🏡 Market in Motion: Government Shutdown Adds Uncertainty as Jobs and Rates Shift
As we move into October, financial headlines are once again dominated by Washington gridlock — and this time, it’s hitting close to home. The federal government officially shut down on October 1st, pausing key economic reports and adding a new layer of uncertainty to an already mixed market. While the economy has shown surprising resilience, new signs of strain are emerging in the labor market — and that could play a major role in shaping mortgage rates, buyer confidence, and housing activity as we close out 2025.
⚖️ Washington Standoff Brings Data Delays and Economic Risks
The federal government shutdown — now stretching into its second week — has furloughed more than 600,000 workers and disrupted the release of several major reports, including the monthly Jobs Report and CPI data.
According to the White House Council of Economic Advisors, every week the government remains shut down could shave off roughly $15 billion in U.S. GDP, or about 0.1% from annualized growth. If the standoff continues for a month, consumer spending could drop by $30 billion, with additional job losses projected in the tens of thousands.
For now, economists are relying more heavily on private-sector data to gauge real-time trends — a tricky scenario as markets and the Fed navigate policy decisions without full visibility.
🏠 Mortgage Activity Slows but Stays Stronger Than Last Year
The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that mortgage applications dipped 12.7% in the last week of September, with refinances down 21% after a strong start to the month. Purchase applications slipped slightly, but remain 16% higher than this time last year thanks to softer mortgage rates.
Even with rates still above pandemic-era lows, recent declines have made a difference. If the job market continues to soften and inflation stays in check, mortgage rates could gradually trend lower in the coming months — offering new opportunities for both buyers and homeowners considering a refinance.
💡 Consumer Confidence Slips as Job Outlook Worsens
Consumer confidence took a hit in September, with the Conference Board’s index dropping to its lowest level since April. Fewer Americans say jobs are “plentiful,” and optimism about future hiring has declined.
Interestingly, home-buying sentiment has improved — likely tied to the recent dip in mortgage rates. Purchase plans for homes reached a four-month high, suggesting that even amid economic uncertainty, real estate remains a key area of consumer focus and optimism.
📍 Local Spotlight: Long Beach & Orange County
Here at home, the fall market is showing its usual seasonal cooling — but with a twist.
In Long Beach, new listings ticked up slightly in late September as sellers who had been waiting for lower mortgage rates began to re-enter the market. Buyer activity remains steady, especially for homes priced between $800,000 and $1.2 million, where well-presented properties are still seeing multiple offers. Condos near the coast and in downtown Long Beach continue to attract younger buyers and downsizers drawn to urban living and walkability.
In Orange County, inventory remains tight, but homes priced correctly are moving quickly. The median home price is holding firm, and some areas — particularly North Tustin, Irvine, and Mission Viejo — are seeing renewed buyer interest as rates ease. Builders are also beginning to offer more incentives on new construction, giving buyers a bit more negotiating power than we saw earlier this year.
Overall, the Southern California market remains balanced, with slightly less competition than in spring — creating a great window for buyers looking to get ahead of next year’s rate cuts or for sellers ready to list before the holidays.
🧭 Takeaway for Homeowners & Buyers
While the headlines may sound unsettling, the key takeaway is balance: the economy is slowing, but not stalling. Lower rates could help ease affordability challenges heading into the holidays, and long-term fundamentals — especially in Southern California — remain solid.
As always, I’ll keep you informed as these trends develop and what they mean for your next move, whether you’re buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on your home’s value.
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1849 Fanwood Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90815
3 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,054 SF | $949,000
Charming Remodeled Home in Highly Desirable Los Altos! Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom home, perfectly situated on a picturesque tree-lined street in one of Long Beach’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Just two blocks from the award-winning Minnie Gant Elementary School and one block from Cal State Long Beach, this home offers both charm and convenience in an unbeatable location. Step inside to find a bright and inviting interior featuring a stunning remodeled kitchen with sleek white soft-close cabinetry, granite countertops, new modern flooring, and stainless-steel appliances, including a 5-burner gas range. The updated bathroom shines with a stylish vanity and contemporary finishes. Additional highlights include dual-pane windows, modern ceiling fans in every bedroom, and original hardwood floors throughout the living areas and bedrooms.
