5 Predictions for the California Housing Market in 2021:
Sales, Prices & More

Summary: This article offers a fresh round of predictions for the California housing market through 2020 and into 2021. It is based on current real estate conditions around the state, as of late summer 2020.

It has certainly been an interesting year for the California real estate scene.

At the beginning of 2020, local markets across the state were bustling with activity and competition. Home prices were rising across the board, with only a few exceptions. It looked like it was going to be another solid year for the California real estate market.

And then the coronavirus came along. In April of this year, home sales plummeted as the state went into a pandemic-driven lockdown mode. Buyers stopped shopping, and many sellers pulled their homes off the market. The housing market essentially ground to a halt.

But then a funny thing happened. Home buyers started to come out again. Sales activity picked up. The real estate and mortgage industries learned to adapt, by implementing digital workflows that eliminated the need for face-to-face contact.

In other words, the market rebounded. Keep this turnaround in mind as we explore the five predictions for the California real estate market below.

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Ralene Nelson, REALTOR®

JUST LISTED – 8 N 6th St. Rio Vista, 4 bed 2 bath 2,689 sq ft


Enjoy a little bit of history, 1915 Craftmans style home sitting on an elevated lot makes for a great family home. Detached garage with space behind the garage provides space for playroom, craft/sewing room or work/office space. Remodeled kitchen, w/ rustic farmhouse appeal, w/new corian counters, white subway tile backsplash & wainscotting.  READ MORE


PENDING – 737 Virginia Dr. Rio Vista


Perfect home for first-time buyers or retirement. Home upgraded at the time of purchase 3/2009. Currently, 3 bedroom/2 baths, could easily be converted to a 4th bedroom. Seller updated plumbing, electrical, dual pane windows, new HVAC, roof, bathrooms, water heater, and drywall. Move-in ready, excellent condition. All updates completed to code. 2 car garage & potential for RV parking. READ MORE


PENDING – 885 Goose Pond Drive in Trilogy at Rio Vista 2bd/2bth/1,837sf


Gorgeous Reflect model with prepaid solar, located in the Trilogy Active Adult Community. This 2 bedroom 2 bath home is move-in ready, just bring your furniture. Tile floors with carpet in bedrooms, custom decorator colors, and two-sided fireplace at lounge/office w/brown topaz glass. Kitchen upgrade with beech Sierra stained cabinets, quartz counters, tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. READ MORE


Top 14 Lake Getaways in California

A lake getaway offers the chance to be immersed in nature, perhaps enjoying a weekend or a week-long escape filled with fun on and in the water. They can be a great opportunity to have a good time with the whole family, or enjoy some romantic time alone. California is home to many lakes, some providing a long list of activities and amenities, and others where you can look forward to plenty of serenity and quiet contemplation. No matter what type youre looking for, one of these options is sure to be ideal.


Credit: Photo 85386120 © | Dreamstime.com

 

Shasta Lake

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Second in size only to Lake Tahoe, Shasta Lake boasts 370 miles of shoreline with lots of opportunities to get out and enjoy the water while the 14,000-foot peak of Mt. Shasta looms above. It offers typical lake activities, like swimming and water-skiing, along with fishing for trophy-size bass and 10-pound trout as well as salmon, catfish, bluegill, crappie and sturgeon. Boat rentals are available at many of the lakeside marinas, and visitors can even spend the night on the lake by renting a houseboat.

Boulder Bay at Big Bear Lake
Credit: inkknife_2000 via Flickr

Boulder Bay at Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake

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One of the top lake destinations in Southern California, the opportunities for outdoor adventures at Big Bear Lake are practically endless. If you like to fish, test your skills and luck at hooking trout, bass and catfish. Enjoy everything from pontoon boating, sailing and powerboating to windsurfing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing too. Smaller vessels like canoes, paddleboards and kayaks are ideal for getting into and exploring hidden coves, inlets and bays those larger vessels can’t reach. You can rent your preferred option at any one of the marinas around the 23 miles of shoreline. On land, zip-lining, mountain biking and hiking are just a few of the options for recreational activities. When you’re ready to retire, check out the top Airbnbs near Big Bear Lake.

