Editor's Note: We receive a commission from affiliate links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect the opinions and evaluations of our editors.

The real estate market in California

The real estate market in California is one of the most expensive in the U.S. and is adjusting to rising mortgage rates and inflation. However, the Golden State's housing market remains healthy in its various regions, including the advanced tech Bay Area and mixed-use Southern California.

Trends in the Californiareal estate market

Housing prices vary throughout California, but markets can follow the same trends. Several metro areas are in the early stages of transitioning from seller to neutral, though for''most buyers' housing remains expensive.

Trends in average sales price

The majority of average sales prices in California declined between 2022 and 2023. This is the latest average sales price information provided by the California Association of Realtors (CAR) for single-family home real estate transactions.

The affordability index for first-time homebuyers.

Many first-time homebuyers are having difficulty purchasing a single-family home in many California counties. For example, CAR reports that the statewide housing affordability index was 36 in the first quarter of 2023, compared to 58 statewide. A lower value means that housing is less affordable. Some of the least affordable''s regions are the Bay Area and Los Angeles, with scores of 35 and 36, respectively. In comparison, the Central Valley is one of the most affordable areas of the state, with scores of 50 in Sacramento and 51 in Fresno, two of the best places to live in California.

Californiareal estate market forecast

CAR forecasts an overall decline in sales volume and average real estate prices in 2023.

Fewer homes for sale

Sales of existing single-family homes declined 19.2 percent from 2021 to 2022. The association projects a 7.2% decline in the number of sales in 2023.

Decrease in median home values

Patient buyers are more likely to be given the opportunity to purchase a home at a lower price. After the median''homes that are currently on the market, depending on the current rate of home sales." While inventory is increasing, the highest rate in the past five years was recorded in January 2019 with four months of supply. Currently, the relative scarcity of homes for sale is a favorable factor for sellers.

The impact of remote working on the markets

Another key factor for home prices in cheaper counties and rural areas is the increasing popularity of remote work.

Recommended real estate
Buy in USA for 2650000€

Sale flat in Terney 2 809 000,00 $

4 Bedrooms

4 Bathrooms

249 м²

Buy in USA for 3107900€

Sale flat in Miami 3 294 374,00 $

2 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

218 м²

Rent in USA for 11480€

Rent house in Brooklyn 12 168,00 $

3 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

250 м²

Buy in USA for 6382400€

Sale villa in Miami 6 765 344,00 $

4 Bedrooms

4 Bathrooms

302 м²

Buy in USA for 2200000$

Sale house in LA with park view 2 200 000,00 $

3 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

218 м²

Buy in USA for 3581300€

Sale flat in Miami 3 796 178,00 $

2 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

185 м²

Without the need to commute to work every day, people can live in more favorable locations. Data from the CAR 2022 Consultation Survey shows that 42% of the 1,114 respondents expect full''remote work for an indefinite period of time. Another 22% are able to work from home on a part-time basis, allowing them to live in places that are not convenient for commuting.

It's time to buyreal estate in California.

If real estate market predictions in California turn out to be accurate, 2023 will be the best year to buy a home in many counties. Prices are projected to be at some of the lowest levels since the real estate market began its post-pandemic recovery, and inventory is increasing. One important factor in choosing the best mortgage rates is the 30-year mortgage rate. In November 2022, that rate hit its highest level in 20 years and dropped slightly toward the end of the year. More buyers''must wait for real estate prices to drop to offset additional interest costs and maintain an affordable monthly payment.

The time to sell a home in California

In most cases, it's better for homeowners to sell now rather than wait because median sales prices are declining in many counties and major cities. Although homes are staying on the market longer and price declines are becoming more common, inventory is still limited and a significant number of homes are selling at above asking price. As a result, you can sell a home quickly. However, selling may become more difficult if mortgage rates continue to rise, as fewer borrowers will be able to afford homes that still''stand at levels where mortgage rates were at historic lows in 2020 and 2021. The Californiareal estate market remains favorable for sellers, but buyers are regaining the opportunity to settle as local markets balance out in 2023. Fast and convenient mortgage loans! Check your rates today with Better Mortgage.

Comment