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For home buyers, buying a home will probably rank as one of the biggest personal investments one can make. Being organized and in control will contribute significantly to getting the best home deal possible with the least amount of stress. It’s important to anticipate the steps required to successfully achieve your housing goal and to build a plan of action that gets you there.

Before you can build a plan of action, take the time to lay the groundwork for your decision making process.

First, ask yourself how much you can afford to pay for a home. If you’re not sure on the price range, find a lender and get pre-approved. Pre-approval will let you know how much you can afford, allowing you to look for homes in your price range. Getting pre-approved also helps you to alleviate some of the anxieties that come with home buying. You know exactly what you qualify for and at what rate, you know how large your monthly mortgage payments will be, and you know how much you will have for a down payment. Once you are pre-approved, you avoid the frustration of finding homes that you think are perfect, but are not in your price range.

  • convenience for all family members

  • proximity to work, school

  • crime rate of neighborhood

  • local transportation

  • types of homes in neighborhoods, for example, condos, townhomes, co-ops, newly constructed homes etc.

There are also some sellers that you should avoid. Not every seller is as genuinely motivated as they make themselves to be. Some possible hints:

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Finding the Right Seller

The best seller is one who is highly motivated. A highly motivated seller is more likely to sell at a price that is less than his or her house is actually worth. And it matters that you find out why. Learning the reason why can help you get the price you want and help the seller get what they want: a timely sale.


When given the opportunity to meet with sellers, ask them why they are selling. The reason could be anything, such as a job change to a new location or financial problems. If you can solve their problem, whether it is cash related or time-related, do so. For example, if the sellers are highly motivated because they need to move quickly, give them a fast sale – and a lower price. If you can make an offer, even a low one, that gives them cash in a short time, they are more likely to accept.


There are also some sellers that you should avoid. Not every seller is as genuinely motivated as they make themselves to be. Some possible hints:

  • they stall on having the home appraised or inspected

  • they are unable to clear up liens against their property

  • they do not own 100% of their property

  • they push back the move-out date

  • they do not have a replacement property or back up plan

  • etc.

There are also some sellers that you should avoid. Not every seller is as genuinely motivated as they make themselves to be. Some possible hints:

july market update

IS THE MARKET CRASHING?

June 30, 20254 min read

🚨 IS THE MARKET CRASHING?

NOPE — BUT THANKS FOR ASKING! 😂

july market update

🗒️ Answer

🏡 The Los Angeles Housing Market in June 2025: A Deep Dive

If you’ve been following real estate headlines, you’ve probably noticed a familiar, dramatic question resurfacing: Is the housing market crashing? It’s a click-worthy phrase — but one that often lacks the context and data to back it up. So let’s unpack the real state of the Los Angeles housing market in June 2025 and explain why the market is stable, balanced, and in many ways, offering real opportunity — whether you’re buying or selling.


📉 Where the Market Stands — Not a Crash, Just a Cooldown

market update

Despite what social media algorithms might tell you, Los Angeles is not experiencing a housing crash. Instead, we’re seeing what experts call a “soft correction” or “market normalization.” Home sales have slowed slightly, inventory is climbing modestly, and homes are sitting just a little longer on the market — but this is expected after the frenzy of the last few years.

  • Days on Market: Currently averaging 24 to 45 days, depending on neighborhood and property condition. This is entirely normal for a balanced market.

  • Buyer Behavior: With interest rates in the 6.25%–6.75% range, buyers are more deliberate, but they haven’t disappeared. Many are taking advantage of less competition and more negotiating room.

  • Seller Strategy: While homes are not flying off the shelf, correctly priced and well-presented homes are still selling — often with multiple offers in sought-after areas.


📊 Key Market Indicators — What the Data Shows

According to recent reports:

  • Median Sold Price: Holding steady around $850,000+, with slight year-over-year growth in many single-family home segments.

  • Inventory Levels: Growing, but far from flooded. Increased options are helping shift some leverage toward buyers, but Los Angeles remains a supply-constrained market over the long term.

  • Absorption Rate: Still within normal range — not low enough to worry sellers, and not high enough to indicate distress.


