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Right now, three major housing forecasts are telling completely different stories about the 2026 housing market.

Zillow says home prices are basically flat.

Redfin says we’re entering what they call a “Great Housing Reset.”

And Bankrate is focused on mortgage rates, warning that waiting may not actually save buyers money.

So… who’s right?

In this video, I break down what each of these reports is actually saying, where they agree, where they differ, and what it really means for buyers and sellers right now.

No hype. No fear. Just real data and real-world perspective.

If you’re trying to make sense of the housing market in 2026, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Timestamps :

0:00 - Housing Market Forecasts
1:49 - Zillow’s Prediction
2:55 - Redfin’s Reset
4:19 - Mortgage Rate Reality
5:41 - The Bigger Picture
6:30 - Local Markets Matter
7:37 - Buyer Relief vs Affordability
9:06 - Advice for Sellers
10:53 - Who Is Right?

#housingmarket2026 #housingmarketupdate #mortgagerates #homebuyingadvice #realestatemarket

Alex Schult CA DRE License # 02236174 KW Spectrum Properties
📲 Text: 949-726-2601
📧 Email: aschult@kw.com

Living in California continues at www.LivingInCalifornia.com — city guides, cost-of-living breakdowns, and everything you need to know before you move.

More Real Estate Insights:

California Housing Just Shifted… Condo Prices Drop & Insurance Crisis Grows
https://youtu.be/HxZ0xFL0-9c

How to AFFORD California in 2026 (Using This Backyard Hack)
https://youtu.be/29iDxGTOPBA

DISCLAIMER:
This video content is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Neither Living in California nor Alex Schult is a registered financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional. While we have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this video, we cannot guarantee that it is free from errors or omissions. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Additionally, your use of the Living in California YouTube channel and any communication through this platform, including but not limited to YouTube comments, emails, or messages, does not establish a formal business relationship with Alex Schult or Living in California. For specific advice related to your real estate, financial, or legal needs, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional in the relevant field.

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If you’re watching the California housing market right now, this week brought THREE major developments you need to understand.

In this Friday Market Update, we break down what’s happening with condo prices across Southern California, why San Diego is now one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, and what just happened in Sacramento that could impact homeowners in wildfire-prone areas.

These aren’t small shifts—these are real changes that affect buyers, sellers, and homeowners across the state.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS VIDEO:

- Southern California condo prices dropped 6% year-over-year- the biggest decline in 14 years
- Condos are now 24% cheaper than single-family homes-the widest gap in two decades
- San Diego ranked the 5th most expensive housing market in the U.S.
- A typical buyer in San Diego may need nearly 87% of their income to afford a home
- California lawmakers just blocked another wildfire insurance reform bill
- Over 400,000 homeowners have lost private insurance since 2021
- FAIR Plan enrollment has more than doubled-and rates may be rising sharply

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU:

If you're a buyer, this could be an opportunity-especially in the condo market.
If you're a seller, pricing strategy matters more than ever.
And if you're in a fire zone, insurance is becoming one of the biggest variables in the deal.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Orange County or anywhere in Southern California, feel free to reach out.

👉 LivinginCalifornia.com

Timestamps :

0:00 - Market Update Preview
0:46 - Condo Prices Drop
1:26 - Slow Condo Sales
2:05 - San Diego Affordability
3:10 - Insurance Reform Fails
3:41 - FAIR Plan Pressure
4:21 - Action Steps

#californiarealestate #SouthernCaliforniaHousing #condomarket #sandiegohousingmarket #WildfireInsurance

Alex Schult CA DRE License # 02236174 KW Spectrum Properties 📲 Text: 949-726-2601 📧 Email: aschult@kw.com

Living in California continues at LivingInCalifornia.com — city guides, cost-of-living breakdowns, and everything you need to know before you move.

More Real Estate Insights:

How to AFFORD California in 2026 (Using This Backyard Hack)
https://youtu.be/29iDxGTOPBA

Rates Fell Again… But THIS Is Moving the Market
https://youtu.be/k4jwNii-Bv8

DISCLAIMER:
This video content is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Neither Living in California nor Alex Schult is a registered financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional. While we have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this video, we cannot guarantee that it is free from errors or omissions. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Additionally, your use of the Living in California YouTube channel and any communication through this platform, including but not limited to YouTube comments, emails, or messages, does not establish a formal business relationship with Alex Schult or Living in California. For specific advice related to your real estate, financial, or legal needs, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional in the relevant field.

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California housing is expensive- there’s no way around it.

But what if your backyard could actually help you qualify for a home?

In this video, I break down one of the most important shifts happening in California real estate right now: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and how they’re becoming a legitimate income strategy for first-time buyers in 2026.

