A press release from the California used house salepeople. "California home sales declined for the eighth straight month in December, and a stagnating market for much of the year pushed sales lower in 2018 for the first time in four years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) said today. 'The housing market continued to shift in December and drift downward as sales have fallen double digits for the past three out of four months,' said C.A.R. President Jared Martin."

"On a regionwide, non-seasonally adjusted basis, sales dropped double-digits on a year-over-year basis in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Coast, Central Valley and Southern California regions, with the Central Coast dropping the most at 24.9 percent."

"Thirty-nine of the 51 counties reported by C.A.R. posted a sales decline in December with an average year-over-year sales decline of 20 percent. Thirty-four counties recorded double-digit sales drops on an annual basis, and 10 counties experienced an increase in sales from a year ago."

"Sales for the San Francisco Bay Area as a whole fell 17.5 percent from a year ago. Eight of nine Bay Area counties recorded annual sales declines of more than 10 percent. Only San Francisco County posted a year-over-year increase, gaining 11.3 percent from December 2017."

"The Los Angeles Metro region posted a year-over-year sales drop of 17.8 percent, as home sales fell 16.3 percent in Los Angeles County and 18.3 percent in Orange County. Home sales in the Inland Empire declined 19.8 percent from a year ago as Riverside and San Bernardino counties posted annual sales declines of 17.7 percent and 23.1 percent, respectively."

"The median home price continued to increase in all regions, except in the San Francisco Bay Area. On a year-over-year basis, the Bay Area median price dipped 3.6 percent from December 2017. Home prices in Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties continued to remain above $1 million, but both San Mateo County and Santa Clara counties recorded a year-over-year price decline."

"Statewide active listings rose for the ninth consecutive month after nearly three straight years of declines, increasing 30.6 percent from the previous year. All major regions recorded an increase in active listings, with the Bay Area posting the highest increase at 65 percent, followed by Southern California (34 percent), Central Valley (24 percent) and the Central Coast (12 percent)."

The Los Angeles Times. "It looks like a loss for Scott Boras in Newport Beach. After buying a Mediterranean-style home for $2.975 million in 2013, the MLB agent has sold it six years later for $2.9 million."

"Boras first listed the estate in 2015 for $3.525 million. A price cut seemed to draw more interest, as he had it on the market late last year for $2.999 million."

The Folsom Telegraph. "Dear Kari, I have had my home listed for sale with my agent for two months with no offers as of yet. My agent says it is the price and wants to reduce it sooner than later. I don't want to give my home away just because my agent just wants a fast commission. Can you offer some sage advice?"

"Answer: Your question is greatly appreciated. Deciding on the right price for your home can be stressful. Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell if the asking price for your home is 'just right.' Offering your home for the right price from the start is optimal."

"In order to avoid overpricing, look closely at the current data in the Realtor’s multiple listing service (MLS). When looking at the homes offered for sale, keep in mind that they do not reflect the true market value because they have not been sold yet. Next, look closely at the pending homes bearing in mind that the final sales price will not be divulged until the close of escrow. Then you want to look at expired homes, these are the unfortunate homeowners that failed to sell in a timely manner."

"Signs a home is overpriced are: the home has been on the market more than the average DOM (days on market), have had few showings, and received no offers or too low of offers. The decision to reduce the asking price is always the seller’s decision. It is widely known in the real estate industry that the longer a property sits on the market without selling, the less money the seller will receive in the end. One exception to this would be if you are in an upwardly moving market."