Five Signs The Market Is Changing Right Now

Number #1 question I get about real estate is "When Do You think the market is going to stop climbing, level out or go down?" I'm pretty sure the answer is "Now".  Every year since about 2011 the market has been on the rise.  Some years more than others and each year the seasons and holiday times would give way to the natural ebb and flow of the market but I'm starting to see a real change right now in, what would normally be, the high season for buying and selling.  I've worked with a number of sellers and buyers this year and just about a month ago a few things happened in my transactions that got me asking "Is this just my transactions this is happening in, or is this a trend that is showing signs of something else?"  So I started asking all the other realtors in my office and that I was working with.  At first, it seemed as if it were just my luck (or lack there of) that was witness to some interesting things going on in my sales.  Then my questions started reflecting back that other realtors were experiencing some abnormal set-backs as well.

Here are five things I'm seeing that may be signs the market is making a change. 

1.  A number of homes aren't flying off the market, even when priced and marketed very well.  In fact, many were staying on for a few weeks and months and even some were starting to drop their prices.

2. Buyers are starting to really ask for a lot of request for repairs that seemed more than I had experienced in years which made me believe they were okay if they lost this sale and confident that would find another and be just as happy. Whereas in years before, they felt lucky just to get their offer accepted and didn't want to rock the boat too much and lose out on a deal.

 3. We've seen rates being to climb a bit however, they are still low enough that they are considered very good rates by history's standards.  But when rates go up even just a bit, some people are pushed out of their price range and what they can afford leaving them to "hold off" and either wait to save more money, wait for prices to drop or wait to see if rates drop back again.

4. Well priced good homes are getting high interest right when they hit the market for the first week, but after that, interested parties are seeming fewer and further between.

5. Short sales are starting to show up more.


I've been interviewed by NPR, LA Times,  Realtor Magazine, Trulia, Real Estate Business Institute and many more regarding my expert opinion on the housing market.  While I can't make predictions, I have great insight into where the market is and what is happening.  If you have any questions or if you are considering buying or selling soon, call me today!

                                                                     

I also added some statistics on here about home sales year over year in 3 different areas for your reference as well. 

8 Tips To Help Keep You From Being a Victim of Real Estate Related Cyber Crime

If you are thinking about buying or selling a property, you need to be on high alert to this massive cybercrime targeting people like you.  The FBI is working overtime to stop this growing crime but the best defense is you knowing about it and being proactive in watching for some red flags.

Here is what's going on:  Buyer and sellers get into a contract for a property and when they do, money is exchanged.  Years ago, it was more common that when you were buying a home, you could send a check or money order to an escrow company for the deposit and down payment for the purchase of a home.  Today, it is more common that people wire money which is the term for electronically transferring it between two people or businesses.  Criminals have used this wiring of money as an opportunity to step in and steal it by falsifying their identity over an email as someone such as your real estate agent, escrow officer or lender.  Once they have practically identically copied someone's email address, email signature and even business logos and photos on emails, they send this "copy cat" email to buyers and sellers giving them false wiring instructions.  Buyers and sellers are sometimes completely unaware this scam exists so when they receive an email that looks exactly like their agent's, lender's or escrow officer's they don't think twice about its validity.  Here's an example of how this crime might go down....

The buyer finds the home of their dreams and gets an offer accepted. Once the offer is accepted, the buyer is contacted by the escrow company and sent a packet of papers with information about their purchase as well as instructions on how to wire their initial deposit into escrow.  The buyer is now also in constant contact with the lender and agent during the purchase and a lot of this is over email.  Cybercriminal has already looked up real estate agents, escrow officer, and lenders and sets their sites on many of them by sending an email that is a scam where there is likely an attachment or link that, when it is opened, allows the criminal to take over the email address and criminal can read emails to find out who is about to buy and what their contact information is.  The criminal then sets up an email that will look practically identical with the email address, email signature and more being replicated by the criminal. One of the ways they get the buyer's attention is by saying that funds must be transferred immediately and the criminal then attaches wiring instructions that actually go to their own bank.  They even change the email signature so that when the buyer thinks to call and question this, the buyer reads the phone number attached with the email and actually speaks to the criminal who is disguising themselves as the agent, lender or escrow officer.  The buyer then transfers money as directed which, for most people, is hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more.  Money is sent to the criminal's account.  The criminal immediately has money and money is gone.  FBI can sometimes stop the transfer only if they are notified immediately but sometimes this doesn't even help as the criminals have learned that if they do this crime near a holiday weekend such as the upcoming 4th of July, that may tie the hands of the banks who will be closed and also the buyer may not realize money didn't reach the right hands until the 3 day weekend is over and too much time has passed at that point.

