Dia de Los Muertos 2024 in Santa Ana promises an extraordinary weekend journey filled with rich cultural experiences—an immersive blend of art, music, food, and deep community connections. From the vibrant public festivals to the intimate beauty of family altars, each day offers a deeper appreciation of this cherished tradition that honors both life and death.
As you explore Santa Ana, you’ll witness a city that proudly celebrates its Latino heritage, weaving together past and present in a dynamic tapestry of remembrance, joy, and togetherness. Whether you’re drawn to the colorful altars, the lively performances, or the heartfelt community gatherings, Santa Ana’s Dia de Los Muertos is an experience you won’t want to miss.
📅 Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
🕒 Time: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
📍 Location: 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
Explore the Magic of the Altars with Santa Ana’s Roosevelt-Walker Community.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Santa Ana by engaging with the Roosevelt-Walker Community during their magical altar displays. Located near the intersection of E. Chestnut Ave. and S. Standard Ave., the Roosevelt-Walker Community Center serves as a hub for connection, culture, and recreation. Join this festive gathering celebrating local traditions for Día de Los Muertos 2024. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with the people who call Santa Ana home.
📅 Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 🕒 Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM 📍 Location: 1702 Fairhaven Ave.
Visit Fairhaven Memorial Park for a peaceful day of reflection and community memorials.
For those looking for the most authentic and historic example of Dia de Los Muertos, join the Santa Ana community for family reflection day on Dia de los Muertos, November 2nd, by visiting Fairhaven Memorial Park (a historic cemetery where several notable individuals, including local celebrities, athletes, and influential figures, have been laid to rest) for a day dedicated to honoring the deceased. Participate in the community’s memorial, where families gather to remember and celebrate their loved ones. This day is about joy and remembrance, so bring flowers, photos, and offerings for the graves. Join in the celebrations, share stories, and embrace the vibrant energy of life. This historic cemetery becomes a serene space for families to gather and honor their loved ones with prayers, flowers, photos, and offerings. The tranquil atmosphere offers a time to reflect on the deeper themes of life and death that define Dia de Los Muertos and watch as families pay their respects with beautifully decorated graves and offerings for loved ones to cross over and spend the day with family.
📅 Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Downtown Santa Ana, 4th Street between Ross and Birch
Noche de Altares (Night of the Altars), now in its 21st year, is the highlight of Santa Ana’s Día de Los Muertos celebrations and one of the most anticipated events of the season. Organized by El Centro Cultural de México, this vibrant event transforms the streets of Downtown Santa Ana into a stunning display of altars (ofrendas)—each one a unique tribute of love and remembrance for lost loved ones.
From noon until evening, the streets will be filled with an electric atmosphere of live music, traditional dance performances, community art installations, and dozens of intricately designed altars. Whether you’re creating an altar to honor someone special or simply enjoying the creativity of others, the air will be thick with emotion, laughter, and the tantalizing scents of delicious food.
Since 2002, Noche de Altares has invited families, artists, and local organizations to participate with beautifully crafted altars, art workshops, and live performances throughout the day. Street food vendors will offer traditional Mexican dishes such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and tamales, adding to the sensory richness of the celebration. This event is more than just a display—it’s a community-wide tribute that brings together people of all ages to celebrate life, memory, and the bonds that connect us to those who have passed.
📅 Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
🕒 Time: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Parade 5:00 PM
📍 Location: 120 W. 4th St.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with El Poder de la Cultura Morelense as they bring the colorful tradition of the Chinelos de Morelos to Santa Ana. This exciting event, which runs from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, will feature a stunning parade of Chinelos, Catrinas, and the lively Band Carnaval at 5:00 PM, creating a festive atmosphere filled with music, dance, and culture.
The term “Chinelos” comes from the Nahuatl word “zineloquie,” meaning “disguised.” This traditional dance originated after the Spanish conquest as a way for indigenous people to mock the elaborate and formal clothing of European colonizers. However, the dance’s components can be traced back to ancient Aztec origins, making it a meaningful blend of pre-Hispanic and colonial history. The Chinelos are famous for their exaggerated costumes, featuring large hats, colorful robes, and masks, and their energetic, rhythmic dances that enliven any celebration.
With the additional presence of the iconic Catrinas—elegant skeletal figures symbolizing the blending of life and death—this event promises to be an immersive cultural experience that honors Mexican traditions and heritage.
