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Silicon Valley is not only a treasure trove of technological innovations. It is also the home of some of Bay Area’s best museums and art galleries. Here are some of our absolute favorites.

1. The Tech Museum of San Jose

   The Tech is the best place in Silicon Valley for those who are unfamiliar with the region’s main industry but would love to dive deeper. This interactive museum’s variety of exhibits shine the spotlight on different fields of science and innovation, from the cosmos to how your body works.

   In addition to the exhibits, The Tech also opens its doors to guests who are looking for new experiences. For instance, their Birdly simulator will have you soaring through Manhattan and experience the thrills of bird flight.

   Visit The Tech in Plaza de Cesar Chavez in Downtown San Jose. For hours and ticket prices, click this link.

2. Cantor Arts Center

   Situated within the Stanford University campus grounds is the historic Cantor Arts Center, which opened the same year the university did. It was renamed in 1999 after Iris and Gerald B. Cantor, the couple who donated a significant portion of Cantor Arts Center’s treasure. To date, the museum is home to almost 40,000 artworks that span a total of 5,000 years.

   To effectively showcase this prized collection, Cantor Arts Center is divided into 24 galleries. In addition to their permanent exhibits, the arts center also opens its doors to special exhibitions throughout the year.

   Cantor Arts Center is open all year round and offers free admission. Plan your visit accordingly by visiting this page.

3. San Jose Museum of Art

   One of leading museums for modern and contemporary art in the Bay Area, the San Jose Museum of Art (SJMA) is not only a must-visit attraction− it’s a revered institution. Every year, the museum organizes a well-balanced mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions to provide an experience that is fresh and engaging.

   Aside from showcasing works by American artists, SJMA also features spectacular works from artists from around the world. Beauty and artistry are not only at the forefront, but sheer talent, political commentary, and diverse narratives as well.

   The San Jose Museum of Art is located in Downtown San Jose. It is open Tuesday through Sundays. Click here for more information.

4. Winchester Mystery House

   History and horror awaits in Winchester Mystery House, a popular attraction in San Jose. Over a hundred years old, this mansion holds a lot of secrets, which makes it one of the more peculiar museums in Silicon Valley.

   The Winchester House was the former residence of Sarah Winchester of the Winchester rifle fortune. According to urban legend, the Mrs. Winchester was driven to paranoia by the ghosts of those killed by the rifle. As a result, Mrs. Winchester turned the mansion into an estate full of labyrinthine hallways.

   There are many ways to explore the Winchester Mystery House. The standard mansion tour takes guests to the main areas of the house, while the seasonal Hallowe’en Candlelight Tour makes the museum spookier. Plan your visit here.

Learn more about Silicon Valley by browsing our blog. You are also welcome to get in touch with us at 650-489-6251 or info(at)davidandsunny(dotted)com.

Buying a home in Silicon Valley may seem like a daunting idea for young professionals. It’s easy to be intimidated and discouraged by the intense competition and sky-high prices. Then again, these are the very same reasons that should convince young adults to take the leap.

Purchasing real estate is an investment. Buying a home means staking a claim to a piece of the market, earning equity over time, and improving one’s chances to own better properties in the future. Young professionals keen on living in the Bay Area for the long haul should consider this significant advantage over renting.

Here are five things that young professionals can do to buy real estate in the competitive Silicon Valley market:

• Know what you can afford

  Figure out “how much house” you can afford. A good way to gauge this is through the 28/36 rule which states that:

  • Homeowners should spend no more than 28% of their gross monthly income on total housing expenses, such as the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and regular maintenance
  • No more than 36% of the gross monthly income should be spent on total debt obligations, including housing and car loans

  Applying for a mortgage pre-approval is another way to get an accurate estimate of your financial capacity. This is based on a lender’s review of your financial credentials. Pre-approval does not require you to borrow any amount at the end of the process, so you have no resulting financial obligations to worry about.

