Real Estate Insights • February 4, 2026

How Do I Choose the Right Real Estate Agent Near Me?

by Sheri Schuster

When searching for a real estate agent, most buyers and sellers start online. That’s a great first step—but knowing what to look for is what truly makes the difference.

1. Look for True Local Experience

An agent who has worked extensively in your specific neighborhood understands pricing trends, buyer demand, and subtle market shifts far better than someone covering a wide geographic area. Local experience means smarter pricing, stronger negotiation, and fewer surprises.

2. Read Client Reviews (and Read Between the Lines)

Online reviews can be incredibly revealing when you look for patterns, not just star ratings. Pay attention to recurring themes like responsiveness, honesty, communication, and how smoothly transactions were handled. Consistency matters more than one standout comment—good or bad.

3. Understand How the Agent Communicates

Clear, proactive communication is one of the most overlooked—but most important—qualities in a real estate agent. Regular updates, honest feedback, and availability help reduce stress and keep everything on track from start to finish.

4. Choose Someone Focused on Long-Term Relationships

The right real estate agent isn’t focused on just one transaction. They take the time to understand your goals, protect your interests, and provide guidance you can trust—whether you’re buying, selling, or planning for the future.

If you’re looking for a trusted local real estate agent in Lakewood, Long Beach, or surrounding communities throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, I’m always happy to answer questions and help you explore your options—whenever you’re ready.

Real Estate Insights • January 9, 2026

What Homebuyers Should Expect in 2026: Market Predictions, Trends & Smart Strategies

by Sheri Schuster

🏡 What Homebuyers Should Expect in 2026: Market Predictions, Trends & Smart Strategies

As we head into 2026, the housing market is shaping up to be less dramatic than the boom and bust cycles of the last decade — but that doesn’t mean buyers can relax. Experts see 2026 as a year of balance, modest growth, and opportunity for prepared homebuyers. Here’s what you should know to stay ahead.

📊 1. Prices Are Expected to Continue Rising — But Slowly

Homes aren’t expected to crash in value, nor will they soar like they did in prior years. Most forecasts point to modest price increases — with national home values rising by around 1–2% in 2026. That’s a calmer pace than recent history.

What this means for you:
📌 Prices may still rise, so waiting too long could cost you more.
📌 Slow growth gives buyers more time to compare neighborhoods and properties.

📉 2. Mortgage Rates Could Ease Slightly — But Won’t Plummet

Mortgage rates have remained elevated compared with the ultra-low rates of the early 2020s. Most analysts expect rates to hover in the mid-to-low 6% range in 2026, possibly dipping a bit depending on inflation and economic factors.

Tips for buyers:
✔ Get pre-approved early to lock in the best available rate.
✔ Explore rate buy-down options or adjustable-rate products if appropriate.
✔ Compare lenders to maximize savings.

📈 3. Affordability Could Finally Improve

Affordability has been a major hurdle for buyers — especially first-timers — as price growth outpaced wage gains for years. In 2026, economists predict income growth may start to outpace home-price appreciation, bringing real affordability relief.

Buyer action steps:
• Map out a realistic budget
• Understand your monthly payment comfort zone
• Factor in insurance, taxes, and maintenance

🏠 4. More Homes May Come on the Market

One of the biggest challenges in recent years has been limited inventory. The good news for buyers is experts see inventory slowly rising in 2026 — though still below pre-pandemic norms. That can mean more options and fewer bidding wars.

Pro tip:
Stay on top of new listings with tailored alerts so you’re one of the first to see homes you love.

📍 5. Local Markets May Trend Very Differently

National forecasts offer broad direction, but real estate is always local. Some regions will be competitive with rising demand and higher prices, while other markets may soften or even see price declines. Work with a local agent to understand your specific market’s trajectory.

🧠 6. Be Prepared for a Balanced — Not Wild — Market

Experts describe the 2026 housing market as a “reset” rather than a rebound or collapse. That means fewer extreme swings and more steadiness, giving buyers a chance to make thoughtful decisions instead of rushed offers.

🔑 Top Tips for 2026 Homebuyers

Here are the smartest ways to prepare before the new year:

✔ Start Early With Your Finances

✔ Improve your credit score
✔ Save for a stronger down payment
✔ Get pre-approved before you look seriously

✔ Know Your Goals & Price Range

Clarify your timeline and must-have features so you can act quickly when the right home appears.

✔ Build a Great Buying Team

A trusted real estate agent is essential — and a mortgage expert can help you lock in competitive rates and understand loan options.

✔ Stay Flexible & Informed

Watch market reports, check local trends quarterly, and adjust your expectations as conditions evolve.

🏁 Final Thought

2026 is shaping up to be a more balanced and buyer-friendly year — not because prices will fall, but because stable growth, easing rates, and rising inventory can level the playing field. Buyers who prepare now will be the ones who win later.

Ready to make a plan for 2026? Let’s talk about your goals and build your personalized homebuying strategy!

Real Estate Insights • December 10, 2025

2025 Year-End Real Estate Market Wrap-Up & What to Expect in 202

by Sheri Schuster

As we close out 2025, the Southern California real estate market looks different than it did just a year ago—but in many ways, we’re seeing the early signs of balance returning. Interest rates have eased from their peak, more homeowners are re-entering the market, and buyers who sat on the sidelines in 2024 and early 2025 are finally making their move.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in 2026, here’s what this year’s activity means for you.

2025 in Review: A Transitional Year for Real Estate

After several years of volatility, 2025 became a true transition year. Rates declined gradually, inventory opened slightly, and the extreme bidding wars of the pandemic market calmed into a more predictable rhythm.

