Blog - Michelle Elliott

Community, San Jose Housing Market Updates, San Jose 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 Buying, Home Design, Michelle Loves 🤍, San Jose Real Estate

Luxury Real Estate Trends We’re Seeing Everywhere

Affluent home buyers want more than just high-end features and sizeable square footage. Luxury real estate is evolving in exciting, highly personalized ways. Today’s discerning buyers aren’t just looking for impressive properties on massive lots – they’re seeking refined experiences, thoughtful craftsmanship and lasting value – and striking the right note can make all the […]
Home Design, Home Improvement

The Best Home Gadgets Transforming Living in 2026

Explore the hottest home gadgets of 2026, including AI ovens, smart refrigerators, robot vacuums and energy systems transforming modern homes. In 2026, the newest home gadgets focus on solving everyday inconveniences with smart innovation. Today’s most popular devices improve efficiency, comfort and safety while offering automated control throughout the home. From kitchens to living rooms, […]
Downtown San Jose, Home Buying, Japantown, San Jose, San Jose Real Estate

🏡 Just Listed: 800 N 8th Street #305, San Jose!

This Japantown loft is a perfect 10! It has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms PLUS a loft. The kitchen has been fully remodeled with beautiful quartz counter tops and induction range. Soaring high ceilings are framed by modern lighting fixtures and a wall of windows. The windows frame a calming view of the tree tops […]

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 Buying Luxury Real Estate Trends We’re Seeing Everywhere Affluent home buyers want more than just high-end features and sizeable square footage. Luxury real estate is evolving in exciting, highly personalized ways. Today’s discerning buyers aren’t just looking for impressive properties on massive lots – they’re seeking refined experiences, thoughtful craftsmanship and lasting value – and striking the right note can make all the […]

Home Design The Best Home Gadgets Transforming Living in 2026 Explore the hottest home gadgets of 2026, including AI ovens, smart refrigerators, robot vacuums and energy systems transforming modern homes. In 2026, the newest home gadgets focus on solving everyday inconveniences with smart innovation. Today’s most popular devices improve efficiency, comfort and safety while offering automated control throughout the home. From kitchens to living rooms, […]

Downtown San Jose 🏡 Just Listed: 800 N 8th Street #305, San Jose! This Japantown loft is a perfect 10! It has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms PLUS a loft. The kitchen has been fully remodeled with beautiful quartz counter tops and induction range. Soaring high ceilings are framed by modern lighting fixtures and a wall of windows. The windows frame a calming view of the tree tops […]

Community The Backyard BBQ: How to Host a Memorable Outdoor Gathering at Home The right theme and a little planning will make your backyard BBQ feel less like a casual cookout and more like a thoughtfully designed event. With summertime and milder weather in full swing, it’s the perfect time for a backyard BBQ. It brings people together, makes the most of your outdoor space and turns a […]

Community 🏡 Willow Glen vs. Campbell: Which “Downtown” Lifestyle is Right for You? 🏡 Willow Glen vs. Campbell: Which “Downtown” Lifestyle is Right for You? This is the #1 debate for South Bay buyers. Both have charming downtowns, both have farmers markets, and both are highly desirable. So, how do you choose? If you are moving to the South Bay, you will inevitably hit the fork in the […]

Home Buying Spring is Sizzling: May 2026 Real Estate Market Update for 95125 As we move deeper into the spring season, the 95125 real estate market continues to evolve. Following a highly competitive March, the April 2026 data for single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums reveals a market that is reaching new price heights while experiencing a slight shift in bidding dynamics. Here is a closer look at the […]

Community The Luxury Market Isn’t Just Resilient. It’s Becoming a Legacy Asset. Luxury real estate has never followed a simple cycle. It responds to wealth creation, generational shifts, geopolitical uncertainty, and deeply personal decisions about where, and how, people want to live. Earlier this year, Coldwell Banker released their Global Luxury 2026 Trend Report and one thing was clear: even as broader market conditions continue to evolve, […]

Community Walkability Matters: Why Today’s Home Buyers Are Prioritizing It The demand for pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods is on the rise. In today’s real estate market, buyers are looking beyond architectural design and high-end finishes. They’re increasingly paying close attention to what surrounds the home – and how easily they can enjoy it on foot. Walkability has become a defining trait of desirable neighborhoods, influencing everything from […]

