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Mortgage rates just dropped below 6% for the first time in over three years…

But what does that actually mean for your monthly payment?

In this episode of Two Minute Tuesday, we break down exactly how even small changes in mortgage rates impact what you pay using real numbers and real home prices.

Because while a move from 6.01% to 5.98% might seem small…

The difference from peak rates in 2023 could mean hundreds of dollars per month and over $100,000 in savings over the life of a loan.
In This Video We Cover:

• What a small rate drop really saves you (weekly change)
• The difference between peak rates (7.79%) vs today (5.98%)
• How much you could save monthly at different home price points
• Why even small rate changes matter over time
• What this means for buyers and homeowners right now
• When refinancing might make sense

A fraction of a percent might not seem like much…

But over time, it can mean tens of thousands - even hundreds of thousands - of dollars.
Question for You

Are you watching mortgage rates right now?

Thinking about buying… refinancing… or still waiting?

Drop a comment below - I read every single one.
About Living in California

This channel is all about helping you understand what’s really happening in the California housing market - so you can make smarter decisions whether you're buying, selling, or just getting started.

New videos every week.

Timestamps :

0:00 Rates below 6%
0:14 Why payments matter
0:40 Loan assumptions explained
2:25 Bigger trend begins
2:40 Peak vs today
3:44 3 key takeaways
4:27 Refinance opportunity
4:43 Beyond the interest rate

#mortgagerates #homeaffordability #refinancing #MonthlyMortgagePayment #homebuyingstrategy

Let’s chat: 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 Market Update: Rates Rise to 6.11% + $150K Buyer Deadline
https://youtu.be/u_YTZzfAbc0

Condo vs Townhouse vs House in California - The Mistake Most Buyers Make
https://youtu.be/97K0PMB4JAg

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 ticked back up to 6.11%, but the California housing market may actually be shifting in favor of buyers.

In this week’s Living in California Market Update, we break down what’s really happening in the housing market and why 2026 could become a turning point for buyers.

Redfin is now calling this moment “The Great Housing Reset.”
Inventory is rising, price growth is slowing, and buyers are gaining negotiating power for the first time in years.

But there’s also a major deadline approaching for first-time buyers in California.

The California Dream For All Program is offering up to $150,000 in down payment assistance, and the application window closes March 16th at 5 PM.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in California, this update could save you thousands of dollars.
In This Video We Cover

• Mortgage rates rising to 6.11%
• Why rates are still better than last year
• Redfin’s “Great Housing Reset” and what it means
• Why buyers are gaining leverage again
• The $150K Dream For All program deadline
• California’s ongoing home insurance crisis
• Advice for buyers and sellers heading into spring

Whether you're planning to buy a home in California, sell your property, or just stay informed about the housing market, these weekly updates help you understand what’s happening and how it affects your next move.

Timestamps :

0:00 - Rates This Week
0:26 - Big Market Shift
1:11 - Mortgage Rate Reality
2:12 - Great Housing Reset
2:58 - Buyers Gain Leverage
3:16 - Dream For All Deadline
4:16 - California Insurance Costs
5:07 - Buyer vs Seller Strategy
6:05 - Key Takeaways

#mortgagerates #housingmarket2026 #californiarealestate #firsttimehomebuyer #DreamForAll

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: https://www.livingincalifornia.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.

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A lot of California homebuyers make a huge mistake when choosing between a condo, townhouse, and single-family home.

Because on Zillow… they might look similar.

But the ownership structure, HOA rules, hidden costs, and even what you legally own can be completely different.

A $650K condo, a $750K townhouse, and a $900K house might look like similar options - but the financial and legal differences are massive.

In this episode of Two Minute Tuesday, I break down:

• What you actually own when buying a condo
• Why some townhouses are legally condos in California
• The real cost difference between condos, townhomes, and houses
• What HOA fees actually cover
• How Mello-Roos taxes can impact your payment
• Why condos can be harder to finance with FHA or VA loans
• Which property type makes the most sense depending on your budget and lifestyle

If you're moving to California, buying your first home, or trying to understand the market, this is information every buyer should know.

