I'm new to the site and fairly new to REI in general. I'm pleased to have found such a great community. I can tell by clicking around that everyone is quite eager to help. I feel the same way. I'm building my whole...

Silicone? 

Definitely agree with that...though I think it's slightly more than slightly based on some recent stories I've heard from old friends back in Silicon Valley...

My niece just got a bid on a 500 sq ft master bed addition in Santa Clara CA  ( silicon valley)   250k  500 a foot. 

Investing outside of our local areas of Chicago and Silicon Valley does not faze us if the numbers work and the deal secure. 

Kevin C. definitely go with a tub enclosure kit, you can install yourself using proper adhesives and silicone around the perimeter.

I'm actually going to write a blog about this on my external blog site along with a derivative of it here in BP.Yes the market is hot, in yy area, Silicon Valley, its insane right now.  

I would like to buy a home as i feel the prices will shoot up by the next year when the interest rate comes down and also, i feel 3400 rent is too high to pay .Should I buy a townhouse as my primary residence in Silicon Valley (Sunnyvale, SJ, Fremont, etc.) for $1-1.2M, or should I buy an investment SFH (Single Family Home) outside the area for $600-700k, given that I need to move out of the country for 1-1.5 years and want to ensure a good rental market to cover my mortgage or part of my mortgage?

I've lived in Silicon Valley, and I'm an investment advisor who specializes in real estate.

@Michael C Williams: nd curious to see where the top of the market is---Silicon valley area affordability index is at 33%.