Navigating the Los Angeles Real Estate Market Amid Trump Tariffs: A Buyer’s Perspective
As of May 2025, the Los Angeles real estate market finds itself at a complex crossroads. Buyers, already grappling with high interest rates and limited inventory, now face the added challenge of President Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on imported goods. These tariffs, which include up to 145% on Chinese imports and 25% on Canadian and […]
Breaking Down the Buyer Broker Agreement
Beginning August 17, 2024, every potential /buyers-guide/ will need to have a “Buyer Representation and Broker Compensation Agreement” signed to view property, and by extension, to write an offer to purchase a property. This extends to anyone who wants to visit an open house, even if they have no intention of buying it. So: what […]
When Can I Dump This Rate?
A year and a half ago the popular catchphrase among realtors encouraging their clients was “marry the house, date the rate.” Most of those daters have settled into long-term relationships at this point. Prospective homebuyers, or those who bought hoping to refinance when rates come down are likely facing a lengthy wait. The U.S. Federal […]
What Does the NAR Lawsuit Mean to You?
You’ve probably read the bold headlines about the changes coming to the Real Estate industry and may be wondering what that means to you if you’re in or entering the market as a seller or buyer; or just curious about changes in general. Below is a very basic explanation and includes my personal thoughts as […]
Election Years and the Housing Market
Presidential election years can be uncertain, both politically and economically. This uncertainty can lead to a slowdown in the housing market before the election if buyers and sellers take a wait-and-see approach. An election year tends to have the biggest impact on people’s psychology about the market – which may result in heightened tensions or […]
How Will the Anticipated Rate Cuts Affect the Real Estate Market?
The Federal Reserve has signaled 3-5 interest rate cuts this year, starting as early as May. What does this mean for the real estate market? Year over year, home sales in Los Angeles are down about 15%, although due to very low inventory and still a strong demand among buyers, home prices have increased slightly […]
Home for the Holidays
Should you list your home for sale during the holiday season? Conventional belief has generally been that it isn’t the best time to sell, but there are benefits to being on the market in December. Traditional reasons for not listing in December are that buyers are more focused on the holidays than a home search, […]
How Much Would You Pay to Live in Someone’s Backyard?
Accessory dwelling units, also referred to as ADUs and “granny flats,” have been available in California only as rentals. But a new law, Assembly Bill 1003, is giving Californians the opportunity to buy and sell them as separate properties. ADUs come in all shapes and sizes, most as converted garages or a small home in […]
Assume You Can Buy
Home loan borrowing costs climbed again this week, pushing the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate to its highest level in nearly 23 years, another blow to prospective homebuyers facing an increasingly unaffordable housing market. How is a buyer to get any relief from a sky-high monthly payment? An assumable mortgage might be one option. An […]
Your Angel Investor? The City of Angels
You’ve saved and saved, and you want to buy a home. With interest rates above 7% and prices remaining high due to strong demand and low inventory, you may wonder if your down payment is enough, and if homeownership is even a possibility. Good news! There is a new program that is offered through the […]