Los Gatos, San Jose, and Silicon Valley Real Estate
Mary Pope-Handy and Clair Handy, Realtors and real estate bloggers covering Santa Clara County and adjacent areas
Welcome to popehandy.com, with info on Silicon Valley real estate
This site is part of a network of sites and blogs that we run, this one being the oldest and covering the broadest area (multiple counties in Silicon Valley / Bay Area), with a focus on home selling.
Please also visit our other sites, which also cover Silicon Valley real estate at the county or more local level:
- The Valley of Heart’s Delight blog – SanJoseRealEstateLosGatosHomes.com (main blog – the Valley of Heart’s Delight blog, focusing on Santa Clara County real estate market reports, neighborhood descriptions, info on trends in buying and selling, and more – over 1,000 articles on this site alone)
- Valley of Heart’s Delight website listings showcased, Santa Clara Valley info, real estate info
- Live in Los Gatos blog – info for people living in or moving to Los Gatos – Los Gatos real estate, neighborhoods, events, history, businesses, restaurant reviews, and loads more
- Move 2 Silicon Valley – relocation resource for the broader Silicon Valley area
- Belwood of Los Gatos and adjacent areas website – specific to one area in east Los Gatos
- popehandy.rereport.com – real estate statistics for 3 counties: Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, and Santa Cruz County – updated between the 5th and 10th of each month. (Sign up to receive this info by email.)
Mary Pope-Handy
Silicon Valley encompasses a broad region, including Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, and a little of Alameda and Santa Cruz Counties.
Santa Clara County, now sometimes called "lower Silicon Valley", was once known as The Valley of Heart's Delight. This is where I focus my work in helping nice folks to buy and sell homes, but I do have experience throughout these counties and beyond.
Looking for information? I have a number of blogs, and between them there are over 2,000 articles on Silicon Valley real estate, neighborhoods, homes, and related tips for consumers. This one, popehandy.com, will cover Silicon Valley more broadly than my other sites (which seldom go beyond Santa Clara County), but also will include San Jose, Los Gatos, and nearby areas.
Of course, no website (no matter how comprehensive) can take the place of personal guidance and advice. I'd welcome the opportunity to connect with you, discuss your home buying or selling plans, and see if we might be able to work together.
Mary Pope-Handy
Realtor, ABR, CIPS, CRS, SRES
Sereno (Los Gatos office)
DRE License # 01153805
408-204-7673
mary@popehandy.com
Clair Handy
Mary's daughter and long-time real estate assistant, I chose to obtain my real estate license and become a Realtor in 2021 to work alongside Mary to help even more nice folks buy and sell homes in Silicon Valley.
I have been researching and contributing to Mary's blogs for many years, and have a deep knowledge about the local real estate market, home styles, red flags (I have a very keen eye), and housing trends. With a special affection for both historic homes and resource-efficient home design, I'm always working to further my education. This passion allows me to be a tremendous asset to our clients.
With a bachelor's from LMU’s College of Communication and Fine Arts with honors, and a background in museums and historic homes, I combine research and data-driven analysis with clear and thoughtful communication for the benefit of our clients and readers.
Watch for my byline on our many sites!
Clair Handy
Realtor, GREEN
Sereno (Los Gatos office)
DRE License # 02153633
clairhandy@sereno.com
Recent articles on popehandy.com
Los Gatos real estate market trends
The Los Gatos real estate market trends are a mild seller's market in most price points for worry-free properties (in good shape, good location, no major issues). The real estate market in town is calming down, with fewer numbers of offers and less high overbids, but...
Micro markets in Silicon Valley real estate
The Silicon Valley real estate market is actually a patchwork of micro markets. Many nation-wide websites would have you believe that you can understand the Silicon Valley real estate market by simply plotting trends by city, zip code, or by tracking sales activity...
Campbell CA real estate market trends
The Campbell CA real estate market often mimics the greater Santa Clara County market, though prices are a little above that of the county as a whole. An active community with a charming downtown, easy access to freeways and VTA light rail systems, and back dropped by...
Buyer closing costs and property taxes
One of the more confusing elements for home buyers attempting to anticipate their closing costs is the property tax prorations, which are referenced in the purchase agreement or contract, but not explained. As most Silicon Valley real estate consumers know, home...
Things which will make a home buyer RUN from purchasing your home
As a home seller in a cooling market, you will want to be keenly aware of the things which will make a home buyer run! Most of buyers' paying top dollar or buyers heading for the hills boils down to one thing: home buyer confidence. Buyers buy and pay more when they...
Viewing an open house
Viewing an open house - what do you need to know? There are 2 broad categories: what you are looking for in the home, yard, and area, and, if it's an open house, the impression you make on the listing agent. Of course, sellers want to make their property as attractive...
Buying process
The home buying process has changed considerably over the years, and how we work with our home buyer clients has changed, too. We will help you prepare so that Santa Clara County sellers perceive you as a preferred buyer, help you locate and assess properties for sale...
Contingencies
Contingencies are clauses that permit one member of the purchase agreement to get out of it if certain conditions aren't met. What are the typical contingencies? Most of the time, it is the buyer who has contingencies. The typical ones we see (when we have them at...
Realtor Real Estate License Difference
What is the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor? Many people use the words Realtor and real estate agent interchangeably, including some real estate licensees! Have you ever seen the phrase "licensed Realtor" online or on a business card? If so, you...
Checklist for moving
Once your home is under contract, or when you are in escrow to buy a home, you'll find a checklist for moving helpful. Here are some quick to dos. Checklist for moving before you leave Give your address change to: Post office. Charge accounts, Credit Cards....