The California housing market has been on a roller coaster ride in recent years. After experiencing a boom in 2020 and 2021, the market began to cool down in 2023. This was due to a number of factors, including rising interest rates, inflation, and a decline in stock prices.

In the second quarter of 2023, the median home price in California was $830,620, down from $880,000 in the first quarter. Home sales also declined by 14.2% year-over-year.

The slowdown in the housing market is presenting some challenges for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, the biggest challenge is affordability. With rising interest rates and home prices, it is becoming more difficult for buyers to qualify for a mortgage and afford a down payment.

For sellers, the biggest challenge is inventory. There is still a shortage of homes for sale in California, which is giving buyers the upper hand in negotiations. Sellers may need to be prepared to price their homes competitively and offer concessions to buyers in order to sell their homes quickly.

Challenges Buyers and Sellers Are Facing Right Now

Here is a summary of the challenges that buyers and sellers are facing in the California housing market in 2023:

Buyers:

• Affordability: Rising interest rates and home prices are making it more difficult for buyers to qualify for a mortgage and afford a down payment.
• Low inventory: There is a shortage of homes for sale in California, which is giving buyers the upper hand in negotiations.
• Competition: The California housing market is still competitive, even with the recent slowdown. Buyers need to be prepared to act quickly when they find a home that they love.

Sellers:

• Pricing: Sellers need to price their homes competitively in order to attract buyers.
• Concessions: Sellers may need to offer concessions to buyers, such as paying for closing costs or offering a home warranty.
• Marketing: Sellers need to market their homes effectively in order to reach a wide pool of potential buyers.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Here are some tips on how to buy a home in California in 2023 affordably:

Buyers:

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start shopping for a home. This will give you an idea of how much money you can borrow and what your monthly payments will be.
• Work with a qualified real estate agent who can help you find the right home for your needs and budget.
• Be prepared to act quickly when you find a home that you love. The California housing market is competitive, so you need to be ready to make an offer right away.
• Be flexible on your budget and criteria. You may need to compromise on some things in order to find a home that you can afford.

And here are tips on how to sell your home in California quickly in 2023

Sellers:

• Price your home competitively. Get a comparative market analysis (CMA) from a real estate agent to determine what similar homes in your area are selling for.
• Be prepared to offer concessions to buyers. Buyers are more likely to make an offer on your home if you are willing to pay for closing costs or offer a home warranty.
• Market your home effectively. List your home on multiple real estate websites and hire a professional photographer to take photos of your home.
• By following these tips, buyers and sellers can increase their chances of success in the California housing market.

The California housing market is complex and ever-changing, but it is also a very exciting market to be in. With the right knowledge and preparation, buyers and sellers can succeed in this market.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in California, I encourage you to do your research and work with a qualified real estate agent. With the right team on your side, you can achieve your real estate goals. Renting could be an alternative too.  If you live in Los Angeles, California, or in the area, you can check out apartmentguide.com.

I hope this information has been helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sources:

• California Association of Realtors, “2023 California Housing Market Forecast“
• National Association of Realtors, “Existing-Home Sales Fall in July for Sixth Straight Month”
• Redfin, “California Housing Market Forecast 2023“
• Zillow, “California Home Prices Fall for First Time in Two Years“

Van life is a lifestyle that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It involves living full-time or part-time in a van, RV, or other mobile dwellings. Van life is appealing for a variety of reasons, including the freedom to travel, the ability to live minimally, and the chance to connect with nature and other like-minded individuals. In this essay, we will explore the many aspects of van life and what makes it such a popular choice for people all over the world.

One of the main draws of van life is the freedom it provides. Van lifers have the ability to travel wherever they want, whenever they want. They are not tied down by a lease or a mortgage and can choose to move from one location to another with ease. Van lifers can also choose to work remotely or on a freelance basis, which allows them to earn a living while living on the road.

Another aspect of van life that attracts many people is the opportunity to live minimally. Van life requires downsizing one’s possessions and living with only the essentials. This means that van lifers must learn to live with less and be mindful of the items they bring into their van. The minimalist lifestyle that comes with van life is freeing and allows van lifers to focus on what is truly important in life.

