Stephen Husted Rainmaker Real Estate

Stephen Husted Rainmaker Real Estate San Jose native Stephen Husted wants clients to know they are his top priority. One of the things Stephen loves about real estate is its variety.

His lifelong knowledge of the region, marketing savvy, and expert negotiating skills can produce the best possible outcomes whether they’re buying, selling, or investing. During his years in the arts sector, many of Stephen’s clients were Silicon Valley tech types: highly skilled and analytical, but not predisposed to imaginative creativity. As an affable artist and a licensed real estate professi

onal since 2008, Stephen has always engaged clients by projecting a vivid image on the blank canvas of their real estate aspirations, painting a picture for them to envision their dreams as a reality within their reach. Like every client, every transaction is different. He enjoys connecting with people, getting to know their likes, dislikes, and goals, and joining them on their journey to explore potential and possibilities. He combines out-of-the-box thinking with state-of-the-art tech and marketing techniques to create deals worthy of their consideration. Then, as a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), he’s able to close those deals to his client’s advantage. Stephen enjoys working with first-time buyers, sellers, and investors. In fact, his expanding purview increasingly includes investment properties both in California and out of state. His energetic, high-intensity work ethic, positivity, and friendliness are keys to growing a clientele based 100% on repeat and referral customers, and for getting the best possible outcomes. In his spare time, Stephen enjoys working out, cycling, and investing in out-of-state real estate. Married since 2010, Stephen spends as much time as he can with his wife and daughter. He’s also a semiprofessional mountain biker who races internationally. But if you ever join him for a ride, he promises not to leave you behind.

02/05/2026

The California Association of Realtors' latest report confirms the harsh reality: buying a median-priced home in San Mateo County now requires earning $524,000 annually. Santa Clara County follows at $482,400, while San Francisco demands just over $400,000 (nbcbayarea).

These staggering figures stem from the Bay Area's unique combination of high tech salaries and critically low housing inventory (nbcbayarea) , a perfect storm pushing affordability beyond reach for most professionals.

What's particularly striking: these are minimum qualifying incomes for median-priced homes. Not luxury estates. Not dream properties. Just the middle-of-the-market option in Santa Clara County requires nearly half a million in earnings, while San Francisco's $400K threshold still places buyers among America's top earners.

But here's the opportunity: understanding these numbers means you can plan strategically. Whether it's exploring alternative financing, targeting emerging neighborhoods, or timing your entry when conditions shift, knowledge of the real landscape beats wishful thinking. The market rewards those who work with reality, not against it.

11/06/2025

Back in 2021, my clients bought a condo to live in while their new home was under construction. Paying cash saved them nearly $50K in Airbnb costs, and once their new place was finished, they decided to rent out the condo for two years, earning about $80K in the process.

Even with the recent market dip, they still came out ahead and are now gearing up for their next development project.

Real estate is a long game. When you play it with patience and intention, the rewards compound over time. 💪

11/04/2025

Earlier this year my client inherited a home that we fully rehabbed and sold. She used the proceeds to buy a duplex so her whole family could move in, cutting their $5K monthly rent down to a fraction.

The plan is to live there for a few years, save, and then buy another home. Eventually they’ll keep the duplex as a rental, turning one smart move into lasting generational growth. 💪

10/18/2025

Too many voices can stall your remodel before it even starts. Everyone means well, but when every opinion pulls in a different direction, your vision gets blurry and progress slows down.

The best remodels happen when you trust a small circle or a professional who gets your style and stick with it.

At the end of the day, you’re the one living there, so make sure your home reflects you.

New to real estate investing?Don’t let budget mistakes ruin your first deal. From underestimating reno costs to forgetti...
07/26/2025

New to real estate investing?

Don’t let budget mistakes ruin your first deal. From underestimating reno costs to forgetting exit expenses, these 5 common slip-ups can cost you big.

Learn how to avoid them and invest smarter.

Boost your success with these game-changing tips:🔑 First Impressions Matter💡 Highlight Unique Features📸 Quality Photos =...
06/07/2025

Boost your success with these game-changing tips:

🔑 First Impressions Matter
💡 Highlight Unique Features
📸 Quality Photos = More Interest
💰 Price it Right
🌐 Leverage Social Media

Which tip resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts below! 👇


This Cambrian home offers quality upgrades and a prime location. The remodeled kitchen features custom cabinets, modern ...
03/19/2025

This Cambrian home offers quality upgrades and a prime location. The remodeled kitchen features custom cabinets, modern countertops, and high-end appliances, while both bathrooms have been stylishly updated. With an open layout, vaulted ceilings, and plenty of natural light, this home is move-in ready and close to top schools, shopping, and trails.

𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒:
📍 1661 Hyacinth Ln, San Jose, CA 95124
💵 Listing Price: $1,988,000

🛌 | 3 bedrooms
🛁 | 2 bathrooms
📏 | 1,582 sq ft interior
🏡 | 7,442 sq ft lot

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄:
March 22nd: 1-4PM
March 23rd: 1-4PM



Here's a recap on the recent sale at 6124 Montgomery Ct, San Jose. We prepped the house by doing some interior paint and...
10/24/2024

Here's a recap on the recent sale at 6124 Montgomery Ct, San Jose. We prepped the house by doing some interior paint and minor cosmetic touch-ups. After that, we staged the house to really show its best. From looking at other listings in this community, a lot of sellers skip this step, which I think is a big mistake.

Once we went live on the MLS, we received an all-cash offer at $606,000 within 14 days. We countered at $635,000, and the buyer accepted. The buyer was super motivated to purchase in this neighborhood and was already in escrow on her current home, which was closing soon.

In the end, everyone was happy with the deal, and my seller even left behind some beautiful outdoor potted plants that fit perfectly with the patio. 🌿



We prepped 1033 Keeble Ct, San Jose, for the market back in April, doing interior paint and a cosmetic refresh throughou...
10/23/2024

We prepped 1033 Keeble Ct, San Jose, for the market back in April, doing interior paint and a cosmetic refresh throughout. After staging, we listed it for $1,185,000—$50k less than a comparable unit that sold in April of the same year.

Before going to market, we received two pre-emptive offers, but the seller decided to wait and see what the market could bring. From May through July, there was zero activity, so we canceled and relisted in September. We received one offer, went back and forth with counter offers, and ended up getting into contract at $1,200,000.

There were a lot of lessons learned, but ultimately, everyone was happy, and the house closed successfully.



Address

95 1st Street
Los Altos, CA
94022

Telephone

+14088930524

Website

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