California Real Estate Is in a Rare Moment — But the Clock Is Ticking

⚠️ What’s Coming Next Could Change Everything

The first quarter of 2025 has brought welcome relief to California’s housing market. Rates are down. Inventory is up. Home prices are steady.

But don’t get too comfortable — it may not last. With tariff wars, rising global tension, and Fed uncertainty looming, smart homeowners and buyers are making their moves now — before the window slams shut.

✅ Q1 2025: What’s Looking Good (So Far)

🏦 Mortgage rates dipped to ~6.6% after spiking near 8% in 2024

🏡 Housing inventory is up 44% from last year — more homes to choose from


🏢 Rents are easing in key metros, making ownership more attractive

💰 Home prices are rising moderately — up 4.6% statewide, not overheating


This is the calm we’ve been waiting for...

⚠️ What’s Coming Next Could Change Everything

🚨 Tariff Wars & Inflation Pressure

  • Tariffs on construction materials like steel, lumber, and electronics are already raising prices

  • Contractors are warning of cost spikes for renovations, ADUs, and new builds

  • Builders may pause new developments — making housing supply tight again


🌎 Global Slowdown & Rate Uncertainty

  • A weaker global economy could push foreign investment out of California

  • The Fed may shift its stance quickly if inflation flares back up

  • If rates jump again, today’s “good” deals could vanish overnight

📉 What feels like a recovery could easily become another storm.

💡 What Homeowners and Buyers Are Doing Right Now

Smart clients are acting now — not reacting later.

🔁 Refinance Before Rates Rebound

The national average Rates dropped from nearly 8% to 6.6% — and that may not last.

📉 Young families are locking in predictable budgets.

💼 Investors are cutting costs while margins are still workable.

🧓 Retirees are stabilizing payments before the next rate spike.

💵 Cash Out While Equity Is High

California home values are up — but renovation costs are rising with tariffs.

🛠️ Homeowners are funding upgrades now, before prices jump.

💳 Families are consolidating debt into smarter terms.

🌴 Dreamers are using equity to fund second homes, businesses, or retirement.

🏡 Buy While Inventory Is Back

Listings are up 44% — but if builders stall, it could vanish fast.

🧑‍💼 First-time buyers are finally finding options without bidding wars.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Growing families are landing homes in better school zones.

📈 Investors are grabbing leverage while sellers are still flexible.

✨ Sell While Demand Is Still Here

Spring is hot, but the market could cool quickly.

🧓 Downsizers are cashing in while prices are firm.

🌴 Remote workers and relocators are making bold lifestyle moves.

💡 Equity-focused sellers are exiting ahead of uncertainty.

🏦 Use a HELOC Before Credit Tightens

Banks are still lending — but that could change fast.

🎓 Parents are pulling equity for tuition before rates climb.

🛠️ ADU builders are securing funds before tariffs price them out.

📋 General homeowners are building safety nets before lenders pull back.

🏠 Why (62+) Homeowners Are Acting Now

  • Home values remain near all-time highs.

  • Tariff hikes and inflation could erode savings or delay care needs

  • A reverse mortgage gives you access to tax-free cash, while you continue living in your home — with no monthly mortgage payments

🔓 Use your equity to:

  • Supplement retirement income

  • Cover long-term care or medical expenses

  • Delay Social Security or protect your portfolio

💼 Why HomeSafe® (55+) Clients Are Moving Fast

  • Designed for higher-value homes — up to $10M+

  • Jumbo reverse options for both first and second mortgages

  • No monthly payment, flexible access to funds, and ownership stays in your name

    💡 Use HomeSafe® to:

  • Pay off a traditional mortgage

  • Fund investments or home upgrades

  • Unlock retirement freedom early — even before 62

🧭 What to Watch


Inflation data and Fed statements in Q2 will heavily influence interest rates. Global supply chain pressure could return, impacting construction and renovation timing.

California’s economy — especially tech, logistics, and tourism — will feel the first effects of global uncertainty, potentially tightening local housing demand by fall.

The Q1 2025 California real estate market is showing signs of stabilization and cautious optimism. While higher inventory and modest price growth favor buyers, looming global economic headwinds could reintroduce volatility in the months ahead. Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or investing — being informed, agile, and well-advised will be key in navigating the months ahead.

Let’s Build Your Strategy Before the Market Shifts


The market is offering a rare chance — with low rates, high equity, and open inventory — but that window could close fast as tariffs, inflation, and Fed decisions heat up.

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Whether you're buying, refinancing, downsizing, or unlocking your equity through a reverse mortgage, the smartest move is to act before the headlines do.

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🏡 Solve Lending & Realty — Real Strategy. Real Results.


Hi, I’m Kiyoshi Inui, President of Solve Lending & Realty. We’re a full-service real estate and mortgage brokerage built for one thing: helping Californians make smarter, faster, and more strategic moves — whether you're buying, refinancing, selling, or investing. With direct access to 150+ wholesale mortgage banks, local real estate expertise, and personalized guidance at every step, we give you options — and the confidence to act on them. Why work with two different companies when you can solve it all in one place?

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