• Establish good credit

  The results of your loan pre-approval depend largely on your credit scores. The mid-600s is a realistic range that can secure a decent mortgage. You can aim to boost your score to get more favorable interest rates by:

  • Paying off any outstanding debt
  • Paying your credit card dues on time
  • Opening a new credit card account, but only for emergency use

• Save for your down payment and closing costs

  If you follow the 28/36 rule described above, you will have most of your housing costs covered when your mortgage period begins. Still, you have to prepare your down payment. The best practice is to pay for 20% of the property up front, which equates to a significant sum in the Silicon Valley market.

  In addition to your down payment, think ahead and save for extra costs that you will incur toward the end of your transaction. This includes closing and moving costs, application and installation fees for utilities and services, expenses for new furniture, and maintenance costs.

• Consider rental income

  For young, single homeowners, a practical way to sustain a mortgage fund is to welcome trusted friends as tenants in your home. If you’re buying a home with at least two bedrooms, make good use of that spare room to subsidize your mortgage needs.

• Work with a real estate professional

  Young professionals can make their journey through the meticulous home buying process with the help of experienced and knowledgeable local real estate professionals. As specialists in their field, real estate agents combine intensive local knowledge and seasoned industry savvy to provide you with sound advice and dedicated representation every step of the way.

In Silicon Valley, David Chung and Sunny Kim are the real estate pros that you can turn to for your home buying goals. Call us today at 650-489-6251 or email info(at)DavidandSunny(dotted)com.

As a hotbed of startups and innovative ideas, Silicon Valley has changed the economic landscape of the southern Bay Area. The backbone of this thriving local business environment is a dynamic culture, one of creativity, collaboration, and open exchange. It’s a culture made possible by the emergence of the coworking space.

Coworking spaces are shared working environments designed to accommodate freelancers and self-employed individuals or teams. They offer affordability, flexibility, and productive networking opportunities among like-minded professionals.

If you are looking for the Silicon Valley’s top coworking spaces, here are five places worth checking out.

• Hacker Dojo
  3350 Thomas Road, Santa Clara 95054

  Embracing a bare-bones aesthetic, Hacker Dojo capitalizes on simplicity to offer coworking spaces at a great value. Private desks are available for as low as $300 per month, while individuals with tighter budgets are still made to feel at home with weekly plans that cost only $50. Day passes are also available for as low as $20.

  Hacker Dojo hosts regular events and classes that all paying members can join for free.

• HanaHaus
  456 University Avenue, Palo Alto 94301

  If your Palo Alto startup is just looking for a quick brainstorming venue, HanaHaus is worth a visit. This coworking space offers a variety of work environments that are charged by the hour. So whether you need an open seating workspace or a private meeting room for a given schedule, you’ll pay for only what you need.

  Reservations are accommodated via their website, alongside a floor plan that lets you visualize the ideal space to match your need.

• Plug and Play
  440 North Wolfe Road, Sunnyvale 94085

  Doubling as an accelerator, this coworking space connects Silicon Valley’s most promising startups to venture capitalists and other funding programs.

  With up to $500,000 in investments available for funding support, plus access to mentorships and corporate partnership opportunities, Plug and Play membership is in high demand, and as such requires enrollment and screening.

• Sandbox Suites
  Five total locations in downtown Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Berkeley

  This prolific coworking space chain takes pride in helping Airbnb to become the success story that it is today. To this day, it stands out as a brand trusted by various Bay Area startups, including entities operating outside the tech industry.

  The Palo Alto location features nine private offices that accommodate between two to seven individuals. Guests can also rent executive meeting rooms and enclave-style cluster seating that guarantees ample privacy.

• The Pad
  1250 Borregas Avenue, Sunnyvale 94089

  Flexible membership options here include monthly desk usage at $250 per month and day passes starting at $25. The Pad also offers virtual office services – a package that includes a business address with mail and package handling – at a basic $45 monthly deal.

  The Pad also sweetens the pot with its Pad Plus offerings, which includes add-on services that include daily lunch delivery, car washing, and even dry cleaning.

