SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NEWS GROUP: THE HOME STRETCH NEWSLETTER

Home prices fall in Orange County, a first in seven years for February


BY SAMANTHA GOWEN

Advantage shifts to homebuyers as sales drop 12%   
Despite falling interest rates, home sales across Southern California continue to decline. Economists say it’s a new reality. Agents believe buyers will come as inventory rises in spring. Jeff Collins digs in on the trends. 

Hot home: Does it come with a beach-side court?
Volleyball champ Karch Kiraly serves up San Clemente home for $3.67M

Senior mobile home residents fight back rent increases 
Public outcry over monthly rent increases of more than $200 for senior residents of an Orange County mobile park have the new owners pulling back their plans, saying the company had done “too much, too soon.” 

This Texas retailer has eyes on your California dream home
Who says the Lone Star state doesn’t love California? At Home, a Costco-like mega-store of household furnishings, has plans to open 80 stores across the Golden State. Jonathan Lansner talks with the CEO, who has local roots.

Quirk-Silva gets a big loan from Loretta Sanchez. Is that legit? 
You see a house that's perfect for your family. But timing is tight to land the deal. So, you call a friend who floats you a $430,000 loan. But what happens when you’re a state legislator and your friend is a former U.S. representative?

A rat-infested house in Orange sells for $55,000 over-ask
The small bungalow in the city’s historic district sold to a couple that plans to occupy the soon-to-be renovated house. Marilyn Kalfus has the update.

Other stories of the week: