The Santa Barbara real estate market trends for 2024 have been admirable. In the first half of the year, there were 625 sales, a 12% increase compared to last year. While single-family detached homes accounted for 446 homes sold, reflecting a 15% increase over the same period as last year, condominiums and townhomes accounted for 179 homes sold, a 7% increase.
The average sales price for single-family detached homes rose by 14% to $3,714,928 while the median price rose by 7% to $2,250,000.
The average sales price for condominiums decreased by 3% to $1,135,143 and the median price rose 5% to $975,000.
In the second quarter of this year, all cash sales made up 42% of all sales, a 2% increase from the same period last year.
Inventory supply has picked up. The inventory supply has climbed to its highest level since 2020. Sitting at just over 3 months. Source: Fidelity National Title Company.
Click Read More below for charts, graphs, and video
Despite a recent uptick in mortgage rates, the California’s housing market continued to demonstrate resilience in February, reaching sales levels not seen since September 2022, according to the California Association of Realtors on March 19, 2024.
February’s sales pace jumped 12.8 percent higher from the revised 257,040 homes sold in January and rose 1.3 percent from a year ago, when a revised 286,290 homes were sold on an annualized basis. The monthly sales increase was the second straight month of double-digit gains for California. It was also the second consecutive month of year-over-year gains, but the improvement was mild. The sales pace remained below the 300,000 threshold for the 17th consecutive month. While it is likely that sales will stay below this level in the first quarter of 2024, statewide home sales on a year-to-date basis remained positive with an increase of 3.4 percent, suggesting a better spring home buying season than that experienced last year.
Click Read More below for the whole post, Santa Barbara real estate statistics, and video.
Mortgage rates have fallen for nine consecutive weeks and are expected to drop further although many think it’s unlikely that rates will drop below 6%.
The Federal Reserve’s campaign to lower inflation through rate hikes had a significant impact on the housing market. Now that inflation is easing, and interest rates are falling, it’s likely buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines might get back in the game.
The big question for 2024 is will there be a notable increase in inventory? The general consensus among real estate professionals is optimistic as you’ll see in the video included in this post. All expectations are for an increase in inventory. But, truthfully, only time will tell. All indicators at this stage look good without any significant unforeseen disruptions.
Click Read More below for Market Update, last year’s sale’s statistics, and a very timely Altos Research video.
Good news! The Wall Street Journal reported that slowing inflation caused Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to pivot away from raising interest rates and toward planning when rates might be lowered. The U.S. economic outlook has brightened in recent months because inflation and wage growth are slowing. Healed supply chain and an influx of workers to the labor force are curbing wage and price increases without causing broad economic weakness.
Plus! Barbara Corcoran’s takes on the real estate market. Spoiler Alert! When mortgage rates drop to around 6% prices will go up. If you’re waiting for prices to drop that may not be the best strategy. Check out the video and decide for yourself.
Click “Read More” below for the whole post and GMA video.
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.
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.
The California real estate market has shown signs of recovery in May, with home sales reaching the highest level in eight months and the median home price surpassing $800,000 for the second consecutive month. The market is demonstrating resilience and stability.
The Santa Barbara real estate market remains strong while interest rates hovers around 7%. On July 16, 2023, the current average interest rate for a 30-year mortgage was 7.14%. Source: Bankrate
All Cash purchases have picked up since last year here in Santa Barbara. All Cash sales for June of 2022 were 28%. This year for June was 40%, which may reflect the dramatic hike in interest rates this year.
Click Read More below for graphs, charts, and video.
If the supply of housing is constrained and unable to keep pace with rising demand, prices tend to increase. This scarcity can create a sense of urgency among potential buyers, who may be willing to pay higher prices to secure a property before it becomes even more expensive. This increased demand due to limited supply can further drive up prices.
Click Read More below for Santa Barbara real estate Market Trends, recent Sales data, and Videos.
Historically, the California real estate market has been known for its high prices and strong demand, driven in part by the state’s strong job market and desirable location. In recent years, the market has continued to be competitive, with low inventory and high demand leading to bidding wars and rapid price appreciation.
Overall, the California real estate market remains a dynamic and competitive environment, with strong demand, high prices, and tight inventory continuing to be major factors.
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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.
