This month, we cover the state of employment in the United States and the likelihood of meaningful stimulus. We also dive into how the Democratic Party’s majority control over both chambers of Congress and the White House could affect asset prices and interest rates.
Most of California (around 98% by population) is under a stay-at-home order due to COVID-19, and the United States as a whole is seeing new peaks every day. With the approval of several vaccines, we finally have a glimmer of hope to move out of the pandemic. However, we know that transmission mitigation measures will still be necessary through 2021 at least. The pandemic has substantially raised demand for housing, and we suspect that demand will continue through this year. Mortgage rates remain at all-time lows, and buyers are devoting more of their total spending to housing costs.
As we enter the new year, we continue to provide you with the most up-to-date market information so that you feel supported and informed in your buying and selling decisions.
In this month’s newsletter, we cover the following:
- Key Topics and Trends in January: Economic recovery is decelerating after months of government relief inaction and a dramatic rise in COVID-19. Mortgage rates are at historic lows, which is likely to persist through 2021, making rising home prices more affordable. Heavy fiscal spending by the Democratic-controlled government could increase inflation.
- January Housing Market Updates: Single-family homes continue to experience high demand, lower inventory, and year-over-year price gains. Condo prices increased as inventory began to fall.
