Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Silicon Valley Living

Santa Clara County Real Estate Update: 6.83% Jumbo Rates, What $1M vs $2M Buys & Market Shift

Vito discusses the shock of 6.83% rates for a 30-year jumbo loan and says rates aren’t going down soon, advising sellers to wait unless they truly need to sell, including situations like parents moving into retirement or memory care (noting he has programs for that). He explains how using third-party listing pages like Homes.com can add value by improving search visibility and providing area details (parks, transit, environmental facts) that he says he can’t state directly on his own site, while acknowledging its lead-gen prompts. He also highlights inflation anxiety dampening credit appetite and belt-tightening amid economic uncertainty and AI job displacement concerns.

Inflation anxiety seen dampening appetite for credit

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action https://Aidadash.com

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY 

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 Mortgage Rate Shock

00:44 Should You Sell Now

01:41 Listing SEO With Homescom

03:53 Inflation Anxiety And Credit

05:37 One Million Dollar Home Tour

06:57 Two Million Rose Garden Compare

07:52 Market Shift Final Thoughts

Paint Credits, Matterport Tours & Why the San Jose Housing Market Is Slowing Down

Vito discusses whether buyers should ask sellers for credits for paint or carpet, noting that after 90+ days on market buyers can request almost anything but it’s a negotiation and sellers can say yes, no, or meet in the middle; he suggests giving a small credit to close a deal when a home is mispriced or sitting, but not when a buyer simply dislikes a new paint color. He highlights the value of Matterport 3D tours and floor plans for buyers and sellers and criticizes overly stylized listing photos without useful layout info. 

00:00 Mindset Kickoff

00:13 Stretchy Guy Bit

01:42 When To Concede

02:45 Matterport Walkthrough Value

03:51 Dollhouse And Floor Plans

04:35 Listing Review Camino Verde

06:11 Distressed House Spotlight

07:40 Market Update Mid June

08:32 Why The Market Slows

09:19 Wrap Up And Goodbye

Would you ask a seller to give you a credit for a paint job? PROBATE AND ESTATE SALESREO of the Week Apple Home of the Week Mountain View Home of the Week FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/HomebuyerchecklistHome Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

How to Beat Seller Stress: Offers, Market Reality, and Pricing Strategy

The speaker discusses how to beat seller stress during a home sale, noting that moving is a major source of stress and that sellers sometimes receive “ugly” offers they must navigate. They argue that hiring an experienced agent can reduce stress by guiding repairs, staging, documents, and negotiations, and they emphasize it’s normal to feel afraid during the process. They also describe a niche in helping families move aging parents into active adult or memory care communities and manage the sale of a family home. Shifting to market conditions, they explain that buyers ultimately set value when homes don’t sell, citing recent market contraction and uncertainty from war, job security, interest rates, and the economy. 

How to Beat Sellers' Stress

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week 

Santa Clara County Price Reductions 

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Tech Glitch and Stress

00:53 Why Moving Feels Hard

01:24 Trust Your Agent

02:12 Fear Mistakes and Fit

03:11 Mortar Metaphor Reset

04:21 Home Values and Reality

05:57 Marketing Analytics Tools

06:46 Sales Stats and Examples

08:32 Wrap Up and Goodbye

Mortgage Fraud Alerts on the Rise + Current Jumbo Rates and What $1M–$2M Buys in Santa Clara County

The host warns that fraud risk is rising across mortgage and real estate, citing statistics like one in 129 mortgage applications and one in 29 investor/multifamily applications triggering fraud alerts, and urges viewers to avoid suspicious links, verify requests by calling trusted numbers for agents, lenders, and escrow officers, and go directly to official sites (with reporting options like the FBI). He shares that 30-year jumbo rates are quoted around 6.82 but suggests about 6% for an average $2.4M purchase with 20% down and decent credit, noting HSBC as an option and mentioning zero points. 

00:00 Mortgage Fraud Surge

00:15 Spotting Scam Links

00:59 Verify Before You Click

01:37 Loan App Fraud Stats

02:04 Safe Banking Habits

02:21 Jumbo Rate Check

03:08 Two Million Home Tour

03:44 One Million Fixer Find

04:36 Inventory Update

04:45 Wrap Up and Open Houses

Why Now May Be a Good Time for First-Time Buyers + Silicon Valley Market Update & Los Gatos House of the Week

The host compares kids returning home to the mafia and says high living costs make it hard for young adults to live independently, prompting a discussion about first-time home buying. Citing an article from Scotsman Guide, he argues that despite mid-6% 30-year mortgage rates and poor affordability, this could be a good time to buy because competition is lower and prices feel more fragile, though he doesn’t expect a crash; he suggests buying whatever is feasible, even smaller homes or farther commutes. 

 Young adults are living with parents for longer, driving lower rates of first-time homebuyersPROBATE AND ESTATE SALESHow your Home will be MarketedLos Gatos Home of the WeekSanta Clara County Price Reductions FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/HomebuyerchecklistHome Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

00:00 Kids Move Back In

00:15 Why Housing Is So Costly

00:39 First Time Buyer Window

01:10 What To Buy Now

01:27 Market Fragility And Links

02:34 Helping Families Transition

03:35 Free Buyer Checklist

03:44 Los Gatos House Tour

04:38 Weekly Market Stats

05:09 Price Cuts And Buyer Behavior

06:33 Wrap Up And Goodbye

Sellers Are Pulling Their Homes Off the Market at Near-Record Rates

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the Week

How your Home will be Marketed

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

Don’t Lose $30,000: The Hidden Cost of Private Listings + Quick Market Inventory Update

The episode warns sellers about keeping homes off the MLS through “private exclusive” or “coming soon” networks, citing a Wall Street Journal opinion piece and Zillow research suggesting sellers who skip the MLS net about $5,000 less per sale—and about $30,000 less in California—because they miss full market exposure and price discovery. The episode then briefly covers local inventory and months-of-supply trends, noting conditions remain generally healthy across tracked counties and most Santa Clara County cities stay under six months supply, with expectations for supply to rise modestly but not to 2008 levels.

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County 

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action 

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY 

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 The $30,000 Mistake

00:02 Private Listing Networks Explained

00:32 Why Off-Market Listings Hurt Sellers

00:54 Agent Motivations and Industry Problems

02:02 When Pocket Listings Make Sense

03:01 Industry-Wide Private Listing Issues

03:27 Zillow's Role and Commissions

03:51 Consumer-First Philosophy

04:08 Market Inventory Analysis

04:41 Regional Market Differences

05:22 Supply Metrics Breakdown

05:36 Selling Season Recap

06:00 Historical Context and Foreclosures

06:19 Santa Clara County Numbers

06:36 May Market Update

06:50 Closing Remarks

Santa Clara County Market Update: High Rates, Home Maintenance Tips, and Los Gatos Home of the Week

Vito reviews a home maintenance and inspection checklist for homeowners planning to sell in the next couple of years, emphasizing completing basic upkeep (gutters, caulking, repairs, pressure washing) and using his blog link and downloadable checklist to check every area of the home. He discusses slowing housing demand as borrowing costs rise, noting new U.S. home sales fell 6.2% and that higher-end homes are holding up better while affordability pressures ordinary buyers, with added uncertainty from global events and AI. He shares views on AI’s impact on office work and the importance of social connection. 

