Author: Rodeo Realty Media Team

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San Diego Staycation | Out & About

You live in LA for a reason; you love the vitality of the city, the action, and its vibrancy. But there are times you feel the need to get away, to recharge, to step back just a little. Come to San Diego, “The Birthplace of California.”

Stay a While in San Diego

San Diego has some of the highest-rated stays in the world. Here are two we recommend.

  • Fairmont Grand Del Mar – On a hillside close to downtown SD, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a Mediterranean-style resort sure to meet your every need. Relax in the heated pools, private cabanas, and outdoor pool bars before enjoying exquisite French dining at the Addison Restaurant. Afterward, enjoy whirlpools at the Five-Star The Spa with its marble and wood accents.

  • The Lodge at Torrey Pines – If your soul is crying for the ocean, consider the Lodge at Torrey Pines. Nestled into a cliff that overlooks the Pacific, Torrey Pines offers pristine beaches and a Champion golf course. Each room has a fireplace, and the lodge is right next to the Torrey Pines State Reserve.

What To See in San Diego

There’s much to see in San Diego. We find these two recommendations particularly enjoyable.

  • Chauffeured Winery Tour – What better way to relax and unwind than a chauffeured winery tour. Spend an afternoon visiting three family-owned wineries and sampling 18 different wine varieties accompanied with fruit and cheese platters, and conclude with a delicious dinner overlooking a winery.

  • The San Diego Museum of Art – In Balboa Park and one of the nation’s finest, the San Diego Museum of Art regularly features major international exhibitions, and its collection of Spanish and Italian old masters is a must-see.

Where To Dine And Sip in San Diego

  • As previously mentioned, The Addison, in the Fairmont Grand Del Mar Resort, offers the finest in French dining. A Michelin two-star restaurant, the Addison features the creations of Chef William Bradley. They suggest wine pairings and are open for dinner only.

  • For exceptional dining and sipping with a view, it’s hard to beat Mr. A’s in Banker’s Hill. Recognized as one of the 100 most scenic restaurants in America, Mr. A’s offers elegance with bay and skyline views.

Time To Shop in SD

When visiting, make time to enjoy luxury shopping. The Fashion Valley Mall in Mission Valley has over 200 stores, including Hermès, Prada, and Salvatore Ferragamo, Girard Avenue and Prospect Street offer upscale boutiques, including Cartier and Alexia Maria, and La Plaza in La Jolla has upscale shops in an open Moroccan, and Spanish themed setting.

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The Top Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen | Home Tips

Any home chef worth their salt knows that organization is key to a successful kitchen experience. When you have a cluttered and disorganized kitchen, it can make the cooking process more difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming. If you’re looking for ways to transform your kitchen into an organized haven, read on for some quick tips. 

Declutter and Downsize 

The best way to get your kitchen organized is by decluttering and downsizing. Start by going through all of your cabinets and drawers to remove any items that are no longer needed. You should also take this time to get rid of any duplicate items, such as pots, pans, or utensils. Once you’ve gotten rid of everything, you don’t need it will be much easier to reorganize what’s left. 

Create Zones 

Once your kitchen is decluttered and downsized, it’s time to create zones for different types of items. For example, dedicate one area for baking items and another area for food preparation. This way, everything has its own place, making it easy to find items quickly. 

Maximize Space with Storage Solutions 

When creating the perfect organized kitchen, it’s important to maximize space with storage solutions. Consider adding shelves above the countertop or inside cabinets so that items can be stored vertically instead of taking up valuable counter space or drawer room. You can also purchase small containers that can fit perfectly inside drawers so that cutlery, like spoons, forks, knives, etc., are all in one place instead of scattered around different areas of the drawer.  

Organizing your kitchen doesn’t have to be a daunting task when you break it down into smaller steps like decluttering, creating zones, and maximizing space with storage solutions! With these tips in hand—and some elbow grease—you can turn even the most disorganized kitchen into an organized haven! Good luck transforming your space!

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From Apple VR to Waymo and More! | Tech News

It’s time for our weekly wrap-up of the latest tech news. From Apple VR to Waymo and more, we have you covered. Check out this week’s blog of tech news from around the globe.

Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Consider Potential Mega-Merger

Warner Bros. Discovery is considering a merger with Paramount, as reported by Axios. David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, and Paramount CEO Bob Bakish recently met at Paramount’s Times Square headquarters to discuss how their companies could synergize, potentially combining streaming services Max and Paramount Plus to better compete with Netflix and Disney Plus. Discussions also involved Shari Redstone, head of Paramount’s parent company, National Amusements. It’s unclear if Warner Bros. Discovery might acquire Paramount or National Amusements, with both possibilities open. The Federal Trade Commission has not commented on this potential merger. If realized, this merger would further consolidate the entertainment and streaming market, following Warner Bros. Discovery’s major merger with Discovery last year.

 

Apple Allegedly Set to Unveil Vision Pro by February

Apple’s Vision Pro headset, announced for an early next year release, may launch as soon as February, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This high-end device, priced at $3,499 and likely available in limited supply, won’t have a separate launch event. Preparing for its market debut involves training Apple Store employees to assist with user guidance, fit adjustments, and prescription lens options. The launch marks the introduction of a new hardware platform and the accompanying visionOS software, with an update expected in 2024 alongside other Apple software releases. Significantly, the recent iOS 17.2 release enables the iPhone 15 Pro to record 3D spatial videos, viewable in full detail only with a compatible headset like the Vision Pro.

How Does Waymo’s 7.1 Million Miles of Driverless Driving Measure Up Against Human Drivers?

Waymo’s analysis of 7.13 million fully autonomous miles driven indicates that its driverless cars are significantly safer than human drivers, being 6.7 times less likely to be involved in injury-causing crashes and 2.3 times less likely in police-reported crashes. This data comes amid skepticism and safety concerns in the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry, highlighted by recent incidents involving competitors like Cruise. Waymo’s approach, including adjustments for driving conditions and comprehensive safety analysis, positions it distinctively in the AV field. The company emphasizes the role of driverless cars in reducing traffic fatalities, supported by data showing a drastic reduction in bodily injury claims compared to human drivers. Despite these findings, experts caution that more extensive data is needed for a conclusive safety comparison between AVs and human drivers.

PlayStation 5 Sales Exceed 50 Million Units

Sony announced a significant milestone for the PlayStation 5, revealing that 50 million units have been sold since its launch in late 2020. This rapid increase in sales, up from 40 million units reported in July, can be attributed to improved availability following earlier supply chain issues. Jim Ryan, President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment expressed gratitude towards the PlayStation community and highlighted that this is the first holiday season since the PS5’s launch with a full supply of consoles. This positions Sony well on its path to achieving its target of shipping 25 million consoles by March 2024.

 

Apple Introduces Roadside Assistance Feature for iPhone’s Satellite System

Apple has expanded its satellite connectivity services for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users. The service now includes access to Verizon’s roadside assistance service. This service, run by Allstate’s Signature Motor Club, provides various car trouble solutions. Likewise, this includes towing, winching, fuel delivery, and more. This addition complements Apple’s existing satellite roadside assistance collaboration with AAA. The inclusion of Verizon’s service provides additional options for users needing assistance in remote areas or without AAA membership.

 

Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi Announce the Adoption of Tesla’s EV Charging Plug Standard

Volkswagen Group, which includes Audi, Porsche, and Scout Motors, has announced its plan to adopt Tesla’s EV charging standard. VW is exploring adapter solutions to allow its current EV owners access to Tesla’s Supercharger network. Rollout is expected by 2025. From that year, new VW electric vehicles will be equipped with Tesla’s charging port. This move grants VW customers access to 15,000 Supercharger locations in North America. Tesla began opening its Superchargers to non-Tesla EVs in Europe and later in the U.S. Tesla’s Supercharger network is known for its reliability, boasting a 99.95 percent uptime last year. 

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Mortgage Rate Update | December 21, 2023

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of December 21, 2023, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.67%, down from 6.95% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.95%, down from 6.38% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S. housing market.

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Weekend Events | December 22- December 24

Immerse yourself in the festive season from December 22 to December 24 with a variety of local events throughout the town! Enjoy everything from ice skating to seasonal pop-ups and more. Discover all the holiday excitement awaiting you this weekend!

Los Angeles Weekend Events | December 22 – December 24 

‘Home Alone’ in Concert

When: December 22 

Where: Downtown LA

What: Elevate your holiday film marathon by securing tickets to the exclusive showing of “Home Alone” at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Experience this timeless classic with a live performance of John Williams’s iconic score by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, masterfully conducted by David Newman. This event promises an unforgettable, immersive cinematic journey.

