Blog - Michelle Elliott

Community, Education, Market Update, Real Estate

The First Episode for “Say What You Want About Real Estate!” Podcast

So excited to let you know that my good friend Kristina Rogers and I have started our own podcast; this is our very first episode for “Say What You Want About Real Estate!” We are 2 Silicon Valley Realtors with 30 years of experience between us. We are moms and both have husbands in the […]
Home Design, Home Improvement, Home Selling

The ADU Size Mistake That’s Costing San Jose Homeowners Thousands at Resale

The ADU Size Mistake That’s Costing San Jose Homeowners Thousands at Resale After years of representing buyers and sellers in the San Jose and Willow Glen markets, ADUs have been a hot topic among my clients. One big question they have is what does it do to their property value. While that question has many […]
Education, Home Buying, Real Estate

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Home

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting, decision-packed time that can quickly feel overwhelming. The good news is that you can actually enjoy the journey with confidence and positivity. Just prioritize your financial goals, envision the life you want to create and avoid the most common first-time home buyer mistakes. Skipping the Pre-Approval Process Many first-time […]
Home Buying, Home Selling, Market Update, Real Estate

Michelle Elliott Featured on KTVU to Discuss the 2026 San Jose Housing Market

Navigating the 2026 San Jose Housing Market: Expert Insights from Michelle Elliott As we move through 2026, the San Jose housing market is undergoing a significant “Housing Reset.” While the frantic bidding wars of the early 2020s have stabilized, Silicon Valley remains one of the most competitive landscapes in the nation. To navigate this, buyers […]

Community The First Episode for “Say What You Want About Real Estate!” Podcast So excited to let you know that my good friend Kristina Rogers and I have started our own podcast; this is our very first episode for “Say What You Want About Real Estate!” We are 2 Silicon Valley Realtors with 30 years of experience between us. We are moms and both have husbands in the […]

Home Design The ADU Size Mistake That’s Costing San Jose Homeowners Thousands at Resale The ADU Size Mistake That’s Costing San Jose Homeowners Thousands at Resale After years of representing buyers and sellers in the San Jose and Willow Glen markets, ADUs have been a hot topic among my clients. One big question they have is what does it do to their property value. While that question has many […]

Education 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Home Becoming a homeowner is an exciting, decision-packed time that can quickly feel overwhelming. The good news is that you can actually enjoy the journey with confidence and positivity. Just prioritize your financial goals, envision the life you want to create and avoid the most common first-time home buyer mistakes. Skipping the Pre-Approval Process Many first-time […]

Home Buying Michelle Elliott Featured on KTVU to Discuss the 2026 San Jose Housing Market Navigating the 2026 San Jose Housing Market: Expert Insights from Michelle Elliott As we move through 2026, the San Jose housing market is undergoing a significant “Housing Reset.” While the frantic bidding wars of the early 2020s have stabilized, Silicon Valley remains one of the most competitive landscapes in the nation. To navigate this, buyers […]

Home Improvement Free Yourself From Clutter With Today’s Minimalist Design Trends A cluttered home can make even the most familiar rooms feel smaller and less enjoyable – but today’s minimalist design trends offer a way to simplify your space while keeping it welcoming. Create a home that feels lighter the moment you walk through the door by combining calming neutral hues, natural materials and light, multifunctional […]

Community San Jose is officially ranked as the #5 hottest housing market for 2026! 🚀 🚨 SAN JOSE MARKET ALERT 🚨The latest Zillow data is in, and San Jose has secured its spot as the #5 Hottest Housing Market in the Nation for 2026. 🏠✨ ⚡️ With a median entry price of $1.6M, many are wondering: Is the Silicon Valley dream still attainable? 👀 Let’s find out! WATCH my real […]

Home Selling 🏡 Just Listed – 171 E Empire Street, San Jose, CA 95112 This beautiful Japantown condo is sunny and bright and has been recently remodeled. This home has crisp white cabinetry and newer appliances. The open floor plan opens to the living room and the balcony beyond. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, the seamless flow from the kitchen to the living room […]

Community Is Willow Glen a “Small Town” or a Big City? Testing the Vibe on Lincoln Avenue Is Willow Glen a “Small Town” or a Big City? Testing the Vibe on Lincoln Ave. San Jose is sprawling. As the capital of Silicon Valley and the 10th largest city in the country, it’s known for tech campuses, busy expressways, and endless suburban pockets. But then, there’s Willow Glen. If you talk to anyone […]

