Silicon Valley Real Estate Team - Owner, Don Orason

09/23/2026

You don’t necessarily have to give up on buying in California because the biggest cities are too expensive. Expanding your search could uncover a much more realistic path to your first home.

09/19/2026

The highest-priced homes are usually influenced by unique features, privacy, and lifestyle more than broader housing market trends.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's Beverly Hills estate has reportedly entered escrow after spending months on the market. The high-profile sale highlights how luxury properties often follow a different timeline than the average home, with buyers weighing location, privacy, amenities, and exclusivity....

09/16/2026

These are the trends shaping the heart of the home in 2026.

Generally, people remodel their kitchen to improve functionality and optimize the available space so it better fulfills their requirements. But why stop there when you can explore unique styles, jump on hot trends, or attempt a bespoke spin on pre-existing designs? Wondering how? We reached out to f...

09/12/2026

It's tempting to personalize every space, but simple, flexible rooms make it easier for buyers to imagine how they'll use the home.

A spare room can serve many purposes while you're living in your home, but when it's time to sell, presenting it as a bedroom often makes the strongest impression. Buyers tend to value flexible spaces they can adapt to their own needs, and clearly defined rooms help them better understand a home's l...

09/10/2026

Before paying off your home early, compare the interest savings with your emergency reserves, retirement income, taxes, and comfort with investment risk.

Entering retirement with a mortgage can make sense in some situations, particularly when the interest rate is low and paying off the balance would leave too little cash available for emergencies. For others, removing the monthly payment may provide greater stability and peace of mind. The decision d...

09/05/2026

Many people feel uncertain about how mortgage rates, taxes, and added expenses stack up, especially while managing everyday bills.

Buying a second home can feel exciting, but it also adds new financial questions to your daily life. You may wonder how an extra mortgage, taxes, or distance‑related upkeep will affect your budget in 2026. This guide gives you clarity by explaining the major financial factors in plain language so ...

09/02/2026

The five-bedroom estate at 8366 Sunset View Drive is by a residence owned by billionaire lottery winner Edwin Castro at 8365 Sunset View Drive.

Simkhai has an eye for business — and real estate. When he launched the gay hook-up app Grindr in 2009, it was one of the first — if not the first — popular location-based apps. Since then, the LGBTQ+ portal has expanded into politics, a Politico article noted in April.

08/29/2026

If you’ve ever wondered what a real estate portfolio at superstar level looks like, this one is pretty remarkable.

Taylor Swift’s real estate portfolio offers a fascinating look at luxury living across some of the country’s most desirable markets. From historic homes to waterfront properties and city penthouses, the collection highlights how location, uniqueness, and long-term appeal can drive value at the h...

08/26/2026

If you’re looking at new construction, builder incentives can help with costs, but the fine print matters just as much as the advertised deal.

New construction can come with more room to negotiate than buyers sometimes expect. This article breaks down common builder incentives, including mortgage rate buydowns, closing-cost help, upgrade credits, and other perks that may be available at different stages of a project. The big takeaway is si...

08/22/2026

If you’ve been trying to follow rate headlines lately, a lot of it comes down to inflation, economic data, and what lenders expect next.

Mortgage rates are shaped by a mix of inflation, economic conditions, bond markets, and central bank decisions, which is why they can shift so quickly from month to month. This article breaks down some of the biggest factors lenders watch when setting borrowing costs and why buyers often feel the ef...