New US home sales fall short as borrowing costs climb

AI uncertainty clouds office construction outlook

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week

Santa Clara County Price Reductions 

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Home Maintenance Hook

01:08 Inspection Checklist Download

01:37 Why Homes Aren’t Selling

02:37 New Home Sales Reality Check

04:46 Don’t Panic and AI Uncertainty

07:19 AI and the Future of Offices

08:55 Los Gatos Home of the Week

10:39 Santa Clara County Highs and Lows

13:08 Market Stats and Wrap Up

Private Listings vs. MLS Exposure, Cash Buyers Dip, and Bay Area Market Snapshot (Cupertino, Willow Glen, Luxury)

The episode argues that most sellers are better served by public MLS exposure than “coming soon,” pocket, or private listings, which the speaker says mainly benefit large companies rather than consumers by limiting true market pricing. It notes MLS resistance and lawsuits around platforms like Zillow, which the speaker describes as lead aggregators that compete for early access to listings. The video highlights that 29% of March homebuyers paid cash—the lowest March share since 2020—linking the decline to high rates around 6.7% and broader economic uncertainty, with affluent buyers keeping money in stocks, crypto, or businesses. 

29% of U.S. Homebuyers Paid Cash in March—the Lowest Share For That Month Since 2020

I Am Selling! Why Would I Put Money into a House I am Leaving?

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the Week

How your Home will be Marketed

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Private Listings Debate

01:12 Zillow MLS Power Struggle

01:52 Why Public Exposure Wins

03:15 Economic Uncertainty Explained

04:21 Should Sellers Renovate

05:07 Staging ROI And Declutter

06:00 Cupertino House Tour

06:41 Willow Glen Pick

07:06 Luxury Listing Spotlight

07:24 Market Stats Wrap Up

08:17 Final Sign Off

Bay Area Real Estate Update: Eco Mandates, Homes.com Marketing, and Santa Clara County Prices

Vito critiques local government mandates requiring homeowners to replace gas appliances with electric and forcing eco-friendly upgrades at sale, arguing they ignore costs and differ from required safety items like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and braced water heaters. He mentions upcoming probate sales and offers help navigating decisions about keeping, renting, or selling a parent’s property and the related tax implications. 

Berkeley home sellers are now required to make eco-friendly upgrades or pay up before handing over the keyPROBATE AND ESTATE SALESOpen Houses this weekend Silicon Valley CuratedMortgage Rates this week Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklistWhat you get for $2MM Santa Clara CountyAIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY Inventory And Supply ChartsFREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

00:00 Government Overreach Rant

01:37 Eco Upgrades vs Safety

02:50 Probate Sale Guidance

03:50 Homescom Ad Break

04:22 Marketing vs Off Market

05:20 Buyer Market Timing

05:37 Santa Clara Price Trends

07:14 Strategy for Sellers Buyers

08:06 Wrap Up and Links

Prices Adjusting, Foreclosures Rising (But Not 2008): What’s Happening in Santa Clara County

Vito discusses current housing market conditions, noting that some areas (like the east side of 87) are seeing temporary price drops because listings aren’t “clicking,” while the west side is still seeing strong highs. He reviews reports showing foreclosure filings are up year over year (ATTOM cites 118,000 properties in Q1, up 26%) but remain at historically low levels compared to 2008, suggesting foreclosures alone won’t trigger a housing crash. He mentions regional soft spots like St. Petersburg/Tampa and Austin as normal market ebbs and flows, and notes down payments have hit a four-year low as prices come down slightly despite high rates. 

Reddit Question of the week!  Are Foreclosures On The Rise?

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES REO of the Week Apple Home of the Week Mountain View Home of the WeekFREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/HomebuyerchecklistHome Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

00:00 Prices Off Reality

00:55 Foreclosures Up Not 2008

02:08 Regional Drops Explained

02:35 Down Payments Hit Low

03:20 Local Listing Price Cut

04:17 Distressed New Build Find

04:55 Days On Market Trends

05:11 Inventory And Wrap Up

Beijing Road Nightlife, Rising Delinquencies, and a Slowing Los Gatos Housing Market

The host shares footage from Beijing Road in China at 9:00 PM, noting the busy shopping and restaurants, lottery buying, and a humorous “fake Trump” performer. He then discusses rising 90+ day loan delinquencies, highlighting growing concerns in student loans and credit cards while auto and mortgage delinquencies remain relatively low, and notes upcoming Fed testimony in two weeks. He briefly addresses uncertainty around office construction, pointing out large amounts of vacant commercial space, especially in the Bay Area, despite continued building. The episode features a Los Gatos “home of the week” on Lou Ray Drive ($3.6M, 4 bed/3 bath, 2,500 sq ft, built 1960), and concludes that housing supply is trending down, more than 25% of active single-family listings have price reductions, and the market is slowing—particularly east of Highway 87—with buyers becoming pickier amid high rates and recession/job-loss fears.

Loan Delinquencies up for all except...

AI uncertainty clouds office construction outlook.

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week 

Santa Clara County Price Reductions 

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Beijing Road Nightlife

00:19 Lottery Culture Talk

00:33 Trump Impersonator Clip

00:55 Debt Delinquencies Rising

02:23 Office Construction Uncertainty

03:39 Los Gatos Home Pick

04:32 Market Supply And Price Cuts

06:11 Wrap Up And Sign Off

Pocket Listings Exposed + Bay Area Affordability, Price Trends, and Homes of the Week (Memorial Day Update)

The speaker criticizes pocket/off-market listings as a tactic brokerages use to gain market share, recruit agents, generate buyer leads, and sell mortgage, title, and insurance products, arguing it generally hurts sellers by limiting exposure except in true privacy situations. They comment on industry consolidation (Real buying Remax) and recommend a consumer-advocate source while noting disagreements with her style. The episode includes a Memorial Day message and gratitude for those who served and sacrificed. The speaker reviews a KTVU piece on affordable places to buy, highlights Las Vegas/Henderson as relatively affordable and clean, notes Freddie Mac data showing a February house price index dip with specific metro drops, and discusses Bay Area pockets with contractions but overall health. 

most affordable cities to buy a home“National” Home Price Index (FMHPI)PROBATE AND ESTATE SALESCupertino Home of the WeekWillow Glen Home of the WeekLuxury Home of the weekHow your Home will be MarketedFREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/HomebuyerchecklistPRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

00:00 Pocket Listings Exposed

00:17 Why Brokerages Push Off Market

01:09 Industry Frustrations And Mergers

01:32 Off Market Hurts Sellers

02:05 Consumer Advocate Shoutout

02:49 Memorial Day Reflection

03:24 Most Affordable Markets

04:27 Vegas And Henderson Plug

05:04 Freddie Mac Price Dip

05:56 Bay Area Market Check

06:21 House And Luxury Pick

06:56 Marketing Exposure Pitch

07:38 Santa Clara County Stats

08:41 Wrap Up And Thanks

Too Many Agents, Market Cooling in Santa Clara County, and California’s Gas Water Heater Ban

The host argues that real estate’s low barrier to entry creates too many desperate, poorly trained agents and suggests raising standards by requiring agents to own a home and earn at least a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. He shares a Santa Clara County single-family chart (adapted from appraiser Ryan Lundquist) showing the median/average price turning negative, with May about 6% down year over year, and expects a slowdown/correction rather than a crash while noting sellers and agents have been spoiled by years of extreme overbids. 

