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The Latest on the Luxury Home Market

Luxury living is about more than just stunning views and cutting-edge smart home technology—it's about elevating your lifestyle. And if you're in the market for a million-dollar home, now is an excellent time to explore the thriving luxury market. Here's why.

The Number of Luxury Homes Is Growing

The top of the market, or luxury homes, can mean different things depending on where you live. But in general, these are homes that are in the top 5% price range in any area. According to a recent report from Redfin, the average value of those homes has risen to over one million dollars: “The median sale price for U.S. luxury homes, defined as the top 5% of listings, rose 9% year-over-year to a record $1.18 million during the second quarter.”

That same report goes on to show the percentage of homes valued at a million dollars or more has risen to an all-time high.

Your...

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The Latest on the Luxury Home Market Luxury living is about more than just stunning views and cutting-edge smart home technology—it's about elevating your lifestyle.

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How the Federal Reserve’s Next Move Could Impact the Housing Market

Now that it’s September, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve (the Fed). The overwhelming expectation is that they’ll cut the Federal Funds Rate at their upcoming meeting, driven primarily by recent signs that inflation is cooling, and the job market is slowing down.

Why a Federal Funds Rate Cut Matters

The Federal Funds Rate is one of the key factors that influences mortgage rates – things like the economy, geopolitical uncertainty, and more also have an impact.

When the Fed cuts the Federal Funds Rate, it signals what’s happening in the broader economy, and mortgage rates tend to respond.

As Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), points out: “Once the Fed kicks off a rate-cutting cycle, we do expect that mortgage rates will move somewhat lower.”

And any upcoming Federal Funds Rate cut likely...

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How the Federal Reserve’s Next Move Could Impact the Housing Market Now that it’s September, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve (the Fed).

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Should You Sell Now? The Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the Scale

Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off? It’s a common dilemma, but here’s a key point to consider: your lifestyle might be the biggest factor in your decision. While financial aspects are important, sometimes the personal motivations for moving are reason enough to make the leap sooner rather than later.

An annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers insight into why homeowners like you chose to sell. All of the top reasons are related to life changes.

If you, like the homeowners in this report, find yourself needing features, space, or amenities your current home just can’t provide, it may be time to consider talking to a real estate agent about selling your house. Your needs matter. That agent will walk you through your options and what you can expect from today’s market, so...

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Should You Sell Now? The Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the Scale Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off?

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Could a 55+ Community Be Right for You?

If you’re thinking about downsizing, you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you. Here’s some information that could help you make your decision.

What Is a 55+ Community?

It’s important to note that these communities aren’t just for people who need extra support – they can be pretty vibrant, too. Many people who are downsizing opt for this type of home because they’re looking to be surrounded by people in a similar season of life. U.S. News explains: “The terms ‘55-plus community,’ ‘active adult community,’ ‘lifestyle communities’ and ‘planned communities’ refer to a setting that caters to the needs and preferences of adults over the age of 55. These communities are designed for seniors who are able to care for themselves but may be looking to downsize to a community with others their same age and with similar...

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Could a 55+ Community Be Right for You? If you’re thinking about downsizing, you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you.

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How To Avoid Today's Top Seller Mistakes

Want to know some of the top mistakes sellers are making today and how to make sure they don’t happen to you too? The biggest missteps are pricing a house too high, skipping repairs, not being objective, and not being willing to negotiate. And the best way to avoid falling into any of these traps is to partner with a trusted real estate agent who knows exactly what to do. Let’s connect so you have someone to lean on for advice.

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How To Avoid Today's Top Seller Mistakes Want to know some of the top mistakes sellers are making today and how to make sure they don’t happen to you too?

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Are We Heading into a Balanced Market?

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market over the past couple of years, you know sellers have had the upper hand. But is that going to shift now that inventory is growing? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

What Is a Balanced Market?

A balanced market is generally defined as a market with about a five-to-seven-month supply of homes available for sale. In this type of market, neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage. Prices tend to stabilize, and there’s a healthier number of homes to choose from. And after many years when sellers had all the leverage, a more balanced market would be a welcome sight for people looking to move. The question is – is that really where the market is headed?

For now, this is still seller’s market territory – it’s just not as frenzied of a seller’s market as it’s been over the past few years.

What This...

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Are We Heading into a Balanced Market? If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market over the past couple of years, you know sellers have had the upper hand.

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2025 Housing Market Forecasts: What To Expect

Looking ahead to 2025, it's important to know what experts are projecting for the housing market.

