All about Life & Real Estate in Silicon Valley – Broker Michael Koo's Blog.

US baby boomers collectively held $77T to $85T in assets, but ~70% sat with the top 10%, showing how averages overstated typical wealth.
Households led by people ages 60 to 64 needed at least $3M to reach the top 10%, while median boomer assets were $432.2K.
At the lower end, the 25th percentile sat below $125K, far from the $1.46M many Americans believed they needed for comfortable retirement.
For retirees trying to catch up, the guidance centered on taxes, debt, investments, Social Security, required minimum distributions, target retirement age, and downsizing.
Another option involved passive income through Real Estate investments and rental-property platforms, where retirees could start with $100 and sometimes access secondary-market flexibility.

U.S. inflation remains well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, complicating expectations for future rate cuts.
Rising oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty could keep inflation pressures elevated into 2027.
Higher Treasury yields could keep borrowing costs elevated even if the Fed eventually lowers its policy rate.
Investors may need to prepare for a longer period of uncertainty around rates, inflation, and economic growth.

The global market was estimated near $95.6B in 2026 and projected to reach $151.2B by 2033, reflecting ~7% annual growth through the forecast period.
Demand is expanding as builders seek faster execution, better material use, steadier quality, and parallel site preparation with factory production to improve scheduling.
Manufacturers are advancing lightweight components, insulated panels, engineered wood, precast concrete, and modular systems, while digital design and automation support accuracy, coordination, efficiency.
Adoption still depends on manufacturing capacity, skilled installation teams, and regulatory acceptance, while transportation needs, customization, and upfront factory investment can limit project fit.
Growth opportunities center on modular and sustainable buildings; polymer and composite materials, plus commercial projects, are expected to expand fastest during the forecast.

Higher borrowing costs are raising the cost of delaying a purchase, as buyers who wait face potentially larger monthly payments if financing conditions remain elevated.
Home prices are not falling fast enough to offset financing costs, meaning waiting for a cheaper home does not automatically guarantee a lower overall purchase cost.
Buyers still have negotiating opportunities in some markets, particularly where inventory has improved and sellers are competing for fewer offers.
Takeaway: Waiting can make sense for some buyers, but the decision now depends on the full cost of financing, price and negotiating leverage—not rates alone.

The ballot measure proposed a California down payment loan program of up to $25B, funded by bonds and repaid through loan income, not taxes.
It said borrowers had to buy a newly built or never-sold home in California, contribute at least 3% down, and could borrow up to 17%.
The measure did not require first-time buyer status, but income could not exceed 200% of local median, with county-based caps and sales-price limits.
Support came from labor groups, a Real Estate trade group, and a state political party; opponents said the measure would subsidize costly construction.
Other terms still needed details, including the second mortgage rate; the policy center said it likely would exceed conventional 30-yr mortgage rates near 7%.