As we roll in to the holiday season, the demand for housing continues to break records. The low interest rates are fueling "buyer power" to find a home and take advantage of lower monthly payments. To give you an idea of the strength of the current market, consider the following. - Lowest inventory of properties since tracking began in 2012 down 9%
- More homes have closed in 2020 compared to 2019
- Basic economics of supply & demand is the biggest influencer of current market trends.
- Expected Market Time 30 days (lowest level since tracking in 2012)
- Buyer frustrations with low inventory, however increased buyer power with low interest rates
- Sellers must price right, or their property will sit on the market.
- Currently only 122 foreclosures in all of Southern California
- Luxury market also fueled by increased demand up 223 pending sales or 80%.
- Active Luxury listings down 377 homes or 22% hence igniting demand
- COVID-19 has not terminated housing demand
- Interest rate 2.75-3.5% into 2021
Kevin Budde, President of Monarch Coast Financial writes, "As the vaccines are distributed and businesses open, the economy will improve and interest rates will increase." Budde continues..... "Steven Thomas, local Quantitative Economist specializing in Southern California real estate, is 100% correct. Affordability will lessen. Waiting to buy will cost more 12 months from now than today." One last thing...did you know these facts about Prop 19? Prop 19 | Family Transfer Property Tax Inheritance Deadline. Beginning February 16, 2021, if you transfer your property to your heirs (children or grandchildren if parents are deceased), through gift, estate planning gift after your passing, that property will be reassessed at the to full market value for annual property tax purposes. Your children will no longer inherit your property tax base with Proposition 13 values. Primary properties valued under $1M will be exempt, but all investment properties, even if a child plans to live in it, will be re-assessed to the full market value upon death. This is the largest property tax increase in California history. If you have a property that falls into this possibility with a family transfer, I strongly suggest you contact your financial advisor or account for further explanation and advice.
Let the light shine bright this holiday season.
My best, Susie 
"I can receive no higher praise than when a valued client recommends me to someone they know and trust. So please, don't keep me a secret!"
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