📅 Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 🕒 Time: 3:00 PM -10:00 PM 📍 Location: 4th Street & Between Main and French St:
At Viva La Vida experience a vibrant celebration of Life in the streets of Downtown Santa Ana
Viva La Vida is an extraordinary celebration that brings together the vibrant energy of contemporary Chicano culture and the cherished traditions of Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The streets of Downtown Santa Ana burst with life through captivating art installations created by local artists, turning the area into a colorful canvas of murals, sculptures, and interactive exhibits. Among the highlights are lowrider cars, their polished exteriors adorned with altars (called ofrendas)—carefully crafted displays that honor the memories of loved ones with photos, food, and personal mementos.
As evening falls, the figure of La Catrina—a traditional representation of death, dressed in elegant clothing and painted in skeletal form—graces the festival, reminding us to embrace life with laughter and joy, even in the presence of death. Viva La Vida beautifully captures the essence of the community as families and friends come together to celebrate and honor those who have passed. With faces painted and spirits high, attendees are encouraged to express themselves through dance and celebration, fully embracing the joyous spirit of life that defines this festival.
📅 Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
📍 Location: 2002 N. Main St.
Join the celebration with face painting, mariachi music, and a communal ofrenda (memorial altar).
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, head to the Bowers Museum, a cultural gem showcasing global art and history, for their Mexican Day of the Dead Festival. From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, enjoy live performances, art-making sessions, and face painting. Visitors are invited to bring a photo of a loved one to add to the ofrenda (memorial altar), honoring those who have passed.
This vibrant cultural event features face painting, mariachi music, folklórico dances, and a communal ofrenda where attendees can honor their loved ones by adding photos and mementos. You’ll also enjoy traditional foods like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and tamales and take part in workshops like sugar skull decorating. The event offers an educational yet celebratory atmosphere, blending art, culture, and community, truly capturing the essence of Día de Los Muertos.
Author
Madeleine Thérèse Spencer is a resident of Santa Ana and a visionary leader dedicated to community development, placemaking, and the celebration of authentic cultural vibrancy in the community. As Co-Director of PlacemakingUS, a national network organization, she is dedicated to transforming the social life of public spaces and fostering inclusive, living, and thriving communities.
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, there’s a good chance you’re wondering if it makes sense to wait and see who ends up getting elected as president in November.
According to a recent survey, 60% of buyers are taking the election into consideration, concerned about how the results may impact the housing market, and nearly 40% of buyers claimed they’re actually waiting until after the election results are in to buy a house!
The main things buyers are hoping to see happen after the election are lower mortgage rates, and for houses to become more affordable.
It’s certainly understandable why someone would want to wait a few months, if it’ll mean they’re going to be able to buy a house for less money, and pay a lot less interest over the life of their loan. But the odds of that happening as a result of the election probably aren’t in their favor…
Whoever Is Elected Won’t Have Immediate Impact on Real Estate
Every political candidate has a platform and talks about how their plans will change things for the better if they get elected, which often includes things related to the housing sector.
However, regardless of what any candidate suggests they’ll do to lower mortgage rates or home prices, there are a number of reasons why a home buyer won’t immediately benefit from them just by waiting to see who gets elected.
There are still months before they’re even officially in office. No matter which candidate wins the election, they’re not currently in office, and won’t be until January 20, 2025. So any buyer waiting until the election is over should actually be pausing their home purchase until at least late January, when the new president is officially sworn in.
The president doesn’t have entire control over their agenda. It’s unlikely that any plans the new president has in regard to real estate will be item number one on the to-do list, but even if they do make it a priority, there are a lot of steps to take before anything is likely to be approved, and a lot of legislators that’ll have a say in whether or not things get passed.
It takes time for changes to have an impact. Anything the president may do to impact the real estate market isn’t likely to make a serious dent in the market overnight. It could take months, or years before the effects are felt by home buyers.
The president doesn’t directly impact mortgage rates. It isn’t like a president can just tell mortgage lenders to lower their rates. They’re affected by the bond market, Federal Reserve policies, inflation rates, and other economic indicators. A president may indirectly affect all of these things, but the economy often has a mind of its own, and is affected by things on a global level.
Home values are determined more by supply and demand. One of the main reasons home prices stay at historically high levels is because there have been more buyers in the market for a home than there are homes to buy. Unless the elected president does something to immediately flood the market with homes for sale, the overall supply and demand issues won’t go away.