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

When: Until January 7

Where: Pershing Square

What: In Los Angeles, a city not usually associated with winter festivities, an enchanting transformation occurs when an ice skating rink is set up amidst the towering skyscrapers of Downtown. This urban winter wonderland invites you to glide across the ice at Pershing Square’s open-air holiday rink. Imagine soft snow underfoot as you skate, with the convenience of included skate rentals. Additional amenities like lockers and skating aids are available for a nominal fee, enhancing your festive experience.

L.A. Zoo Lights

When: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024 

Where: L.A. Zoo

What: This holiday season, the L.A. Zoo will extend its hours into the evening on most nights through January, presenting a charming twist on its luminous holiday tradition. For its 2023 edition, L.A. Zoo Lights will feature new sculptures and introduce “Winter Wildlands,” an area inspired by animals that thrive in snowy environments.

Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | December 22 – December 24  

East Comes West Dinner Series

When: Until January 13 

Where: Santa Monica

What: If you’re based on the Westside and crave the taste of the city’s top restaurants without the freeway hassle, you’re in luck! This winter, the Santa Monica Proper introduces a new weekend dining series at the Siete restaurant space, previously Gabriela Cámara’s Onda. Indulge in exclusive tasting menus by Otoño (Dec 21–22) and Alimento (Jan 12–13). Each set menu includes options for each course, complemented by optional beverage pairings.

Long Beach Nutcracker

When: December 16 – December 23 

Where: Long Beach

What: The Nutcracker by the Long Beach Ballet stands out as a unique rendition of the holiday classic in the area, notable for its incorporation of a live full orchestra, along with the addition of a real horse, a flying sleigh, and dazzling pyrotechnics. While the timeless tale remains unchanged, this production consistently goes above and beyond to deliver an enthralling and spectacular experience for its audiences every year.

For the Record: Love Actually Live

When: Until December 30 

Where: Beverly Hills

What: Between late November and the conclusion of December, the cherished musical series, For the Record, brings forth a stage production inspired by the globally adored holiday film, Love Actually. Transforming the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills into a festive winter backdrop, the show employs a multimedia set, a live orchestra, and songs from the movie to reenact the intertwining love stories featured in the film.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | December 22 – December 24 

THE MAIN THING ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS

When: December 22 

Where: The Main | 24266 Main Street Santa Clarita

What: HE MAIN THING ABOUT THE HOLIDAYS, a celebration of the season brought to you by Active Voice Productions. Hosted by internationally acclaimed humorist and story-teller Dylan Brody, this evening brings laughter, song, and story to the stage. Expect comedy from Brenda Pontiff and Al Bahmani, story from Alex Stein, music from Robert Morgan Fisher and MORE! Brody as host keeps the show moving at pace, offering song, story, and humor of his own along the way. This show will leave you and your family grinning, chuckling and then reminiscing about your own memories of holidays for days you leave the theater. General Admission is $10.

 

Border Kindness Fundraiser & C.A.S.A. Toy Drive

When: December 23 

Where: Reptacular Animals Ranch

What: “Reptacular Ranch” is organizing an event where all proceeds will be dedicated to supporting immigrant refugees at the southern border.

VALLEY RELICS MUSEUM EXPERIENCE

When: Every Saturday and Sunday

Where: 16781 Stagg Street Hangar C3 & C4 | Van Nuys

What: Visit the Valley’s beloved Museum of Pop Culture this weekend! The Valley Relics Museum invites you to join them for a day full of nostalgia and fun. Their one-of-a-kind museum.

 

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | December 22 – December 24   

Jingle Bell Jog 5K/10K Run/Walk at Dos Vientos in Newbury Park

When: December 23, 8:30am – 11:45am

Where: 4801 Borchard Rd | Thousand Oaks

What: The Jewel Levine Foundation presents the Jingle Bell Jog at Dos Vientos 5K/10K Run/Walk on Saturday, December 23, 2023. Event starts and ends at Dos Vientos Community Park, 4801 Borchard Road, Newbury Park. and takes place in and around the streets of the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. 10K starts at 8:30am; 5K at 8:45am.

 

Holiday Road

When: November 24 – December 27

Where: Santa Monica Mountains

What: Wander through King Gillette Ranch as it transforms into a luminous wonderland during Holiday Road, where the Santa Monica Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop. This event, brought to you by the creators of Nights of the Jack, features a nearly mile-long walking trail adorned with holiday charm. Experience a mesmerizing display of festive decorations, including a canopy of icicle lights amidst the treetops, a quaint Christmas village, large standalone ornaments, and archways twinkling with lights. While you’re there, don’t miss the food trucks and a holiday-themed bar for an extra touch of seasonal delight.