Find a great Silicon Valley home to enjoy the best local highlights that the area has to offer. Call David Chung and Sunny Kim for excellent real estate opportunities today at 650-489-6251. You may also email your inquiries at info(at)DavidandSunny(dotted)com.

Investing in new construction is a sensible way to capitalize on Silicon Valley real estate. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages that this type of property offers:

• PRO: Lower maintenance costs

  With new builds, expect the use of brand new materials and modern construction methods. You can also be assured that they are built to code, abiding by local safety and health standards.

  This means it’s unlikely that you have to deal with urgent repairs and maintenance work. In case problems do pop up, the builder’s warranty will cover these costs. Warranties typically cover a minimum of one year and can be negotiated toward extended terms.

• CON: You are buying at retail prices

  New construction is priced at retail market value, and investors have little room for negotiation. But don’t let this discourage you; remember that you are investing for the long term and adding an income-generating asset to your portfolio.

• PRO: Builders’ incentives decrease the required capital

  While new construction nominally costs more, investors can maximize incentives that the builder may offer. In addition to total cost discounts, incentives may come in the form of bonus appliances or home features, such as a TV or granite countertops installed free of charge. Perks like these help investors boost the appeal of the property without needing to add to their total expenses.

• CON: Builders vary

  Different companies offer different sets of skills, policies, and industry experience. Do your homework to make sure that your builder of choice aligns with your investment goals.

• PRO: Greater supply, less competition

  Real estate investors will find an easier time purchasing new construction because of a larger inventory. Properties with a “clean slate” also make them less likely to figure in a bidding war. Instead of dealing with competition, investors can instead focus on choosing a property that offers the ideal combination of location, features, amenities, pricing, and incentives.

• CON: The “unknown” factors

  With new construction, some factors may be unknown for the immediate term. Take property taxes, for instance, which can affect an investor’s cash flow calculations. For the first year, the property tax attached on a new build is significantly low because only the land is being taxed. The rates are likely to change in succeeding years based on county appraisals on the land and the property.

  Intangible factors such as the neighborhood profile will also be difficult to predict, especially for brand new communities.

• PRO: Faster turnaround

  New construction affords investors a faster turnaround. Unlike pre-owned homes, new builds do not require any repair work or other preparatory steps that may cause you to delay putting the property on the market. In fact, you can put up the property “for sale” or “for lease” as soon as you close the deal with your builder.

• CON: You are at the mercy of the builder’s schedule

  One possible cause for frustration with new builds might be unforeseen delays in the construction schedule. This might be especially inconvenient if you are already receiving plenty of serious interest from your early marketing efforts.

• PRO: Everybody likes new things

  It’s easier to justify a premium lease or sale price with a new construction. You can leverage the brand new appliances, features, and amenities to attract greater interest. Even highlighting the warranties can boost the appeal of the property.

Learn more about the best new construction opportunities in the southern San Francisco Bay Area. Contact us today at 650-489-6251 or info(at)DavidandSunny(dotted)com.

Buying a second home is an enticing investment. It can either be a relaxing retreat in place you love. It can also be an income-generating asset. Here are six tips to help you make the right decisions.

Plan ahead

As you did when you bought your first home, do your research and determine the type of property you’re looking for. Consider your plans well− it is going to be a vacation home or perhaps even a rental? Can you afford to make the purchase?

Learn more about your desired location

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’ll be easier to pick out a location. Your second home could be in a city or town you love to visit once in a while. It could also be on a gorgeous mountain location or an idyllic coastal setting.

Consider your plans for the property. Things to bear in mind include access to amenities, services, and utilities. How far is the nearest supermarket or hospital? Are there any good schools located in the area? Does it flood in the vicinity?

With proper research, you’ll be able to figure out if your second home has rental potential, if you can benefit from any tax cuts, and if you need to get additional utilities and insurance.

Hire a local real estate agent

A local real estate agent offers guidance, expertise, and in-depth insight into the community you’re considering buying into. Working with a realtor also allows you to tap into a vast network of real estate professionals, including builders and contractors, so you can get the home you want.

