When prices of homes with pools take a dip

In the winter, the water doesn’t look so appealing, so potential buyers are less likely to shell out extra bucks for a swimming pool.

Their findings, "Projection Bias in the Car and Housing Markets," were published in June by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Their research falls into the broader category of behavioral economics, giving insights into the psychology of spending, such as why some people spend more money at the grocery store when they're hungry.

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California home prices up

California’s median home price marked a full year of annual price gains, propelled by strong sales of higher-priced homes in February, while a lack of inventory constrained total home sales for the month, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reported this week.

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Home buyers face dilemma with shortage

The sharp drop in homes for sale poses a tough choice for buyers: Jump in now and compete with hordes of others or wait until inventory improves.

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More can afford a home, but lenders remain tight-fisted

Nearly half of all California households can now afford the median-priced home in the state – but that’s no help if they can’t get mortgages.

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