 

Wild Lights and Ocean Nights at America’s Teaching Zoo

When: December 22 through December 23 

Where: 7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark

What: This holiday season, America’s Teaching Zoo transforms into a festive wonderland with its WILD LIGHTS & OCEAN NIGHTS event. Guests are invited to a 45-minute self-guided tour through the zoo, adorned with dynamic lights, interactive experiences, and photo opportunities. Highlights include the ‘Under the Sea’ experience at Rajah’s Retreat, the ‘Illuminated Jungle’ with a ‘Glow in the Dark Garden,’ and a grand 12-foot-tall Holiday Tree near Santa’s Workshop.

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November Home Sales and Price Report | December 20, 2023

California Association of Realtors November existing-home sales report:

The California Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales totaled 223,940 units on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis in November, down 7.4% from October. November marked the third straight month of the annualized sales rate dropping under 250,000, a level that was thought could never happen, and the 29th straight month of year-over-year declines in sales. Year-to-date, the number of homes sold was down 25.9% in November.

Prior to 2022 home sales have not dropped below 400,000 in decades. High-interest rates have caused many potential home sellers to put off their move. In a normal year about 50% of sales are what we call move-up buyers. Those are people selling a home to purchase another. When your mortgage is at a 3% rate, it’s difficult to sell it and purchase another with a mortgage at a 7% rate. For example, if you own a $2 million dollar home with a $1 million mortgage at 3%, your payment with taxes and insurance is about $4,500. If you put your $1 million in equity down on your new $4 million dollar home and obtained a $3 million loan at 6.5% (down from almost 8% two months ago) your payment with tax and insurance would be around $24,000 a month. That’s a big jump. When people put off their move it reduces the number of homes for sale. This is exactly what is happening now.

The statewide median price paid for a home in November was $822,200, up 6.2% from a revised $774,150 a year ago.

There was a 3-month supply of homes on the market, up from a 2.7-month supply of homes for sale in October, and down from a 3.2-month supply one year ago.

The graph below shows sales data by county in Southern California.

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The Best Places for a Plant-Based Bite | L.A. Eats

Whether you’re vegan or craving a simple healthy meal, our list of the best plant-based bites around town is sure to cure your cravings. Read on for the best vegan spots that are 100% plant-based around town!

LOS ANGELES

CROSSROADS KITCHEN

Location: 8284 Melrose Ave | Los Angeles 

When it comes to the best vegan restaurants in L.A., it’s hard to top Crossroads Kitchen. Open since 2013; the plant-based menu offers stunning creations you would genuinely be surprised are vegan. We recommend the Artichoke Oysters as a starter, with the Spaghetti Carbonera for a main dish worth remembering.

HONEYBEE BURGER

Location: 1820 N Vermont Ave | Los Angeles

Bite into a burger that’s grilled to perfection and 100% meat-free. That’s what you can expect at Honeybee Burger, the vegan fast food stop in Los Feliz. Enjoy your burger with a side of sweet potato fries and a shake for a classic off-the-grill lunch with a healthy twist.

SHOJIN

Location: 333 S Alameda St Suite310 | Los Angeles

If you are in the mood for sushi or ramen, Shojin in Little Tokyo is one of the best vegan restaurants for Japanese food. Get your serving of their baked “crab” hand roll, or enjoy a hearty kabocha squash ramen. 

 

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES

DE BUENA PLANTA

Location: 1118 Abbot Kinney Blvd | Venice

If you happen to be a fan of Butcher’s Daughter in Venice, the popular spot has a great vegan option for you! De Buena Planta opened in the past year and has quickly risen to be one of the best vegan restaurants on the West Side. From gorgeous cocktails to delicious cauliflower and mushroom tacos, what more do you need? Go ahead and indulge; it’s healthy! 

PLANT POWER FAST FOOD

Location: 5095 Pacific Coast Hwy | Long Beach

With a California coastal menu that’s equal parts pretty and delicious, Plant Power Fast Food in Long Beach has been fast to reach a top spot on our list. Along with the convenience of a drive-through for those on the go, Plant Power offers breakfast and lunch options to help you power through the day. Enjoy house-made burger patties and a horchata milkshake that will have you coming back for more! 