Bay Area air regulators split on whether to move forward with a ban on gas water heaters that will cost homeowners $3,500

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week 

What you get for $2MM in Santa Clara County

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Too Many Agents

00:44 Raise the Bar

02:24 Market Turning Point

04:18 Sell Before Slowdown

04:40 Gas Heater Ban

05:48 Mortgage Rates Reality

06:26 What $2M Buys

07:18 What $1M Buys

08:02 Weekly Wrap Up

08:18 Closing Thanks

Are We Headed for a Real Estate Crash? Santa Clara County Market Update + Home Picks

The host discusses whether the housing market is entering a crash, arguing that while no one can predict it, today’s issue looks more like a needed correction after years of propping up the economy and artificially low COVID-era rates that inflated prices. With affordability strained, the market is slowing, homes are selling only when priced lower, and luxury is less affected than typical tract homes. 

15 housing markets with the biggest home price declines ...Reddit Question of the week!  Are we entering a real estate Crash?PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES REO of the WeekApple Home of the Week Mountain View Home of the Week FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/HomebuyerchecklistHome Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

00:00 Real Estate Crash Talk

00:26 Why Prices Stay High

01:14 Market Slowdown Signs

01:44 Timing Buys and Sells

02:03 Rates and Deal Strategies

02:38 Correction Not Collapse

03:31 Hold or Sell Advice

04:07 Listings Spotlight

05:10 Touring Apple Area Home

05:45 Local Market Stats Update

07:08 Will We See a Crash

07:53 Wrap Up and Goodbye

Foreclosure Rates (April 2026), Zillow vs MRED, and Santa Clara County Market Check

The host discusses the realities and costs of working in real estate, then reviews April 2026 foreclosure rates by state, noting Delaware as the highest per capita and California ranked 15th with a decline. He comments on national headlines about a shifting buyer/seller balance while emphasizing that housing is driven by micro-markets, mentioning San Francisco as a seller market and recent price comparisons to Santa Clara County. He covers Zillow suing MRED over “coming soon” and off-market listings, arguing pocket listings reduce exposure and mainly benefit brokerages seeking to control both sides of a deal. 

America's Housing Market Favors Buyers—But Their Advantage Is Finally Starting to Shrink

Zillow Sues MRED and Compass Over Private Listing Battle

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week 

Santa Clara County Price Reductions 

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Real Estate Reality Check

01:14 Foreclosure Rates Snapshot

02:22 Buyer Market Headlines

03:59 Zillow Lawsuit Pocket Listings

05:37 Foreclosure Flood Watch

06:06 Los Gatos House Pick

07:18 Luxury vs Budget Sales

10:05 Price Cuts Market Stall

10:51 Wrap Up and Goodbye

Should Realtors Own a Home to Get Licensed? Bay Area Affordability, Foreclosure Fears & Houses of the Week

The host discusses Trump’s view that real estate agents shouldn’t be licensed unless they own a home, agreeing and arguing agents should also need a master’s degree because licensing is too easy and attracts low performers. He criticizes a report claiming more Californians can afford homes, saying the numbers are skewed and don’t reflect Bay Area realities amid high rates and large post-2021 price gains, noting Santa Clara County’s median near $2M and Solano as the most affordable, with Napa and Solano/Contra Costa seeing big year-over-year jumps. He references an analyst predicting rising foreclosures and a possible 2008-like drop but doubts housing is the cause. 

More Californians can afford a home, as housing affordability hits a 4-year high, new figures showFlood Of Home Foreclosures Ahead This Year As "Dam Is Bursting" | Melody WrightPROBATE AND ESTATE SALESCupertino Home of the Week Willow Glen Home of the Week How your Home will be MarketedFREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/HomebuyerchecklistPRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

00:00 Trump on Agent Licenses

00:59 Raise the Bar for Realtors

03:05 California Affordability Claims

04:36 Bay Area Prices Reality Check

05:31 Foreclosure Fears and 2008 Talk

06:34 Cupertino House of the Week

07:34 Willow Glen and Luxury Picks

08:33 Market Snapshot and Wrap Up

Too Many Real Estate Agents, Ant Control Tips, and a Santa Clara County Market Update

Vito argues that real estate has an unusually low barrier to entry, bringing in too many poorly prepared agents who may act like aggressive “hustlers” and prioritize commissions over fiduciary duty; he believes agent requirements should be much higher, even at a master’s degree level. He then shares spring ant-control advice, emphasizing keeping the house clean, storing food properly, moving garbage outside, and using DIY options like Borax bait, vinegar spray, peppermint oils, and cinnamon, while noting pest-control services charge recurring fees for similar treatments and that mud tunnels could indicate termites. 

How to Solve an Ant Problem

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week 

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County 

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY 

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 How to Solve an Ant Problem | Inventory vs Sales

02:29 Ant Season Basics

03:47 DIY Ant Treatments

05:43 When to Call Pros

06:20 Probate Help Offer

07:09 Ad Tracking for Sellers

07:49 Why Homes Aren't Selling

07:57 Buying in a Slow Market

08:33 Rates Up Buy Points

09:22 What 2 Million Buys

09:57 What 1 Million Buys

10:29 Market Wrap Up

10:51 Weekend Sign Off

8 Gross Clues Your Home Isn’t Maintained + Market Crash Talk, Distressed Deal & Mountain View Home of the Week

Vito lists eight signs a home isn’t being maintained—hard water rings, unexplained odors, bathroom fans not venting outside and dusty fans, black/cracked/peeling caulk, old furnace filters, peeling paint around windows/trim indicating moisture, grimy high-touch areas, and lint-packed dryer vents that can cause fires—urging sellers to clean before a listing presentation. He then discusses a “real estate crash” clip from India as a reminder that global factors can affect housing, noting issues like fewer loans being funded, overpriced square footage, possible appraisal/loan fraud, and higher costs, while saying it won’t be like 2008 and referencing foreclosure concerns. 

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES REO of the Week Apple Home of the Week Mountain View Home of the WeekFREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/HomebuyerchecklistHome Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

00:00 Eight Gross Home Clues

00:43 Hard Water Rings

01:28 Mystery Smells Warning

02:07 Bathroom Ventilation Issues

03:07 Caulk and Moisture Signs

03:32 HVAC Filter Neglect

03:59 Paint and Touch Points

04:39 Dryer Vent Fire Risk

05:12 Crash Talk Global Signals

07:46 Probate and Estate Help

08:22 Buyers Market Check

08:49 Distressed Deal San Leandro

09:39 Mountain View Home Pick

11:09 Market Stats and Inventory

12:16 Rates Shift Season Bust

12:56 Wrap Up and Sign Off

A Real estate crash is imminent. 