Timestamps :

0:00 – Condo vs Townhouse vs House
0:50 – Condo Ownership Explained
1:18 – Townhouse Ownership Basics
2:05 – Single-Family Homes
2:16 – Price Differences in California
2:42 – HOA Fees & What They Cover
3:38 – Mello-Roos Taxes
4:12 – Condo Loan Restrictions
5:11 – Which Property Is Best
6:11 – Buying Advice

#realestate #CondoVsTownhouse #CaliforniaHomeBuying #hoafees #firsttimehomebuyer

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: https://www.livingincalifornia.com/

More Real Estate Insights:

WHY can your credit score change during escrow
https://youtu.be/b8SSJgpXx5s

What happens when a deal falls apart?
https://youtu.be/ID-7-sLgEGA

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 has reopened the Dream For All homebuyer program, offering qualified first-time buyers up to $150,000 in down payment assistance.

But there’s a deadline.

Applications must be submitted by March 16 at 5 PM Pacific, and when this program launched in 2023 the funding ran out in just 11 days due to overwhelming demand.

In this video I explain:

• How the California Dream For All program works
• Who qualifies for the $150,000 assistance
• Income limits by county
• The shared appreciation loan explained simply
• The step-by-step process to apply

If you’ve been priced out of the California housing market, this program could help you finally buy a home.

Important Links

California Dream For All Program
https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/dream/index.htm

Income Limits by County
https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homeownership/limits/index.htm

HUD Approved Homebuyer Education
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/hcs

Participating Lenders
https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/apps/PLO/

Timestamps :

0:00 - Program overview
1:16 - Who qualifies
1:54 - Required courses
2:34 - What to do now
3:17 - Deadline and process
3:39 - How repayment works
4:15 - Real example
5:05 - Is it worth it?
5:32 - Final reminder

#CaliforniaDreamForAll #firsttimehomebuyer #downpaymentassistance #calhfa #californiarealestate

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: https://www.livingincalifornia.com/

More Real Estate Insights:

Is California Housing Actually Getting Affordable?
https://youtu.be/ZlcIFCH8ibs

What happens when a deal falls apart?
https://youtu.be/ID-7-sLgEGA

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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In this Two-Minute Tuesday episode, I break down one of the most common mistakes buyers make after getting their offer accepted. Many buyers don’t realize lenders continue checking credit during escrow, and small financial changes can put a loan at risk.

In this video, we cover:

✔ Why lenders recheck credit before closing
✔ The biggest financial mistakes buyers make during escrow
✔ What NOT to do once you’re under contract
✔ How to protect your loan approval and avoid last-minute surprises

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: https://www.livingincalifornia.com/

Timestamps :

0:00 – Credit Score Shock
1:01 – Why Lenders Recheck Credit
2:05 – Costly Buyer Mistakes
3:17 – Money Transfer Risks
3:56 – Escrow Survival Rules
4:34 – Avoiding Credit Problems
4:46 – The One Golden Rule

#homebuyingadvice #mortgageapproval #creditscore #escrowprocess #firsttimehomebuyer

More Real Estate Insights:

Is California Housing Actually Getting Affordable?
https://youtu.be/ZlcIFCH8ibs

What happens when a deal falls apart?
https://youtu.be/ID-7-sLgEGA

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.

32 6

Is California housing finally getting more affordable… or is that just another headline?

In this video, I break down the REAL numbers behind California’s latest housing affordability report - and what they actually mean if you’re thinking about buying a home in 2026.

I'm a real estate agent here in Orange County and have lived in California since 1997, and I’ve watched this market go through the dot-com era, the 2008 crash, COVID madness, and everything in between. So when I saw affordability hit 18%, I had questions - and probably the same ones you do.

In this video we cover:

✔️ What “18% affordability” actually means
✔️ Why 82% of Californians still can’t afford to buy
✔️ Orange County vs Bay Area vs San Diego vs Inland California
✔️ The shocking income needed to buy today ($213K statewide 😳)
✔️ Why affordability is improving - even if it doesn’t feel like it
✔️ What first-time buyers should do RIGHT NOW

This isn’t hype.
This isn’t fear-based real estate talk.

Just real numbers, real experience, and honest perspective from someone who’s been in the trenches for nearly three decades.

