Ashkar Real Estate Group

09/01/2026

US Existing Home Sales Edge Up

08/31/2026

I’m so thankful for the opportunity to work with clients like this.

08/31/2026

So, this recommendation has put me on cloud nine today.

08/31/2026

Housing Week Ahead: Hottest ZIPs, Existing-Home Sales, and Data Center Deep Dive
Looking ahead to next week, there’s a lot to keep an eye on in the housing market. We’ll see updates on the 2026 Hottest ZIP Codes, a closer look at how AI is shaping home values near data centers, and the July Luxury Monthly Report. Existing-Home Sales figures will be released, along with the July consumer price index and Freddie Mac’s latest mortgage rate survey. With over 30 years of experience in this community, I understand how these shifts can influence buying and selling decisions right here at home. I’m always committed to keeping you informed, so you can make the best choices for your future.
https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/fred-h-ashkar-403865/1902191-Housing-Week-Ahead%3A-Hottest-ZIPs%2C-Existing-Home-Sales%2C-and-D

08/30/2026

🏡 JUST SOLD IN ARCADIA — AND OVER ASKING!
Another successful closing! 17 Cabrillo Rd, Arcadia received multiple offers and sold in just ONE WEEK for $1,930,000 — above the $1,898,000 asking price.
Selling a home is more than putting a sign in the yard. The right pricing, preparation, marketing, exposure, and negotiation strategy can make a real difference.
A big thank you to my clients for trusting John and me with their home. We truly appreciate the opportunity.
🔥 Thinking about selling your home?
Before you decide on a price—or an agent—let’s talk. I’d be happy to show you what your home may be worth and the strategy I would use to get it SOLD.
📞 Fred Ashkar | (818) 681-4975
35+ Years of Real Estate Experience on Your Side

Fred & John Ashkar • Top 1% RE/MAX Agents

Trusted real estate professionals brokered by RE/MAX, serving Arcadia, Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley, and Los Angeles, CA. Experts in buying, selling, and investing in prime properties.

08/30/2026

Several States Drive 20 Percent of Remodel Activity
It's remarkable to see just how much California, Texas, and Florida are shaping the remodeling landscape. California alone now accounts for 8% of the $22.2B remodeling market—a testament to the ongoing demand for home improvements in our state. From 2023 to 2025, overall spending in this sector has climbed by more than 10%, fueled by older homes, increased equity, and the efforts of 128,000 remodeling firms nationwide. After 30 years serving our local neighborhoods, I see every day how these trends play out at the individual level. Understanding the pulse of our market is key to making informed decisions, whether you're considering a remodel or weighing your next move.
https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/fred-h-ashkar-403865/1893743-Several-States-Drive-20-Percent-of-Remodel-Activity

08/28/2026

How to Buy a House: A Guide for Today's Buyers
Navigating the homebuying process can feel overwhelming, but with careful planning and local insight, it becomes manageable. From evaluating your finances and understanding your payment comfort zone, to getting preapproved and thoughtfully exploring available properties, each step plays a crucial role. Making offers with the right contingencies, scheduling inspections, and moving smoothly to closing all require a steady hand and local expertise. Affordability hinges on factors such as your income, credit, down payment, and savings. After three decades of working with buyers and sellers in this community, I understand how important it is to guide each client with integrity, responsibility, and personal attention—because finding the right home here means more than checking boxes; it’s about making the right decisions for your future.
https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/fred-h-ashkar-403865/1914010-How-to-Buy-a-House%3A-A-Guide-for-Today%27s-Buyers

08/28/2026

U.S. Starter Homes: Buyers Gain Leverage

08/26/2026

US Mortgage Rates Hold Mid-6%
Mortgage rates have settled in the mid-6% range, with the average 30-year fixed rate hovering near 7% during mid-Q3. Most industry experts expect borrowing costs to remain between 6% and the mid-6% range through 2028, so those hoping for a dramatic drop may be waiting in vain. For those considering a move, this period of slower price growth, increased listings, and fewer bidding wars could offer a more manageable path to homeownership. Recent data shows a slight uptick in both pending and existing home sales, and with inventory improving and more builder concessions, both buyers and sellers are finding increased flexibility. While opportunities for refinancing to achieve major savings are limited, homeowners may still find value in options such as shortening their loan, moving from an ARM, or tapping into their equity with a careful, strategic approach. Having spent three decades working and living in our community, I know how important it is to stay informed and make decisions with integrity and patience in this evolving market.

08/25/2026

Sitting on Gold: California Mortgaged Home Equity Doubles National Average
California homeowners are truly sitting on remarkable home equity—averaging $627,000 for those with mortgages. That’s more than double the national figure, with a total equity pool reaching $4.1 trillion across 6.6 million homes. This exceptional value is a direct result of our region’s limited housing supply and strict zoning laws. Having worked and lived here for three decades, I’ve seen firsthand how these unique local factors shape opportunities for buyers and sellers. Understanding your neighborhood’s dynamics is key to making thoughtful real estate decisions in our area.