Take Advantage of Lower Demand in the Next Few Months Instead
Considering nearly 40% of buyers are saying that they’re pausing their home search until they know who is elected president, and 60% are concerned about how the election will impact them, there’s a good chance you could benefit from less competition in the next few months.
A temporary period of less competition in the market due to the coming election could actually give you more advantages than anything the next president may bring about, such as:
Less chance you’ll have to compete in a bidding war.
If a seller doesn’t have multiple offers to consider, there’s more of a chance for you to negotiate the price and terms of your purchase.
In order to be competitive, many buyers waive their rights to home inspections, and other major contingencies. But with less competition you might not be dealing with as many buyers willing to do so.
Sellers may even feel the need to lower their prices if demand is down enough and their houses aren’t selling quickly enough.
There’s no guarantee that you won’t face any competition from other buyers, or even see a noticeable difference — it really depends upon your local market and price range. But the only way to benefit from other buyers pausing their home search is to remain active in the market, and pounce on any opportunity that may present itself between now and November.
The Takeaway:
Thinking about buying a home? Now might be the perfect time. With 60% of buyers worried about the upcoming election and 40% waiting until after it’s over to buy, there’s less competition in the market.
While it’s understandable to think election results could lower mortgage rates and home prices, any changes would take time and aren’t guaranteed. Instead of waiting, take advantage of the current lower demand. Less competition means fewer bidding wars, better negotiating power, and potentially lower prices from sellers eager to close deals. Stay active in the market and seize opportunities now!
Part of the fun of Halloween is dressing up your home with the spookiest decor and doling out candy for eager trick-or-treaters. But what happens if someone walks through your yard on Halloween night and gets injured? It’s an unfortunate but realistic scenario that can have a number of consequences for homeowners. Worst-case—and scariest—scenario? Someone brings a lawsuit claiming that a trick-or treater got injured on your property. Would you be liable for this claim?
Under the law, if a porch light is on, trick-or-treaters are considered to be invited visitors, and it is a homeowner’s responsibility to have a property free of hazards. If anyone who enters your property on Halloween night gets injured, most homeowners insurance policies will cover minor injuries.
However, homeowners could be liable if trick-or-treaters are injured on their property if it can be proven that they were negligent in causing or contributing to that injury, says Jared B. Staver of Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, in Chicago.
For example, he says, a large crack in your walkway would be hard for someone to see in the dark. If a person tripped and broke a bone, he may claim you were negligent for not posting a warning sign and bringing attention to the crack.
“There is a reasonable expectation that you will receive visitors on Halloween. As a result, taking a few precautions will help guarantee the safety of trick-or-treaters and protect the homeowner,” says Christopher Layton of the Layton Law Firm, in Charlotte, NC.
To ensure a happy—and hazard-free—Halloween for all, here are some important questions homeowners should ask themselves before the trick-or-treaters come around.
Is the outdoors well-lit?
Make sure outdoor lights are bright and your yard is well-lit for little ghosts and goblins. Motion sensors are a good way to illuminate the house.
“Walkways should have lighting, and porches should be illuminated. If there are any danger zones, they should be well-marked and indicated with lighting as well,” says Staver.
Glow-in-the-dark or solar lighting is often not enough for late-night Halloween adventures, he cautions. Homeowners should instead invest in high-powered wattage.
Also, avoid using real candles in carved pumpkins or paper lanterns, since they are a fire hazard. Instead, opt for faux candles with LED bulbs.
Are there any tripping hazards?
It’s a good idea for homeowners to consider how children will enter and exit their property, says attorney Robert Fisher Jr., a partner at Edgar Snyder & Associates, in Pittsburgh.
“There’s a good chance that kids won’t always use your walkway, come to the door, grab the candy, go back down the walkway, and then enter the sidewalk in a direct path. It is more likely they will cut through the yard and use shortcuts. Keep your yard clear, and mark any potential hazards,” he advises.
This means fixing loose bricks and or cracks on pathways, or at least pointing them out with a sign, so kids won’t trip on them.
Scott Holeman, a spokesman for theInsurance Information Institute in New York, also recommends removing any leaves or branches from the path to your home.
More elaborate decorations like inflatables may require electricity, which means you will have to run an extension cord through your yard. It’s best to keep these tripping hazards as far away from walkways as possible and make it clear that trick-or-treaters should stay on the walkways. You can do this with a makeshift fence or luminary bags with LED lights.
