According to the National Association of REALTORS®, pending home sales increased 8% in May over April and are up 13.1% from just one year ago. And a Pending Home Sales Index of 114.7 was the highest reading for May since 2005! NAR’s newsroom has all the details.
You may have heard that the Bay Area is experiencing a population decline for the first time in what seems like decades of consistent growth. According to early Census data, our regional population shrunk by 0.6% in 2020, and we’re down 0.8% from the peak of just two years ago.
As you can see, the biggest dip was right here in Santa Clara County, which dropped more than 15,000 residents last year alone. It’s no secret that the rising costs of housing are driving a population shift out of the Bay Area. But it’s yet to be seen how long this trend will hold.
This is a riddle that many of our clients aren’t sure how to answer because the titles are often used interchangeably. Both agents and REALTORS® are licensed to sell real estate, but each title refers to a specific type of real estate professional, and there are key distinctions between the two. For our clients, the most important difference is the level of professional standards. Anyone can become a real estate agent by studying, taking a test, and obtaining a license. Becoming a REALTOR® takes a whole new level of commitment to your clients and your work. You can find a local REALTOR® using this search tool.
“REALTOR®” is actually a trademarked term for real estate agent who is an active member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the largest trade association in the United States. New members attend an orientation and agree to abide by NAR’s Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice, which outlines our duties to clients, the public and other REALTORS®. The code includes 17 Articles, 71 supporting Standards of Practice, and 131 explanatory case interpretations. It’s based on the “Golden Rule” and requires that REALTORS® cooperate to further the best interests of consumers and their clients.
“Wellness emcompasses a healthy body, a sound mind and a tranquil spirit. Enjoy the journey as you strive for wellness.” - Laurette Gagnon Beaulieu
What helps you reset your body? Use this simple card to reflect on your favorite things.
The average cost of flood insurance in California is $779 per year through the National Flood Insurance Program. But, as you can see from this chart, average premiums can vary significantly by region — and more than 100% among some of the 10 largest cities in the state!
