Mortgage Rates Drop Below 6%: What It Means for Buyers, Sellers & Inventory

Vito reports 30-year fixed mortgage rates have fallen to 5.99% for the first time since 2022 (with jumbo rates about three-tenths higher), lowering monthly payments but likely increasing buyer competition and pushing prices up. He says most local areas remain in a seller’s market with very low months of inventory, and homes sell quickly when priced correctly, while overpriced listings sit. 

Daily mortgage rates dip to 5.99%

Borrowing costs haven't fallen below 6% since 2022

Single-family rents continue a prolonged slowdown

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend, Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week 

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County 

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action 

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY 

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 Rates Drop Below 6

00:15 Why Buyers Must Act

00:43 Breaking Down Mortgage Rates

01:04 Monthly Savings vs Competition

01:53 Seller Market Inventory Reality

02:32 Renting Trends and Affordability

03:32 Agent Offer and Listing Services

04:43 Homescom Marketing Walkthrough

05:20 Jumbo Example Under 6

06:12 Inventory Outlook and Wrap Up

Selling a Home in a Bad Location: Pricing, Strategy, and a 15-Day Sale Guarantee

The episode explains what makes a “bad location” for a home—such as being near a busy road, freeway, flight path, train tracks, industrial sites, high-noise areas, or other undesirable surroundings—and emphasizes that sellers can’t change location, so they must acknowledge it and price accordingly. Vito advises against trying to be a “market maker” by pricing at the top of comps, and instead recommends improving curb appeal and interior presentation, completing necessary repairs and inspections, staging, listing low to attract more buyers, and letting the market determine value, aiming to sell within 7–15 days. 

Tips to Sell a House in a Bad Location

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES 

REO of the Week 

Apple Home of the Week 

Mountain View Home of the Week 

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 What Makes a Bad Location

00:15 Noise and Neighborhood Examples

01:27 Hidden Environmental Dealbreakers

01:52 Bought It Anyway Now What

02:31 Pricing to Attract Buyers

03:45 Prep and Sell Fast Strategy

04:07 15 by 15 Guaranteed Program

05:44 Probate and 360 Marketing

06:14 Overpriced Listing Case Study

07:00 Distressed Home of the Week

07:48 Market Trends and Rate Update

08:43 Why Now Is the Time to Sell

08:47 Wrap Up and Sign Off

OpenDoor’s $1.1B Loss, Why MLS Beats Investors, and Santa Clara County Highs & Lows

The episode criticizes OpenDoor and investor/wholesaler offers for taking homeowner equity, citing OpenDoor’s adjusted Q4 EPS down 7 cents and a widened net loss of about 896% to $1.1B as home sales dropped to 4,442 units. The host argues homeowners should list on the MLS to seek fair market value rather than accept 50–60 cents on the dollar, and emphasizes preparing a home for sale by cleaning, emptying, removing odors, and presenting it well. 

Opendoor posts nearly $1B loss

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week

Santa Clara County Price Reductions

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 OpenDoor vs Homeowners

00:24 Why Investors Undervalue Homes

00:58 OpenDoor Losses Explained

01:48 Sell Smart in Probate

02:17 Marketing Your Listing

03:10 Los Gatos Home of Week

04:03 Weekly Highs and Lows

05:22 Pricing to Attract Offers

07:10 Market Stats and Wrap Up

Mortgage Demand Jumps as Rates Ease: Spring Market Outlook + House of the Week (Cupertino, Willow Glen, Hillsborough)

The episode covers a new uptick in mortgage activity as rates ease, citing MBA data showing mortgage demand up 2.8% and refinance applications up 7% week-over-week and 132% year-over-year. The host predicts a busy spring selling season (March–May), suggests both buyers and sellers are done waiting, and says the market may return to a more normal pace, with buyers targeting around 5.5% rates after buying down points from roughly 6.25%–6.3%. It also highlights help with probate and estate sales, outlining a process for clearing and preparing homes depending on circumstances.

