Market Insight from Local Real Estate Titan Ken DeLeon
Ken DeLeon is an esteemed real estate broker in Silicon Valley. Photo Credit: Tracy Easton
With decades of experience and his team on track to sell over a billion dollars in sales this year, Ken DeLeon is a visionary entrepreneur with keen insight into the Silicon Valley real estate market. Well acquainted with the region’s unique neighborhoods, DeLeon considers his clients’ goals, and the local quality of life, including its walkability, amenities, and the appreciation potential of a property when recommending a neighborhood.
Utilizing his education in math and economics, DeLeon is talented at predicting appreciation values. “I try to look at the density of new construction, where we often find a correlation with higher future appreciation. The common themes of these areas are more relaxed building codes and fewer impediments to building,” explains DeLeon.
We sat down with DeLeon to discuss a few of his favorite Silicon Valley neighborhoods that most excite him.
West Atherton
From its idyllic tree-lined streets to its rows of exclusive gated homes, West Atherton is an elite neighborhood. Often cited as one of the wealthiest communities in the United States, the average home price frequently surpasses ten million. The town is characterized by expansive estates, meticulously manicured lawns, and a level of privacy that attracts some of the most prominent figures in business and technology. In addition to its serene natural beauty, it has more development-friendly building codes, so any remodeling or rebuilding is much easier when compared to nearby cities. With over $325 million in Atherton sales since 2023, the DeLeon Team is the top team in Atherton.
A sleek, renovated kitchen is easy to achieve in West Atherton with its pro-development building codes.
The stunning, modern entryway in one of Ken’s West Atherton listings.
Central Woodside
Known for having the best views of the western hills in Silicon Valley, Central Woodside features a mix of century-old estates with breathtaking architectural details and sophisticated new construction designed to coalesce with the bucolic surroundings. Some of the most affluent Silicon Valley residents have chosen to call this neighborhood home, with sought-after lots selling well into the 8 figures for land value alone. “I love the tranquility of this neighborhood, coupled with the three-acre parcels that have stunning western hill views, which make it very private and serene,” says DeLeon. The DeLeon Team sells large estates in Woodside, including a $45M purchase last year, and a $29.9M listing this year.
Old Palo Alto
A neighborhood known for its historic charm and dreamy tree canopy-lined streets, Old Palo Alto is revered for its walkability and proximity to beautiful parks. The area boasts a variety of well-preserved early 20th-century architecture, including Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals and Mediterranean-style houses. Traditionally one of the most esteemed neighborhoods on the peninsula, many of the properties feature lush gardens, and relatively large lots, ideal for development. The DeLeon Team has been the dominant team in Palo Alto for over a decade, with $400 million in sales since 2023.
One of Ken’s favorite listings in Old Palo Alto, exemplifying the peaceful outdoor spaces of the neighborhood.
The Future of Silicon Valley Real Estate
The DeLeon Team is thrilled to have implemented its groundbreaking business model, which allows sellers to determine the compensation for the buyer's agent, resulting in many opting for a fixed fee instead of the “standard” 2.5%. Notably, the brokerage waives the entire buyer-side commission when handling both sides of a transaction for a DeLeon Realty listing, and has done so for many years. This brings the seller’s total cost of commission down to as little as 3%. Like an elite law firm, this innovative business model employs specialists on salary rather than commission, prioritizing clients' interests above all else.
Ken states: “The future of real estate is that both buyer and seller have their own agent, but these two agents will be with one brokerage, with only one fee being paid. The future is happening now at DeLeon Realty.”
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