Matt's Market Hot Take - September 2025

Although the Fed doesn't directly control mortgage rates, many economic indicators helped to push mortgage rates down before Fed made their .25% cut this past week.  As they did before, mortgage rates actually ticked up a little after the Fed lowered their rates, but with rates staying "lower for longer", as we've been waiting for, my clients are consistently seeing rates in the low 6s, and even dipping into the high 5s in recent days.   

My conversations often revolve around timing.  Sellers ask if they should wait until the new year to list when rates may have dipped further, while buyers toy with trying to time the rate movements and catch some magical 30 year rate they think they'll keep for the full 30 years.  Most buyers, however, will refinance…

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FREE Family Trust Event - Sept. 10, 2025 in Huntington Beach

In my business, I see firsthand the estate planning benefits of having a family Trust. Like many, I put this off for years, so I’m here to help make it simpler and more affordable! On September 10th, at my Huntington Beach office, I’m hosting a FREE Trust Seminar with a local Trust Attorney Sarah Rinelli, Esq., who’ll walk us through the benefits of having a Trust and the potential pitfalls of not having one.

Plus, participants will have to option to purchase a Family Trust at a 50% discount after the presentation (No obligation to purchase!).   

See the QR code at the bottom of this post to RSVP, and call or text me anytime with any questions!

p.s.  If you're reading this after this event has passed, look out for the next one!  I plan to…

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Matt's Market Hot Take - Summer 2025

Buyers have been spooked by broader market volatility this year, so over-priced homes are sitting on the market. Buyers aren’t blindly offering way over list price just to get their foot in the door, and I’m seeing fewer offers even on accurately-priced homes.  I see this as a great buying opportunity while many buyers have stepped back or jumped back on the fence.  Interest rates are hovering in the mid-6% range, and lower in certain situations.

For sellers, it’s more important than ever to price your home correctly. Homes priced “aspirationally” often sit and ultimately sell for less—or sometimes don’t sell at all.  Many buyers and sellers are now considering off-market opportunities; three of my sales this year never hit the market, yet both parties…

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With rising interest rates AND rising prices, can homeownership actually help you hedge against inflation?

How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation

If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to ensure they’re still worthwhile.

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home this year, you’re probably wondering if you should continue down that path or if it makes more sense to wait. While the answer depends on your situation, here’s how homeownership can help you combat the rising costs that come with inflation.

Homeownership Offers Stability and Security

…

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Market update January 2022 + What's an iBuyer?

The Orange County housing market in a nutshell: The housing market is still dictated by an acute supply vs. demand problem.   As I write there are only 1,064 homes for sale in all of OC!  That’s down 60% from this time last year, and inventory was already low then.  My buyers are duking it out with 5-10 other buyers on every listing.   Why so few listings?  There are several reasons, but one is some more simple give and take math.   I’ve previously mentioned the increased presence of first time buyers in the 25-40 age range (the millennial generation).  While an older home buyer likely is moving up or downsizing, they are almost always selling a home while also buying one, creating a zero net gain on the inventory problem.  An already tight supply…

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June 2021 Market Update

LOW SUPPLY is the #1 reason the market is NOT going to crash anytime soon.

Like many areas of the economy, home prices typically move in relation to the dynamic between supply vs. demand.  As I write this in June 2021, home inventory is at record lows, but home sales are still closing in record numbers, leaving many buyers fighting for each home.  The number of homes on the market now is at just 35% of the 5 year average, while demand is up almost 8%. (source:  Reports on Housing).   I'm witnessing buyers offering 5-15% above list price in some areas to try to secure their home, often waiving key buyer contingencies like inspection and appraisal.  Market absorption is at record highs, with very few few homes left sitting on the market.  Low interest…

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Considering leaving California? Check out this great interactive map to assess your options

26% of Californians are seriously considering leaving the state (see link to Jonathan Lansner's excellent recent article in the OC Register).  In the past 5 years, more than 50% of my home seller clients have at least left the county, and the bulk of them moved further afield and left the state.  When I speak to neighbors and prospective sellers, I snese that many are unprepared for the move as they aren't considering all factors such as state tax, cost of living, weather patterns, and even local politics.  You may be considering leaving California for any of these reasons, but I urge you to do your research on your destination.  If you're retiring out of state, your deciding factors may differ from to those still working, for instance.

This…

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Latest issue of our online magazine

  Check out some local listings and home design tips from the pros

Our latest issue of our online magazine is available at the link below.  Check out homes for sale in Laguna Beach, North Tustin, Anaheim Hills, Newport Beach, and elsewhere.  As always, call me anytime to get your home search started, wherever in Orange County you are considering.  Do you have a home to sell in order to purchase elsewhere?  If so, let's discuss your timing and some strategies to streamline the entire process.  

Matthew Fletcher

matthewf@sevengables.com

(949) 677 3618

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Market update - August 2020

Hello friends

I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and well.  My wife and I are well and feeling very fortunate during a challenging year.   

After a pause in March and April, the Real Estate market in Southern California roared back in May and shows no signs of slowing down.  While many sellers have chosen to wait until we can get a handle on the pandemic (causing inventory to remain LOW), buyers are lining up to buy every correctly-priced home to capitalize on low interest rates that are still hovering around 3%! 

I've spoken to many of you about refinancing while rates are so low.  Call me anytime if I can help suggest a lender or run some numbers for you. 

If you're considering moving, low inventory and high buyer demand have…

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Thank you to the essential workers on the front line.

First, and most importantly, I hope you’re doing well and staying safe.

To all of you in essential businesses keeping us safe, healthy, and well-fed, I sincerely thank you for your hard work on the front lines, often keeping you away from your loved ones.  I've had the privilege of working with many clients in these fields, and we're all lucky to have you in our lives.

I’d love to know what you’re doing during your newfound spare time?  I’ve been doing lots of organizing, archiving, and learning.  In California, Real Estate has been deemed an essential business, so by taking some precautions, both physical and legal, I am able to assist clients who need to sell or buy a home.  Many clients who can wait are electing to do so, and I think that’s…

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