California’s housing market outperformed expectations in September 2020 with home sales at their highest level in more than a decade and the median home price at another record high for the fourth straight month.

According to the most recent monthly home sales and price report from the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.), home sales and prices are setting records despite the lowest inventory in years.

The statewide inventory of 2.0 months in September 2020 was lower than 3.6 months in September 2019. It was the lowest statewide level since November 2004. In San Diego County, the inventory declined by nearly half from 3.1 months in September 2019 compared to 1.7 months in September 2020.

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California approached the 500,000 level in September, making the Covid-19 pandemic that depressed California’s housing market earlier this year seem like a distant memory, although year-to-date homes sales were down 3.7 percent in September.

CAR said home sales totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 489,950 units in September 2020, according to information collected from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLS statewide. The September 2020 statewide home sales number was up 5.2 percent from August 2020 and 21.2 percent higher than September 2019. It was the third straight month for home sales to exceed the 400,000 level and the highest level recorded since February 2009. September sales rose 5.2 percent from 465,400 in August 2020 and were up 21.2 percent from a year ago, when 404,030 homes were sold on an annualized basis in September 2019.

September 2020 County Sales and Price Activity
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

In San Diego County, September 2020 homes sales rose 7.5 percent compared to August 2020 and 32.8 percent higher than September 2019.

To complement high home sales figures, the statewide median home price hit another new high in September 2020, after setting records in June, July and August. California’s median home price exceeded the $700,000 mark for the second consecutive month, as it reached $712,430 in September 2020, edging up 0.8 percent from $706,900 in August 2020, and jumping 17.6 percent from $605,680 in September 2019. The yearly price increase was the highest recorded since February 2014 and higher than the six-month average of 5.3 percent observed between March 2020 and August 2020.

In San Diego County, the median price for a single-family home in September 2020 was $735,000, a 0.3 percent difference from $732,560 in August 2020, and 15.4 percent higher than the $636,750 figure from September 2019.

Home sales in all price segments are continuing to bounce back since the Covid-19 crisis depressed the housing market earlier this year while sales of higher-priced properties are recovering faster than the rest of the market.

Analysts say factors causing price increases include a lack of homes for sale leading to price wars, plus record low interest rates and workers stuck doing jobs from home are raising homeownership levels and some are looking for more square footage space.

“As motivated buyers continue to take advantage of the lowest interest rates in history, home sales will be elevated in the next couple of months, and the housing market should remain a bright spot in a broader economy that continues to struggle,” said C.A.R. President Jeanne Radsick, a second-generation REALTOR® from Bakersfield, Calif. “And with many employers allowing the flexibility of working remotely, homebuyers now also have the option of searching in less expensive areas where homes are more affordable and buyers can get more home for their money.”

“With the statewide home price hitting new highs for the past four months, it’s sounding like a broken record as California home sales and prices continue to outperform expectations,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. “However, with the shortest time on market in recent memory, an alarmingly low supply of homes for sale, and the fastest price growth in six and a half years, the market’s short-term gain can also be its weakness in the longer term as the imbalance of supply and demand could lead to more housing shortages and deeper affordability issues.”

Reflecting the rise in home prices, consumers continue to say it is a good time to sell, according to C.A.R.’s monthly Consumer Housing Sentiment Index. Conducted in early October, the poll found that 56 percent of consumers said it is a good time to sell, down from 58 percent a month ago, but up from 52 percent a year ago. Meanwhile, low interest rates continue to fuel the optimism for homebuying; 28 percent of the consumers who responded to the poll believed that now is a good time to buy a home, up from last year, when 22 percent said it was a good time to buy a home.

Other key points from the September 2020 resale housing report included:

-- At the regional level, homes sales increased in the high double-digits compared to last year in all major regions. The Central Coast and the San Francisco Bay Area had the strongest sales growth in September with both regions surging 42 percent and 34.2 percent, respectively. That was followed by increases in the Far North (28.3 percent, Southern California (25.0 percent and the Central Valley (18.4 percent).

-- At the regional level, home prices posted double-digit increases compared to last year in all major regions. The Central Coast had the highest increase in median price, rising 20.6 percent from last year, followed by the San Francisco Bay Area (20.5 percent, the Far North (19.0 percent, Southern California (15.2 percent) and the Central Valley (14.6 percent. All regions except the San Francisco Bay Area set a new high in median price in September.

-- Active listings in September 2020 continued to decline significantly in all major regions. The Central Coast had the biggest drop (-60.3 percent) from last September, followed by the Central Valley (-51.5 percent), Southern California (-49.9 percent), the Far North (-43.9 percent), and the San Francisco Bay Area (-31.9 percent).

-- Housing inventory tightened by double-digits in all price segments, but the constraint was more pronounced in the affordable markets. Active listings in every price range continued to decline sharply from last year, with for-sale properties priced below $1 million falling 56 percent on a year-over-year basis. Compared to a year ago, the supply for homes priced between $1 million and $3 million declined 30.4 percent, and homes priced at or above the $3 million benchmark declined 19.4 percent.

-- The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 11 days in September 2020, down from 24 days in September 2019. It’s the lowest statewide figure ever recorded. The 11-day figure compares to 13 days in August 2020, 17 days in July 2020, 19 days in June 2020, 17 days in May 2020, 13 days in April 2020, 15 days in March 2020 and 23 days in February 2020.

September 2020 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

-- In San Diego County, the median number of days an existing, single-family home remained unsold on the market was seven days in September 2020, compared to 18 days in September 2019. The seven-day figure compares to eight days in August 2020, 10 days in July 2020, 12 days in June 2020, 11 days in May 2020, eight days in April 2020, 10 days in March 2020, 12 days in February 2020 and 23 days in January 2020.

-- The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 2.89 percent in September, down from 3.61 percent in September 2019, according to Freddie Mac. The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate was an average of 2.98 percent, compared to 3.38 percent in September 2019.

In other recent real estate and economic news, according to news reports:

-- The Commerce Department reported the nation’s third-quarter domestic product (GNP), a measure of the total goods and services produced in the July-to-September 2020 period, expanded at a 33.1 percent annualized pace. That’s the fastest growth ever for the U.S. economy and it follows the worst quarter in history when the economy plunged 31.4 percent in the second quarter 2020. The previous GNP quarterly record of 16.7 percent was set following World War II in the first quarter of 1950.

-- Realtor.com said the housing market is bucking the traditional trend of a cool-down in the fall season, which typically occurs as students return to school. While buyers normally begin to hunker-down this time a year, instead sellers are getting top dollar for their home outside of the prime selling season, said Realtor.com.

-- CoreLogic reports the September 2020 median home price in San Diego reached a new high of $650,000, which was a 10.2 percent increase since the Covid-19 lockdown began in March. September’s number exceeds the previous record of $640,000 in August 2020.

-- A recent S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller reports home prices in San Diego increased 7.6 percent over the past year, the third-fastest in the nation and at a rate not seen in more than two years. The other cities with faster increases were Phoenix, up 9.9 percent, and Seattle, up 8.5 percent.

-- Redfin reports the median price of a single-family home in San Diego County rose 15.7 percent over the past year since September 2019 to $665,000. That compares to a 14.4 percent increase in the nationwide median home price to $333,900.

-- Zillow reports the median price of a single-family home in September was $632,264, marking a 7.6 percent increase from a year ago. Nationally, the typical home value rose 5.8 percent in a year-over-year comparison to $259,906 in September.

-- The Federal Housing Finance Agency said home prices increased 1.5 percent nationally from July to August, the largest month-to-month increase since 1991. Prices were 8 percent higher in August 2020, compared to August 2019.

