Kavanaugh Group

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Kavanaugh Group Our business is based on putting our clients needs first and delivering exceptional service.

Personal Background

Born in Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Music ’63, Manhattanville College, Purchase, New York
Master of Music ’64, Pius XII Institute, Florence, Italy
Resident of Portola Valley since 1973
'As a Portola Valley resident for 38 years, I've had the chance to learn about the intricacies of local planning and development issues
Husband, Jack and family, John and Michele, Joe, Bob and Laura and their daughters Kate and Eve


Professional Experience

Real Estate Sales since May, 1985
Previews Property Specialist for Woodside, Portola Valley, Atherton, Menlo Park,Palo Alto and Los Altos Hills
My familiarity with area schools and community organizations, my focus on details of home sales and purchases and my commitment to achieve client goals enable me to provide the best full service representation in this area. Nationally ranked in the Top 5% of all Coldwell Banker Agents
# 1 Producing Agent (Portola Valley Office) since 1994
Relocation – Referral Benefits Specialist for Coldwell Banker
Active Virtual Tour Agent


Associations

Member of the National Association of Realtors®
Member of the California Association of Realtors®
Silicon Valley Association of Realtors®:
Community Service
Member of the Advisory Board to the Portola Valley Schools Foundation
Past Member of the Board of Trustees, Woodside Priory
Past Volunteer Member of the 21st Century Fund Committee for the Portola Valley Schools
Past Co-President of Executive Board for Portola Valley Schools Foundation
Past Membr of the Foundation Board of Summit Prep Charger High School
Sustaining member of Peninsula Children's Center Charter Auxiliary


Awards

International President's Premier 2003-2010
Nationally ranked in the Top 5% of all Coldwell Banker Agents
Top 1% Sales Associate for Coldwell Banker Northern California
#1 Producing Agent - Coldwell Banker Office, Portola Valley 1994-2011


Specialty Markets

Relocation
Luxury Properties
Lot/Land
First Time Buyers
Buyer Representative

When Homes Take on a Mysterious SideThere is something captivating about a home transformed for Halloween. The flicker o...
10/30/2026

When Homes Take on a Mysterious Side

There is something captivating about a home transformed for Halloween. The flicker of candlelight, the shadows along a grand entryway, and the subtle suggestion that something mysterious awaits beyond the door.

But where did this fascination begin?

The tradition traces its roots to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people believed spirits could cross into the world of the living. Fires were lit, disguises were worn, and rituals were observed to keep unwanted visitors away.

Centuries later, those beliefs have evolved into one of autumn’s most distinctive traditions, where architecture, imagination, and a touch of the supernatural come together.

Today, decorating a home for Halloween is less about warding off spirits and more about celebrating the season, creating atmosphere, and bringing a little mystery to the neighborhood.

Because even the most beautiful homes deserve a darker side once a year.

10/29/2026

Tucked away on 1.6± acres in Portola Valley’s desirable Vista Verde neighborhood, this private retreat captures breathtaking Bay and hillside views, soaring ceilings, and sunlit interiors that open to expansive outdoor decks.

A separate guest house adds versatility, while the peaceful surroundings create a rare sense of escape just moments from the best of the Peninsula.

📍 205 Old Spanish Trail, Portola Valley
4 Beds | 2 Baths | 2,810± Sq Ft
1.6± Acres | Separate Guest House

Offered at $3,150,000

✨ Privacy, panoramic views, and an extraordinary place to call home.

đź“© Contact us to schedule your private tour.

John Kavanaugh 415.377.2924 | DRE 02058127
Joseph Kavanaugh 650.400.5312 | DRE 01351481

Where Nature Becomes Part of Everyday Living. 🌿Imagine waking up to sweeping views of rolling hills, enjoying your morni...
10/28/2026

Where Nature Becomes Part of Everyday Living. 🌿

Imagine waking up to sweeping views of rolling hills, enjoying your morning coffee surrounded by towering trees, and ending the day with a sunset from your private deck.

Welcome to 205 Old Spanish Trail in Portola Valley, where approximately 1.6 acres of natural beauty create an extraordinary sense of privacy and tranquility.

Inside, soaring ceilings, exposed wood beams, and expansive windows bring the outdoors in, filling the home with natural light and breathtaking scenery. Step outside, and the spacious deck becomes your personal retreat, perfect for entertaining, unwinding, or simply taking in the views.

Here, luxury isn't just about what surrounds you inside. It's about the space, serenity, and connection to nature that make every day feel like an escape.

📍 205 Old Spanish Trail | Portola Valley

Offered at $3,150,000

Experience a different pace of life without leaving the Peninsula behind.

📲 Interested in making this your next home? Call or text us to schedule a private tour.

John Kavanaugh 415.377.2924 | DRE 02058127
Joseph Kavanaugh 650.400.5312 | DRE 01351481

🏡 Selling Your Home This Fall? Strategy Makes All the Difference.With fewer buyers and more homes competing for attentio...
10/28/2026

🏡 Selling Your Home This Fall? Strategy Makes All the Difference.

With fewer buyers and more homes competing for attention, selling successfully takes more than simply putting your home on the market.

Here are four strategies that can make the difference:

1. **Price Strategically:** The right price attracts serious buyers and creates interest from day one.