Here are 8 tips to help keep you from being a victim of this crime:
1.  Tell each and every person you know who is thinking about buying or selling about this. Spread the word as much as you can!
2.  Have a conversation with your real estate agent, escrow officer, lawyer and lender about what they suggest you can do to avoid having this happen.
3.  Some people are choosing to go back to the old ways of using checks/money orders.  Talk to your agent and escrow officer and find out if this is possible and if so, what you need to do to make that work. (there may be time constraints on having the money released in check form that may conflict with contract deadlines)
**4. Have a phone conversation with your agent and have them verbally give you the lender and escrow officer's contact information and store it in your phone and only use that, rather than referring to the email contact info when reaching out to them. (This one is VERY important)
5. Be on alert for emails in which anyone is asking you to rush and send money.  This is the time to pick up the phone and call the number you originally have stored on your phone, or walk into the office of the person who sent you that email and verify it.
6.  Be on alert for any changes in wiring instructions sent to your email
7.  Visit the FBI's website to find out more information about this https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/international-bec-takedown-061118
8. Lastly, go back to #1 and spread the word about this as much as you can!

                                                                     

July 4th Fireworks 2018

Avalon/Catalina

July 4th- Firework shows at sundown.

Annual 4th of July Parade, Fireworks Display, Dinner at the Casino

Gold cart parade down Crescent Ave starts at 1PM.

Fireworks start at 9PM over Avalon Bay

1 Casino Way

Avalon, CA 90704

(310) 510-1520

https://www.catalinachamber.com/fireworks/

Burbank

Starlight Bowl - July 4th An American Celebration

1249 Lockheed View Dr.

Burbank, CA 91505

Gates open at 5:30 pm show begins at 6:30PM

Concert includes The High Street band

Purchase tickets online or at the Community Services Building, located at 150 North Third Street. http://www.starlightbowl.com 

Cabrillo Beach

Cabrillo Beach 3800 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, CA 90731

For the 69th Annual 4th of July Spectacular

Cabrillo Beach will host a FREE 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks show.

http://www.lawaterfront.org/events.php

**Calabasas

Calabasas High School

Gates open at 5 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.

Celebration includes live music, rides, crafts and games

Musically choreographed Fireworks Spectacular!

2855 W. Mulholland Highway

Calabasas, CA 91302

$10 admission price includes parking, entertainment and all activities

Tickets must be purchased in advance

http://www.cityofcalabasas.com 

Carson

StubHub Center

Soccer game and fireworks 

LA Galaxy VS DC United

Game starts at 7:30 p.m. Last year's event had fireworks after the game, however this year it is not clearly stated on the website that there will be fireworks. Please call to find out if you are interested in going. 

18400 S Avalon Blvd

Carson, CA 90746

http://www.stubhubcenter.com/events/detail/la-galaxy-vs-dc-united-2

Cerritos

Let Freedom Ring Celebration

Begins at 4 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m.

Cerritos Civic Center

18125 Bloomfield Ave.

Cerritos, CA 90703

(562) 916-1254

http://www.cerritos.us/main/city_calendar.php?trumbaEmbed=date%3D20170704#/?i=15

Claremont

4th of July Festival & Contests 

Memorial Park

840 N. Indian Hill Blvd.

Claremont, CA 91711

The day will be filled with a festival of games, concert, food, fun, parade and fireworks

http://www.claremontevents.com/

Culver City

West LA College

9000 Overland Ave

Culver City, CA 90230

(310) 287-4200

www.culvercityfireworksshow.com

Date: July 4, 2018 at 4pm

Diamond Bar

Music, food trucks and fireworks

 Diamond Bar High School

21400 Pathfinder Road

Diamond Bar, California 91765

https://www.diamondbarca.gov/764/4th-of-July-Blast

Downtown Los Angeles

4rth of July Block Party in Grand Park

200 North Grand Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90012

(323) 887-4427

Attendance is free, event begins at 3 p.m.

http://grandparkla.org/event/july4-block-party-2018/?instance_id=98373

Hansen Dam

11770 Foothill Blvd.

Lake View Terrace, CA 91342

featuring music and other live entertainment, food, and fireworks.