-- A Redfin survey of more than 3,000 people in October revealed that 16 percent of them would consider moving to another country outside the U.S. if their preferred presidential candidate loses in November. That’s up from 9 percent four years ago. Redfin’s survey also found that 20 percent of Biden voters say they would leave the U.S. if he loses. Among Trump supporters, 15 percent said they’d depart if the President loses reelection. A greater percentage, 24 percent, said they are considering moving to another state. Redfin also reports landlords in multiple states are thinking about raising rents if Biden wins.

List of Candidates

PSAR has announced its November 3, 2020 General Election Voter Guide, featuring endorsements of San Diego County candidates and local initiatives.

The endorsed candidates have demonstrated their understanding of the real estate industry and have indicated their commitment to home ownership and housing. PSAR's Government Affairs Committee, following a review of ballot measures and propositions, are recommending votes based on potential industry impacts. Particularly important in the midst of the current housing crisis is for PSAR members to support leaders and policies that protect and promote home ownership.

A team of PSAR members researched candidates’ voting records, public comments relating to preserving and protecting property rights and support for public policies and initiatives promoting participation in the American dream of homeownership and property investment. The endorsements that resulted from this research were approved by members of the PSAR Government Affairs Committee and PSAR Board of Directors.

PSAR’s list of endorsed candidates covers a broad spectrum of positions, including an open and incumbent seat in Congress, two open seats for San Diego County Board of Supervisors, mayors in two San Diego County cities,11 other candidates for seats on local city councils in five other cities, city attorney, school district and special district seats.

Sara Jacobs, PSAR’s endorsed candidate for the 53rd Congressional District, is hoping to succeed Susan Davis, who retired after 20 years of service in the House. This is the second run for Congress by Jacobs, the granddaughter of Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs. She ran in the 49th District in 2018 but came in third in the primary.

No longer coastal, the 53rd stretches from Interstate 5 on the west, through Mission Valley to the East County and south to Chula Vista. PSAR also has endorsed the reelection of Rep. Juan Vargas, who has represented the 51st Congressional District since 2012. The 51st includes all of Imperial County, National City, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach and El Centro.

Two San Diego County Supervisor seats are open due to term limits for the incumbents. The endorsed supervisorial candidates include Joel Anderson, former State Assemblyman and State Senator for District 2, and Ben Hueso, former member of the San Diego City Council, State Assembly and State Senate, for the District 1 seat. 

Anderson, who lives in Alpine, is hoping to succeed Dianne Jacob, who has served for the past 28 years. Jacob, first elected as Supervisor in 1992, is termed out. Anderson, a Republican, previously served for 12 years on a statewide level in the California State Assembly (2006-2010) and the California State Senate (2010-2018).

The Second Supervisorial District, the largest of the county’s five districts, features more than 2,000 square miles and more than 50 communities and cities in the East County, including the unincorporated communities of Lakeside, Alpine, Ramona and Julian, the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee and Poway and the city of San Diego communities of Allied Gardens, College Area, Del Cerro, Grantville, Navajo, Rolando and San Carlos.

Hueso, a San Diego native and resident of Logan Heights, is hoping to succeed Greg Cox, who is termed out after 25 years of representing District 1’s South Bay communities. Hueso, a Democrat, first held elected office in 2005, winning a special election for the San Diego City Council. He served on the council for five years, including one year as council president, before running for a seat in the State Assembly in 2010. His tenure in the Assembly was brief, as he won a seat in the State Senate during a special election in 2013.

District 1 includes the cities of Coronado, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, National City, communities within Southeast San Diego, Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs and parts of downtown San Diego. The district also includes the unincorporated communities of Bonita, Sunnyside, Lincoln Acres and East Otay Mesa.

Other noteworthy PSAR endorsements for the November general election:

• Juan Vargas, congressman, 51st Congressional District
• John Minto, reelection as mayor, City of Santee
• Jerry Jones, mayor, City of Lemon Grove
• Joe Leventhal (District 5), Stephen Whitburn (District 3), Will Moore (District 1), San Diego City Council
• Mike Diaz (District 4), Steve Padilla (District 3), Chula Vista City Council
• Phil Ortiz (District 4), Humbert Cabrera (District 2), El Cajon City Council
• Kristine Alessio, Laura Lothian, Colin Parent, La Mesa City Council
• Ditas Yamane, National City City Council
• Mara Elliott, reelection as San Diego City Attorney
• Armando Farias, Laurie Humphrey, Chula Vista Elementary School District
• Adrian Arancibia, Sweetwater Union High School District
• Mitch Thompson, Mark Roback, Otay Water District
• David Johnston, Valle de Oro Planning Group

In addition to candidates, PSAR is recommending “No” votes on two California propositions: Proposition 15, a ballot measure calling for higher property taxes on commercial and industrial real estate, and Proposition 21, a rent control ballot measure.

PSAR has recommendations on two local measures, the City of San Diego’s Measure “E,” which addresses the city’s Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan, and the City of Santee’s Measure “N,” called the General Plan Protection Initiative.

PSAR is recommending a “Yes” vote on Measure E. If approved, Measure E would exempt the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Plan from its current 30-foot coastal height limit. Measure E is the only local ballot measure to earn bipartisan endorsement from the Democratic and Republican parties of San Diego counties

PSAR is recommending a “No” vote on Measure N, which would limit new housing. Voters will decide whether to allow residents to determine the fate of high-density housing projects that don’t comply with the city’s General Plan-- its blueprint for growth. If approved, Measure N could imperil the recently approved 3,000-home Fanita Ranch development.

To review the PSAR November 2020 General Election Voter Guide, visit https://blog.psar.org/2020voterguide.

_______________________________

Our Mission is to empower Realtors to flourish while being accountable to each other
our clients and our community.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth & development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County. This program is only open to REALTORS® and PSAR Affiliate Members. There is no cost for attending this program.

PSAR is encouraging all of our members, and all San Diego-area real estate industry professionals, to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election. Your vote counts!

PSAR has an active and vital group of REALTOR® members who serve on the PSAR Government Affairs (GA) Committee. The GA Committee has three subcommittees that focus on specific geographical areas of the county.

GA Committee members offer political endorsements, and act as political advocates and review public policy and its impact on the PSAR membership in particular and the real estate industry as a whole. In addition, GA Committee members address a variety of complex and multi-dimensional issues impacting the protection of private property rights.

GA Committee members are acutely aware of the importance of voting, even more so in this upcoming general election. The stakes are high. If issues and candidates affecting your realtor business and the industry itself matter to you, then it matters that you vote on them.

With early voting underway, GA Committee members were recently asked about the importance of voting. Below are their comments (names appear in alphabetical order, some quotes were edited for clarity).

-- “Our committee is made up of Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and others. We research, conduct interviews, review questionnaires, and our decisions are primarily based upon the notion of property rights, expanding homeownership, rights of tenants, and the rights of owners of commercial and rental properties. We will endorse candidates whom we feel best support these values over their opponents. It’s important to elect leaders who will work with REALTORS®. We all have our own choices of candidates, but we hope by supporting pro-real estate candidates and propositions, it might help influence voters who agree with us that property rights and the expansion of homeownership are essential to all Americans.” -- Mike Anderson

“Democracy is vital to real estate. If people don't vote, then it’s the corporations and banks that set policy that affects your ability to buy a home. When you vote, you make your voice heard. Be a voice for our communities where we can work towards a country where everyone has the opportunity to be a homeowner.” -- Deirdre Bramberg

--“ I sat with my family and we reviewed each proposition and discussed ones we were not clear on. Let’s use the voting season to engage and unite families.” -- Jeff Campbell

-- “Elected officials are political beings. They listen to the people in the communities who vote and they also listen to the people and organizations who contribute resources that allow them to reach out to those voters. Making sure your voice is heard as a voter is every bit as important as for whom you vote.  Communities and neighborhoods with high voting percentages attract more attention and resources.  Citizens who vote have a voice with politicians and those who do not vote have no voice." -- Richard D’Ascoli, Chief Executive Officer, PSAR

-- “It is a civic duty to vote and every single vote makes a difference. As a citizen of the country, the right to vote is one of the freedoms the county gives its people. It is a chance for our voice to be heard and an opportunity to select the leaders we believe have the ability to represent us in our government.” -- Merrie Espina.