🧭 What’s Driving the Market in 2025?

  1. Interest Rates & Inflation:
    While interest rates remain higher than the pandemic-era lows, they are not historically high. The Fed's rate hikes have slowed, and many analysts predict a possible softening by late 2025 — which could energize buyer activity.

  2. Post-Pandemic Buyer Psychology:
    Buyers are no longer rushing in fear of missing out. Today’s market is driven by life changes and long-term goals, not speculation. As a result, demand is more stable, even if it’s slower.

  3. Economic & Job Growth:
    Southern California’s economy remains relatively healthy, despite some tech-sector contractions. Job security is high in healthcare, media, logistics, and entertainment — all of which support housing demand in LA.


🏘️ Neighborhood Trends to Watch

Not all areas are reacting the same way.
Here’s a snapshot of what's happening across popular regions:

chart

🔍Note: Condo and townhome markets are experiencing slightly more softness, especially in denser areas like Downtown LA — but they remain a key affordability option for many first-time buyers.


👥 For Buyers: Should You Wait or Jump In?

If you're financially ready — buy now.
This market offers unique advantages for buyers:

  • 💵 More choices, less pressure

  • 🤝 Better negotiation opportunities

  • 🏘️ Less competition, especially in entry-level markets

Long-term, Los Angeles remains one of the most valuable and resilient real estate markets in the country. Waiting to “time the bottom” rarely works — smart buyers focus on timing their own lives.


📦 For Sellers: Timing Still Matters — But So Does Strategy

  • ✅ Homes priced right are still moving quickly

  • ✅ Move-in ready properties perform best

  • ⚠️ Overpricing = longer days on market and reduced leverage

  • 💡 Tip: Staging, professional photos, and strategic pricing are more important than ever

If you’re thinking of selling, this is not the time to “test” the market with sky-high prices. Buyers are savvy, and the listings that win are the ones that deliver clear value.


🔮 What to Expect in the Second Half of 2025

Looking ahead, most experts agree:

  • Interest rates may drop slightly

  • Condo/townhome markets may stay soft, creating good opportunities for buyers

  • Detached homes will hold value better in top-tier neighborhoods

  • No crash is expected — just more normalization


🎯 Final Thoughts: The Sky Isn’t Falling — It’s Just Settling

The Los Angeles housing market in June 2025 is not crashing. It’s correcting, cooling, and calming — and that’s a good thing. After years of extreme growth and pandemic-era panic buying, we’re entering a smarter, steadier real estate cycle.

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or just curious, remember:

➡️ The best time to buy or sell? When you’re ready — not when the headlines tell you.

Need help navigating the market?


📲 Let’s connect. Whether it’s time to buy, sell, or simply strategize, I’m here to guide you with honesty, experience, and data-backed insight.



market updatereal estatelos angeles
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Cari Pelayo

Neighborhood Realtor with Cari4Homes Team. Serving my Community. Serving divorcees navigate divorce.

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Getting a Legitimate Lender and Getting Pre-Approved

It used to be that buyers could go house shopping and when they have found their dream home, then they go to get pre-approved. However, in today’s market, that has proven to be one of the least effective methods of landing the dream home.


Most lenders can pre-qualify you for a mortgage over the phone. Based on general questions about your income, debt, assets, and credit history, lenders can estimate how much mortgage you qualify for. However, being pre-qualified and pre-approved are different things. Pre-approval means that you have applied for a mortgage; you have filled out the mortgage application, received your credit report, and verified your employment, assets, etc. When you are pre-approved, you know exactly what the maximum loan amount will be.


A pre-qualified letter is not verified and in essence, does not count for much if you are competing with other buyers who are pre-approved. When you are pre-approved, you and the seller know exactly how much house you can afford. It gives you credibility as an interested buyer and lets the seller know immediately that you will qualify for a loan to buy their property.


In addition to being pre-approved, it’s important to be pre-approved with a legitimate lender. Legitimate lenders include banks, mortgage bankers, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage brokers, and online lenders.