10 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.;

Event is free to the public

(818) 891-9399

https://culturela.org/event/4th-of-july-celebration-at-hansen-dam/

Hollywood

Hollywood Bowl

Go Go Go to the Bowl for the Go Go Girls and fireworks!
2301 North Highland Ave

(323) 850-2000

https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/367/

Hollywood (2)

Footloose and Fireworks! 

Hollwyood Forever Cemetery

6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles CA

Cost is $35. Doors at 7:15PM and Movie at 9PM

https://patch.com/california/studiocity/calendar/event/20180704/359912/july-4-footloose-fireworks-2018-forever-cemetery-hollywood

Irwindale Park

4th of July fiesta and fireworks spectacular

Fiesta begins at noon. Fireworks begin at 9PM

http://www.ci.irwindale.ca.us/documentcenter/view/861

La Crescenta

tickets are just $9 each pre-sale until July 3rd. They will be $10 at the gate. Children 7 and under are free.

Check website for advance ticket sale locations (recommended). Crescenta Valley High School, 2900 Community Ave.

(818) 248-2271

http://www.cvfireworks.com/event.htm

Lancaster

4-7:00 p.m.   Entertainment and food outside of Grandstand area

7:00 p.m.      Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Division

7-8:30 p.m.   Entertainment in grass area outside grandstands

9:30 p.m.      Free Fireworks Show*

http://www.cityoflancasterca.org/about-us/departments-services/parks-recreation-arts/special-events/hot-hot-hot-4th-of-july-extravaganza

Long Beach 

Fireworks cruise:

Tickets are about $45 dollars ages 3 and up; Boarding approximately 7:30 pm. Cruise approximately 2-2 1/2 hrs. in length. To purchase tickets please:

Call (562) 983-6880,

https://tickets.harbor-cruises.com/default.asp?searchdate=07/04/2018&MonthSubmit=x

The Queen Mary All-american July 4th                                                                  A day of entertainment for the whole family ends with a giant fireworks extravaganza. Prices are $44.00 per adult (ages 12+) if tickets are purchased prior to July 4th.
On July 4th at the door the price is $59 per adult (ages 12+)Prices are $24.00 per child (ages 4-11) if tickets are purchased prior to July 4th.
On July 4th at the door the price is $39 per adult (ages 4-11)

https://www.queenmary.com/calendar-of-events/july-4th/

Marina del Rey

Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and are launched from barge across the Marina's main channel

Parking is limited and local street closures (see “Road Closures” below) are planned to commence as early as 1 p.m. in some areas. We recommend that you arrive no later than 1 p.m. and stay for the day. See “Getting Here” section on the website for alternative ways to get around the Marina once you have arrived in town; use these methods for transportation to kayak/paddleboard rentals and other water activities to enjoy while you wait for the show.

Burton Chace Park (13650 Mindanao Way) and Fisherman's Village (13755 Fiji Way) are premier viewing locations

Parking fees range from $7 - $15

(310) 305-9545

https://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/july-4-marina-del-rey

Pacific Palisades

Begin your day with the 41st annual 5k/10k cross-country run. http://www.palisades10k.com/

4Pm: Food/Concert Gates OpenKid’s Activities & B Stage Concert Featuring:

• Arielle Martinez Cohen
• Trinity Rose
• Phat Trick
• Cohort  

6pm: Main Stage Concert Featuring:

• HEADLINER: The 2018 Palisades' Uplifters
• OPENER: Madi Rindge
• Tom Farrell's Palisades’ All-Stars (Sound Roads Music School)
• Palisades Charter High School Band (Alex Dale)

9PM: Fireworks

http://www.palisades4th.com/fireworks/

Pasadena

"Americafest 2016" at Rose Bowl Stadium

1001 Rose Bowl Dr.

Pasadena, CA 91103

12:00 PM – Parking Lots Open

2:00 PM – Family Fun Zone- Area H Opens5:00PM – Field Viewing Experience Reception Doors Open 5:30 PM – Doors Open7:00 PM – Performances Begin9:00 PM – Fireworks Begin

9:00 PM – Fireworks Begin

Tickets: $15 - General (5 and under free), $30 - Reserved

(626) 577-3100

https://www.rosebowlstadium.com/events/detail/america-fest

Pomona 

Pomona Fairplex

1101 W. McKinley

It's the 32nd annual fireworks spectacular at Fairplex.

