California real estate trends: downsizing baby boomers and multi-generation families seek small, efficient and versatile homes
California real estate trends show consumers and builders leaning in a new direction when it comes to housing design.
Category archives for:
Vicki Johnson
Housing market FAQ: how to decipher real estate market updates
Not sure how to decode the latest real estate market updates? Talk to a professional broker for a personalized take on the numbers.
California housing market leads the way to recovery in the wake of subprime mortgage loan crisis
The California housing market is on the mend as decreased foreclosures and increased market activity help to stabilize local real estate.
Seize the season: make the most of autumn opportunity in the San Diego real estate market
Visitors to San Diego often comment on the delightful year-around sunshine. However, they also have a tendency to ask the same question: “don’t you miss the seasons?” Of course, local San Diegans know that we in Southern California have our own subtle seasons – each of which comes with distinctive signs and enduring charms. And just like in other parts of the country, seasonal change affects activity in the San Diego real estate market. While many assume that it is always best to sell real estate in the spring and summer months, there are also distinct advantages to selling in the fall. Just as there is something to love about every season of the year, there is also benefit to be found in every season in real estate. The trick is knowing how to make the most of autumn opportunity – and getting help from an experienced real estate agent who can guide you through the process.
Thinking of investing in beach property foreclosures? Stay on the pulse of San Diego real estate trends
San Diego has seen a marked increase in short sales in the last quarter, according to a recent U-T San Diego real estate report. Thanks to improvements in the local market, foreclosures have dipped by 25.3% — a shift that industry experts believe is due in part to more homeowners seeking short sales as an alternative. These developments spell good news for overall market recovery. But for those considering an investment in beach property foreclosures, how will changing San Diego real estate trends impact buying decisions?
Decoding the 3.8% investment income tax: a guide for La Jolla real estate owners
As of January 1, 2013, some forms of investment income will be subject to a new 3.8% investment income tax. The exact parameters of this tax have sparked some confusion among La Jolla real estate owners and investors; and now the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has issued a brochure in response to clarify the matter. According to the NAR, the tax will not apply to all real estate transactions. However, it will be imposed upon some forms of income derived from rents, interest, dividends and capital gains.
Luxury home sellers and buyers: find the best real estate agent for success in high-end markets
Despite a slow upturn for the housing market at large, luxury real estate is enjoying momentum – especially in the Southern California coastal markets like San Diego and Orange County. For those looking to make a real estate change in theses areas, now is an ideal time to act. However, unlike the market for more modest properties, luxury markets come with their own set of rules. When trying to select the best real estate agent to help you buy or sell a high-end home, consider the following expert tips.
Mortgage rates fall to new lows, putting buyers with good credit in prime position
After watching mortgage rates fall to historic lows over the last few months, homeowners may be surprised to learn that rates across the nation are still on the decline. According to a report from USA Today, the average fixed mortgage rate on a 30-year loan fell last week from 3.84% to 3.83% — bringing us back to market conditions unheard of since long-term mortgages began in the 1950s. In addition, 15-year mortgage rates also dropped, dipping to 3.05%.
Making housing affordable: how today’s market offers opportunity for potential buyers
In last month’s column, we discussed the impact of rental market activity when it comes to making housing affordable for homebuyers. Now, there is even more evidence to support the correlation – and to inspire potential buyers to quit paying rent and purchase a home. According to a recent report from the California Association of Realtors, owning a home is currently more affordable than renting in 98 of the country’s 100 largest metropolitan areas. San Francisco and Honolulu alone maintain housing prices high enough to make renting a better option; meanwhile, even historically pricey markets like New York, Los Angeles, Boston and San Diego offer long-term residents a rare window of opportunity for great real estate value.
Rental market boost bodes well for housing market recovery
The real estate market has taken an undeniable hit in the wake of the recession; but a recent report from the Los Angeles Times notes a silver lining in the form of thriving rental activity – and with it, a sign of hope for the long-awaited housing market recovery As home prices remain in decline and potential homeowners struggle to secure mortgage loans, rentals remain an attractive option for many would-be buyers. As Zillow chief economist Stan Humphries tells the Times, “It is an issue of supply and demand,” with the foreclosure crisis operating as “a giant engine converting owner households into rental households.” This in turn has spurred a rise in rental prices – and subsequently, an uptick in investment activity on the part of hedge funds, government entities and even individual buyers that promises to fuel market stability.
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North Coastal News
- Kudos to City of Del Mar’s Finance Committee Pension Sub-Committee May 18, 2013Hats off to the members of the City of Del Mar’s Finance Committee Pension Sub-Committee for the 18-plus months they spent learning the ins and outs of the City’s $23,000,000-plus pension obligation. They really have a well-researched understanding of the issues and the politics and the challenges of the City’s pension liability, and as we approach the next […]
- Time to forget or time to remember? May 18, 2013Jordan Rosenfeld, in his letter of May 9, said it’s time to stop the comparisons with Hitler and Nazi Germany, such as made by Jim Donovan (me) and Tom Pickwell in making their (separately submitted) cases against Big Brother in America and his ever bigger and bolder encroachments upon the liberty fought for by our inspired founders and guaranteed by the Con […]
- One Paseo – I really don’t care May 18, 2013I really don’t care if Kilroy builds the One Paseo mixed use project. I am retired. I can wander over to Carmel Valley after the noon time rush and before the Torrey Pines High school gets out around 2:45 p.m. […]
