If you wish to appeal your current property taxes in Santa Clara County based on current market value of your home, the Santa Clara County Assessor will give you important information about the filing deadlines and process.

The appeal filing period is about to begin — July 2 to September 15 — and the Prop 8 request deadline is August 15.

Click here to go to the SCC Assessor's site to learn more about the appeal process.

Based off recent market analysis, current market rates are similar to the values in 2002. Features of the home and area you're located in will factor in, but my overall assessment is current Bay Area values are in the 2002 range.

People are concerned if they should sell now while they still have equity in their house. It might be a good option to consider if you have a sound reason to move — upcoming relocation, job transfer, enlarging family, downsizing income. If you would probably sell the house regardless of the economy, putting it on the market now to hit the peak buying/selling season might be a better plan than waiting until fall or winter. Who knows how the economy will factor in nine months from now? Yes, values may fall further. Or, they could rise. It will take longer to sell your home this year, unless you want to significantly price it under the market and liquidate. Either way, budget extra time to avoid a financial crunch.

If you are thinking to dump the house because your investment isn't paying off how you hoped, remember real estate traditionally will pay off over an extended time. If you've been in the industry for 30 years, you will remember other times when values dropped or interest rates peaked. Values being down this year doesn't mean they'll be down five years from now. If you can afford your mortgage and the home meets your needs, I recommend keep the house and over time you should see it pay off.

Wow! This is an incredible upstairs condo in a setting you won't believe. Check out the virtual tour to see some stunning shots of the community!

This condo is located at 19303 Vineyard Lane in Saratoga. It's an upstairs, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath sunny end unit that features formal entry & open floor plan with living room/dining room combo. It has cathedral ceilings throughout with stunning fireplace accent in living room. Private balcony off both bedrooms, walk-in closet, double-pane windows, decorator paint schemes, A/C, 1-car garage. Community features clubhouse, exercise room, walking paths, swimming pool & more! You must see the photos to appreciate. It's a beautiful community!

Click here to view the virtual tour: http://www.tourfactory.com/453994