Welcome to Local Gems, our new monthly restaurant column presented by White Claw, the official hard seltzer of L.A. TACO. Each month we’ll honor neighborhood institutions that make delicious food and have stood the test of time all over Los Angeles. Read, order, share, and don’t be afraid to rep your community’s local gem in the comments.
No one who grew up in SELA eating at Frantone’s can recall their first time at the “Pizza and Spaghetti Villa” because visits were so omnipresent. Birthday parties. Little league lunches, family dinners, school pizza parties, first dates, proms, engagement parties. Baby showers. Holiday gatherings. Anniversary celebrations. Fundraisers. Hell, even wakes. Every milestone triggered a visit to Frantone’s. Eventually, the old school Italian American restaurant simply became part of the backdrop of life in southeast Los Angeles.
Italian immigrant Sleme Tesoriero and his wife Rose opened the first Frantone’s on Telegraph Road in Downey in 1964. Primarily based on Rose’s recipes, the early menu was small: pizza, sandwiches, and a few pasta dishes—one of which put Frantone’s on the map.
“The Wednesday Spaghetti Special is what made Frantone’s famous,” said longtime manager Debbie Sue Montgomery. “People would drive in from all over or come in after work in the factories for a big plate that cost $1.99 back in the day.”
The restaurant now has a giant menu, literally. The wall-sized menu is the first thing you see when you walk in the front door. It features all of the family-owned restaurant’s original dishes, plus many comfort foods—everything from fried chicken with spaghetti and linguini with clams to lasagna and veal parmigiana. But really, most people come for the pizza. The dough recipe hasn’t changed in 58 years, and it’s been made by Albert Aguirre since April 1976.
Frantone’s core employee team comprises people who have been with the restaurant for more than 40 years. Aguirre works alongside his brother Michael, who was hired in April 1975. Night manager Dan Selenak has been with Frantone’s since October 1972. Frantone’s was Montgomery’s first job. She was hired during her sophomore year of high school in May 1978 and has been there ever since. Her mother worked at the restaurant for 20 years, and her sister’s been with Frantone’s since the mid-90s. Frantone’s also remains family-owned. In the 1970s, Sleme passed the business onto his sons and son-in-law, who expanded Frantone’s into Norwalk and Cerritos.
The Norwalk location is now closed, but Frantone’s remains a beloved institution to writer Myriam Gurba’s family. Growing up in Santa Maria, Gurba’s father often took her and her siblings on pilgrimages to Norwalk, where he was raised. After visiting family, the trip would inevitably turn into a drive down memory lane and a visit to Frantone’s.
“My dad is very nostalgia-driven, and he’d take us on these long, winding drives where he would share his geography with us and tell us the lore of his life,” Gurba said. “Restaurants were a common part of this tour, and Frantone’s was one we visited frequently. It’s weird. I can’t tell you my first memory of Frantone’s, but it’s one of those restaurants I’ve gone to across my lifespan, and I have memories of eating there with people who are now deceased, including my grandma. I imagine probably even before I had a memory. My parents were taking me to Frantone’s.”
Gurba still vividly recalls being a little girl and going to Frantone’s with her Grandma Hope. When her grandmother passed away, her wake was held at Frantone’s.
“We ordered pizza, we ordered spaghetti, and then we reminisced. And it felt very, very comforting to be reminiscing there of all places because that place had been integral to all of our lives. It seemed appropriate to be mourning somebody’s life but also celebrating their life at a place that had sustained us throughout our other milestones. If you experience life milestones in a restaurant, that restaurant gets cemented to those family memories—and Frantone’s holds a lot of memories,” Gurba said.
This is certainly true for my family and me, and Frantone’s was a place where Vasquez family lore was created. Frantone’s was one of the first restaurants my dad ever ate at in the U.S. after migrating to SELA from Mexico in the 1970s. My parents went on their first dates at Frantone’s. On my birthday each year, my mom would tell me how she could eat an entire large Frantone’s pepperoni pizza when she was pregnant with me.
