Author: David Rosenfeld & Nef Plessy

Before you sign a listing agreement in LA, it’s essential to know which questions to ask your potential agent. As someone who’s always prioritized putting my clients first here in Santa Monica, I believe your confidence in the process starts with understanding what drives a successful sale. Take a closer look at your agent’s recent local transactions, their approach to pricing your home, and the marketing strategies they’ll put in place. Ask how they’ll manage the day-to-day details and, just as importantly, how they handle negotiations. With for-sale-by-owner sales at a record low, working with an agent who listens, communicates openly, and remains accessible can make all the difference in your experience—and your results.

Los Angeles saw a significant jump in new home permits—over 8,800 in the first half of 2026, which is almost three times last year’s total. Yet, much of this growth is tied to rebuilding homes lost to wildfires, rather than creating new inventory. As someone who puts clients first, I see firsthand how limited housing supply continues to impact renters and buyers alike, especially with high rents, shifting job markets, and rising office vacancies. Navigating these changes requires staying accessible and informed, so clients have the clarity they need to make the right decisions.

As someone who’s worked with home buyers and sellers in Santa Monica for years, I always keep an eye on national housing trends that may affect our local market. Right now, new home construction across the U.S. is slowing down—permits are 19.4% below pre-pandemic levels, and we’ve seen declines for the past 44 months. High building costs, mortgage rates, and affordability challenges are making it tough for builders to keep up, contributing to a 4.7 million housing unit deficit. Staying informed on these shifts helps me better support your needs and answer questions about how broader trends might shape your real estate decisions.

As someone deeply involved in the Santa Monica real estate landscape, I keep a close eye on broader market shifts that affect our local clients. Recently, California's median home price hovered around $887,680, reflecting a modest 1.1% uptick in sales. In Los Angeles County, however, we've seen the median price dip by 2.6%, with sales slipping 0.9%. With interest rates at 6.54%, affordability is certainly top of mind for many buyers and sellers. Yet, there's a sense that the market is moving toward stabilization. Through attentive service and open communication, I strive to help clients navigate these changes with confidence.

As someone deeply invested in the Santa Monica real estate market, I always keep an eye on the bigger picture. This year, Los Angeles County reached an incredible milestone with the 2026 Assessment Roll coming in at $2.272 trillion—an increase of 4.42%. That momentum has generated over $27 billion in property tax revenue. Notably, $12 billion came from new construction and $49 billion from property transfers, with the median home price now at $982,000. These numbers reflect ongoing growth and activity across our communities. My focus is always on keeping you informed and guiding you through these shifts with attentive, responsive service—because putting your needs first is what matters most.

As someone deeply involved in the Santa Monica real estate scene, I’m always tracking how our local market fits into the bigger picture. Even with higher mortgage rates, LA’s home prices continue to climb. Newport Beach is seeing a remarkable 10.8% year-over-year jump, now averaging $3.72M, while Hidden Hills stands out with a 6.8% increase to $5.31M. These numbers underscore the resilience and ongoing demand we’re witnessing across the metro area—a trend I keep top of mind when advising my clients here in Santa Monica. Staying accessible and informed helps me guide you through these shifts with confidence.