{"id":20,"date":"2024-02-18T20:47:05","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T04:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/?page_id=20"},"modified":"2026-08-05T13:45:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T20:45:26","slug":"about-harv-balu","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/about-harv-balu\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"hb-about\">\n<style>\n\/* About page composition, scoped. 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}\n.hb-about .ab-plate .agate { font-family: var(--sans, Inter, sans-serif); font-size: 0.85rem; line-height: 1.8; margin: 0; }\n.hb-about .ab-plate .agate a { color: inherit; }\n.hb-about .ab-legal { font-size: 0.85rem; color: var(--ink-soft, #5c5950); border-top: 1px solid var(--rule, #c9c4b4); padding-top: 1rem; }<\/p>\n<p>\/* Motion: the journal's single ink-draw vocabulary, extended to this page as\n   one orchestrated arrival plus the section flags drawing their gold bars.\n   Armed only when JS adds .hb-anim; without JS everything is simply visible. *\/\n@media (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference) {\n  .hb-about.hb-anim .ab-openrule { transform: scaleX(0); }\n  .hb-about.hb-anim.hb-in .ab-openrule { transform: scaleX(1); transition: transform 0.9s var(--ab-ease); }\n  .hb-about.hb-anim .ab-standfirst,\n  .hb-about.hb-anim .ab-dateline { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(14px); }\n  .hb-about.hb-anim.hb-in .ab-standfirst { opacity: 1; transform: none; transition: opacity 0.7s var(--ab-ease) 0.08s, transform 0.7s var(--ab-ease) 0.08s; }\n  .hb-about.hb-anim.hb-in .ab-dateline { opacity: 1; transform: none; transition: opacity 0.7s var(--ab-ease) 0.22s, transform 0.7s var(--ab-ease) 0.22s; }\n  .hb-about.hb-anim .flag::before { transform: scaleX(0); transform-origin: left; }\n  .hb-about.hb-anim .flag.is-inked::before { transform: scaleX(1); transition: transform 0.45s var(--ab-ease); }\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"ab-openrule\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"ab-standfirst\">I am a REALTOR&reg; with REALTY EXPERTS&reg; in Fremont, and I measure the Bay Area market by hand, city by city, before I give anyone advice on it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ab-dateline\">REALTOR&reg; &middot; REALTY EXPERTS&reg; &middot; GRI &middot; CIPS &middot; PSA &middot; FTBS &middot; CA DRE #02195792<\/p>\n<div class=\"flag\">\n<h2 class=\"flag-name\">The Work<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>I help families buy, sell, and invest across Fremont, Mission San Jose, Union City, Newark, Milpitas, Hayward, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara. A home is usually the biggest financial decision of your life, and my job is to make it a calm, clear, well informed one.<\/p>\n<p>My method is simple: I do the homework myself. I pull the numbers, walk the neighborhoods, and publish what I find in my own <a href=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/category\/reports\/\">market reports<\/a>, so the advice you get from me is grounded in data I gathered, not headlines I repeated. Before real estate I spent fifteen years in information technology, and that discipline still shows in how I price a home, read a contract, and keep a transaction on schedule. The systems changed. The habit of getting details right did not.<\/p>\n<p>Away from the desk I am a father of three, an enthusiast photographer, and a gardener who finds calm in growing things. I am also the person friends call when something breaks. Curious, hands on, and steady under pressure is how I try to show up everywhere, including for my clients.<\/p>\n<p><b>My commitment is professionalism, integrity, and results, in that order.<\/b><\/p>\n<div class=\"flag\">\n<h2 class=\"flag-name\">Credentials<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>I invest in continuing education so the guidance you get is current. These are the designations I hold and what each one does for you.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ab-cred\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/logo-GRI-300x152.jpg\" alt=\"Graduate, REALTOR Institute designation\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>GRI &middot; Graduate, REALTOR&reg; Institute<\/h3>\n<p>Rigorous coursework on agency, ethics, legal issues, marketing, finance, risk management, and investment analysis. It means the person guiding your transaction has studied the whole machine, not just the showing schedule.