Hi Mom,It’s been eleven years since you went to be with the Lord on April 16, 2015, and I still feel Heaven a little closer when I think of you. What an incredible 96 years—years God gave you, years you poured out for others.Thank you for being such a loving Mother. I do not know how you did it—except that God gave you strength and daily grace. Six (6) children with restricted financial resources, yet you managed to make most of our clothes, put food on the table, ensure our teeth were cared for with regular dental visits, and when we were sick or injured, you took care of us.In my adult life, we had our differences, but I believe the Lord kept love as the covering between us—and my love for you never changed.💐💛💐🧡  💐💛💐🧡  💐💛💐🧡On the surface, it seems it would have made more sense to choo... 05/10/2026

San Jose Measure E Transfer Tax: What Buyers Should KnowSan Jose measure e transfer tax is an important closing-cost issue for buyers and sellers in San Jose. It applies to certain higher-value property transfers in the city and can affect seller net proceeds, buyer negotiation strategy, and the timing of a closing. For buyers and sellers working near the higher end of the San Jose market, this tax deserves attention before an offer is written or accepted.As a local realtor, I treat Measure E as part of the full financial picture. Buyers need to understand how transfer taxes affect the seller’s bottom line and how that may influence negotiations. Sellers need to know whether their property may trigger the tax and how it affects their net proceeds after commissions, mortgage payoff, escr... 05/10/2026

Smart Home Tech ROI 2026 in Silicon ValleySmart home tech ROI 2026 is a real conversation in Silicon Valley because buyers increasingly expect homes to feel secure, efficient, and ready for modern daily life. Recent housing and buyer-preference research shows that smart-home features continue to matter in search behavior, especially when they improve security, lower operating costs, or make the home easier to manage. Energy-related features such as EV charging and whole-home batteries are also appearing more often in listings, which tells sellers something important: the market is rewarding useful technology more than flashy technology. As a local realtor, I see that mindset clearly in Silicon Valley. Buyers here do not only ask about layout, finishes, and school proximity. They also as... 04/21/2026

The Future of Silicon Valley Living: A Deep Dive into BART Station Housing MilpitasIf you have been keeping an eye on the South Bay real estate market lately, you have likely noticed a significant shift in where people want to live. As a local realtor who has walked these streets and analyzed these numbers for years, I can tell you that the demand for BART station housing Milpitas is currently at an all-time high. We are no longer just looking for a house with a white picket fence; we are looking for connectivity, efficiency, and a lifestyle that minimizes the dreaded Silicon Valley commute. The "Milpitas Metro" area has transformed from an industrial hub into one of the most vibrant transit-oriented residential pockets in Northern California.The Rise of Transit-Oriented Development (TO... 04/17/2026

Gilroy, CA Market Report April, 2026  📍 Gilroy spotlight Single-Family Homes   💰 Median Price: $1,270,000 📊 Average Price: $1,267,350 🏠 Sales: 22 ✍️ Pending: 26 📦 Inventory: 56 ⏳ Days of Inventory: 69 ⚖️ SP/LP: 100.9%   Condos & Townhomes   💰 Median Price: $609,000 📊 Average Price: $609,000 🏠 Sales: 2 ✍️ Pending: 3 📦 Inventory: 4 ⏳ Days of Inventory: 54 🔥 SP/LP: 101.8% 04/15/2026

Morgan Hill, CA Market report for April, 2026:   Morgan Hill spotlight Single-Family Homes   💰 Median Price: $1,525,000 📊 Average Price: $1,665,210 🏠 Sales: 24 ✍️ Pending: 28 📦 Inventory: 33 ⏳ Days of Inventory: 37 🔥 SP/LP: 101.6%   Condos & Townhomes   💰 Median Price: $860,000 📊 Average Price: $781,163 🏠 Sales: 7 ✍️ Pending: 10 📦 Inventory: 7 ⏳ Days of Inventory: 27 ⚖️ SP/LP: 98.8% 04/15/2026

Save the date for Bocce Potluck Social! THURSDAY APRIL 30, 5:00 - 7:00PM @THE BOCCE COURTSAll Eagle Ridge residents and their families are invited to attend, whether you plan to play in the league or not. If youd like to join the league please register on the website, even if you can only sub - we love subs! We'll be playing Monday's, Wednesday's and Thursday's this year.  Season starts May 18 - register now! https://www.erbocce.com/ 04/07/2026