Situated on an expansive 6,828 sq. ft. lot, the backyard offers exceptional space and privacy—perfect for entertaining, gardening, or even adding an ADU. A long driveway provides ample parking, with room for a boat or RV, plus a detached 2-car garage. Conveniently located near parks, shopping, Trader Joe’s, and major freeways, this Los Altos gem combines modern updates with classic charm in a prime location!
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday (10/11) 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Sunday (10/12) 1:00 - 4:00 pm
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4340 Pixie Ave.
Lakewood, CA 90712
5 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,459 SF | $1,199,000
Beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 3-bath home on a tree lined street in the sought-after Lakewood Mutuals neighborhood! Step inside to find new modern flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, smooth ceilings, and custom wood shutters that add timeless charm. The open layout features a welcoming living room, a large dining area, and a bright kitchen with white cabinetry, new quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The main level includes three bedrooms and two full baths, including a spacious primary suite with three closets (one walk-in) and a spa-like bath with dual sinks, walk-in shower, and jetted tub. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms and a full bath with walk-in shower provide flexible living space. The backyard is a private oasis with pavers that match seamlessly with the driveway making an expansive area that is perfect for entertaining day or night with ambient lighting, turf play area, or relaxing in the swim spa under the stars. Additional features include central heat and A/C, indoor laundry, and parking for up to 6 cars with a detached 2-car garage and long driveway.
Close to Lakewood Country Club, Bixby Knolls, and Long Beach Exchange (LBX), this home offers both tranquility and prime access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday (10/11) 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Sunday (10/12) 1:00 - 4:00 pm
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4700 Clair Del Ave #620
Long Beach, CA 90807
2 Bed | 1 Bath | 779 SF | $385,000
Top-Floor Condo with Pool Views and Garage Parking! Welcome to this nicely updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath top-floor corner condo, offering abundant natural light and serene views of the sparkling pool and spa. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area with newer dual-pane windows and modern laminate flooring. The open kitchen features white cabinetry, granite counters with a stylish tile backsplash, and gas range — perfect for cooking and entertaining. This home includes two dedicated parking spaces, one in a private garage and another reserved spot. The Clair Del community offers fantastic amenities including a pool, spa, barbecue area, two community rooms (one with a pool table and ping pong, and another available for private gatherings), plus two laundry facilities. With low HOA dues that cover water, trash, gas, and community upkeep, this is an excellent opportunity for convenient and affordable living.
Ideally located near Lakewood Country Club, Bixby Knolls, and the Long Beach Exchange (LBX), you’ll enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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133 The Promenade N #319
Long Beach, CA 90802
1 Bed | 1 Bath | 910 SF | $524,999
Modern loft style living in the heart of downtown Long Beach!
This wonderfully oversized one bedroom open concept loft style condo in a premium building located at the vibrant center of downtown Long Beach is ready to be yours! Walk to the wonderful shops and restaurants all around the area. Hop onto the light rail and travel all over Los Angeles / Hollywood / LAX and will soon go even as far as Pomona! With the waterfront just minutes away and walk/bike pathway all the way to Belmont Shores, the access possibilities are endless. This loft style condo features an open concept kitchen overlooking the living room and balcony that has the feel of airiness matching the 10 feet high ceiling throughout. Wood flooring with sliding frosted panels featured for the bedroom.
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9451 Harcourt Circle
Huntington Beach 92646
3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,494 SF | $5,500
Coastal Living with a Pool – Just Minutes from the Beach! Beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-story home located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the desirable Century Shores neighborhood of Huntington Beach. Step inside to an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, a cozy fireplace, new modern flooring, smooth ceilings, and fresh paint throughout. The updated kitchen features granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and contemporary cabinetry, perfect for any home chef. Versatile bonus room that can be used as a family room, large great room, office, etc. Enjoy relaxing or entertaining by your sparkling pool. Large back yard and side yard areas are great for gardening. Energy-efficient solar panels help keep electricity costs low, and parking is never an issue with an attached 2-car garage plus a wide driveway that accommodates three more cars. Central heat and AC. This home offers the ideal combination of comfort, convenience, and location—close to shopping, dining, entertainment, parks, and top-rated schools. Best of all, you’re just a quick bike ride from the beach, Downtown Huntington Beach, and Pacific City!
