Located on a peninsula, part of a modest compound constructed from reclaimed wood, this “Cigar Shack” was built for privacy and to enjoy established view corridors… while smoking a cigar, of course. Shoreline tree removal was discouraged for privacy and proper preservation of the water’s edge. The compound, which includes the main house, surrounding gardens, a vegetable plot, a rock wall and a barn, simply blends in with the surrounding wooded vernacular. Reclaimed wood was repurposed for this private retreat…

According to the latest May 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) and analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), half of payroll workers in construction earn more than $54,540 and the top 25% make at least $77,030. In comparison, the U.S. median wage is $46,310, while the top quartile (top 25%) makes at… Read More ›

The NAHB’s Remodeling Market Index (RMI) survey has asked questions about Aging-in-Place (AIP) periodically, beginning in 2004. According to results from the Q1 2023 survey, 63 percent of professional remodelers undertake projects designed to allow homeowners to Age-in-Place, down from 77 percent in Q4 2018. This is the lowest percentage since the Q2 2006 survey (60 percent).   When asked… Read More ›

Situated in a thriving neighborhood in Tustin, Calif., Terra’s modern collection of elevator-served flats and townhomes at The Landing at Tustin Legacy introduces a harmonious blend of contemporary style, open-concept spaces. Seven function-forward floor plan designs offer 1,062-2,275 square feet, up to three bedrooms and two baths with interior personalization opportunities, gourmet kitchens, spacious bedrooms, office areas and decks that connect to the outdoor scene. By working closely with the city of Tustin throughout the design process, the team focused…

According to the Federal Reserve’s latest G.19 Consumer Credit report, the growth of total consumer credit outstanding slowed from 7.4% to 5.4% (seasonally adjusted annual rate) in the first quarter of 2023. Nonrevolving (excluding real estate debt) and revolving debt grew 3.1% and 12.3%, respectively, over the quarter. On an unadjusted basis, the level of nonevolving credit outstanding at the end… Read More ›

Job gains continued in April, despite rising interest rates and a slowing economy. After a revised 165,000 job gain in March, total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 253,000 in April, and the unemployment rate declined to 3.4% from 3.5% in March. In April, on a year-over-year basis, wage growth increased slightly to 4.4% from 4.3% last month, but down compared… Read More ›

The Ranch at Alisos integrates into the countryside of Santa Ynez with the positioning and framing of views throughout the design. The project supports the ecology of the region with retaining active cattle grazing and the utilization of less than a couple acres for development of the residence. The water services for the property are designed in an extensive system of pumps and large brick masonry cistern. The cisterns will supply fresh water for all structures, landscaping and are sized…

An earlier post revealed that 71% of buyers who were actively engaged in the process of finding a home in the first quarter of 2023 have spent 3+ months searching for a home without success. The inability to find an affordable home remains the most common reason buyers looking for 3+ months can’t make a purchase, cited by 40% (compared… Read More ›

Situated in a thriving neighborhood in Tustin, Calif., this contemporary three-story model features an expansive great room to maximize the use of the covered deck and options, including alternative room uses and expansive stacking doors. The plan includes a first-floor standard den/office to benefit those who choose to work from home or serve as a flex space to offer easy access to the yard. The living space at the second floor efficiently connects to the third-floor bedrooms with views toward…

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy committee raised the federal funds target rate by 25 basis points at the conclusion of its May meeting. Although the communication from the Fed did not explicitly indicate that they are done tightening, language used in their statement signals the Fed is moving toward a more data-dependent posture, albeit one that retains a hawkish bias…. Read More ›