It seems Gurba and I are not outliers in our devotion. Montgomery said one Frantone customer regularly drives in from Bakersfield for two large pizzas. Another customer, Frances Dusharme, has been a regular since Frantone’s opened in 1964. Dusharme even celebrated her 90th birthday at the restaurant. But when her husband passed away, Dusharme could no longer visit Frantone’s because she was unable to drive. Montgomery is a close friend of the 93-year-old, so she helps her get her Frantone’s fix by delivering pizza to Dusharme’s home.
I posted a query in Downey Facebook groups, asking people to share fond memories of Frantone’s. The stories came flooding in. Weekly Friday night family dinners. First jobs. First loves. A wedding reception. A family reunion where a surprise pregnancy was announced. A woman named Sharon Livingston said that from the ages of 2-to 18, her family went to Frantone’s several times a month. Her dad always ordered extra so that they had several days’ worth of cold pizza for breakfast. Livingston continues this tradition every time she visits Downey. Before her four-hour drive home, she stops at Frantone’s so that she can have cold pizza in the morning. (It should be noted that the free “dough puffs” Frantone’s provides to dine-in customers are also universally loved. These pillowy bites of fried pizza dough are rolled in sugar and arrive at the table warm along with the check.)
While many love the food, Gurba says she can’t recall ever feeling “an incredible amount of enthusiasm” for it.
COVID has been rough. Montgomery said she was worried about elderly customers and worried Frantone’s wouldn’t survive. Business has gone up in recent months, but the manager said the future of Frantone’s is unknown. The family members behind the business are getting older, and their children have careers of their own that don’t include Frantone’s. Montgomery and the other longtime employees are also rapidly approaching retirement age.
“My family, like so many families in Southern California, are very loyal customers, and we become this sort of cult clientele,” Gurba said. “Once you find your historic watering hole, you keep going to it, no matter what. It stops being about the food if it ever was about the food. My family developed a loyalty to Frantone’s, and it became one of those establishments that just felt like ours because it was part of this region and this terrain that defined us. There are also many sentimental attachments to how the place looks and feels.”
Outside of a few minor changes—replacing picnic tables with booths and chairs—Montgomery says Frantone’s looks exactly the same as when she was hired 44 years ago. Same checkered tablecloths and the same red damask wallpaper and wood paneling. Same hanging baskets of fake plants and plump Italian chef statues tucked away in random corners. It’s like stepping back in time and a version of Downey that no longer exists. The neighborhood and the community have changed drastically since Frantone’s opened on Telegraph Road nearly 60 years ago when Downey was a middle-class white suburb. As white flight occurred all over SELA, the Tesoriero family’s foothold in the region only grew—and so did their roots in the community.
Frantone’s pizza is a mainstay at school events and Downey fairs and festivals, and the restaurant is known for donating to organizations and sponsoring local sports teams. Frantone’s has become synonymous with Downey, and Montgomery says it’s both sweet and sad to spend so much time in one place, watching customers pass through various phases of their lives.
COVID has been rough. Montgomery said she was worried about elderly customers and worried Frantone’s wouldn’t survive. Business has gone up in recent months, but the manager said the future of Frantone’s is unknown. The family members behind the business are getting older, and their children have careers of their own that don’t include Frantone’s. Montgomery and the other longtime employees are also rapidly approaching retirement age.
Whatever happens, Montgomery said it makes her happy to know that she’s spent the last 44 years of her life working at a restaurant that has helped to shape and define Downey.
“I think it means something that we have been here for so many years, and we operate like a family,” Montgomery said. “I know the names of people who come in the door. I know their families. Sometimes I see them coming, and I just start putting food out on their table because I already know what they’re going to order. I guess what I would want people to remember about me is that I made them feel at home.”
Frantone’s Pizza & Spaghetti Villa
9148 Telegraph Rd, Downey, CA 90240. Closest Metro lines and stop: Bus Line 62 – “Telegraph/Serapis” or Bus Line 266 – “Lakewood/Telegraph.”
Tina Vasquez is a journalist who covers immigration, reproductive injustice, food, labor, and culture. She is the editor-at-large at Prism, and she splits her time between Downey, CA and Winston Salem, NC.
