California just passed four new ADU laws that streamline approvals, reduce fees, and expand what homeowners can build. Here’s what buyers, sellers, and agents need to know and how these changes are reshaping property value in 2025.

Boutique brokerage Craft & Bauer Real Estate Co. has also partnered with Real. 

We are thrilled to announce that Craft & Bauer is joining with REAL, the fastest growing publicly traded real estate brokerage in North America. With over 23,000 agents in 50 states and four Canadian provinces, partnering with REAL is our next evolution as a company, and a vehicle for us to grow and expand in ways we couldn't as an independent shop. While not an acquisition, this partnership plugs Craft & Bauer into the infrastructure of REAL, allowing them to do the heavy lifting on administrative tasks so we can focus on what we feel most passionate about - nurturing, coaching, and helping our agent thrive.

According to the National Association of Realtors, over 11,000 homes are sold per day on average from December through February. While many assume January to be a sluggish time for real estate, potential buyers have been scrolling through home listings over the holidays and are ready to make a move. Sellers who have had their homes on the market for months are ready to make a real deal. There are some very cool advantages to jumping into the market in winter, especially the first few months of the new year. After the new year is a time of fresh starts, serious buyers and sellers, and getting ahead of the competition.

While the real estate market took many twists and turns throughout 2024, the coming year is predicted to be one of incremental growth. Mortgage rates peaked at 7.22% nearly eight months ago, the Fed made its first rate cut in four years in the fall, and inventory has been growing, slowly but surely, for the past 12 months. While the market is still recovering to its pre-pandemic strength, there are solid indicators that things are holding steady and even headed in a positive direction. Let's take a deeper look at three of them.

In today's world, home is a needed refuge, a tranquil abode that provides a serene space protected from outside stressors, a place where you feel nurtured and supported. Taking the time to set up a calm and functional environment makes daily life move more gracefully, especially during the busy holiday season.

The end of the year is a time of endings and new beginnings, marked by the annual cosmic event of the winter solstice. On Saturday, December 21, the sun will be at its furthest point south in the sky, resulting in the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. The winter solstice seeks joy and renewal in the depths of quiet and darkness, and falling in the midst of the bustling holiday season, is Mother Nature's cyclical cue to remember to rest ourselves.

2024 has proven to be yet another "unprecedented" year of twists and turns, and the housing market is no exception. Many potential buyers and sellers are still holding out for lower mortgage rates, the economy begins to recover and then stalls again, and housing inventory is increasing, yet at a snail's pace. However, buyer mortgage applications are up 1% from last year, affordability is moving in a positive direction, and there is hope on the horizon. Let's take a look at some of the trends and trajectories of the housing market as we close out 2024.

Whether you're getting ready to host Thanksgiving, have friends over for a game night, or just hang out with family, making your home cozy and inviting will put everyone at ease. Simply rearranging a few pieces of furniture, adding touches of nature, or taking on some fun, easy DIY projects can transform your house into a relaxing refuge from holiday stress and will have everyone feeling at home.

November is the perfect time to take advantage of cooler temperatures for exploring national parks, enjoying outdoor festivities, and perusing holiday craft fairs for that perfect gift! An array of fall experiences across California and Arizona await you, from fall hikes to farm tours and farm stays, wine tastings to harvest markets, Turkey Trots (for fun or fundraising for local charities), to holiday parades, evening art walks, and of course, golf! Here are some regional and region-specific activities to enjoy as the holiday season kicks off.

The past few years of the housing market have been quite a roller coaster, but we are finally seeing some traction. With home sales rising in most major US metropolitan areas, an early October jump in mortgage applications, and the Fed set to continue its rate cuts, the market is uncharacteristically warm this fall. Let's take a look at some recent market trends, the economic indicators driving them, and what buyers and sellers can do to be part of the action.

Many of us are seeking balance in our lives these days, and there is nothing more rejuvenating than spending time in nature's beauty. The autumn equinox in late September marked the time of year when day and night share nearly equal lengths of time, giving us a celestial model of balance. Fall itself brings a sense of calm, welcoming us into a season of nurture, self-reflection, and stillness before the hectic onset of the holidays. Whether going for a scenic drive, taking an autumn hike, or enjoying a fall festival, now is the time to get outside and take in the incredible splendor of the season.

