Remote work changing how buyers search for dream homes

The way Americans work has changed in recent years, and remote work is at the forefront of this shift. 

Experts say it’ll continue to be popular for years to come and project that 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025. To give you some perspective, that's a 417% increase compared to the pre-pandemic years when there were just 7 million remote workers.

If you’re in the market to buy a home and you work remotely either full or part-time, this trend is a game-changer. It can help you overcome some of today’s affordability and housing inventory challenges.

How Remote Work Helps with Affordability

Remote or hybrid work allows you to change how you approach your home search. Since you’re no longer commuting every day, you may not feel it’s as essential to live near your office. If you’re willing to move a bit further out in the suburbs instead of the city, you could open up your pool of affordable options. In a recent study, Fannie Mae explains:
“Home affordability may also be a reason why we saw an increase in remote workers’ willingness to relocate or live farther away from their workplace . . .”

Plenty of price reductions among mobile homes for sale in Pismo Beach and more

There's been a large number of price reductions recently on mobile homes in Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Oceano and more.

Of the 27 mobile homes on the market in the 5 Cities area, 17 have reduced prices. Take a look at my custom list HERE.

Two Nipomo houses under $750,000 | Nipomo houses for sale

Are you considering a move to Nipomo? Here are two Nipomo homes under $750,000 that caught my eye.

With 74 Nipomo properties on the market currently, at least 12 have had price reductions recently. Nipomo is an active market currently favoring the buyer with 123 homes sold in the past 6 months, so call today if you are interested in learning about more opportunities in this beach town.

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375 Kestrel Way, Nipomo

Offered at $740,000 >> SEE MORE

Why go through the hassle of renting when owning a home is so easy? Make it easy on yourself and consider this fantastic opportunity to own a home in Rancho Terra Vista, one of Nipomo's great neighborhoods with some of the country's best weather. 

This single-story home is perfect for those who prefer single-level living, with four bedrooms and two baths situated on a prime corner lot. The open kitchen features a breakfast nook, pull-out shelving for easy storage, and a pantry for extra storage. You'll love the large bonus room, which is pre-wired for surround sound and ideal for creating a perfect home theater. Additionally, doors can be added for additional privacy. The living room has French doors leading to the fully fenced backyard, perfect for outdoor entertaining and BBQs! If you need space for a smaller RV or boat, the side yard fencing has gates that allow access from the street to the backyard.

This quiet and friendly neighborhood is conveniently located close to schools, a park, great shopping, and easy freeway access. Nipomo is known for its fantastic weather, and this home is just minutes from beaches and great golfing. 

The property sits on a 7,100 square foot lot. The home has been listed for 63 days on Realtor.com and is priced at $740,000, which works out to be $397 per square foot. The property also features a two-car garage and was built in 1995. Don't miss this Central Coast gem - get it before it's gone!

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592 Felicity Way, Nipomo

Offered at $645,000 >> SEE MORE

Are you searching for a vibrant and charming single level home that will captivate you at first glance? Your search ends here! This gorgeous property features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a modern and open floor plan that boasts plenty of natural light and stylish finishes throughout. It's perfect for entertaining guests or spending quality time with your loved ones. 

The remodeled kitchen comes equipped with sleek stone countertops and ample storage space, making it a chef's dream come true. The cozy and comfortable bedrooms are tastefully painted, with enough room to store all your personal belongings. The stylish and luxurious bathrooms feature high-end fixtures and finishes that will make you feel pampered every time you step inside.

Step outside through the French doors and you'll find a beautiful backyard that's perfect for enjoying sunny afternoons and balmy evenings. There's also a covered patio area for outdoor dining and relaxation. With its convenient location, you'll have easy access to all the shopping, dining, and entertainment options this lively community has to offer. 

This single-family home sits on a 6,000 square foot lot. It was built in 1992 and features a two-car garage. The property has been listed for 13 hours on Realtor.com and is priced at $645,000, which works out to be $502 per square foot. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to own your dream home in Nipomo!

Two Pismo Beach homes under 1,000 sq ft | Pismo Beach houses for sale

Are you looking for a home in Pismo Beach? Here are two houses, both under 1,000 square feet, that caught my eye.

With 76 Pismo Beach properties on the market currently, at least 11 have had price reductions recently. Pismo Beach is an active market currently favoring the buyer with 61 homes sold in the past 6 months, so call today if you are interested in learning about more opportunities in this beach town.