-- “Each PSAR member should exercise their right and obligation to vote. In this election, as in most elections, your future earnings, your tax obligations, and the laws that enable or hobble our industry are all in play. PSAR, C.A.R. and NAR can all be influential as supporting organizations, focusing on critical policy issues. But, in the final analysis, it is your individual vote and the power of our collective votes that will select our elected officials and establish the policies that impact our lives and our business environment for years to come.” -- William Hall

-- “Our votes this election are more important than ever as our region, state and country stand at a pivotal time.  PSAR’s Governmental Affairs Committee, as well as C.A.R. and NAR, spend a lot of time each election interviewing and weighing which candidates and propositions uphold basic property rights. REALTOR® endorsements have been made available to all of our members and we hope that you will read and consider the recommendations when you cast your votes as you believe best represents your views.” Kay LeMenager

-- “In all areas of life having your opportunity to vote is of utmost importance. I feel it is our duty as Americans to make voting a serious commitment in support of the sacrifice of those before us to fight for our right to do so. My children were educated to study the propositions and follow the federal, state and local elections and vote from the age they became eligible. It starts with us as parents to lead by example.”  -- Colleen McDade

-- “It’s very important to get out there and vote. Many people complain about the results, but if you don't vote, don’t complain. Every vote counts, so do your part and get out there and vote.” -- Patricia McFadden

-- “Voting is how we convey our desires for change. Please exercise your right to vote with the goal of making a better today and tomorrow for us all.” -- Paul Moses

-- “Every vote really does matter. Just last cycle, San Diego District 8 primary was decided by 3 votes, my college board race was decided by 23 votes. Vote and get your friends and family to vote, too.” -- Rafael A. Perez

-- “I am involved in Government Affairs and I try to be as active as I can be in politics is because it does have an impact on our industry. One can be part of the problem or the solution. I can stand by and complain or I can do what I can do to act.  Rome was not built in a day, and as we all know California has its issues which have a direct impact on our business. Be impactful and relevant. Part of doing that is reading the voters guide and voting. It’s common sense, do nothing and one can only expect nothing. So, why not be relevant and do something.” -- Rebecca Pollack-Rude

-- “I’ve been a member of the Government Affairs Committee for many years because I believe the grass roots portion of our local governments are truly the roots of our way of life as it pertains to the freedoms that are rightfully ours. Voting is the most important right and freedom that, as a U.S. citizen, we enjoy, or should enjoy. The committee is a way to hear from our peers, our local government officials and the candidates at various levels of government who have an impact at every level of our community life, and most especially as it pertains to housing and private property rights. In this unprecedented time of pandemic, the value of the roof over our head has never been more in the spotlight. Personally, I’ve grown to appreciate greatly our rights as individuals, as members of our local communities, our country and lately as a member of humankind. Register to vote, inform yourself. Make choices because you understand the issues and the candidates, not because someone else told you that it’s the best way or the only way or just because. Exercise your most valuable right. Vote and understand and appreciate that right.” -- Pat Russiano

-- “I have always felt that it is one’s responsibility to be knowledgeable regarding the election process, issues and then vote. I taught my children and now grandchildren that they have a responsibility as a citizen of the United States of America to vote.” -- Norma J. Scantlin

-- “Our GA Committee spends a lot of time vetting our recommendations with input from REALTORS® from various backgrounds and party affiliations. Please let your voice be heard and vote. If nothing else, vote NO on the real estate related propositions 15, 19 and 21.” -- Mark Scott

-- “I have never once missed the honor and the obligation to vote. It is the glue that binds us as Americans, giving us the confidence that we are a nation guided by the rule of law.  It is fundamental to the American success story and to our sense of pride in being an American.” -- Mitch Thompson

-- “As a REALTOR® Party member, 2021 PSAR President-Elect, and as an individual, I care deeply about the future of our country. I know first-hand that our vote is needed in this election more than ever before. Your GA committee and the PSAR Board of Directors have spent a great deal of time to vet all PSAR endorsed candidates. I hope that you would consider these candidates as you cast your vote. The future of our country is in our hands. Please vote.” -- Max Zaker

_______________________________

Our Mission is to empower Realtors to flourish while being accountable to each other
our clients and our community.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth & development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County. This program is only open to REALTORS® and PSAR Affiliate Members. There is no cost for attending this program.

PSAR is recommending a “No” vote on California Proposition 21, a rent control ballot proposition known as the “Rental Affordability Act.” The Governor and Legislature have already passed rent control into law. This Proposition goes too far and has too many unintended negative consequences.

If approved, Prop. 21 would change state law to allow cities to apply new rent control ordinances and/or expand existing ones. New laws could be enacted affecting homes at least 15 years old. Prop. 21 exempts single-family homes owned by landlords with more than two properties.

Proponents claim cities should be allowed to approve additional limits on rent increases to protect California families who are one rent hike away from being driven out of their neighborhoods by landlords. They further claim this proposition will stop homelessness and gentrification.

The fact is that Prop. 21 would make it less desirable for builders to construct more housing, affordable or otherwise, at a time when California has a massive housing shortage. It would also decrease revenue for city and state governments, already cash-strapped by the fallout from the Covid pandemic. It would reduce the number of housing units in the state and allow bureaucrats to add fees on top of base rent, thereby increasing the cost of living at a time when Californians can least afford it. In fact, only two years ago, in 2018, Californians made their decision about rent control at the polls.

In 2018, voters in 56 of 58 California counties overwhelmingly rejected a statewide rent control measure by a 20-point margin. Why is this subject being revisited so soon? Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation and its President, Michael Weinstein, funded a signature collection drive that once again put the measure on the ballot. This appears to make this issue a special interest one.

Last year, state legislators passed a new law that set a 7 percent ceiling on yearly rent increases. CalMatters, a public interest journalism venture, concluded that the action by Sacramento lawmakers in 2019 was an effort to ward off another statewide rent control ballot measure by Weinstein and company that clearly was unsuccessful.

According to CalMatters, Prop. 21 opponents include Governor Gavin Newsom, California Apartment Association, California Seniors Advocate League, Essex Property Trust and Prometheus Real Estate Group. Prop. 21 supporters include the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Eviction Defense Network and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.), Apartment Association of Orange County and Californians to Protect Affordable Housing, a coalition of housing advocates, renters, businesses, taxpayers and veterans encourage a “NO” vote on Proposition 21.

Other organizations opposing Prop. 21 include the California Council for Affordable Housing, California Community Builders, the California State Conference of the NAACP, Si Se Puede, Congress of California Seniors, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council.

A CalMatters headline stated “Proposition 21 rent control will discourage construction of affordable housing.” A CalMatters opinion writer asserted: We must protect small property owners who, in contrast to corporate landlords, often are natural affordable housing providers, operate on small margins, give applicants a chance if they don’t meet all of the rental qualifications, and help maintain the integrity of a community. The state of California is facing a new economic challenge, and families across our state are struggling. What we need most is new investment in our housing market, not an extreme measure like Proposition 21 that will further destabilize it.”

