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Market Update: Confidence Wavers, Construction Slows, and Inflation Still in Focus
As we head into summer, the market continues to send mixed signals. While consumers are feeling a bit more optimistic, business leaders are bracing for a slowdown. Mortgage rates remain elevated, construction spending has pulled back again, and while inflation appears to be cooling for now, new price hikes could be on the horizon. Here's what you need to know this week:
Consumer Confidence Rebounds (Slightly)
After five months of declines, consumer confidence bounced back in May. The Conference Board’s index rose to 98, helped by improving market conditions and the U.S./China trade agreement. More consumers are feeling better about the future, and plans to buy homes ticked up. That said, job market concerns remain, and sentiment could still shift if mortgage rates continue to fluctuate.
CEO Sentiment Drops Sharply
While consumers may be cautiously optimistic, CEOs are growing increasingly wary. Business confidence took a historic dip in Q2, with over 80% of CEOs now expecting a recession within 12–18 months. Concerns over geopolitical instability, tariffs, and regulatory uncertainty are driving the unease. Hiring plans remain flat for most industries, signaling potential headwinds ahead.
Inflation Eases—For Now
The Fed’s go-to inflation gauge—the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index—rose just 0.1% in April and is now up 2.1% year-over-year. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, hit its lowest level in over three years. Still, several major retailers have warned that more price hikes are coming soon. So while inflation is easing, don’t expect it to stay quiet for long.
Mortgage Delinquencies Hold Steady
The national mortgage delinquency rate held firm at 2.8% in Q1—unchanged from this time last year. While some states like Florida and D.C. saw slight increases, most borrowers remain current on their payments. That said, with the job market softening and home price appreciation slowing, we may see a modest uptick in delinquencies later this year.
Construction Spending Continues to Slide
High rates and uncertain costs are weighing on builders. Construction spending fell for the third straight month in April, with new single-family home projects seeing the steepest decline. Renovation activity also pulled back. With material prices facing upward pressure and rates staying high, developers remain cautious—especially in the single-family segment.
If you have questions about how these trends affect your real estate plans, I'm just a call or message away.
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2901 Llewellyn Dr.,
Signal Hill, CA 90755
4 Bed + Den | 3 Bath | 2640 SF | $5,500 / Month
Beautiful 4-Bedroom Home with Loft in Gated Bixby Ridge Community! Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with a loft and den, located in the highly desirable gated community of Bixby Ridge. This spacious residence offers a bright and open layout with soaring cathedral ceilings, a formal living and dining area, and abundant natural light flowing in from the large side yard. The thoughtfully designed floor plan includes one bedroom and full bath on the main level, three additional bedrooms and a flexible den on the second floor, plus a generous third-floor loft—ideal for a home office, gym, or playroom. The primary suite features a walk-in closet, dual sinks, and a luxurious bath with a soaking tub and separate shower.
The gourmet kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite counters, a center island, and breakfast bar, opening to a cozy family room with a gas fireplace and backyard views—perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Additional highlights include custom plantation shutters, recessed lighting, central air and heat, and a 2-car attached garage with direct access. Laundry hookups are conveniently located on the second floor. Don’t miss this opportunity to live in a secure, peaceful community near parks, shopping, and dining.
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939 E Appletong St #8
Long Beach 90802
2 Bed | 2 Bath | 900 SF | $2,500
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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1535 E Ocean Blvd #3
Long Beach, CA 90802
2 Bed | 1.5 Bath | 943 SF | $575,000
Beautiful Top-Floor Corner Condo with Peek-a-Boo Ocean View!
Enjoy beachside living in this beautiful 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo offering views of Ocean Blvd from its prime top-floor corner location. Just steps from the sand with easy beach access, this home features a spacious living room with gorgeous wood floors and recessed lighting, while the updated kitchen offers granite countertops, white cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. Located right across the street from the beach with beach access. Rare private garage with remote. Conveniently located close to all of the great restaurants, cafes, and entertainment in downtown Long Beach and Belmont Shore. Don’t miss this chance to live just moments from the beach, bike paths, and ocean breezes!
Eligible for a $20,000 down payment grant from City National Bank!
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8230 Santa Inez Place,
Buena Park, CA 90620
4 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,194 SF | $655,000
Stylish 4-Bedroom End-Unit Townhome in the Heart of Buena Park! Welcome to this beautifully upgraded end-unit townhome ideally located in central Buena Park. The spacious and flexible floor plan features a desirable main-level primary suite with an attached remodeled bath, plus a second expansive primary suite upstairs with a walk-in closet and shared bath. The modern kitchen is a true highlight—featuring sleek quartz countertops, newer cabinetry, Frigidaire stainless steel appliances, and a chic blue subway tile backsplash - perfect for cooking and entertaining. Luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the home, complemented by updated bathrooms, central heat & A/C, and direct access to a 1-car carport. Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with your own private enclosed backyard, ideal for lounging, dining, and summer BBQs. The community offers resort-style amenities including a sparkling pool, tennis court, clubhouse, and playground. Just minutes from Knott’s Berry Farm, shopping, dining, and the 91 Freeway, this home is the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and style.
