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Dear Friends and Family,

For the past five months, my husband and I have embarked on a journey that begins with dragging ourselves out of bed in the pre-dawn hours, grumbling at the sound of the alarm or the gentle nudge of a tossed pillow to the head. Leaving the cozy embrace of a warm home to venture into the chilly morning air to the gym I asked myself, “Will this get easier?” Truth be told, despite our efforts, those initial moments haven't magically become easier over time. I still yearn to stay snuggled under the covers every single morning.

But amidst the struggle lies a beautiful truth: despite the initial discomfort, I've discovered gratitude for the benefits that come with my morning routine. The newfound endurance and strength, and the sense of achievement knowing I've prioritized my well-being. It's a small sacrifice for a wealth of rewards, not just for myself but for those around me.

Life often presents us with tasks we'd rather avoid, like the dreaded spring cleaning or the uncomfortable discussions around estate planning. Yet, as recent personal experiences have taught me, these seemingly mundane tasks can hold profound importance. Maintaining a clean home and investing in home improvements not only prevents the deterioration and depreciation of our homes but also paves the way for smoother transitions in life's various stages. During a recent visit to the home of a remarkable 97-year-old woman, her meticulous attention to cleanliness and orderliness stood out. This diligence is enabling her children to effortlessly rent out her home to fund her assisted care. Likewise, establishing a trust serves as a gift to our loved ones, facilitating swift access to the care we may require in the future. By addressing these tasks head-on, we not only alleviate burdens but also nurture our peace of mind, fostering a sense of security and stability for ourselves and those we hold dear.

As we step into the peak homebuying season, it's clear that challenges persist, particularly in markets like Los Angeles grappling with low inventory and buyer demand. Affordability is still an issue specifically on the West Coast where the average qualifying income for mortgages is higher than the average monthly household income. Even with wages climbing at a faster pace and mortgage rates projected to come down it will be a sacrifice for the first-time homebuyer to enter the market. For this very reason, I encourage potential homebuyers to meet with me to analyze the numbers and come up with a strategy to enter the market.   Obstacles are a part of life, pushing through them and finding solutions, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goals.

On a brighter note, the national average of equity gained by homeowners in 2023 is an amazing $24,000, with Californians leading the pack at an average of $49,000. Furthermore, we're witnessing a downward-trending mortgage environment, with rates projected to drop below 6.5% in the second half of the year. It's a reminder that even in uncertain times, positive changes are on the horizon.

This spring, may you have the strength to tackle that big “to-do” waiting to be done and embrace positive changes with unwavering determination.