Pending home sales came in slightly over 4% above the same week of 2025. The 30-day average for home sales is running about 3% higher than 2025, and year-to-date approximately 650,000 pending sales contracts versus 630,000 same time last year. For the last two weeks, more new pending contracts than the same two weeks in the last three years. Positive improvement for heading into the second quarter.

New listings are running below last year’s inventory. For the same period, 62,000 newly listed single-family homes versus 64,000 a year ago. More sales, fewer sellers and potential sellers ... Read more

In a booming market where homes are flying off the shelf and selling well over asking price it’s easy to succeed. This is often called a seller’s glory market, and frankly, it’s hard to mess up.
But in a buyer’s market, where inventory is high and competition is stiff, sellers need a different strategy. Preparation becomes everything.
One of the most effective ways to stand out is to remove as much uncertainty and negotiation as possible before listing. A skilled broker will often recommend that sellers complete the following inspections upfront:
• Home inspection
• Pest inspec... Read more

You’ve thought about selling your home—but it’s a big step. You’re not sure whether it’s the right time. These seven discussion questions can help you think through the decision.

1. Does the home still fit you and your family?
Life changes can change the way you think about your home. Adding household members, separating from a partner, watching adult children move away, and even new personal interests and needs can make a home suddenly feel too large or too small.

2. Have you made a career or lifestyle shift?
A new job further from home, a commute that was once toler... Read more

Rent prices across California have climbed to historic levels, and Humboldt County is no exception. For prospective buyers in areas like Eureka, CA, the high cost of renting a home is becoming harder to justify. Monthly rents now rival or even exceed what a mortgage payment might be for comparable properties. This shift has made owning a home more financially appealing than ever.

In communities such as Arcata and Fortuna, the rental market is extremely tight, with high demand and limited availability. Many renters find themselves renewing leases at increased rates year after year, wit... Read more

When it comes to building wealth, the choice between real estate and the stock market has been a long-standing debate. Popular media often highlights stock market booms, cryptocurrency surges, or tech IPOs, but they rarely dig into the long-term reliability and tangible advantages of real estate. In regions like Humboldt County, where the real estate market includes vibrant communities such as Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, and Ferndale, the conversation becomes even more relevant. While both investment paths have their merits, there are critical differences, overlooked factors, and regional dynamic... Read more

In today’s real estate market, homebuyers often face challenges with rising mortgage rates and affordability. One financing strategy gaining popularity is the seller buydown. A seller buydown occurs when the seller of a property contributes funds to reduce the buyer’s mortgage interest rate for a set period or the entire life of the loan. This contribution is typically paid upfront at closing and credited toward the buyer’s mortgage, making the loan more affordable. For many buyers, this is the difference between being priced out of the market and comfortably affording a new home.

The... Read more

The Golden State is known not just for its beautiful coastlines and booming tech hubs, but also for its dynamic real estate market. Whether you’re looking to launch a new career or seeking a fresh start in a thriving industry, understanding how to become a real estate agent in California is the first step to entering this competitive but rewarding field. From statewide licensing requirements to regional nuances like working in Humboldt County, the journey involves dedication, education, and strategic preparation.

Understanding the Licensing Requirements in California
To beco... Read more

Two consecutive solid monthly gains for builder confidence, spurred in part by easing mortgage rates, signal that the housing market may be turning a corner even as builders continue to contend with high construction costs and building material supply chain logjams.
Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes in February rose seven points to 42, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). This is the strongest reading since September of last year.
With the largest monthly increase for builder sentiment s... Read more

Home Values Projected to Keep Rising

As we enter the final months of 2020 and continue to work through the challenges this year has brought, some of us wonder what impact continued economic uncertainty could have on home prices. Looking at the big picture, the rules of supply and demand will give us the clearest idea of what is to come.

Due to the undersupply of homes on the market today, there’s upward pressure on prices. Consider simple economics: when there is high demand for an item and a low supply of it, consumers are willing to pay more for that item. That’s what’s hap... Read more

In the spring, many excited buyers get ready to enter the housing market. Others continue dreaming about the homes they’d like to buy. The truth is, many potential buyers continue to dream longer than they need to, simply because they’re confused about the homebuying process. Thankfully, working with a trusted real estate professional can help ease those concerns and make the process to homeownership much easier to understand.

A recent survey conducted by Ipson and Freddie Mac reveals the confidence level of Gen Z and Millennial buyers regarding the homebuying process. The graph below... Read more