Recently I spoke with the manager of one of the larger Real Estate Companies here in southern Santa Barbara and we both agreed that the market has changed. It appears that the seller’s market may have peaked six to nine months ago, and many sellers aren’t too happy.
At the beginning of the year, this market was still hot, and a lot of homes that had been priced properly initially were selling over their asking price. But things changed, and some sellers may have missed the market. Right now we’re seeing lots of “price reductions” or what many listing agents rephrase as a “price improvement.”
Interest rates are through the roof. On Saturday, October 14, 2023, the current average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate was 7.89%, increasing 3 basis points compared to this time last week!
Buyers who are able to find the home that they’ve always dreamed of might consider an Adjustable Rate Mortgage set not to adjust for 3 or 5 years at a considerably lower interest rate than the current fixed rates being offered. If you’re not an “All Cash” buyer you should thoroughly investigate the various financing offerings that are currently available. There are more than a few. Also, there are some sellers who have assumable loans at a very low interest rate that they acquired during the Pandemic real estate market, and listing agents should definitely include that information at the front end of their marketing. It can be a game-changer.
Sorry to rain on anyone’s parade but the following data tells the story. Whatever side of the coin you are on, buyer or seller, good luck out there. If you’re thinking of buying or selling we can help.
Click Read More below for statistical data, video, and more information.
Housing Santa Barbara Day (HSBD), is a day advocating for more affordable housing opportunities for all Santa Barbara residents from all income groups. Housing affordability is vital for our homeless population, low-income residents, and all workers in all industries that support our community.
HOUSING SANTA BARBARA DAY 2023
Saturday, October 14, 2023
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
De La Guerra Plaza, Santa Barbara
Click Read More below for more information and Video.
The real estate market in Santa Barbara continues to remain buoyant even with high-interest rates. As the year progresses our unique coastal community continues to attract interest and investment in real estate.
Click Read More below for the California Association of Realtors Forecast for 2024 and a video from Altos Research with an overview of the National real estate market.
The Santa Barbara real estate market has enjoyed a historic run in home values over the course of a decade. As a result, real estate in Santa Barbara has become a luxury commodity. However, despite rapid appreciation, demand remains intact and should catalyze activity moving forward. It appears that today’s high prices aren’t enough to scare away buyers.
Click Read More below for sales statistics provided by Fidelity Title Company and a video about Market Trends nationally by Altos Research to give you a more defined overview of market conditions.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1866.
A very entertaining video with Tom Cruise and his Top Gun co-star Monica Barbaro on The Late Late Show with James Gorden.
Santa Barbara of yesterday is uniquely revealed in this video created by using augmented reality to overlay historical photographs on present day locations in Santa Barbara, California where they were taken.
Overall, homes in California are slightly less expensive than they were one year ago — but only very slightly. According to data from the California Association of Realtors (CAR), the median single family home sold for $777,500 in November 2022, compared to $782,480 in November 2021. Today’s significantly higher interest rates make that already-high price feel even less affordable.
This does not hold true across all areas of the state. For example, Fresno, Los Angeles and Orange County saw equally slight increases year-over-year, while the wine-country regions of Napa and Sonoma saw more significant increases.
Homes are also taking longer to sell, CAR reports. In October 2021, homes spent an average of 11 days on the market before selling. A year later, that number had more than doubled to 23 days on the market.
Click “Read More” below for Market Trends Statistics for Santa Barbara and artist information.
Fractional home ownership. One-eighth ownership. Basically a timeshare. What could go wrong?
Disrupter Pacaso, is a Bay Area-based company that buys homes and then sells fractional interests in them to second-home buyers. After the sale – in which the company makes a profit – the company then manages the home, and the co-owners use Pacaso’s technology to schedule time in the home.
What do Homeowners need to know about selling in today’s market? You’ve probably heard about the cooling of the housing market and you may be thinking of selling your home and wondering what that means for you. While it’s not at the same peak intensity we saw during the pandemic it’s still a seller’s market.
