In the four weeks ending August 23, new US listings ↑0.4% weekly, while total homes for sale ↑0.5%, reaching their highest levels since Early-Q2.
Pending US home sales ↓1.1% weekly to a 6-mo low, as high housing costs kept many buyers sidelined despite inventory improving nationally.
The median US home-sale price ↑1.9% yearly to >$400K, while the avg. mortgage rate sat near 7%, close to a 13-mo high.
Rising inventory and softer demand created buyer-friendly conditions, giving active shoppers more room to negotiate price cuts or concessions in many US markets.
Experts said homes listed for several weeks often offered the best leverage, while sellers benefited from realistic pricing instead of chasing prices from prior years.

It’s eye-opening to consider that California households now need an average of 14.7 years to save just a 20% down payment on a typical $776,200 home, even with a median income of $105,600. For someone earning minimum wage, that timeline stretches to a staggering 44.2 years. As property owners and long-time leasing professionals in L.A., Ventura, and Riverside Counties, we see firsthand how limited expansion—thanks to the Pacific on one side and mountains and protected land on the other—drives up land prices in our coastal communities. Add in tax rules that encourage owners to hold onto their properties, and the ongoing influx of new residents drawn by strong tech and healthcare job growth, and it’s clear why housing remains so competitive here. Unless wage growth can finally outpace home prices, planning ahead is more critical than ever—especially for first-time buyers navigating these challenging timelines. Having leased and sold hundreds of rental units ourselves, we understand how important it is to stay informed and think strategically about every move in this unique market.

We’re seeing Los Angeles housing trends take an interesting turn—prices are predicted to keep climbing through 2026, but the pace is expected to be more measured than the wild jumps we’ve seen before. Demand for homes is still strong and inventory remains tight, especially in those sought-after LA neighborhoods that everyone seems to want. From our two decades of leasing and selling in this market, we know how fierce the competition can be—both for buyers and for those of you looking to rent out your properties. Luxury homes are set to outshine the rest of the market, continuing to fuel sales and price growth into 2026. But affordability will stay front and center on everyone’s mind, pushing more buyers and renters toward condos, townhomes, or expanding their search to more budget-friendly areas around the city. As multi-unit owners ourselves, we keep a close eye on these shifts to help landlords and property owners find the right fit—whether that’s sourcing reliable tenants or helping buyers navigate evolving options across LA.

Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday.

Prep Early: Complete exterior maintenance—fix gutters, repaint, rake leaves, and brighten windows before cold weather limits improvements.

Warm and Welcoming: Keep interiors cozy and decorated; personal touches help buyers imagine themselves living there.

Avoid Neglect: Maintain curb appeal, keep utilities on in vacant homes, and price realistically to attract serious buyers.

Smart Offer Choices: Don’t just chase the highest price—consider buyer reliability, timing, and financing for the best outcome.

In Early-Q3, LA County's existing single-family median reached $888.1K, sitting just below the $900K threshold after a yearly ↓2.6% from the $911.4K reading.
LA County sales activity also cooled in Early-Q3, with existing home sales ↓0.9% yearly as affordability pressures continued limiting buyer purchasing power.
Analysts tied the slowdown to prices holding near $900K and mortgage rates staying elevated, conditions that kept monthly payments high and recovery constrained.
Mortgage rates averaged in the upper-6% range in Early-Q3, briefly touching a 12-mo peak before easing slightly, though borrowing costs still challenged buyers.
Looking ahead, expanding inventory and rates easing from peak levels could create more favorable conditions for LA County buyers in the coming season.

Assess finances, set a budget, include all costs: mortgage, taxes, insurance, closing, maintenance, utilities, and moving.
Lenders consider income, debt-to-income ratio (max ~43%), credit score, assets, and down payment for loan approval.
Down payments can be as low as 3.00%; $25,500 on $850K home vs. $170,000 for 20% down.
Explore programs: FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% down), USDA (0% down), H.E.R.O. Loan (0% down, no PMI for CA law enforcement).
Compare mortgage quotes within 30–45 days to minimize credit impact; credit unions offer guidance and flexible loan options.