Lake Tahoe
Credit: bigstock.com

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

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Straddling the California and Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is one of the country’s favorite lake retreats. While it’s popular for skiing and boarding in the winter, summer (and often well into fall) is ideal for cruises, kayaking, jet-skiing, paddle boarding and just about every other water sport imaginable. In addition to playing out on the water, enjoy hikes like the trek to the top of Mount Tallac, which brings a view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Desolation Wilderness and South Lake Tahoe. You’ll also find a range of luxury resorts.

Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park, California
Credit: © Mihaela Nica | Dreamstime.com

Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park, California

Tenaya Lake, Yosemite National Park

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Tenaya Lake is a stunning High Sierra Lake surrounded by granite domes, lodgepole forests and vast wilderness areas, tucked within a lesser-known area of Yosemite between Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley. Sometimes referred to as the “Jewel of the High Country,” it’s a popular place for kayaking, boating, and sunbathing in the summer. Swimming is possible too, although the water is a bit chilly, while the white sandy beaches are ideal for picnics and relaxing.

New Melones Lake, California
Credit: © Kellie Eldridge – Dreamstime.com

New Melones Lake, California

New Melones Lake

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This 12,600-acre reservoir is tucked into the foothills of the central Sierra Nevada mountains just outside of Sonora, a charming gold rush town. Its surroundings are especially picturesque, and it offers a variety of water sports like wakeboarding, water-skiing and jet-skiing, as well as kayaking, rafting, canoeing and fishing, particularly for trout, catfish and crappie. At the New Melones Visitor Center and Museum, visitors can learn about the local culture and history.

Pinecrest Lake, California at sunset
Credit: © James Bentley – Dreamstime.com

Pinecrest Lake, California at sunset

Pinecrest Lake

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Pinecrest Lake is located between Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe in the Stanislaus National Forest. A beautiful clear blue lake surrounded by forested mountains, it’s great for boating, fishing for trout and swimming. It includes a fishing dock, sandy beaches and roped off area for swimmers, and with restrictions against water skiing and jet skiing, it helps maintain a more tranquil atmosphere. Just below the lake is the Pinecrest Fine Art Gallery, well worth a visit to see the works of various artists including the impressive works of landscape painter Dale Laitinen.

Clear Lake, California
Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Clear Lake, California

Clear Lake

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The largest natural freshwater lake that’s entirely within the state, and the oldest lake on the continent, Clear Lake lies northwest of Sacramento. In the summer it’s a popular destination for boating, water-skiing, windsurfing and swimming. The fertile environment sustains more fish per acre than any other lake in the country, making it famous as the Bass Capital of the West, offering outstanding year-round fishing for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Visitors can also enjoy wine tasting and touring, with many wineries located along the lake’s shores.

Donner Lake, California
Credit: © Steven Doty | Dreamstime.com

Donner Lake, California

Donner Lake

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Beautiful Donner Lake is located in Truckee, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountain range just 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe. It’s home to some of the largest lake trout in the state and offers numerous public docks for swimming, while Donner Lake Marina rents boats for enjoying fun out on the water. The forest that surrounds the lake offers mountain biking and hiking trails, while the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center hosts a museum that tells the tragic story of the pioneer family the lake is named after, as well as chronicling the history of the area.

Lake Oroville, California
Credit: © Elizabeth Jeter – Dreamstime.com

Lake Oroville, California

Lake Oroville

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The second-largest reservoir in California, Lake Oroville is just a few miles northeast of the city of Oroville, situated at the edge of the Sierra Nevada. There are two marinas, one on the south side and the other on the north, offering boats for fishing and water sports, while Forebay Aquatic Center at North Forebay rents paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and more. The lake is popular for fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, brown trout, sturgeon, and other species, and at the North Forebay, you’ll find a sandy swimming beach. A visitor center overlooks the dam and lake and houses a museum and a 47-foot tower that boasts a gorgeous panoramic vista of the lake and beyond, along with high-powered telescopes.