The San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper editorial board wrote: “Expanding rent control will make the California housing crisis worse. Rent control is the wrong way to help Californians struggling with housing. Lawmakers who are juggling a lot during this pandemic need to not lose sight of that. The long-term solution is listening to experts and building new houses.”

The San Francisco Chronicle newspaper editorial board described Prop. 21 as “a rent control retread unimproved by age.”

The Press Democrat newspaper in Santa Rosa, Calif. said Prop. 21 is a proposed “rent control law that won’t end the housing crisis.” Its editorial resource stated: “California voters soundly rejected rent control in the November 2018 election for a good reason: It won’t alleviate the state’s housing problems. In fact, economists almost universally agree that imposing rent control would be counterproductive. State lawmakers voted in 2019 to cap rent increases anyway, while requiring landlords to show `just cause’ for evictions. Yet, here we are again, barely a year later, asked to decide another rent control initiative. Voters should once again say no.”

The headline in the Orange County Register read, “Rent control is the horrible idea that won’t go away.” Its editorial stated: “California’s housing affordability isn’t that complicated. There is high demand and inadequate supply. If the goal is to expand the accessibility of housing, it is necessary to increase supply. Rent control is incredibly effective at backfiring on that front. Research has shown that San Francisco’s rent control policies resulted in many landlords removing housing units from the market. Renters in non-rent-controlled units, meanwhile, faced even higher rents than would otherwise be the case.”

For more information about the campaign against Prop 21, visit www.noonprop21.org.

_______________________________

Our Mission is to empower Realtors to flourish while being accountable to each other
our clients and our community.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth & development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County. This program is only open to REALTORS® and PSAR Affiliate Members. There is no cost for attending this program.

PSAR is recommending a “no” vote on California Proposition 15, a ballot measure that calls for higher property taxes on commercial and industrial real estate.

Prop. 15 is referred to as the “Split Roll Ballot Initiative, Schools and Communities First.” If approved, Prop. 15 would require calculating property taxes for commercial and industrial real estate based on current market value. It would raise property taxes on supermarkets, shopping malls, office buildings, factories, movie theaters, hotels, restaurants, sports stadiums, warehouses, self-storage facilities, major retailers and other businesses.

Proponents claim $6.5 billion to $11.5 billion generated from the increased property taxes would be allocated to schools (40 percent) and local government (60 percent).Opponents say Prop. 15 is a direct attack on Proposition 13, which limits annual increases in assessed property value to 2 percent. Prop. 13, passed by California voters in 1978, remains a godsend to fixed-income retirees and middle-income workers who would be incapable of paying the increased property tax assessments over the last 40 years as California home prices have quintupled. If enacted, this massive tax increase will prompt companies to flee California at a time when businesses are already struggling.

The San Diego County Office of Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, which opposes Prop. 15, recently delivered a presentation to PSAR members. The presentation included the contention that supporters for Prop. 15 are laboring under five false premises:

1. Businesses don’t pay their fair share of property taxes (in fact, taxes paid by commercial property owners have increased 1,930 percent since 1978);
   
   
2. Prop. 15 won’t impact small businesses because properties worth less than $3 million are exempt (in fact, the average commercial or industrial parcel in San Diego County is valued at $3.1 million, which is above the exemption level);
   
   
3. Prop. 15 will impact only property owners, not tenants (in fact, if tenants are required to pay higher rents by property owners who need to recoup the property tax increase, then costs will impact tenants/customers);
   
   
4. Prop. 15 won’t impact residential housing (in fact, raw land zoned for residential and commercial-industrial uses will be reassessed and mixed-use properties with more than 25 percent commercial also will be reassessed);
   
   
5. Prop. 15 won’t impact female-, immigrant- and minority-owned businesses (in fact, the groups opposing Prop. 15 include social justice leaders, such as the NAACP, California Black Chamber of Commerce, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, CalAsian Chamber of Commerce and National Action Network).

A Berkeley Research Group study found increasing property taxes on small businesses will hurt female- and minority-owned businesses the most, and up to 120,000 private-sector jobs will be lost. Prop. 15 would incentivize local governments to approve business projects to replace existing housing in order to generate greater property tax revenue.

Ernie Dronenburg, Jr., San Diego County Assessor-recorder-County Clerk, said, “Proposition 15 won’t close the door on an imaginary corporate tax loophole, but it will close the doors of real San Diego small businesses. Prop. 15 is the wrong idea at the wrong time.”

The San Diego Union-Tribune editorial board wrote: “No on Proposition 15, vast tax hike during a deep recession is a crazy idea. Approving Proposition 15 is not about preserving essential government services, as advocates assert. It is about preserving generous government pensions that threaten to bankrupt government agencies across the state. Send a message that pension reform should precede a massive tax hike and vote no on Proposition 15.”

Dan Walters, columnist with CalMatters, a public interest journalism venture, wrote: “Both proponents and opponents know that Proposition 15 is a proxy battle over whether Proposition 13 is still an untouchable icon. The measure’s backers had no way of knowing that the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe recession it spawned would visit themselves on California, changing the tenor of their battle with business groups over the issue. While proponents argue that the new revenue is needed to keep vital public services, including schools, from being slashed, opponents argue that with businesses already suffering, this is the wrong time to saddle them with more taxes.”

Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles and Speaker of the California State Assembly, wrote in a CalMatters column: “This poorly drafted tax measure will disproportionately hurt everyday Californians during the worst economic crisis since the 1930s. It will put significant pressure on jobs in general, but private sector union jobs in particular. Because Prop. 15 raises property taxes, those higher taxes will get passed on to small business tenants, who rent. These businesses, in turn, will pass higher costs on to consumers in the form of increased prices on everything we buy, groceries, fuel, utilities, clothing and health care. California’s cost of living is already among the nation’s highest. Prop. 15 will drive the cost of living even higher.”

For more information about voting “no” on Prop. 15, visit https://noonprop15.org. The following statement is on the website: “Amid an unprecedented economic crisis, special interests are pushing Prop 15 on the November 2020 statewide ballot that will destroy Prop 13’s property tax protections and will be the largest property tax increase in California history. If businesses lose their Prop 13 protections, homeowners will be next.

“Prop 15 will raise taxes on business property, leading to higher rents for small businesses. Ultimately, Prop 15 will make income inequality worse by driving up the cost of living for just about everything we need and use, like food, utilities, daycare and healthcare.

“We must reject Prop 15 and maintain Prop 13 protections that have kept property taxes affordable and provided every taxpayer who buys a home, farm or business property with certainty that they can afford their property tax bills in the future. Now is not the time to raise taxes and bring more uncertainty to businesses and all Californians.”

County Assessor Comments on Prop 15 - "Unfortunately, Prop 15 hides that it is the largest property tax increase in California history that will"... Read More

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Our Mission is to empower Realtors to flourish while being accountable to each other
our clients and our community.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth & development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County. This program is only open to REALTORS® and PSAR Affiliate Members. There is no cost for attending this program.

The Covid-19 pandemic that depressed California’s housing market earlier this year seems like a distant memory after the release of the most recent monthly home sales and price report from the California Association of REALTORS®.

In August 2020, California’s housing market continued to improve as statewide home sales climbed to their highest level in more than a decade and median home prices set another high, breaking July’s record.

The August numbers are the latest evidence that buyers and sellers have brushed off economic uncertainty in the reality of a post-Covid-19, housing market rebound.

Existing, single-family home sales in California totaled 465,400 in August 2020 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 6.3 percent from July 2020’s sales of 437,890, and 14.6 percent higher from August 2019, when 406,100 homes were sold on an annualized basis.