Distressed Sales in 2026? Foreclosures, Short Sales & Santa Clara County Market Updates

Vito discusses growing talk about distressed sales in the 2026 housing market, referencing appraiser Ryan Lundquist and a Wall Street Journal story noting foreclosures at a six-year high, but still below pre-pandemic levels. He argues a 2008-style foreclosure wave is unlikely due to widespread home equity, tighter lending practices, and banks working with struggling borrowers through options like loan modifications, postponements, and short sales. Using Sacramento-region charts and heat maps, he says distress is rising modestly but remains nominal for owner-occupied homes, while larger multi-unit properties are a different situation.

More distressed sales coming to the 2026 housing market - Sacramento Appraisal Blog

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Los Gatos Home of the Week

Santa Clara County Price Reductions

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Cold Open Laughs

00:29 Distressed Sales Buzz

02:03 Foreclosure Reality Check

04:24 Why 2008 Wont Repeat

05:05 Local Short Sale Data

06:06 Probate Help Pitch

06:57 Marketing With Retargeting

08:33 Santa Clara Market Extremes

11:14 Price Cuts And Wrap Up

Why Off-Market Listings Hurt Sellers + Solar Panel Pitfalls, Rate Buydowns, and Bay Area Houses of the Week

The episode argues that “private exclusive” off-market listings are a brokerage-driven money grab designed to control inventory and double-end commissions, leaving sellers guessing on price and appearing weak to sophisticated buyers who track a home’s exposure; the speaker advises against “coming soon” and says long days on market usually indicate pricing issues. It then covers solar panels, warning they add value only when owned outright and that financed/leased systems can be liabilities with transfer, payoff, lien, warranty, and maintenance complications, plus PG&E true-up costs. 

Solar Panels & Real Estate

Mortgage Rates Average 6.37%

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the Week

How your Home will be Marketed

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 Off Market Listing Myth

00:24 Who Really Benefits

02:16 Why Coming Soon Hurts

02:51 Solar Panels Pros Cons

03:43 Solar Payoff Gotchas

05:07 Mortgage Rate Buydowns

06:10 Probate Moves Planning

07:01 Cupertino House Pick

07:54 Willow Glen Deal

08:27 Woodside Luxury Estate

09:00 Matterport Virtual Tours

09:33 Why Buyers Have Leverage

09:57 Local Market Stats Outlook

10:33 Winners Losers Areas

11:31 Wrap Up Thanks

Bay Area Housing Update: Inflation, Rates & April Inventory (Santa Clara, Marin, Napa + San Martin)

The host jokes briefly, then explains that recent home price gains have faded as inflation may reheat and mortgage rates remain above 6%, arguing that if a home isn’t selling it’s likely overpriced and the market is resetting. He notes inflation has outpaced national home price growth and points to a small uptick in activity when rates dipped below 6% (around 5.9%), but says the current selling season has largely been shaped by rates over 6%. Reviewing April inventory and sales across the region, he says nothing looks extreme, though Napa and Marin appear slower, and Santa Clara inventory is rising but still below what’s needed. He advises sellers to be patient and consider incentives, while suggesting it’s a good time for buyers due to less competition, especially by negotiating on homes that have been listed longer, and he highlights San Martin’s seasonal spike in months of inventory.

Home price gains fade with inflation set to reheat

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week 

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County 

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY 

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 Cold Open Prank

00:30 Why Homes Aren’t Selling

01:20 Inflation vs Price Growth

02:13 Mortgage Rates Reality Check

02:53 April Inventory Snapshot

03:56 Buyer Strategy Right Now

04:10 San Martin Inventory Spike

04:47 Resources and Sign Off

Off-Market ‘Private Exclusives’ Are a Money Grab + Property Tax Shock, Agent Value, and Market Update

The episode argues that “private exclusive” off-market listings are largely a brokerage control play designed to double-end commissions, shift pricing risk to sellers, and potentially weaken offers because sophisticated buyers notice homes being “tested” before public exposure; viewers are urged to ask who the listing is being hidden from and reminded it’s always been possible to sell off-MLS or limit syndication to sites like Zillow/Redfin. 

Property tax shock: 64% of U.S. homeowners surprised by their house’s tax bills

Reddit Question of the week! Are Real Estate Agents actually "useless"? 

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES 

REO of the Week 

Apple Home of the Week 

Mountain View Home of the Week

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

02:17 Pricing Sells Homes

02:57 Off-Market Commission Trap

04:06 Property Tax Shock Explained

05:42 Appeals and BPO Help

06:17 Are Agents Useless

08:57 Fees and Service Levels

10:03 Overpriced Listing Case Study

10:49 Distressed Pick and Market Stats

11:54 Wrap Up and Goodbye

April Listings Hold Strong: Why Homes Still Sell, Micro-Markets Matter & Bay Area Price Highlights

Vito from Abitano discusses how new home listings remained resilient in April despite economic volatility, noting about 4% annual growth and increased inventory that is still being absorbed. He encourages sellers and agents not to assume the market is dead, emphasizing that well-presented, correctly priced homes can sell quickly and that contracting markets can pressure prices. He explains why understanding local “micro markets” by ZIP code matters when evaluating buyer’s vs. seller’s market conditions, and shares a marketing heat-map example showing listing impressions, clicks, leads, and traffic from across the U.S. and Canada. 

New home listings resilient in April despite economic volatility

Why Real Estate Market Conditions Matter

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week 

Santa Clara County Price Reductions 

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Cinco de Mayo Intro

00:03 April Listings Stay Strong

00:24 Mindset and Pricing Reality

00:47 Inventory Up Buyers Engaged

01:21 Why Market Conditions Matter

01:52 Listing Heat Map Analytics

02:59 Los Gatos House of the Week

03:19 Quick Tour and Value Take

03:33 Weekly Highs, Lows, and Ratios

04:25 Market Wrap and Sign Off

Mortgage Rates Rise for 5th Week: Iran War Fears, Housing Market Slowdown & Bay Area Homes of the Week

Mortgage rates have climbed for a fifth straight week, with bond market turmoil tied to the war in Iran contributing to “mortgage shock,” leaving rates around 6.3%–6.6% and keeping many buyers sidelined. The episode also points to broader economic strain—tech layoffs, a struggling auto sector, Spirit Airlines issues, inflation and higher energy prices, a weakening Dow, and Bitcoin above $100,000—and argues the housing market may improve if rates fall, inflation cools, jobs rise, and geopolitical and tariff pressures ease. 

Rates climb for fifth-straight week, pushed up by Iran war worries

Fitch says a pair of Fed rate cuts is still on the table for 2026

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the Week

How your Home will be Marketed

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Rates climb for fifth-straight week, pushed up by Iran war worries

00:24 Rates Rise Again

00:37 Canada Trip Perspective

01:07 Economic Crosscurrents

01:29 Will Rates Drop Soon

01:59 Mortgage Report Breakdown

02:22 Sellers Feel The Squeeze

03:01 Politics And Market Reset

03:27 Jumbo Rates And Fed Outlook

04:16 Cupertino House Pick

04:54 Willow Glen Flip Find

05:29 Luxury Listing Spotlight

06:11 How I Market Listings

07:07 Bay Area Market Stats

07:43 Inventory and Buyer's Market

08:17 Wrap Up And Goodbye

AI Layoffs, Market Uncertainty & Silicon Valley Real Estate: What to Watch Now

The episode discusses widespread tech layoffs driven by AI and broader economic shifts, citing over 100,000 tech workers laid off since January and considering how this could impact Silicon Valley households and local micro-economies. It compares potential effects to past disruptions like 2008 mortgages, 1980s manufacturing changes, robotics, and job offshoring, arguing many people will need to retrain as AI may replace roles beyond tech, including legal, bookkeeping, finance, and parts of supply chain work. 

More Than 50,000 Home-Purchase Contracts Fell Through in March

Real estate investor optimism fades amid geopolitical tensions and inflation resurgence

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action 

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY 

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

00:00 No More Fake News

00:06 AI Layoffs Shockwave

00:37 Silicon Valley By Numbers

01:23 Is This Another 2008

02:21 History Of Job Disruption

03:18 Which Jobs Are Next

04:13 How To Adapt Now

05:04 Investor Confidence Slips

06:28 Market Shift Buy Signals

09:15 Cupertino House Tour

10:32 Willow Glen Deal Breakdown

11:35 Woodside Luxury Listing

12:13 Bay Area Market Snapshot

13:19 Wrap Up And Goodbye

Is a Real Estate Drop Coming? The Housing Shortage, Rates, and What Could Trigger a Crash

Vito discusses whether real estate prices will drop soon, noting that buyers would welcome a cooldown but that affordability is driven mainly by a long-term housing shortage as population growth has outpaced construction for decades, leaving an estimated 3 million-home deficit. He explains how 2021’s roughly 2.5% mortgage rates sparked a major rush to buy, pushing prices above the typical 8–10% growth and creating an artificially inflated market that may take a long time to normalize unless a major disruption occurs. While a crash is possible due to factors like rising unemployment and tech-sector layoffs, he doubts a housing depression because significant equity remains and about 60% of homeowners have no mortgage. He also cites pending home sales rising 1.5% in March, showing continued demand despite mortgage conditions.

00:00 Will Prices Drop

00:51 Supply Shortage Reality

01:47 Crash Triggers and Jobs

02:32 Mortgage Equity Breakdown

03:02 Refi Boom Aftermath

03:53 Why No Big Crash

04:04 Latest Pending Home Data

04:22 Wrap Up and Goodbye

Shouldn’t there be a huge drop in real estate soon?Pending home sales climb 1.5% in March as pent-up demand defies high mortgage ratesReddit Question of the week!  PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES REO of the Week Apple Home of the Week Mountain View Home of the WeekFREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/HomebuyerchecklistHome Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

Land Prices Surge Since the Pandemic, Silicon Valley Market Plateaus + Los Gatos House of the Week

Vito reviews post-pandemic real estate trends, noting land prices are up 77% and inventory never returned, with steep West Coast permit and planning costs making building difficult compared with the Midwest, South, and Northeast. He says home prices rose just 0.1% in March and describes the market as plateauing, citing a Los Gatos “House of the Week” at $5.6M (a 1924 Craftsman on Glen Ridge Ave., 6 bed/5.5 bath, ~0.46 acres) that has been on the market about 105 days. He recommends Homes.com as an alternative to Zillow and briefly discusses situations involving selling a family home. 

Land Prices Up 77% Since the Pandemic and Inventory Never Came Back,

U.S. Home Prices Inched Up 0.1% in March

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week 

Santa Clara County Price Reductions

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Cold Open Banter

00:07 Land Prices Surge

01:54 Permits and Rebuilding Delays

02:21 Home Prices Plateau

03:32 Los Gatos House Tour

05:03 County Sales Highs and Lows

06:08 Overpricing and Underpricing Lessons

AI Layoffs, Market Uncertainty, and Silicon Valley Real Estate: What to Watch Now

The episode discusses widespread tech layoffs driven by AI and broader tech shifts, noting over 100,000 tech workers laid off since January and considering how concentrated impacts could affect tech hubs like Silicon Valley. It compares potential household-level disruption to past economic shocks and argues AI could also displace roles in fields like law, bookkeeping, finance, supply chain, and M&A, urging affected workers to adapt and retrain. 

How many laid off in Silicon Valley in 2026? Tech Layoffs Tracker

How much income do you need to buy a house in 2026

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the Week

How your Home will be Marketed

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Tech Layoffs Reality Check

01:00 100K Jobs Lost Breakdown

01:33 AI Disruption Beyond Tech

02:38 Adaptation and Retraining

04:36 What To Do If Laid Off

05:26 Investor Fear and Market Mood

06:52 Mergers Signal Market Shift

07:34 When To Buy in Uncertainty

09:39 Cupertino House of the Week

10:55 Willow Glen Deal or Dud

11:59 Woodside Luxury Spotlight

12:37 Bay Area Market Stats Wrap

13:42 Final Thoughts and Sign Off

Home Safety Month Tips + Santa Clara County Market Update (Rates, Jumbo Loans & Inventory)

The episode highlights April as Home Safety Month and shares practical ways to identify and avoid hazards at home, including preventing falls, securing blind cords for kids, cleaning up broken or sharp items, and regularly testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. It emphasizes that dryer vents are a leading cause of fires in America and recommends cleaning and inspecting them every 6 months to 1 year, including hiring professionals for full dryer and vent safety checks.

How To Identify And Avoid Dangerous Hazards In Your Home

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend, Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week 

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County 

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action 

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY 

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 Road Trip Banter

00:13 Home Safety Month Intro

00:34 Dryer Vent Fire Risk

01:29 Preventing Falls at Home

02:04 Kid Hazards and Breakables

02:27 Test Smoke and CO Alarms

02:43 Grease Vents and Oven Fires

03:17 Landlord Safety Checks

03:51 Pre-Sale Gas Appliance Checks

04:21 Mortgage Rates and Market Update

04:58 Jumbo Rate Math and Buydowns

05:40 Santa Clara Affordability Reality

06:11 Wrap Up and Open House Link

Oil Prices vs Mortgage Rates, Seller Disclosure Pitfalls, and a Bank-Owned Deal of the Week

The episode discusses whether crude oil prices correlate with interest rates, noting that COVID-era mortgage rates were unnaturally low, contributing to broad inflation, and that oil and mortgage rates are indirectly connected through inflation pressures and consumer confidence rather than a strict correlation. The host reviews crude oil charts and recent moves (down from around 110 to the high 80s) alongside mortgage rates around 6.5%, explaining how small rate dips can quickly boost homebuyer activity. 

Oil and Interest Rates? Is there a Correlation?

Reddit Question of the week! 

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES 

REO of the Week 

Apple Home of the Week 

Mountain View Home of the Week 

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Cold Open Cat Shock

00:03 Oil vs Mortgage Rates

01:21 Crude Oil Charts Explained

03:36 Is There a Correlation

04:41 Dishonest Seller Disclosure

06:05 Permits Due Diligence

08:37 Legal Remedies and Proof

10:35 Disclose Disclose Disclose

13:04 Rates Inventory Wrap Up

14:03 Final Sign Off

Bay Area Real Estate Update: Inventory Rising, Demand Slowing & What to Do When Your Home Isn’t Selling

A realtor discusses a slowing housing market as inventory grows and buyer demand remains unseasonably slow, with rates around 6% causing concern alongside job insecurity and broader economic uncertainty. He shares personal examples of listings receiving few showings despite widespread online advertising, and explains that homes may sit due to lack of staging, overpricing, or condition issues. 