Lower mortgage rates draw borrowers back to the market

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the week

How your Home will be Marketed

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

00:00 Mortgage Demand Rebounds

01:41 Probate and Estate Sales

01:58 House of the Week Picks

03:02 Luxury Listing Spotlight

03:36 How We Market Homes

04:36 Inspection Checklist Download

05:16 Wrap Up and Thanks

Inflation Cools, Rate Cuts & Silicon Valley Home Values: What $2M vs $1M Buys + Market Inventory Update

The episode connects January’s cooling inflation and Fed rate-cut expectations to real estate, explaining why inflation and interest rates influence buyer confidence and why real estate can act as an inflation hedge. 

Inflation cools in January, keeping the Fed’s rate-cut options open

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend, Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this Week 

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action 

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 Welcome Back + What We’re Covering (Inflation, Home Values & Inventory)

00:08 Inflation Cools: Why CPI & Fed Rate Cuts Matter for Real Estate

00:46 Real Estate as an Inflation Hedge (Why Wealthy Investors Buy Property)

01:48 Don’t Wait for a Crash: Timing the Market vs. Getting In Now

03:11 Quick Break: Homes.com Clip + Why It Matters

03:42 Zillow Pressure Tactics vs. Choosing Your Own Lender/Escrow Team

04:52 Seller Strategy: Pricing Right, ‘Attract the Market,’ and Win Multiple Offers

06:13 What $2M Buys in San Jose (Gilda Way, Cambrian/Lee)

07:01 What $1M Buys in South San Jose (Cohagan Ct) + Fixer Potential

08:20 Inventory & Market Stats: Signs We’re Normalizing After the Post-COVID Surge

10:27 Wrap-Up: Final Thoughts, Blog/Open Houses & Sign-Off

South Bay Housing Market Update: Why March–May Could Be Prime Selling Season (and Risky for Buyers)

Vito discusses recent headlines about existing home sales and argues the market is poised to heat back up after a brief dip since December. He predicts March through May will be a strong window for sellers and warns buyers could face an 8–10% increase in sale prices over the next three months, noting that improvements in rates or the economy would likely help sellers and hurt buyers. 

Existing-home sales take polar plunge in January

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

REO of the Week

Apple Home of the Week

Mountain View Home of the Week

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:00 Clickbait headlines & the ‘polar plunge’ in home sales

00:35 Why spring  (March–May) could be the best window to sell/buy

02:01 Rates, the economy, and why ‘good news’ can cost buyers more

02:27 Read the full article + invite to comment and chat

02:37 How Homes.com marketing helps listings (and what it can’t fix)

04:05 Probate & estate sales: helping families plan the next step

04:51 Case study: Campbell listing sits 45 days—seller ego & overpromising agents

05:47 Bank-owned condo of the week: HOA fees, mismanagement, and bad value

08:24 Wrap-up: market outlook, rates, and final Q&A / sign-off

San Jose Home Values Down 3.3%: Micro-Markets, Spring 2026 Forecast & Pricing Strategies in Santa Clara County

The episode explains how the U.S. housing market is made up of local micro-markets, noting the national median home price fell from about $416,000 to $374,000 and that normal price ebb and flow isn’t necessarily a recession indicator. It highlights local year-over-year changes, including San Francisco’s 0.6% increase and San Jose’s 3.3% decrease, attributing San Jose’s softness to the rapid 2021 run-up, relative value in surrounding cities, and the impact of Measure E’s added tax on homes valued around $2.2M at sale. The speaker argues smaller nearby jurisdictions like Campbell and Cupertino can feel better run and may see stronger value growth, influencing buyer preference. 

home prices are rising — and falling — across the US

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week

Santa Clara County Price Reductions

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist 

00:34 National Snapshot: Median Price Pullback & Normal Ebb and Flow

01:14 Bay Area Check-In: SF Up Slightly, San Jose Down—What’s Driving It?

