Blog

Latest Macroeconomic Data Released Last Week Suggest That the Economy Remains Solid

With the Fed expected to adjust rates downward in their next few meetings, the housing market should pick up some momentum throughout the rest of the year.

 

 
Coastal bay dotted with boats below a hillside neighborhood, with Maura Short banner.
 

September 7, 2024

Good morning,

 

Latest macroeconomic data released last week suggest that the economy remains solid, with the cooling trend in inflation continuing at the start of Q3 2024. Both consumers and business leaders feel upbeat in general and have a positive outlook about the near future. With the Fed expected to adjust rates downward in their next few meetings, the housing market should pick up some momentum throughout the rest of the year. 

 

If you have any questions regarding our local market, please reach out.

Have a great weekend!

 

Information + Updates

Did You Know?

Since 1980, rents have risen 1.27% faster than inflation in the U.S.

 

Did You Know?

US Housing starts are on track to fall 16% this year mostly due to higher borrowing costs.....thanks FED! Higher rates have done more damage to the housing sector than any other.....and were supposed to cool inflation....even though housing has been one of the biggest contributors to higher inflation.

 

Did You Know?

30-year fixed-rate mortgages are at 6.35% as of Aug. 29 compared with 6.95% as of July 4. (Bloomberg)

 

Did You Know?

More than 11,000 people in the U.S. are turning 65 every day and the vast majority—77% of Americans age 50 and older—want to live as long as possible in their current home. 24-hour professional care at home can cost $250,000 and more per year. (WSJ)

 

Did You Know?

The American Booksellers Association founded in 1900 and representing more than 2,500 independent bookstores, saw its membership grow by 11% in 2023 as 291 bookstores opened, including 230 brick-and-mortar stores, 34 pop-ups, 18 online and nine mobile stores. An independent bookstore can fuel the fabric of a town.

 

Did You Know?

Three vacation rules of highly successful people - maybe something to practice during your well earned vacation

  1. They delegate to others that which may tempt them to be distracted from their vacation.
  2. They recognize the benefits of being cut off from work and social media.
  3. They maintain their healthy routines. (CNBC)

 

Did You Know?

Shockingly, one of the people who successfully sued the NAR .... has co-founded a new real estate startup. Josh Sitzer and his wife listed their home for sale in Kansas City but were frustrated they had to pay a 3% commission to a buyer’s agent. I mean, why could that agent not do the work for free???? Outrageous! He claims he was effectively coerced into paying 3% to a buyer’s agent in order to achieve a successful sale. He felt bullied into paying for undesired services due to unfair industry practices. He shared his frustration with his neighbor, who happened to be a lawyer familiar with the subject matter....and the rest is history. Flash forward: Sitzer has teamed up with partners to found a startup called Landian, which aims to help homebuyers benefit from the rule change that resulted from the lawsuit by offering flat-fee real estate agents on demand. The name Landian blends the words “Land” and “Guardian.” (TECH CRUNCH)

 

Did You Know?

Lower-income American households are running out of money at the end of every month, according to discount retailer Dollar General, with more than 20,000 locations across 48 states, painted a bleak financial picture for many of its customers after years of inflation and the depletion of savings built up during the pandemic. Shoplifting was also on the rise.

 

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

 

“I expect we’ll see declining short-term and then long-term rates, and the 30-year mortgage very likely coming down around 6% or below by the end of the year. That’s an environment in which I think it’s very likely you will get some pro-construction legislation.” 

 

–– Dean Baker

Senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research

 

––––––––

 

"Failure is more the result of randomness than human error." 

 

–– Marc Andreessen

Co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (FT)

 

Supporting Farmers Markets

Fresh fruits and vegetables in wooden crates at a market, with shoppers in the background.

Farmers Market Directory

 

Are you traveling and looking for the best local farmers markets?

Well fret no more and find the best local farmer’s markets.

Search Markets
 

Balancing Act

Swimmer wearing a snorkel and goggles in a lane of an indoor pool.

Olympic Gold Medalist Katie Ledecky Swimming with Cup of Chocolate Milk on her Head

 

What our athletes do in their training for higher performance…

Go, Katie Ledecky Go!

 

I wonder how many times it actually fell?????

Watch Video
 

Unstoppable

Social media graphic showing a Paralympic high jumper approaching the landing mat, with a caption about his 1.77-meter jump.
Watch Video
 
Unstoppable

Our olympians and their stories are extraordinary but recently, I have been digging into the Para Olympics…… WOW, Seriously WOW. Between Wheelchair Fencing, Para Archery, Para Swimming, table tennis…. The list goes on( 22 sports in all)……. The talent, grit and fortitude of these athletes is truly miraculous…...

Watch Video
Paralympic’s Schedule
 

For Sale

Aerial view of a San Juan Capistrano neighborhood with homes, green hills, and golf course.

30982 Steeplechase Drive | San Juan Capistrano

Watch Video
View Listing
 

For Sale

Aerial view of Emerald Bay beach, ocean, and hillside homes in Laguna Beach.

328 Emerald Bay | Laguna Beach

Watch Video
View Listing
 

For Sale

Aerial view of Emerald Bay, with boats anchored offshore and homes along the curved shoreline.

510 Emerald Bay | Laguna Beach

Watch Video
View Listing
 

Just Sold

Shopfronts with a red slatted facade and a bench along the sidewalk.
Listing for 308 Marine Avenue, Newport Beach: $2,895,000, 2,781 square feet, and 0.05 acres.
Watch Video

 

Flexible (Summer and Winter) Rental Available Year Round

Large two-story home with white trim, a broad driveway, brick steps, and landscaped front gardens.

Flexible Rental (Not 12 Months)

White modern Emerald Bay home with multiple garage bays, clipped hedges, and a glimpse of ocean.

*** BUYER NEED ***

 

Dear neighbors, I have a GREAT all cash buyer looking for home with a view, could be a fixer or could be a finished home up to $20M. Closing time frame is flexible. Please call me at 949-233-7949 if you are interested in selling.

Emerald Bay Market Update

 

We have 6 homes currently on the market ranging

from $9,000,000 - $32,000,000

 

Only 4 homes have sold this year, 3 of them have been off market:

 

154 Emerald Bay

307 Emerald Bay

1201 Emerald Bay

1415 Emerald Bay

 

Reach out to me for details…..

Overall sales (not just mine) in the last 10 years

in Emerald Bay YTD is…….

Table of annual sales counts and volume from 2014 to 2024 YTD, totaling $1.273 billion.
 
Current Emerald Bay Listings
Current Emerald Bay Rentals
Contact me for Emerald Bay pocket listings.
 
 
giphy image
Maura Short contact card with her portrait, real estate license number, phone, website, and email.
 
Facebook  Instagram  Youtube  
 

Work With Maura

Maura Short is known for her strong work ethic, broad industry know-how, and passion for architecture, in addition to her extensive network, confidentiality, and moral code. Combined with her wide-ranging local expertise, all of these assets result in favorable outcomes for both buyers and sellers under her care.
Contact
Connect With Me