By Josh Lee | San Mateo Realtor | Real Estate Strategist DRE #02163289 | Helping families balance schools, lifestyle, and long-term home value in San Mateo County If you’re buying a home in San Mateo County, school districts are probably at the top of your list even if you don’t have kids yet. School quality can shape daily life  and long-term home value , and in a high-demand area like the Peninsula, the difference between districts can translate into meaningful price gaps.

By Josh Lee | San Mateo Realtor | Real Estate Strategist DRE #02163289 | Helping first-time buyers find the right neighborhood, not just the right house Looking for your first home in San Mateo County and feeling overwhelmed by prices, options, and zip codes? You’re not alone. With median home values in the county near the $2M range and big differences from city to city, choosing the right  neighborhood matters just as much as finding the right home.​ This 2026 edition highli

By Josh Lee | San Mateo Realtor | Real Estate Strategist DRE #02163289 | Helping buyers find value in one of the Bay Area’s most competitive markets A good deal in San Mateo County isn’t always the lowest price on the MLS it’s the right combination of price, condition, location, and terms for your specific goals. In a market where the median listing price hovers around the mid–$1.5M range and many homes still sell above asking, “value” looks different than it did a few years

By Josh Lee | San Mateo Realtor | Real Estate Strategist DRE #02163289 | Guiding San Mateo County buyers through competitive markets with clear strategies With fluctuating rates and conflicting headlines everywhere, it’s natural to wonder if buying a home in San Mateo County is still worth it in 2026. Let’s break it down. San Mateo County remains one of the most desirable and competitive housing markets in the country, with median listing prices around the mid–$1.5M range and

By Josh Lee | Realtor | Real Estate Strategist Interest rates are one of the biggest drivers of the real estate market. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding them is key to making informed decisions. For Buyers: Rising rates = higher monthly payments and lower purchasing power. If rates rise, your monthly mortgage payments will increase, and you might not be able to afford as much house as you could have previously. Falling rates = more affordability, potential to

Josh Lee | Realtor | Real Estate Negotiation Expert Negotiation is one of the most critical parts of a real estate transaction but also one of the trickiest. Whether you’re buying or selling, avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure a smooth process. 1. Getting Emotional Buying or selling is personal but treating it like business keeps deals on track. Emotional decisions can cloud judgment, so stay focused on facts and goals. 2. Lowballing or Overpricing Extreme pricing

By Josh Lee | Realtor | Home Efficiency Expert Today’s buyers care about sustainability and energy efficiency can save you money while boosting your home’s value. In a competitive real estate market, making your home more energy-efficient can be a game-changer. Simple Energy Upgrades: LED Lighting Low-cost, high-impact upgrade. Replacing standard bulbs with LED lights reduces energy usage and enhances your home’s appeal with brighter, more modern lighting. Smart Thermostat He

San Mateo Realtor | Homeownership Expert | Your Guide to Finding the Perfect Home The first buyer meeting is a huge step in your home-buying journey. It can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to clarify your goals and set expectations. Here’s what you can expect, and how I will help you every step of the way. 1. Understanding Your Needs and Goals  🏡 The first meeting is all about getting to know you better. We’ll dive into what you’re looking for in a h

By Josh Lee | Realtor | Financial Planning Expert for Homeowners Buying a home is exciting, but the costs don’t stop at your mortgage. From property taxes to maintenance, hidden expenses can add up quickly. Here’s a quick guide to what you might face: Common Hidden Costs: Property Taxes: Taxes vary by location and can change annually, so plan for potential increases. HOA Fees: If your home is in a community with an HOA, you’ll have monthly fees for shared amenities and upkeep

San Mateo Realtor | Helping You Decide Between Renovating or Moving Should You Renovate Your Home, or Move? 🤔 It’s one of the biggest questions homeowners face, and it's a decision loaded with both financial and emotional weight: Should I renovate my current home, or move to something that fits better? Jumping the fence too quickly can lead to regrets, whether you spend too much on a move or suffer through a renovation that doesn't solve the core issue. Here is a deeper dive

San Mateo Realtor | Local Business Advocate | Supporting Our Community’s Hidden Gems As a local agent, supporting small businesses is one of my favorite things to do. Real estate isn’t just about homes it’s about community. A strong community is built on the people and businesses that bring it to life. That’s why I’m starting this monthly feature: to highlight local gems that make San Mateo special. This month, I want to shine a light on one of my favorite spots: Backhaus  in

San Mateo Realtor | First-Time Buyer Specialist | Guiding Your Smartest First Move Buying your first home in the Bay Area can feel overwhelming especially with so many myths floating around online. Knowing the truth can save you time, stress, and money. Here’s your quick-hit guide to busting common first-time buyer myths. ❌ Myth 1: You Need 20% Down ❌ Myth 2: You Need Perfect Credit ✅ Reality: Lenders look at your whole financial picture, not just your credit score. Factors l

San Mateo Realtor | Seasonal Strategy Specialist | Helping You Sell Smarter in Fall When most people think of selling their home, they picture spring blooms and sunny open houses but, in my experience, fall can be an incredible time to sell (if you have the right strategy) . Here’s why: 1. Less Competition = More Attention Many homeowners wait until spring, which means fall listings can stand out. With fewer homes on the market, your listing gets more eyes and more serious bu

By Josh Lee | Realtor | Probate-Savvy Advisor Selling a home is emotional in any situation but when it involves probate, there are often...

By Josh Lee | San Mateo Realtor | First-Time Buyer Specialist Buying your first home is exciting but let’s be real, it can also feel...

By Josh Lee | Local Realtor | Community Connector You found the right home, made an offer, and it was accepted congrats! Now comes a word...

Thinking about selling your home in the next few months? The smartest sellers know success doesn’t start when the sign goes up it starts...

By Josh Lee | Local Realtor | Community Connector Looking for a place that combines suburban charm, urban convenience, and a strong sense...

By Josh Lee | Local Realtor | Golf Enthusiast If you know me, you know I love golf. But what you might not know is that the game has...

By Josh Lee | Local Realtor | Strategy-First Advisor We are well into the third quarter of 2025, and it’s clear that the San Mateo County...