Home Buying Landscaping Upgrades That Make the Biggest Impact Explore landscaping upgrades that elevate curb appeal, reduce maintenance and enhance how your home is experienced and perceived. The first impression of your home is often set by the health and style of your yard. With the right landscaping upgrades, you can improve everyday life while boosting long-term appeal. Thoughtful design, better flow and intentional […]

Community Time to declutter, Willow Glen! 🧹🏡 Time to declutter, Willow Glen! 🧹🏡 🗑️ Dumpster Day is coming up! 📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026 ⏰ 9:30 AM – 12 PM (or until bins are full!) 📍 Dry Creek Rd next to Willow Glen High School Willow Glen neighbors only (bring proof of residence!) — and it’s first come, first served, so don’t […]

Community Rainwater Harvesting Systems for Urban Homes Discover how rainwater harvesting systems can help urban homeowners conserve water, reduce runoff and save on utility bills, all while supporting a more sustainable lifestyle. How to Save Water and Support Sustainability, Right From Your Roof Your roof sheds thousands of gallons of rainwater every year, and most of it just disappears down the storm […]

Home Buying What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage in San Jose? If you’re planning to buy a home in San Jose, one of the first questions you’ll need to answer is: “What credit score do I need?” Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining whether you’ll qualify for a mortgage and what interest rate you’ll receive. The Minimum Credit Score Requirements Most mortgage programs […]

San Jose Housing Market Updates March 2026 Market Report: March Numbers Show 95125 is Heating Up As we move fully into the spring of 2026, the real estate market in the 95125 zip code is showing incredible momentum. Whether you are looking at single-family homes, townhomes, or condominiums, the data clearly shows a market that is accelerating rapidly after a quiet start to the year. Here is a deep dive into […]

Home Improvement The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting and decluttering – it’s a yearly refresh for your entire residence. As the days get longer and brighter, now is the perfect time to assess your space, clear out what no longer serves you and start the season feeling organized and ready. You may even enjoy the process if […]

San Jose Housing Market Updates 95125 Real Estate Market Update: Spring 2026 is Heating Up! The spring real estate market is in full swing, and we are seeing some exciting shifts from February to March 2026! Here is the latest breakdown for single-family homes, townhomes, and condos in the 95125 zip code: 📈 Sales Volume is Growing: We saw a noticeable jump in closed deals, increasing from 37 properties […]

Home Design Designing for Small Spaces: Maximize Your Home’s Potential The struggle is real: How do we make the most of the space we have without sacrificing comfort and style? The answer is smart design choices that dramatically expand both function and ambiance. Whether you’re living in a cozy condo, fixing up a compact starter home or dealing with an awkward floor plan, plenty of […]

Home Selling Just Sold – 380 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz ✨ Just Sold in Santa Cruz! This beautifully remodeled 3 bed, 2 bath home with ocean views and a private oasis backyard officially has new owners. From the hot tub to the perfect entertaining space, this beach retreat is ready for so many amazing memories! So excited for my clients to enjoy everything Santa Cruz […]

Downtown San Jose New Listing: 800 N 8th Street, Unit 220, San Jose Welcome to 800 N 8th Street #220. This 2 bed, 2 bath New York style loft has an open floor plan with large industrial look corner windows. Far from the cookie cutter layout, this home has a very coveted split floor plan with bedrooms on opposite sides on the main hallway. It is in a […]

Community The “Stroller Score”: How Walkable is Willow Glen Really? The “Stroller Score”: How Walkable is Willow Glen Really? Real estate listings say “walkable,” but can you actually run errands without a car? In real estate, “walkable” is a buzzword that gets thrown around loosely. Sometimes it just means there is a sidewalk; it doesn’t guarantee there is anywhere worth walking to. But in Willow […]

Home Design The Best Indoor Plants For Your Home Indoor plants add elements of charm and personality to a home. When you match greenery to each room’s light and humidity, plants thrive naturally and require less effort. Let’s explore the best indoor plants for every space and how they can transform your living areas. Entryway Indoor Plants Set the Tone First impressions matter, and entryways set […]