Timestamps :

0:00 — 18% affordability: context
0:54 — Prices then vs now
1:25 — What the 18% means
2:23 — County-by-county reality
3:20 — “Affordable” counties explained
4:08 — 3 reasons it improved
5:22 — If you’re buying now
6:35 — First-time buyer window
7:03 — Long-term market reality

#californiahousing #housingaffordability #californiarealestate #mortgagerates #orangecountyrealestate

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: https://www.livingincalifornia.com/

More Real Estate Insights:

What happens when a deal falls apart?
https://youtu.be/ID-7-sLgEGA

Living in Long Beach Complete Moving Guide
https://youtu.be/irsa9iVvZrY

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.

33 6

What happens when a real estate deal falls apart after you’re already under contract? It’s more common than people think, and the biggest question everyone asks is what happens to the earnest money.

In this Two-Minute Tuesday episode, I walk through why deals fail, how earnest money is handled, and what both buyers and sellers should do next to move forward with confidence. Understanding the role of contingencies, timelines, and contract terms can make a stressful situation far easier to navigate.

Timestamps :

0:00 - Deal fell apart
0:56 - Why it happens
1:24 - Earnest money basics
1:52 - Contingencies protect buyers
2:19 - When sellers can keep it
2:40 - Disputes & escrow rules
2:58 - Seller next steps
3:17 - Buyer next steps
3:35 - Key mindset shift
4:05 - Wrap-up & advice

#realestate #earnestmoney #homebuyingadvice #realestatecontracts #orangecountyrealestate

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.

62 6

Thinking about moving to Long Beach, California? This video gives you a clear, fact-based look at what daily life here actually costs and feels like.

You will see current home prices and rent ranges, key neighborhood differences, and commute times. I also cover climate, beach access, bike-friendly streets, food culture, and major attractions.

I also take a look at some of Long Beach’s best neighborhoods, like Belmont Shore, Belmont Heights, Bixby Knolls, Downtown, Naples, the Peninsula, and East Long Beach, so that you can match your budget and lifestyle to the right area.

If you want coastal living with strong neighborhood identity and urban amenities, this breakdown will help you decide if Long Beach fits your plan!

Timestamps :

0:00 – Why Long Beach?
1:16 – City Overview
2:56 – Housing & Rent Costs
4:20 – Traffic & Commute
5:04 – Best Neighborhoods
7:24 – Waterfront & Downtown
8:30 – Weather & Climate
9:37 – Outdoor Lifestyle
10:43 – Who It’s For

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

More Real Estate Insights:

Living in San Francisco: Exactly What YOU Need to Know Prior:
https://youtu.be/2cpnQpYRUAA

Living in Anaheim: A-Z Guide on What to Expect:
https://youtu.be/1S4DJlbdF8w

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

#longbeachca #LivingInLongBeach #southerncalifornialiving #californiarealestate #coastalliving

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 7

Mortgage rates just hit a three-year low, yet home sales dropped to a 16-month low. This week’s housing market update explains why both things can be true at the same time and what it means for buyers, sellers, and real estate investors right now.

In this weekly market update, you will learn what falling mortgage rates mean for affordability, why buyers are turning to adjustable-rate mortgages and FHA loans, and how builder price cuts and slower listings are shaping the spring housing market. The video also breaks down the latest inflation and jobs data and explains how these economic shifts influence real estate decisions.

If you are thinking about buying, selling, or investing in real estate, this update will help you understand how today’s news connects to real-world strategy and timing.

Timestamps :

0:00 – Rates vs Sales Puzzle
0:48 – Mortgage Rate Update
1:49 – Prices Still High
2:13 – Creative Financing Rise
3:24 – Sales Drop Explained
3:43 – Economy & Fed Signals
4:14 – Inventory & Price Cuts
4:48 – Builder Competition
5:08 – Midwest Hot Markets
5:31 – Market Recalibration

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

More Real Estate Insights:

What Is a Cash Offer Really Worth?:
https://youtu.be/vCjmb2hhsXE

Friday Market Update - The Housing for the 21st Century Act :
https://youtu.be/Gzv2hSHm4TE

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

#housingmarketupdate #mortgagerates #realestatenews #homeprices #realestateinvesting

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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