2. **Make a Lasting First Impression:** Beautiful presentation, thoughtful staging, and strong curb appeal help your home stand out.

3. **Negotiate Wisely:** Flexibility can turn buyer interest into a successful closing without sacrificing your bigger goals.

4. **Adapt to the Market:** Buyer feedback and market activity tell us when to adjust our approach to maintain momentum.

The right strategy can make your home stand out, even in a slower market.

If you're thinking about selling before year-end, let's talk about the proven strategies I use to position homes competitively, attract qualified buyers, and maximize their value.

📲 Call or text us today!

John Kavanaugh 415.377.2924 | DRE 02058127
Joseph Kavanaugh 650.400.5312 | DRE 01351481

A Private Retreat Above It AllDiscover a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of Portola Valley, where breathtaking...
10/23/2026

A Private Retreat Above It All

Discover a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of Portola Valley, where breathtaking views, natural surroundings, and exceptional privacy come together on approximately 1.6 acres.

Nestled in the desirable Vista Verde neighborhood, this stunning residence offers soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and spectacular views of the Bay and rolling hills. Sun-drenched living spaces flow effortlessly onto spacious decks, creating the perfect setting for sunset gatherings, outdoor entertaining, or simply taking in the serenity of your surroundings.

A separate 1-bedroom, 1-bath guest house adds incredible versatility, whether welcoming visitors, working from home, or creating your own private studio.

Surrounded by mature trees and picturesque landscapes, this is more than a home. It's an escape from the everyday, without leaving the best of the Peninsula behind.

📍 205 Old Spanish Trail, Portola Valley, CA

4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2,810± Sq Ft
1.6± Acres | Separate Guest House
Offered at $3,150,000

🏡 OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, October 25 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

✨ Privacy. Panoramic Views. Endless Possibilities.

Join us this Sunday and experience the extraordinary lifestyle this Portola Valley retreat has to offer!

đź“© Contact us for more information or to schedule a private showing.

John Kavanaugh 415.377.2924 | DRE 02058127
Joseph Kavanaugh 650.400.5312 | DRE 01351481

Flashback Friday | Dumbarton Bridge, October 1985A look back at a simpler time along the Bay.In October 1985, anglers ga...
10/23/2026

Flashback Friday | Dumbarton Bridge, October 1985

A look back at a simpler time along the Bay.

In October 1985, anglers gathered at the fishing pier beside the new Dumbarton Bridge, casting their lines and enjoying a day on the water.

Fishing rods, familiar faces, and uninterrupted views of the Bay. A snapshot of everyday life on the Peninsula more than 40 years ago.

The landscape has changed, but moments like these remain part of the Bay Area's rich history.

🎣 Do you remember fishing here or crossing the Dumbarton Bridge back in the '80s?

Coming Soon | Portola Valley, CA 🌿Tucked among the rolling hills and natural beauty of Portola Valley, a special opportu...
10/23/2026

Coming Soon | Portola Valley, CA 🌿

Tucked among the rolling hills and natural beauty of Portola Valley, a special opportunity is coming to market.

Surrounded by mature trees and peaceful surroundings, this property offers a rare sense of privacy, space, and connection to nature, all within one of the Peninsula’s most sought-after communities.

A setting full of possibilities and a place to create something truly your own.

Stay tuned for more details and an exclusive first look!

đź“© Contact us for more information before this property officially debuts.

John Kavanaugh 415.377.2924 | DRE 02058127
Joseph Kavanaugh 650.400.5312 | DRE 01351481

10/23/2026

Some spaces are beautiful to look at. Others make you feel something the moment you walk in.

A fireplace has a way of creating that feeling. It becomes the heart of a room, setting the mood, inviting you to slow down, and making even the simplest moments feel special.

Picture a cool evening, the gentle crackle of a fire, a favorite drink in hand, and nowhere else you'd rather be. It's not just about warmth or design. It's about the experience of being home, the memories created, and the feeling you carry with you long after the evening ends.

10/20/2026

When buyers walk through a home, they see the rooms, the layout, and the possibilities. What they can't yet see are the memories they'll create, the milestones they'll celebrate, and the lives they'll build within those walls.

Years later, it's often the moments that could never be captured in a listing that make a house truly special.

Because finding the right home isn't just about where you live. It's about the life you'll create there.

**Live well with Coldwell Banker.** Let's find a place for everything that matters.

Mortgage rates change. Markets shift. Home prices fluctuate. But one thing remains clear: 74% of recent homebuyers say t...
10/20/2026

Mortgage rates change. Markets shift. Home prices fluctuate. But one thing remains clear: 74% of recent homebuyers say they're glad they purchased.

And there's a reason why.

Over the past five years, home values nationwide have climbed 33.4%, helping homeowners build equity while creating opportunities for their future.

The goal isn't to perfectly time the market. It's to make a smart move when the time is right for you.

🏡 Five years from now, will you be glad you bought, or wish you had started sooner?

Let's talk about what buying could look like for you.

John Kavanaugh 415.377.2924 | DRE 02058127
Joseph Kavanaugh 650.400.5312 | DRE 01351481

Address

116 Portola Road
Portola Valley, CA
94028

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