by Kathy Gibson | Feb 9, 2024 | Buying, Home and Garden, Market, Neighborhood, Open House, Selling, Uncategorized
California Association of Realtors 2024 Housing Market Forecast California housing market will rebound in 2024 as mortgage rates ebb. Existing, single-family home sales are forecast to total 327,100 units in 2024, an increase of 22.9 percent from 2023’s projected pace of 266,200. California’s median home price is forecast to climb 6.2 percent to $860,300 in 2024, following a projected 1.5 percent decrease to $810,000 in 2023 from 2022’s $822,300. Housing affordability* is expected to remain flat at 17 percent next year from a projected 17 percent in 2023. LOS ANGELES (Sept. 20) – Slower economic growth and cooling inflation will bring down mortgage interest rates in 2024 and create a more favorable market environment to spur California home sales next year, according to a housing and economic forecast released by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.). The baseline scenario of C.A.R.’s “2024 California Housing Market Forecast” sees an increase in existing single-family home sales of 22.9 percent next year to reach 327,100 units, up from the projected 2023 sales figure of 266,200. The 2023 figure is 22.2 percent lower compared with the pace of 342,000 homes sold in 2022. The California median home price is forecast to rise 6.2 percent to $860,300 in 2024, following a projected 1.5 percent dip to $810,000 in 2023 from $822,300 in 2022. A persistent housing shortage and a competitive housing market will continue to put upward pressure on home prices next year. “2024 will be a better year for the California housing market for both buyers and sellers as mortgage interest rates are expected to decline next year,” said C.A.R. President Jennifer Branchini, a...
by Kathy Gibson | Aug 7, 2023 | Buying, Market, Neighborhood, Open House, Selling
Pasadena, CA Mon Aug 07 2023 This week the median list price for a single family home in Pasadena, CA is $1,596,500 with the market action index hovering around 53. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 52. Inventory has increased to 88. In the last few weeks the market has achieved a relative stasis point in terms of sales to inventory. However, inventory is sufficiently low to keep us in the Seller’s Market zone so watch changes in the market action index. If the market heats up, prices are likely to resume an upward climb. South Pasadena, CA 91030 Mon Aug 07 2023 This week the median list price for a single family home in South Pasadena, CA 91030 is $1,895,000 with the market action index hovering around 46. This is about the same as last month’s market action index of 46. Inventory has decreased to 14. The market has been cooling off a bit in recent weeks, as more homes are available and demand is less. We’re already seeing prices move lower as a result. Expect this trend to continue especially if the index falls to the Buyer’s zone. Watch for a persistent up-turn in Market Action to signal prices rising...
by Kathy Gibson | Jun 12, 2023 | Buying, Market, Neighborhood, Open House, Selling
Market Pulse Policy makers in Washington D.C. avoided a default on its debt obligations as Congress and the Whitehouse engineered a last-minute deal to raise the debt limit. In anticipation of the agreement, mortgage rates have already been heading down for several days after having risen above 7% as worries over the debt ceiling reached fever pitch. And despite higher rates in May, the U.S. labor market showed little signs of cooling down as employers added nearly 340,000 new jobs last month—well above expectations and raises the prospect that the Fed may have to raise rates one more time to help get inflation under control. Pasadena, CA Mon Jun 12 2023 This week the median list price for a single family home in Pasadena, CA is $1,549,495 with the market action index hovering around 51. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 50. Inventory has increased to 88. Market Action Index = rate of sales vs. inventory In the last few weeks the market has achieved a relative stasis point in terms of sales to inventory. However, inventory is sufficiently low to keep us in the Seller’s Market zone so watch changes in the market action index. If the market heats up, prices are likely to resume an upward climb. La Canada Flintridge, CA Mon Jun 12 2023 This week the median list price for a single family home in La Canada Flintridge, CA is $2,998,000 with the market action index hovering around 46. This is less than last month’s market action index of 48. Inventory has increased to 31. In the last few weeks...
by Kathy Gibson | May 30, 2023 | Buying, Market, Neighborhood, Open House, Selling
Pasadena, CA Tue May 30 2023 This week the median list price for a single family home in Pasadena, CA is $1,600,000 with the market action index hovering around 51. This is about the same as last month’s market action index of 51. Inventory has held steady at or around 81. In the last few weeks the market has achieved a relative stasis point in terms of sales to inventory. However, inventory is sufficiently low to keep us in the Seller’s Market zone so watch changes in the market action index. If the market heats up, prices are likely to resume an upward climb. Monrovia, CA Tue May 30 2023 This week the median list price for a single family home in Monrovia, CA is $1,398,000 with the market action index hovering around 61. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 60. Inventory has increased to 23. The market continues to get hotter. More sales demand and fewer homes listed have contributed to a relatively long run of increasing prices. Current supply and demand levels show no sign of prices changing from their current...
by Kathy Gibson | May 30, 2023 | Buying, Market, Open House, Selling
Op-Ed written by Ron Wynn, Compass So Cal agent In the fast-paced and ever-changing world we live in, it’s easy to become complacent and comfortable with what we have. This is particularly true when it comes to our financial decisions, especially when it involves something as significant as an interest rate. Many individuals find themselves holding onto low-interest rates for dear life, afraid to let go and explore new opportunities. But what if this mindset is holding us back from truly living a full and exciting life? In this article, we will delve into the concept of being a prisoner to your interest rate and challenge you to reevaluate your priorities. The Rent-Controlled Apartment Dilemma: Let’s start by examining the example of individuals who have lived in rent-controlled apartments in New York for several decades. While it may seem like an advantageous situation on the surface, there’s a deeper question to consider: Have they missed out on other experiences and opportunities by holding onto their rent-controlled status? While their friends and peers moved around, exploring different neighborhoods, raising families, and building equity through real estate investments, those clinging to their rent-controlled apartments may have limited themselves in terms of personal growth and financial gains. The 3% Interest Rate Trap: Similarly, many individuals today find themselves trapped by low-interest rates on their mortgages or other loans. While a 3% interest rate is indeed attractive and worth preserving, it’s essential to recognize the potential trade-offs. By fixating solely on keeping that low rate, individuals may miss out on life-changing opportunities, such as pursuing new career paths, starting their own businesses, or...
by Kathy Gibson | May 26, 2023 | Buying, Home and Garden, Market, Neighborhood, Open House, Selling
Did you know? California Representative Jimmy Panetta in March introduced legislation with Mike Kelly from Pennsylvania that doubles the amount of money homeowners can exclude from declaring on their taxes when they make a profit on the sale of their home. Under the “More Homes on the Market Act,” when a homeowner sells their home, they’ll be able to exclude $500k for single filers and $1 million for joint filers. It would also be indexed to inflation moving forward. Currently, the legislation only allows for single filers to exclude $250k in gains and $500k for joint filers. The amount, set in 1997, hasn’t changed in 26...