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The Real Brad, Los Angeles, CA (2026)

05/19/2026

A major reason condo sales are slowing in Los Angeles may not just be rates or pricing — it’s SB 326, California’s balcony inspection law.

The law was created with good intentions and important safety goals for aging buildings, but the ripple effects are becoming impossible to ignore. Condo complexes are facing long timelines for inspections, permits, engineering reports, and repairs, and lenders are growing increasingly cautious in the process.

In many cases, buyers with strong down payments are struggling to secure financing while buildings are tied up in compliance work. That uncertainty is causing condos to sit on the market longer and, in some cases, pushing owners toward turning units into rentals instead of selling.

I’ve personally dealt with these challenges in previous transactions and understand how complicated the process can become for buyers, sellers, HOAs, and lenders. Navigating SB 326 issues now requires strategy, communication, and understanding how lenders are viewing these buildings in real time.

This is becoming a very real issue across parts of Los Angeles, especially in older condo communities on the Westside. If you have questions about how SB 326 may impact your building, property value, financing, or a future sale, feel free to reach out. Happy to help guide you through it.

04/29/2026

There’s been a quiet shift happening in the LA condo market — and it’s starting to create real opportunity.

Condo prices across Los Angeles just dropped to their lowest level in more than 12 years, with inventory rising and buyers becoming more selective.

That doesn’t mean the sky is falling.

It means the market is recalibrating.

Condos have always been the gateway into ownership for many buyers — especially here on the Westside. And when inventory rises and prices soften, that’s often when the smartest buyers step in.

If you've been sitting on the sidelines wondering when your window might open… this could be it.

Feel free to reach out if you want to talk through what you're seeing — or what you're hoping to do next.

04/21/2026

More sellers today are becoming what the industry is calling “accidental landlords.”

Instead of lowering their price or selling at a loss, some homeowners are pulling their homes off the market and renting them out — at least for now.

I’m seeing versions of this conversation come up more often. When homes take longer to sell and buyers have more negotiating power, renting can feel like a safer short-term move — especially for owners who locked in low mortgage rates and don’t want to give that up.

But here’s the reality…

Being a landlord isn’t always simple. Repairs, tenant management, and unexpected costs can add up quickly, and not every property is well suited to become a rental.

At the same time, this shift is quietly adding more homes to the rental pool, which can help stabilize rents — and it’s another sign of how today’s housing market is evolving.

If you’ve thought about selling but are now wondering whether renting might make more sense, it’s a conversation worth having.

Every property — and every situation — is different.
Reach out anytime if you want to talk through your options.

04/17/2026

📊 Market Perspective — April 2026

What I’m Seeing Right Now (Beyond the Headlines)

Mortgage rates dipped slightly this past week after softer inflation numbers, and that may sound like a small shift—but in today’s market, even small moves matter.

What’s interesting right now isn’t just where rates are… it’s how sensitive buyers have become to every little change. I’m seeing buyers who are ready to move, watching rates closely, and jumping in the moment affordability improves—even slightly.

At the same time, inventory is still tight across much of the Westside, including Santa Monica and Brentwood, and that combination is creating a very specific kind of market: cautious buyers, limited supply, and sellers who are still holding leverage—but only if they price correctly.
Another factor that’s quietly shaping things behind the scenes is construction cost pressure, especially with higher energy prices pushing up the cost to build. That matters because when building gets more expensive, it slows new inventory—and that keeps pressure on resale homes.

And here’s the part that really stands out to me right now:

This isn’t a market that’s waiting for dramatic change—it’s a market that’s reacting to incremental shifts.

Small rate improvements → more showings
More showings → stronger offers
Stronger offers → steady pricing, not falling pricing
That’s the cycle I’m watching closely.

My Takeaway Right Now

If rates continue even a mild downward trend, I expect buyer activity to build gradually—not explosively, but steadily.

For sellers, this means preparation and pricing strategy matter more than ever.

For buyers, it means staying ready—because the best opportunities often appear right when sentiment starts to shift.

If you're wondering how these trends apply specifically to your home, your timing, or your next move, I’m always happy to talk it through.

04/16/2026

New company to watch: Hiber Tech Homes 🔥🏡

Hiber Tech Homes is developing a new kind of wildfire-resistant housing designed to lower underground when a wildfire threat approaches, protecting the structure until the danger passes. The entire process is automated and can happen in about 15 minutes, using hydraulic systems and protective sealing technology.

For people living in high-fire-risk areas, this kind of technology could be a game changer. Instead of relying only on fire-resistant materials, the idea is simple: a home can’t burn if it’s protected underground. These homes are being designed specifically for regions where wildfires have become more frequent and insurance availability is becoming more challenging.

Innovation like this is worth watching—especially here in California, where fire risk is shaping how and where people build, insure, and invest in property.

Curious how emerging wildfire-resistant technologies could impact home values, insurance, or future development in fire-prone areas?

Reach out anytime—happy to share what I’m seeing.

04/15/2026

Just stopped by Neighborly, Brentwood’s newest food installation, built around a fun concept — different menus operating out of one kitchen, which means plenty of options without the wait or the guesswork.

It feels like the kind of place that will quickly become a neighborhood go-to — whether you're meeting friends, grabbing something quick, or just exploring something new in the community.

