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Ho-Ho-Home Controversy: Selling Your Home to Your Child for $1 & Estate Planning Tips
Ho-Ho-Home Controversy: Selling Your Home to Your Child for $1 & Estate Planning Tips
Ho-Ho-Home Controversy: Selling Your Home to Your Child for $1 & Estate Planning Tips
Experience holiday magic at top Bay Area attractions & learn expert tips on inheritance & real estate!
South Bay Pulse
Dec 9, 2025
Trivia Question❓In what year was San Jose officially incorporated as a city in California? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Christmas light experiences you can hit within ~ 45 minutes of San Jose |
Christmas in the Park – Downtown San Jose |
Website: https://www.christmasinthepark.com
Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Downtown San Jose
Best nights to go: Weeknights in early–mid December for lighter crowds
Cost: Free admission
Parking tips: Use nearby ParkSJ garages (Market & San Pedro or Second & San Carlos) and walk in
Why it’s worth it: A classic San Jose holiday tradition featuring a giant tree, animated displays, community-decorated trees, food vendors, and the Winter Wonderland rides next door. |
Fantasy of Lights – Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos |
Website: https://parks.santaclaracounty.gov/fantasyoflights
Location: 333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos
Best nights to go: Monday–Thursday drive-thru nights for less traffic
Cost: Ticketed per vehicle (pre-purchase required)
Parking tips:
Why it’s worth it: A 1.5-mile holiday spectacle with huge animated displays, themed tunnels, and one of the longest-running light traditions in the South Bay. |
Gilroy Gardens – North Pole Nights |
Website: https://www.gilroygardens.org/holiday
Location: 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy
Best nights to go: Early-week evenings; New Year’s Eve features fireworks
Cost: Special event admission (varies by date)
Parking tips: Park in the main Gilroy Gardens lot; arriving before sunset makes entry smoother
Why it’s worth it: A full theme-park transformation with massive light installations, nighttime rides, live entertainment, Santa’s Workshop, ice skating, and festive food. |
Willow Glen Holiday Lights – San Jose |
Location: Willow Glen neighborhood, especially streets off Willow St
Best nights to go: Weeknights for easier parking and walking
Cost: Free
Parking tips: Park on nearby side streets like Glen Eyrie or Glen Echo and walk into the neighborhood
Why it’s worth it: A decades-long neighborhood tradition with hundreds of homes displaying coordinated themes, light tunnels, Disney-style decorations, and blocks of walkable holiday charm. |
Christmas Tree Lane – Palo Alto |
Website: https://www.facebook.com/christmastreelanepa
Location: Fulton Street between Embarcadero Rd & Seale Ave
Best nights to go: Weeknights; typically lit mid-December through Dec 31
Cost: Free
Parking tips: Park a block or two away and walk in; driving the lane can get backed up
Why it’s worth it: A Bay Area holiday classic dating back to the 1940s with every home participating, tall decorated trees lining the street, and a nostalgic, small-town Christmas feel. |
Life Style |
The article discusses the history and popularity of the California roll, a type of sushi roll that was first created in the 1960s in California. The roll includes ingredients such as imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber, all wrapped in seaweed and rice. While traditional sushi purists may dismiss the California roll as not authentic, it has become a staple in sushi restaurants across the United States and around the world. The article also provides a California roll recipe for readers to try making the popular dish at home. Despite its origins as a Westernized version of sushi, the California roll has become a beloved and iconic dish that has introduced many people to the world of sushi. Its simple ingredients and familiar flavors have contributed to its widespread appeal and enduring popularity among both sushi enthusiasts and newcomers to Japanese cuisine. Read More... |
Real Estate |
The article discusses how parents can approach the topic of inheritance with their adult children. It emphasizes the importance of open communication and transparency throughout the process to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. One key recommendation is to involve children in the conversation early on, providing them with a clear understanding of the family's financial situation and plans for distributing assets. This can help manage expectations and prevent surprises down the line. Additionally, parents should consider seeking professional guidance from financial advisors or estate planners to navigate complex issues such as taxes, trusts, and wills. The article also highlights the emotional aspects of inheritances, noting that discussions around family values, responsibilities, and legacy can play a significant role in shaping the conversation. By approaching the topic with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, parents can ensure a smooth transition of wealth to the next generation, maintaining family harmony and financial security. Read More... |
Selling a home to your child for a dollar may seem like a good idea to help them financially, but it can have major drawbacks. Even though this transaction may seem simple and beneficial, there are various tax implications that could backfire. The article highlights how this type of gift could trigger a gift tax for the parent, potentially offsetting any financial gains for the child. Additionally, the parent could face issues with their estate planning and tax liabilities. Selling a home for a low price could also lead to complications if the child tries to sell the property later on. It is important to consider all the potential repercussions before going through with this type of transaction. Consulting with a financial advisor or real estate attorney before making any decisions is recommended to ensure that all parties involved fully understand the implications of selling a home to a child for a minimal amount. Read More... |
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Navigating the San Jose, California real estate market in November 2025 is an exciting journey, especially when you're both buying and selling. With only 1.15 months of inventory, the market's tight; inventory has decreased by 28% in the last month but is up 14% year-over-year, which is a mixed signal for timing your move. There are 318 new listings with a median list price of $1,198,500, while the 554 active listings average at $997,000, giving you plenty of options.
Homes are selling fast, with the median days in RPR at 14 for both pending and sold listings, and the sold-to-list price ratio holding steady at 102.41%.
Stay ahead of the local market, get live local trends and insights 👉🏻 Here |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: San Jose was officially incorporated as a city in California on March 27, 1850. |