PLANT FOOD + WINE

Location: 1009 Abbot Kinney Blvd | Venice

Abbott Kinney has no shortage of healthy dining options, vegan and otherwise. At the top of that list is Plant Food + Wine. The restaurant offers Vegan fare so good you’ll forget it is all plant-based. Focused on locally sourced ingredients, P.F.W.’s’ menu brings together a rich array of tasty options. 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

H.O.P.E.

Location: 11943 Ventura Blvd. | Studio City

Healthy Organix Positive Eating is what you will find at H.O.P.E. and also what their acronym means. It’s both eclectic and enchanting, with a delicious and vast menu offering Asian specialties and even a few Mexican dishes. Enjoy burgers, wraps, and more for a vegan dining spot to suit any appetite.

O’CADO RESTAURANT

Location: 14568 Ventura Blvd | Sherman Oaks

Offering plant-based fusion with sustainable Wine, craft beer, and cocktails, O’cado serves as a perfect choice for an enjoyable evening out. The food offering ranges between Latin, Mediterranean, and American for culture-infused bites to delight your taste buds.

VEGGIE GRILL

Location: 16542 Ventura Blvd., Encino

Open from the early afternoon through the evening, Veggie Grill makes for the perfect stop if you search for a casual lunch or dinner option. When it comes to the best vegan restaurants in the Valley, Veggie Grill has plenty to offer that lads it on our list. While it may be a chain restaurant, the quality remains consistent in everything from the Far East Bowl to the Meatball Sandwich.

CONEJO VALLEY

NATURAL CAFE

Location: Westlake Village

Fresh, quirky, and tasty are just a few of the ways we would describe Natural Cafe. The Westlake Village vegan spot has an almost endless list of plant-based options to enjoy. We recommend the Buddha Burrito or Portobella Mushroom sandwich for a mealing that’s both filling and delicious!

INN OF THE SEVENTH RAY

Location: Topanga Canyon

When searching for a spot that offers both zen and quality food, Inn of the Seventh Ray is just as it sounds. A picture of tranquility in Topanga Canyon, the restaurant is tucked away from the street hustle and bustle and nestled in the canyon alongside a flowing creek. Stop by for lunch, brunch, or dinner for a day at one of Conejo Valley’s best vegan restaurants. And for those seeking a healthy kombucha boost, they have no shortage of in-house specialties to boost the mind, body, and soul.

SAGE PLANT-BASED BISTRO

Location: Agoura Hills

A casual plant-based neighborhood eatery, Sage Plant-Based Bistro offers its best to Conejo Valley and indeed delivers. You’ll find plenty to enjoy at this delicious vegan gem, from the tasty Buffalo Cauliflower Wings to the Jackfruit Stuffed Avocado.

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Out & About | The Best Antique Stores Around Town

Shopping for antiques can be an exciting hobby. Here in LA, we have plenty of great finds and exploring antique stores can open the door to a treasure trove of vintage objects. Below you will find our list of the best antique stores around town. Read on and enjoy exploring them all!

1. JF Chen Antiques

Located on North Highland Avenue in Hollywood, JF Chen Antiques features a wonderful selection of antiques. Items here range from 17th-century limestone figures to Art Deco chairs. If you feel like splurging, this is one of the most amazing places you will find.

2. Olde Good Things Antique Store

Olde Good Things is nestled comfortably on S Grand Avenue in the heart of South LA. This antique store features one of the most wonderful selections of architectural salvage goods. Peruse around finds that range from doorknobs to stained glass and much more. It’s the perfect place to find exquisite vintage items for those who are restoring their homes or simply looking to add an individual personal touch to their new home.

3. The Mart Collective Antique Store

As one of the local favorite antique stores, this 16,000 expansion features the collections of a large number of dealers with individual stands, where you can find a wide range of unexpected treasures at lower prices than at other antique stores. It’s the perfect place to go if you are just starting your hunt for vintage items.

4. Vintageweave Interiors

If the French farmhouse style of antique stores is your thing, this delightful collection of antique and vintage plates, milk bottles, coffee mills and more is the perfect place for you to find the treasures you seek. Conveniently located on West Third Street, the best time to browse through this magnificent place is on weekday afternoons.

5. Pepe’s Thrifty Shop

This delightful little store is one that locals keep to themselves so visitors don’t end up taking all of its gorgeous antique and vintage items. Located on West Sunset Boulevard, its quirky exterior does no justice to the treasures you can find inside. It is a great place to find reasonably priced homier-looking antiques, but finding that special treasure can take time and patience given that the store is packed with merchandise and there’s little space for movement. Even so, it is well worth a try if you are simply looking for something unexpected and not a more specific type of item.