The California housing market has shown signs of recovery in May, with home sales reaching the highest level in eight months and the median home price surpassing $800,000 for the second consecutive month. Despite the year-over-year decline in sales and price, the market is demonstrating resilience and stability.
The stats indicate a rebound in California’s housing market. Although sales and prices have declined on a year-over-year basis, the market is showing signs of resilience and stability. Increased competition, fewer price reductions, and a shorter time to pending status are positive indicators for the future. The impact of rising interest rates and the shortage of homes for sale will continue to influence the market dynamics in the coming months. Let’s dive into the details of the May home sales and price report released by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.).
Home Sales Surge to Eight-Month High
In May, existing single-family home sales in California reached a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 289,460, representing a 9.8% increase compared to April. However, when compared to May 2022, home sales were down by 23.6%. Although the sales figure remained below the 300,000-unit mark for the eighth consecutive month, the rebound in May suggests a positive trend in the market.
Median Home Price Exceeds $800,000 Again
The statewide median home price in California climbed to $836,110 in May, marking a 3.0% increase from April. However, on a year-over-year basis, the median price dropped by 6.4% for the seventh consecutive month. Tight housing supply and an increase in the sale of high-end homes contributed to the upward pressure on prices. Despite the recent improvement, more negative annual price changes are anticipated in the coming months due to expected high interest rates in the third quarter of 2023.
Resilience of California’s Housing Market
C.A.R. President Jennifer Branchini emphasized the resilience of California’s housing market, attributing the bounceback in sales and prices to the value consumers place on homeownership. The market is stabilizing and even showing signs of improvement, with increased competition leading to a higher percentage of homes selling above the asking price and fewer sellers reducing their listing prices. Additionally, homes are going into pending status within two weeks, compared to over 30 days earlier this year.
Regional Sales Performance
While sales declined across all major regions in California, the rate of decline moderated compared to the previous year. The San Francisco Bay Area experienced the largest sales drop at 23.8%, followed by Southern California (22.3%) and the Far North (21.8%). The Central Coast (-17.3%) and the Central Valley (-20.0%) recorded smaller decreases. Nearly all counties tracked by C.A.R. registered a decline in sales from the previous year, with some experiencing significant drops.
Impact of Interest Rates
The recent rise in mortgage rates has had an impact on the housing market, as prospective sellers with low-interest rate mortgages are hesitant to list their homes for sale, contributing to tight inventory. C.A.R.’s Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Jordan Levine, explained that the shortage of homes for sale continues to put upward pressure on prices. However, with reduced homebuyer demand, the market faces an imbalance between supply and demand.
The California housing market continues to exhibit regional variations in May 2023. While some regions, like the Los Angeles Metro Area, witnessed month-to-month price increases, others, such as the San Francisco Bay Area, experienced declines. Similarly, sales figures varied across the regions, with some areas showing significant growth while others faced declines. It is crucial to consider these regional trends when analyzing the overall state of the California housing market.
Los Angeles Metro Area:
The median sold price of existing single-family homes in the Los Angeles Metro Area stood at $765,000 in May 2023. This reflects a 3.4% increase from the previous month but a 5.0% decrease compared to May 2022. Despite the year-over-year decline, the region experienced a substantial increase in sales, with a 20.6% month-to-month growth and a 21.8% year-over-year decline.
Central Coast:
In the Central Coast region, the median sold price for existing single-family homes was $1,000,000 in May 2023. This indicates a 2.0% decrease from April 2023 but a slight 0.5% increase from May 2022. Notably, the region witnessed a significant rise in sales, with a remarkable 36.6% month-to-month increase. However, when compared to the previous year, there was a 17.3% decline in sales.
Central Valley:
With a median sold price of $485,000 in May 2023, the Central Valley region experienced a notable 4.8% month-to-month increase. However, when compared to May 2022, there was a 4.9% decline in prices. Sales in the region followed a similar pattern, with a 22.7% month-to-month growth and a 20.0% year-over-year decline.
Far North:
The Far North region had a median sold price of $380,000 in May 2023, showing a slight 1.3% decrease from the previous month. However, in comparison to May 2022, there was a significant 10.6% drop in prices. On the positive side, the region experienced a substantial 44.8% increase in sales on a month-to-month basis, though there was a 21.8% decline in sales compared to the previous year.