Living in a van also allows van lifers to connect with nature on a deeper level. Van lifers can park their vans in some of the most beautiful locations in the world, including national parks and other natural wonders. They have the ability to wake up to breathtaking sunrises, hike through scenic trails, and spend time in the great outdoors. For many van lifers, the connection to nature is a major reason for choosing this lifestyle.

Van life is not without its challenges, however. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of space. Living in a van requires that van lifers learn to be creative with the space they have. They must make use of every inch of their van to ensure that they have enough room to sleep, cook, and relax. This requires careful planning and organization to make the most of the limited space available.

Another challenge of van life is the need to be self-sufficient. Van lifers must learn to live without many of the conveniences that come with traditional housing. They must find ways to generate their own power, store their own water, and dispose of their own waste. While this can be challenging at times, many van lifers find it to be a rewarding experience that allows them to become more self-sufficient and independent.

Despite these challenges, many people find that van life is an incredibly rewarding lifestyle. Van lifers have the opportunity to explore the world and connect with other like-minded individuals. They have the freedom to create their own schedule and pursue their passions on their own terms. For many, van life is a chance to live life on their own terms and create the life they have always dreamed of.

Van life is also a community. There are many online and in-person communities of van lifers who support each other and share their experiences. These communities offer a chance for van lifers to connect with others who share their passion for adventure and a simpler way of life. They provide support, advice, and encouragement to those who are just starting out on their van life journey.

Another aspect of van life that many people appreciate is the opportunity to save money. Traditional housing can be incredibly expensive, especially in cities and other desirable locations. Van life allows people to live in a smaller space, which means that they can save money on rent or a mortgage. Additionally, van lifers often find that they spend less on utilities, as they can generate their own power and use less water.

In conclusion, van life is a unique and rewarding lifestyle that is growing in popularity around the world. It offers a chance for people to break free from the constraints of traditional living and embrace a simpler, more adventurous way of life. Van life is not without its challenges, but for many, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. It provides a sense of freedom, independence, and connection to nature that is difficult to replicate in traditional housing. Whether you’re a solo traveler or a family of four, van life offers the opportunity to explore the world and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, if you’re looking for a way to break free from the norm and live life on your own terms, van life may be the perfect lifestyle for you.

I have revamped my YouTube channel and will upload videos of my experiences there if you’re curious. Do you think you’ll enjoy this lifestyle too?

It was full of Korean food! I love Korean food! I think everyone loves Korean food!

I’ve been craving kimchi rice for a while now and so, we ordered just that.  I also wanted to try the Army Soup (Buddae Chigae) and we ordered that as well. Knowing that American servings are huge, I can only half a meal with someone else.

This is also the first day I went out with the state of Maryland recommending everyone to use N95 masks. I’m doing my part to help contain the virus and still be able to go around safely.

Everything tasted great! I will go back and eat Kam Ja Tang next!

Restaurant: MANNA inside Lotte Market in Ellicott City.
Price: Around $13 to $19 per meal

January 15, 2022

I got the booster shot today in the US.? It’s free, even for tourists. I got mine at a CVS pharmacy inside Target.

While I was there, I got Mica a Moby Lick. Apparently, BTS used it in one of their videos.

I feel like my left arm is going to drop on its own. Other than that, I don’t feel migraine and fever unlike my first two shots.

I still feel fatigued though. And stressed.

I’m still stressed that my flight got canceled and it’s so difficult to find affordable flights.

Bencab is one of my favorite places in Baguio. Every time I tour friends and family in Baguio, I always make sure to stop by Bencab Museum. They all love it! My cousin actually took a 360 photo of the place – stunning view!

While I’ve been here 3 or 4 times, I was always on a rush! I was either keeping a schedule or we just don’t have enough time to explore. I’m not really an artsy person but I do appreciate all the art that’s found here. What I’m after is the ambience and the contrast of a modern artistic world vs. nature. Take a look outside the building and you will find a beautiful garden, fenced by a group of hills. This is the view I’m after. And if I were to go back, I’d love to just sit by the garden, drink coffee and eat some pastries while reading a book.

