Thursday, July 9, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
What Could the Second Half of 2026 Mean for Home Buyers and Sellers in Los Angeles?
The first half of 2026 hasn't exactly been easy for anyone trying to buy or sell a home.
Mortgage rates stayed higher than many expected. Affordability remained a challenge. Global events created uncertainty in financial markets. And for many buyers and sellers across Glendale, Burbank, La Crescenta, and throughout Los Angeles County, the safest move felt like doing nothing at all.
But real estate markets rarely stay frozen forever.
As we move into the second half of the year, several indicators suggest the market may finally be preparing for a shift. While nobody can predict the future with certainty, there are reasons for cautious optimism.
Mortgage Rates Could Finally Start Moving Lower
Ask almost any buyer what kept them on the sidelines this year and you'll probably hear the same answer:
Mortgage rates.
Even small changes in rates can significantly impact monthly payments, which directly ...
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home buyer, home seller, real estate market 2026, housing market 2026, home buyer tip 2026, home seller tips 2026, seller tips 2026
Thursday, July 2, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
Think You Need a Huge Down Payment To Buy a Home? Think Again.
One of the biggest myths in real estate is that you need a massive down payment to buy a home.
And if you've been sitting on the sidelines because you're worried you haven't saved enough yet, here's some good news: today's buyers are putting down less money than they have in years.
According to Realtor.com, the median down payment in early 2026 was approximately $23,396, the lowest level we've seen since 2021. At the same time, the average down payment share dropped to 12.8% of the purchase price.
This shift is helping more buyers make the move into homeownership sooner instead of waiting years to save a larger amount.
Why Buyers Are Putting Less Money Down
Several factors are making smaller down payments more common today.
A More Balanced Market
During the frenzy of the past few years, buyers often felt pressure to put down larger amounts to strengthen their offers.
Today's market is different.
With more inve ...
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home buyer, home buying process, home buying, housing market 2026, move-up buyers, homebuying, home buyer tip 2026
Thursday, June 4, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
What Rising Inflation Means If You're Thinking About Buying or Selling in Los Angeles County
Inflation is back in the headlines and if you own a home or are trying to buy one in Los Angeles County, you are probably wondering what it means for you. Here is what the data actually shows, why it matters for mortgage rates, and what your real options look like right now.
Inflation Went Up, Here Is What That Actually Means
The government measures inflation in several ways. One of the most closely watched is the PCE, the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index. It tracks how much more people are paying for goods and services compared to a year ago.
That number has been climbing. A major driver is rising gas and energy prices tied to ongoing global conflict, which has pushed overall inflation to a 3-year high.
But look at the two lines in that chart. The yellow line shows overall PCE, that is the number spiking. The blue line shows core PCE, which strips out gas and ener ...
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home buyer, real estate market 2026, housing market 2026, homebuying, home buyer tip 2026
Thursday, May 28, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
Life Doesn't Wait for the Perfect Market, And Neither Should You
You've probably told yourself you'll make a move when rates come down. When prices soften. When the market feels less complicated.
But here's what a lot of people in Los Angeles County are quietly realizing right now: the market isn't what made them want to move in the first place.
Your home is still too small for your growing family. Or too big now that the kids are gone. Your parents are getting older and you need to be closer. You just went through a marriage or a divorce. Retirement is coming and this isn't where you pictured yourself living it.
Those things don't go away while you wait for better conditions. They just pile up.
Life Is the Real Reason People Move
According to the National Association of Realtors, 1 in 5 buyers last year said they felt they had to purchase a home at that time regardless of market conditions. Not because rates were low or prices were perfect. Because their life required ...
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home buyer, real estate tips, home buying process, home prices, home buying, housing market 2026, home buyer tip 2026
Friday, May 22, 2026 / by Vic Markarian
Newly Built Home Prices Hit a 5-Year Low. What Los Angeles County Buyers Need To Know
If you've been sitting on the sidelines because you thought a brand-new home was out of reach, the market just gave you a reason to take another look.
The median sale price of a newly built home has dropped to its lowest point since 2021, according to the latest Census data. For buyers in Los Angeles County who have been watching prices climb year after year, wondering if homeownership will ever feel realistic again, this shift is worth paying attention to.
Here's what the numbers show and what it actually means for you right now.
Prices on Newly Built Homes Have Come Down
After the aggressive price run-up during the pandemic years, new construction prices have pulled back. The national median is now sitting at around $387,400, the lowest it has been in nearly five years.
While every local market moves differently, the direction of that trend works in your favor if you are buying now. ...
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home buyer, los angeles, housing market 2026, home buyer tip 2026