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ab-cred\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/CIPS-300x232.png\" alt=\"Certified International Property Specialist designation\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>CIPS &middot; Certified International Property Specialist<\/h3>\n<p>Training and a global referral network for international transactions. In a region where buyers arrive from everywhere, it lets me market your home to qualified buyers well beyond the Bay Area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ab-cred\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/certificate-300x232.png\" alt=\"Pricing Strategy Advisor certification\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>PSA &middot; Pricing Strategy Advisor<\/h3>\n<p>Pricing is the single biggest lever in any sale, and this certification is built around getting it right: comparative market analyses, appraiser collaboration, and the judgment to hold a price conversation honestly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ab-cred\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/logo-300x192.png\" alt=\"First-Time Buyer Specialist certification\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>FTBS &middot; First-Time Buyer Specialist<\/h3>\n<p>First purchases carry the most questions and the most nerves. I walk first-time buyers through financing, search, and the family conversations that come with it. If that is you, start with my <a href=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/buying\/\">home buyer guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flag\">\n<h2 class=\"flag-name\">Community<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Real estate is local, and so am I. I stay close to the issues that shape our neighborhoods, from local government and community partnerships to statewide advocacy. I attended <a href=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/05\/01\/2025\/car-sacramento-legislative\/\">C.A.R. Legislative Day in Sacramento<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/05\/15\/2026\/fair-housing-day-2026-berkeley-five-numbers\/\">Fair Housing Day at UC Berkeley<\/a>, because understanding policy and fairness makes me a better advocate for you.<\/p>\n<div class=\"flag\">\n<h2 class=\"flag-name\">Guides and Reports<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Everything I publish is free and practical:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The complete <a href=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/buying\/\">home buyer guide<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/listings\/\">home seller guide<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Monthly <a href=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/category\/reports\/\">market reports<\/a>, organized <a href=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/reports-by-cities\/\">by city<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/real-estate-tools-hub-for-the-bay-area\/\">Bay Area real estate tools hub<\/a>: calculators for mortgages, closing costs, property tax, and 1031 timing.<\/li>\n<li>Curious what your home is worth? Get a free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harvrealtor.com\/HarvRealtor-whats-my-home-worth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">home value estimate<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"flag\">\n<h2 class=\"flag-name\">Say Hello<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>The best conversations start small. If you are weighing a move, or just curious what your street is doing, reach out. And if you already have an agent, bring your agent. There is no pressure here.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"ab-social\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HarvRealtor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M18 2h-3a5 5 0 0 0-5 5v3H7v4h3v8h4v-8h3l1-4h-4V7a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h3z\"\/><\/svg>Facebook<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/HarvRealtor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><rect x=\"2\" y=\"2\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" rx=\"5\"\/><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"4\"\/><line x1=\"17.5\" y1=\"6.5\" x2=\"17.5\" y2=\"6.5\"\/><\/svg>Instagram<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/harvinderbalu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M16 8a6 6 0 0 1 6 6v7h-4v-7a2 2 0 0 0-4 0v7h-4V8h4v1.5A6 6 0 0 1 16 8z\"\/><rect x=\"2\" y=\"9\" width=\"4\" height=\"12\"\/><circle cx=\"4\" cy=\"4\" r=\"2\"\/><\/svg>LinkedIn<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@HarvRealtor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M22.5 6.4a3 3 0 0 0-2.1-2.1C18.5 3.8 12 3.8 12 3.8s-6.5 0-8.4.5A3 3 0 0 0 1.5 6.4 31 31 0 0 0 1 12a31 31 0 0 0 .5 5.6 3 3 0 0 0 2.1 2.1c1.9.5 8.4.5 8.4.5s6.5 0 8.4-.5a3 3 0 0 0 2.1-2.1A31 31 0 0 0 23 12a31 31 0 0 