02:05 Taxes & City Efficiency: Measure EA and Why Smaller Cities Win

04:19 Spring Market Forecast: Pent-Up Demand and the March–May Surge

04:52 How to Price & Market Your Home: Tools, Strategy, and Real Examples

05:34 Probate & Estate Sales: Protecting Seniors and Avoiding Scams

06:16 Back to the Big Picture: 2025 Blip to a More ‘Normal’ Market

06:40 Los Gatos Home of the Week: $4M Listing and a Marketing Mistake

07:12 Highs, Lows & List-to-Sale Ratios: ‘Attract the Market’ vs Ego Pricing

09:51 Wrap-Up: Where to Find the Numbers + Final Thoughts

Deed Theft Scam Alert + Bay Area Homes of the Week & 2024 Market Update

Vito warns viewers about real estate scams and stresses the importance of using real estate professionals, highlighting an alleged Burbank deed-theft scheme in which a $1.5M home was sold without the owner’s knowledge, using stolen identities and a corrupt escrow process. He urges people to check titles—especially for elderly parents—and offers to help by conducting deed searches, flagging suspicious activity, and directing victims to authorities and escrow. 

SHAME "deed-snatch"

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Cupertino Home of the Week

Willow Glen Home of the Week

Luxury Home of the Week

How your Home will be Marketed

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

PRE-Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

01:08 Deed Theft Case Breakdown: $1.5M Home Sold Without Owner Knowing

02:37 Is Deed Fraud ‘Victimless’? Real Damage & How the Scheme Worked

03:06 How to Check Your (or Your Parents’) Title + What to Do If It’s Off

03:47 Elder Care, Probate & Estate Sales: Planning Before It’s a Crisis

05:14 Luxury Home of the Week: $25M Palo Alto Stunner

05:39 How I Market Your Home: homes.com, Retargeting, Floor Plans & Matterport

07:37 Market Numbers & What’s Next for the Bay Area This Year

09:08 Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

California Migration: Trends, Real Estate, and Market Insights (2025 Update)

In this episode, we discuss recent migration trends in and out of California with insights from Ryan Lundquist, a real estate appraiser and public speaker in Sacramento. We explore the reasons behind the relocation, such as remote work opportunities, housing affordability, and family care needs. The video also touches on net domestic migration shifts from 2005 to 2025, highlighting key destinations like Texas, Nevada, and Arizona. Additional topics include existing home sales across the U.S., inventory consumption trends, and an in-depth look at real estate opportunities in Cupertino and Los Gatos, California. If you're considering buying or selling a home, or simply interested in real estate trends, this episode is packed with valuable information.

Where are Californian residents moving Ryan Lundquist

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

Open Houses this weekend Silicon Valley Curated

Mortgage Rates this week 

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

What you get for $2MM Santa Clara County

AIDA: Attract, Interest, Desire, Action https://Aidadash.com

What you get for $1MM in SILICON VALLEY 

Inventory And Supply Charts

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist 

00:00 Moving Out of California

00:22 The California Exodus: Myth or Reality?

00:58 Migration Trends and Statistics

02:11 Net Domestic Migration Insights

02:44 Population Growth and Housing Affordability

04:47 Existing Home Sales Trends

06:07 Real Estate Market Analysis

06:49 Property Listings and Market Opportunities

08:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Essential Questions to Ask When Buying a Home

In this episode, we discuss crucial questions that every homebuyer should ask before making a purchase. Topics include the cost of utilities, property taxes, home sales history, crime rates, and more. We also explore the importance of warranties, the condition of major home components like the roof and plumbing, and potential pest issues. Additionally, the episode covers listing and market strategies for selling homes, highlighting notable property examples. Get informed and make the best decision for your future home!

Buying a Home? Don’t Forget to Ask These Questions!

What to Do if Your Home Insurance Claim is Denied

PROBATE AND ESTATE SALES

How your Home will be Marketed

Los Gatos Home of the Week 

Santa Clara County Price Reductions 

FREE HOME BUYER CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/Homebuyerchecklist

Home Inspection CHECKLIST HERE https://abitanogroup.com/homeinspectionchecklist

00:00 Essential Questions to Ask When Buying a Home

00:20 Understanding Home Sales History

00:48 Monthly and Annual Utility Costs

01:27 Property Taxes Explained

01:59 Crime and Unusual History Disclosures

02:33 Roof and Maintenance Concerns

02:59 Parking Restrictions and Warranties

03:53 Renovations and Sewage Issues

04:49 Pest Infestations and Inspections

05:38 Promoting Listings on Homes.com

06:42 Highs and Lows of the Week

08:29 Listing Strategies and Market Trends

10:03 Conclusion and Market Overview