Question of the week: How much do the rate changes by the Fed impact the market? Note in the bottom section of last week’s WR&MU when I listed the California ballot propositions I am voting “Yes”, I inadvertently omitted Proposition 39 (require voters to show identification). Answer: This was asked by friend and client Harvey […]
Question of the week: Do we need Prop 45? Answer: The last two Fridays we asked and answered Do we need Prop 37, and Do we need Prop 1? Both of the propositions are written to entice voter approval for more spending and regulations for “affordable” housing, and, in this writer’s opinion, neither proposition will […]
Question of the week: Do we need Prop 1? Answer: Last week we asked, and answered, Do we need Prop 37?, which if approved by voters will, among other things, enable the state to issue $25 billion in revenue bonds for down payment assistant program that consists of second-mortgages. If you missed the analysis from […]
Question of the week: Do we need Prop 37? Answer: No. Officially the Middle-Class Homeownership and Family Home Construction Act on your November ballot, Prop 37 ostensibly will enable affordable homeownership to eligible Californians. Using “middle-class” in the title entices many voters to believe voting “yes” will enable their ability to purchase an “affordable” home. […]
Question of the week: What’s next? Answer: In our last WR&MU, that went out September 9th, we discussed whether the Federal Reserve’s 2% target for inflation was realistic. This week the Fed’s Open Market Committee, which sets it’s benchmark interest rate, unanimously indicated that the 2% rate target was a hard target and they will […]
Question of the week: Is the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target realistic? CAUTION! My inner economist got away from me this morning and the following gets a bit (more than bit?) wonky. Nonetheless, I hope you will give it a read and let me know your thoughts. Answer: Why is this a question for your […]
Question of the week: Can we increase the value of our home without spending a lot of money? Answer: Yes! This Wednesday the Rotary of Long Beach engaged in its 8th Annual Feeding the Future event. Every year for the past eight years we have collected, sourced, food and hygiene products for the food banks […]
Question of the week: More costs that limit new housing construction… Answer: Last week we looked at the many costs that add up to make building new homes and units extremely expensive in California. Last March we covered changes in California laws for property owners building accessory dwelling units (ADU) on their properties. This week […]
Question of the week: Why isn’t more housing being built? Answer: Economics. Long time readers of the WR&MU have seen supply and demand as a reason for housing costs, rates, prices. This week we introduce an economic factor that is the primary reason that restrains construction of new housing: return on investment. With few exceptions, […]
Question of the week: Can I still sell or refinance my condo if the HOA has SB 326* issues? *California Senate Bill SB 326 became law in 2019 and requires condominium homeowners associations to regularly inspect balconies and other exterior structures to ensure they are safe. The law was enacted after a balcony collapsed in […]