This Spring’s Housing Market Is Unseasonably Slow As Iran War, High Costs Curb Demand

What To Do When Your Home Isn't Selling

Santa Clara County HI/LO of the Week

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week 

Santa Clara County Price Reductions

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklis 

00:00 Nosy Neighbor Cold Open

00:21 Realtor Reveal and NAR Rant

02:05 Showings Down Despite Ads

02:56 Why Homes Aren't Selling

03:16 Buyer Caution and Rate Talk

04:34 Fixes Staging and Incentives

05:45 Probate and Estate Sale Tips

06:16 Los Gatos Home of the Week

07:19 Inventory Jump and Wrap Up

Job Security Fears, Saving Tips, Bathroom Remodel Budget Hacks & Bay Area Houses of the Week

A new survey reports 36% of American workers are delaying or canceling major purchases like homes or cars due to job security concerns, driven mainly by company performance and AI, with nearly one in three more concerned than six months ago. The episode discusses the importance of emergency funds, especially in commission-based work, and points viewers to a “Financial Intelligence” podcast for saving and investing topics.

Over One-Third of American Workers Are Delaying or Canceling Major Purchases Due to Job Security Concerns

The Best Ways to Save Money on a Bathroom Remodel

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the Week

How your Home will be Marketed

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 This Week's Winners and Losers - 12 County Bay Area Real Estate Report

00:09 Job Security Fears Rise

00:40 AI and Economy Anxiety

01:51 Emergency Funds Reality

02:26 Saving and Money Resources

03:05 Bathroom Remodel Savings

04:14 DIY Timeline and Patience

05:01 Refinish Cabinets Tips

06:20 Cupertino House Review

07:57 Willow Glen Pick

08:29 Atherton Luxury Tour

09:12 Buyer Checklist Download

Hidden Water Leaks, HOA Responsibilities, and What $1M–$2M Buys in San Jose Real Estate

The episode stresses the importance of water conservation and quickly finding leaks, noting that a leaky toilet or hidden main-line leak can cause extremely high water bills. The speaker shares a personal story of an $800 water bill traced to a PVC elbow near the foundation, where a builder forgot glue, a cheap fix that required rental tools, and explains that HOAs and cities may still make homeowners responsible for water and sewer lines from the house to the street main. They recommend checking with the water district about insurance programs and water-saving measures, and watching for pool leaks. 

Leaky Pipes Are Costing You at Home and on Your Tax Bill

Mortgage industry prepares for wave of FHA-delinquent short sales

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week 

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County 

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action https://Aidadash.com

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY 

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 Why Water Matters

01:21 DIY Fix Saved Thousands

02:12 Sewer Lines And Insurance

02:51 Water Saving Leak Checklist

03:28 Pool Leak Reality Check

03:57 Why Homes Dont Sell

04:27 Two Million Dollar Tour

05:01 One Million Dollar Reality

05:18 Price Cuts And Dealbreakers

06:05 Wrap Up And Open Houses

Tax Day Tips + Is Real Estate Still Worth Buying? (Write-Offs, REITs, HSAs & Market Reality)

On Tax Day (April 15), the speaker shares general ideas for saving on taxes while emphasizing the need for a long-term plan from a CPA or tax advisor, including starting a business for deductions, reviewing gift and estate plans, charitable giving and charitable trusts, offsetting gains with losses, maximizing retirement contributions, considering IRA-to-Roth conversion, and using tax-aware investing strategies (including REITs and assets that generate write-offs). They discuss covering healthcare costs with HSAs and stress having a coordinated team (tax advisor, financial advisor, banker). 

TAX DAY 10 Tax Tips That Could Save You Money on Your Taxes

Reddit Question of the week

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES 

REO of the Week

Apple Home of the Week

Mountain View Home of the Week

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Tax Day Kickoff

01:37 Estate and Charity Moves

02:22 Offset Gains and Retirement

03:02 Roth and Tax Smart Investing

05:25 Real Estate Worth It

08:10 Maintenance and Money Habits

11:43 Marketing Stats and Listings

12:16 Bank Owned Deals and HOA Rants

13:59 Wrap Up and Goodbye

Recession Talk, Saving Advice, and Silicon Valley Housing: Los Gatos House of the Week + April 13 Market Highs/Lows

The host discusses divisive recession narratives, arguing a downturn has been expected for years and emphasizing that affordability remains strained. Citing that about 60% of Americans can’t cover an unexpected $1,000 expense without borrowing, he urges living beneath your means, saving for a rainy day, and prioritizing loyalty to self and family over companies, noting worker displacement is common as industries automate or shift (robots, offshoring, computers, TV vs. radio). 

Are we already in a recession?

What To Do When Your Home Isn't Selling

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week 

Santa Clara County Price Reductions 

Please like and share! 

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Are we already in a recession? | Santa Clara County High's and Low's

01:24 Rainy Day Savings

02:21 Displacement And Automation

04:07 Why Housing Holds Up

05:30 Los Gatos House Tour

08:12 Wrap Up And Goodbye

Bay Area Real Estate Update: Rising Rates, Buyer Hesitation, HOA Regulation & Price Cuts

The episode discusses a Monday market update as oil prices swing and mortgage rates rise back to about 6.6%, causing homebuyers to pause and slowing loan applications, with the host noting cooler activity in many U.S. markets while top areas like Palo Alto remain insulated. He highlights hot March CPI/inflation impacts, argues prices won’t return to early-2000s levels, and reviews a proposed Georgia bill requiring HOA registration and reporting, questioning how it protects homeowners from predatory associations. 

Oil Prices Spike, Prompting Homebuyers to Hit Pause as Mortgage Rates Edge Higher

Limit HOA power.

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the Week

How your Home will be Marketed

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Monday Market Jitters

00:49 Oil Shock and Mortgage Rates

01:57 Inflation and Price Stickiness

02:41 HOA Regulation Debate

03:36 Georgia Bill Breakdown

04:34 HOA Rules and Buyer Choice

05:45 55 Plus Community Planning

06:44 Willow Glen Pricing Strategy

08:08 Why Staging and Updates Matter

09:09 Sausalito 30 Million Listing

10:37 County Stats and Affordability

11:27 Wrap Up and Sign Off

Biweekly Mortgage Payments: How Much You Can Save + Bay Area Market Updates

Vito discusses the dangers of kids doing reckless stunts and urges parents to intervene, then breaks down how biweekly mortgage payments (26 half-payments per year, effectively one extra monthly payment) can reduce loan balance faster and cut total interest, using examples like a $250,000 30-year loan at 4% and larger $1M–$2M scenarios while noting today’s higher rates and the option to buy down rates or make a 13th payment annually. He shares a personal note about his uncle’s passing and the option of keeping and renting a home when parents move into a retirement community. 