Always great to see new spots like this adding even more energy to Brentwood.
Have you tried Neighborly yet? Curious which menu ends up being your favorite.

04/10/2026

Market Update — What I’m Watching Right Now

Mortgage rates ticked up slightly this past week but are still holding relatively steady overall. Strong job numbers pushed expectations for Fed rate cuts further out, which nudged Treasury yields higher—and that typically means continued upward pressure on mortgage rates.

What does that mean locally?

Buyers are still active, but affordability remains the biggest pressure point. Even small rate movements are influencing how buyers shop, negotiate, and time their decisions.

There’s also a bigger picture factor worth watching: ongoing tension in the Middle East is impacting global oil supply routes, which can affect inflation—and ultimately interest rates. It’s manageable for now, but something economists are keeping a close eye on.

Bottom line:

Rates are stable but elevated, the economy remains surprisingly strong, and uncertainty around global events is keeping markets cautious. In real estate, that usually translates to selective buyers, strategic sellers, and opportunities for those who stay informed.

If you’re wondering how these shifts might affect your buying or selling plans—especially here on the Westside—I’m always happy to talk through it.

Reach out anytime with questions.

04/08/2026

Southern California home sales jumped 13.7% last month — and on the surface, that sounds like the market is heating up fast.

But from what I’m seeing on the ground here in Los Angeles and across the Westside, the real story is a bit more nuanced.

At the same time sales are rising, nearly 1 in 7 home purchase agreements nationwide are falling out of contract — the highest February cancellation rate on record. That tells me buyers are coming back… but they’re being much more careful about the decisions they make.

Compared to just a few years ago, today’s buyers are more selective, more patient, and more willing to walk away if pricing, inspections, or terms don’t feel right. They have more options now — and they know it.

Meanwhile, inventory is still tight, and prices are beginning to push higher again, with California’s median home price sitting around $830,370 as we head into the spring market.

What this really means:
Activity is picking up. Competition is starting to return. But buyer behavior has clearly changed — and understanding that shift is key whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply trying to make sense of what you’re hearing in the headlines.

I spend a lot of time watching these trends and talking with clients about how they apply to real, everyday decisions — not just statistics.

If you have questions about what this means for your situation, or you’re thinking about making a move this year, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to talk things through and help you make sense of the market.

Brad Blondheim
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
DRE #02261444

04/06/2026

🎬 An old-school movie night that felt like pure Santa Monica.

Caught Hail Mary at the AMC in Santa Monica, and it reminded me why going to the movies together still matters.

This film feels like a true throwback to classic cinema—the kind of storytelling that pulls you in, makes you feel something, and stays with you after the lights come up. In an era of endless scrolling and streaming, Hail Mary delivers that old-school magic that made so many of us fall in love with movies in the first place.

But what made the night even better was the room itself—neighbors, friends, and fellow Santa Monicans all gathered together, sharing the same laughs, the same tension, the same moments. It felt like more than just watching a film… it felt like community.

One of the things I love most about Santa Monica is how experiences like this bring people together. Whether it’s a great movie, a local event, or just a night out downtown, these shared moments are what turn a city into a neighborhood.

Here’s to more nights at the movies—and more reasons to gather as a community. 🍿✨

04/02/2026

🌍🏡 How Could the War in Iran Affect the California Real Estate Market?

With global headlines dominating the news, many clients have been asking the same question: Will events overseas impact our housing market here at home?

The short answer: yes—but mostly in indirect ways.

Global conflicts often lead to rising oil prices and inflation concerns, which can push mortgage rates higher. In fact, recent reports show mortgage rates climbing above 6.4%, with applications dropping as buyers react to higher borrowing costs and uncertainty.

Here’s what that could mean locally in California:

📉 Higher Mortgage Rates
Rising rates can impact affordability and may slow buyer activity—especially at certain price points.

🤔 Buyer Hesitation
Uncertainty tends to make buyers pause before making big financial decisions, even when fundamentals remain strong.

🏗 Construction & Costs
Energy and material costs can rise during geopolitical conflicts, which may impact new construction timelines and pricing.

📊 But Here’s the Key Takeaway:
Most experts believe the real estate impact is more about short-term uncertainty than long-term disruption, with activity slowing temporarily rather than collapsing.

🏡 My Perspective
Real estate has always weathered global events. Here in California—especially in strong markets like the Westside—inventory, local demand, and long-term fundamentals still matter most.

If you have questions about how current events may affect your buying or selling plans, I’m always here as a resource.

Stay informed. Stay steady. And as always, focus on the long game.

03/30/2026

Brentwood mornings just hit different at Caffe Luxxe ☕️

There’s something special about starting the day at Caffe Luxxe in the heart of the Brentwood Country Mart. It’s more than just great coffee—it’s a true hub for the community where familiar faces, quick catch-ups, and morning rituals all come together.

The coffee is always delicious but do yourself a favor and don’t skip the scone—it’s one of my go-to treats. And the customer service? Always warm, always welcoming… and yes, thank you for that extra shot in the AM when it’s needed most.

Grateful to have spots like this that make Brentwood feel like home.

Have you stopped by Caffe Luxxe lately?

☕️

The Real Brad

05/19/2026

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