Steven Soriano - Essex Mortgage - NMLS# 263934

09/25/2026

The best time to buy a home this year is here.

Realtor.com says September 27–October 3 is expected to bring the best combination of buyer-friendly conditions in 2026.

We’re talking about more homes to choose from, better pricing, less competition, and more time to decide. And maybe that’s enough to offset some of the pressure today’s higher rates are putting on your budget.

Want to find out? Let’s have a quick conversation about what’s expected in our market and what’s available in your price point. Just DM me to get started.

And just so you know, the window doesn’t close after that one week. It’s open all October long.

09/11/2026

Sales of Million Dollar Homes Are Picking Up

Homes priced at $1M+ saw sales jump 14.8% compared to last year, even as the overall housing market cooled off. That’s according to the latest data from NAR.

If you’re sitting on a high-end property, this is a good time to be selling. Buyers with serious budgets are active right now, and well-priced luxury listings are moving fast.

Not sure how this applies to your house or our market? Drop a comment or send me a DM, and let’s figure it out together and build a plan that gets you the speed and price you’re after.

09/08/2026

Fall Buyer and Seller Guides Are Here

New season, new guides. If you're thinking about buying or selling before the year wraps, the new Fall Buyer & Seller Guides are your cheat sheet.

They’ll give you the scoop on where the housing market stands right now, an overview of what's ahead for the rest of 2026, and tips on how to make a smart move heading into the year-end.

DM or drop a comment with "BUYER" or "SELLER" below to get your free digital copy.

09/04/2026

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected…

08/28/2026

3 Reasons Mortgage Pre-Approval Gives You an Edge in a Competitive Market

If you’re juggling work and everything else life throws at you, buying a home can feel like another full-time job. Between scrolling through listings, touring homes, and trying to understand mortgage rates, there’s a lot to manage.

One step can make the entire process easier: getting pre-approved before you seriously start shopping.

A mortgage pre-approval isn’t just paperwork. It can help you shop more confidently and put you in a stronger position when you find the right home.

08/26/2026

Expert Forecasts for Rates and Prices for the second half of 2026

A lot of people are hoping for the same thing. Lower mortgage rates. Lower home prices.

The problem? Forecasts show that’s probably not what’s in the cards. At least, not right now.

Mortgage rates aren’t expected to fall dramatically. And at the same time, home prices should keep rising at about the same pace they have been.

Now, that’s not what you wanted to hear, but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Sometimes the best move isn't waiting for the market to change. It's exploring what's still possible right now.

Other people are still making it happen even with rates and prices where they are. Maybe you can too.

Let's talk if you want help thinking it over.

08/24/2026

The #1 Reason Deals Fall Through Is Preventable

Thinking about selling, but worried your deal could fall apart before closing? Here's some perspective.

Most home sales still make it to the finish. And when one doesn't, the top reason is almost always inspection or repair issues. They play a part in more than 70% of deals that fall through.

But, luckily for you, inspection/repair issues are what you have the most power to prevent ahead of time. A pre-listing inspection lets you find and handle problems before a buyer's inspector ever does.

Ready to list? Let's talk about whether getting a pre-listing inspection makes sense for your house in our market.

08/18/2026

he latest home price data just made one thing clear.

More markets are seeing prices rise. And fewer are seeing them fall.

Just one quarter ago, home prices were rising in 71% of markets. Today, it's 80%. That’s a pretty big shift in just 3 months.

Now, that doesn't mean prices are climbing everywhere. But it does mean there’s no widespread crash happening. If anything, prices may have turned a corner.

Thinking about making a move? Send me a DM, and let's look at what's happening in our market before you decide what to do.

And don’t buy into every headline you see about prices falling. The data clearly tells a different story.

08/17/2026

Own a house with room for multiple generations, with features like an in-law suite or a finished basement with a separate entrance? Buyers are looking for that right now.
These houses tend to get 13.5% more online views than standard homes. They also command a higher list price per square foot – 22% higher, thanks to the extra square footage and special features.
Thinking about moving and want to know what buyers would pay for your house? Reach out and let’s chat about it.

08/14/2026

Real Estate Report Card-Los Angeles 2026 Summer Edition:

Showcase of current median county home prices, appreciation rates, median income, affordability, and latest supply and demand data.