Do some research about tax benefits

If you’re going to purchase a second home, you should take advantage of tax benefits available to you.

For example, you don’t have to pay rental income tax if you’re only renting out your property for less than 15 days a year. That said, you can’t deduct maintenance expenses. It’s vice versa if you rent out your property for 15 days or more.

Secure financing

Since you are purchasing your second home, you’re unqualified to get certain loans (such as the 203k, VA, and USDA loans.) That said, there are plenty of options out there, so shop around for the deal that works best for you.

Additionally, make sure you can shoulder two mortgages. To qualify for a second-home mortgage, you should be capable to put 10 to 20 percent on down payments. An acceptable to outstanding credit score, as well as documents that prove your financial capability, are also needed.

Don’t buy on impulse

Many home buyers fall into the trap of buying a second home without proper research. And such ventures can lead to heavy consequences. Resist the urge to invest on a second home simply because you feel like it (or you’ve fallen in love with a place.)

Learn more about buying a second home

Are you looking for a vacation home in San Mateo with stunning coastal views? How about an investment property in Silicon Valley with tremendous rental potential? Get in touch with us today at 650-489-6251 or info(at)davidandsunny(dotted)com to get started.

One of the most attractive places to live in the country, the Bay Area has produced some of the biggest and most influential names. Here are eight famous personalities who hail from the Bay Area.

1. Tom Hanks

   Tom Hanks is one of the most accomplished actors in the world. He has received many accolades, such as an Academy Award for Best Actor and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

   Although Tom now resides in Los Angeles, he was born and raised in Concord. He went to high school in Oakland, then pursued theater studies in Hayward and eventually Sacramento (in California State University.)

2. James Franco

   This Palo Alto native’s first claim to fame was starring in Freaks and Geeks and then winning a Golden Globe for his role in the biopic, James Dean. Since then, he has gone on to direct or star in a multitude of successful Hollywood flicks. In 2010, James published Palo Alto, a collection of short stories based on his experiences as a teenager in the city. He currently stars in the HBO series The Deuce.

3. Steve Jobs & Steve Wozniak

   Two of the most influential names in Silicon Valley, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak shaped what would become today’s tech landscape through their company, Apple.

   Jobs was a San Francisco native. He and his family then moved and called Palo Alto home until his passing in 2011. Meanwhile, Wozniak was born in San Jose, grew up in idyllic Sunnyvale, and now lives in Los Gatos.

4. Amy Tan

   The best-selling author behind The Joy Luck Club, Amy was born in Oakland and now calls herself a San Francisco local. Her novels are known for exploring mother-daughter relationships amongst Chinese American families.

5. Bruce Lee

   Lee Jun-fan, best known as martial artist and actor Bruce Lee, was born in Chinatown, San Francisco. At three months old, however, he returned to Hong Kong with his parents.

   Lee eventually returned to the United States when he was 18, briefly living in San Francisco before moving to Seattle.

6. Tom Brady

   Superstar athlete Tom Brady was born in San Mateo and spent his formative years there. In fact, Tom developed his passion for American football while attending school in the Bay Area. As the star quarterback of New England Patriots, he has led his team to five Super Bowl victories and has the record for most wins by an NFL quarterback.

7. Joe DiMaggio

   From humble beginnings as the son of a Bay Area fisherman, Joe DiMaggio became one of the best baseball players in American history. He earned the nickname, “The Yankee Clipper” and lead the New York Yankees to 9 World Series Titles.

8. Kristi Yamaguchi

   Born in Hayward, Kristi Yamaguchi is a World Champion figure skater and an Olympic Hall-of-Famer. Now retired, she spends her time gracing the silver screen and helping underprivileged children through the Always Dream Foundation.

Experience living in the Bay Area

We can help you find your dream home in Palo Alto and other Bay area communities. Get in touch with us today at 650-489-6251 or info@david&sunny.com to get started.