Lake Almanor, California
Credit: © Larry Gevert – Dreamstime.com

Lake Almanor, California

Lake Almanor

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Located in the heart of Lassen National Forest in northeastern California, from the North Shore Campground Marina, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities like wakeboarding, water-skiing, boating and fishing. The forest that surrounds the lake is popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Along the north shore, the wetlands offer a great spot to watch for bald eagles, osprey, herons and Canadian geese.

Whiskeytown Lake, California
Credit: © Robert M. Braley Jr. – Dreamstime.com

Whiskeytown Lake, California

Whiskeytown Lake

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Located in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area just west of Redding, Whiskeytown Lake is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbor, Lake Shasta, but it offers plenty of striking natural beauty of its own along with the chance to enjoy more peace and tranquility. There are four magnificent waterfalls to visit, nearly 80 miles of scenic trails to hike and old mining sites to explore dating from the gold rush days. Kayaking, sailing, fishing, swimming and water-skiing are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed on and in the cool, clear water.

June Lake, California
Credit: © Perla V Sanchez – Dreamstime.com

June Lake, California

June Lake

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Just 30 minutes east of Yosemite, June Lake is a high elevation lake popular among trout fishermen while offering magnificent scenery year-round. The June Lake Loop is the ideal destination for water lovers, while spring offers hiking through high alpine meadows scattered with brilliant wildflowers. In the winter, take a dip in natural hot springs after a day of snow fun in the High Sierra. Fall is especially wonderful here with the vibrant, colorful aspens blanketing the Eastern Sierra around the lake, bringing opportunities for some of the best leaf-peeping, with shades of golden, yellow and red.

Lake scene at Mammoth Lakes
Credit: melissamn/Shutterstock.com

Lake scene at Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes

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In a state filled with gorgeous lakes, Mammoth Lakes is a standout. It boasts an enchanting mix of towering mountains, pine forests and pristine water. Enjoy outstanding fly fishing and boating as well as hiking and mountain biking. The Mammoth Lakes Basin area offers some especially scenic treks that include wildflower-filled meadows in late spring and summer, while the popular Mammoth Bike Park hosts more than 80 miles of singletrack. Backpacking is a great way to explore the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas.

Mono Lake, California
Credit: Bigstock.com

Mono Lake, California

Mono Lake

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Located on the eastern side of the Sierras via Tioga Pass from Yosemite, Mono Lake is one of the oldest in the western hemisphere, estimated to be 760,000 years old. It’s one of the top spots for sightseeing in California’s High Sierra, thanks to Los Angeles’s water diversion efforts which started in 1941. By the 1980s, a little more than half the lake’s surface area had disappeared, revealing once-submerged limestone referred to as tufa. They can be seen rising across the water, creating a hauntingly beautiful look with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada reflected in the calm, deep blue waters.  The saltwater makes swimmers float like a cork and sustains trillions of brine shrimp that attract millions of migratory birds, ideal for bird watching. Kayaking and canoeing are popular too with many islands to explore, outside of the period between April 1st and August 1st when they’re closed to protect nesting migratory birds.

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5 Things You Need to Be Pre-approved for a Mortgage

Learn what you need so you can speed up the approval process

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Serious homebuyers need to start the process in a lender’s office, not at an open house.
  • Most sellers expect buyers to have pre-approval letter and will be more willing to negotiate if you do.
  • To get pre-approved you’ll need proof of assets and income, good credit, employment verification, and other types of documentation your lender may require.

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How long does it take to get a mortgage?

Getting a mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll make in your life, and finding that perfect home can be an emotional journey. But how long does it take to get a mortgage? Usually, it takes around 4 to 6 weeks, although every mortgage application will vary depending on your circumstances. Here, we outline the steps to getting a mortgage and what you can do to speed things up.
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