills to boost affordability, help tenants
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday, Oct. 11, signed multiple housing bills aimed at tackling the state's lack of affordable housing and making it easier for tenants to rent a home in the first place. Thursday, October 12, 10:25 AM | 27 comments

Report: Despite higher household incomes, local Latinos experience housing setbacks
When it comes to housing, the local Latino community has experienced major setbacks made worse by the past three years of the pandemic, according to report from the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley. Wednesday, October 11, 5:48 PM

They wanted a view, so they removed the walls in their Los Altos Hills home
Homeowner Ed Fike didn't think much could be done to open up his tiny 1950s-era kitchen to a view of the bay until he discovered that the steel-beam home was built without a single interior load-bearing wall. Tuesday, October 10, 10:15 AM

Do you have 'zombie trees' in your backyard?
With fall here, it's time to check your yard for zombie trees. These are trees that appear to be healthy, but are actually dying on the inside. Local trees could be at a risk this year due to the drought and January's wind storms. Monday, October 9, 9:38 AM

Home Sales: Modern hilltop home in Portola Valley sells for $7.4M
Of the 31 home sales along the Midpeninsula, those with price tags under $2 million accounted for 42% of all transactions, while 13% sold for more than $5 million. Menlo Park saw the most sales with eight homes sold. Friday, October 6, 3:43 PM

Like midcentury modern homes? Here's your chance to tour 12 Eichlers
From remodels that reimagine the Midcentury modern aesthetic to homes that have preserved their modernist features, the Highlands Eichler Home Tour provides a unique opportunity to explore some of Joseph Eichler's famed post-war homes. Thursday, October 5, 1:38 PM

Diversity groups launch ‘Stop Hate in Real Estate’ initiative
Four major organizations representing diverse groups in the real estate industry have launched an anti-hate campaign to fight what they call a “vocal minority" targeting underserved populations. Wednesday, October 4, 4:41 PM

Home briefs: Classic Eichlers, electric homes, historic orchard all open for tours in October
Whether you're looking to tour a classic Eichler, get a firsthand look at electric homes on the Peninsula, wander a historic orchard or learn homebuying strategies, you'll have plenty of opportunities this October. Tuesday, October 3, 10:16 AM

Ask a Master Gardener: Now that fall is here, what should I plant?
Looking for October gardening tips? Need help identifying a plant? Experts from UC Master Gardeners can help. Send your questions and they will diagnose your plant problems. Monday, October 2, 12:13 PM

Inside 40+ Bay Area homes that have gone electric
Looking to go electric? On Oct. 14, homes that have converted to clean energy will open their doors during the Electric Home Tour to give visitors a chance to learn about the process firsthand from homeowners who have done it. Friday, September 29, 11:16 AM

Home Sales: Remodeled 1936 Crescent Park home sells for $16.75M
Of the 38 home sales along the Midpeninsula, 11 had price tags north of $5 million, with Palo Alto seeing the highest price at $16.75 million, and Atherton the second-highest at $10.8 million. Friday, September 29, 4:02 PM

Housing outlook: Why 2024 will be a better market for both sellers and buyers
The California Association of Realtors predicts slower economic growth and cooling inflation will bring down mortgage interest rates, which will spur home sales and create a better housing market for both buyers and sellers.
Wednesday, September 27, 3:46 PM | 2 comments

Life in a rented sleeping pod
Culinary student Karthik Manjappa arrived in the Bay Area with two suitcases and $1,000 in his bank account -- not nearly enough to rent an apartment. The solution? His own private sleeping pod located in a shared home in Palo Alto. Tuesday, September 26, 5:17 PM | 1 comments

College Terrace's tumultuous history with Leland Stanford
Palo Alto's College Terrace neighborhood likely wouldn't exist if developer Alexander Gordon had decided to sell the property to Leland Stanford rather than turn it into a "collegiate town" for faculty of the adjacent university. Tuesday, September 26, 1:55 AM

