Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday.
Blog
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Happy Labor Day!
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California’s cheapest place to live in 2026 is a quaint alpine city less than 3 hours from L.A., where median home prices are just $325,000
Porterville is the cheapest city to live in California in 2026, with a median home price of $325,000 and median rent of $1,358, both well below state averages. Its overall cost of living is 12% lower than the state average, earning it the highest affordability score. Other affordable California cities include Fresno, Bakersfield, Tulare, Eureka, Visalia, Stockton, Chico, Sacramento, and Clovis.
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Home Sales Climb in Orange County This July
July 2026 brought a 2.4% year-over-year increase in Orange County home sales—a clear sign that demand remains steady in our unique market. We see firsthand how the local landscape continues to offer opportunities for motivated sellers, buyers, and investors alike. Our team’s proprietary approach is designed to help clients leverage these trends, whether you’re aiming to maximize value, find the perfect fit, or make an informed investment. The numbers reinforce what we experience every day: with the right strategy, Orange County continues to deliver strong results.
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Expert Tips for Selling Your Home This Fall and Winter
Prep Early: Complete exterior maintenance—fix gutters, repaint, rake leaves, and brighten windows before cold weather limits improvements.
Warm and Welcoming: Keep interiors cozy and decorated; personal touches help buyers imagine themselves living there.
Avoid Neglect: Maintain curb appeal, keep utilities on in vacant homes, and price realistically to attract serious buyers.
Smart Offer Choices: Don’t just chase the highest price—consider buyer reliability, timing, and financing for the best outcome.
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How to Know if a Home Fits Your Lifestyle?
Research local schools even if you don’t have kids — they influence home values.
Consider internet availability and speed, especially for remote work or streaming needs. -
US Existing Home Sales Edge Up
In Early-Q3, US existing-home sales slipped ↓1.7% MoM but still finished ↑0.7% yearly, showing completed transactions held slightly above prior summer's pace.
Median existing-home prices reached $434.1K in Early-Q3, extending a 37-mo streak of yearly gains and giving many homeowners additional equity to monitor.
Inventory ended Early-Q3 at 1.54M homes, ↓1.9% MoM and ↓0.6% yearly, a reminder for buyers to track listings closely in a still-tight market.
Housing affordability improved nationally even as prices rose, suggesting buyers who stay prepared can benefit when value, timing, and available choices start aligning.
Mortgage costs averaged high-6% recently on a 30-yr fixed loan; any rate easing could further support buyers as the summer market continues. -
Several States Drive 20 Percent of Remodel Activity
It’s no surprise that California, Texas, and Florida are leading the way in the U.S. remodeling market—California alone accounts for 8% of the $22.2B in national remodeling activity. From 2023 to 2025, industry spending has climbed more than 10%, fueled by factors like aging homes, increasing homeowner equity, and a network of 128,000 remodeling firms across the country. For homeowners and investors in Orange County, understanding these trends is key to making smart, value-driven decisions. Our team’s refined approach is built to help you leverage these shifts—whether you’re preparing to sell, buy, or invest, we focus on strategies that maximize your results in a dynamic market.
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