Eligible for a $20,000 down payment grant from City National Bank!
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1811 Tevis Ave.
Long Beach 90815
5 Bed | 2 Bath | 2018 SF | $1,395,000
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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6007 Eckleson Street
Lakewood, CA 90713
3 Beds | 3 Bath | 3016 SF | $1,050,000
Beautiful 3 bedoom, 3 bath two story home in a great neighborhood in Lakewood! This lovely home features 2 bedroom downstairs, a spacious family room and large upstairs primary bedroom suite. Fresh interior paint and new central AC. Move in ready!
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3603 E Hungerford St.
Long Beach, CA 90805
2 Bed + Bonus Room | 1 Bath | 1064 SF | $775,000
Charming 2-Bedroom + Bonus Room Home in a Quiet Long Beach Neighborhood! This beautifully updated home features fresh exterior paint, a new roof, and central AC. The light-filled living room boasts wood floors, recessed lighting, and an inviting atmosphere, while the updated kitchen includes granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and modern cabinetry. A spacious bonus room with a stone fireplace offers versatility as a family room or 3rd bedroom. The expansive backyard with a patio is perfect for entertaining or adding an ADU, and the long driveway with a finished 1-car garage provides plenty of parking. Located near Lakewood Mall and local amenities, this home is a must-see!
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223 Elm Ave.
Long Beach 90802
2 Bed | 3 Bath | 1570 SF | $785,000
Enjoy modern luxury living in this stunning 2019-built townhome at The Huxton in the East Village Arts District. This inviting home features an open-concept layout perfect for entertaining, with high ceilings, large windows, recessed lighting, and beautiful flooring throughout. The gourmet kitchen boasts quartz countertops, soft close cabinets, and upscale appliances by Bertazzoni and Bosch. Upstairs, two primary suites offer walk-in closets and luxurious bathrooms. Enjoy city views from the spacious rooftop deck – ideal for relaxing or BBQs. Eco-friendly features include owner-owned solar panels and a garage pre-planned for EV charging. Located in a secure, gated complex, you’ll be steps from the waterfront, dining, cafes, and nightlife.
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3817 W Compton Ave.
Orange, CA 92868
4 Bed | 2 Bath | 1316 SF | $985,000
Beautiful Single-Story Pool Home with Modern Upgrades in Orange, CA! Discover this stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home situated on a spacious 7,598 sq. ft. lot in a fantastic Orange neighborhood. This thoughtfully updated home offers everything you need for comfortable living and entertaining. Located in a friendly neighborhood, this home offers unbeatable access to major freeways (I-5 and 22), top destinations like UCI Medical Center, Angels Stadium, Disneyland, Old Towne Orange, The Outlets at Orange, Chapman University, Honda Center, and GardenWalk. This is the perfect opportunity to live in a vibrant area while enjoying a tranquil and well-appointed home.
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488 E. Ocean Blvd #1102
Long Beach, CA 90802
1 Bed | 1 Bath | 600 SF | $545,000
Stunning 11th-Floor Ocean View Condo in the Iconic Aqua Towers! Enjoy breathtaking ocean, marina, and city views in this stunning corner-unit high-rise. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, slate flooring, granite countertops, and a wrap-around balcony, this condo offers the ultimate in coastal living. A rare private enclosed garage near the elevator adds extra convenience. Resort-style amenities include 24-hour security, pool, spa, sauna, fitness center, and clubhouse. Just steps from the beach, shopping, dining, and entertainment—don’t miss this incredible opportunity!
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3824 Pacific Ave.
Long Beach 90807
4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 2646 SF | $1,710,000
Stunning, custom-built single story Mediterranean style pool home! Set amidst towering palms on one of the city's most prestigious avenues. A Saltillo-tiled walk leads to custom-made iron doors entering into the grand reception foyer beneath soaring cathedral ceilings. Exquisite 3/4 solid oak hardwood flooring flows throughout. The awe-inspiring great room boasts a 12' high cathedral ceiling, crown moldings and a gas fireplace. Custom designed gourmet kitchen features classic cherry wood cabinetry, granite counters, walk-in pantry, 5 burner gas cooktop, Stainless dual ovens, Built-in ref/freezer, dishwasher, a large island with seating for 4 and a separate dining area. Outside the kitchen is a fabulous raised lighted deck leading to the newly built pool area. A unique roofed but open-air lounge perfect for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining. There is also a full pool bath located next to the open family room and pool.
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