Davante Adams returns to East Palo Alto to surprise grandmother on ‘Secret Celebrity Renovation’
Paly grad and NFL star receiver Davante Adams returns to East Palo Alto to surprise his grandmother with a home upgrade on "Secret Celebrity Renovation," which airs on Sept. 21. In the episode, Adams also visits Jack Farrell Park. Friday, September 22, 4:02 PM

Home Sales: Los Altos Hills custom-rancher sells for $9.7M
A 5,328-square-foot ranch home custom-built in 2001 sold in Los Altos Hills for $9.7 million. The property features its own private walking trail and a waterfall. Use our interactive map to see what sold in other communities. Friday, September 22, 7:35 PM

Showing property can be a dangerous job
The National Association of Realtors revealed that more than 300,000 Realtors across the U.S. reported fearing for their safety during the past year. Safety is such a big deal, September is now recognized as Realtor Safety Month. Wednesday, September 20, 10:36 AM | 1 comments

Millennials forge creative paths toward homeownership
Once considered homebuying johnny-and-jenny-come-latelies, members of the millennial generation have been making up for lost time. Now ranging in age from 27 to 42, this group has become the driving force of residential home sales. Tuesday, September 19, 3:34 PM

Here's what Peninsula residents should know about the fruit fly quarantine
For more than two decades, volunteers from Village Harvest have picked fruit from backyard trees along the Peninsula and given it to local food banks. Now, harvesting and donating produce in parts of the area has been banned. Friday, September 15, 1:10 PM

Home Sales: Los Altos Hills Mediterranean sells for $12.2M
A three-story Mediterranean home custom-built in 2006 near Quarry Lake in Los Altos Hills sold for $12.2 million. The home features a copper roof, Venetian plaster walls and views of the San Francisco Bay from nearly every room. Friday, September 15, 5:23 PM

Why some economists anticipate an uptick in home sales, no matter the economic scenario
Whether the economy has a soft landing and avoids a recession, or experiences a hard landing with rapid economic downturn, economists say the housing market will see more activity. Wednesday, September 13, 3:17 PM

Think your yard is ready for fall? Grade your landscape here
Since the end of summer traditionally coincides with the start of a new school year, now is probably a good time to learn some pro tips on how to earn good grades on your landscape as you prepare your yard for the fall season. Monday, September 11, 5:05 PM

Home Sales: Custom home with rooftop veggie garden sells for $12.5M in Woodside
This week's highest-priced residential sale is a 3-story custom-built home in Woodside that includes a fitness center, putting green, basketball court, life-sized chessboard, wine cellar and 3-car garage with a rooftop veggie garden. Friday, September 8, 9:51 AM

Midcentury rancher gets modern makeover in West Menlo Park
When Faith Price's kids were little, it didn't matter that the kitchen was located in back of the house, and there was only one bathroom. But by the time they were teens, she was more than ready to rethink her home space. Thursday, September 7, 10:56 AM

Scammers trying to sell homes they don't own is on the rise
A growing number of scammers posing as property owners have been contacting real estate agents to sell vacant lots and vacation or rental properties that are not occupied by the owner in a new scam that's on the rise in California. Wednesday, September 6, 9:19 AM

Ask a Master Gardener: 'What happened to my bougainvillea plant?'
Wondering why your bougainvillea suddenly wilted and dropped its leaves? Looking for September gardening tips? Experts from UC Master Gardeners can help. Send your questions, and they will diagnose your plant problems. Tuesday, September 5, 12:43 PM

Home briefs: Tour a home made from smashed cars, recycled steel
Whether you're looking to tour a home, hone your home maintenance skills, get some gardening tips or learn homebuying strategies, you'll find plenty of opportunities on the Peninsula this fall. Check out our September events calendar. Friday, September 1, 6:34 PM

