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...
by Kathy Gibson | May 15, 2023 | Buying, Market, Neighborhood, Open House, Selling
Recently the Fed enacted its 10th rate hike in its battle against inflation. They hinted that it may be the last but reiterated that much depends on incoming data as uncertainty on the health of the banking system and the overall economy amounts. Despite recent challenges, the labor market remains solid and added more jobs than expected. However, fewer job openings suggest that the 2-year labor shortage is beginning to normalize. Total construction spending increased, though single-family outlays continued to weigh on residential spending, which dipped for the tenth month in a row. Fortunately, California’s population decline slowed last year as births stabilized, deaths decreased, and foreign immigration rebounded. Pasadena, CA Mon May 15 2023 This week the median list price for a single family home in Pasadena, CA is $1,612,500 with the market action index hovering around 50. This is about the same as last month’s market action index of 50. Inventory has held steady at or around 82. 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 trend. South Pasadena, CA Mon May 15 2023 This week the median list price for a single family home in South Pasadena, CA is $1,974,500 with the market action index hovering around 60. This is less than last month’s market action index of 62. Inventory has increased to 12. 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...
by Kathy Gibson | May 1, 2023 | Buying, Home and Garden, Market, Neighborhood, Open House, Selling
The economy is growing, but at a slower pace. The GDP reading for the first quarter of the year suggests that the economy expanded, but momentum fizzled out. Consumers have been holding back on retail sales and personal spending despite improving real income for nine months in a row, while labor costs and inflation have been rising due to a strong labor market. The recent bank failures have added uncertainty to the economy’s long-term health and have suppressed consumer confidence. On the bright side, the short supply of existing homes for sale has pushed more home buying activity into the newly constructed housing sector, which comprised 33.2% of total single-family housing inventory in March – almost double the average before the pandemic. Pasadena, CA Mon May 01 2023 This week the median list price for Pasadena, CA is $1,599,500 with the market action index hovering around 51. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 47. Inventory has decreased to 82. 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 trend. Altadena, CA Mon May 01 2023 This week the median list price for Altadena, CA is $1,224,995 with the market action index hovering around 56. This is less than last month’s market action index of 57. Inventory has increased to 30. 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...
by Kathy Gibson | Apr 17, 2023 | Buying, Market, Neighborhood, Open House, Selling
Economic data released last week showed that the U.S. economy is losing momentum as the lagged effects of monetary policy tightening slow growth as intended. Retail sales and Inflation posted its second-straight monthly decline. However, prices remain elevated for core goods and services which will likely push the Fed to hike rates at their May meeting one last time by another 25 basis points. Consumers adjusted their expectations around inflation and although still relatively pessimistic overall, their long-term sentiment remains stable. Californians will continue to face inventory challenge besides in 2023, as fewer REALTORS® are listing properties ahead of the usual spring home buying season. Pasadena, CA Mon Apr 17 2023 This week the median list price for Pasadena, CA is $1,650,000 with the market action index hovering around 49. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 47. Inventory has decreased to 81. The market has been strong for several consecutive weeks. Reflecting these inventory conditions, with the MAI in the Seller’s zone, it is not surprising that prices have recently resumed their climb. Los Angeles, CA Mon Apr 17 2023 This week the median list price for Los Angeles, CA is $1,499,999 with the market action index hovering around 42. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 40. Inventory has decreased to 1,033. 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...