Notice of Public Meeting, 30-Day Public Comment Period, and Public Hearing of the Gilroy City Council  For the Draft Program Year (PY) 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan and Draft Citizen Participation Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) The City of Gilroy invites the community to review and comment on the draft PY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan and draft Citizen Participation Plan during the 30-day public comment period, beginning March 13, 2026, and ending April 13, 2026.   The draft PY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan describes the programs and projects planned from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, that address the priority needs and goals identified in the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan. This plan is also required by HUD, in order to apply for federal housing and com... 03/27/2026

Join Us to Celebrate Arbor Day with a Tree Planting and Compost Giveaway Wednesday, April 22 You and your family are invited to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day at our annual community tree-planting event. This year, we’ll be gathering at Sunrise Park on Wednesday, April 22, at 2:00 PM.   City Council Members, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and City staff will be on hand to help plant new trees and host fun, family-friendly activities.   We’ll also have free compost available in 5-gallon buckets, while supplies last. Compost is a great way to enrich your soil naturally, helping plants grow stronger, retain more moisture, and stay healthier throughout the year.   Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or joining us for the first time, we value your participation in strengthening ou... 03/27/2026

November 2026 Election What You Need to Know The next City Council election will take place in November 2026, and voting will occur by district. Voters in Districts 4, 5, and 6 will elect their representatives during this election.   Polling places may have changed since the last election, so it’s important to confirm your district and polling location before Election Day. Information on polling locations will be available closer to Election Day.   Looking ahead: In November 2028, voters in Districts 1, 2, and 3 will elect their representatives, and the Mayor’s seat will also be on the ballot.   Use our interactive map to find your district, and don’t forget to watch for information about where to vote.   Learn more and find your voting district: www.cityofgilroy.org/vote 03/27/2026

City Council Upcoming City Council Meetings Gilroy City Council Meetings will be held in person at City Hall located at 7351 Rosanna Street and are available for viewing via live stream on the City's website.  City Council Study Session I April 2 City Council Meeting I April 6 City Commissions Upcoming Commission Meetings Individual meeting agendas will provide information on how to attend and provide public comment.   Planning Commission | April 2 Youth Commission | April 13 Arts & Culture Commission | April 14 Parks and Recreation | April 21 Personnel Commission | April 27 Library Commission | May 13 Open Government Commission | May 14 City Hall will be closed on Tuesday, March 31, for a city holiday and will reopen for regular business at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, April 1. 03/27/2026

What is the Sale to List Price Ratio? A Guide for Campbell, CA HomebuyersWhen it comes to real estate, understanding key market metrics is essential for making informed decisions. One of the most important figures to know is what is the sale to list price ratio. This ratio helps homebuyers and sellers understand how close the final sale price is to the original asking price. Whether you’re a potential homebuyer or seller in Campbell, CA, knowing what this ratio means for the local market can help you navigate the competitive housing landscape.In this post, we’ll explain what is the sale to list price ratio, how it’s calculated, and why it’s an important metric for anyone involved in Campbell’s real estate market. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to us... 03/20/2026

🎲 Adult Bingo NightJoin the fun and win prizes! New players are always welcome.Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026Check-in: 4:30 PMPlay Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 🎉 Eagle Ridge Women’s 2026 Super BuncoDate: Wednesday, March 25, 2026Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PMCost: $35 per person (pre-payment required)Payment Drop-off: 7604 Allister Court 🍽️ Ladies Lunch BunchThis event is held on the last Friday of each month.Date: Friday, March 27, 2026Time: Starting at 12:00 PMLocation:Hacienda Mexican Restaurant1160 First StreetGilroy, CA 🃏 Pedro Card Game GroupLooking for players to meet monthly—beginners welcome! Join the fun.Location: Eagle Ridge ClubhouseDate: Tuesday, March 31, 2026New Start Time: 6:00 PM 03/12/2026

                                                                 Sam Shueh                                                                 BRG Realty                                                               San Jose, CA 95124                                                               (408) 425-1601                                                          SamShuehRealtor@gmail.comIt’s that time of year again. Starting this Sunday sun will appear to rise later in the morning and set later in the evening in most of the U.S. thanks to the long-standing—and unpopular time change to make sure clock time is in sync with correct time. The practice of changing the clocks twice a year is not popular, dubiously effective in achieving its intended aims. People argue its intend was increase ... 03/05/2026