340 Foothill Rd Unit 9, Pismo Beach
Offered at $599,999 >> SEE MORE

Come see this lovely one bedroom, one bathroom home situated in the highly desirable Shell Beach community. This delightful home is perfect for those seeking a tranquil coastal retreat. As you enter the lower level, you'll be greeted by an airy open-concept living and dining area with abundant natural light.

The kitchen is equipped with modern appliances, ample storage, and a breakfast bar for informal meals. The bedroom is roomy and boasts a large closet and en-suite bathroom complete with a bathtub and shower. Additionally, the home features a laundry closet with a washer and dryer included. One of the best aspects of this property is its location within a community boasting many amenities, such as tennis courts, a sparkling pool, a soothing spa, and more.

Outside, you'll find a cozy patio area, perfect for savoring your morning coffee or evening sunsets. This home also includes a designated parking space and extra storage. Its location is ideal for those seeking to enjoy all that Pismo Beach has to offer, including convenient access to the beach, dining options, and shopping. This move-in ready home is ideal for those looking to embrace a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make it yours!

This condo boasts 887 square feet of living space, situated on an 887 square foot lot. HOA fees are $420/month, and the price per square foot is $676. A one-car garage is also included. This property has been listed on Realtor.com for 46 days.

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133 Placentia Ave, Pismo Beach

Offered at $875,000 >> SEE MORE

This delightful beach cottage is a hidden gem brimming with potential, just waiting for someone with a creative vision to bring it to life. Featuring two cozy bedrooms and a charming Hollywood bathroom, this property is an ideal fit for those seeking to call Shell Beach their home. The location couldn't be better, situated just a stone's throw away from the renowned Zorro's Cafe and the park's walkway, right at the ocean's edge. With a bit of tender loving care, this property could easily be transformed into the ultimate beach retreat. Whether you're keen to add your personal touch or simply want to bask in the refreshing ocean breeze, this is a unique opportunity that's sure to be snatched up quickly.

This single-family home is offered at $875,000. The property comprises 825 square feet of living space, situated on a 2,145 square foot lot. The price per square foot is $1061. This property has been listed on Realtor.com for 54 days.

Update: Plenty of homes for sale in Arroyo Grande | Arroyo Grande houses for sale

Are you looking for a house in Arroyo Grande? This is the most bustling market in the Five Cities. Here is a new listing and a price reduction that caught my eye. 

With 117 Arroyo Grande properties on the market currently, at least 18 have had price reductions recently. Arroyo Grande is an active market with 127 homes sold in the past 6 months, so call today if you are interested in learning about more opportunities in this beach town.

NEW LISTING

251 S Alpine St, Arroyo Grande

Offered at $879,000 >> SEE MORE

This charming, completely remodeled single-level home in Arroyo Grande is now available for move-in! The spacious floor plan has been well cared for and updated, with new appliances, furnace, paint, window shutters, and blinds. The master bathroom even boasts its own tankless water heater. 

The property's private patio is a beautiful and low-maintenance outdoor space, and with two driveways, there's ample room for a Sprinter Van. Best of all, this property has no HOA. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Central Coast lifestyle at its finest. Offered at $879,000, this property features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a 1,359-square-foot living space on a 6,240-square-foot lot. The property's price per square foot is $647, and it includes a one-car garage. The property was built in 1976 and has been listed for just three days on Realtor.com.


PRICE REDUCTION

2775 Coast View Dr, Arroyo Grande

Offered at $2,800,000 >> SEE MORE

Introducing an exquisite ocean-view home nestled in the coveted gated community of Falcon Crest. As you step through the front door, prepare to be awe-inspired by the magnificent views across the infinity pool to the dunes and ocean beyond. With 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and sprawling across 3.49 acres, this home is the perfect haven for luxurious living. The open floor plan seamlessly flows from the living room to the kitchen, featuring soaring ceilings with natural wood beams, creating an ideal space for entertaining. Guests can step outside through the extra tall, double sliding doors and enjoy the pool area with a buffet bar, patio seating, game area, and lush lawns.

The kitchen has undergone a complete remodel, boasting beautiful marble countertops and backsplash, along with hardwood floors. The double island layout, 5-burner gas range/oven, additional electric wall oven, microwave, and walk-in pantry make this kitchen a chef's dream. Head up the stairs off the kitchen to find the bonus room, complete with a third fireplace, wet bar, full bathroom, and plenty of space for games or movies. Flagstone flooring lines the hallways and shared living areas, while plush carpeting graces the bedrooms and bonus room. The first and second bedrooms share a recently redone bathroom with a tub/shower and each have their own vanity area. Don't miss the loft in the first bedroom! Further down the hall, you'll find the primary bedroom with an ocean view, marble fireplace, and a recently renovated en suite bathroom featuring a double vanity, free-standing soaking tub, glassless walk-in shower, and private water closet. The oversized fourth bedroom includes an en suite bathroom, kitchenette, and its own private entry, making it perfect for guests.