Check out my 360 photos of the garden of BenCab Museum:

*Click here if the image doesn’t load.

*Click here if the image doesn’t load.

Testing out our new gadget, the Dobby Selfie drone! Unboxing and review to be posted in another video. Bottomline – perfect drone for beginners!  Some wide angle shots are taken from my GoPro Hero 4 Black

Video edited purely on-the-go using Dobby App “DoFun”, GoPro “Capture” app, and GoPro’s Quik app for editing this video.

I uploaded this video montage so you can check the image quality of videos taken by Dobby drone, unedited! I didn’t use any filters or enhanced the video. I did however cut the videos for the montage but that’s it!

Overall, it did the job for me! The video could be enhanced further by software. It doesn’t have a gimbal but it still was pretty stable despite strong winds at the beach. It has an Electronic Image Stabilizer. This drone doesn’t produce commercial-grade professional videos, but as you can see for the small size and the price, it is packed with features that even a first-timer like me can utilize. Videos are amazing and is good enough for capturing those precious sights and moments!

Dobby features:
– User tracker
– Face tracker
– 360 Panoramic shot
– Return to home when disconnected
– Palm take-off and landing
– Fits in my pocket
– Electronic Image Stabilizer

Hotels

Dusit Thani Guam

Hilton Guam

Guam Reef & Olive

Please subscribe to my YouTube channel  – http://bit.ly/FlairCandy

*Post may include affiliate links

Adidas Y-3, Yohji Yamamoto Kohna Unboxing and Review
Sunnies: Roosevelt prescription specs
Lexar iPhone expandable storage
Sandisk OTG expandable storage

Click above to press play. PAL Boeing 777 tour!

Philippine Airlines just welcomed a new plane to its fleet! PAL recently acquired its 7th Boeing 777-300ER allowing them to offer more flights to North America. They’re going to fetch an 8th B777 this December! How exciting! There will be much more fun in the sky!

With more flight offerings and variety of schedules, passengers (including me) would absolutely get delighted with these choices.

More Flights!

By December 2016, PAL will start to operate double daily flights between Manila and Los Angeles from 10 weekly flights. Flights between Manila and Vancouver will also increase from 7 to 10 weekly and flights between Manila and Toronto will increase from 3 to 4 weekly.

Wifi

I think I just wrote the magic word – “WIFI”

wifi wifi wifi wifi!

Imagine long hours up in the air with no entertainment! Now, you can wifi till sawa (I hope it’s unli). I haven’t tried a PAL long haul flight yet so I don’t know if the wifi is sagana (abundant).

The 2 B777s will be Wifi-enabled and are equipped with in-seat inflight entertainment. Check out my VLOG to take a peek and what’s in store for you!

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Specs and other info

I’m not going to dive into super technical terms, but here are things we passengers usually care about, and some nice facts  you’d like to know.

• • • 42 Business class seats
    • 323 Economy seats
    • designed by LIFT Strategic Design, a Tokyo-based studio headed by Daniel Baronl
    • carpet design inspired by “banig” (basket weave) and handwoven floor coverings
    • walls show a coastline pattern of the sea around an island
    • Economy class seat fabric features a flip-flop color-change effect, depending on viewing angle.
    • PAL Group will have a total of eighty planes by the end of the year

More photos here.

]]> https://flaircandy.com/pal-boeing-777-tour/feed/ 4 https://flaircandy.com/make-your-own-havaianas-2016/ https://flaircandy.com/make-your-own-havaianas-2016/#comments Sat, 23 Apr 2016 05:42:03 +0000 http://www.flaircandy.com/?p=12312 Make Your Own Havaianas 2016 is here! This is the 11th MYOH event and this year is inspired by one of my favorite counries to visit – Japan!

MYOH 2016 is happening at SM Mega Fashion Hall from April 22-24, 2016!

You can make your own havaianas ahead of time by visiting this website, myoh.havaianasphilippines.com.

I can’t wait to see your designs please post link on the comment below so I can see! Here’s me and my boyfriend’s design. This would look good on my beach dresses for my upcoming Maldives trip! <3

More Photos from the MYOH2016 event!