As we move through autumn into winter, it's important to ensure that our homes are in top shape, inside and out. While other parts of the country worry about bursting pipes and freezing temperatures, in California and Arizona, the potential dangers are floods, wildfires, and falling branches. Preparation is key to avoid emergencies later. Here are 12 things you can do to keep heating costs down while staying warm and protecting your home from seasonal damage - and 10 extra tips for snowbirds heading south for the winter.

On September 18th, the Fed lit a spark under the Autumn 2024 Housing Market. A much-anticipated, more generous than expected cut of 50bps (or .5% in layman's terms), could help stimulate buyer demand and encourage sellers to jump into the market. Inventory is rising, demand (and therefore competition) is currently low, the economy is recovering, and mortgage rates are gradually dropping. Whether you landed a new job in another state, need to upsize for a growing family, or just spotted your dream home, this fall may be the opportune time to make a move!

What an eventful summer! Between family gatherings, kids' activities, and for some, even moving to a new home, the past three months have been packed with events. The end of summer is a transition to a more complex season, with a new school year starting, heavier work projects, and before we know it, preparation for the holidays. With the autumnal equinox on September 22nd, fall officially begins, so these next few weeks are a key time to check in with yourself, see how you're feeling, and make adjustments that will mentally prepare you for the challenges as well as the fun times ahead.

After a summer of running around, fall is the time to conserve and protect your energy. Making simple adjustments can save money on utilities, enhance your home space, and help your daily school routine run more smoothly. Let's take a look at some ways to optimize your energy.

Last month we predicted a strong fall for the housing market, and the latest numbers show that we are definitely headed in that direction. In August, mortgage rates dropped a full percentage point, and both buyers and sellers are gaining confidence to make a move after months on the sidelines. Let's take a look at what is driving this shift.

Record high temperatures across the country have all of us looking for relief from the heat. While air conditioning and even a backyard pool are fantastic, sometimes we need to get out and seek adventure - whether on our own, as a couple, or as a family. From ever-popular water parks to off-the-beaten path experiences, here are some very cool places to explore in the four major regions we serve.

Stretching across 18 states from California to the southeastern seaboard, America's Sun Belt has been drawing northerners to its warmer climates, tranquil way of life, and year-round recreational opportunities for years.

Summertime and the livin' is easy….yet we're all so BUSY! From our daily jobs to weekend projects, shuttling the kids to summer camp, going to barbecues and taking vacations, these summer months typically fly by. With so many competing activities, summer brings a softer, slower market than the more active spring, with successful buyers aiming to close and move into their new homes before the new school year begins. However, this summer is shaping up a little bit differently.

Despite the past few years of turmoil, an unexpected silver lining of the pandemic for many was to seek better work/life balance. Finding ways to separate work and wellness at home requires some effort, but makes an enormous difference not only in one's own clarity and peace of mind, but can change the mood of your entire home. With some simple decluttering, light reorganization, and a splash of design using existing materials, you can create your own wellness room, or even a corner of a room, depending on the space you have available.

While Los Angeles will always remain a hot housing market, many Americans are moving to the suburbs, smaller towns, and even rural areas out of both choice and necessity. In addition to Los Angeles, let's take a look at Modesto*, Palm Desert*, and Phoenix* market trends to see if any of these areas may be a match for you!

If there is anything we have all learned over the past three and a half years, it's that we cannot foresee the future…and that we would be using the word "unprecedented" an unprecedented number of times. In the midst of everything happening in the country, real estate is moving at a slow yet steady pace in the right direction, both for buyers and sellers.

Craft & Bauer Founding Partner Dominic Labriola spoke with Kristine Gill at Better Homes & Gardens Magazine about what you can expect as a move-up buyer looking to sell your current home in favor of something better. What Does It Mean to Be a Move-Up Buyer?

Craft & Bauer Estate Director Sean Hughes was recently interviewed by Homes.com about the types of homes you’ll find in Historic South Central Los Angeles and the market conditions.

A new trend has emerged this year - the dreaded rise of interest rates. History is sometimes the best means to project how the year may shape up. To forecast what 2022 may look like, it’s worth taking a look at 2013, a year with similar underlying factors at play.

A new trend has emerged this year - the dreaded rise of interest rates. History is sometimes the best means to project how the year may shape up. To forecast what 2022 may look like, it’s worth taking a look at 2013, a year with similar underlying factors at play.