To eliminate the need for trick-or-treaters to even walk through your yard, Layton suggests setting up a table at the end of your driveway and handing out candy from there.
“This saves the eager kids a long walk up to the front door, and helps the homeowner by reducing the potential for injuries on the property,” says Layton.
Are my decorations intended to scare people or make them jump?
We don’t blame you for wanting to go all-out when decorating for Halloween, but to minimize the potential for injury, it’s probably wise to go easy on the scary special effects. These can cause jump scares and could result in someone tripping and falling. Strobe lights and fog machines, two popular features used in elaborate Halloween decorations, also have the potential to cause problems like seizures and asthma attacks.
Are the steps to my home unobstructed and slip-resistant?
Remove plants and other objects from your steps. If the weather report says it could be a rainy night, apply friction tape to the steps to make them less slippery. And if you experience an early freeze, make sure to have ice-melt on hand to de-ice your steps.
Are pets secured out of the way?
Even the most well-behaved pets can be unpredictable and react to harmless trick-or-treaters. That’s why it’s best to keep your pets indoors.
“If you have pets, you should keep them in a separate room from the entry. With heavy activity, they could become frightened. To avoid potential bites or pet escapes, it is recommended that they be confined to another area in your home,” says Holeman.
It’s worth noting that if a dog bites a visitor, the homeowner is generally liable for the incident, according to Staver.
“Many homeowners insurance policies have dog bite clauses and cover these situations as long as the homeowner revealed that they owned a dog when obtaining the policy,” he says.
Should I skip the homemade treats?
If you are giving out homemade candies, cookies, or other treats, you may be liable for injuries due to illnesses such as allergic reactions to peanuts.
Layton says despite the loving care that goes into homemade treats, Halloween is not the right time for them.
“Kids will go home with so much candy, and if they are injured by any of it, you, the homeowner, want to be able to simply point to the manufacturer of the treat, rather than be singled out as the person who gave out the handmade treats,” says Layton.
Although your homeowners policy covers injuries on your property such as slip and fall, it likely won’t cover a food-related illness. Bottom line: Stick to store-bought candy.
🍁🎃👻 Look no further if you’re planning a Halloween party or fall festival and in need of some hilarious Halloween games that are great for all ages?!
If your goal is to sell your house in 2025, now’s the time to start prepping. Even though it might seem like there’s plenty of time between now and the new year, you should get a head start on any updates or repairs you want to make now. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:
“ . . . now is the time to start thinking about what you need for your next home and then taking those steps to prepare to list . . . We have survey data that says 47 percent of sellers are taking longer than a month to get their home ready to sell, so getting them to start that process early can mean more flexibility.”
By starting your prep work early, you’ll give yourself plenty of time to get your house market-ready by the end of the year. But be sure to partner with a great agent before you get started, so you have expert insight into what repairs are worth it based on your local market.
Why Starting Early Is Key
To get the best price and sell quickly, it’s important that your home looks its best. And that means it’s up to you to make the necessary repairs, declutter, and even consider updates that could add value as part of getting your house ready to list.
By starting now, you can tackle things one task at a time. Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, refreshing your landscaping, or painting a room, getting an early start gives you the flexibility to do the job right and with as little stress as possible. Because, if you wait to knock items off your list later on, they could quickly stack up and get overwhelming. As Realtor.comexplains:
“There are some important repairs to make before selling a house, so don’t be in too much of a hurry to get your home listed … if you move too fast, buyers see right through the fact that you skipped important home renovations. And this . . . might end up costing you time and money.”
What Should You Focus On?
Feeling motivated to start chipping away at that to-do list, but not sure where to start? Here’s a look at the most common improvements other sellers are making today (see graph below):
The Importance of Working with a Local Agent
And while that data gives you a starting point, it shouldn’t be seen as a comprehensive list. What buyers want in your area may be different, and only a local agent will have this in-depth understanding.
For example, if homes in your area are selling quickly with updated kitchens, your agent might suggest focusing on minor kitchen improvements rather than spending money on other areas that won’t offer as much return. They’ll also help you figure out if tackling larger projects, such as replacing your roof or upgrading your HVAC system, is worth it based on other recently sold homes. As Point says:
“Not all renovations are created equal, and focusing on upgrades that offer the highest potential for increasing your home’s value is key.”
