Castro Valley, CA Real Estate Agent Murline Monat Explains Arguments for Reduced Housing Market

Castro Valley, CA (PRWEB) September 04, 2014

In a recent article, Tom Showalter, chief analytics officer for Digital Risk and contributor to HousingWire, argued that the second half of 2014 will dampen the housing recovery. When asked, Murline Monat – a Realtor in Castro Valley, CA – provided some explanation of Showalter’s points.

Weakened Price Appreciation

“Ultimately, income dictates housing prices,” explained Ms. Monat, “and because the median household income is down from 10 years ago, people cannot continue to pay more for homes.” Nationally, the median income – the point at which half the people earn more and the other half earn less – is $51,017 an 8% drop from that in 2007.

Market Segment Struggles

Three significant groups of home buyers are facing unique circumstances hampering their ability to buy a home. First time home buyers are, “contending with flat income growth and excessive debt, making them ineligible for loans,” commented Ms. Monat. Meanwhile, buyers who would normally be moving up cannot “because they lack equity in their current home.” Similarly, Baby Boomers are generally ready to downsize, but the value of their current home will not fund their move down goal.

Stagnating Wages

“The bulk of the population is making less money despite the rising cost of living,” Ms. Monat remarked. It follows that the housing market will suffer because so many cannot afford a house payment – no matter how favorable the terms.

Bay Area Market Segment

“Of course,” expanded Ms. Monat, “being in Northern California – the Bay Area specifically – our market is not following the national trends. That does not mean, however, that we can ignore the situations noted by Mr. Showalter.”

Additionally, Pete Cary reports in the San Jose Mercury News, the Bay Area housing market has cooled somewhat in August. "Inventory has crept up, and more inventory is coming on all the time now," she said. "I think we're heading back to fairly balanced market. It's a great thing." Additionally Ms. Monat see more price reductions and homes are taking longer to sale. Further, per Mr. Carey, Alameda County, which along with San Francisco saw the sharpest year-over-year price gains in July, is cooling off in August.

About Murline Monat, Realtor®

A long-time Bay Area resident, Murline brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her realty career – including an M.S in Industrial Psychology, building her own home, and group facilitation. Her background makes her an excellent champion for her clients. By ensuring her clients are appropriately informed throughout the purchasing or selling process, coordinating all the parties involved, and negotiating the best deal, Murline’s reputation in the community and realty industry is impeccable.

Before becoming a realtor in 2009, Murline Monat spent her time analyzing sales trends for both large corporations and small businesses. The difference between retail sales trends and real estate trends are minimal now that she is able to support her clients in one of the most important lifestyle choices they will make. These decisions “bring great comfort and satisfaction to individuals and to families. I love being a part of that process.”

A Bay Area resident since the age of five, Murline and her husband made Castro Valley their home because of its central location for both of their careers at the time. While a practical choice, the decision to live in Castro Valley has since been a happy one.

Contact Information
Murline Monat
Empire Realty Associates, Inc.
Danville, CA 94526
510-406-0114
925-523-9852
MMonat(at)EmpireRA(dot)com
CastroValleyNeighborhoods.com
MurlineMonat.com

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