California just passed four new ADU laws that streamline approvals, reduce fees, and expand what homeowners can build. Here’s what buyers, sellers, and agents need to know and how these changes are reshaping property value in 2025.

According to the National Association of Realtors, over 11,000 homes are sold per day on average from December through February. While many assume January to be a sluggish time for real estate, potential buyers have been scrolling through home listings over the holidays and are ready to make a move. Sellers who have had their homes on the market for months are ready to make a real deal. There are some very cool advantages to jumping into the market in winter, especially the first few months of the new year. After the new year is a time of fresh starts, serious buyers and sellers, and getting ahead of the competition.

While the real estate market took many twists and turns throughout 2024, the coming year is predicted to be one of incremental growth. Mortgage rates peaked at 7.22% nearly eight months ago, the Fed made its first rate cut in four years in the fall, and inventory has been growing, slowly but surely, for the past 12 months. While the market is still recovering to its pre-pandemic strength, there are solid indicators that things are holding steady and even headed in a positive direction. Let's take a deeper look at three of them.

2024 has proven to be yet another "unprecedented" year of twists and turns, and the housing market is no exception. Many potential buyers and sellers are still holding out for lower mortgage rates, the economy begins to recover and then stalls again, and housing inventory is increasing, yet at a snail's pace. However, buyer mortgage applications are up 1% from last year, affordability is moving in a positive direction, and there is hope on the horizon. Let's take a look at some of the trends and trajectories of the housing market as we close out 2024.

The past few years of the housing market have been quite a roller coaster, but we are finally seeing some traction. With home sales rising in most major US metropolitan areas, an early October jump in mortgage applications, and the Fed set to continue its rate cuts, the market is uncharacteristically warm this fall. Let's take a look at some recent market trends, the economic indicators driving them, and what buyers and sellers can do to be part of the action.

On September 18th, the Fed lit a spark under the Autumn 2024 Housing Market. A much-anticipated, more generous than expected cut of 50bps (or .5% in layman's terms), could help stimulate buyer demand and encourage sellers to jump into the market. Inventory is rising, demand (and therefore competition) is currently low, the economy is recovering, and mortgage rates are gradually dropping. Whether you landed a new job in another state, need to upsize for a growing family, or just spotted your dream home, this fall may be the opportune time to make a move!

Last month we predicted a strong fall for the housing market, and the latest numbers show that we are definitely headed in that direction. In August, mortgage rates dropped a full percentage point, and both buyers and sellers are gaining confidence to make a move after months on the sidelines. Let's take a look at what is driving this shift.

Stretching across 18 states from California to the southeastern seaboard, America's Sun Belt has been drawing northerners to its warmer climates, tranquil way of life, and year-round recreational opportunities for years.

Summertime and the livin' is easy….yet we're all so BUSY! From our daily jobs to weekend projects, shuttling the kids to summer camp, going to barbecues and taking vacations, these summer months typically fly by. With so many competing activities, summer brings a softer, slower market than the more active spring, with successful buyers aiming to close and move into their new homes before the new school year begins. However, this summer is shaping up a little bit differently.

While Los Angeles will always remain a hot housing market, many Americans are moving to the suburbs, smaller towns, and even rural areas out of both choice and necessity. In addition to Los Angeles, let's take a look at Modesto*, Palm Desert*, and Phoenix* market trends to see if any of these areas may be a match for you!

If there is anything we have all learned over the past three and a half years, it's that we cannot foresee the future…and that we would be using the word "unprecedented" an unprecedented number of times. In the midst of everything happening in the country, real estate is moving at a slow yet steady pace in the right direction, both for buyers and sellers.

A new trend has emerged this year - the dreaded rise of interest rates. History is sometimes the best means to project how the year may shape up. To forecast what 2022 may look like, it’s worth taking a look at 2013, a year with similar underlying factors at play.

A new trend has emerged this year - the dreaded rise of interest rates. History is sometimes the best means to project how the year may shape up. To forecast what 2022 may look like, it’s worth taking a look at 2013, a year with similar underlying factors at play.

Talk to any buyer over the past 12 months and they would agree that the home buying process feels more like an auction than the conventional way of buying a home. Will bidding wars become a norm, or will swiftly increasing interest rates cool the market?

Will the recent upswing in mortgage rates be the catalyst to balance this very one-sided real estate market?

Across the United States, Americans are beginning the year with the lowest amount of active housing inventory since 2004. What’s in store for the housing market? Find out in Craft & Bauer’s 2022 Real Estate Forecast.