The Mortgage Secret That Could Save You Thousands

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend, Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week 

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County 

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action 

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY 

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 Dangerous Kid Trends

00:54 Savings Example at 4%

02:06 Jumbo Rates and Buydowns

02:30 Big Loan Savings Breakdown

03:26 Family Care and Keeping the House

04:20 Pro Photos and Listing Strategy

06:20 What 2 Million Buys

07:42 What 1 Million Buys

09:19 Wrap Up and Links

Selling Your Home While Living In It: Staging, Decluttering, and a Quick Market Check

From a gas station stop, the host answers a Reddit question about what to expect when listing a home while still living there with kids, emphasizing that in a slower market sellers must keep the home clean, odor-free, and clutter-free, and adopt a mindset of packing up, giving away, or throwing out belongings. He reviews a “coming soon” listing (4 bed/3 bath, ~2,000 sq ft) and critiques its freeway location, dated finishes, and pricing, then notes inventory is slightly up but buyer demand is muted due to high rates and broader uncertainty, describing the market as plateauing.

Reddit Question of the week! Listing my home, when I live here with kids?

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES 

REO of the Week 

Apple Home of the Week

Mountain View Home of the Week

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Gas Pump Hack Intro

00:12 Reddit Question Home Selling With Kids

00:25 Declutter Clean And Pack Up

00:57 Why Staging Pays Off

01:50 Move Out And Prep Programs

02:55 Marketing Tools 360 And Floor Plans

03:18 Staging Walkthrough And Pantry Upgrade

04:05 Coming Soon Listing And Freeway Reality

04:42 Inside Tour And Fixer Critique

05:22 Market Update Rates And War Uncertainty

05:52 Plateau Season Wrap Up

Why “Coming Soon” & Pocket Listings Hurt Sellers + Real Marketing Analytics (Santa Clara County Update)

Vito argues that “coming soon” listings and pocket listings are not viable because they limit a home’s exposure to a select group rather than the full market, thereby failing consumers and sellers and raising ethical and fiduciary concerns. He notes Washington State is considering legislation to curb pocket listings, mentions growing pushback in states like Illinois, Wisconsin, and Hawaii, and references industry disputes including Zillow suing Compass, while sharing his own past experience at Compass and opposition to “coming soon.” 

00:00 Washington bill preventing private listings could be the law 

00:38 Bills and Lawsuits

01:45 Fiduciary Duty Ethics

03:00 NAR and Consumer Value

03:34 Elder Care Housing Help

04:06 Homescom Marketing Analytics

06:18 Market Highs and Lows

07:27 Pricing Ratio Lessons

08:10 Wrap Up and Goodbye

Bay Area Market Update: Record Seller-Buyer Gap, Rates, and Homes of the Week (Plus My Own Listing)

The host reviews current Bay Area real estate conditions, noting a record gap of about 630 more home sellers than buyers but arguing it’s a manageable regional slowdown driven by higher rates and stubbornly high prices rather than a 2008-style crisis, since sellers don’t have to move and there’s no rush of bank-owned inventory. He says listings are up and buyer activity is softer (also affected by Easter), but expects conditions to normalize as rates fluctuate. 

There Are 630,000 More Home Sellers Than Buyers—the Biggest Gap on Record

Tensions Cloud a Spring Market That Was Just Finding Its Footing

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the Week

How your Home will be Marketed

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:16 Seller Buyer Gap Explained

00:51 Why Buyers Are Pausing

01:49 Headlines Versus Reality

03:00 Ignore Crash Scare Tactics

03:18 San Jose Pricing Context

03:47 Help With Senior Moves

04:06 Cupertino House Pick

04:48 Willow Glen House Pick

05:36 San Francisco Luxury Tour

06:42 My Home Listing Walkthrough

08:26 Bay Area Market Report

10:17 Wrap Up And Goodbye

Selling a Home With Pets, Rising Rates & Bay Area Pricing: What Sellers Need to Know

Vito discusses what home sellers should know about pets during showings, noting some buyers dislike animals and that pet odors, hair, and litter boxes can hurt buyer interest, requiring deep cleaning, removing pets during showings, or even relocating temporarily; if sellers can’t do this, he says they should adjust the price significantly because buyers decide based on price, location, condition, and smell. He then highlights rising FHA student-loan delinquencies as a potential economic stressor and notes mortgage rates jumping from about 6% to 6.62%, suggesting sellers may need to cut price or pay points to make deals work. 

What Sellers Should Know About Pets and Showings

Mortgage industry prepares for wave of FHA-delinquent short sales

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week 

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action 

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

00:00 Cold Open Banter

00:12 Pets and Showings Tips

01:00 Odor Hair and Pricing Reality

01:45 Temporary Move Out Staging

02:44 Market Risks FHA Delinquencies

03:56 Rates Jump and Seller Strategies

04:36 Probate Sales Pitch

04:54 What 2 Million Buys

05:35 What 1 Million Buys

06:07 Location Breakdown and Upgrades

06:42 Wrap Up and Sign Off

San Jose Eminent Domain Lawsuit, Foundation Disclosure Risks & Bay Area Listings Sitting on Market

Vito discusses a San Jose eminent domain dispute in which Monarch Truck Center is suing VTA over property taken for a light-rail expansion near Highway 101, including concerns about relocation space and potential property tax impacts. He then addresses what to do when a home inspection reveals a possible foundation issue, emphasizing the need for additional opinions, mandatory disclosure in California, and the liability of hiding defects. He also comments on sales pacing versus prior years and outlines retargeting ads that repeatedly show a home to interested buyers via Homes.com.

San Jose company takes VTA to court over eminent domainReddit Question of the week!www.reddit.comPROBATE AND ESTATE SALES REO of the Week Apple Home of the Week Mountain View Home of the WeekFREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/HomebuyerchecklistHome Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

00:04 Eminent Domain Fight

00:15 Monarch History Tour

01:32 VTA Light Rail Impact

01:52 Taxes And Relocation Costs

02:31 Foundation Disclosure Dilemma

05:26 Cupertino Price Cut Reality

06:04 Bank Owned Mansion Watch

06:37 Market Pacing Snapshot

08:00 Wrap Up And Sign Off

30% of Listings Are “Invisible”: Coming Soon Controversy, Pricing Strategy & Santa Clara County Market Highlights

Vito shares some TikTok finds, then focuses on the claim that about 30% of listings are effectively invisible to regular buyers due to “coming soon” and off-market/exclusive marketing, arguing it benefits brokerages and agents more than consumers and can feel monopolistic. He reviews a Los Gatos “house of the week” price drop (764 sq ft on a 2,500 sq ft lot) and Santa Clara County examples showing how underpricing can attract multiple bids and sell quickly, while overpricing can cause listings to sit. He closes by describing how his team advertises listings via homes.com syndication and promoted placement.

30% of listings at America’s biggest brokerage are invisible to you.

