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  • Average down payment for a home

    Average down payment for a home

    The down payment on a home is a percentage of the property's price paid for in cash upfront. Conventional loans require a minimum down payment of 3 percent, while FHA loans require 3.5 percent. VA loans and USDA loans don't require a down payment. In April 2023, 40% of respondents cited the inability to afford…

  • Most Expensive US Markets for Short-Term Rentals

    Most Expensive US Markets for Short-Term Rentals

    Here’s a list of the top 10 most expensive US markets for short-term rentals: Daily rate of a 3-bedroom rental: Oxnard, CA: $488 Scottsdale, AZ: $394 Austin, TX: $373 Las Vegas, NV: $360 Honolulu, HI: $315 Virginia Beach, VA: $304 Nashville, TN: $299 San Diego, CA: $295 Santa Clarita, CA: $292 Miami, FL: $290

  • Second Chance for Denied Tenants in CA Rent Relief Settlement

    Second Chance for Denied Tenants in CA Rent Relief Settlement

    The settlement provides new opportunity for >100K denied California tenants. The housing department will audit denials and improve access and the appeal process. California received $5.2B in federal relief funds, but faced criticism for rejecting applications without adequate explanations.

  • California Has a 4.1% Rental Vacancy Rate, 13th Lowest in the U.S.

    California Has a 4.1% Rental Vacancy Rate, 13th Lowest in the U.S.

    The COVID-19 pandemic caused a drastic transformation in how and where people live. Following the initial lockdowns, society re-opened with a strong emphasis on remote work and social distancing, leading to many relocating away from city centers. While some moved to more spacious and affordable Sun Belt states, many others ended up moving to suburban…

  • Move To One Of These 5 Places In Northern California For Amazing Affordable Living

    Move To One Of These 5 Places In Northern California For Amazing Affordable Living

    In Northern California, there are many affordable towns that offer a laid-back lifestyle, a tight-knit community vibe, and lower cost of living. Two towns worth exploring are Grass Valley and Anderson. Grass Valley is a vibrant Gold Rush town with a bohemian vibe, and features various events and festivals, plenty of outdoor activities, and captivating…

  • Short-term rental tax must be rejected

    Short-term rental tax must be rejected

    Senate Bill 584, by state Sen. Monique Límon, seeks to impose a tax on short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.), in order to raise funds for low-income housing. However, this bill would end up deterring people from seeking short-term rentals and increase costs, while also mandating expensive labor-union wages for private contractors. This would punish short-term…

  • Office Leasing Remains Robust in California’s Mixed-Use Projects

    Office Leasing Remains Robust in California’s Mixed-Use Projects

    The pandemic has had a major effect on the office sector, resulting in higher vacancy rates and a transformation in what employees are seeking from their office environment. Companies are now choosing urban mixed-use projects offering a variety of amenities, such as childcare, groceries, food, and health and fitness. The ROW DTLA is a prime…

  • Mortgage Rates Continue to Rise in the U.S.

    Mortgage Rates Continue to Rise in the U.S.

    Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate has increased to 6.79% and the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage rate has increased to 6.18% as of June 1, 2023. This is due to the current buoyant economy and the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike. Sign up for WPJ's free weekly…

  • Homebuyers Jump on the Chance to Lock in a Good Deal

    Homebuyers Jump on the Chance to Lock in a Good Deal

    Mortgage rates are still falling as the Fed announced another quarter-point rate hike in March. The avg 30-yr fixed rate ↓ to 6.42% and the avg rate on a 15-yr home loan ↓ to 5.68% last week. Also, the purchase demand has improved and home prices have stabilized. Demand for mortgages ↑ 3% WoW by…

  • Strategies and Loan Options for First-Time Homebuyers

    Strategies and Loan Options for First-Time Homebuyers

    Home prices ↑ 30.7% in just 2-yrs, making it difficult for many to afford a mortgage. There are ways to save on a mortgage, including loan programs Loan programs that allow for lower monthly payments can make homeownership more attainable. Adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) can offer lower monthly payments during the initial fixed-rate period.