Mortgage Rates Are Projected To Come Down Slightly

Mortgage rates play a significant role in the housing market. The forecasts for 2025 from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and Wells Fargo show an expected gradual decline in mortgage rates over the course of the next year.

And many experts believe these signs will encourage the Federal Reserve to lower the Federal Funds Rate, which tends to lead to lower mortgage rates.

Expect More Homes To Sell

The market will see an increase in both the supply of available homes on the market, as well as a rise in demand, as more buyers and sellers who have been sitting on the sidelines because of higher rates choose to make a move. That’s one big reason why...

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2025 Housing Market Forecasts: What To Expect Looking ahead to 2025, it's important to know what experts are projecting for the housing market.

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What's the Impact of Presidential Elections on the Housing Market?

If you’ve been considering buying or selling a home this year, you’re probably curious about what the election might mean for the housing market – and if it’s still a good time to make your move.

Home Sales

In the month leading up to a Presidential election, from October to November, there’s typically a slight slowdown in home sales.

Some consumers will simply wait it out before they make their purchase decision. However, it’s important to know this slowdown is small and temporary.
Historically, home sales bounce right back and continue to rise the following year.

Home Prices

You may also be wondering about home prices. Do prices come down during election years? Not typically.

Home prices generally rise over time, regardless of an election cycle. So, based on what history shows, you can expect the current pricing trend in your...

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What's the Impact of Presidential Elections on the Housing Market? It’s no surprise that the upcoming Presidential election might have you speculating about what’s ahead.

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What Mortgage Rate Are You Waiting For?

You won’t find anyone who’s going to argue that mortgage rates have had a big impact on housing affordability over the past couple of years. But there is hope on the horizon. Rates have actually started to come down.

Expert Projections for Mortgage Rates

Experts say the overall downward trend should continue as long as inflation and the economy keeps cooling. But as new reports come out on those key indicators, there’s going to be some volatility here and there.

What you need to remember is it’s not wise to let those blips distract you from the larger trend. Rates are still down roughly a full percentage point from the recent peak compared to May.

Know Your Number for Mortgage Rates

So, what does this mean for you and your plans to move? If you’ve been holding out and waiting for rates to come down, know that it’s already happening. You just have to decide...

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What Mortgage Rate Are You Waiting For? You won’t find anyone who’s going to argue that mortgage rates have had a big impact on housing affordability over the past couple of years.

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How Growing Inventory Benefits Today's Buyers

While the number of homes for sale varies by local area, nationally we’re up over 36% year-over-year, but still down almost 29% compared to what’s normal. Here’s what that means when you buy: more options for your search, more negotiation power for you, it’s more likely sellers will make select repairs, and more moderate price growth. If you want to talk more about what rising inventory means for you, let’s connect.

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How Growing Inventory Benefits Today's Buyers While the number of homes for sale varies by local area, nationally we’re up over 36% year-over-year, but still down almost 29% compared to what’s normal.

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Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths

Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important.

1. I’ll Get a Better Deal Once Prices Crash

If you’ve heard home prices are going to come crashing down, it’s time to look at what’s actually happening. While prices vary by local market, there’s a lot of data out there from numerous sources that shows a crash is not going to happen. So, if you think waiting will score you a deal, know that data shows there’s not a crash on the horizon, and waiting isn’t going to pay off the way you’d hoped.

2. I Won’t Be Able To Find Anything To Buy

If this nagging fear about finding the right home if you move is still holding you back, you probably haven’t talked with an expert real estate agent lately. Throughout...

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Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear?

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The Number One Mistake Sellers Are Making: Overpricing Their House

In today's housing market, many sellers are making a critical mistake: overpricing their houses. This common error can lead to a home sitting on the market for a long time without any offers. And when that happens, the homeowner may have to drop their asking price to try to re-ignite buyer interest.

If you’re thinking about making a move yourself, here’s what you need to know. The best way to avoid making a costly mistake is to work with a trusted real estate agent to find the right price. Here’s a look at what’s at stake if you don’t.

Not Paying Attention To Current Market Conditions

Understanding current market conditions is key to accurate pricing.

Real estate agents stay updated on market trends and how they impact the pricing strategy for your house.

Pricing It Based on What You Want To Make (Not What It’s Worth)

Another...

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The Number One Mistake Sellers Are Making: Overpricing Their House In today's housing market, many sellers are making a critical mistake: overpricing their houses.

