1.How six Californias’ six housing markets might fare
“The ballot proposal to break California into six new states – a process that voters may choose to start in 2016 – raises plenty of fascinating political, governance and societal questions. ”
2.Lansner on housing: Fewer buyers paying more
“Buyers purchased 20,369 residences in Southern California in July – down 12 percent from a year ago, CoreLogic DataQuick reported Wednesday. Sales activity in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties have dipped below year-ago levels for 10 straight months.”
3.How long will the expansion last?
“NEWS that America’s economy grew at a brisk annualised rate of 4% in the second quarter was greeted with relief. After a puzzling first-quarter contraction, growth has returned, though the recovery remains the weakest since the second world war. As of June, the expansion is now five years old, longer than the post-war average of 58 months ”
4.Sacramento’s housing market cools off from fevered rebound
“Sacramento’s housing market has cooled down a few degrees after a feverish two-year rise in home prices.”
5.Bay Area home prices plateau on slowing sales
“The turbocharged Bay Area housing market ran out of gas in July as the region turned out the lowest annual price gain in almost two years, according to a report Thursday.”
6.Southern California home sales fall, median price drops
“Southern California home sales hit a three-year low for the month of July and the region’s median home price dipped to $413,000, industry tracker CoreLogic DataQuick reported Wednesday.”
7.Why 19 Percent is the New 43 Percent for Housing Affordability
“If you spend more than 19 percent of your monthly household income on housing you might be spending too much.”