Sofitel Hotels celebrate the holiday season with a global rendezvous that highlights Sofitel’s homage to the pillars of French elegance. Sofitel features a yuletide series entitled Art de Noel, celebrating tradition, design and innovation. For this season, Sofitel is featuring epicurean seasonal offers, special events, pocket activities and a calendar of pop-up artistic and musical showcase.

Check out this video I made about the launch and what to expect this holiday season at Sofitel.

Escape to a Festive Urban Getaway

This holiday season, Sofitel presents Art De Noel. The lobby is transformed into a rich canvas of L’Art de Vivre. Treat your family and loved ones to an indulgent retreat of luxurious amenities, scrumptious gastronomic offers, magnifique artistic installations and featured musical entertainment. Choose from a rich selection of accommodations overlooking the city skyline or the stunning Manila Bay picturesque. Best of all, Create special memories this holiday season.

• Rates start at Php 7,000+++ for Superior Rooms available for bookings from the 1st to the 29th of December 2015.

Sofitel Manila also welcomes the New Year in artistic fashion with a feast of international cuisine, the finest wines, themed entertainment and the annual fireworks display. Suite 2016 at Sofitel features room offers that can make  you celebrate the coming of the New Year in the lap of luxury.

• Rates start at Php 9,000+++ for Superior Rooms for the New Year Special with breakfast at Spiral.
• Special New Year’s Packages are available featuring dinner and breakfast at Spiral starting at Php 14,000+++ for Superior Rooms.

Booking period for the featured offer is from December 1-31, 2015 valid for stays on the 31st of December 2015 to the 1st of January 2016.

Christmas at Spiral

How about spending a luxurious eventing at Spiral at Christmas? Visiting families are in for a treat as Santa stops over on the 24th of December at 7pm and on Christmas Day Brunch at 12:30pm. Holiday-inspired animations of balloon twisting showcase and Rudolph face painting corner adds color to the Christmas celebration of young VIPs.

• Christmas Eve dinner is available at Php 4,055++ per person from 6pm to 11pm.
• Christmas Day Brunch is available at Php 3,729+++ per person from 12pm to 3pm.

Sunset Bar Yuletide Special

How about a different view? Dine al fresco and take in the festive Christmas air as Sunset Bar adorns its lush verdant grounds with luminous decor echoing the evening sky coupled with its unrivalled view of the Manila Bay. Experience Sunset Bar’s signature barbecued specialties enhanced by festive offerings of roast turkey, Christmas ham, fresh oysters and rock lobster on a bed of ice. End your outdoor feast on a sweet note with Sofitel’s featured Buche de Noel and assortment of sinful treats. There will also be a live cultural show featuring Philippine folk dances. Enjoy the rest of the evening being serenaded by the string due of Tracey and RJ in a violin and guitar showcase.

Santa is also dropping by!

• Christmas Eve Dinner is available at Php 3,150 +++ per person
• Christmas Dinner is available at Php 2,620+++ per person

The Sunset Bar Yuletide Special is available from 6:30 pm to 10:30pm.

Le Marche de Noel at Le Bar

Another luxurious option is to spend your time at the beautifully decorated Le Bar, as it transports you to a picturesque Christmas village of endless seasonal treats with Le Marche de Noel. Indulge in the special offerings of featured venues such as marchands de Bonbons, cotton candy, crepes, local pastries, roast chestnuts and mulled wine. For the young ones, Santa will be stopping by as part of his festive rounds and may even tell a story or two. In the spirit and celebration of art de vivre, a special shop on art installations display festive adornments made of gastronomic elements that add flavor to the Christmas village along with pop-up showcases on musical enterntainment and the arts from the 14th to the 23rd of December 2015.

• A special set menu served with featured sparkling wine or a selected cocktail is available at Php 2,480+++ per person for intimate Christmas dinners.
• Celebration continues with the entry of 2016 showcasing a myriad of culinary specialties, live musical entertainment with featured DJ Skratchmark and a countdown to the New Year culminating in the annual fireworks display. Le Bar’s New Year special is available at Php 3,800+++ per person.

