Dear Lower Casiano Neighbor:

First of all, my heart goes out to all of you whose homes and property were damaged in the recent Skirball fire.  It was a scary situation for all of us. Also, please accept my condolences for any loss you might have sustained in the horrible mudslides in Montecito.  I apologize for the tardiness of  this report, unfortunately a myriad of events prohibited me from getting this information to you sooner.

A whirlwind of December real estate and tax news swept us into the new year as we continue to face some of the same challenges we started with 12 months ago — rising home prices, low inventories, and a market that is woefully in need of housing — at all levels.  Added to all of this, of course, is the impact of the new tax bill and its effect on real estate.  

Let me first recap the year in simpler terms — it was a banner year for home value appreciation as median sales prices in Los Angeles area finally exceeded pre-2007 price levels, although when inflation is considered, we’re still down about 11% in real value.  Median sales prices in all of the areas I report were up through the end of November, another positive sign and total sales through first 11 months were up over 10%. Inventories slightly improved, but not near enough.  

The vote is out as to how the just passed tax bill will impact our real estate values. We do know that for any home purchased after 15 December, 2017 the maximum amount of the mortgage is $750,000. For all others there will be no change.  This most likely could impact the market as pertains to new purchases.  The change in the state, city, and local taxes deductions could also impact the market. As always there are two sides to each story, and some seem to feel that with the increase income the deduction we will not feel the impact that much. Obviously, we will need to see what the future brings.  Prices are predicted to continue their upward climb.  

High-end sales on the Westside had its best record home sales were sent to their highest level in 11 years.  All in all, the real estate market is positioned to remain healthy from a seller’s point of view — buyers will continue to scramble for homes, not only here, but everywhere.  

Will the Skirball Fire and its impact on the community effect real estate values in the area? It is too soon to tell. How did Lower Casiano stack up from a real estate perspective between 2017 vs. 2016? Currently there are 4 homes available vs. 2 in ’16. There was 1 home in escrow in ’16 vs none currently.  It was the same in both years as pertains to leases; none available for lease and none leased.  I want to thank Linda G and Vivian D for their contributions to my One Warm Coat Campaign, they both have been most generous. It definitely is not too late for me to come and collect any items you might have, so if you have coats, sweaters, etc. that can be used by those in need, please contact me – Carole Schiffer, at 310-442-1384. 

Please let me know how I can assist you with any of your real estate needs.

Cordially,

Carole Schiffer

Carole Schiffer, Realtor Coldwell-Banker Residential Brokerage/Brentwood Office
310-442-1384 (office) or e-mail me at carole@caroleschiffer.com  www.caroleschiffer.com CalBRE  00677619 __©©2017 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.  Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC 234567An Equal Opportunity Company.  Equal Housing Opportunity.  Owned and Operated by NRT LLC.  Coldwell Banker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by the seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals