With Clam Chowder and Madonna, Intero Agents Get Creative Giving Back

By Teressa Francis | OCTOBER 22ND, 2012

Kim Connor and Julie Wyss go the extra mile for children within our communities

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA (October 22, 2012) – A random act of kindness, paying it forward, giving, this is how to best describe the actions of two very generous Intero Real Estate Services Realtors® who recently made large donations to the Intero Foundation in very unconventional ways – Julie Wyss with Madonna tickets, and Kim Connor with Sam’s ChowderMobile.

The Intero Foundation is a non–profit organization founded by the leadership and agents of Intero Real Estate Services, Inc. in 2002. The foundation has raised more than $2 million to benefit children living in the local communities. Most often Intero agents choose to give on a monthly basis or during each real estate transaction, but within the same week Intero had two benevolent agents who thought outside the box and got creative.

Wednesday October 3rd, Intero agents and guests from all over the south bay came together to enjoy Sam’s ChowderMobile Intero’s Saratoga office on Saratoga Avenue.  This event was organized by Kim Connor, a Realtor® in that office.  The result of this event was a generous donation to the Intero Foundation from Kim Connor who matched the sales of the event.  Kim ended up making a personal donation of $3,200 to the foundation.

Also last week, Julie Wyss, a Broker Associate at the Intero Los Gatos office, auctioned off two tickets to the sold out Madonna MDNA Tour who was performing this past Saturday October 6^th, at the HP Pavilion in downtown San Jose.  The highest bidder, Candace Levers, a Realtor® from Intero’s Los Gatos office, wrote the check for $760 directly to the Intero Foundation.

Gino Blefari, President and CEO of Intero Real Estate Services says “It never ceases to amaze me the generosity of our Intero agents and it’s great to see them thinking outside the box to raise money for the Intero Foundation. These agents are a perfect example of the values that guide our business.”

For more information on the Intero Foundation or to make a contribution, visit www.interofoundation.org.

Julie Wyss, Broker Associate

Intero Real Estate Services, Los Gatos
408.687.2026
julie@juliewyss.com

Is it a buyer's market, seller's market, or neutral?

BY JULIE WYSS · DEADLINENEWS.COM © AUGUST 1, 2012 

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Silicon Valley, you are likely trying to take the pulse of the housing market to determine if this is the right time to make a move.

Even the most savvy investor can find the timing aspect of buying or selling daunting and timing can be a stressful ordeal after watching so many friends and family members stuck with mortgages that are larger than their homes are worth.

Here’s a quick formula to help you zero on the right time to buy, sell or stay put.

The calculations can be used in any sized market, by ZIP Code, by city or by county.

Calculating market conditions

• Buyer’s Market – There is more than a six-month supply of homes for sale. The market is loose. This puts the buyer in a better negotiating position, making it a great time to buy.

• Seller’s Market – There is less than a three-month supply of homes for sale. The market is tight. This puts the seller in a better negotiating position, making it a great time to sell.

• Neutral Market – There is a three- to six-month supply of homes for sale. This puts the buyer and seller on a relatively equal negotiating footing. The seller has an edge as supplies move nearer to three-month supply. The buyer calls more of the shots when supplies tip toward the six-month supply level.

In your area, calculate the supply of homes for sale by dividing the number of homes for sale by the number of homes sold in a given month.

Additional factors also can tip the scales one way or the other, including economic distress or growth, levels of appreciation, falling or rising prices and an imbalance between buyers and sellers.

Sellers rule

• It’s a solid seller’s market. Absolutely. All-cash buyers have snatched up a large chunk of lower priced properties. Distressed properties are down. And many equity-poor homeowners are waiting, hoping that prices will come up more so they can squeeze another $50,000 or so out before they list.

• It’s not a buyer’s market. Record low interest rates along isn’t enough to give them an edge in terms of a stronger negotiating edge. Inventories are also near record lows so buyers face stiff competition from multiple offers as they struggle to find the right property.

• Affordability is being offset by low inventories and that’s keeping the market out of neutral territory.

Still a good time to buy

As is often the case, Silicon Valley’s market experienced a swift transition from the buyer’s market of last year to the current seller’s market. That’s because home buyers and sellers typically move in unison – on or off the market – as soon as they see the market moving in and against their favor. That makes the neutral market the most fleeting of the three.

In a seller’s market as tough as this one, even well-trained professionals are left scratching their heads trying to get an offer accepted.

Prices are rising, record-low interest rates are sending buyers to market. It’s a great time to sell compared to a year ago.

With prices still affordable, it’s also an amazing time for existing homeowners to buy up and move to a bigger and better home.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A DeadlineNews.Com Silicon Valley Contributing Writer, Julie Wyss is a short sale and luxury home specialist serving Silicon Valley, CA. Wyss is a broker associate with Intero Real Estate Services-Los Gatos, CA and mortgage broker at North Star Mortgage Associates. Wyss, who has represented buyers and sellers the the San Francisco Bay Area for a decade that spans the housing bust, has also served as an expert media source for DeadlineNews.Com. Network with Julie Wyss on LinkedIn.

