Author: Seabea Ghoph

Recently, I’ve been watching a notable trend: about one in five homes listed for sale saw a price cut in late Q3, while less than 6% were actually delisted. This shows that many sellers are choosing to stay in the market and recalibrate their expectations, rather than stepping back altogether. Meanwhile, conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rates shifted from the high-6% range at the month’s start to above 7% by mid-month, and continued to rise. Inventory grew to over 1.16 million active homes, and the national median listing price eased by about 1% month-over-month to $419,300, offering buyers a little more negotiating power. Although new listings dipped roughly 2% month-over-month to around 395,000, higher borrowing costs meant many buyers were still hesitant to take full advantage of these changes. As we move into early Q4, industry experts are keeping an eye on whether these challenging conditions will lead to further discounts, repeated price cuts, or longer times on the market. In a shifting landscape like this, creative and proactive marketing remains essential to ensure each property gets the attention—and results—it deserves.

Seller concessions are making headlines: in the rolling three-month period ending Mid-Q3, about 45% of US home sales included some form of concession—the highest share for this time of year since 2020. That’s up from roughly 43% a year earlier, highlighting a shift where buyers are gaining more room to negotiate as increased inventory and lighter competition reshape the market. Buyers aren’t just seeing price cuts; concessions now often include help with repairs, closing costs, or even mortgage-rate buydowns. This creates more flexible deal structures and gives buyers several ways to lower their total purchase costs. Notably, around 16% of homes sold in Mid-Q3 combined a price reduction with a concession, opening even more doors for buyers looking for value. As someone who believes in innovative marketing and creative strategies, I see these trends as opportunities to craft deals that work for both buyers and sellers—ensuring every client benefits from the evolving marketplace.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

It’s always fascinating to see just how much home equity shapes financial profiles here in California. Recent figures show that our state ranks second nationally, with a median home equity of $550,000—while median household net worth (after debts and non-housing assets) stands at $273,800. This gap highlights something many California homeowners experience: high property values can make us equity-rich, but sometimes less liquid when it comes to cash. When most of your wealth is tied up in your home, it can limit flexibility for other financial moves. Understanding exactly how much of your net worth is in your property can make a real difference when you’re considering refinancing, downsizing, or rethinking your overall strategy. California’s standout equity levels underscore both the strength of our market and the importance of diversification. As someone who takes an innovative approach with every property, I believe being well-informed about your home’s role in your financial picture is one of the smartest steps you can take.

California has taken a significant step to make small-lot home development more accessible by introducing a streamlined 60-day approval process for subdivisions of up to 10 homes on eligible infill sites—provided all requirements are met. For those of us committed to helping buyers find their footing in the market, this shift is promising: projects that qualify can now bypass both environmental review and public hearings, cutting through much of the red tape that often slows progress.

In multifamily zones, each new small lot must be at least 600 square feet, with an average net habitable floor space capped at 1,750 square feet. For the 10-unit limit, multifamily areas exclude ADUs and JADUs, while in single-family zones, only JADUs are excluded. Los Angeles set the pace for this approach years ago with its own ordinance, encouraging more compact, ownership-oriented housing options.

While the law's intent is to broaden homeownership opportunities (a mission close to my heart), there’s still some debate about whether these homes truly serve as accessible starter options. More recently, further changes have opened up vacant single-family lots for redevelopment, keeping the momentum going. As someone who embraces innovative strategies for every property, I see these updates as fresh opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.

As someone who’s always looking for new ways to bring value to my clients, I’m encouraged to see California’s housing market settling into a more predictable rhythm. Home prices are projected to climb modestly—about 3% to 4% each year through 2028—pointing to steady, sustainable growth rather than dramatic swings. With active listings around 156,300, buyers are seeing more options and less pressure, as inventory is expected to keep building through 2027. Still, affordability remains a challenge: just 18% of California households now qualify for a typical mortgage, down from 31%, making entry-level homes especially competitive. Most homes continue to sell at close to 100% of asking price, with 30-year fixed rates hovering near 6%—a figure likely to hold steady. While large urban hubs like Los Angeles County may need until after 2028 to return to earlier sales volumes, the overall landscape across California is showing a welcome sense of stability. I keep these trends top of mind as I craft innovative strategies for each property I represent, ensuring my clients are always positioned for success.