Education 2026 Housing Market Outlook: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know 2026 Housing Market Outlook: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know As we look ahead to 2026, the housing market stands at an inflection point. After years of pandemic-era chaos, record-low rates, bidding war frenzy, and then the shock of rapid rate increases, the market is finally entering what experts are calling “The Great Housing […]

Education 2026 Home Color Trends: Palettes for Every Room The 2026 home color trends are transforming how homeowners approach paint, shifting from sterile whites and cool grays to warm hues that feel personal and lived in. Designers call them “colors with soul” – palettes that introduce depth, comfort and character to everyday spaces. Soft greens bring balance, neutrals create connection and rich jewel tones […]

Home Buying December Market Update Volume is DOWN, but competition is… hotter than ever? 📉🔥 Here is your December snapshot for the Willow Glen (95125) housing market: 🏠 Inventory Tightened: Sales volume dropped 43% (only 18 homes sold!). 💥 Bidding Wars: Homes are closing at 103% of asking price. 💰 Price Jump: The median list price surged 20% to $2.67M. […]

Education Willow Glen December Market Report Happy New Year, Willow Glen! 🥂 We are officially closing the book on 2025, and the final numbers tell a fascinating story. If you felt like the market took a slight breath at the end of the year, you weren’t imagining it. 🏡 Median Sales Price: ~$1.8M (Down slightly ~7.1% year-over-year — buyers, this is […]

Home Selling 2025 Recap – Here’s to New Beginnings, New Goals for the New Year! So thankful for every client who trusted me with one of the biggest decisions of their lives this year. Whether you bought, sold, invested, or just asked questions—I’m honored to be part of your journey this past year. Here’s to new goals, new keys, and new beginnings in the year ahead-2026! 🏡✨ About the Author […]

Home Improvement Reclaimed Wood: How to Use It and Where to Find It Whether it’s the weathered patina, the visible nail holes or the sense of history, salvaged wood brings instant character and warmth to any space. Plus, it’s a sustainable choice that gives new life to old things. But how can you use it and where can you find it? How to Use Reclaimed Wood When thinking […]

Home Buying What Are Closing Costs and How Much Will They Be in San Jose? What Are Closing Costs and How Much Will They Be in San Jose? When buying a home in San Jose, you’ll need more than just your down payment. Closing costs-the fees and expenses you pay to finalize your home purchase-can add tens of thousands of dollars to what you need to bring to the closing […]

Community A Guide to Holiday Lights in Willow Glen The Season of Light in “San Jose’s Small Town As a Willow Glen resident for over two decades, I can honestly say that while I love this neighborhood year-round, there is something undeniably special about December. If you are new to the area or thinking about buying a home here, you might have heard rumors […]

Community Halloween in Willow Glen Why There is No Halloween Like a Willow Glen Halloween Ask anyone in San Jose where the best place to be on October 31st is, and they will all say the same thing: Willow Glen. As a proud Willow Glen resident, Halloween is easily one of my favorite nights of the year. It’s not just […]

Downtown San Jose Downtown San Jose Home Tour 741 N 19th Street This is what “Move-In Ready” really looks like in San Jose. 🏡✨ We just toured 741 N 19th St, and if you’ve been house hunting in the Northside, you know how rare this level of finish is. From the custom built-in dining nook to the chef’s kitchen with that massive island, every inch of this […]

Downtown San Jose Video Tour 309 S 19th Street, San Jose Historic Charm, Modern Living This is What “Charming” Really Means without the price tagIf you have been hunting for a home in San Jose’s Northside neighborhood, you know the challenge: you usually have to choose between “historic charm” (which often means a lot of work) and “modern updates” (which sometimes lack character). That is […]

Japantown, San Jose Japantown Loft at the 800 N 8th Street Building Japantown Loft Listed by Michelle Elliott Is This the Most Versatile Loft in Japantown? If you have been searching for lofts for sale in Japantown San Jose, you likely already know the struggle: most lofts are just one big open room with zero privacy. That is exactly why we are so excited to showcase this […]

Japantown, San Jose Visitor Guide the Historic Japantown San Jose The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide to Japantown, San Jose If you are visiting San Jose, a trip to Japantown is an absolute must. Located just a few blocks north of City Hall, this neighborhood is more than just a place to eat and shop; it is a living piece of history. As one of the […]