Silicon Valley towns in California show rising inventories and lower prices on homes, making it a good time to buy before the next tech boom, say local Realtors.

"This is a good time to buy in beautiful Palo Alto," says Realtor Tariq Afeeqi, "It seems that prices are going to be stable. Interest rates are low, so the buying environment is very conducive to enter the Palo Alto market.

Afeeqi advises, "It is a good time to sell too, because the predictions are that the next few years will not see much price appreciation like we had seen in the late 90's. So, waiting may not be the right approach."

Says Realtor Ruth Ow, "Santa Clara County sales and inventory are increasing as we swing into spring. Inventory is up 46 percent over last March, and sales are down 26 percent year-over year and up 38 percent from last month. Palo Alto total single family homes for sale are 124 by April, 1 2003. Average listing price is $1,662,274. There were 25 houses sold in March."

Suggests Ow, "The housing market is getting into the best season of the year. If you need to sell your property in this year do not wait, list it now."

"It's an exciting time to buy a home in Santa Clara," confirms Realtor Harvey Yamanaka. "As of February, there are 176 single family homes available (86 new listings) selling at an average price of 520K, averaging 79 days on the market. There are 131 Condo/Townhouses available (69 just listed), selling at an average price of 363K, averaging 62 days on the market. Santa Clara is the heart of Silicon Valley where cutting edge technology is created every day."

He adds, "Interest rates are at 30-40 year lows, prices have stabilized, and the selection of homes is a good as it's been in years. Homes that are priced right are still selling but they must be perceived as good values. The typical buyer is very selective about what they want, however when that right home comes on the market at the right price, it sells very quickly."

Realtor Sylvia Burton says, "There is a lot of inventory now and more selection. Buyers are taking their time to decide, and are negotiating prices. They have many choices. Sellers who want to sell would be well advised to price their home aggressively and prepare it for market so it will be noticeable above the competition. Since the first of the year there has been more activity. Many buyers just can't ignore the low interest rates. However, they are still negotiating hard and trying to get a good deal."

Published: May 8, 2003

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Blanche Evans is the award-winning senior editor of Realty Times, the Internet's leading independent real estate news service. She is featured daily on the Realty Times Video Network in the "Realty Viewpoint" segment. Blanche has been named one of the "25 Most Influential People In Real Estate" by REALTOR Magazine, and has been twice recognized as a "notable." In 2005, she was named "Top Reporter Covering the NAR" by Delahaye-Bacon's. Blanche is a renowned author of five real estate books. Her newest, Bubbles, Booms and Busts: Make Money In Any Real Estate Market, McGraw-Hill, was rave-reviewed by The New York Times. She was also selected from hundreds of real estate experts to contribute to Donald Trump's book, Trump: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received: 100 Top Experts Share Their Strategies, Rutledge Hill Press, and is featured on page 68. Order Now Review - Honors In 2006, Blanche was selected among scores of candidates to author two consumer real estate guidebooks for the National Association of Realtors: The NAR Guide to Home Buying, and The NAR Guide to Home Selling, Wiley & Sons. She is currently planning two new books for the NAR and its members.       Known for her keen insight into real estate industry issues and for her ability to make complex subjects easy to understand, Blanche is a sought-after keynote and continuing education speaker. Real estate organizations from MLSs, to brokerages, to franchisors, to associations hire her to provide up-to-the-minute analysis of real estate industry news and advice on how to improve revenues. Her passionate delivery, peppered with stinging wit, is a huge hit with audiences and fans. Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors, Blanche Evans, Richard Courtney, president 2007, GRAR "The GNAR membership meeting last week featured Blanche Evans as the keynote speaker. Her comments and insights resonated extremely well with those in attendance and we have had many requests for copies of her PowerPoint Presentation. She was a terrific part of the membership meeting and convention program!" - Don Klein, CEO Greater Nashville Association of Realtors Coverage from WSMV, Nashville - 8-14-2007 That Interview Guy - Get Inside The Head Of Today's Generation 2007 AE Institute Session - To purchase 2006 AE Institute Session - Parts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 HouseValues Mastermind call - Parts 1 2 Blanche's fireside chat with Jeremy Conaway, HAR - Click here. To contact Blanche, email her at . For more articles by Blanche, click here.