And remember, it’s not just big-ticket items that can have an impact. Your agent will also speak to some of the smaller details – like cleaning up your yard, adding fresh mulch, or painting your front door – to make a real difference in how buyers feel about your home. This type of expert eye is crucial to help your house sell fast and for top dollar.
Bottom Line
Thinking of selling your house next year? Don’t wait until the last minute to get it ready. By getting a head start now, you can ensure everything is in place by the time the new year rolls around.
Need advice on what to tackle first? Connect with a CA Real Estate Group agent.
Helps you use less water by providing you with controllers runtime recommendations for normal conditions or for drought response. This calculator tool provides weather base schedules for the percent adjust feature or weekly schedules for every month of the year. A unique added feature is the ability to create a landscape site map to show where each irrigation zone waters.
The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) and your local water agency have compiled a variety of water use efficiency resources to help commercial, industrial, and institutional customers save water.
Fall is here and that means care for your lawn and garden will differ greatly from the spring and summer months. As colder temperatures roll in, it may be time to start prioritizing other gardening tasks and stop others like mowing your lawn.
Luckily, gardening pros are here to set the record straight on when you should officially stop mowing your lawn, read on for more information.
Why Mowing Your Lawn Is Important
Mowing your lawn isn’t just for superficial reasons or to be the best looking lawn on the block. Mowing your lawn properly and frequently will help keep your grass at the right height, allowing nutrient absorption and deep root growth. It also helps prevent any insect damage and diseases in your yard.
More so, mowing your lawn helps tremendously with weed control, so pesky weeds don’t take over your beloved yard during the spring and summertime. But, do you have to continue mowing your lawn when the temperatures plummet? And what is the exact timeline for that?
Why You Should Stop Mowing Your Lawn
Most experts say that your lawn usually needs to be kept at a height of 2 ½ to 3 inches all year long. But, because grass and other plants grow at a much slower pace when the leaves start to fall and temperatures go from 70 degrees to around 50 degrees, many lawn experts agree that mowing your lawn is unnecessary.
The Ideal Timeline
So now to the bigger question: what is the perfect or ideal timeline for mowing your lawn, and when should you stop taking care of your grass? Although there is no “perfect” timeline, it’s suggested by experts to continue to mow your grass until you notice it not growing as rapidly. This will likely be around late October or early November when the temperatures drop below 50 degrees. But, it depends entirely on where you live. For some climates, you can continue to mow your lawn until early December.
Mowing your lawn prior to temperatures plummeting has been commonly suggested in the past as a way of reducing spring damage from snow molds and voles. However, cutting your grass too short will cause more of a stress to the grass than what your lawn will experience from diseases or animals.
If your usual mowing height for your lawn is 2.5 to 3 inches, experts at the University of Minnesota suggest keeping it exactly there. But, if the preferred height of your lawn is 3+ inches, then they would recommend bringing it down to 3 inches before winter (again this could be late October or early December depending on where you live).
Remember that your lawn will go into dormancy once temperatures get too cold, but don’t fret—your lawn and nature know what it’s doing. It will come out of dormancy once the air and soil temperatures rise come spring.
Wicker baskets may look cute, but are they functional?
From the bedroom closet and inside kitchen cabinets to your kids’ playroom, keeping the house organized isn’t easy. We typically rely on organizers to tame clutter, whether it be shelves for books and baskets, hooks for hanging jackets or categorized bins for toys. But, not all storage solutions are created equal — turns out, there are some items professional organizers always avoid.
Not-so-helpful items, like excessively heavy containers or wooden hangers, can actually thwart your organizing efforts. Before investing in any storage essentials, consider these products professional organizers would encourage you to ditch forever.
1. “Pretty” storage solutions
“When it comes to storage, I avoid solutions that sacrifice function for form. This includes tapered bins that waste precious shelf space, wicker baskets that snag clothes and excessively heavy or super fragile containers. I like to think of storage solutions like an empty suitcase — if it’s heavy or overly complicated before you even pack, it’s not going to do anything but create more burden. I steer clear of oversized containers that become clutter magnets, like large toy chests.” — Laura Kinsella, founder of Urban Organyze.