We’re talking real data from UC Berkeley, the California Department of Housing and Community Development, and a major update from Fannie Mae that could completely change how buyers qualify for a mortgage.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
• How big the ADU boom really is in California
• What it actually costs to build one
• How much rental income you can expect
• The brand-new 2026 rule that lets you use ADU income to qualify
• A new California law that speeds up the approval process
• And whether this strategy actually works for first-time buyers

If you’ve been priced out of California… this is a video you NEED to see.

Timestamps :

0:00 - California Housing Math
0:40 - ADU Boom
1:57 - Build Costs
2:36 - Rental Income
3:01 - Mortgage Rule Change
4:14 - Faster Permits
5:11 - Buyer Checklist
6:06 - Main Takeaways

#ADU #californiarealestate #firsttimehomebuyer #accessorydwellingunit #californiahousing

Alex Schult CA DRE License # 02236174 KW Spectrum Properties
📲 Text: 949-726-2601
📧 Email: aschult@kw.com

Living in California continues at LivingInCalifornia.com — city guides, cost-of-living breakdowns, and everything you need to know before you move.

More Real Estate Insights:

Rates Fell Again… But THIS Is Moving the Market
https://youtu.be/k4jwNii-Bv8

11 CHEAPEST Places to Live in California (2026 Shocker!)
https://youtu.be/ZocdGY2hA8A

DISCLAIMER:
This video content is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Neither Living in California nor Alex Schult is a registered financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional. While we have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this video, we cannot guarantee that it is free from errors or omissions. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Additionally, your use of the Living in California YouTube channel and any communication through this platform, including but not limited to YouTube comments, emails, or messages, does not establish a formal business relationship with Alex Schult or Living in California. For specific advice related to your real estate, financial, or legal needs, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional in the relevant field.

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Mortgage rates just dropped for the third straight week - but if you think that’s the full story… it’s not.

In today’s Friday Market Update, we’re breaking down:
- Why the 30-year mortgage fell to 6.23%
- How the Iran conflict is directly impacting rates
- Why California home prices just jumped 7.1%
- What this means for buyers and sellers right now

There’s a major disconnect happening in the market:
👉 Rates are easing
👉 Prices are rising
👉 And global events are driving both

If you’re buying, selling, or just trying to understand what’s happening in Orange County and Southern California, this is a must-watch.

Thinking about buying or selling in OC or SoCal?
Let’s connect:
👉 LivinginCalifornia.com

Timestamps :

0:00 - Rates Are Falling
0:43 - Latest Mortgage Numbers
1:48 - Global Market Pressure
3:04 - California Home Prices
4:16 - National Housing Trends
4:57 - Buyer Game Plan
5:34 - Seller Strategy

#mortgagerates #orangecountyrealestate #californiahousingmarket #socalrealestate #homebuyingadvice

Alex Schult CA DRE License # 02236174 KW Spectrum Properties
📲 Text: 949-726-2601
📧 Email: aschult@kw.com

Question for you:
Do you think rates will keep dropping… or are we heading back up?

Living in California continues at LivingInCalifornia.com — city guides, cost-of-living breakdowns, and everything you need to know before you move.

More Real Estate Insights:

11 CHEAPEST Places to Live in California (2026 Shocker!)
https://youtu.be/ZocdGY2hA8A

Home Sales Just Dropped — Buyers Finally Have Leverage (California Update)
https://youtu.be/-8i0LISlccg

DISCLAIMER:
This video content is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Neither Living in California nor Alex Schult is a registered financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional. While we have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this video, we cannot guarantee that it is free from errors or omissions. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Additionally, your use of the Living in California YouTube channel and any communication through this platform, including but not limited to YouTube comments, emails, or messages, does not establish a formal business relationship with Alex Schult or Living in California. For specific advice related to your real estate, financial, or legal needs, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional in the relevant field.

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Thinking about moving to California but worried about the cost? You’re not alone…

Right now, roughly 82% of Californians can’t afford the median-priced home - but here’s the part nobody is talking about…

There are STILL cities across California where homeownership and affordable living are actually possible in 2026.

In this video, I break down 11 budget-friendly cities where:

- Home prices are dramatically lower
- Rent is still reasonable
- And people are still making the move

We’ll cover real numbers, locations, and what you need to know before considering each area.

If you’re thinking about relocating, investing, or just trying to make sense of California’s housing market - this is one you don’t want to miss.

Timestamps :

0:00 – Affordable California?
1:05 – How the list works
1:19 – Best under-average cities
2:38 – Central Valley options
3:14 – Bakersfield spotlight
3:45 – California deals, not national deals
4:29 – Bigger-city affordability
5:25 – Most unique pick

#AffordableCalifornia #californiarealestate #californiahousingmarket #CheapHomesCalifornia #costoflivingcalifornia

Alex Schult CA DRE License # 02236174 KW Spectrum Properties
📲 Text: 949-726-2601
📧 Email: aschult@kw.com

Living in California continues at LivingInCalifornia.com — city guides, cost-of-living breakdowns, and everything you need to know before you move.