It was noteworthy that August’s sales total climbed above the 400,000 level for the second straight month since the Covid-19 crisis depressed the housing market earlier this year. It was the first time since the summer of 2016 that sales increased from the previous month three months in a row.

In San Diego County, August 2020 homes sales were down 2.2 percent from July 2020, but 10.2 percent higher than August 2019.

In addition to home sales records, home prices also set a record in August 2020. The statewide median price hit another new high after setting records in June and July.

California’s median home price broke the $700,000 mark, reaching $706,900 in August 2020, a 6.1 percent jump from July 2020’s $666,320 and reflecting a year-over-year rise of 14.5 percent compared to the $617,410 price set in August 2019.

August 2020 County Sales and Price Activity
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

Sales of higher-priced properties are recovering faster than the rest of the market, pushing upward the statewide median home price. The median price represents the point at which half of the homes sell above a price and the other half below it.

The yearly price increase was the highest recorded since March 2014 and larger than the six-month average of 4.3 percent observed between February 2020 to July 2020.

In San Diego County, the median price for a single-family home in August 2020 was $732,560, a figure which was 1.9 percent higher than the $719,000 price tag in July 2020 and 12.7 percent higher than the $650,000 amount for August 2019.

“California’s strong housing recovery in terms of sales and price over the past few months is encouraging as motivated buyers are eager to purchase homes amid the lowest interest rates ever, which led to the fastest sales growth in a decade,” said 2020 C.A.R. President Jeanne Radsick, a second-generation REALTOR® from Bakersfield, Calif. “However, persistently low housing inventory will continue to push up home prices due to heavy buyer competition, which is starting to outweigh the benefits of record low interest rates and hamper housing affordability.”

“Low rates and tight housing inventory are contributing factors to the statewide median price setting a new record high three months in a row from June to August, said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. “A change in the mix of sales is another variable that keeps pushing median prices higher, as sales growth of higher-priced properties continued to outpace their more affordable counterparts.”

Reflecting the rise in home prices, consumers continue to say it is a good time to sell, according to C.A.R.’s monthly Consumer Housing Sentiment Index. Conducted in early September, the poll found that 58 percent of consumers said it is a good time to sell, up from 54 percent a month ago, and up from 46 percent a year ago. Meanwhile, low interest rates continue to fuel the optimism for homebuying; 34 percent of the consumers who responded to the poll believed that now is a good time to buy a home, sharply higher than last year, when 22 percent said it was a good time to buy a home.

Other key points from the August 2020 resale housing report included:

-- Home sales at the regional level increased in all major regions from last year. The Central Coast and the San Francisco Bay Area had the strongest sales growth in August with both regions surging more than 10 percent in sales from last year. The Far North and Southern California regions increased more modestly in sales with a gain of 8.6 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively.

-- Home prices at the regional level posted double-digit price increases from last year in nearly all major regions. San Francisco Bay Area had the highest median price increase, rising 18.7 percent from last year, followed by the Central Coast (16.4%), Southern California (12.9%), and Central Valley (12.2%).

-- All but two counties reported a year-over-year gain in price, with 33 of the counties growing more than 10 percent. Santa Barbara had the highest price increase, gaining 41.7 percent year-over-year.

-- With fewer for-sale properties being added to the market, housing supply remained significantly below last year’s level. The 50.3 percent drop from a year ago was the biggest decline in active listings since at least January 2008. It was also the ninth consecutive month with active listings falling more than 25 percent from the prior year. 

-- With higher-than-normal housing demand and supply not being replenished as fast as prior to the pandemic, the Unsold Inventory index (UII) remained at the lowest level in the last 15 years. The UII fell sharply from 3.2 months in August 2019 to 2.1 months this August.

-- Housing supply tightened up in all price segments, but the housing shortage is especially pronounced in more affordable markets. While active listings in every price range declined by double-digits on a year-over-year basis, for-sale properties priced below $1 million fell 58 percent from last year. Compared to a year ago, the supply of homes priced between $1 million to $3 million declined 33.1 percent, and homes priced at or above the $3 million benchmark declined 17.2 percent.

-- The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 13 days in August 2020, down from 23 days in August 2019. The August 2020 timeframe compares to 17 days in July 2020, 19 days in June 2020, 17 days in May 2020, 13 days in April 2020, 15 days in March 2020 and 23 days in February 2020.

August 2020 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

-- In San Diego County, the median number of days an existing, single-family home remained unsold on the market was eight days in August 2020, compared to 17 days in August 2019. The August 2020 timeframe compares to 10 days in July 2020, 12 days in June 2020, 11 days in May 2020, eight days in April 2020, 10 days in March 2020, 12 days in February 2020 and 23 days in January 2020.

-- The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 2.94 percent in August 2020, down from 3.62 percent in August 2019, according to Freddie Mac. The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate was an average of 2.91 percent, compared to 3.36 percent in August 2019.

In other recent real estate and economic news, according to news reports:

-- Realtor.com said the number of listings in San Diego County is 43 percent lower than a year ago, according to its report for the week ending Sept. 12. Also, the median listing price is 8.8 percent higher in a year-over-year comparison.

-- CoreLogic said San Diego County’s median home price in August 2020 hit another all-time high of $640,000, up from the previous peak of $634,000 in July 2020. The real estate data reporting firm also said home prices in the county have risen more than 8 percent since March, when the Covid-19 pandemic began, and 9.4 percent since this same time last year.

-- More than 20 percent of Californians say they are bored of where they live and want to move somewhere else, according to a recent survey by Unclutterer.com, a website for home and office organization. The survey also revealed that 36 percent of city dwellers in California now want to move out to the suburbs or the country.

-- Home sales nationwide exceeded 1 million in August 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sales totaled 1,011,000, a 43.2 percent increase since August 2019, 4.8 percent compared to July 2020 and a record high not seen since 2006.

-- The Covid-19 pandemic has aggravated the housing’s market longstanding lack of supply, creating a historic shortage of homes for sale, reports The Wall Street Journal. Many potential home sellers are keeping their homes off the market for pandemic-related reasons. Meanwhile, buyers are accelerating purchase plans or considering homeownership for the first time to get more living space as many Americans anticipate working from home for the long term. The National Association of REALTORS® said there were 1.3 million existing single-family homes for sale at the end of July, the lowest count for any July going back to 1982. For the week ending Sept. 12, Zillow Group Inc. reports the nationwide inventory was down 29.4 percent from a year ago and the lowest level since late 2017.  

Meet Merrie Espina, who was recently elected to a two-year term (2021-2022) on the PSAR Board of Directors. 

Merrie grew up in the Philippines, traveled to London to study nursing and then moved to the United States with her first husband who was serving in the military at the time. The couple then lived abroad in Guam, Greece, London and Italy and Merrie worked both as a nurse and in banking during this time. They returned to the U.S. in the early 1990s living in Norfolk, Virginia and Long Beach, California, before relocating to San Diego.

While the family was stationed in Naples, Italy, Merrie had the experience of kissing the hand of Pope John II, who was the second longest-serving pope in modern history (from October 1978, until his death on April 2, 2005, at age 84).

“It was my daughter’s first communion and she was in the second grade. All the children were invited to go to the Vatican,” said Merrie. “The pope put his hand on each child’s head. When he walked down the line, I reached for his hand and he let me kiss it. It was a lifetime experience.”

In San Diego, Merrie worked for Navy Federal Credit Union and organized a trip for 20 bank employees to travel to Los Angeles to watch “The Price is Right” daytime TV game show.

