Category: Uncategorized

  • U.S. Home Prices up 1.29% Yearly

    U.S. Home Prices up 1.29% Yearly

    Current tracking showed US single-family existing home prices ↑~1.3% yearly, signaling a modest national gain rather than a sharp swing in overall housing values. The measure focused specifically on single-family existing homes, keeping attention on one important slice of US housing instead of blending together different property categories. The pricing indices adjusted for mix shift,…

  • California’s $11.25B Homeownership Bond Plan

    California’s $11.25B Homeownership Bond Plan

    The proposal pairs California homeownership support with $11.25B in investment, expanding property access and down payment assistance for low-to-moderate-income residents statewide seeking stability. $10B would support construction and rehabilitation of regulated rental housing, with affordability preserved for at least 55 yr, while buyer assistance offers preferential loan access. $1.25B is set aside for the state's…

  • Government Standards Enhance Quality and Value of New Homes

    Government regulations add about $132,000, or 26.4%, to the cost of a typical new single-family home, worsening housing affordability. Regulatory costs have risen 40% since 2021, with building code changes adding the largest burden. Delays and extra development standards are common, contributing to a housing shortage of 1.2 million homes. Builder confidence remains low, with…

  • Government regulations add nearly $132K to cost of new home, builders say

    Government regulations add about $132,000, or 26.4%, to the cost of a typical new single-family home, worsening housing affordability. Regulatory costs have risen 40% since 2021, with building code changes adding the largest burden. Delays and extra development standards are common, contributing to a housing shortage of 1.2 million homes. Builder confidence remains low, with…

  • California Debates Capping HOA Dues Hikes

    California Debates Capping HOA Dues Hikes

    California lawmakers debated a bill that would have required homeowner approval before HOA dues could rise by >8% in a single year. Under state law then, associations could raise dues by up to 20% without a vote; >1/3 of residents lived in HOA neighborhoods, median fees ~$300. Backers said an 8% vote threshold could give…

  • More Californians Benefit from Profitable Home Sales

    Home prices have risen 147% over 15 years, outpacing the unchanged federal capital gains tax exclusion of $250,000 for singles and $500,000 for couples since 1997. This causes many homeowners, especially in California, Hawaii, and Washington, to face significant tax bills when selling, leading them to delay moves and reduce housing supply. This trend is…

  • Part 1: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-July 2026

    June home sales rose 2.8% year-over-year but remain historically low, with seasonally adjusted annual rates staying low for over three years. Months-of-supply exceed pre-pandemic levels, though inventory growth has slowed. Regional differences exist, with some areas seeing price declines and others price increases. Homebuilders face challenges due to excess completed and under-construction homes, leading to…

  • L.A. County Property Value Tops $2T

    L.A. County Property Value Tops $2T

    County officials said the assessment roll set a record and showed Los Angeles County’s resilience, even after wildfire damage and a cooler Real Estate market. >$27B in property tax revenue is expected to support public education, safety, healthcare, libraries, parks, and other essential local government services countywide. Local officials said the roll remains a key…

  • Buyers See New Downpayment Leverage

    Buyers See New Downpayment Leverage

    Balanced or buyer-friendly conditions now appear across much of the country, giving shoppers more room to negotiate instead of overextending upfront cash. Increased inventory and moderating home prices are easing pressure on buyers, helping some offers compete without oversized downpayment commitments in today's Real Estate market. Some reentering buyers are using government-backed programs with lower…

  • Avorino Explains When an ADU Makes More Sense Than a Home Addition

    Homeowners deciding between accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and home additions should consider purpose, privacy, rental potential, cost, permits, utilities, site conditions, and long-term flexibility. ADUs offer separate living spaces ideal for rentals or multigenerational use, while additions expand the main home for shared household use. Costs and permitting vary widely; early planning and clear goals…