Some lenders to avoid: those who lose a form or misplace a file, those who gather information from you in an unorganized manner, those who are not informed about interest rates, points or costs, and those who cannot provide you with the right information.

Hot, Normal, and Cold Markets

Hot Market

This is an extremely competitive market and is advantageous to the seller. Sometimes, homes will sell as soon as they are listed or even before homes are listed. Typically, during a hot market, multiple offers will be made on each home and more often than not, homes will sell for more than the asking price. It is even more crucial to be prepared and to be ready as a buyer when the market is hot. It can be easy to get caught up in the bid for a home, but if you are prepared (preapproved, solid in price range, realistic about your needs), it is easier to remain focused on your housing needs and price range.

Normal Market

In a normal market, there is a fairly large number of homes available and an average number of buyers. This market does not necessarily favor the buyer or the seller. A seller may not have as many offers on their home, but he or she may not be desperate to sell either. Again, it is the buyer’s responsibility to be prepared. During a normal market, the chances to negotiate are higher than in a hot market. As a buyer, you can expect to make offers at lower than the asking price and negotiate a price at least somewhat less than what the sellers are asking.

Cold Market

In a cold market, houses may be listed for more than a year and the prices of houses listed may drop considerably. This market is advantageous to the buyer. As a buyer, you have the

Importance of Inspection

As a buyer, you are entitled to know exactly what you are getting. Don’t take anything for granted, not even what you see or what the seller or listing broker tells you. A professional home inspection is something you MUST do, whether you are buying an existing home or a new one.

An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property you are considering purchasing and get both an oral and written opinion as to its condition.

Beforehand, make sure the report will be done by a professional organization, such as a local trade organization or a national trade organization such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspection). Not only should you never skip an inspection, but also you should be present with the inspector during the inspection. This gives you a chance to ask questions about the property and get answers that are not biased. In addition, the oral comments are typically more revealing and detailed than what you will find on the written report. Once the inspection is complete, review the inspection report carefully.

time to make an offer that works in your best interest. It is not uncommon to low-ball and to find that sellers are accommodating to meet your needs. Keep in mind that even though this market is a great time for buyers, you do not want to lose your dream home by being unrealistic. Your goal is to get your dream home at the best possible price.

Importance of Inspection

As a buyer, you are entitled to know exactly what you are getting. Don’t take anything for granted, not even what you see or what the seller or listing broker tells you. A professional home inspection is something you MUST do, whether you are buying an existing home or a new one.


An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property you are considering purchasing and getting both an oral and written opinion as to its condition.


Beforehand, make sure the report will be done by a professional organization, such as a local trade organization or a national trade organization such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspection). Not only should you never skip an inspection, but also you should be present with the inspector during the inspection. This gives you a chance to ask questions about the property and get answers that are not biased. In addition, the oral comments are typically more revealing and detailed than what you will find on the written report. Once the inspection is complete, review the inspection report carefully.

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Use a Buyer’s Broker

It’s important that you choose an experienced broker who is there for you. Your broker should be actively finding you potential homes, keeping you informed of the entire process, negotiating furiously on your behalf, and answering all of your questions with competence and speed.


First, find a broker who represents you and not the seller. This is beneficial during the negotiation process. If you are working with a buyer’s broker, he or she is required not to tell the seller of your top choice. In addition, he or she is also focused on getting you the lowest asking price.


Also, when you use a buyer’s broker, you will see more properties. Not only are they plugged into their Multiple Listing Service, but they are also actively finding homes that are listed as FSBO, or homes that sellers are thinking about listing.

Why You Should Not Make Any Major Credit Purchases

Don’t go on a spending spree using credit if you are thinking about buying a home, or in the process of buying a new home. Your mortgage pre-approval is subject to a final evaluation of your financial situation.

Every $100 you pay per month on a credit payment could cost you about $10,000 in home eligibility. For example, a car payment of $300/month could mean that you qualify for $30,000 less in a mortgage.

Even if you have accumulated enough savings, you should consider not making any large purchases until after closing. The last thing you want is to know that you could have purchased a new home had you curbed the urge to spend.

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