“It was so much fun, especially when the announcer called my name. You don’t even realize that you’re on TV,” said Merrie. “I missed a car and a trip by one spot on the big wheel. Instead, I won seven mountain bikes. One of our bank employees won $10,000, but I got to hug and kiss Bob Barker.”

Merrie worked for 21 years in banking as a loan counselor, manager and marketing director. She then launched a career in real estate, beginning with a job with Century 21 Award. She moved to Realty Edge, followed by Ad Valorem. In 1997, she earned her real estate sales license and joined PSAR. By 1998 Merrie had formed her own brokerage firm, which she later sold during the 2007 recession.

“When I opened my own office, I set-up a crib for my granddaughter in our real estate office where she grew up while I worked. She’s now 19 years old” said Merrie. “I love my family, my two children, 6 grandchildren and my 84-year-old mom who lives with me. And, I love my PSAR real estate family."

“I’ve always been a volunteer. As a military spouse, I volunteered as an ombudsman. At church, I volunteered for a prom for special needs kids. For PSAR, I have volunteered annually on several committees, including Education, Grievance, Government Affairs, Global Council and Charity.”

This is not Merrie’s first time serving on the PSAR board. She was a board member from 2016 and 2017. She also served as a C.A.R. director (2018).

Merrie has earned a Master of Real Estate degree from REALTOR® University, a program endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). She also has a bachelor’s degree in management and business from the University of Laverne.

She has been honored with the 2019 PSAR REALTOR® of the Year award. Her former real estate office was named Business of the Year by the San Diego Filipino American Chamber of Commerce.

“I love real estate, I value my clients’ trust, loyalty and support,” said Merrie. “I treat and take care of them like family. I believe in helping others, listening and sharing my ideas to be part of the solution. When I go to bed, I ask myself: What good things did I do today to make a difference?”

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PSAR's Mission is to empower Realtors to flourish while being accountable to each other our clients and our community.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

PSAR is proud to announce the completion of the “Robert Calloway Memorial Veteran Housing Grant” program.

In a joint partnership with the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Housing Affordability Fund (HAF), on Memorial Day, PSAR launched a special grants program named in honor of 2019 PSAR President Robert Calloway, a military veteran and PSAR Past Immediate-President.

The PSAR Robert Calloway Memorial Veteran Housing Grant program helped first-time military homebuyers with closing-cost assistance of $1,500. 

A total of 34 grants were available. The grants program was scheduled to continue for up to one year or until the available $51,000 was exhausted. Less than three months later, on Aug. 26, the final available closing-cost grant was approved and distributed.

“This grants program was a tremendous success for our veterans,” said Robert Cromer, 2020 PSAR President. “PSAR was honored to give-back to our military community and provide closing-cost assistance to our hometown heroes and their families who were searching to find a place to call home. I am proud to have been part of this effort to help these courageous men and women who have sacrificed and served to protect this beautiful country and our values and freedoms that have kept us free.”

“We felt that naming this grant after Robert Calloway was a fitting tribute to his legacy as a veteran and a member of the PSAR family,” said Rich D’Ascoli, CEO of PSAR. “Our Association was proud to team-up with C.A.R. and give back to those who have worked hard to protect our everyday lives. The Robert Calloway Memorial Veteran Housing Grant program has truly been an across-the-board, undeniable success story that everyone can be proud of.”

The joint partnership with PSAR and C.A.R. was initiated by the late Robert Calloway, who suddenly passed away May 4 this year from heart disease. He was 54. Prior to his real estate sales career as a REALTOR®, Calloway served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, from June 1985 to June 2011, retiring as a Senior Chief Navy Counselor. He specialized in human resources and counseling for the Navy during 20 of his 26 years. In 2008, Calloway started selling real estate while still serving in the Navy. He joined PSAR at the start of his real estate sales career and was elected to the PSAR board of directors in 2014.

At the time of his passing, Calloway was serving as a current PSAR board member and as a C.A.R. director, including as Vice Chair of C.A.R.’s Southern California Region 30. In addition, Calloway was serving as an advisor to Ernie Dronenburg, San Diego County assessor-recorder-clerk. With the assistance of  Calloway’s leadership, Dronenburg introduced a number of housing initiatives that assisted disabled military veterans achieve homeownership, stay in their homes and save money on their property taxes.

“It’s wonderful to learn of PSAR’s success with the Robert Calloway Memorial Veteran Housing Grant program,” said Dronenburg. “It was an honor to work with Robert, who made San Diego a better place to live. His life was marked by service, starting in the Navy and ending as a super professional in the real estate industry. His legacy of service will live on in the homes of the veteran families who were able to achieve homeownership thanks to the Robert Calloway Memorial Veteran Housing Grant.”

Prior to serving as PSAR president, Calloway also served as the founding president of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), San Diego chapter. Established in 2011 and based in Corona, Calif., VAREP is a non-profit, HUD-approved housing counseling organization dedicated to increasing sustainable homeownership, financial-literacy education, VA loan awareness, and economic opportunity for the active-military and veteran communities.

“Our gratitude and congratulations are extended to PSAR for working to enhance lives of our veterans over the long haul,” said Son Nguyen, founder and president, VAREP. “On behalf of our 6,000 members nationwide, we applaud PSAR for their efforts to create housing opportunities for veterans and remove barriers to homeownership. We are very grateful to PSAR.”

HAF, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing California’s growing housing affordability crisis, was established by C.A.R. in November 2002 to provide more options to first-time homebuyers. It was created by REALTORS® who bore witness to working families being denied the American dream of homeownership. The HAF mission statement states the nonprofit plays an active role in addressing ongoing housing affordability challenges facing Californians.

HAF receives donations from C.A.R. members, non-members and other institutions that are committed to addressing housing challenges in California. HAF donations are then distributed through local REALTOR® associations who have submitted funding requests for local housing affordability and housing supply programs. For maximum impact, HAF funds are leveraged with local associations and their housing partners.

“We were honored to work with PSAR on the Robert Calloway Memorial Veteran Housing Grant program,” said Sharon Barron, 2020 HAF chair. “We applaud PSAR for their innovative leadership and allocation of HAF funds that are intended to provide more options for first-time homebuyers’ entry into homeownership. We especially appreciate the support of C.A.R. members for their unwavering support and contributions to the Housing Affordability Fund so that we can continue to address California’s housing affordability crisis in the midst of skyrocketing housing costs. Their participation allows us to continue to help Californians achieve the dream of homeownership.” 

“As a first-time, military veteran homebuyer, I went through different moods and feelings going through the home purchase process, and shock and fear were some of those feelings,”

Several first-time veteran homebuyers who were recipients of Robert Calloway Memorial Veteran Housing Grant, along with their agents, spoke with PSAR to express their gratitude to PSAR for the grants program.

“As a first-time, military veteran homebuyer, I went through different moods and feelings going through the home purchase process, and shock and fear were some of those feelings,” said Efren Renales Jr., a 20-year retired U.S. Air Force veteran. “However, the PSAR closing-cost assistance proved to be a huge help. This program, along with an awesome realtor, gave the boost of confidence and security we needed to know we can have the home we envisioned building our legacy in. After living in 13 different homes across seven U.S. and overseas locations, we consider ourselves blessed to be able to ground roots and watch our children grow in our hometown, which the PSAR closing-cost assistance program greatly contributed to.”

Renales and his wife have three children. PSAR REALTOR® member Brynn Gonzales represented the Renales family in their home transaction.

