Preview Orange County Real Estate Blog

The Impact of Inflation on Mortgage Rates

If you’re reading headlines about inflation or mortgage rates, you may see something about the recent decision from the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But what does it mean for you, the housing market, and your plans to buy a home? Here’s what you need to know.

Inflation and the Housing Market

While the Fed’s working hard to lower inflation, the latest data shows that the number has improved, but the inflation rate is still higher than the target (2%). That played a role in the Fed’s decision to raise the Federal Funds Rate last week. As Bankrate explains:

“Keeping its inflation-fighting streak alive, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the 10th time in 10 meetings . . . The hikes aimed to cool an economy on fire after rebounding…

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SOLD! Experience Modern Luxury With This Stunning, 180 Degree Ocean View Property

The Aaronson Group has sold 26 North Vista de Catalina, Laguna Beach, Orange County, California for $6,500,000. (MLS® #OC23054660)

Experience Modern Luxury With This Stunning, Warm and Sophisticated Home Commanding Unobstructive, Breathtaking 180 Degree Ocean, White Water, Coastline, Catalina, Palos Verdes, City Light Views From Every Space (Even The Garage!). Prominently Positioned In Three Arch Bay, This Ground-Up Construction Completed in 2010 By Gallo Builders, Features An Open Concept Design, Voluminous Ceilings, Loads Of Floor To Ceiling Glass Flooding The Spaces With Natural Light, & Nearly 1,000 Sq. Ft. Of Sweeping Ocean Facing Decks. The Dramatic Great Room Features A Double Sided Fireplace, Exquisite Bar, & A Multi-Slide Door System…

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Why Today’s Housing Market Is Not About To Crash

There’s been some concern lately that the housing market is approaching a crash. And given some of the affordability challenges in the housing market, along with a lot of recession talk in the media, it’s easy to understand why that worry has come up.

But the data clearly shows today’s market is very different than before the housing crash in 2008. So rest assured, this isn’t a repeat of what happened back then. Here’s why.

It’s Harder To Get a Loan Now

It was much easier to get a home loan during the lead-up to the 2008 housing crisis than it is today. Back then, banks had different lending standards, making it easy for anyone to qualify for a home loan or refinance an existing one. As a result, lending institutions took on much more…

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Buyer Activity Is Up Despite Higher Mortgage Rates

If you’re a homeowner considering moving, you may wonder if it’s still an excellent time to sell your house. Here’s the good news. Even with higher mortgage rates, buyer traffic is picking up speed.

Data from the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring homes, helps paint the picture of how much buyer demand has increased in recent months (see graph below):

As the graph shows, the first two months of 2023 saw a noticeable increase in buyer traffic. That’s likely because the limited number of homes for sale kept shoppers looking for homes even during colder months.

To help tell the story of why the latest report is significant, let’s compare foot traffic this February with each February for the last…

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Think Twice Before Waiting for Lower Home Prices

As the housing market changes, you may wonder where it’ll go from here. One factor you’re probably thinking about is home prices, which have come down a bit since they peaked last June. And you’ve likely heard something in the news or on social media about a price crash on the horizon. As a result, you may be holding off on buying a home until prices drop significantly. But that’s not the best strategy.

A recent survey from Zonda shows 53% of millennials are still renting because they’re waiting for home prices to come down. But here’s the thing: the most recent data shows that home prices have bottomed out and are now rising again. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, reports:

“U.S. home prices rose by 0.8% in February . . . indicating…

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What Are the Experts Saying About the Spring Housing Market?

The housing market’s been going through a lot of change lately, and there’s been uncertainty surrounding what will happen this spring. You may be wondering if more homes will go on the market, what’s next with home prices and mortgage rates, or what the best advice is for someone in your current position.

Here’s what industry experts are saying right now about the spring housing market and what it means for you:

Selma Hepp, Chief Economist, CoreLogic:

“We see more competition among buyers . . . Housing supply also tends to grow during the spring months. And this is also the time of year when relatively more migration happens, as people graduate and move elsewhere looking for jobs.”

Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst, Bankrate:

“I…

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SOLD! One Of Southern California’s Most Opulent Estates in the Lower Enclave Of The Strand At Headlands

The Aaronson Group has sold 7 Oceanfront, Dana Point, Orange County, California, for $12,250,000. (MLS® #OC22240077)

Unveiling One Of Southern California’s Most Opulent Estates Prominently Positioned In The Guard Gated Lower Enclave Of The Strand At Headlands. Experience Modern Coastal Luxury & Breathtaking Ocean, Sunset & Coastline Views From This Stunning Soft Contemporary Residence Newly Constructed in 2018 Featuring 7255 Sq. Ft. Of Living Space Including 5 Bedroom Suites Plus A Bonus Room. The Spectacular Grand Main Level Transitions Through Automated Bi-Fold Doors To The Luxurious Outdoor Living Area With Glistening Pool, Soothing Spa, & Stunning Views Beyond. The Extraordinary Gourmet Kitchen Is Highlighted By Top-Of-The-Line Appliances, 2…

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In ESCROW! Single Level Highly Upgraded Home In Sought-After Section Of Lake Forest

Nestled in a Beautiful Community, This Single Level Highly Upgraded Home Is Prominently Positioned In The Sought-After Section Of Lake Forest. A Nearly 12,000 Sq. Ft. Lot Presents Opportunities To Expand, Or To Simply Enjoy This Charming Home With an Extended Outdoors Living Space Offering an Incredible Backyard With a Built-in Barbecue, Shimmering Pool and Spa, and a Tastefully Designed Casita - an Entertainers Delight. Entering Through The Welcoming Front Porch With Double Doors, The Spacious Light & Bright Living Room/Great Room With An Elegant Fireplace, Flows to a Finely Appointed Fully Remodeled Kitchen Boosts Exquisite Quartz Countertops, White Cabinetry, Soft-Close Cabinet Doors & Drawers, Tile Backsplash with Custom Inlay, Stainless Steel…

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Just Listed! Exceptional Ocean Front Property on Beach Road in Dana Point

This exceptional home offers a heightened beachfront living experience, situated in a 24-hour guard gated community with direct ownership of the beach up to the medium high tide line. Constructed on caissons, the sophisticated and stylish ambiance of the home is evident both inside and out, with new elegant lighting throughout, custom wrought iron railings, frameless glass balcony/deck railings, fresh interior & exterior paint, and exquisite marble walls in the family and primary rooms. The chef's remodeled kitchen is a culinary enthusiast's dream, equipped with high-end appliances including a sub-zero fridge, double ovens, marble and quartz counters, subway tile accents, and a stunning chandelier, all with views to the water, making it a perfect…

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In Escrow! Panoramic Hills and Ocean View Home on Temple Hills Drive, Laguna Beach

Almost to the top of Temple Hills Drive with panoramic hills to ocean views. There is so much potential for this huge lot to make this an amazing property! Technically 3 bedrooms but two offices and large bonus room theater could be converted to make 6 bedrooms. The property is a split floor plan 3 bedrooms down, office/additional bedroom with bath on entry way. 

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