Worried about the mortgage or rent? Help for homeowners and renters affected by COVID-19
We know you’re worried, the coronavirus has already affected you in so many ways. But there is some help with the mortgage or rent the next few months. Uncle Sam, the state, cities and even big banks are taking unprecedented steps to help.
Curb appeal pays off more than kitchen remodels
Stone veneer and new garage doors may not be very exciting, but they are the most rock-solid of investments when it comes to home-improvement projects
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Coronavirus concerns overshadow strong February home prices, sales
Home sales and prices soared in February, but the COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant impact on the market in the coming months.
What regions are most at risk for wildfires?
Nine of the nation’s 15 metro regions with the highest risk of wildfires are in California, threatening the state’s residents and economy.
The latest
By the numbers
Mortgage rates
Long-term rates declined as buyer demand dropped with the COVID-19 pandemic for the week ending April 2:
30-year: 3.33% vs. 3.50% a week ago
15-year: 2.82% vs. 2.92% a week ago
Source: Freddie Mac
median Home price
The median home price climbed to $579,770 in February, an 8.5% increase from a year ago. It’s the fifth straight month of year-over-year 6%-plus gains.
Source: California Association of Realtors
Active listings
Active listings — the number of homes listed — plummeted 25% in February compared to a year ago. It’s third consecutive month of a 25%-plus drop.
Source: California Association of Realtors
Apartment rent
The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in California was $1,856 in February, a 1.6% increase vs. a year ago. Priciest state for rent in the U.S.
Source: ApartmentList
Top-selling master-planned communities
California has some of the best-selling master-planned communities in the state. Which one holds the Golden State title?
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Red-hot market will cool off
Economists and real estate experts say several cities are likely to suffer from fewer sales, lower values in 2020.
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Other news
Some dramatic efforts could help millions of Californians avoid evictions and foreclosures as they shelter in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
Home prices and sales soared in February, but as concerns about the economy and the health risks of COVID-19 spread, the solid market will struggle in the coming months.
Outside home-improvement projects generate the best return. Also, time to refinance with record-low mortgage rates and Bakersfield is the top luxury market in the state, likely because LA is too pricey.
Home listings plunged almost 27%, the largest decline in almost seven years. Few homes on the market helped boost prices vs. a year ago.
California had five of the top 20-selling master-planned communities in the U.S. Also, the state adds some cities to the million-dollar list, but a few fall off. What makes more sense, buying or renting?
Home prices increased at the largest pace in almost six years in December, helped by a dramatic decline in homes on the market in California.
Economists and real estate experts say several California cities could endure lower home prices and values. Also, impressive home price growth during the past decade and affordability is a major problem in the state.
New calendar, new home for many home-shoppers. Also, rent control starts, Fannie and Freddie less friendly, home equity growth takes a break and home-flipping profits tumble.