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How To Choose a Great Local Real Estate Agent

Selecting the right real estate agent can make a world of difference when buying or selling a home. But how do you find the best one? Here are some tips to help you make that big decision as you determine your partner in the process.

Check Their Reputation

Start by gathering information about agents in your area. From there, try to narrow down the list. Ask the people you trust if they have someone they’d recommend. You’ll want to find an agent with a strong online presence, plenty of positive reviews, and someone whose great reputation truly precedes them.

Look for Local Market Expertise

A great agent should have in-depth knowledge of what’s happening at the national and local level. That way they can clear up any misconceptions sparked by what you’re reading or hearing in the news.

Get a Feel for Their Communication Style and Availability

Effective...

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How To Choose a Great Local Real Estate Agent Selecting the right real estate agent can make a world of difference when buying or selling a home.

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How Mortgage Rate Changes Impact Your Homebuying Power

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ve probably got mortgage rates on your mind. That’s because you’ve likely heard that mortgage rates impact how much you can afford in your monthly mortgage payment, and you want to factor that into your planning. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates?

Mortgage rates have been trending down recently. While that’s good news for your homebuying plans, it’s important to know that rates can be unpredictable because they’re affected by many factors.

Things like the economy, job market, inflation, and decisions made by the Federal Reserve all play a part. So, even as rates go down, they can still bounce around a bit based on new economic data. As Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, says: “The ongoing deceleration in inflation, coupled with the...

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How Mortgage Rate Changes Impact Your Homebuying Power If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ve probably got mortgage rates on your mind.

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3 Reasons To Move in Today’s Shifting Market

The housing market is in a transition. And that gives you 3 key opportunities going into the fall. There are more homes actively for sale. Builders are motivated to sell, so a newly built home may be more achievable than you think. And mortgage rates have come down from their recent peak. If you’re ready and able to buy, you may find the housing market this fall a bit easier to navigate. Let’s connect to get started.

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3 Reasons To Move in Today’s Shifting Market The housing market is in a transition. And that gives you 3 key opportunities going into the fall.

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What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House?

When you're thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. Think of it like your financial report card that lenders look at when trying to figure out if you qualify, and which home loan will work best for you. As the Mortgage Report says:

"Good credit scores communicate to lenders that you have a track record for properly managing your debts. For this reason, the higher your score, the better your chances of qualifying for a mortgage."

The trouble is most buyers overestimate the minimum credit score they need to buy a home. According to a report from Fannie Mae, only 32% of consumers have a good idea of what lenders require. That means nearly 2 out of every 3 people don’t.

So, here’s a general ballpark to give you a rough idea. Experian says:

“The minimum credit score needed to buy a house can range...

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What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House? When you're thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle.

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The Great Wealth Transfer: A New Era of Opportunity

In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in how wealth is distributed among generations. It’s called the Great Wealth Transfer.

Basically, as more Baby Boomers retire, sell businesses, or downsize their homes, more substantial assets are being passed down to younger generations. And this creates a powerful ripple effect that’ll continue over the next few decades.

Impact on the Housing Market

One of the most immediate effects of this wealth transfer is on the housing market. Home affordability has been a concern for many aspiring buyers, especially in high-demand areas. The increase in generational wealth is expected to ease some of these challenges by providing future homeowners with greater financial resources. As assets are passed down through generations, buyers may find themselves in a better position to afford homes.

Impact on the...

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The Great Wealth Transfer: A New Era of Opportunity In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in how wealth is distributed among generations.

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Is Affordability Starting To Improve?

Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home. And while affordability is still tight, there are signs it's getting a little better and might keep improving throughout the rest of the year. Here’s a look at the latest data on the three biggest factors affecting home affordability.

1. Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates have been volatile this year, bouncing around from the mid 6% to low 7% range. But there's some good news. Data from Freddie Mac shows rates have been trending down overall since May. When rates decline, it's easier to afford the home you want because your monthly payment will be lower. Just don’t expect them to go back down to 3%.

2. Home Prices

The second big thing to think about is home prices. Nationally, they’re still going up this year, but not as fast as they did a couple of years ago. As Odeta Kushi, Deputy...

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Is Affordability Starting To Improve? Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home.

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Are There More Homes for Sale Where You Live?

One of the biggest bright spots in today’s housing market is how much the supply of homes for sale has grown since the beginning of this year.

Recent data from Realtor.com shows that nationally, there are 36.6% more homes actively for sale now compared to the same time last year. That’s a significant improvement. It gives you far more options for your move than you would’ve had just a year ago. And with supply improving, you’re also regaining a bit of negotiation power. So, if you’re someone who thought about buying a home over the last few years but were discouraged by how limited inventory was, this should be welcome news.