Inland Empire:
In May 2023, the median sold price for existing single-family homes in the Inland Empire region was $574,990. This represented a 1.8% increase from April 2023. However, when compared to May 2022, prices decreased by 3.5%. Sales in the region experienced a modest 13.9% month-to-month growth but a significant 22.9% year-over-year decline.
San Francisco Bay Area:
The San Francisco Bay Area had a median sold price of $1,300,000 in May 2023. This indicated a 4.0% increase from the previous month but an 11.3% decrease from May 2022. Sales in the region experienced a notable 30.0% month-to-month growth, but there was a substantial 23.8% decline compared to the previous year.
In May 2023, the median sold price for existing single-family homes in Southern California was $800,000. This represented a modest 1.9% increase from the previous month. However, compared to May 2022, there was a 5.3% decrease in prices. The region also experienced a 19.4% month-to-month growth in sales, but there was a significant 22.3% decline in sales compared to the previous year.
California Housing Market Forecast 2023: Recently Revised
Based on the latest data and market conditions, the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) has revised its Housing Market Forecast for 2023. The forecast provides insights into the projected trends and expectations for the housing market in the state. Overall, it indicates a challenging market environment in California, with a decline in home sales and a projected decrease in median home prices compared to the previous year.
The revised Housing Market Forecast, released in April 2023, differs from the California Housing Forecast released by the C.A.R. on October 12, 2022. Here are the key differences between the two forecasts:
Existing Single-Family Home Sales:
October 2022 Forecast: The forecast projected existing single-family home sales to total 333,450 units in 2023, representing a decline of 7.2% from the projected pace of 359,220 units in 2022.
April 2023 Revised Forecast: The revised forecast estimates a steeper decline in existing single-family home sales, with 279,900 units projected to be sold in 2023. This reflects an 18.2% decrease compared to the 342,000 units sold in 2022.
Median Home Price:
October 2022 Forecast: The forecast predicted a decline in California’s median home price by 8.8% to $758,600 in 2023, following a projected 5.7% increase to $831,460 in 2022.
April 2023 Revised Forecast: The revised forecast also expects a decline in the median home price, but the projected figure is slightly higher at $776,600, reflecting a 5.6% decrease from the median price of $822,300 recorded in 2022.
Overall, the revised forecast released in April 2023 indicates a more pessimistic outlook for the California housing market compared to the October 2022 forecast. It predicts a steeper decline in home sales and a slightly higher median home price decrease. These adjustments likely reflect the changing market conditions and factors influencing the California housing market over time.
The revised forecast takes into account various factors influencing the housing market, such as mortgage rates, inventory levels, buyer demand, and economic conditions. The decline in home sales is primarily attributed to higher mortgage rates and the limited availability of homes on the market. These factors have contributed to a decrease in buyer activity and overall sales volume.
Despite the decline in sales, the median home price in California is expected to remain relatively high. The increase in market competition, with homes spending less time on the market and a higher percentage of homes selling above asking price, has influenced the rise in median home prices.
It is important to note that the forecasted figures are based on current market conditions and historical trends. However, unforeseen events or changes in economic factors can influence the actual performance of the housing market throughout the year.
Here’s the snapshot of the California Housing Forecast for 2023 which was released by the C.A.R. on October 12, 2022.
Housing Market Forecast for California Metro Areas
Let us look at the price trends recorded by Zillow over the past year. Based on Zillow’s data and CAR’s data, the California housing market is expected to experience a slowdown in 2023 and 2024. According to Zillow, the average home value in California is $737,900, down 4.3% over the past year, and homes go pending in around 13 days. Zillow’s data also shows that 40.3% of sales go over the list price, while 44.9% go under the list price, indicating that the market is becoming more favorable for buyers.
Source: Zillow
The California housing market is always a topic of interest due to its dynamic nature and significant impact on the state’s economy. As we look ahead to the future, it’s natural to wonder how the housing market will perform in the coming years. Based on the latest data and forecasts, here are the top 10 areas in California where housing prices are projected to rise by 2024:
Santa Maria, CA: Santa Maria is expected to experience a steady increase in housing prices, with a forecasted rise of 6.9% by 2024. This growth reflects a positive outlook for the local housing market.