Motor cross, Monster trucks (with rides) and Quad wars! 

General Admission starts at $18.50. Kids under 2 are free. 

 http://www.fairplex.com/events/kaboom

Porter Ranch

Shepherd of the Hills Church

19700 Rinaldi Street

Porter Ranch

A variety of free inflatable jumpers and obstacle courses until 8:30PM.

Free face painting until 8:30PM

Sprinkler zones to stay cool

Super Hercules military flyover by US Air Force 146th Airwing, Channel islands

Lots of food trucks! 

Event is FREE

https://www.shepherdchurch.com/4th

Redondo Beach

100 Fisherman’s Wharf Redondo Beach 90277

http://www.redondopier.com/event/meet-the-falconer-3/

Rosemead

I couldn't find information about fireworks this year however, it is possible that the information just isn't up at this point. Please check website or call for more information. 

http://www.cityofrosemead.org/

San Pedro -

7-10 p.m. Celebrate the Fourth of July on the water! Tickets are $75 for adults, $25 for children.

https://lamitopsail.org/community-calendar-2018/

Santa Clarita

festivities kick off with the Independence Day 5K and 10K 

http://calendar.santa-clarita.com/event/independence_day_classic_5k_10k_runwalk#.WyFV39MvzBI

Also enjoy the annual Santa Clarita "Grand Ole Flag" Parade beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Old Town Newhall

Firework show: 

Not only will the night’s sky display magnificent, luminous lights, the air will be filled with the sounds of KHTS AM 1220’s live soundtrack to compliment the ambience of the event.  Fireworks will be shot from the parking structure above Buca Di Beppo restaurant, so grab a grassy spot nearby and get ready to catch a show!

http://calendar.santa-clarita.com/event/city_of_santa_clarita_fourth_of_july_fireworks_show#.WyFWd9MvzBI

Santa Clarita (2)

Six Flags Magic Mountain 

Fireworks will be on display from June 30th-July 4th

https://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/special-events/july-4th

Santa Monica

No firework shows are happening in Santa Monica however, there is a great parade starting at 9:30am. 

https://www.santamonica.com/event/fourth-july-parade/

South Gate

4900 Southern Avenue

South Gate, CA 90280

Dazzling Fireworks Display starts at 9 pm on Baseball Diamond #1. For more information please call 323.563.5479

https://cityofsouthgate.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=947&month=7&year=2018&day=4&calType=0

Stevenson Ranch

Dr. Richard Rioux Memorial Park

26233 W Faulkner Dr.

Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381

Festivities begin at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.

http://parks.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dpr/Parks/Dr_Richard_H_Rioux_Memorial_Park

Studio City

This year Studio City will not be having fireworks but check back next year as things may change.

http://www.studiocitychamber.com/

Sunland Tujunga

The Family Fireworks Festival is held at Verdugo Hills High School’s Turner Stadium. The main entrance is off Hillrose Avenue at the athletic field. Gates open at 5pm and there will be live music, fun games, and  food. The gates close at 8:30pm and shortly after 9pm, the 20+ minute fireworks show lights up the sky. 

http://sunlandtujungafireworks.com/

West Covina

Independence Day Celebration

& Fireworks Spectacular

Wednesday July 4th 2018

4:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

*NEW LOCATION*

Big League Dreams West Covina

2100 S Azusa Ave, West Covina, CA 91792

http://www.westcovina.org/departments/community-recreation-services/independence-day-celebration

Woodland Hills

July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

Warner Ranch Park

21820 Califa St.

Woodland Hills, 91367

PARKING: $20 – Park in any of the Warner Center structures between Topanga and Canoga or Califa and Oxnard. Over 20 food vendors, arts and crafts booths and a children’s play area for your enjoyment. COME EARLY!

General admission if FREE but there is a VIP treatment you can find our more about. 

http://valleycultural.org