YouTube Video Channel

People are not leaving California beach towns because they stopped loving the beach.

They are leaving because the cost of staying has become too high.

In this video, Alex Schult breaks down the latest population data showing that Santa Cruz saw one of the largest population drops in the country among cities with more than 50,000 people.

From July 2024 to July 2025, Santa Cruz lost 784 residents — a 1.3% decline — and Santa Cruz County also saw its population fall.

But this is not a story about people suddenly losing interest in coastal California.

Santa Cruz is still beautiful. It still has the beach. It still has the boardwalk. It still has surf culture, restaurants, tourism, and the lifestyle people dream about.

The problem is affordability.

Housing costs, rents, wages, and the full cost of living are making it harder for local workers, families, and younger buyers to stay in some of California’s most desirable beach towns.

In this video, we cover:

◦ Why Santa Cruz’s population is falling ◦ What the new Census numbers show ◦ Why this is not just a university enrollment issue ◦ How housing costs are changing California beach towns ◦ What this means for buyers and sellers ◦ Why coastal real estate can stay expensive even as population declines

The bottom line: California beach towns are not becoming undesirable. They are becoming unreachable.

For more California housing, lifestyle, and market updates, visit:

LivinginCalifornia.com

Timestamps :

0:00 - Leaving Santa Cruz
1:41 - Countywide Decline
2:44 - Affordability Crisis
4:14 - Real Estate Impact
5:22 - Buyer Warning
6:19 - Seller Advice
7:01 - Cost of Paradise

#santacruzrealestate #SantaCruzCostOfLiving #californiahousingmarket #housingaffordability #CaliforniaBeachTowns

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.

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.

28 5

California’s housing market is sending mixed signals this week - and buyers, sellers, and homeowners need to pay attention.

In this Friday Market Update, Alex Schult breaks down 3 major stories shaping California real estate right now:

State Farm is facing the largest California insurance enforcement action against a single insurer in 100 years after wildfire claim violations tied to the 2025 Los Angeles fires.

Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipped slightly to 6.36%, giving buyers a small affordability boost compared with last year.

And in the Bay Area, the AI boom is creating a sharp split: luxury neighborhoods are rising, while more affordable zip codes are falling behind.

Plus, Oakland home values have dropped to levels not seen in years, creating new opportunities for buyers priced out of San Francisco and the Peninsula.

Timestamps :

0:00 - Market Update
0:17 - Insurance Crackdown
2:02 - Mortgage Rates
3:11 - AI Housing Split
4:29 - Oakland Decline
5:24 - Buyer Advice
5:54 - Seller Advice

#californiahousingmarket #californiarealestate #bayarearealestate #mortgagerates #homeownersinsurance

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:

Top 20 Hottest & Coldest Housing Markets in 2026 (California Stands Out)
https://youtu.be/6xURAREB9lI

California Housing Shift: Prices Dip While Rates Stay High
https://youtu.be/RpZTQVWrKLs

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.

35 5

The latest housing data is in-and it reveals a major shift across the U.S.

In this video, I break down Zillow’s Spring 2026 Market Heat Index, including the Top 20 hottest housing markets and the Top 20 coldest markets in America right now.

What you’ll notice immediately:
California is showing strength again… while many of the markets people moved to over the last few years-especially in Florida and Texas-are now cooling off fast.

📊 Sources & Data:
Zillow Market Heat Index (Spring 2026)
Reported by Lance Lambert, ResiClub Analytics (May 8, 2026)

Zillow dashboard:
https://www.zillow.com/research/market-heat-index-34054/

🏡 Want weekly California housing updates?
I post a new breakdown every Tuesday and Friday covering:
• Home prices
• Inventory
• Buyer & seller strategies

Timestamps :

0:00 - Market Shift Overview
0:44 - Zillow Heat Index
1:25 - Hottest Seller Markets
3:17 - Coldest Buyer Markets
4:37 - Florida and Texas Flip
4:57 - California Takeaways

#californiarealestate #housingmarketupdate #sellermarket #ZillowMarketHeatIndex #FloridaTexasRealEstate

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:

California Housing Shift: Prices Dip While Rates Stay High
https://youtu.be/RpZTQVWrKLs

Zillow vs Redfin vs Bankrate: Who’s Actually Right About Housing?
https://youtu.be/UyEMjv-dDio

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.

30 7

California’s housing market just took an unexpected turn.

Mortgage rates have surged in recent months- driven in part by global events like the Iran conflict- yet new data shows something surprising:
home prices are slipping, and affordability is improving for the first time in years.

In this week’s Friday Market Update, I break down exactly what’s happening and what it means for you if you’re buying or selling in California.

Here’s what we cover:

- Where mortgage rates sit right now (and why they moved)
- The impact of global events on housing affordability
- Why California home prices just posted their first annual decline since 2023
- The latest affordability numbers- and why they matter
- Regional trends across Northern and Southern California
- What SB 79 could mean for property owners near transit
- How shifting buyer demand is changing the game

And most importantly:

➡️ What buyers should do right now
➡️ What sellers need to adjust immediately

📍 Explore more:
Visit LivinginCalifornia.com for neighborhood guides, school district breakdowns, and city-by-city market reports.

💬 Got questions?
Drop them in the comments - I read every one and answer the most common questions in next week’s update.

Timestamps :

0:00 - Market Update
0:30 - Mortgage Rates
1:30 - Why Rates Rose
2:33 - Home Prices Drop
2:58 - Affordability Improves
3:46 - Regional Market Split
4:33 - SB79 Housing Rules
5:23 - Buyer Advice
6:13 - Seller Advice

#californiarealestate #mortgagerates #housingmarketupdate #californiahousingmarket #homebuyingadvice

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:

Zillow vs Redfin vs Bankrate: Who’s Actually Right About Housing?
https://youtu.be/UyEMjv-dDio

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

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.

48 10

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.

43 7

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.

37 5

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.

7 4

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.

45 5

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