As the end of the year draws upon us and the real estate market continues to move at breakneck speed despite low supply, the irregular conditions give us end of 2020 déjà vu. Join us in examining the housing landscape as it stands to continue through the better part of 2022, and project the best course of action.

With the guiding mantra, “I am so grateful for my life, my health and my good fortune, and I am my lion heart, my passion and my stability,” Craft & Bauer co-founder Dominic Labriola leads every interaction. Learn about his journey with gratitude at its forefront in this heart to heart with Voyage Phoenix.

The residential resale housing market has been moving at an unrelenting pace since July 2020. With mortgage rates still historically low and demand for housing remaining high, the question on everyone’s mind is, “When will this market begin to slow down?”

Now through the week before Thanksgiving marks the last hurrah before the slowest time of year for real estate. With the market being so strong, will this year's holiday slowdown be as impactful versus years prior? Let's examine the facts.

One of California’s most substantial pieces of real estate legislation in recent history has just passed. If you own a single-family residence in the State of California, let’s dive into the pros and cons of how SB 9 now directly affects you.

Craft & Bauer’s Wood Roberto Group shares 7 VA loan tips that homebuyers should consider if thinking of buying a home through a VA loan

2878 Jamaica Boulevard - New 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom homes For Rent in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

We are thrilled to announce that Craft & Bauer is joining with REAL, the fastest growing publicly traded real estate brokerage in North America. With over 23,000 agents in 50 states and four Canadian provinces, partnering with REAL is our next evolution as a company, and a vehicle for us to grow and expand in ways we couldn't as an independent shop. While not an acquisition, this partnership plugs Craft & Bauer into the infrastructure of REAL, allowing them to do the heavy lifting on administrative tasks so we can focus on what we feel most passionate about - nurturing, coaching, and helping our agent thrive.

Autumn is usually the downshift of the real estate market prior to the Holiday Market, which is historically the slowest time of the year for real estate. However, with interest rates at historical lows, a strained supply of available homes to purchase, and exceedingly high buyer demand, will this 2021 Autumn real estate market follow its traditional path?

If you've had someone come up to you and say "Just wait. Once all of the foreclosures hit the market due to COVID, it's going to dismantle the housing market. There's going to be soooo much inventory. It's going to be just like 2008...” then we’ve got some numbers that will interest you.

“Collaborative, smart, kind, and empathetic, Sean adds to the collective strength of what Craft & Bauer has become.” Craft & Bauer Real Estate Co. is delighted to welcome Sean Hughes and The Hughes Group to their Southern California office.

Craft & Bauer Real Estate Co. is proud to have been selected as the Beverly Grove, Los Angeles area exclusive affiliate of Leverage Global Partners, the premier network of luxury real estate brokerages around the world. Leverage provides a variety of services from training and marketing to networking and referral placement that enhance what its members offer to their clients. Each member of Leverage Global Partners has been carefully selected as demonstrating innovative leadership and peerless integrity in the field of real estate.

“What’s in a name?” It has been asked before, and there have been some pretty good answers to this question over the years. This question is multi-dimensional, interwoven, and extremely complex. “What’s in a name, who are you, and what are you all about?”

Boutique brokerage Craft & Bauer Real Estate Co. has also partnered with Real. 

Craft & Bauer Founding Partner Dominic Labriola spoke with Kristine Gill at Better Homes & Gardens Magazine about what you can expect as a move-up buyer looking to sell your current home in favor of something better. What Does It Mean to Be a Move-Up Buyer?

Craft & Bauer Estate Director Sean Hughes was recently interviewed by Homes.com about the types of homes you’ll find in Historic South Central Los Angeles and the market conditions.

With the guiding mantra, “I am so grateful for my life, my health and my good fortune, and I am my lion heart, my passion and my stability,” Craft & Bauer co-founder Dominic Labriola leads every interaction. Learn about his journey with gratitude at its forefront in this heart to heart with Voyage Phoenix.

Our Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Dominic Labriola shares his insight on the Real Talk, with Realtors Podcast. Tune in to hear how to find work-life balance in real estate, make sure you take care of yourself, find the right agents to hire for your brokerage, make your brand look good, and use CRM to fuel your brokerage.

