The Market Split No One Expected
The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires tore through $46 billion worth of homes, destroying over 11,000 properties.
A year later, Zillow’s data reveals a surprising split in how the market recovered.
Home prices near the burn zones barely budged, tracking with the rest of LA’s modest decline.
But inventory near the fires shot up 50%, and rents climbed while the rest of the metro saw them fall.
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$46 Billion in Housing Lay Within the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfire Zones
The 2025 LA wildfires placed $46 billion in housing at risk. While values stabilized, the nearby market shows a sharp and persistent inventory spike. Rents also grew faster there, indicating shifting demand and potential pressure on distressed holdings.
Florida Housing Pressure Drives Growing Demand for As-Is Home Sales
Florida’s housing pressure is increasing demand for as-is home sales. Data shows transitional properties rising, especially in Central Florida. Homeowners are looking for simple, fast options, with cash offers providing certainty and avoiding repairs in this strained market.
Officials Divided Over December Rate Cut
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates in December, but officials were deeply divided. The close vote shows some policymakers worry inflation is still too high, while others believe supporting the job market is more important right now.
WHOOSH, Went the Economy in Q3. The Fed Needs to Watch Out, Economy Is Running Hot
The US economy grew very quickly in the third quarter, driven by strong consumer spending and an improving trade balance. But further interest rate cuts could risk worsening inflation.
Home prices are getting slightly more affordable, but down payments are still holding buyers back
Home prices are a bit more affordable now, but buyers still struggle to save for a down payment. It takes about seven years to save enough on average. More homes are for sale, and lower mortgage rates are helping, but the high down payment is the biggest barrier.
Highest Existing Home Sales in 8 Months But Don’t Get Excited
Existing home sales rose for the third month, reaching an eight-month high. However, overall sales remain very low historically. Prices continued to rise while the supply of homes for sale decreased from the previous month.