Madera, CA: The housing market in Madera is also anticipated to see a rise in prices, with a projected increase of 6.1% by 2024. This suggests that Madera is poised for modest growth in the coming years.
Bakersfield, CA: Bakersfield, a prominent city in the Central Valley, is forecasted to have a 5.8% increase in housing prices by 2024. This indicates a positive trend in the local real estate market.
Hanford, CA: Hanford is another area in the Central Valley that is expected to experience a 5.7% rise in housing prices by 2024. This suggests a favorable market for homebuyers and sellers in the region.
Visalia, CA: Visalia, located in the San Joaquin Valley, is projected to see a 5.3% increase in housing prices by 2024. This indicates a stable housing market with modest growth potential.
Riverside, CA: Riverside, a significant metro area in Southern California, is forecasted to have a 5.0% rise in housing prices by 2024. This suggests continued demand and market stability in the region.
Fresno, CA: The housing market in Fresno is expected to see a 5.0% increase in prices by 2024. This indicates a positive market outlook and potential for growth in the coming years.
Merced, CA: Merced, located in the Central Valley, is projected to have a 4.9% rise in housing prices by 2024. This suggests a stable market with moderate growth opportunities.
Salinas, CA: Salinas, situated on the Central Coast, is forecasted to experience a 4.8% increase in housing prices by 2024. This indicates a positive market outlook for the city.
Los Angeles, CA: Los Angeles, the largest metropolitan area in California, is projected to see a 4.3% increase in housing prices by 2024. Despite its already high prices, this forecast suggests continued demand and potential appreciation in the housing market.
It’s important to note that these forecasts are based on current trends and data, and market conditions can change. Various factors, including economic growth, population trends, and housing supply, can influence the housing market’s performance in these areas.
California Housing Market – Weekly Report – June 17, 2023
The California housing market is constantly evolving, influenced by various factors such as interest rates, inflation, job growth, and buyer demand. In this week’s report, we’ll examine the latest trends and insights shaping the housing market in the Golden State.
Federal Reserve Pauses Rate Hikes: In their latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, the Federal Reserve decided to hold the Fed funds rate steady. However, Fed Chairman Powell indicated that they are prepared to raise rates further this year to address persistent inflation. The bond market had previously anticipated one more rate increase by the end of 2023, but the pause in rate hikes suggests that interest rates will remain elevated longer than expected.
California Housing Market Bounces Back: After experiencing consecutive dips in sales in March and April, the California housing market showed signs of recovery in May. Sales of existing homes surged nearly 10% on a monthly basis, reaching the highest level in eight months. The availability of lower mortgage rates in April likely prompted homebuyers to initiate transactions that closed in May. Although home sales still declined by double digits compared to the same period last year, the yearly drop was relatively mild, indicating a potential stabilization of the market.
Inflation and Mortgage Rates: Inflationary pressures have been a concern, impacting mortgage rates. The Freddie Mac 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remained steady at an average of 6.7% for the week ending June 11th. However, there are expectations of rates potentially rising above 7%, driven by a rise in 10-year Treasuries. Additionally, the Fed’s indication of potential rate hikes may delay the return to sub-6% rates that some had anticipated.
Mortgage Applications Stabilize: New mortgage purchase applications saw a notable increase of 17% last week, breaking a streak of six consecutive weekly declines. While year-over-year declines in applications have slowed, there is still a relative depression in new purchase applications compared to pre-pandemic levels. This indicates that rates have impacted purchasing power and highlights the ongoing challenge of tight inventory in the California housing market.
California Job Growth Slows: Job growth in California has decelerated, but the state continues to add jobs. In May, employers added 40,000 new jobs, following a revised 70,000 increase in April. The year-over-year gains stood at 2.4%, well below the average seen during the reopening phase. The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.5%, as the labor force expanded with re-entering workers. While signs of a labor shortage persist, the gradual thawing of the job market is evident.
