Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday.
Category: Latest Posts
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Happy Labor Day!
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Report: L.A. permits 8,800 homes in the first half of 2026
It’s always fascinating to watch how Los Angeles evolves—and the recent numbers reflect just how dynamic our housing market can be. Over 8,800 new home permits were issued in the first half of 2026, nearly triple the permits from last year. While this surge is encouraging, it’s important to recognize that many of these permits are actually replacing homes lost to wildfires. Even with so much activity, the city is still grappling with a real shortage in new housing options, especially as high rents persist, office vacancies climb, and more jobs shift toward education and health services. As someone who is deeply committed to helping clients navigate these changing landscapes, I always stay tuned in to how these trends may impact your buying and selling decisions—because getting you the right results is my priority.
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Home Price Growth Stalls Near 1% As Local Divide Widens
U.S. home-price growth stalled near 1% annually for the third month in July, with a 0.5% monthly decline, reflecting weak demand and mixed inventory levels. National prices remain flat as affordability limits buyers, while local markets diverge: Chicago saw a 6.4% rise amid tight supply, whereas Austin experienced a 2.9% decline with elevated inventory. Starter-home prices rose notably in some cities, highlighting varied conditions across regions and price tiers.
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Los Angeles Late Summer Home Checkup
Late-Summer is a smart moment for Los Angeles luxury homeowners to review comfort, outdoor spaces, and long-term property value before a quieter seasonal transition.
After months of heavy cooling use, homeowners can schedule HVAC service, replace filters, check airflow, and confirm thermostats and multi-zone systems stay calibrated.
Los Angeles heat and dry air can stress gardens, so owners should inspect sprinklers, drip lines, dry patches, overwatering, and drainage near foundations.
Pools, spas, and outdoor kitchens benefit from water testing, filter cleaning, equipment checks, grill cleaning, gas-line inspection, and pest-free storage for guest-ready spaces.
Late-Summer sun can wear exterior finishes, making this a useful time to inspect stucco, trim, gates, fencing, paint, windows, and entry lighting.
Before fall or travel, review cameras, smart locks, lighting automation, garage access, leak sensors, alarms, and temporary access codes to keep routines seamless. -
California: Saving 20% Down Takes Years
A California household earning the median income now needs ~15 yr to save a ~20% down payment, one of the longest timelines nationwide.
Typical California homes now cost ~$776K, while median household income is ~$106K, showing why many buyers need far more time to build savings.
At California's minimum wage, saving alone for a down payment would take ~44 yr, underscoring how challenging entry-level buying is statewide for many.
Geography and policy tightened supply: the Pacific, mountains, and protected land limited growth, while a long-standing tax cap discouraged turnover and kept inventory constrained.
For households without equity, first-home searches increasingly center on inland California cities, where lower prices offer an alternative to the coast, but longer commutes. -
Lower Fees Lead to More Homes and More Revenues
It's always exciting to see how even modest policy changes can open new doors for homebuyers and sellers alike. Recent data shows that trimming one-time impact fees in California cities like Los Angeles and San Diego could pave the way for over 8,300 new homes. While the initial concern is always about lost revenue, it’s encouraging to note that these cities could make up that difference within 4 to 7 years through increased property and sales taxes. As someone who is deeply invested in helping clients achieve their real estate goals, I know firsthand how important increased housing availability is for our communities and the opportunities it brings for both buyers and sellers. Every step we take to make homeownership more accessible helps strengthen the market and supports vibrant neighborhoods—something I’m passionate about in every transaction.
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