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Home Tips: Elegant Holiday Entryway Ideas

Once you’ve decorated the main areas inside your home, it’s time to turn your attention to the entrance area. A holiday entryway not only fills you with festive cheer each time to return home but also provides a jolly seasonal welcome to any visitors. Elegant and eye-catching, these holiday décor ideas are great for any entrance.

Gorgeous Wreaths for Your Holiday Entryway

Sprucing up your entryway for the holidays need not be difficult. Simply choose some stylish wreaths and hang them on your front door. Choose colors that match your interior décor for blended sophistication, or opt for shimmering whites and silvers for a sleek winter wonderland feel. A cool alternative is to hang a tied bunch of bushy branches and berries on your door for something different from the norm.

Bauble Lanterns for Your Holiday Entryway

Simple yet effective, fill shabby chic wooden lanterns with baubles for colorful festive décor as soon as you step foot inside. Use baubles to match your color scheme for your holiday entryway, or include every shade of the rainbow for a fun festive effect. Group two or three lanterns of different heights together, and tie a sprig of fragrant pine to the top of each with a festive bow.

Festive Chalkboard for Your Holiday Entryway

Customize your holiday welcome message with a large chalkboard on an elegant stand. If space allows, you can stand your chalkboard inside your entryway as a fun holiday entryway idea. Alternatively, display your seasonal message just outside. Keep it simple or accessorize the board with garlands, lights, or small holiday ornaments.

Mini Christmas Tree for Your Entryway

Christmas trees aren’t only for large areas … add a small festive tree to the entrance for plenty of holiday ambiance. With a small tree, you can choose where to position it for maximum impact. You could even hang a mini artificial tree upside down from the ceiling, like a Christmas chandelier. If you already have a larger plant in your entrance, forego an extra tree and decorate the plant with small twinkling lights and tiny baubles.

Seasonal Rocking Chair for Your Holiday Entryway

This idea works best if you have a spacious entryway or a large porch. Decorate a rustic rocking chair with a wreath and plush throws and pillows in seasonal colors. Wrap boxes in vibrant paper and have a small pile of gifts next to the chair for an even cozier scene.

Snowflake Planter for Your Entryway

Add a touch of elegant DIY winter beauty to your home. Simply fill a couple of white or metal planters with large pale pebbles, glue different-sized and shaped silver snowflakes onto white sticks of varying heights, and arrange them in the planters. Pale blue, pastel-toned, and glittery snowflakes also work well. Finish off by tying a large glitzy bow around each planter and placing them in your entryway.

Wall Displays for Your Holiday Entryway

Use the wall space to display holiday décor in your entryway. Hang stockings stuffed with faux greenery and berries. You can also display a chic holiday sign, or use string lights to highlight existing year-round ornamentation. Oversized bows, jingling bells, lanterns, tartan scarves, and Christmas countdown calendars all add festive touches to your entryway walls.

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Economic Update | Week Ending December 16, 2023

! Weekly Economic Update

Stock markets – Dow and Nasdaq near all-time highs – While the CPI (Consumer Price Index) showed that year-over-year inflation remained at 3.1% in November, unchanged from October, Fed Chairman Powel announced that the Fed would leave rates unchanged for the third straight meeting. He also stunned the markets by stating that the Fed’s efforts to reduce inflation had taken hold and that he felt that inflation was now dropping faster than anticipated. He even left the door open for rate drops next year. It was a complete reversal from statements made in October where he was threatening more rate hikes. Retail sales also jumped in November. Investors rushed back to stocks and bond yields and mortgage rates fell significantly. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 37,309.22, up 2.8% from 36,247.87 last week. It is up 12.6% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 4,719.07, up 2.5% from 4,604.37 last week. It is up 22.9% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 14,813.92, up 2.8% from 14,403.97 last week. It is up 41.5% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 3.91%, down from 4.23% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.00%, down from 4.31% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates drop below 7% -Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes home mortgage interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of December 14, 2023, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.95%, down from 7.03% last week. The 15-year fixed was 6.38%, up from 6.26% last week. It was 6.56% two weeks ago. Rates were lower at the end of the week. We saw lenders quoting 30-year loans in the mid to low 6% range on Friday.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S. housing market.

November home sales data for California and the U.S. will be released next week by the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. You can get November data now for your city or zip code on our website, RodeoRe.com.

Have a great weekend!
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