More Real Estate Insights:

Home Sales Just Dropped — Buyers Finally Have Leverage (California Update)
https://youtu.be/-8i0LISlccg

You DON’T Need 20% Down (2600+ Programs Will Pay You to Buy a Home)
https://youtu.be/EKAEZtRQsO0

DISCLAIMER:
This video content is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Neither Living in California nor Alex Schult is a registered financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional. While we have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this video, we cannot guarantee that it is free from errors or omissions. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Additionally, your use of the Living in California YouTube channel and any communication through this platform, including but not limited to YouTube comments, emails, or messages, does not establish a formal business relationship with Alex Schult or Living in California. For specific advice related to your real estate, financial, or legal needs, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional in the relevant field.

12 5

Home sales just dropped - and for the first time in a while, buyers are starting to gain leverage.

In this week’s California Housing Market Update, I break down what’s actually happening right now and what it means if you’re thinking about buying or selling.

We’re seeing:
- Mortgage rates pulling back to 6.37%
- Home sales slowing to one of the lowest levels in months
- Inventory rising to 4.1 months of supply
- And a growing gap between sellers and buyers

Put it all together… and the market is starting to shift.

WHAT’S CHANGING
- Existing home sales dropped 3.6% month-over-month
- Median home price: $408,800 (still rising)
- Inventory is increasing, giving buyers more options
- Redfin reports 46% more sellers than buyers

This isn’t a crash…
But it is a transition - and that’s where opportunity shows up.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

If you’re a buyer:
- You have more negotiating power than you’ve had in over a year
- Sellers are more open to concessions (credits, rate buydowns)
- Less competition means more room to move

If you’re a seller:
- Pricing correctly matters more than ever
- Buyers are more selective
- Flexibility can be the difference between selling… or sitting

Timestamps :

0:00 Tariff Impact Starts
0:31 Industrial Value Drop
1:40 New Home Costs
2:31 Rates Stay Higher
2:59 Lock-In Effect
3:59 Economy and Demand
4:31 Frozen Market
5:02 Buyer and Seller Advice
5:45 Investor Warning

#californiarealestate #californiahousingmarket #RealEstateTariffs #mortgagerates #housingmarketupdate

Alex Schult CA DRE License # 02236174 KW Spectrum Properties
📲 Text: 949-726-2601
📧 Email: aschult@kw.com

More Real Estate Insights:

You DON’T Need 20% Down (2600+ Programs Will Pay You to Buy a Home)
https://youtu.be/EKAEZtRQsO0

Friday Market Update: Rates STUCK, Inventory DROPPING… What This Means for You (April 2026)
https://youtu.be/IV_ygQTvjIw

DISCLAIMER:
This video content is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Neither Living in California nor Alex Schult is a registered financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional. While we have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this video, we cannot guarantee that it is free from errors or omissions. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Additionally, your use of the Living in California YouTube channel and any communication through this platform, including but not limited to YouTube comments, emails, or messages, does not establish a formal business relationship with Alex Schult or Living in California. For specific advice related to your real estate, financial, or legal needs, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional in the relevant field.

42 5

There are over 2,600 programs in the United States right now that help pay your down payment - and the average benefit is about $18,000.

In this video, I break down:

- The biggest myth stopping people from buying a home (20% down… not true)
- Federal loan programs that get you in with as little as 0% down
- The 4 types of down payment assistance programs
- Who actually qualifies (hint: you don’t have to be low income)
- And the exact tools you can use to find programs in your area

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines thinking you need a massive down payment…
this video is going to change how you look at buying a home.
FREE TOOLS (START HERE)

Fannie Mae Down Payment Tool
https://yourhome.fanniemae.com/calculators-tools/down-payment-assistance-tool

Down Payment Resource
https://downpaymentresource.com/are-you-eligible/

Freddie Mac Eligibility Tool
https://sf.freddiemac.com/working-with-us/affordable-lending/home-possible-eligibility-map

USDA Property Map
https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/

Timestamps :

0:00 - 20% Down Myth
1:03 - Low-Down-Payment Loans
2:52 - Assistance Programs
4:28 - Where to Find Help

#downpaymentassistance #firsttimehomebuyer #homebuyingadvice #fhaloans #usdaloans

Alex Schult CA DRE License # 02236174 KW Spectrum Properties
📲 Text: 949-726-2601
📧 Email: aschult@kw.com

DISCLAIMER:
This video content is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Neither Living in California nor Alex Schult is a registered financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional. While we have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this video, we cannot guarantee that it is free from errors or omissions. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Additionally, your use of the Living in California YouTube channel and any communication through this platform, including but not limited to YouTube comments, emails, or messages, does not establish a formal business relationship with Alex Schult or Living in California. For specific advice related to your real estate, financial, or legal needs, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional in the relevant field.

