6 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE REALITY
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Times
GUEST COMMENTARY
2022 Could be Bleak for Potential Homebuyers
W
hile children are busy playing with Christmas presents, homebuyer wannabes are out looking for something that apparently does not exist: homes to purchase. While normal to see a dip in available inventory this time of the year, December, 2021 marks a record low number of homes for sale since analysts began tracking numbers. Bottom line, we are seeing the lowest number of available homes for sale … in history. The result is an overheated market when we would normally have slower sales as families
Mortgage Rates Drop at Yearend
celebrate the holidays. Consequently, instead of the normal dip in December prices, we are facing record highs. November home prices were up 23.1% over the same month last year as the number of available homes for sale dropped 39.1% over the same period in 2020.* Malcom Gladwell, in his book “Tipping Point,” explains the concept as that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. I believe we have hit a tipping point in real estate and, until a sufficiently strong negative factor enters the market (ie. higher interest rates), we will continue to see a shortage of inventory. Here are the overarching issues that when, added together, have caused a tipping point in the housing market. 1. Continued low interest rates. As long as financing is available at bargain basement rates, we will see a continued demand for home purchases. Not only is it easier to get a loan to purchase a home, it provides incentive for existing homeowners to refi at super low rates and sit tight. 2. Builders cannot keep up with demand. This is being
exacerbated by dramatically higher permit fees from local building departments, state-led demands to produce low-cost housing and pandemic supply chain issues. 3. High prices have increased the amount of taxes due when homes are sold. As a result, many older homeowners are deciding to age in place. 4. Millennials are entering the housing market in droves. As millennials hit their 30s, record numbers are looking to get their own piece of the American dream. 5. The CARES Act foreclosure moratorium has kept many in their homes who would have otherwise faced foreclosure. 6. The lack of available homes has made it almost impossible for existing owners to sell and move up. Bottom line, 2022’s outlook could be bleak for those hoping to purchase a home of their own. *Data from Trendgraphix.com
Now thru March is a Good Time to Transplant Mature Japanese Maples BUZZ BERTOLERO
THE DIRT GARDENER
By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener
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I have a tangerine tree with a lot of green fruit, but when the fruit turns orange, they split. I water the tangerine The market volatility rewith a hose and let the water sulting from the COVID-19 run for 20-25 minutes twice entire root ball receives Omicron variant is causing a week. How can I prevent moisture when you water. mortgage rates to decrease. As Carl Medford is a licensed this from happening? the year comes to a close, the Realtor with Keller Williams housing market is proceeding We have two maRealty and a licensed gensteadily. However, rates are It’s not unusuture Japanese Maeral contractor. This article expected to increase in 2022 al for tangerines ples that are over is sponsored by the Central to split and drop. A water twenty-five years old. They which will impact homebuyer County Marketing Associa- problem may cause this have outgrown their locademand as well as refinance tion. activity. or it could be the tree’s tion, and I want to transage. Some have found that plant them. Is this possiyoung trees are more prone ble, and should I trim them to have split fruit. Eventu- before or after the move? ally, they “grow out of it.” Irregular watering is one Now through of the primary causes of the end of March is Roses citrus fruit splitting, but an excellent time that doesn’t seem to be the to transplant mature JapJanuary is the month to prune your rose bushes as well as deciduous trees, shrubs, grape vines, kiwis case. However, if you place anese Maples and many and berries. Apply dormant oil spray after pruning, not before. Do not prune any spring-flowering trees the hose in the same spot, other plants. But, it’s not as or shrubs until they finish blooming. you could make a case for simple as it might seem bePrune roses way back, using clean, sharp tools and protect your hands with heavy gloves. Make all it. There isn’t anything I cause of the obstacles you cuts at 45-degree angles above an outside bud eye, about a quarter-inch above the eye. Take out twiggy could recommend now. I will face. The first thing I and malformed growth. would suggest you do the would do is evaluate the For a moderate pruning, cut bushes 18 to 24 inches high with three to six canes left in place. Severe following next year. After new location. You will need pruning produces larger, but fewer blooms. Floribundas and grandifloras often benefit from a light the rainy season concludes, a protected spot, especialpruning. On old garden roses, don’t do anything until after the spring bloom. Prune tree roses and hybrid teas to I’d construct a six-inch- ly from the summer winds. a vase shape. Climbing roses bloom on mature canes, so don’t be overzealous. Train their canes against a high watering basin around Japanese Maple leaves will fence or trellis by attaching the canes to the structure in a horizontal position. the tree. It should extend burn from the salt confrom the trunk to the drip tained in the moist marine line. I’d then fill this ba- influence. If this is not posSlithery Pests sin up a couple of times sible, I would not attempt to when you water. Citrus move them. Depending on has a taproot, unlike other the size of the trees, you’ll Snails and slugs love rainy weather and will be after young winter annuals. The quickest, safest way fruit trees, so there is min- need a root ball that is to get rid of them is to hand pick them at dusk using a flashlight. They can often be found clinging to the garden hose and along the side of sheltered bricks. Secure them in a plastic bag and put them in the imal lateral branching. The twenty-four inches square garbage. majority of the roots are or larger. A structure, concentered under the canopy. crete walkways, and othThe basin ensures that the er established plants often
WEEKEND GARDENER
P06 HOMES 12-29.indd 1
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make this a challenge. I’d prune the plants reducing the height and width before moving them. But be careful not to damage the shape as it takes too many years to reestablish once damaged. The root ball will weigh several hundred pounds, so a lift or several individuals will need to move the root ball. Next, a truck will be necessary to transport the plants to their new location for transplanting. You could hire someone, but you may need several contractors to complete tack because of the distance. Finally, you complete the process by applying a Japanese Maple fertilizer to encourage new growth. I’m not sure it’s really practical when all is said and done, given the issues and the resources required. However, this may be a moot point because of the sentimental value associated with these plants. Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener.com and questions can be sent by email
12/28/21 7:01 PM
