Happy New Year with New Beginnings! | Rod McIntosh

January 24, 2026
Happy New Year with New Beginnings!

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I am hoping this quick little market update and “Holiday Thanks” finds you starting off the year just as you planned—full of excitement and optimism!

The entire country, especially Southern California, is anxious with anticipation of returning to a market where buyers and sellers will begin to move out of the “gridlock” caused by low inventory and 6.5%–7.5% interest rates. As rates continue to drop below 6%, edging closer to 5%, sellers who wanted to move up, down, change areas, or even states will start making plans and putting their homes on the market. Although the 2%–4% rates, only seen for a short time, won’t be returning in the foreseeable future, the 5% range will be acceptable enough for many to make the move they’ve been holding off on.

What will happen with prices? Seasoned economists feel that as interest rates come down, buyers will benefit for only a short period. As demand and activity increase, prices are expected to begin edging up. If you’re a buyer looking for your first home, my recommendation continues to be to make your purchase as soon as possible this year. If you have a home to sell, consider putting it on the market before the end of June. Whether you are moving up, down, or out of town, the bulk of home sales activity typically takes place by the end of July.

If you would like any clarification on this, I am always easy to reach by call or text. If you are interested in or thinking about moving to a different area, I also work with seasoned agents across the country whom I personally know and trust. They would be happy to answer any questions and help you make a plan anywhere in the U.S.

With the weather being very favorable—and without the horrific fires we had to deal with last year—January is starting out very busy. Inventory is rising, buyers are getting pre-approved, attending open houses, and most importantly, agents are making appointments to show our listings. The overall atmosphere of the market is dramatically improved compared to one year ago.

The Federal Reserve continues to balance lingering inflation pressures against signs of a cooling labor market. Persistent inflation argues for caution on rate cuts, while softer employment data increases pressure to ease policy. The Fed lowered the benchmark rate by 25 basis points three times last fall. While this rate does not directly set mortgage rates, it does influence borrowing costs across the broader economy.

Lastly, I want to say thank you to everyone who participated in our Holiday Charity Nomination Event through Christmas Day. We had thirty-five charities nominated, and we are truly grateful to be able to support organizations that are important to our friends and clients. This year, there was a tie for “Most Nominated” charity between St. Jude and the SPCA, so we donated to both. Our local charity winner from the “Wildcard” drawing was the Innovation Show Choir here in Valencia.

$500.00 to SCV Food Pantry

$500.00 to St. Jude

$500.00 went to Innovation Show Choir

$500.00 to SPCA

All other Nominated Charities received a donation of $25.00. A full list is on the reverse side.
Have a Great 2026!
Rod

P.S. Please remember, we sincerely appreciate every opportunity to be of service. I am always easy to
reach by call or text at 661-803-1662

LOCAL CHARITIES NOMINATED & SUPPORTED

$500.00–Innovation Show Choir – Our Local “Wildcard Winner”
$500.00–SCV Food Pantry – Proudly supporting them since 1987
Circle of Hope – Newhall
Castaic Lions Club – Castaic
Senior Center SCV – Santa Clarita
SCV Pregnancy Center – Valencia
Brittany Animal Foundation – Agua Dulce
The Gentle Barn – Santa Clarita
Grocery Food Bank – Santa Clarita
Boys and Girls Club – Santa Clarita
Bridge to Home – Santa Clarita
Wild Sage Horse Rescue – Acton
Rise Foundation – Santa Clarita
Animal Shelter – Castaic
Single Mother’s Outreach – Valencia
Brittany Animal Foundation – Acton
Mend – Santa Clarita

NATIONWIDE CHARITIES NOMINATED & SUPPORTED
$500.00 – St. Jude       St. Jude and the ASPCA tied,
$500.00 – ASPCA         so we donated $500.00 to BOTH
Pediatric Foundation for Rare Diseases
Humane Society of Ojai
Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services
Grand Paws
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
PurrfectPartners4cats.com
Tunnels to Towers
Casa Youth Shelter
Best Friends Animal Society
American Heart Association
Wounded Warriors
Special Olympics
The Shriners Hospital
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Special Olympics
Guide Dogs of America

All Nominated Local and National Charities received a $25.00 donation in recognition of our friendship for decades

We LOVE DOING THIS … and want to give a Great Big THANK YOU! To all of you, once again, for your participation in Supporting Your Favorite Charity