How Russia-Ukraine War Could Affect U.S. Housing, Economy
Russian airstrikes battered Ukrainian cities this week, and the conflict is being felt around the globe. Financial markets worldwide likely will feel the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the largest military operation in Europe since World War II. Economists are warning that the U.S. housing market should brace for some possible changes in […]
How Inflation Will Affect Homebuyers
Inflation refers to an increase in the price of goods and services in an economy. When price levels increase, each dollar buys less. Consequently, inflation results in a reduction of the purchasing power of money. You’ve seen it at the grocery store. You’ve seen it at the gas station. What does it look like in […]
A New Form of Homeownership in LA
Tenancies-in-Common, or TICs, are on the rise in Los Angeles. They appeal to many first-time homebuyers who have been priced out of the market, but is the opportunity as great as it seems? A TIC is basically a group of people pooling their resources to buy a multi-unit building. Instead of buying a condo and […]
You Can Remain Optimistic about the Housing Market
One of the most common questions I receive from my clients these days is: “Will there be a market crash?” I think this is a natural concern based on buyer concerns that they may be purchasing at the top of the market; as well as from sellers who wonder if they need to sell now […]
A Seller’s Conundrum: Selling & Buying in a Hot Market
It’s a great time to sell. Inventory is still at record lows and buyer demand is at record highs. Low mortgage rates mean this is the perfect time to upgrade or downsize your current living situation for an affordable price. That’s great news for sellers all around…..BUT, what about when you need to become a […]
Interest Rates: Some Perspective
Freddie Mac announced on March 4 that their 30-year fixed mortgage rate was over 3% for the first time since last July. That news dominated real estate headlines that day and the next. Articles talked about the “negative impact” it may have on the housing market. However, we should realize two things: The bump-up in […]
The Appraisal: To Waive or Not to Waive
It’s competitive and stressful enough for homebuyers in this market. While waiving the home appraisal contingency can strengthen an offer, it can also increase nerves during escrow. For every offer I’ve written on behalf of my clients this year, we have either waived the appraisal contingency entirely in our initial offer or had it countered […]
Welcome the Ox; Welcome Prosperity
I’m sure we were all happy to bid 2020 farewell. If you’re looking to extend the celebration, you may want to consider observing the Chinese tradition of welcoming the Lunar New Year. 2021 is the year of the Metal Ox. The Metal Ox brings career advancement, success in business, prosperity and wellness for all zodiac […]
Buyer Beware: It’s a Seller’s Market. How to Compete and Win!
These days it seems that it’s as hard to get an appointment for a showing as it is to get an offer accepted. We are still not able to hold open houses or broker’s opens in Los Angeles, and all showings must be by-appointment-only, no more than two buyers in the home at one time, […]
Loan Limits Expanded!
Just in time for Thanksgiving last week, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) gave home buyers another thing to be thankful. On November 24, the FHFA announced new 2021 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits for both conforming and high-balance loans. This is particularly important in California where home prices exceed the national average. […]