Skip to content

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

In 1914 Robert Frost published Mending Wall, a remarkably complex poem about a seemingly simple subject matter – 2 neighbors and a fence. There is one line from this poem that has become a ubiquitous sound bite today, “good fences make good neighbors”.  Thanks to California Civil Code Section 841 we now have specific guidelines regarding how to…

Read More

Unpopular Music in Los Gatos

Throughout each year, right here in little ol’ Los Gatos, there are abundant opportunities to go out and hear high quality live music.  Two of the more popular concert series are Jazz on the Plazz which has been brining world renowned jazz music to the Los Gatos Town Plaza for over a decade and Los Gatos Music in the Park which is heading into its…

Read More

Benefits and Hazards of Seller Financing

Depending on your circumstances, seller financing offers certain advantages.  Often overlooked and misunderstood, seller financing can offer the following benefits: Monthly Income – Payments from a buyer provide seller with monthly cash flow (income). Tax planning – This type of installment sale allows the seller to report only the income received in a single calendar year (consult a tax professional).…

Read More

Los Gatos shows up for the 2014 WAG auction and fundraiser

Brian and Christina Bernasconi Untouchables at the 2014 WAG The Los Gatos real estate market is what it is for many reasons – not the least of which is the Los Gatos Union School District.  Although there are many, very good neighboring schools (some posting better test scores even) I have to say that I…

Read More

Silicon Valley Real Estate Market Simplified

Infographic by Brian Bernasconi Real Estate Broker

Read More

Inventory, Economic Recovery, Qualified Mortgage and the Ability to Repay . . . its all here.

I believe we are looking forward to an interesting and likely robust real estate market this year. Amid predictions of economic recovery come concerns about a cooling stock market and rising bond prices.  As the government slows Quantitative Easing we anticipate mortgage interest rates may rise slightly and people’s enthusiasm for spending money could cool…

Read More

Mills Act Helps California Property Owners Reduce Taxes by 40% to 60%

Do you think your property taxes are too high? How would you like to reduce your property tax by 40% to 60% on a ten year government contract? This, of course, sounds too good to be true and in most cases it is. But for owners of newly improved or purchased older properties the Mills…

Read More

September 2013 Home Sales Dip While Prices Climb

According to a report from the National Association of Realtors® existing home sales declined last month (September 2013) with limited inventory continuing to pressure home prices higher. Total existing-home sales, (include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and “co-ops”) declined 1.9 percent – but are 10.7 percent above the 4.78 million-unit pace in September 2012. Sales have remained above year-ago…

Read More

Sereno Group Listed as One of Silicon Valley Business Journal’s “Top 50 Givers”

I have to say, it feels good to give.  With nearly 14 years selling real estate, I recently joined the Sereno Group, San Francisco Bay Area’s premier real estate brokerage, in their Los Gatos Office.  In November, the Silicon Valley Business Journal will “award the top 50 corporate givers in Silicon Valley. . .  who…

Read More

What’s Insurance Got To Do with It?

Even as the financial crisis of the past 5 years fades into the history books, real estate strategies and lending practices remain a significant challenge when buying (yes, and selling) real estate. Along with changing market conditions, legislation, government assistance and incentive programs, loan modifications, short sales, REO’s and ever tightening mortgage underwriting and appraisal…

Read More
Brian & Dan | Sereno Group

Brian & Dan | Sereno Group