Visit Le Marche de Noel, Le Bar’s featured festive destination which opens on the 24th of November 2015.

New Year at Spiral

New Year’s Eve Dinner is available at Php 5,550+++ per person featured with a glass of 2006 vintage champagne

• New Year’s Event Dinner Prestige Packaged is available at Php 30,000+++ per person featuring free-flowing Dom Perignon and a half bottle of Grand Cru White or Red
• New Year’s Day Brunch is available at Php 3,721+++ per person featuring free-flowing champagne

Welcome 2016 with a magnifique feast as Spiral presents seasonal specialties enriching the sumptous offerings of its 21 dining ateliers! New Year’s Eve dinner is available from 7pm to 11pm. Enjoy cocktails and live entertainment care of DJ Abdel Aziz, leading up to the Sofitel’s annual fireworks.

New Year’s Day brunch is available from 12pm to 3pm.

Carnival de Venezia

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila transpors guests to stunning Venice in a New Year’s Extravagansa of magnifique offerings and wondrous animations to welcome 2016.

In its first grand New Year’s celebration, the Harbor Garden Tent is transformed into the animated setting of the Carnival de Venezia (Carnival of Venice). An annual festival held in Italy that showcases elaborate costumes and ornate masks, the colorful setting is the stage for celebration of culture and dance.

As Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila rings in the New Year, follow its festive trail to the expansive marquee adorned with oversized maskaras and elegant floral centerpieces. The celebration features a culinary fair of barbecued specialties enhanced by signature Italian dishes that will awaken your palates. As 2015 winds down, Sofitel in its fine tration of loie de vivre takes you to the New Year with lively entertainment care of featured musical acts: the 10-piece chamber orchestra, Manila String Machine and the 7 piece full band Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas.

Count down to midnight and marvel at the scenic view of the evening sky transformed into a palette of vibrant colors wit Sofitel’s annual fireworks display enjoyed from the picturesque Harbor Garden. Be part of the celebration in your finest festive ensembles showcasing the artistic resonance of traditional Carnival de Venezia fashion. A special prize is in store for elegantly dressed guests in attendance.

The New Year’s Extravaganza: Carnival de Venezia is available at Php 4,712+++ per person with a buffet spread of culinary specialties and featured Italian fare from 7pm to 11pm of December 31, 2015, free-flowing beer and iced tea and a glass of sparkling wine to toast to 2016.

Live it Up at Le Spa

Indulge in a soothing journey as you prepare for the season’s festivities with special treatments to relax, recharge and rejuvenate. Avail of Le Spa’s Festive Package featuring a one (1) hour session of signature Filipino Pride Massage, a one (1) hour session of the Mango Delight Scrub and a 30-minute instant Glow Facial. This also includes access to Le Spa’s Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

The Festive Package is available at Php 15,000 nett.

Season’s Colors by Nail Artisan

Add color to your holiday at Nail Arisan. Special package rates starts at Php 1,200 (originally valued at Php 1,880 net) nett on a Classic Manicure, Classic Pedicure and Foot Spa with Paraffin.

Vietura Aesthetic Lifestyle Holiday Glow and Festive Detox

Treat yourself to Vietura Aesthetic Lifestyle’s featured facial’s package and showcase vibrant, younger-looking skin amidst your string of holiday engagements. Book your next session of Carboxy Facial and Oxygen Facial and enjoy your seasonal package rate of Php 10,000 nett for both treatments.

Show off your slender physique as you grace the series of festive get-togethers ahead with Vietura’s Festive Detox. Avail of five (5) sessions of Colonics, five (5) sessions of Ultralipo and a staycation at the only luxury resort hotel in the city for a featured package rate of Php 35,000 nett.

Glamour by Philippe Tordjman Le Salon

Enjoy the latest in hair care technology as Le Salon features a 20% discount on haircuts, L’Oreal conditioning treatment or a combination of both.

Promotions are valid until 31st of December.

**For more information, call +63.2.551.5555 or email H6308@sofitel.com.

Event photos

Hover on the left side and right side of the photo to browse photos.