10/09/2025
Good Day,
Keeping my eye on the ball during these beautiful fall days. If you have money invested in the stock market or real estate, you’re probably feeling pretty good right now. But if you’re thinking about moving, remodeling your home, or craving a bit more job security, this season might feel more challenging.
There’s an old saying: “It’s always the right time to buy—just not always the right time to sell.” It seems many have taken that to heart these days.
If you have questions about timing, neighborhoods, or just need a solid referral for a remodel, I look forward to your call.
DID YOU KNOW?
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The average American with a bachelor’s degree earns about $2.8 million over a career. This does not account for where you live, not unlike our Federal Tax system that seems to ignore cost-of living geography too! Interestingly, a lifetime of homeownership costs $957,594, up from $929,955 in 2024....which is akin to $1,329/month in rent over 60 years.
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As a percent of income, 60% of the 10 MOST affordable cities for food are in California and 30% in Arizona. Another reminder that affordability is always relative to wealth/income. (USA TODAY)
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“We’re seeing substantial asset inflation away from the dollar as people are looking for ways to effectively de-dollarize, or de-risk their portfolios vis-a-vis US sovereign risk.”
- Ken Griffin, Citadel, who has expressed "serious concerns" about the US dollar's declining dominance and views the surge in gold prices as a symptom of investors seeking safer assets. He has repeatedly pointed to the dollar's depreciation as a key driver of alternative asset inflation, which he finds troubling. Political actions are eroding confidence in US Treasury's and the dollar, which he considers America's most powerful financial brand. Gold is up over 50% since the beginning of 2025 at a record $4,000.
“So many companies have become so
focused on catering to the demand of those high-income consumers.”
- John Leer, Chief Economist Morning Consult......builders too? In some areas there is an over-supply of luxury and semi-luxury, and in others an UNDER supply of affordable, entry-level homes.
HOME SWEET HOME
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A recent survey determined the 8 pillars to achieving the "AMERICAN DREAM" are: being able to retire comfortably, being able to afford quality healthcare, raising a family, owning a new car, going on vacation every year, caring for pets and having a wedding....and 85% said owning a home. (Sorry to all those landlord ambassadors!) (USA TODAY)
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Advancements in home tech will bring smarter energy systems that learn your habits to save money and reduce stress on the grid. Other standout trends include facial recognition smart locks, air quality sensors, and wellness-focused tech like circadian lighting and smart mirrors that will detect if you are sick. (Forbes)
New Listing - Pending in 7 days
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Bay Area Updated Market Reports
Around the World
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In Australia, the success of compulsory retirement savings, is ironically compounding the problem of 'inheritance impatience' elder abuse.....often younger heirs seeking financial assistance to buy a home. Employers are required to set aside 12% of wages, swelling the retirement savings pool to $4.3 trillion, a sum that’s projected to become the world’s 2nd-largest by 2030. Median balances for those aged 65 - 69 are about $200,000 and many older Australians have also built wealth through soaring property values. (Bloomberg)
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China manufactures about 80% of the world’s solar panels, supplies about 60% of the planet’s wind turbines, 70% of its EVs and 75% of batteries, all at a lower financial cost than the West. China’s share of global clean energy patents stands at around 75%, while the country dominates the supply chain for the critical minerals that underpin many green technologies in its efforts to be 100% energy independent. China also keeps building coal power plants.... but their emissions are slowly coming down now, although still more than double that of the US with more than triple the population. (Bloomberg)
Buyers love paying top dollar for quality properties.
From the details of the finishings, to the completion of the dream yard, hard working buyers want to own a respite home.
Accomplish the highest return when you sell; specializing in planning into profit.
Reach out now for 2026.
Funding also available through closing with Compass Concierge.
https://homebykatherine.com/concierge
Always my best wishes for to you and yours,
Katherine