53% of Agents at America's Largest Brokerage Are Considering Leaving. Here's What the Data Actually Reveals

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week 

Santa Clara County Price Reductions

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

00:00 Cold Open Chaos

00:03 TikTok Finds Intro

00:22 Invisible Listings Debate

01:21 Off Market Pros and Cons

01:42 Compass Controversy

02:48 Why I Left Compass

03:50 Los Gatos Deal Watch

04:54 Pricing to Attract Buyers

06:20 Overpricing Costs You

07:22 Vito Marketing Pitch

07:56 Wrap Up and Goodbye

Bay Area Housing Update: More Sellers Than Buyers, County Winners/Losers + Houses of the Week

The host discusses a market with 630,000 more sellers than buyers, emphasizing that sellers must create demand through staging, correct pricing, and broad online/MLS promotion, and arguing that homes sitting 15–20+ days are overpriced or lack expected upgrades. He notes buyers are retreating and being picky, shares an example of an open house with only two groups, and says the strongest buyer markets are in the South, while the strongest seller markets are in the North, including New Jersey. 

There Are 630,000 More Home Sellers Than Buyers—the Biggest Gap on Record

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the Week

How your Home will be Marketed

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

00:00 Sellers Outnumber Buyers

00:30 Create Demand to Sell

01:11 Pricing Reality Check

02:02 Buyers Getting Picky

02:56 Bay Area Winners Losers

04:42 2026 Sales Pace Forecast

05:31 Cupertino House Pick

06:14 Willow Glen Buy of Week

06:36 Luxury Estate Tour

07:10 Wrap Up and Sign Off

Home Flipping Profits Are Crashing: Why Wholesaling Hurts Sellers + Santa Clara $2M vs $1M Tour

The script argues that home flipping is currently unprofitable and that wholesaling typically means selling a property for about 60 cents on the dollar, which the speaker says is often avoidable by listing on the open market. Citing ATTOM data, it notes that after 2008 flip margins often exceeded 50% (peaking at 61.1% in 2012) but have now fallen, with typical flips around a 25% gross return, and suggests flippers may return when another REO wave grows. The speaker says private lending/hard money is still active but more for bridge loans and larger purchases than short-term flips. Mortgage rates are described as rising (from 6.11% to 6.62%), with options to buy down rates via points. The episode also compares two nearby Santa Clara County listings: a ~$2M detached 1960 3/2 and a ~$1M attached townhouse 1982 3/2.5 with HOA.

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

U.S. home flipping profits plunge to the lowest level since 2008

Open Houses this weekend, Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 Flipping Is Dead

00:05 Why Wholesaling Hurts

01:07 Private Lending Pivot

01:35 Flip Profits Then vs Now

02:20 No REO Wave Yet

03:02 Today’s Flip Numbers

03:44 Mortgage Rates Jump

04:35 Two Million Dollar House Tour

05:20 One Million Dollar Townhome

06:55 Market Wrap Up

San Jose Housing Vouchers Debate + Bay Area Listings, REOs, and Market Update

The episode argues against San Jose using housing vouchers to place homeless residents in mostly vacant luxury high-rise apartments like the 23-story “The Fay,” saying it would pull money from the city’s general fund and create long-term dependency, and urges viewers to contact their local council member to share support or opposition. The host then pivots to real estate services, highlighting listing analytics and paid ad exposure across major platforms, and offering help with packing, decluttering, and moving for probate/elder transitions.

San Jose looks to housing vouchers to fill mostly vacant high-rise

Reddit Question of the week! Am I being Undreasonable?  

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

REO of the Week

Apple Home of the Week

Mountain View Home of the Week

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Vouchers For Homelessness

00:38 Luxury Tower Problem

01:28 Free Handouts Debate

02:40 Call Your Councilmember

03:24 Listing Analytics Ads

04:48 Probate Moving Help

05:55 Reddit Pricing Question

09:34 Cupertino Apple Listing

10:16 Mountain View Deal

10:57 Market Stats Wrap Up

11:53 Final Sign Off

California Home Insurance Crisis + Santa Clara County Market Highs/Lows (and a Santa Cruz Bungalow Tour)

The host argues national politicians don’t care about ordinary people and urges viewers to focus on city, county, and state-level influence, highlighting California’s soaring cost of living and a home insurance crisis. He says insurance rates are rising faster than inflation and income, insurers are leaving California, and homeowners are pushed into the California FAIR Plan, blaming a weak state insurance commissioner and powerful insurance lobbying. 

Home Insurance Rates Rising 2X Faster Than Inflation [LendingTree Report]

3 in 5 Americans Fear AI Could Replace Jobs, Making it Harder to Afford Homes

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week

Santa Clara County Price Reductions

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 National Politics Dont Matter

00:38 Local Power And Insurance Costs

01:45 Home Insurance Crisis Explained

02:46 Call Your Insurance Commissioner

03:56 Santa Clara Winners And Losers

04:57 Pricing Strategy Proof

05:51 Helping Aging Parents And Estates

07:52 Market Wrap And Sign Off

Mortgage Rates Back Above 6%, “Coming Soon” Lawsuits, and Santa Clara County Property Tax Appeal Fees

The host reviews mortgage rates rising back above 6% (around 6.11%) and connects higher borrowing costs and inflation pressures to global events and oil prices, while noting pending home sales are improving despite buyers remaining picky. He argues adding air conditioning can be a strong ROI upgrade, claiming homes with A/C often sell $60,000–$120,000 more than comparable homes without it. He highlights three featured listings: a $3M Cupertino home in the hills near Deep Cliff, a $2.3M Willow Glen home affected by San Jose’s higher transfer tax, and a $22.5M luxury property in Diablo Canyon. 

Mortgage Rates Jump Back Above 6% As Pending Home Sales, New Listings Post Small Improvements

South Bay property owners to pay fee for assessment appeals

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the Week

How your Home will be Marketed

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Market Update Kickoff

00:30 Mortgage Rates Back Above 6

01:14 Why Rates Are Rising

01:46 Buyers Are Picky Now

01:59 Air Conditioning Adds Value

03:14 Cupertino House of the Week

04:07 Willow Glen Pick and Transfer Tax

04:43 Luxury Listing Tour

05:19 Off Market Listings Controversy

09:09 Maximizing Listing Exposure

10:07 Santa Clara Property Tax Appeal Fees

12:00 Bay Area Sales Report and Outlook

14:31 Wrap Up and Sign Off

From “867-5309” to Cancer Support + March Housing Market Update (San Jose/Santa Clara)

The host reflects on aging, modern healthcare, and healthier living, noting that the famous “867-5309” from Tommy Tutone’s 1981 song now connects to a cancer support line and encourages sharing it with anyone facing cancer. The episode then shifts to a March real estate update, saying more sellers are testing the market as expected for the spring selling season, but the season has been disappointing so far; the host hopes for slightly lower rates and sees pricing moving from artificial inflation toward normalization. 

867-5309: Famous ’80s song phone number now directs to cancer support line

More Sellers Test the Market, Hoping For a Spring Surge in Homebuyers

Housing wealth continues to concentrate among older demographics

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend, Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 Jenny Number Meets Cancer Help

01:44 Spring Market Seller Surge

02:54 Housing Wealth Shifts Older

04:17 Mortgage Free Parents Reality

05:02 Where Listing Ads Show Up

05:58 Two Million Santa Clara Tour

06:57 One Million San Jose Bungalow

08:16 Market Status And Wrap Up