The three-car garage provides ample space for your vehicles and projects. The 3.49-acre lot boasts established landscaping and trees, including citrus, palms, and olives. Solar panels have been installed to reduce electricity costs and are leased. Don't miss the opportunity to make this dream home your own. Schedule a viewing today! Priced at $2,800,000, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

2 spacious Grover Beach homes on the market | Grover Beach houses for sale

Are you looking for homes in Grover Beach? Here are two options to consider, a spacious condo and a 3-bedroom two-story. 

With 33 Oceano homes on the market currently, at 2 have had price reductions recently. Oceano is an active market with 60 homes sold in the past 6 months, so call today if you are interested in learning about more opportunities in this beach town.

NEW LISTINGS

1539 Atlantic City Ave Unit 10, Grover Beach

Offered at $625,000 >> SEE MORE

Looking for an affordable 3-bedroom home on California's Central Coast? Look no further than this charming 3 bed 2 bath condo located in Grover Beach. This home has been meticulously maintained and thoughtfully updated, featuring newer flooring, appliances and paint. The kitchen boasts a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator - all new within the last few years. The master bedroom and laundry room are conveniently located on the first floor, along with the kitchen and living room. 

The open floor plan and high ceiling in the living room allows for an abundance of natural light. Upstairs you will find two additional bedrooms and a shared bathroom. One of the bedrooms is currently being used as an office, providing a picturesque view of the hillside. The other bedroom is spacious and features a balcony with a breathtaking view of the hills and even a glimpse of Avila Bay.

The home also includes a full size two-car garage and a fenced back patio and yard, perfect for entertaining or relaxing outdoors. With a list price of $625,000, this affordable gem won't last long. Additionally, the property boasts a lot size of 1,578 square feet and is part of a well-maintained condo complex with HOA fees of $230 per month. 

This fantastic find is located at 1539 Atlantic City Ave Unit 10, Grover Beach, CA 93433 and has only been on the market for four days. At $396 per square foot, it presents a great opportunity to own a slice of Central Coast living. Contact your preferred REALTOR today to schedule a showing.

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899 N 2nd St, Grover Beach

Offered at $899,000 >> SEE MORE

Looking for a peaceful beach haven to call your own? Look no further than this exceptional home tucked away in a serene cul-de-sac in North Grover Beach. This luxurious property offers resort-style living at its finest, with stunning views of the ocean and hills from every angle. 

Boasting three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a two-car garage, this home is mere steps from the beach. Upon entering the foyer, you'll be greeted by an inviting atrium leading to an open-concept living room, formal dining room, a spacious kitchen, and a guest bath. Aptly named the House of Light, this residence is bathed in natural light that suffuses every inch of the home throughout the day, thanks to soaring vaulted ceilings and an abundance of windows. 

The kitchen is a culinary masterpiece, featuring chrome appliances, a generous island, ample counter space, and abundant storage. Downstairs, the master suite is graced with its own fireplace, while two guest bedrooms, a large laundry room, and an additional bathroom round out the lower level. The backyard is an idyllic oasis, perfect for outdoor entertainment, and each room has its own private entrance to the deck. 

Additionally, this property is conveniently located near Pismo Beach, the Butterfly Preserve, grocery stores, top-rated restaurants, and some of the most breathtaking hiking trails on the Central Coast. With a list price of $899,000, this exceptional home won't last long.

Watching the mortgage interest rates

As your Five Cities REALTOR® and someone who closely watches the market, I understand the importance of paying attention to mortgage rates when considering buying a home. These rates can significantly affect your purchasing power, and even a small change can make a difference in your monthly payment.

For instance, this year's 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been fluctuating between 6% and 7%. If rates decrease, it could make buying a home more affordable for you. However, it's hard to predict where rates will go, so it's crucial to be ready for any changes.

A minor 0.5% shift in rates can significantly impact your monthly payment. This is why it's crucial to work with a professional real estate advisor who can guide you in understanding your mortgage options and plan your budget accordingly. Additionally, they can provide personalized advice to help you make the best decision based on your situation and goals.