Coastal Markets May Gradually Cool

Home-builder companies operate in 25 states, but half of their revenue is from California, Florida and Texas. While the demand for housing continues in California, long-term interest rate increases could lead to a leveling-off of prices in this and other markets resulting in a "decleration" in building production. The debate over the housing bubble and its demise has raged for some time, but Standard & Poor's has joined the circle of moderates on predictions of stabilization rather than crashes.

Rates Climbing Upward

"Freddie Mac reports a boost in the 30-year mortgage rate to its highest level in five months, as the benchmark bumped up to 5.91 percent from 5.8 percent over the past week. " REALTOR Magazine, 9/30/2005. Do not be surprised if this trend does follow through, as it's been threatening to do for sometime.

Another 2006 Forecast for So. Calif.

The Anderson Forecast (UCLA) has released today its latest picture of the local economy and real estate, and as elsewhere, it sees a slowing in market pricing, interpreted by some as the dreaded bubble. According to the Daily Bulletin, "It will happen with time and result in smaller rates of appreciation. But it probably won't be a repeat of the early 1990s, when the local economy took a blow from falling real estate prices and widespread job losses," and "The economists say that the real estate bubble won't deflate with the kind of whoosh that comes with a popping stock market bubble in which equity values suddenly plunge." The Forecast is not online as of this post, but click here for an article about it.

Six Mortgage Myths--or Facts

Depending on how long you stay in a home, a 30-year mortgage may not be the yardstick to use on which mortgage is best, so a five-year-fixed-to-adjustable could be appropriate and you could save money too. Try a lender second of 10% if you have only 10% to put down, you won't be paying PMI which is not tax deductible, you will be paying loan interest which IS tax deductible. Read Bankrate's article on more tips.

Still A Moderate Price Increase in 2006

California Association of Realtors is forecasting continued home price appreciation next year, but the huge increases of the last seveal years will decline, as will the number of homes sold. The shortfall of available housing units, in C.A.R's 2006 forecast, about 50,000 annually, will continue to fuel California's housing economy. The median price statewide is expected to rise to $575,000, although certain areas will not experience as much of a price climb as others. Declining affordability has led to the development of new buyer assistance programs, and also a wave of loan products that inject more risk into the market for some buyers. Read here for more.

Long Beach Median Price

In August 2005, 453 single family residences and condos sold at the median price of $470,000, up from the median price of $388,632 in August 2004. See this city chart for more California city information. Breakdown by zip code is a different story: the median price in 90803(close to the shoreline) was $900,000 for a single family residence, and $519,000 for a condo--90813's median price was $360,000 for a single family home. See Dataquick's chart for all areas.

11th Rate Increase

The federal funds rate went up again, but mortgage rates are usually raised in advance of that increase. The rate on the 30-year mortgage varies slightly by region, but the average rate at 5.72 percent, according to the Morgage Bankers Association survey, is still low compared to rates in the last 10-40 years. While some thought that the Hurricane Katrina disaster might keep the Federal Reserve from taking this action, the Federal Reserve may well be raising rates again according to their own perspective.

Southern California Market Not Slow in August

Record prices and near-record sales pace ended the summer of 2005 in August. The median price in Los Angeles County rose to $494,000, up from $407,000 in August of 2004, the greatest percentage increase in Southern California counties. San Bernardino County's median price was the lowest at $344,000 for a single family home, while Riverside County rose from $344k to $388k from August, 2004. Interest rates are still low, despite several times showing an upward trend before slacking off. Click here for Dataquick's article.

Slowing Economy?

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage held around 5.8 percent, and rates on other mortgage products took a slight drop as recovery from Hurricane Katrina begins. In Los Angeles area the average was 5.84 percent for 30-year-mortgage rates. It is yet to be seen how much the flow of money into damage areas will affect housing costs in the rest of the country, but new home costs could rise a few percentage points, putting downward pressure on interest rates in the future.

New Homes Construction in Long Beach Marina

The site of the Seaport Marina Hotel at where Second St. meets Pacific Coast Highway may turn into 425 new homes by Lennar Homes. A lot of traffic mitigation, parking and city infrastructure impacts are up for community discussion. The addition of retail commercial in the 11-acre site will obviously be very significant at the already impacted intersection. Other commercial developments proposed for one of the last remaining open areas in Long Beach are also currently proposed. Read more about local development.