For Landscaping, water-Wise doesn’t have to be a sacrifice — It can be the New Luxury

For years, "drought-tolerant" meant gravel, a few succulents, and an apology to your neighbors!  We’re past that now, I’m happy to report. Southern California's newest landscape trend is replacing the barren desert stereotype for something closer to a Mediterranean ideal — silvery sage, sculptural agave, olive trees, and lavender layered like a designer garden, not just a water-saving compromise.

For homeowners and home sellers alike, this matters. Buyers touring homes today are increasingly put off by thirsty lawns that signal high water bills and high-maintenance upkeep, not unlike an old pool.  A well-designed water-wise front yard shows as intentional and…

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  • Condo sales taking longer than detached homes to sell.
  • Average 30 yr. fixed rate hovering between 6.5% and 6.75%.
  • Market tipping in buyers' favor, finally.  Discounts from list price increasing.

What was once the ideal stepping stone for buyers who are unable to afford a detached home for their first purchase, condos and townhomes are getting more expensive to buy and own.  Orange County condo and townhome inventory is up 17% over last year, according to local economist Steven Thomas, while demand is down 8%.  Detached home inventory, for comparison, is down a more modest 11% while demand is down 6%.  Expected Market Time is 114 days for attached homes and 93 days for detached homes.  This gap is the largest it's been in years.  Why would…

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