Is it time to move up in Silicon Valley?

Is it time to move up in Silicon Valley?

by Julie Wyss

Those who have money to buy have been sitting tight for the past half decade.
Suddenly, everyone wants to buy real estate - first-time home buyers, investors, move-up, even move-down buyers.

What happened?

In the past four months inventories have fallen hard and prices have increased by $20,000 to as much as $100,000 on select properties. The bottom may have come and gone. It feels like recovery.

Silicon Valley bidding wars have erupted on everything from the worst distressed properties that attract all cash buyers because lenders won't finance their sale, to $2 million homes in Cupertino, Los Gatos, Palo Alto and affluent areas with a tech worker-based populace.
Many local markets have become much more seller friendly.

Asked one buyer from Germany, "Why did the market move so quickly?"

Interest rates are at record lows. Prices have stopped falling. The Euro Zone troubles are prompting investors from abroad to buy U.S. There is no one specific answer.

I'm exposed to all of the global and local information available to real estate professionals and the best answer I have heard is "The herd has moved."

Herd moving uphill

One of the fastest growing trends is move-up buys.

Home owners have been "sucking it up" and staying put, even through they have great jobs, tenure and steady pay increases. Now with this market surge, they are getting off the fence, selling mid-range homes, valued at $600,000 to $800,000 and buying up in the higher price range of $1 million to $1.5 million.

They are moving into long sought-after neighborhoods including, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Altos and Palo Alto.

They are married couples in their late 40's and realize that life is too short to wait much longer and they really can afford their dream home.

I recently sold a Cambrian, San Jose neighborhood home that had appraised at about $700,000 a year ago. Concerned about over-pricing that could have killed a deal last year, we conservatively priced it at $760,000. It sold for more than $800,000.

The sellers, in turn, acted fast and found a great home in Las Gatos for less than $1.5 million - an entry level property for this affluent city.

What kind of financing is attractive and available? It depends on the buyer. Do they hold shares of one of the hot fledgling tech companies and anticipate bonuses? Or are they on a fixed income?

One strategy is to get a conforming loan of $625,500 at a low, fixed interest rate under 4 percent and a second loan (Yes, they are back.) for $500,000 with an interest rate of 4.25 percent. For the down payment you'll have to have to use the equity in the old home you just sold.

There are also amazing jumbo loans for a full $1 million available for low interest rates and 5- 7- and 10-year hybrid adjustable rate mortgages are back.

This is a fantastic time to move up.

Life is short.

Published: August 13, 2012
RealtyTime Real Estate News and Advice
Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Contact me when you are ready to move up.

Julie Wyss, Broke AssociateIntero Realty, Los Gatosjulie@juliewyss.com408.687.2026

Julie Wyss: Client Zillow Reviews

Below are just a few recent reviews posted by people I have assisted in this in buying or selling properties. It is my goal to make the real estate process as seamless as possible for each of my clients. Communication, responsiveness and understanding each client's needs are always key. If you or someone you know is in the real estate market, please consider Team Wyss.

Highly likely to recommend

Sold a home in 2012.

• Local knowledge:
• Process expertise:
• Responsiveness:
• Negotiation skills:

Summary:

We met Julie by accident as we were looking at one of the open houses nearby our condo. We’ve been wanting to move out of our condo and wait for the market before moving into a house. Our situation wasn’t as direct as list and sell, but Julie and her team was there every step of the way. Beforewe even committed to the process, Julie explained EVERYTHING in detail. Down to impact, things I would have to face/deal with, and time frame of each and every event throughout the process. She understood our situation, concerns, and feelings (yes feelings), and made sure they were taken care of. From day one when I gave the go, all the way to record, it went just as how she said it would. Julie and her team were VERY good in shielding all the stress from me. I only heard SOME of the things they had to deal with AFTER it was over, and it sounded like a PITA. Julie and her team was professional, aggressive (in fighting for me), and quick. I would definitely recommend her to my friends and family and we are already talking in preparation for our next purchase with Julie. Our only regret? Didn’t talk to her sooner (we actually met her once when she was selling another unit in our complex).

-Tru and Leo, Cambrian area, San Jose CA

Highly likely to recommend

Sold a Single Family home in 2011 for approximately $1.275M in Los Gatos, CA.

• Local knowledge:
• Process expertise:
• Responsiveness:
• Negotiation skills:

Summary:

Julie and I have worked on several deals together. I am an investor and have worked with many realtors in multipal locations. We have bought and sold properties together and have on going deals currently. Julie always chases down the info I request if she does not know the answer already. She understands that we will not get every deal we go after and is always willing to try again. She is very profesional and easy to work with. I have a lot of faith in her ability and always feel as if she is looking out for my best interest. Julie is a successful busy realtor but she makes me feel like I am her only client.

