Potentially a Decade of Recovery?

My friend, Mike Simonsen with Altos Research (they provide the charts for my ‘How’s The Market?’ pages) was recently interviewed on the Fox Business Network, along with Anthony Sanders, Finance Professor at George Mason University. Interesting conversation, but not particularly uplifting.  Simonsen indicates that it “…could be a decade of recovery.  Banks have tons of… [Continue Reading]

The Housing Bottom? Not Yet

Housing market collapse

The housing bottom can be an elusive thing.  Determining when we’ve actually arrived can only be seen in retrospect, but clearly there are some signs that indicate, we haven’t quite seen the end of this housing recession. As I’ve said before, there are several things that have me concerned about the housing market in Orange… [Continue Reading]

When Is The Market Going to Go Back Up?

Gap Gauge Chart

I was in my local coffee shop last week and ran into a friend.  He asked me the question I hear more than a few times a week: “When is the real estate market going to go back up?” There’s no question that we’ve taken a hard fall in our Orange County values – a… [Continue Reading]

It’s a Buyer’s Market – Or Is It?

I did some research for a client tonight and the findings are important to share with readers here.  If you are a serious buyer or seller, this information is telling.  Please stick with the tedium of the stats because the story it tells is meaningful. This particular buyer is looking in Mission Viejo between $450,000… [Continue Reading]

“Real Estate is Back!”

Is Real Estate Back

Maybe. I remember in the early stages of the boom, there were whispers of a ‘bubble‘.  By 2005, it had turned into a dull roar.  In 2006, economists were shouting at us while many of us were turning a deaf ear, convinced that this market was an exception.  I know – not you – just… [Continue Reading]

Maybe the Solution Isn’t a $700 Billion Bailout

Brainstorming a solution

There has been much discussion about the big bailout.  But in case anyone with any influence is listening – I have an idea that could make a big contribution to our market recovery.  Just call anytime and I’ll share my insight with you – from the trenches.  I’ll be waiting for your call. For the… [Continue Reading]

Predictions for Market Recovery in the OC

Home prices

There has been some sun peaking through the storm clouds of the Orange County real estate market which is bringing rise to the question, ‘When will we see the real estate market recover?’ There is still tremendous volatility in the banking industry and financial markets but there are some bright spots.  We have already begun… [Continue Reading]

Have We Hit Bottom?

Yesterday, the Orange County Register had an article entitled ‘O.C. Homebuying Slump Ends After 33 Months’. I love that title and I hope that it’s true.  I have some concerns: The coming election will likely slow buying activity. Based on past real estate years it’s likely to be a bit slow with buyers taking a… [Continue Reading]

Orange County Market Recovery?

Orange County

One of the biggest speculations today is, ‘When is the real estate recovery?’  We can’t have an economic recovery without it.    I got an email from a client and friend this morning.  He and I have had some wonderful conversations about the market over the last couple years.  As I was putting together an email… [Continue Reading]