“It was a great honor and enjoyable experience to be able to help my clients find a place to call home, especially the Renales family,” said Gonzales. “As a PSAR REALTOR® member, it feels good to be able to give back to our military families. I think building wealth for families is important and it excites me because it provides unique wealth building opportunities for future investments. It’s important for homeowners to invest in and take ownership of their community because they can help improve the sales of their surrounding area when purchasing their home. The community also benefits from the homeowner paying real estate taxes.”

“I am thrilled to finally be done renting, start building equity and calling my new place home,”

Justin Brennan is a U.S. Navy submarine veteran who served aboard the USS Olympia (SSN 717). The native of Northern Virginia joined the Navy at age 23. Brennan was represented by REALTOR® Amir Tafreshnia in his home purchase.

“I am thrilled to finally be done renting, start building equity and calling my new place home,” said Brennan. “I don’t think it would have been achievable without my veteran benefits and the zero-down VA loan. With the added PSAR closing-cost assistance, it really made a difference during my homebuying journey. The PSAR closing-cost assistance allowed me more flexibility in creating a competitive offer. It also provided big relief when it came to closing time. Closing is expensive and with the additional money in my pocket I was able to finance my move, purchase needed items for my new home and it made me feel very appreciated. I am proud to have served this great country. There are so many great programs out there for us veterans and I can not thank the PSAR team enough for their assistance.”

“Thanks to the PSAR grants, it helps spread awareness of possibility of homeownership and the pride of ownership in the community,” said Tafreshnia. “There is no better feeling, and the best part of my job, to help someone get into a home they love, in an area they love and ultimately reach one of the goals they’ve been working so hard towards. It means the world to me and motivates me daily. Thanks to the PSAR team for making it happen.”

"Being a homeowner and sharing this positive energy with my family is the highlight of my recent retirement."

Corey Clemons spent 26 years in the Navy. Corey, his wife and three children recently moved into their new home.

“It was truly rewarding to serve our amazing country for 26 years, and I understand what sacrifice really means,” said Clemons. “I served for all those years because this journey was bigger than me. I wanted to give back and anticipated that my sacrifice would pay dividends for my family. We are extremely appreciative and proud to be brand new homeowners in sunny San Diego for the first time. Being a homeowner and sharing this positive energy with my family is the highlight of my recent retirement. The PSAR closing-cost assistance meant a lot to my family and I. This assistance was more like icing on a cake especially when blessed to purchase a brand new home in California for the first time. Thanks abundantly to PSAR for such a kind gesture that my family and I will be forever grateful for.”

“Being a first-time buyer was stressful and, at the same time, exciting,”

Kristopher Mangrbang is in his 29th year of active duty in the U.S. Navy. He was represented in his recent home purchase by PSAR REALTOR® member Merrie Espina.

“Being a first-time buyer was stressful and, at the same time, exciting,” said Mangrbang. “I and my family are very grateful for the PSAR assistance as it covered our HOA fees for the whole year. And, of course, we wouldn’t have this type of assistance without our agent Merrie.”

PSAR REALTOR® member Marielena Beatie represented homebuyer Agustin Villasenor.

“I received news about the Robert Calloway VA grant as soon as we opened escrow and I quickly contacted Sally Valdez from PSAR and she guided us through the application process,” said Beatie. “It was a pleasure to work with Agustin and Daniela Villasenor. They were approved as one of the grant recipients and this was definitely an added bonus. They were very grateful for this additional help with their closing costs. This was their first home purchase and it was exciting to be able to make their dream of home ownership come true. It was truly an honor to help a veteran in his first investment.  It is exciting to help veterans be able to own a part of the American Dream. Military families sacrifice for our freedom and it is truly an honor to be able to give something back to them. I hope they enjoy their beautiful home, they deserve it.”

To qualify for a Robert Calloway Memorial Veteran Housing Grant, the homebuyer’s mortgage loan had to be already approved through regular Desktop Underwriting (DU) industry standards and have an executed Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA) in escrow. Homebuyers also had to use a Veterans Administration (VA) loan for their home purchase. All San Diego County-area REALTORS®, regardless of Association membership, were invited to participate in the grant program.

Meet Andrea Martino, who was recently elected to a two-year term (2021-2022) on the PSAR board of directors as an affiliate director.

Andrea, a native of Tijuana, moved to San Diego at age 13. “At first, I struggled as an English language learner in academics,” said Andrea. “I was an underdog among my peers. But, the experience taught me to not be afraid to be challenged out of my comfort zone and overcome my insecurities.”

Andrea excelled as a student at Otay Ranch High School. At age 16, she was accepted to participate in an internship at The San Diego Union-Tribune.  

The newspaper’s annual summer journalism program offers the opportunity for high school students to learn about journalism. The students, paired with mentors in the Union Tribune newsroom, write stories, take photographs and create videos. The program focuses on reporting and writing, with special attention paid to critical thinking, objectivity, accuracy, fairness, interviewing, research and media literacy. Participating students are considered for college scholarship funds. Andrea was honored as the top student and received a college scholarship.  

“I remember going through my English-Spanish dictionary and having no idea about what my mentor was talking about, what’s a district attorney, what is extradition,” said Andrea. “But, the internship turned into a life-changing event. Again, I was challenged out of my comfort zone to learn a lot in a short amount of time.”  

After graduating from high school in 2010, Andrea attended San Diego State University and studied psychology and counseling. She got a job at South Bay Community Services (SBCS), a nonprofit that has been the beneficiary of proceeds from several PSAR charity events, including the REALTOR® Games and Zombie 5K Run-Walk.  

Based in Chula Vista, SBCS provides holistic comprehensive support for children, youth and families in crisis to help them heal and create self-sufficient lives. SBCS supports local residents with housing assistance, counseling, life skills and job readiness training.  At SBCS, Andrea worked on academic support programs and offered services to youth who were homeless or involved in the juvenile justice system. She was also involved with marketing, fundraising, and community relations at SBCS.

“I became acquainted with PSAR thanks to their support of South Bay Community Services,” said Andrea. “PSAR’s support meant so much to us at the time. This is a big reason why it was important for me to give back to the Association as soon as I joined the real estate industry.”

Since 2018, Andrea has worked for New Venture Escrow as a sales executive. “I love my job because it gives me an opportunity to build new partnerships and friendships,” she said. “I took a leap of faith by switching career paths but I’m a firm believer that great things happen outside our comfort zone.” 

Shortly after starting her real estate career, Andrea was invited to join the board of directors of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, La Jolla Chapter.  

She also joined PSAR and volunteered on the Charity Committee and the Young Professionals Network (YPN) group. Last year, Andrea oversaw YPN’s “Saddle-up and Hold’em,” a fundraiser and after-work mixer that was held at the Seven Mile Casino in Chula Vista. Event proceeds benefited Saddles in Service, a Descanso-based equestrian nonprofit that promotes wellness and healing from stress and depression for active-duty and retired military and first responders.  

“It was a lot of fun and my first opportunity to plan an event,” said Andrea. “I was so honored and privileged to take the lead and help PSAR with a successful event.”  

Then, a friend encouraged her to run for the open seat on the board as an affiliate member.  

“I decided to go for it because I’m passionate about doing new things and helping my real estate community. So, now I’m taking another leap of faith to serve on the board,” said Andrea. “I look forward to building relationships between affiliates and REALTORS®. I’m super-stoked about it and very grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve.”  

In her spare time, Andrea likes to volunteer and facilitate opportunities for community service. She also hosts weekend trips to Tijuana and Mexico’s wine country. “I’m a foodie at heart, and really enjoy showcasing Baja’s hidden gems as a tour guide with my friends,” she said.  

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PSAR's Mission is to empower Realtors to flourish while being accountable to each other our clients and our community.