Home sales: A newly built Craftsman in The Willows fetches $5.6M
Peninsula home sales ranged from $584K to $5.6M this week with 84% selling between $1M-$5M. The Willow's neighborhood in Menlo Park saw the highest sales at $5.6 million. Friday, September 1, 3:33 PM

Yes, the price tag for a home in California just got higher
California's statewide median price exceeded $800,000 in July for the fourth straight month and saw its first year-over-year increase in nine months. On the Midpeninsula, median home prices are above $1.8 million. Wednesday, August 30, 3:14 PM

Palo Alto childhood home of Giants outfielder Joc Pederson sells for $4.1M
The childhood home of San Francisco Giants outfielder Joc Pederson has sold for $4.138 million. Retrofitted with a backyard batting cage, the Palo Alto property served as a gathering place where local youth would hone their skills. Tuesday, August 29, 10:27 AM

New Digs: Homeowners maximize living space with basement excavation
While the large home on a corner lot in Old Palo Alto seemed to suit Jenny Shilling's growing family in 2007, it wasn't without flaws. To get to the outside pool and patio, one had to meander around a couple of guest bedrooms. Monday, August 28, 6:35 PM

Home Sales: 2-bed, 1-bath home in East Palo Alto fetches $1.4M
With two recorded home sales over $1M each, East Palo Alto sees its median sales price hit $1.2M, while Atherton sees the lowest median sales price along the Midpeninsula at $700K for the week of Aug 21. Friday, August 25, 6:39 PM

Thinking about buying property abroad? What you should know
Have you ever thought of purchasing real estate abroad as a vacation destination, investment property or retirement home? Before investing in foreign properties, there are a few things to consider. Wednesday, August 23, 5:04 PM

How to keep your trees safe during home construction
From equipment being driven over roots to work crews walking all over your property, construction can be stressful on your trees and the soil. So how do you keep your trees safe? Monday, August 21, 4:35 PM

Home Sales: At $13.75M and $16.5M, Woodside's Mountain Home Road neighborhood sees highest sales tags
Of the 39 home sales recorded this week, Palo Alto saw the most transactions, with 13 homes sold, and Woodside saw the highest sales tags, with two of its three sales above $13M. Friday, August 18, 1:49 PM

California's housing prices are so high, only 16% of buyers can afford a home
Fewer than 1 in 5 can afford to buy a home in California, according to the latest housing affordability index. In San Mateo, the state's least-affordable county, you'll need to earn $451,200 annually to buy a home.
Wednesday, August 16, 4:13 PM | 2 comments

Cyberattack keeps new real estate listings offline
Buying a home has gotten tougher over the past week. Since Wednesday, Aug. 9, thousands of buyers, sellers and real estate agents haven't been able to access property listings on Multiple Listing Service sites due to a cyberattack. Tuesday, August 15, 5:46 PM

How Stanford’s early professors brought extravagant Queen Anne architecture to Palo Alto
The emergence of Queen Anne homes in Palo Alto can be linked with the opening of Stanford University in 1891, which brought professors from the east and Midwest who decided to build their own homes rather than lease land from Stanford. Monday, August 14, 7:40 PM

Home sales: Property that sold for $3.9M in 2020 just fetched $9.5M in July
Of the 34 home sales recorded this week, Los Altos saw the most transactions, with 11 homes sold, and Menlo Park saw the highest sales tag at $9.5 million. Palo Alto saw the only sale recorded for under $1 million. Friday, August 11, 1:53 PM

'The housing recession is essentially over' – so what's in store for the rest of 2023?
While housing market activity across the country remains sluggish overall due to high mortgage rates and tight inventory, there's light at the end of the tunnel. Economists think the housing recession is over.
Wednesday, August 9, 1:52 PM

• Homeowners and Renters Assistance • Midpeninsula Citizens for Fair Housing • Palo Alto Housing Corporation • Project Sentinal • San Mateo County Association of Realtors • Silicon Valley Association of Realtors