Increase home value Campbell CAIf you want to increase home value Campbell CA, the good news is that you do not need a full luxury remodel to make a meaningful impact. As a local realtor, I can tell you that buyers in Campbell pay close attention to condition, layout flow, curb appeal, and updates that make daily life easier. In a market where buyers are often balancing budget, commute, schools, and lifestyle, the homes that feel well cared for and thoughtfully improved tend to stand out fast.Campbell is a city where charm matters, but function matters just as much. Buyers love neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, a strong community feel, and easy access to shopping, dining, and commuter routes. That means sellers who prepare their homes strategically can often attract stronger intere... 03/02/2026

In my first Appreciation post entry for the ActiveRain February Challenge, I expressed my appreciation for Ben Kenny, keeping the AR lights on! My second post entry expressed my appreciation for the ActiveRain Development Team. My third post expressed my appreciation for ActiveRain Member Support. The goal and intention behind creating a series for the ActiveRain February Challenge was to honor and appreciate the site and all the people, front and center and behind the AR curtains, who bring it all together and create such a wonderful community for such wonderful and amazing people to learn, grow, and play. The ActiveRain Feature FairiesWho are the Feature Fairies? What do they do?  I have no clue who they are, but I would like to know - haha.  That is for you, Brian England I do know w... 02/17/2026

In my first Appreciation post entry for the ActiveRain February Challenge, I expressed my appreciation for Ben Kenny, keeping the AR lights on! My second post entry expressed my appreciation for the ActiveRain Development Team. It is important to recognize the essential contributions of the ActiveRain Member Support (“ARMS”), who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure the smooth functioning of the community. The identities of the ARMS team members remain undisclosed to the ActiveRain community, which adds to their unique role and mystique.💪💪💪💪💪💪💪There has been ongoing speculation regarding who serves on the ARMS team, but it appears that only company staff are aware of their identities. It is also unclear whether these individuals are paid employees or volunteers. What matters is w... 02/15/2026

In my first Appreciation post for the ActiveRain February Challenge, I expressed my appreciation for Ben Kenny, keeping the AR lights on!! It made sense to me to start with Ben because, without his love and support of the Community, where would ActiveRain be?  🧡💙We all know that in real estate, there is more involved than simply keeping the lights on. We know there is ongoing maintenance and repair that is required.  🧠🧠🧠💪💪💪The brains and the muscles behind the ActiveRain curtain who are doing the heavy lifting, keeping the platform stable, and doing all they can to prevent the “angry dog” and “where did I leave my keys” from showing up are the “Development Team.”For those of us who have been members of ActiveRain for many years, we all experienced the pain of what happened with the Zill... 02/15/2026

Ben Kenny is a real estate entrepreneur and the owner of ActiveRain, a leading online community for real estate professionals. Ben acquired ActiveRain in 2011, bringing with him a passion for innovation and a commitment to helping agents thrive. Known for his forward-thinking approach, Ben has built a reputation for fostering connections and sharing valuable industry insights. Under his leadership since the acquisition, ActiveRain has flourished as a resource for networking and professional development within the real estate sector.I equate Ben’s acquisition of ActiveRain as “Keeping the Lights On”. It reminds me of the Tom Bodett, the voice of the Motel chain, Motel 6 commercials, which ended with “I’m Tom Bodette for Motel 6, and we’ll leave the light on for you.” Thank you, Mr. Ben K... 02/15/2026

11 Facts You Didn’t Know About San Jose, California 1. San Jose is the oldest civilian settlement in California, founded in 1777 as 'El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe', predating San Francisco and Los Angeles. 2. The Winchester Mystery House, one of San Jose’s most famous landmarks, contains staircases leading to nowhere and doors that open into walls, a result of Sarah Winchester’s belief in warding off ghosts. 3. San Jose was briefly the first state capital of California, but lawmakers moved it after just two years due to complaints about its small size and inadequate facilities. 4. The IBM Building in San Jose, built in 1943, is home to the invention of the RAMAC, the world’s first hard disk drive, laying the groundwork for modern computing. 5. San Jose has more patents per capita t... 02/11/2026