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

California’s housing market recovery from the coronavirus pandemic nosedive is continuing in high gear as buyers and sellers apparently have brushed off economic uncertainty, according to the most recent monthly home sales and price report from the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.).

In July, home sales climbed to their highest level in more than two-and-a-half years, while median home prices set another record high. The July numbers are the latest evidence of a housing market rebound from spring, when stay-at-home orders and fears over the coronavirus slowed activity.

The state’s existing, single-family home sales totaled 437,890 in July 2020 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, up 28.8 percent from June 2020’s sales of 339,910, and 6.4 percent higher from July 2019, when 411,630 homes were sold.

The July sales total climbed above the 400,000 level for the first time since February, before the COVID-19 effect depressed the housing market. July 2020 also was the first time in five months that home sales posted an annual gain. Year-to-date statewide home sales were down 10 percent in July, however.

In San Diego County, July 2020 home sales were 18.1 percent higher, compared to that of June 2020, with a 10.2 percent increase since July 2019.

“A housing market trifecta of strong pent-up demand, record-low interest rates and a renewed interest in the value of homeownership bolstered July’s home sales,” said 2020 C.A.R. President Jeanne Radsick, a second-generation REALTOR® from Bakersfield, Calif. “With this year’s delayed start of the homebuying season due to the pandemic, we expect home sales to remain robust in August and September, extending the season later than what’s typical.”

The median price for a single-family home in California was $666,320 for July 2020, up 6.4 percent from June 2020’s price of $626,170, and up 9.6 percent from July 2019’s price of $607,990.

July 2020 County Sales and Price Activity
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

In San Diego, the median price for a single-family home in San Diego County in July 2020 was $719,000, 6 percent higher than the $678,000 figure in June 2020 and 10.6 percent higher than the $650,000 figure for July 2019.

Sales of higher-priced properties contributed to a new high for the statewide median price in July 2020, after setting a previous record in June 2020. The monthly price increase was higher than the historical average change from June to July and was the highest ever recorded June-to-July change.

Sales of higher-priced properties continued to outpace sales of lower-priced homes. Homes priced below $500,000, which made up 44 percent of total sales in the California market in June 2020, only comprised 40 percent of all sales in July 2020.

Homes priced below $500,000 made up 40 percent of total sales in the state in July 2020, compared to 44 percent in June 2020. Sales of million-dollar properties increased in market share to 20.4 percent in July 2020, compared with 18.1 percent in June 2020. 

“Stronger sales of higher-priced properties continue to propel the statewide median home price, as those who tend to purchase more expensive homes are less impacted by the economic recession,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young. “High demand in resort communities is another variable that’s fueling the increase in home prices, as a new wave of remote workers are leaving cities in search of more space and a healthier lifestyle in what used to be the second/vacation home market.”

Reflecting the rise in home prices, a monthly Google poll conducted by C.A.R. in early August found that 54 percent of consumers said it is a good time to sell, up from 44 percent a month ago, and up from 52 percent a year ago. Meanwhile, low interest rates continue to fuel the optimism for homebuying; 33 percent of the consumers who responded to the poll believed that now is a good time to buy a home, sharply higher than last year, when 23 percent said it was a good time to buy a home.

Other key points from the July 2020 resale housing report include:

-- Sales increased in all major regions over last year and were particularly strong in the Central Coast region, which posted a 21.9 percent gain. Sales increased 14.8 percent in the San Francisco Bay Region, 6.6 percent in the Central Valley and 5.4 percent in Southern California. 

-- Nearly nine of ten of counties, 44 of 51 overall, experienced a year-over-year gain in closed sales in July 2020.

-- Median home prices increased in all regions in July, with both the Central Coast and San Francisco Bay Area climbing more than 10 percent from last year. The Central Valley and Southern California also grew solidly with high-single-digit increases.

-- Housing inventory continued to trend downward on a year-over-year basis, with active listings falling more than 25 percent for the eighth consecutive month. The year-over-year 48 percent decline was the biggest drop in active listings since January 2013.

-- The continued recovery in closed escrow sales, combined with a sharp drop in active listings, led to a plunge in the Unsold Inventory Index (UII) to 2.1 months in July, down from 3.2 months a year ago. The index indicates the number of months it would take to sell the supply of homes on the market at the current rate of sales. The July UII was the lowest level since November 2004.

-- The supply of homes for sale continued to decline significantly across the state, with all regions falling more than 30 percent in active listings from last year. Southern California had the biggest annual drop in inventory in July at 50.7 percent, which was less than half the number of sale properties from a year ago. 

July 2020 County Unsold Inventory and Days on Market
(Regional and condo sales data not seasonally adjusted)

-- The median number of days it took to sell a California single-family home was 17 days in July 2020. July’s time-frame compares to 19 days in June 2020, 17 days in May 2020, 13 days in April 2020, 15 days in March 2020, 23 days in February 2020 and 21 days in July 2019.

-- In San Diego County, the median number of days an existing, single-family home remained unsold on the market was 10 days in July 2020, which compares to 12 days in June 2020, 11 days in May 2020, eight days in April 2020, 10 days in March 2020, 12 days in February 2020, 23 days in January 2020 and 15 days in July 2019.

-- The 30-year, fixed-mortgage interest rate averaged 3.02 percent in July, down from 3.77 percent in July 2019, according to Freddie Mac. The five-year, adjustable mortgage interest rate was an average of 3.02 percent, compared to 3.47 percent in July 2019.

In other recent real estate and economic news, according to news reports:

-- Median home prices in San Diego hit a record high of $634,000 in July 2020, according to CoreLogic. That median price is 9.3 percent higher from same time a year ago. In June 2020, the figure hovered just over $600,000. Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties all saw home selling prices touch record levels. The median price of a home in the region was $585,000 in July, up 8.5 percent year-over-year and up almost $30,000 from June’s record high. It was the largest one-month price hike in CoreLogic’s 32-year-old history of tracking.

-- According to Redfin, San Diego County had the third-highest rate of competitive bids for homes in the country, trailing only Salt Lake City and San Francisco. San Diego home buyers faced competitive bids in 65 percent of the cases in July, which was down somewhat from 70 percent in June.

-- According to Zillow, San Diego County’s home inventory is down 28.4 percent year-over-year, as of the week ending Aug. 15, meaning there are more than 400,000 fewer homes listed on the market than there were a year ago. Inventory also is down in each of the 50 largest metros surveyed by Zillow from a year ago. Inventory decreased the most in Riverside (minus-46.5 percent), Baltimore (minus-43.8 percent), and Hartford, Conn. (minus-43.1 percent).

-- The median list price of a single-family home in the U.S. grew 10.1 percent year-over-year, the fastest pace of growth since January 2018, according to Realtor.com’s weekly recovery report for the week ending Aug. 15. Realtor.com also reported the price in San Diego is up about 11 percent year-over-year, while the number of active listings is down by 44 percent since last year.

-- The National Association of REALTORS® reports that 96 percent of the nation’s metropolitan areas experienced an increase in home prices in the second quarter of 2020, even in the midst of the pandemic. San Diego was the fifth most expensive metro area for housing. San Jose maintained its place as the most expensive area in the nation during the second quarter as its median price for an existing, single-family home rose 3.8 percent year-over-year to $1.38 million. Others median prices among the top five included San Francisco ($1.05 million), Anaheim ($859,000), urban Honolulu ($815,700) and San Diego ($670,000).

-- San Diego was the nation’s second least affordable housing market in June, according to First American Financial Corp.’s Real House Price Index (RHPI). The higher the RHPI score, the less affordable the home. New York City had the highest RHPI at 29.3 percent, followed by San Diego at 19.4 percent, and Pittsburgh at 15 percent.