What Are the Zip Codes for Downtown San Jose?

For downtown San Jose homebuyers, the zip codes to include in your search for a condo, townhouse or loft are:  95110, 95112, 95113 and 95192.

In addition to the new high rise condominium projects in downtown, there are other nice complexes in central San Jose near San Jose State, in the Vendome area, close to Naglee Park and Japantown. Newer lofts too, are found here and all of them are in the above-listed zip codes.

Close to Downtown San Jose zip codes:

If you are looking to be in Willow Glen, which is very nearby (and has its own little downtown), that zip code is 95125. 

The Shasta-Hanchett area and the Rosegarden are "close to downtown" areas of San Jose and the zip code in those scenic neighborhoods is 95126.

There are many other areas in Silicon Valley which are fairly close to downtown San Jose. Contact me for more information!

What Information Will the HOA Provide to a Condo Buyer?

When you purchase a downtown San Jose condo, there are lots of things you'll need to know to make an informed decision. Some of that information will come from the HOA (Home Owners Association).  What type of paperwork will the HOA give to you for review once you're in contract to purchase a condominium, townhouse or loft?

The HOA will provide quite a stack of documents, usually including the following:

• Articles of Incorporation
• Bylaws
• Rules & Regulations
• Covenants, Codes and Restrictions
• Last 12 months of newsletters
• Last 12 months of meeting minutes
• Current budget
• Information on the reserves

Some of these make for very dry reading, but they are important for you to read and understand so that you don't buy a home now and later find yourself surprised at something you were informed about in this stack of papers.

What kind of things might surprise you?  Some condo communities may limit the number, type, or size of pets (remember that service animals which help disabled people are not pets so do not fall under these restrictions).  In some townhome communities, there may be rules about when your garage door can be open, whether you can wash your car on the premises, or even what color your curtains may be if they face the street!

The reserve account is crucial. Is the amount in reserve to pay for future, predictable repairs enough? Often it's not and the result is a huge "special assessment" when you least expect it. 

The newsletters will give you a taste for the complex and any issues. Is one of the neighbors playing music too loudly? That's where you'll hear about it.

The HOA package can be several inches thick and the task of reading them feel dauting.  Set aside several hours and plan to go through them in blocks of time. Keep notes and use little stickies to mark pages where you have questions or concerns.

FInally, there are a couple of services available in Silicon Valley where you can have another set of eyes go through the documents, look for completeness and above all, analyze the reserve fund.  Contact me if you'd like to get that information.

Downtown San Jose Condos: A Great Opportunity!

In recent years, downtown San Jose has exploded with several new condominium projects. After the massive redevelopment effort in central San Jose, the easy-care housing is very welcome.  Markets have been making their way back to central San Jose and it's now a very viable and vibrant place to live.

The newest high rise condominiums are Axis, City Heights, The 88, and Three Sixty. These are just some of the good offerings, though.  There are many more, from nearly new to well established, scattered all around downtown San Jose, including townhomes and lofts.

How’s the real estate market for townhomes and condos in downtown San Jose?  The market is very much in the buyer's favor. Six months of inventory is considered neutral, five or less is a seller's market, and seven or more is a buyer's market.  The absorption rate, or months of inventory, reveals how much bargaining power condo buyers have right now.  

Looking for a carefree lifestyle close to theater, movies, restaurants, shop and work?  Consider living in downtown San Jose.  The year-round events and great transportation in central San Jose make it a very attractive place to call home.