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The Housing Market Is off to a Strong Start This Year, With Home Prices Holding Steady and Demand Remaining High

Here’s what’s happening right now.

 
Panoramic beach with turquoise water, crowds on the sand, and homes along the hillside.
 

March 9, 2025

Good morning,

 

The housing market is off to a strong start this year, with home prices holding steady and demand remaining high. Here’s what’s happening right now:

 

Inventory is Tight – The number of homes for sale is still below historical averages, keeping competition strong in many areas. Well-priced properties are moving fast, often receiving multiple offers.

Prices Are Holding Firm – Our desirable location and strong job market continues to support home values. Median home prices remain stable, with slight increases.

Buyers Are Getting Creative – With mortgage rates fluctuating, buyers are exploring options like rate buydowns and adjustable-rate mortgages to make homeownership more affordable.

Sellers Still Have the Upper Hand – But Pricing Matters – While demand is strong, overpricing can lead to longer days on the market. Homes priced right are selling quickly, especially those that are updated and move-in ready.

Looking Ahead – As we head into spring, we anticipate more inventory hitting the market, giving buyers more choices. However, demand is expected to remain strong.

 

For personalized insights or assistance with your real estate needs, please don't hesitate to reach out.

 

Information + Updates

Did You Know?

Around 75% of residential land in the U.S. is zoned exclusively for single-family homes, the most costly and least dense type of housing.

 

Did You Know?

California has a population around 39.5 million with GDP over $4 trillion.

Texas has a population of almost 32 million people and GDP of around $2.6 trillion, New York has $2.3 trillion GDP with almost 20 million people collectively their GDP is larger than Russia's GDP of $8.3 trillion with only 63% of Russia's 145 million population. The UK's 69 million people has a GDP of around $4.15 trillion. Maybe another reminder of the spectacularly impressive economic stats of the US!

 

Did You Know?

The Justice Department has opened an investigation into the cause of soaring egg prices, including whether large producers have conspired to raise prices or hold back supply.....maybe GREED-flation is a thing after all? Perfectly timed as Easter egg season approaches! (WSJ)

 

Did You Know?

Blackstone closed $8 billion commercial real-estate debt fund, matching the record for this type of investment vehicle, another sign of a property-market rebound. Are they betting on a rebound or that rates remain high forcing those who've held onto real estate to get to 'the other side' to sell discounts? (WSJ)

 

Did You Know?

Electrical Supply in the US is growing:  the total number of electric power plants increased by 2,187 between 2020 and 2023. Canada's retaliatory tariffs on electricity could affect 1.5 million homes in Minnesota, Michigan and New York. (WSJ)

 

Did You Know?

Natural Gas prices are up almost 19% YTD mostly due to a colder winter and increasing demand for electricity (43% of electricity is derived from gas). The oil price is down around 6%. 51% of homes are heated with natural gas and just 4% with oil. More evidence of the impact supply-demand has on pricing. (CNBC)

 

 

A Source of Strength

English Speeches title card with grayscale portraits and glowing network lines.

One of the most powerful and influential speeches you ever heard. 

 

Mohammed Qahtani, a Saudi Arabian engineer, won the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking. 

 

In the winning speech, he highlighted power words can have. And this can be a source of strength,

Watch Video

Emerald Bay Market Update

Emerald Bay homes on a rocky coastal headland beside a crescent beach and the Pacific Ocean.

We have quite a few new properties coming to market:

 

Officially Coming Soon:

74 Emerald Bay $19,995,000

32 Emerald Bay $10,500,000

 

Off Market Listings:

1 property on the point at $30M

1 property on the New Hill (call for pricing)

2 properties on the Old Hill ranging form $6.9M - $15M

 

6 properties currently on the market

 

In Escrow

 

First sale of the year. Proud to represent buyer and seller.

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

510 Emerald Bay | Laguna Beach

 

$9,750,000

Watch Video
View Listing
 

Coming Soon

Aerial view of a coastal neighborhood and crescent beach beside deep blue water.

523 Emerald Bay | Laguna Beach

 

Contact me for details!

 

Flexible Year Round Rental

Large white coastal home with broad windows, brick walkway, and landscaped front gardens.
 

4 beds | 4 baths | 4,150 sqft

806 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

 

Flexible Year Round Rental

Available March

Hillside home with a three-car garage, landscaped hedges, and neighboring houses rising behind it.
 

5 beds | 4.5 baths | 4,398 sqft

822 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

 

Short Term Rental

Hillside home with a tiled roof, attached garage, and landscaped front yard

4 beds | 6 baths | 5,500 sqft

1010 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

 

Short Term Rental

Single-story white shingle house with a gray roof, landscaped front yard, and wide driveway.

3 beds | 3 baths | 2,135 sqft

153 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

 

Short Term Rental

 
White coastal home with multiple garage bays, clipped hedges, and a glimpse of ocean behind it.
 

4 beds | 5.25 baths | 4,200 sqft

809 Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach

 
 

Emerald Bay Market Update

 

We have 6 homes currently on the market ranging from $7,700,000 - $44,995,000 with several off market opportunities. 

 

I have buyers ranging from $5M - $30M so please call me if you are interested in selling your home!

 
Current Emerald Bay Listings
Current Emerald Bay Rentals
Contact me for Emerald Bay pocket listings.
 
 
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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.
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