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, says, “Increased housing supply spells good news for consumers who want to see more properties before making purchasing decisions.”

While we’re up by almost 37% year-over-year, we’re still not...

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Are There More Homes for Sale Where You Live? One of the biggest bright spots in today’s housing market is how much the supply of homes for sale has grown since the beginning of this year.

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Home Inspections For Sellers: How To Prepare

If you’re thinking about selling your house, it’s important to know what the home inspection is and what inspectors look for. As supply grows and buyers regain negotiation power, you may find you want to do some select repairs with a good return on investment before listing to get ahead of things a buyer may ask you to fix. To decide what's worth tackling, you need expert advice. Let's chat so you know what to prioritize.

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Home Inspections For Sellers: How To Prepare If you’re thinking about selling your house, it’s important to know what the home inspection is and what inspectors look for.

Huge price reduction on this waterfront property! Now priced to sell at $1,899,999!!! That's $468 /SF - the best priced waterfront property in Delta Coves. Take advantage of the 4.625% Assumable Loan Balance! ALL Dacor built-in appliances, Whirlpool washer/dryer & 3 TVs included. A private boat dock for all your water toys & immediate access to over 1000 miles of waterways w/ limitless opportunities to boating, fishing, water sports and adventure!! Upon entering the front door of this highly coveted Boathouse model, experience the breathtaking view of the sprawling backyard veranda, your private dock & the lagoon. A true gourmet kitchen, great room w/ linear fireplace & vast 16-foot sliding glass door blurring the lines between indoor comfort & outdoor serenity. 3 gorgeous levels reveal 5 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. The primary level boasts a Jr. Grand Bedroom/Bath Suite, additional 1/2 bath & "Snack Alley" providing easy access to drinks, snacks & extra towels. Don’t miss the 3rd level – The Crow’s Nest featuring an oversized guest suite w/ full bath. Activities galore await you at Island Camp, a 15,000 sq ft epicenter of social life. You'll be AMAZED by the camp amenities including the Club Room, Swim Complex, Game Pavilion, Movement Studio & Fitness Center, Sports. If you like luxury living & Delta Lifestyle this is a must buy property!! Reach out- Olga, TeamOlgaSells at 925-325-3713 REALTOR®, #01918793

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🏡Open House !⁠🏡

Saturday, August 10th Noon-4PM

📍754 Altessa Drive
Brentwood Hills
Brentwood, CA 94513
4 🛌🏼 | 2.5 🛁 | 2771 Sq Ft ⁠ | 7784 SF Lot
Offered at $887,000

✅ Paid Solar
✅ No HOA (Homeowner's Association)
✅ Zoned for top-rated schools!
✅️ 2.375% Assumable VA Loan Balance

Welcome to your dream home in the highly sought-after Brentwood Hills! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence offers an abundance of versatile living spaces to suit all your needs - the perfect abode for multi-generational living!This home features a cozy living room, an open dining area, a great room and a flex room perfect for a home office, a study room, or game room. All 4 bedrooms, laundry room are located on the 2nd level. The large primary suite provides a private retreat with plenty of space to relax and unwind. Sitting on an almost 8,000 SF lot, the spacious backyard is ready for you to design your own backyard water oasis. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the close proximity to the pristine 18-hole Shadow Lakes Golf Course. Downtown Brentwood & The Streets of Brentwood, offer fantastic shopping and dining options- both just a short drive or walk. With no HOA fees, PAID SOLAR and easy access to freeways & E Bart for commuters, this home is a perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and luxury. Brentwood Hills is zoned for the top-rated Brentwood schools including Heritage High. ***2.375 Assumable VA Loan Balance***Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to live in one of Brentwood’s finest neighborhoods!

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Where Will You Go After You Sell?

If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available. But here’s the good news: the supply of homes for sale has grown in a lot of markets this year – and that’s not just existing, or previously-owned, homes. It’s true for newly built homes too.

So how do you decide which route to go? The choice is yours – you just need to figure out what’s most important to you.

Here are some benefits of buying a newly built home right now:

>>Have brand new everything with never-been-used appliances and materials
>>Use energy efficient options to save money and leave a smaller footprint
>>Minimize the need for repairs and benefit from builder warranties
>>Take advantage of builder concessions that can help with affordability

Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, shares, “Homebuyers who are looking for that...

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Where Will You Go After You Sell? If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available.