Craft & Bauer Estate Agent Chris Ansell has been named on Property Spark’s Best of the Best Top 100 California Real Estate Agents on Social Media list. Chris was included in the list for his unique insight into how the Los Angeles market works and his willingness to share it with you.

Craft & Bauer Founding Partner Dominic Labriola spoke with Alanna Schubach of Mansion Global about how buyers can steer clear of shoddy upgrades, and sellers can make their homes shine. “The biggest concern is whether the work was permitted and done in an appropriate matter, up to codes and standards,” said Dominic Labriola, founding partner and COO of Craft & Bauer Real Estate in Los Angeles. “Often there are two types of developers: Those who call themselves developers and those who are actually licensed and bonded insured contractors.” “Developers tend to buy from some of the same suppliers, and you start to see the same types of cabinets, tile, and flooring in many properties,” Mr. Labriola said. “The signs are really in the fit and finish, the quality and attention to detail.”

Craft & Bauer Founding Partner Dominic Labriola spoke with Mansion Global about the steps buyers can take to protect themselves when purchasing a rehabbed or redeveloped property in The Tell-Tale Signs of a Home Flipper’s Hasty Renovation.

A sleek 1 bedroom Beverly Hills condominium designed by acclaimed modernist Ray Kappe co-listed by Craft & Bauer Founding Partner Dominic Labriola and Tara Hotchkis & Brent Fuchs of LHspaces | Compass was recently featured in Curbed Los Angeles’ Here’s what $690K buys around LA.

Our Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Dominic Labriola is the creator and Host of REAL SHIFT RADIO, a podcast featuring people that Dominic’s met through his work in the real estate industry. In each episode, guests bring their messages of shift, touching upon challenges, AHA! moments, best practices for living your best life and sharing their vision for the world.

Our Founding Partner Max Fitzgerald recently appeared as a guest on the Money Matters Podcast.

In the “What Can I Get For…” segment on Second Shelters, our Founding Partner Dominic Labriola recently received press for his co-listing of a beautiful Georgian mansion located in County Cork, Ireland.

An almost 250-year-old sprawling Irish country estate co-listed by Craft & Bauer Founding Partner Dominic Labriola and Tara Hotchkis of LHspaces | Compass was recently featured in Mansion Global.

A great room with a fireplace and high ceilings, a reading room, a breakfast room, four bedrooms and three bathrooms are within the 3,500 square feet of updated living space. A lower level can be used as an office. Oversized windows take in 360-degree city and ocean views. Dominic Labriola, Tara Hotchkis and Brent Fuchs of Compass represented the buyer.

The Los Angeles Times featured the sale of legendary Louis Zamperini’s Hollywood home by Craft & Bauer Founding Partner Dominic Labriola and Tara Hotchkis & Brent Fuchs of LHspaces | Compass.

Dominic Labriola, Tara Hotchkis and their LHspaces Team are honored to have again been named amongst Angeleno Magazine’s Power Players for the second year in a row. Congratulations to all of the other 2018 Honorees whose drive, tenacity, creativity and empathy provide a powerful example of what it means to make a difference and effect lasting change in the world!

Founding Partner Dominic Labriola shared his favorite Thanksgiving tradition with Inman News.

Tara Hotchkis and Dominic Labriola are especially knowledgeable about West Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles, but don’t limit your questions to those neighborhoods. They’ve got a range of real estate expertise.

In the “Live like Johnny Depp…segment on Second Shelters, our Founding Partner Dominic Labriola recently received press for his co-listing of a incredible three-bedroom, three-bathroom designer showcase that’s ripe for the picking, and we couldn’t be more enamored.

For this Friday’s Open Thread, we've asked realtors Tara Hotchkis and Dominic Labriola to join us again to answer all of your questions about buying and selling in Los Angeles.

A studio loft located in downtown Los Angeles in the Beaux Arts-style Bartlett Building on the seventh floor. This pint sized loft has a wonderful open layout and access to the building’s rooftop deck. Co-listed by Craft & Bauer Founding Partner Dominic Labriola and Tara Hotchkis of Compass Real Estate.

The Eastern Columbia Lofts building in the Broadway Theater District is a true gem on the downtown Los Angeles skyline. A loft located on the 11th floor is available and boasts 3 bedrooms. Also a well appointed kitchen and 3 bathrooms. Co-listed by Craft & Bauer Founding Partner Dominic Labriola and Tara Hotchkis of Compass Real Estate.