0-.5-5.6z\"\/><polygon points=\"9.8,15.1 15.5,12 9.8,8.9\"\/><\/svg>YouTube<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@hbrealtor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M14 3v10.5a4 4 0 1 1-3-3.87\"\/><path d=\"M14 3a5.5 5.5 0 0 0 5.5 5.5\"\/><\/svg>TikTok<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/harvbalu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M4 4l16 16M20 4L4 20\"\/><\/svg>X<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/share.google\/od27BetdX9eZs9R8H\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M12 21s-7-6.6-7-11a7 7 0 0 1 14 0c0 4.4-7 11-7 11z\"\/><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"10\" r=\"2.6\"\/><\/svg>Google<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"ab-plate\">\n<p class=\"kicker\">Talk to Harv<\/p>\n<p class=\"num\"><a href=\"tel:+15106003425\">510 600 3425<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"agate\">\n    Call or text, no assistants, no round robin.<br \/>\n    <a href=\"mailto:homes@HarvRealtor.com\">homes@HarvRealtor.com<\/a> &middot; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harvrealtor.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HarvRealtor.com<\/a><br \/>\n    REALTY EXPERTS&reg; &middot; 41051 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539 &middot; CA DRE #02195792\n  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"ab-legal\"><b>Equal Housing Opportunity.<\/b> I serve every client with fairness and respect, and I follow all federal and California fair housing laws. Information on this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.<\/p>\n<p><script>\n(function () {\n  var root = document.querySelector('.hb-about');\n  if (!root || !('IntersectionObserver' in window)) { return; }\n  root.classList.add('hb-anim');\n  requestAnimationFrame(function () { requestAnimationFrame(function () { root.classList.add('hb-in'); }); });\n  var io = new IntersectionObserver(function (entries) {\n    entries.forEach(function (e) {\n      if (e.isIntersecting) { e.target.classList.add('is-inked'); io.unobserve(e.target); }\n    });\n  }, { rootMargin: '0px 0px -8% 0px' });\n  root.querySelectorAll('.flag').forEach(function (f) { io.observe(f); });\n})();\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"RealEstateAgent\", \"name\": \"Harv Balu\", \"alternateName\": \"Harvinder Balu\", \"jobTitle\": \"REALTOR\", \"image\": \"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/harv-balu-about-headshot.png\", \"telephone\": \"+1-510-600-3425\", \"email\": \"homes@HarvRealtor.com\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/harvrealtor.com\", \"address\": {\"@type\": \"PostalAddress\", \"streetAddress\": \"41051 Mission Blvd\", \"addressLocality\": \"Fremont\", \"addressRegion\": \"CA\", \"postalCode\": \"94539\", \"addressCountry\": \"US\"}, \"areaServed\": [\"Fremont, CA\", \"Mission San Jose, Fremont, CA\", \"Union City, CA\", \"Newark, CA\", \"Milpitas, CA\", \"Hayward, CA\", \"San Jose, CA\", \"Sunnyvale, CA\", \"Santa Clara, CA\"], \"memberOf\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"REALTY EXPERTS\"}, \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/HarvRealtor\", \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/HarvRealtor\", \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/harvinderbalu\/\", \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@HarvRealtor\", \"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@hbrealtor\", \"https:\/\/x.com\/harvbalu\", \"https:\/\/share.google\/od27BetdX9eZs9R8H\"], \"hasCredential\": [{\"@type\": \"EducationalOccupationalCredential\", \"name\": \"Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI)\"}, {\"@type\": \"EducationalOccupationalCredential\", \"name\": \"Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)\"}, {\"@type\": \"EducationalOccupationalCredential\", \"name\": \"Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)\"}, {\"@type\": \"EducationalOccupationalCredential\", \"name\": \"First-Time Buyer Specialist (FTBS)\"}]}<\/script>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I am a REALTOR&reg; with REALTY EXPERTS&reg; in Fremont, and I measure the Bay Area market by hand, city by city, before I give anyone advice on it. REALTOR&reg; &middot; REALTY EXPERTS&reg;&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6303,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-20","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20"}],"version-history":[{"count":71,"href":"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6639,"href":"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/20\/revisions\/6639"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harvinder.dscloud.me\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}