Steve Spiro’s Blog

  • 2024 California Housing Laws: What’s Changing?

    2024 California Housing Laws: What’s Changing?

    Assembly Bill 1033 in 2024 permits the separate sale of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) from main residences. Sale of ADUs separately necessitates creating Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) for these condominiums.

  • California’s First-Time Homebuyers’ Average Age

    California’s First-Time Homebuyers’ Average Age

    Avg Californian first-time buyer age: 49 years old Financial limits drive California's homeownership gap with the nation.

  • Happy Valentine’s Day

    Happy Valentine’s Day

    Valentine’s Day occurs every February 14 around the world, and candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. By the middle of the 18th, it was…

  • Want to Buy a Home in 2024? Here Are 4 Ways to Help Make It Happen

    Want to Buy a Home in 2024? Here Are 4 Ways to Help Make It Happen

    Assess your finances before buying a home, save money, and consider different mortgage types. Make sure your credit score, debt, and income are in good shape. Be prepared for the costs of buying and owning a home. Research different mortgage lenders and apply for pre-approvals to find the best rate. Consider high-yield savings accounts as…

  • 2024 Trends Across California: Will the Market Rebound?

    2024 Trends Across California: Will the Market Rebound?

    2024 Expectations: – ↑ Inventory -Moderate price appreciation -Improved housing conditions with slight relief Realtor.com predicts diverging trends: -SF area: ↓ 0.8% in sales and ↓ 5.2% in prices -San Jose: ↓ 18.5% in sales but ↑ 3.1% in prices

  • The good, the bad and the ugly: America’s housing market in 2024

    The good, the bad and the ugly: America’s housing market in 2024

    The housing market saw a decline in sales last year due to high interest rates and low supply. However, with expected interest rate cuts, mortgage rates may ease, leading to increased home sales. On the downside, this could also drive up home prices, exacerbating the existing affordability issue. Additionally, there is a significant shortage of…

  • 2024-2028 Housing Market Predictions: A Gradual Thaw With Added Challenges

    2024-2028 Housing Market Predictions: A Gradual Thaw With Added Challenges

    The housing market will continue to be influenced by trends accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other factors such as an aging population, climate change costs, and the expansion of artificial intelligence. Sales will remain low as the housing market slowly thaws, and true home price discovery will be delayed. Population changes are…

  • California Migrant Farmworker Housing Crisis: Key Points

    California Migrant Farmworker Housing Crisis: Key Points

    Problem: – California farmworkers face a housing shortage, especially during off-seasons. Solution: – The state provides 24 seasonal migrant housing centers, offering affordable housing from April to November.

  • Happy Lunar New Year

    Happy Lunar New Year

    恭喜發財. Wishing you prosperity. Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration observed in China, with cultural and historic significance.The New Year celebration is centered around removing the bad and the old, and welcoming the new and the good. Traditional activities include reunion dinner, cleaning houses, visiting family members, setting off firecrackers and fireworks, and…

  • 2024’s Top 10 Affordable California Housing Markets

    2024’s Top 10 Affordable California Housing Markets

    -Clearlake: Scenic, outdoor activities like boating, fishing -Bakersfield: Vibrant city, country music scene, diverse industries -Fresno: Diverse housing, agriculture, educational opportunities -Eureka: Fishing industry, educational options

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