Craft & Bauer Founding Partner Dominic Labriola spoke with Scott Jennings of Instant Home Improvement about the best renovations a homeowner might consider to increase the value of their home.

This loft is located in the Arts District's landmarked Biscuit Company Lofts building. The large windows, high ceilings, and original brick walls make it feel industrial yet warm and chic. This loft is located in a very trendy area and boasts over 1600 square feet. The unit is complete with bubble lamp "chandeliers" by George Nelson, the designer and American Modernist. Co-listed by Dominic Labriola and Tara Hotchkis of Mercer Vine.

Not only a good day for Miami Marlin Ichiro Suzuki as its’s opening day for baseball, but also because he sold his biscuit company loft for over $100,000 over its asking price of $2.349 million. The unit sold for an astonishing $1,207 per square foot, the sale was “record breaking” in the Arts District, according to Dominic Labriola of Mercer Vine, who represented Suzuki in the sale, along with Tara Hotchkis. The National Biscuit Company building was built in the 1920’s as a base of operations for the company until 2006 when the building was purchased by Linear City. They turned the building into lofts and since then it has been the most popular building in the neighborhood.

Baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki has sold his loft within the Biscuit Company building in the Arts District to eSports entrepreneur Alexander Garfield, the CEO of Evil Geniuses, for $2.45 million, or $1,207 per square foot. The two-story, 2,030-square-foot unit has one bedroom, three bathrooms, exposed bricks and a rooftop patio with a pool. The loft sold for more than $100,000 over its asking price. It was listed by Dominic Labriola and Tara Hotchkis of Mercer Vine.

Miami Marlins outfielder Ichiro Suzuki has sold his downtown Los Angeles loft Alexander Garfield an eSports pioneer. Garfield was described in Forbes as “one of the most powerful and successful businessmen in eSports today.” The two-story 2,030-square-foot loft sold for around $100,000 over the asking price in a matter of weeks, according to co-listing agents Tara Hotchkis and Dominic Labriola of Mercer Vine brokerage based in Los Angeles. “The speed at which the sale was completed truly underscores the ongoing resurgence of downtown Los Angeles and the area’s attractiveness to a new generation of luxury buyers,” Labriola said in a statement.

Miami Marlin Ichiro Suzuki broke another record of sorts by selling his biscuit company loft for $2,450,777, or about $1,207 per square foot. “The speed at which the sale was completed truly underscores the ongoing resurgence of downtown Los Angeles and the area’s attractiveness to a new generation of luxury buyers,” Mercer Vine agent Dominic Labriola said in a release. Labriola co-listed the property with agent Tara Hotchkis, also with Mercer Vine.

This loft is located in the Fashion District’s Santee Court is an industrial-chic space in a historic building. The Santee Village buildings, including this one, qualify for the Mills Act. This allows the buyer of this sweet spot to receive some property tax breaks. Inside the loft has been well cared for with tall ceilings and huge windows. Listed by Dominic Labriola and Tara Hotchkis of Mercer Vine.

For this Friday’s Open Thread, we've asked realtors Tara Hotchkis and Dominic Labriola to join us again to answer all of your questions about buying and selling in Los Angeles.

While the real estate market took many twists and turns throughout 2024, the coming year is predicted to be one of incremental growth. Mortgage rates peaked at 7.22% nearly eight months ago, the Fed made its first rate cut in four years in the fall, and inventory has been growing, slowly but surely, for the past 12 months. While the market is still recovering to its pre-pandemic strength, there are solid indicators that things are holding steady and even headed in a positive direction. Let's take a deeper look at three of them.

2024 has proven to be yet another "unprecedented" year of twists and turns, and the housing market is no exception. Many potential buyers and sellers are still holding out for lower mortgage rates, the economy begins to recover and then stalls again, and housing inventory is increasing, yet at a snail's pace. However, buyer mortgage applications are up 1% from last year, affordability is moving in a positive direction, and there is hope on the horizon. Let's take a look at some of the trends and trajectories of the housing market as we close out 2024.

The past few years of the housing market have been quite a roller coaster, but we are finally seeing some traction. With home sales rising in most major US metropolitan areas, an early October jump in mortgage applications, and the Fed set to continue its rate cuts, the market is uncharacteristically warm this fall. Let's take a look at some recent market trends, the economic indicators driving them, and what buyers and sellers can do to be part of the action.