2. Shelves that can’t adjust
“I stay away from shelving units and cupboards without adjustable shelves. The items people want to store vary in size and height, so the shelves need to be adaptable.” — Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter
3. Organizers with a niche purpose
“If a company went out of their way to create something to fill a niche, I avoid it, as I find that most people never organize that way — we crave basic ways to get organized, like drawers, shelves and cabinets. Think hanging closet shelves, over-the-door organizing pockets, vacuum storage bags — any targeted, customized storage solution.” — Maeve Richmond, founder of the organizing coaching service Maeve’s Method
4. Toy organizers with tilted bins
“I’m not a fan of any kid’s storage shelf that holds between nine and 12 bins that sit on a slant. It seems like a good idea so children can see into the bins, but the bins are small and because they’re on a slant, toys fall onto the floor.” — Julie Stobbe
5. Stacked plastic drawers
“These may be cheap, but they just don’t last; I always find that they break. They also get dirty very easily, and can be difficult to open. The ease of your organizers is the most important factor for sticking with your system. Invest in sturdier drawers instead.” — Rachel Rosenthal, professional organizer at Rachel and Company
6. Free-standing coat racks
“A coat rack is a monster that just keeps growing. Instead, hang just a couple hooks, and store other coats, scarves and hats out of sight. Your entryway will thank you for slaying this beast.” — Jeni Aron, the Clutter Cowgirl
7. Bed frames with built-in drawers
“I find the drawer space to be limiting, and when the bed is pushed into a corner, you lose half the storage. Instead, use bed risers to create a helpful place for suitcases and bins of seasonal clothing.” — Amelia Meena, founder and professional organizer at Appleshine
8. Over-the-toilet shelving units
“If it’s your only option, fine. But I much prefer a floating shelf with attractive baskets on an opposite wall away from the commode. There’s a slimmer chance of something jumping overboard.” — Jeni Aron
9. Wooden hangers
“People choose these because they look pretty, but I hardly ever use them for everyday items. They’re so bulky, and clothes tend to slip off easily. I use slim felt-covered hangers instead, which take up much less space and keep clothes secure.” — Rachel Rosenthal
10. Label makers
“There’s a time and place for label makers, but that’s usually not at home. I’m not saying that labels are terrible, but it’s often unnecessary to use yet another electronic device (which you’ll have to store) to make them. Instead, write labels by hand. This will help you better remember where you’ve stored things, and handwriting is much more pleasing and personal than a printed sticker.” — Marla Kabashima, professional organizer
11. Stacked desk trays
“Thanks to computers and our increasingly paper-free lifestyle, there is less need for organizers that hold stacks of mail or tons of office supplies. I often see people with desk stackers stuffed with items they haven’t used in years. Let the stack go, and replace it with a simple tray or bowl for the few things you do use.” — Maeve Richmond
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market over the past couple of years, you know sellers have had the upper hand. But is that going to shift now that inventory is growing? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.
What Is a Balanced Market?
A balanced market is generally defined as a market with about a five-to-seven-month supply of homes available for sale. In this type of market, neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage. Prices tend to stabilize, and there’s a healthier number of homes to choose from. And after many years when sellers had all the leverage, a more balanced market would be a welcome sight for people looking to move. The question is – is that really where the market is headed?
After starting the year with a three-month supply of homes nationally, inventory has increased to four months. That may not sound like a lot, but it means the market is getting closer to balanced – even though it’s not quite there yet. It’s important to note this increase in inventory is not leading to an oversupply that would cause a crash. Even with the growth lately, there’s still nowhere near enough supply for that to happen.
The graph below uses data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to give you an idea of where inventory has been in the past, and where it’s at today:
For now, this is still seller’s market territory – it’s just not as frenzied of a seller’s market as it’s been over the past few years. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:
“The faster housing supply increases, the more affordability improves and the strength of a seller’s market wanes.”
What This Means for You and Your Move
Here’s how this shift impacts you and the market conditions you’ll face when you move. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, explains:
“Homes are sitting on the market a bit longer, and sellers are receiving fewer offers. More buyers are insisting on home inspections and appraisals, and inventory is definitively rising on a national basis.”
The graphs below use the latest data from NAR and Realtor.com to help show examples of these changes:
Homes Are Sitting on the Market Longer: Since more homes are on the market, they’re not selling quite as fast. For buyers, this means you may have more time to find the right home. For sellers, it’s important to price your house right if you want it to sell. If you don’t, buyers might choose better-priced options.