Highly likely to recommend

Sold a Single Family home in 2012 in Redwood City, CA.

I have worked with Julie Wyss for over seven years. She has always been honest and trustworthy. Every time we have used her the refinance process has been smooth and head ache free. She is diligent and proactive and has made me feel important as a customer!! I would not think of using anyone else.

For a complete list of my client reviews on Zillow, click here.

Julie Wyss, Broker Associate

Intero Real Estate Services, Los Gatos CA

408.658.8225

julie@juliewyss.com

www.juliewyss.com

How Does Your School Rank?

An area's school rating is one of the most important factors in choosing a new neighborhood. School ratings can affect home values, quality of living and of course, children. Even home buyers without school-aged children should be researching education in their new neighborhoods. Educational quality varies significantly between districts. Buyers should consider class sizes, additional programs for non-traditional students and state funding in addition to basic standardized test scores in their education research.


Curious how your child's school measures up? Click here to find out!

Buy -Sell - Invest

Julie Larsen Wyss, Broker Associate  

Intero Real Estate Services, Los Gatos

408.687.2026

julie@juliewyss.com

www.juliewyss.com

  

Team Wyss Is Proud to Present The Real Estate A-Team!

Team Wyss is comprised of hand-selected men and women who have tremendous experience in their respective areas of expertise. Each amazing member plays a significant role in each complex real estate transaction and ensures the home buying and selling magic happens for our clients. Team Wyss is committed to exceptional customer service and making your real estate dreams become a reality!


Here is a little more about what each Team Wyss 'player' brings to the table. 

Alain Pinel Global Marketing Advisor Real estate entrepreneur and seasoned 30-year industry veteran Alain Pinel has moved to Silicon Valley- based Intero Real Estate Services as its senior vice president and managing officer. He will be in charge of Intero's estate and luxury markets in the U.S. and abroad.  Alain brings with him tremendous knowledge and experience in the industry as well as an extraordinary level of professionalism.

Gina Gemma Escrow Officer A 24-year industry veteran, Gina is a certified escrow officer with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Creighton University. She specializes in residential and builder transactions and is a certified short sale specialist.

Brian Crane VP, Managing Officer & Founder Mr. Crane has 15 years of experience in real estate sales and mortgage lending. Mr. Crane's extensive experience in the field as a top 5 percent Realtor/Broker in Santa Clara County over the past several years provides great experience in leading Intero Los Gatos. Mr. Crane believes that by planning and setting goals, anything is achievable, and he will utilize this philosophy in maintaining a strong branch office in Los Gatos. Mr. Crane joined Intero in 2002 after working as a Broker Associate for Alain Pinel Realtors since 1999. Prior to that, he worked with Intero President Gino Blefari at Contempo Realty, where he was a Broker Associate from 1995 through 1999, and as a Broker Associate for Cornish and Carey from 1992 through 1995. Prior to Real Estate sales Mr. Crane operated a mortgage brokerage business.

Trina Hunt Transactional Coordinator Trinaddie Transactions was co-founded by Trina Hunt and Addie Grilli in 2002. Trina got her start in 1997, training in Corporate Relocation, Residential & Commercial Property Management, Real Estate Finance, & Real Estate Sales. Both Trina & Addie have Real Estate licenses & currently working on their Brokers & notaries.

Margo Lawrence Home Staging & Redesign In 2006 after receiving her certification as a Professional Home Stager from the Home Staging Resource, Margo launched 'Stage It With Margo." A few years later, she decided to join a group of stagers and create a Co-op called Stagers Collective. In doing so, "Stage It With Margo" is able to offer their clients a team of established professional home stagers who have combined their experience, styles and resources to bring the most comprehensive, full-service staging company in the Bay Area.

Tamara B. Pow Attorney at Law Tamara B. Pow JD MBA, is a founding partner of Structure Law Group, LLP. She advises business owners and real estate investors on all aspects of business transactions, including contract negotiation, liability protection, employment issues and tax planning. Ms. Pow has extensive experience with the formation and representation of corporations, LLCs, LLPs, general partnerships and limited partnerships. She also handles 1031 exchange tax planning and other real estate matters, including purchase and sale agreements, and leases.

Frank Esposito Preferred Lender Today, purchasing or refinancing a home is the largest financial transaction that any of us will enter into, so it’s essential to select an experienced Loan Officer.  Frank has over 8 years of experience in the mortgage industry and knowledge as a trusted and qualified Loan Officer.  With Wells Fargo’s numerous loan programs, such as FHA, Conventional, Jumbo and Renovation financing, he has successfully worked with people to effectively help them obtain a loan that is tailored to fit their individual financial needs. Frank strives to provide outstanding service and looks forward to earning your business now and for many years to come.  Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned homeowner, don’t leave the largest transaction of your life to chance, call Frank today.

When you or someone you know is in the market to buy or sell a home, let Team Wyss work for you!