On September 18th, the Fed lit a spark under the Autumn 2024 Housing Market. A much-anticipated, more generous than expected cut of 50bps (or .5% in layman's terms), could help stimulate buyer demand and encourage sellers to jump into the market. Inventory is rising, demand (and therefore competition) is currently low, the economy is recovering, and mortgage rates are gradually dropping. Whether you landed a new job in another state, need to upsize for a growing family, or just spotted your dream home, this fall may be the opportune time to make a move!

Last month we predicted a strong fall for the housing market, and the latest numbers show that we are definitely headed in that direction. In August, mortgage rates dropped a full percentage point, and both buyers and sellers are gaining confidence to make a move after months on the sidelines. Let's take a look at what is driving this shift.

Summertime and the livin' is easy….yet we're all so BUSY! From our daily jobs to weekend projects, shuttling the kids to summer camp, going to barbecues and taking vacations, these summer months typically fly by. With so many competing activities, summer brings a softer, slower market than the more active spring, with successful buyers aiming to close and move into their new homes before the new school year begins. However, this summer is shaping up a little bit differently.

If there is anything we have all learned over the past three and a half years, it's that we cannot foresee the future…and that we would be using the word "unprecedented" an unprecedented number of times. In the midst of everything happening in the country, real estate is moving at a slow yet steady pace in the right direction, both for buyers and sellers.

A new trend has emerged this year - the dreaded rise of interest rates. History is sometimes the best means to project how the year may shape up. To forecast what 2022 may look like, it’s worth taking a look at 2013, a year with similar underlying factors at play.

A new trend has emerged this year - the dreaded rise of interest rates. History is sometimes the best means to project how the year may shape up. To forecast what 2022 may look like, it’s worth taking a look at 2013, a year with similar underlying factors at play.

Talk to any buyer over the past 12 months and they would agree that the home buying process feels more like an auction than the conventional way of buying a home. Will bidding wars become a norm, or will swiftly increasing interest rates cool the market?

Will the recent upswing in mortgage rates be the catalyst to balance this very one-sided real estate market?

Across the United States, Americans are beginning the year with the lowest amount of active housing inventory since 2004. What’s in store for the housing market? Find out in Craft & Bauer’s 2022 Real Estate Forecast.

As the end of the year draws upon us and the real estate market continues to move at breakneck speed despite low supply, the irregular conditions give us end of 2020 déjà vu. Join us in examining the housing landscape as it stands to continue through the better part of 2022, and project the best course of action.

With the guiding mantra, “I am so grateful for my life, my health and my good fortune, and I am my lion heart, my passion and my stability,” Craft & Bauer co-founder Dominic Labriola leads every interaction. Learn about his journey with gratitude at its forefront in this heart to heart with Voyage Phoenix.

The residential resale housing market has been moving at an unrelenting pace since July 2020. With mortgage rates still historically low and demand for housing remaining high, the question on everyone’s mind is, “When will this market begin to slow down?”

Now through the week before Thanksgiving marks the last hurrah before the slowest time of year for real estate. With the market being so strong, will this year's holiday slowdown be as impactful versus years prior? Let's examine the facts.

One of California’s most substantial pieces of real estate legislation in recent history has just passed. If you own a single-family residence in the State of California, let’s dive into the pros and cons of how SB 9 now directly affects you.

Autumn is usually the downshift of the real estate market prior to the Holiday Market, which is historically the slowest time of the year for real estate. However, with interest rates at historical lows, a strained supply of available homes to purchase, and exceedingly high buyer demand, will this 2021 Autumn real estate market follow its traditional path?

If you've had someone come up to you and say "Just wait. Once all of the foreclosures hit the market due to COVID, it's going to dismantle the housing market. There's going to be soooo much inventory. It's going to be just like 2008...” then we’ve got some numbers that will interest you.

Craft & Bauer Real Estate Co. is proud to have been selected as the Beverly Grove, Los Angeles area exclusive affiliate of Leverage Global Partners, the premier network of luxury real estate brokerages around the world. Leverage provides a variety of services from training and marketing to networking and referral placement that enhance what its members offer to their clients. Each member of Leverage Global Partners has been carefully selected as demonstrating innovative leadership and peerless integrity in the field of real estate.

“What’s in a name?” It has been asked before, and there have been some pretty good answers to this question over the years. This question is multi-dimensional, interwoven, and extremely complex. “What’s in a name, who are you, and what are you all about?”