A surprising 44% of Americans thought the housing market would crash and values would plunge, according to a LendingTree survey conducted at the end of last year. A shocking 52% of millennials believed in a 2024 crash.

✨Experience the magic of the holiday season by exploring Orange County’s most enchanting neighborhoods adorned with dazzling holiday lights. From extravagant displays to charming community traditions, these locations are sure to brighten your festive spirit. Explore these popular locations and let the season’s glow guide you to unforgettable memories.

Get into the holiday spirit with festive events all around Orange County! 🍊✨ From sparkling Christmas lights to the magical Knott's Merry Farm, there's something for everyone this December. Enjoy winter fun at SoCal’s Ultimate Winter Festival, explore the Sawdust Winter Festival for art and holiday cheer, or head to Laguna Beach Hospitality Night for festive street celebrations. 🎁 Don't miss the Tamale Festival, Dana Point Parade of Lights, and more local festivities like the Fountain Valley Tree Lighting and Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Check out these must-see events to make your season merry and bright! 🎄🎉

🍂✨Discover the top fall and winter events in Orange County, featuring outdoor ice skating, Thanksgiving Turkey Trots, and family-friendly apple picking. Celebrate with Dia de los Muertos activities, the Village Art Faire, and the Taste of San Clemente. Enjoy holiday fun at the St. Martin Lantern Parade, Surfing Santa Competition, and Swedish Christmas Fair. With seasonal markets, crafts, and parades, there’s something special for everyone this season in Orange County!

With so many varying viewpoints and narratives swirling about the Orange County housing market, taking a step back to assess current real estate trends can provide much-needed clarity. As we enter the final stretch of the 2024 housing market, a few pivotal trends are emerging that offer valuable insights for Orange County sellers, buyers, and investors alike. Here’s a look at the Top 3 Real Estate Trends identified by my colleague and seasoned housing economist, Steven Thomas, shedding light on what to expect in the Orange County market as the year concludes.

As the inventory continues to rise, more sellers are reducing their asking prices or pulling their homes off the market altogether, indicative that far too many homes are overpriced.

Fall is here, and Orange County is bursting with vibrant activities for everyone! 🍎 Whether you're looking to pick fresh apples, find the perfect pumpkin🎃, or dance at Oktoberfest, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 🍂✨

Housing has been slowing through both the Spring and Summer Markets, yet the slowdown has picked up its pace since transitioning to the Autumn Market.

Mortgage rates have plunged from 7.5% in April to 6.34% today, opening up a window of opportunity for buyers who should not wait.

Housing is much different this year compared to last year, with more FOR-SALE signs, more OPEN HOUSE directional arrows, and longer market times.

Longer market times and more price reductions are very strong indicators that sellers will net less upon closing.

While the inventory may still be limited and not even close to returning to pre-pandemic levels, there are finally more homes coming on the market. There are 18% more sellers than last year.

It is best to step back from all the narratives, opinions, and noise whirling around the housing market and focus on the trends.

The Orange County inventory has been on the rise and is starting to pick up steam, unlike last year when it continuously dropped through mid-April.

After bouncing along a record-low number of homeowners willing to sell in the high mortgage rate ienvironment for over a year, there were more new sellers in January compared to 2023, the first “Green Shoot” sins rate soared higher in 2022.

You don't have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of opportunities to eke out extra savings.

As you get ready to sell your house, focus on tasks that make it inviting, show it’s cared for, and boost your curb appeal.

If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years as home prices skyrocketed and you made your monthly mortgage payments. Home equity builds over time and can help you achieve certain goals.

Over the past few years, a real estate buying frenzy bid up home prices to eye-popping amounts. However, as mortgage rates have risen, buyer demand has cooled. ¹