Sellers Are Receiving Fewer Offers: As a seller, you might need to be more flexible and willing to compromise on price or terms to close the deal. For buyers, you could start to face less intense competition since you have more options to choose from.
Fewer Buyers Are Waiving Inspections: As a buyer, you have more negotiation power now. And that’s why fewer buyers are waiving inspections. For sellers, this means you need to be ready to negotiate and address repair requests to keep the sale moving forward.
How a Real Estate Agent Can Help
But this is just the national picture. The type of market you’re in is going to vary a lot based on how much inventory is available. So, lean on a local real estate agent for insight into how your area stacks up.
Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding how the market is changing gives you a big advantage. Your agent has the latest data and local insights, so you know exactly what’s happening and how to navigate it.
Bottom Line
The real estate market is always changing, and it’s important to stay informed. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding this shift toward a balanced market can help. If you have any questions or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to CA Real Estate Group.
This fall, seasonal decorating is all about simple updates. Enhance your home through a mix of artisanal additions, heirloom pieces, and connections to nature. Color and texture, including rich jewel tones and cheerful doses of blues, yellows, and greens, will also be used with significant impact to lift spirits and offer tactile moments while cozying up at home. Here are the top 2024 fall decorating trends, according to interior designers and industry experts.
Jeff Herr
1. Showcase Heirlooms
“We’re seeing shoppers enter their ‘heirloom era’ this fall, a trend that represents different ways to bring retro and inherently unique items to homes and wardrobes,” says Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson. This fall decorating style is all about antique vases, rocking chairs, candlestick holders, embroidered pillows, and even old books.
It’s easy to personalize this trend with inherited pieces, but there are fun possibilities for creating special moments with new fall decor, too. Johnson highlights handmade treasures like customized cutting boards showcasing handwritten recipes, while Pottery Barn suggests an Americana look achieved through table linens and bedding.
Julie Soefer
2. Add Artisanal Elements to Your Table
“Artisanal textures and antiques are a long-lasting trend we’ve seen this year, encouraging the purchase and use of handmade and quality items from an era where craftsmanship was held in high regard,” says Brittany Zimmerman of Bleu Bee Designs. “You can incorporate these trends seamlessly by creating a fall tablescape using a collection of antique or vintage brass candlesticks scattered around textured artisanal trays made of copper, plaster or terracotta, which adds a cozy and handmade texture to your tabletop.”
This year, Pinterest identified coffee stations as the new bar cart with their Cafécore trend. Part of elevating the café aesthetic at home is incorporating sculptural and tactile mugs that offer an artisanal look and hand-hewn feel.
Adam Albright
3. Bring in Cheerful Colors
This year’s top trending paint colors have favored soothing earth tones and deep moody hues. And while these shades continue to be popular, Suzan Wemlinger of Suzan J Designs expects to see bright, bold pops of color uplifting interiors this fall. “Orange, turquoise, greens, blues, yellows will be out there,” says Wemlinger.
While smaller doses are expected, she says the colors may also start appearing in wallpaper and paint in addition to accessories like pillows and artwork. “I think that bright and bold is trending because people are yearning for happiness and feel-good vibes,” says Wemlinger. “These colors almost without question lighten one’s mood.”
Adam Albright
4. Let Nature Inspire Your Accessories
“From last year’s cottagecore to this summer’s ‘garden girl,’ the earthy decor and fashion trends inspired by the natural world will bleed into fall, this time in the form of ‘nature reborn’,” says Johnson.
According to Johnson, Etsy shoppers are looking to bring the outdoors in this season through accessories such as pinecones, dried fruit, and log candle holders, while wooden utensils offer a functional take on the trend.
Frontgate’s fall 2024 collection offers natural whimsy with pieces like novelty glass and gold decorative acorns and pomegranate-accented serveware.
Stephen Kent Johnson
5. Accent Botanicals with Jewel Tones
Biophilic design—which emphasizes creating harmony between your home and the world outside—remains a popular interior style after several years in the spotlight. Fall foliage and seasonal gourds are staples of fall decorating, and this fall Zimmerman expects to punctuate these looks with jewel-tone botanicals. “This includes sprinkling in mums in hues of cranberry and plum and rich, dark green magnolia stems and wreaths,” she says.
Crate & Barrel’s fall collection similarly promotes pairing jewel tones and botanical elements, featuring berries, eucalyptus leaves, and floral stems in bold burgundies.
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The Importance of Working with a Local Agent
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