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939 E Appletong St #8
Long Beach 90802
2 Bed | 2 Bath | 900 SF | $2,300
Discover this delightful top floor condo in the heart of Alamitos Beach. Just steps from the beach, East Village, Retro Row, and Shoreline Village, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom gem offers a cozy and inviting living space. Featuring spacious bedrooms with ample closet space, large windows, and retro bathroom tiling, this condo provides comfort and character. The kitchen boasts tile floors and counters, a refrigerator, dishwasher, range, oven, and plenty of storage. The living room opens to a private balcony overlooking the courtyard, while a one-car garage with storage and community laundry facilities add convenience. Enjoy the vibrant local scene with great restaurants, cafes, entertainment, and parks nearby.
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6600 Warner Ave. #144
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
1 Bed | 1 Bath | 754 SF | $473,988
Turnkey Coastal Living in Huntington Beach!
This bright and private ground-floor corner unit features 2 deeded parking spaces, 1 bedroom, and 1 updated bath; the one uncovered parking spot and one carport are a rare find! Enjoy a spacious living area with views and access to an extra-large private patio and garden, allowing you to appreciate the coastal weather Huntington Beach has to offer. This bedroom unit is unique in this complex with its added walk-in closet, designed by California Closets to maximize storage. The remodeled kitchen boasts granite countertops, soft-close Shaker cabinets, built in microwave, dishwasher, updated lighting and laminate flooring. Upgrades continue in the bathroom with quartz counters, modern vanity, laminate flooring and updated lighting. Milgard dual-pane windows, an oversized slider, and ceiling fans add year-round comfort. Resort-style amenities include gated entry, pool, spa, fitness center, clubhouse, billiards/game room, BBQs, and lush greenbelts.
Prime location near schools, restaurants, shops, Central Park, Central Library, the Equestrian Center, Senior Center, Sports Complex, Bella Terra, Bolsa Chica wetlands; and of course, is just minutes to Bolsa Chica, Sunset, and Huntington State Beaches!
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179 Santa Ana Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90803
3 Bed | 3 Bath | 3308 SF | $1,937,000
Modern Coastal Luxury in the Heart of Belmont Shore!
Prepare to be impressed by this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath, four-story contemporary home offering over 3,300 sq ft of sleek, modern living. Located just steps from the best of Belmont Shore, this light-filled residence features an open-concept living area with hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen with quartz island and stainless steel appliances, and multiple balconies to enjoy the ocean breeze. The luxurious primary suite boasts a double-sided fireplace, spa-like bath with soaking tub, and a custom walk-in closet. Additional highlights include a ground-level entertaining space with bar, private loft, laundry room, solar panels, and a two-car garage with extra parking. Thoughtfully designed for comfort, style, and coastal living, this is a rare opportunity you don’t want to miss!
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3445 S Pacific Ave.
San Pedro, CA 90731
3 Units | 6 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,742 SF | $1,100,000
Prime Triplex Just 2 Blocks from Cabrillo Beach – Ideal for Investors or Owner-Occupants!
Located the desirable Point Fermin are of San Pedro, this well maintained triplex is just steps from Cabrillo Beach and offers an incredible opportunity for investors or owner-users. Each of the three 2-bed, 1-bath units includes in-unit laundry hookups, dual-pane windows, and two parking spaces (garage + driveway). The front unit features a spacious patio with peek-a-boo ocean views, while the top-floor owner’s unit is move-in ready with updated kitchen and bath, laminate flooring, and crown molding. The large shared backyard is perfect for entertaining. Two units are tenant-occupied at below-market rents, with the top rear unit ready for occupancy. Projected gross income is $73,476/year with pro forma potential of $96,000/year. Subject to LA City Rent Control. Enjoy close proximity to beachside amenities, dining, and recreation in this sought-after coastal location!
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1811 Tevis Ave.
Long Beach 90815
5 Bed | 2 Bath | 2018 SF | $1,420,000
Stunning Remodeled 5-Bedroom Home in Highly Desirable Los Altos! This beautifully remodeled home is nestled on a picturesque tree-lined street in one of Los Altos’ most sought-after neighborhoods. Designed for modern living and entertaining, the open floor plan features hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, and custom paint throughout. The gourmet kitchen boasts sleek white cabinetry, black quartz countertops, a spacious island, and high-end GE Profile stainless steel appliances. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living with a stunning wall of glass-pane doors that open to an entertainer’s patio and a beautifully landscaped backyard. Recent upgrades include a new roof and driveway in 2024, solar system with dual batteries in 2024, and new windows in 2023. Conveniently located near shopping, parks, Trader Joe’s, Cal State Long Beach, and award-winning Minnie Gant Elementary School—this home truly has it all.
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