Thursday, August 28, 2014

The Job Description of a Successful KW Real Estate Agent


At Keller Williams we aim to be win-win real estate consultants because mutually shared success is the sweetest one, when all involved parties come out as winners. Do you have the stomach to win? 
Call me to learn how you can join my winning team as KW win-win agent:  
408.706.0671

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Santa Clara County Real Estate At A Glance - August 2014 Edition







santa clara at a glance




Be Prepared - What You Can Do Before, During, And After An Earthquake

It takes a shake like the Napa quake to bring back to our attention the question, "Am I prepared for an earthquake?"

The South County could be the next epicenter and your family could be affected.

Here are the most important  tips of earthquake preparedness. Please share them with friends, family and neighbors.



  1. Select an out -of-area phone contact for family members to call and coordinate messages.
  2. Develop a family network plan, evacuation, and reunion strategy. 
  3. Locate all utility shutoff valves and know how to shut them off. Tie a shut off wrench to the main gas line. 
  4. Mitigate earthquake vulnerability: Double strap your water heater to wall studs (1/3 from the top and 1/3 from the bottom to prevent tipping), bolt bookcases and attach mirrors and pictures firmly to the wall, move heavy stuff from upper shelves to lower shelves.
  5. Store heavy shoes and gloves (most injuries in the Napa quake were cuts from glass) under your bed. 
  6. Prepare a 72-hour family emergency supply kit and store in plastic containers and tape shut with duct tape.
  7. Take photos or a video of your home (interior and exterior) to document its condition and contents. Store in a bank safety deposit box or fire proof safe for future use.
  8. Check with your insurance carrier to make sure you have appropriate earthquake coverage.
  9. If you are indoors: a) stay clear of window and fireplaces, b) duck and drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy placed furniture piece, hold on to it and ride it out
  10. If you are outdoors: a)Get into the open away from power lines, b) if you are driving, pull over and stop. Turn off your engine, and do not stop under heavy objects or power lines, c) if you are in a crowded public place, do not rush for exits. Try and stay calm, d) NEVER enter damaged buildings unless authorities tell you it is safe to do so.
  11. Get trained in CPR and First Aid
. 
BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT YOU... 

Call me at 408-706-0671 
if you would like a walk-through of your home and a  free written estimate what it is worth in  today's market together with a picture of your home to put in your earthquake deposit box.

Silvia Bichler
Your Real Estate Friend in the South County
CalBre # 01942849
Keller Williams San Jose - Silicon Valley





Sunday, August 24, 2014

The Garden Of Thorns



I came across an artist in Texas, Bill Worrall, and his Garden of Thorns.

Worrall created a cemetary on his land where he literally buried all the bad habits that prevented him to become a better person and artist.

 The toombstones have shame, hate, anger written on them instead of names.

I dig why he did that because I am a hands on person myself. It is the same reason why working with dirt in my garden keeps me grounded in life. Being able to wrap my hands around my problem helps to find the solution, at least for those of us who need more than a theory.

I decided to follow Worrall and bury my very own stumble blocks. I will create my own little garden of thorns with river rocks showing the bad habits that keep me from  reaching my goals and becoming a better person.

Every Sunday morning, I will bury one bad habit. I started today with Fear. Fear for me is a powerful and annoying weed that encroaches into my soul if I let it overgrow.

It doesn't help to overcome it once because the roots are still there and before I know, it has grown back worse than it was before, hangs like a drunken monkey on my neck, and prevents me from living my dreams.

It prevents me from offering my skills and assistance to future clients because I fear rejection. It prevents me to make new contacts because I have to leave my safety zone and make the first step. I have to pull out the weed whacker daily to get to the roots.

Rest in peace, Fear, you will be put to rest now.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Successful Hoof and Woof Poker Run For Our Veterans

I checked in early at Stop 1 of today's Hoof and Woof Poker Run at Indian Motorcycle on San Felipe Road in Hollister. I wanted to make sure that my table was set up and gummy bears waiting for the bikers who would leave the registration table at the Morgan Hill Harley Davidson House of Thunder at around 10AM.




In fact, I was so early that I had time to pick the Indian Motorcycle I would love to take home....isn't that a purdy bike?
At around 11AM we could hear the roar of about 70 bikes riding towards my poker table. That was awsome and all bikers and their passengers wanted to pick the first lucky card for their poker hand at our table. I added Haribo Gummybears as special touch which was very appreciated.


 One of the first bikers who approached me told me that he was from Stuttgart ,Germany, a Swabian homie of mine. What a surprise!

 There are four more stops to go before the finish at Cycle Gear Gilroy where bbq, partay and the prizes will wait not only for the winners. A three night stay at the Bellagio in Las Vegas is one of the top prizes for the highest poker hand. The real winners though today are Operation Freedom Paws and Dream Power Horsemanship. Because 100% of the proceeds will go towards these wonderful programs who help veterans for free, our veterans will be the real winners. Thank you everyone for taking part and making this a fun day.


  I enjoyed voluteering at Indian Motorcycle in Hollister and get to know the friendly staff there and the beautiful bikes. I will wear the Indian Motorcycle pin every biker and volunteer got for free with pride. And now it's time to hit the BBQ at Cycle Gear in Gilroy and celebrate this opportunity to show our veterans our gratitude.


Thursday, August 14, 2014

How to Cut Costs in the Homebuying Process





I notice a fear in first time home buyers of taking the first step
investigating if and how much they can afford. Nobody expects you to be
an expert when starting this process. Please do ask your questions,
educate yourself , and take advantage of free consulting at financial
institutes and mortgage companies.

How to Cut Costs in the Homebuying Process

Call me, I am here to help you through this exciting process of buying your first home.

Working hard in your neighborhood!

Silvia Bichler,
408.706.0671
Keller Williams Realty Silicon Valley
Cal Bre license # 0194284

Monday, August 11, 2014

Top 10 ways to strengthen your purchase offer and beat out competing buyers | Inman News

 In a seller's market like the current one, the buyer needs an agent who develops a strategy before submitting a strong offer. Are you the buyer who wants to develop this win win strategy with me? If yes, let's go house hunting.



Top 10 ways to strengthen your purchase offer and beat out competing buyers | Inman News