Honest Perspective from Jason & Missy Improta of The Improta Team
Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot of questions from clients, friends, and neighbors:
“Should we wait to buy?”
“Is the market heading for a crash?”
“What’s the real story behind all these scary headlines?”
We get it. Between talks of recession, rising tariffs, and economic uncertainty, it’s hard to know what to believe.
But here’s what we want you to know, from two people who live and breathe real estate every single day in Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and the greater LA area:
This Isn’t a Crisis—It’s a Shift.
We’ve seen many market shifts over our 20+ years in the business. This one? It’s actually a healthy correction—and in many ways, a return to normal. We’re not seeing panic or freefall. We’re seeing strategy, opportunity, and a slower pace that gives both buyers and sellers room to breathe.
Let’s look at the facts:
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83% of U.S. mortgage holders have rates under 6%—most aren’t racing to sell, and that’s helping stabilize home values.
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Roughly 70% of homeowners either own outright or have significant equity—a far cry from 2008.
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Inventory is increasing, but we’re still well below historic norms. That’s creating more balance—but not an oversupply.
Recession Doesn’t Equal Housing Collapse
The word “recession” brings back tough memories for many, but history tells a different story: In 4 of the last 6 U.S. recessions, home prices actually went up.
The 2008 crash was an outlier. Lending standards were broken, and overbuilding was rampant. Today’s fundamentals are much stronger.
If a recession does come, we may even see mortgage rates drop again. That’s an opportunity—not a warning sign.
So What Should You Do?
From our perspective at The Improta Team, here’s what we’d tell you:
✅ Buyers: You have more leverage than we’ve seen in years. Inventory is rising, rates have dipped, and sellers are more open to negotiation. Now is a great time to find value before tariffs or rate swings change the landscape again.
✅ Sellers: With limited inventory and high equity across the board, values are holding strong. The market is more thoughtful—but serious buyers are still active. Pricing right and marketing smart are more important than ever.
✅ Not ready to move yet? That’s okay. But stay informed. Don’t make decisions based on headlines designed to shock—talk to someone who knows your market and can give you clear, local insight.
We’ve built our business on honesty, strategy, and long-term relationships. That means giving you the real story—even when it’s not flashy.
We’re not here to pressure anyone into buying or selling. We’re here to help you feel confident and prepared, whatever your next step looks like.
Have questions? Let’s talk. No pressure, just real conversation.
— Jason & Missy Improta
The Improta Team | Calabasas & Hidden Hills