by Kathy Gibson | Sep 12, 2024 | Buying, Home and Garden, Market, Neighborhood
Buying a home is a monumental decision, often marked by excitement and uncertainty. Home buyers’ biggest dilemma is choosing between a starter home — a first step on the property ladder — and a forever home, where many years (if not a lifetime) will be spent. Understanding various considerations is critical to making this significant choice a little easier. Realtor Kathy Gibson shares more: Understanding Your Financial Landscape The first and perhaps most critical factor in your decision-making process is assessing your current financial situation and budget. Buying a home, whether a starter or a forever home, is a substantial financial commitment. Understanding what is fiscally feasible for you at this point in your life is vital. Consider your savings, income, debts, and other financial obligations. Remember that the cost of a home isn’t just the listing price; it includes property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and potentially homeowner association fees. Deciphering Loan Terms Another essential aspect is understanding the loan terms available for starter and forever homes. The type of loan, interest rate, duration, and down payment requirements can significantly impact your monthly expenses and long-term financial planning. Different loan products are tailored for various types of buyers and homes, so it’s essential to find the one that best suits your situation. Energy Efficiency — A Cost-Effective Future Evaluating a home’s energy efficiency is increasingly important. More up-to-date, energy-efficient homes — often found among forever homes — can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. These homes might feature better insulation, energy-efficient windows, solar panels, or newer HVAC systems to reduce your carbon footprint and lower utility bills....
by Kathy Gibson | Aug 12, 2024 | Buying, Market, Neighborhood, Selling
With the conclusion of the Olympics, the focus of the market has shifted back to inflation concerns. This week will see the release of two inflation reports, which are anticipated to further confirm the trend of cooling prices. Additionally, a retail sales report is expected before the week’s end, providing more insights into the economy’s health. Mortgage rates had recently fallen to their lowest since April 2023 but have risen again in the past few days. Positive outcomes from these reports could potentially drive mortgage rates back down. Pasadena, CA Mon Aug 12 2024 This week the median list price for a single family home in Pasadena, CA is $1,660,000 with the market action index (MAI) hovering around 49. This is less than last month’s market action index of 53. Inventory has increased to 102. The market has been cooling off consistently for several weeks, as more homes are available and demand is less. We have begun to seen prices move lower as a result. If the MAI falls into the Buyer’s zone, it is likely that prices continue their downward trend until we see some turnaround in Market Action....
by Kathy Gibson | Jul 1, 2024 | Buying, Home and Garden, Market, Neighborhood, Selling
Pasadena, CA Mon Jul 01 2024 This week the median list price for a single family home in Pasadena, CA is $1,880,000 with the market action index (MAI) hovering around 53. This is about the same as last month’s market action index of 53. Inventory has increased to 95. The market has started cooling and prices have recently plateaued. Since we’re in the Seller’s zone, watch for changes in MAI. If the MAI resumes its climb, prices will likely follow suit. If the MAI drops consistently or falls into the Buyer’s zone, watch for downward pressure on prices....
by Kathy Gibson | May 20, 2024 | Buying, Home and Garden, Market, Selling
Pasadena, CA Mon May 20 2024 This week the median list price for a single family home in Pasadena, CA is $1,875,000 with the market action index hovering around 56. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 55. Inventory has increased to 81. The market continues to get hotter. More sales demand and fewer homes listed have contributed to a relatively long run of increasing prices. Current supply and demand levels show no sign of prices changing from their current trend....
by Kathy Gibson | Apr 22, 2024 | Buying, Home and Garden, Market, Neighborhood, Open House, Selling
Pasadena, CA Mon Apr 22 2024 This week the median list price for a single family home in Pasadena, CA is $1,900,000 with the market action index hovering around 54. This is an increase over last month’s market action index of 52. Inventory has increased to 77. The market continues to get hotter. More sales demand and fewer homes listed have contributed to a relatively long run of increasing prices. Current supply and demand levels show no sign of prices changing from their current trend. ...