Halloween falls on October 31 because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest known root of Halloween, occurred on this day.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to praise all saints.
Soon, All Saints' Day incorporated some traditions of Samhain and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Today’s the day to eat candies and sweets to your heart’s content! Happy Halloween!
-
Happy Halloween
-
Homes Still Selling Above List Price in Mountain View
Sellers in Mountain View, CA continue to benefit from strong demand. The average sale-to-list price ratio rose by 1.5 percentage points year over year, with homes selling for 105% of asking price on average. This shows buyers are still willing to pay a premium for the right home.
Continue to full article -
Real Estate Prep for 2026 Buyers
More inventory gives buyers added choice in 2026, potentially reducing multiple-offer pressure and creating more room for thoughtful property decisions before signing contracts.
Mortgage rates could fluctuate in the low-6% to mid-6% range, so preapproval helps buyers show seriousness while planning monthly payments with confidence.
Higher housing costs and stricter lending make preparation essential: strengthen credit, reduce debt, save extra cash, and budget beyond the down payment.
Inspections still matter: ~6% of buyers purchased without in-person inspections, but proper appraisals and walkthroughs can reduce avoidable closing surprises for everyone.
Closings can face seller breaches, unresolved liens, repair issues, financing denials, or insurance problems, making early research and backup savings valuable for buyers. -
California Avenue living
Living near California Avenue offers a convenient neighborhood-commercial setting where local errands and dining can fit naturally into a daily routine. The commercial corridor gives the area a connected neighborhood feel for buyers who value nearby conveniences.
The Caltrain station is another notable part of life near California Avenue. Regional rail access can support travel to Palo Alto and the Peninsula, making the station a practical consideration when evaluating the neighborhood and a potential home.
Buyers should also evaluate each property carefully. Homes near the Caltrain corridor can experience train noise, and the impact may vary based on the specific home, windows, and outdoor spaces. Visiting at different times can help you understand how the location feels throughout the day.
I work with buyers in this area every week and can help you assess how California Avenue living fits your move. Message me to talk about your options.
Continue to full article -
Mountain View Home Prices Surge Nearly 10% in a Year
Sellers in Mountain View, CA saw a strong market from July to September 2026, with the median sale price jumping 9.7% year over year. This significant price growth signals robust demand and rising values for homeowners. If you’re considering selling, now is a great time to take advantage of these gains.
Continue to full article -
California Prop 19 Lets Homeowners Move Tax Value
California homeowners 55+ may transfer an original home's taxable value to a replacement principal residence anywhere in the state, instead of restarting at market value.
To qualify, you generally must be 55+ when the original home sells, use both homes as principal residences, and buy or build within 2 years.
The replacement home can be any value, but staying within the rule's value limits preserves the transfer cleanly; amounts above the limit get added.
If you buy first and sell later, the transfer starts with the later transaction, full-market taxes may apply temporarily, and the state offers no refund.
The benefit remains available, can be used up to 3 times, and requires a county assessor claim within 3 years to protect full relief.