Key Trends We Saw in 2025:

1. Interest rates eased but remained higher than historic lows
Buyers adjusted to the “new normal” of mid–5% to low–6% mortgage rates. This helped restore confidence and bring more movement to the market.

2. Inventory improved—but only slightly
Many homeowners with 2–3% rates continued to stay put, keeping inventory tight. However, move-up sellers began returning, especially in Q3 and Q4.

3. Buyers became more strategic
Value, condition, and location mattered more than ever. Buyers focused heavily on updated homes and properties priced correctly from day one.

4. Sellers who priced realistically won
Homes listed with strong presentation—clean, staged, updated—continued to command top dollar.

Looking Ahead to 2026: What Buyers & Sellers Should Expect

2026 is shaping up to be one of the most opportunity-filled years we’ve seen since 2019. Here’s what the data and current conditions point toward:

1. Increased Inventory

As rates stabilize, more homeowners are expected to move — especially retirees, investors repositioning portfolios, and families upsizing.

2. Continued Price Growth (but gradual)

We’re unlikely to see double-digit growth, but steady appreciation in well-located SoCal neighborhoods is expected.

3. Strong demand in coastal and lifestyle-focused markets

Many communities like Long Beach, Lakewood, Cerritos, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach and Buena Park’s Flower Tract should remain highly desirable.

4. More balanced negotiations

Buyers may see more closing cost credits, rate buydowns, and repair negotiations return—while sellers still benefit from strong values.

5. A strong early-year market

Historically, years after rate drops see powerful Q1 and Q2 activity. Expect early 2026 to move quickly.

What This Means for You

If You’re Planning to Sell in 2026

Start prepping your home now (paint, flooring, landscaping go a long way).
Consider a January or February launch for maximum buyer demand.
Get a professional valuation to understand your equity position.

If You’re Planning to Buy in 2026

Get pre-approved early—you’ll be ahead of the spring rush.
Watch neighborhoods you’re interested in (I can set up alerts).
Be ready to move quickly when the right home appears.

Final Thoughts

2025 brought stability. 2026 will bring opportunity.

Whether you’re thinking of selling, buying, investing, or planning a long-term move—starting the conversation now puts you in the strongest possible position.

I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Sheri Schuster
Coldwell Banker Realty
Top 1.5% Nationwide
Your Realtor for Life Since 1999

Uncategorized • November 5, 2025

The Importance of Preparing Your Home for the Market

by Sheri Schuster

When it’s time to sell your home, first impressions matter more than ever. Today’s buyers start their search online, scrolling through dozens of listings in minutes. A well-prepared home not only stands out—it can sell faster and for a higher price.

1️⃣ Create Curb Appeal

Your home’s exterior sets the tone for every showing. Simple updates—fresh mulch, trimmed landscaping, a clean walkway, and a freshly painted front door—make an immediate impact. Think of curb appeal as your home’s handshake: strong, confident, and welcoming.

2️⃣ Declutter and Depersonalize

Buyers need to picture themselves living in your home. Remove extra furniture, family photos, and personal collections. Clear countertops, organized closets, and open spaces help your home feel larger, brighter, and more inviting.

3️⃣ Deep Clean and Repair

A clean home sends a powerful message: it’s been cared for. Take time to scrub, polish, and repair. Fix leaky faucets, touch up paint, and replace lightbulbs. These small details can change how buyers perceive your home’s overall condition.

4️⃣ Stage for Success

Staging highlights your home’s best features. Whether you hire a professional or use your own décor, focus on flow and light. Arrange furniture to showcase space and add neutral touches like pillows, throws, and flowers to make rooms feel warm and comfortable.

5️⃣ Capture Professional Photos

Your listing photos are your home’s digital first impression. High-quality, well-lit photography captures the best angles and details—helping your home shine online and attract more buyers to your door.

6️⃣ Price It Right

Even a picture-perfect home needs the right pricing strategy. Work with a professional agent who knows your local market and understands how to position your property competitively from day one.

Uncategorized • September 25, 2025

Housing Affordability Improving

by Sheri Schuster

Housing Affordability Is Showing Signs of Improvement in Long Beach & Lakewood

For the past few years, affordability has been a major hurdle for buyers in Long Beach and Lakewood. Rising home prices and higher interest rates made it difficult for many families to enter the market. But recently, we’ve started to see encouraging shifts that may give both buyers and sellers more opportunities.

Interest Rates Are Settling

Mortgage rates have eased slightly from their peaks, and even small drops can mean big savings on monthly payments. For Long Beach and Lakewood buyers, this can be the difference between stretching their budget and comfortably affording a home.

More Homes Coming on the Market

In popular neighborhoods like Belmont Shore, Los Altos, Bixby Knolls, and El Dorado Park, we’re beginning to see more listings compared to last year. In Lakewood, family-friendly areas near parks and schools are also offering buyers more choices. This increase in inventory gives buyers a little more breathing room and reduces the fierce bidding wars that were so common not long ago.

Price Growth Has Calmed

While home values remain strong, price appreciation in our area has slowed. This is giving buyers who may have been priced out before a chance to re-enter the market without facing the extreme jumps we saw in past years.

What This Means for You

For Buyers: Improved affordability means now may be a great time to explore your options. Whether you’re looking for a condo near the beach or a single-family home in Lakewood, you may find more possibilities within your budget.

For Sellers: A more affordable market attracts more qualified buyers. Pricing your home competitively could help you sell faster while still benefiting from today’s strong property values.

The Bottom Line

Long Beach and Lakewood are showing early signs of becoming more buyer-friendly. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to make your move—whether that’s buying your first home, moving up, or downsizing—this could be your window of opportunity.

As your local real estate resource, I’m here to help you navigate today’s market with confidence. Let’s talk about your goals and create a strategy that works for you.