For 2006, we're saying California's median home price will go up by 10 percent, compared with a projected increase of 16 percent for 2005. |
For the better part of 2005, it was in the 3- to 3.5-month range. We saw a rather dramatic increase at the state level beginning in January of this year and continuing in February. |
Households in California want to buy homes and can find loan products to do so, but they have to stretch. Large numbers of households are dedicating 40 percent and in some case 50 percent of their income to housing costs ... The norm nationally is 30 percent. |
I think the Riverside/San Bernardino housing market will continue to be stronger than for the state as a whole, and the coastal regions in particular, in 2006. |
It certainly is a concern when we reach a record low for affordability. |
We have now seen three months in a row where sales have dropped more than expected. At least some home buyers have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. |