More Real Estate Insights:

Friday Market Update: Rates STUCK, Inventory DROPPING… What This Means for You (April 2026)
https://youtu.be/IV_ygQTvjIw

How to Buy or Sell a Home in 2026 (Your Options Explained)
https://youtu.be/2L0bz7N6Uf4

29 10

The housing market just made another move… and most people are still reacting to the LAST one.

In this Friday Market Update, I break down exactly what’s happening right now in California real estate - no fluff, just real data you can actually use.

Here’s what we’re covering today:

• Mortgage rates sitting at 6.37% - and why they’re NOT dropping anytime soon
• California home prices and sales data - what’s really happening behind the headlines
• Inventory just shifted for the first time in 25 months (this matters more than you think)
• Tariffs quietly adding $10,900 to new home costs
• LA wildfire rebuild update - where things actually stand one year later
• Property tax deadline reminder (don’t miss this)

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just trying to understand where this market is going… this is the update you need.

* For deeper breakdowns, guides, and everything California real estate:
Visit https://www.livingincalifornia.com

📌 New Friday Market Updates every week
📌 Orange County / Irvine real estate insights
📌 Straightforward advice — no hype

Timestamps :

0:00 - Market Update
0:18 - Mortgage Rates
1:34 - California Prices
2:25 - Inventory Shift
3:02 - Tariff Impact
3:59 - Rates and Inflation
4:30 - LA Rebuild
5:54 - Tax Deadline

#californiarealestate #mortgagerates #housingmarketupdate #NewConstructionCost #LAWildfireRebuild

Alex Schult CA DRE License # 02236174 KW Spectrum Properties
📲 Text: 949-726-2601
📧 Email: aschult@kw.com

DISCLAIMER:
This video content is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Neither Living in California nor Alex Schult is a registered financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional. While we have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this video, we cannot guarantee that it is free from errors or omissions. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Additionally, your use of the Living in California YouTube channel and any communication through this platform, including but not limited to YouTube comments, emails, or messages, does not establish a formal business relationship with Alex Schult or Living in California. For specific advice related to your real estate, financial, or legal needs, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional in the relevant field.

💬 Drop your questions in the comments - I read every one.

More Real Estate Insights:

Buying or Selling in 2026? Watch This BEFORE You Make a Huge Mistake
https://youtu.be/2L0bz7N6Uf4

People Are Leaving California… and Saving $672/Month (New Study)
https://youtu.be/Re4Ee1IOdzs

39 4

The housing market in 2026 is VERY different from what we’ve seen over the last few years… and if you’re buying or selling a home, you need to understand your options before making a costly mistake.

In this video, I break down exactly how to buy or sell a home in 2026 - including the pros and cons of iBuyers, For Sale By Owner (FSBO), discount brokerages like Redfin, and working with a traditional real estate agent.

We’ll also cover what’s happening in today’s market:

- Median home prices in California hitting new highs
- Mortgage rates and where they’re heading
- Why 82% of households still can’t afford a home
- And how recent commission rule changes are impacting BOTH buyers and sellers

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, thinking about selling, or just trying to make sense of this market… this video will give you a clear, no-BS breakdown of what your best move might be right now.

📍 Need help buying or selling in Orange County / Irvine?
I’m a licensed real estate agent here in Irvine and I cover the California market weekly.
Reach out anytime - no pressure, no obligation.

Timestamps :

0:00 - 2026 market overview
0:33 - Prices and mortgage rates
1:16 - Inventory shift
1:25 - iBuyers
2:10 - iBuyer trade-offs
2:48 - FSBO reality
3:31 - Discount brokers
4:18 - Traditional agents
4:58 - What agents do
5:25 - Best option for you

#californiarealestate #homesellingadvice #homebuying2026 #realestatecommission #SellingAHomeInCalifornia

Alex Schult CA DRE License # 02236174 KW Spectrum Properties
📲 Text: 949-726-2601
📧 Email: aschult@kw.com

More Real Estate Insights:

People Are Leaving California… and Saving $672/Month (New Study)
https://youtu.be/Re4Ee1IOdzs

Prop 19 Explained: How Inheriting a Home Can Cost You Thousands
https://youtu.be/t3J169UBCo8

DISCLAIMER:
This video content is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Neither Living in California nor Alex Schult is a registered financial advisor, attorney, or tax professional. While we have taken reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this video, we cannot guarantee that it is free from errors or omissions. Any reliance you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk. Additionally, your use of the Living in California YouTube channel and any communication through this platform, including but not limited to YouTube comments, emails, or messages, does not establish a formal business relationship with Alex Schult or Living in California. For specific advice related to your real estate, financial, or legal needs, we recommend consulting with a licensed professional in the relevant field.

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