Mixed Macro Indicators: Several macro indicators suggest an overall positive outlook for the economy. Small businesses showed increased optimism in May, although many anticipate raising prices in the near future. While manufacturing activity rose slightly, the industrial production index experienced declines in mining and utilities sectors. Retail sales saw a growth of 1.6% year-over-year, but when adjusted for inflation, real retail spending has been falling for the past four months. These indicators indicate a more lackluster growth in the second half of 2023.
Depressed Labor Force Participation Rate: The labor force participation rate remains low for workers aged 55 and above, despite recovery for younger workers. Early retirements during the pandemic, driven by rising home prices, have created a shortfall in experienced workers, contributing to the labor shortage. This situation has also led to faster wage growth and has played a role in keeping inflation from declining at a faster rate.
Is It a Good Time to Buy a Home in California?
The California housing market has experienced fluctuations in recent months, with various factors influencing buyer sentiment and market conditions. To assess whether it’s a good time to buy a home in California, let’s examine some key data and indicators.
Sales Activity: The daily average for closed sales, pending sales, and new listings provide insights into market activity. In the week ending June 17, 2023, there were 454 closed sales per day, indicating a consistent level of transactions. This suggests that buyers are actively engaging in the market.
REALTOR® Sentiment: The opinions of real estate professionals can provide valuable insights. According to the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.), the percentage of REALTORS® who believe sales will increase in the foreseeable future stands at 26.2%. While this is a decrease of 3.5% from the previous week, it still indicates a relatively positive outlook for sales activity.
Price Expectations: Another factor to consider is price projections. C.A.R. reports that 25.7% of REALTORS® surveyed believe that prices will increase. Although this reflects a marginal increase of 0.1% from the previous week, it suggests that there is a degree of optimism regarding potential price appreciation.
Listing Supply: The availability of listings plays a crucial role in the buying process. C.A.R.’s survey indicates that 26.6% of responders expect listings to increase. However, this figure shows a decline of 5.2% from the previous week, suggesting that the inventory may remain relatively tight.
Considering these factors, the current California housing market presents a mixed picture. While sales activity remains steady and there is a level of optimism among REALTORS® regarding future sales and price increases, the availability of listings may continue to be a challenge.
When determining whether it’s a good time to buy a home in California, prospective buyers should consider their individual circumstances, such as financial readiness, personal preferences, and long-term goals. It may be beneficial to work with a trusted real estate agent who can provide personalized advice based on the specific market conditions in the desired area.
Ultimately, the decision to buy a home in California should be based on careful consideration of various factors, including market conditions, affordability, and personal circumstances.
The California housing market experienced a significant shift in the first quarter of 2023, with rising affordability levels due to declining home prices and lower borrowing costs. According to a report released by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.), housing affordability in the state reached its highest level in a year during this period.
Twenty percent of California households could afford to purchase the $760,260 median-priced home in the first quarter of 2023, up from 17 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022 and down from 24 percent in first-quarter 2022.
A minimum annual income of $188,400 was needed to make monthly payments of $4,710, including principal, interest and taxes on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at a 6.48 percent interest rate.
Twenty-six percent of home buyers were able to purchase the $619,900 median-priced condo or townhome. A minimum annual income of $153,600 was required to make a monthly payment of $3,840.
Rising Affordability in California
During the first quarter of 2023, housing affordability in California showed promising improvement compared to previous quarters. The percentage of households able to afford the median-priced home rose to 20 percent, up from 17 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022. However, it declined from 24 percent in the first quarter of 2022.
To purchase a median-priced home valued at $760,260, a minimum annual income of $188,400 was required. This calculation considered a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at an interest rate of 6.48 percent, including principal, interest, and taxes. While these figures indicate progress, they are still far below the peak of 56 percent affordability observed in the first quarter of 2012.
Regional Affordability Analysis
Affordability indices were calculated for various regions and counties within California, providing a comprehensive perspective on the housing market across the state.
Los Angeles Metro Area: The affordability index for this region improved to 19 percent in the first quarter of 2023, compared to 18 percent in the previous quarter.
Inland Empire: Housing affordability remained stable in the Inland Empire, with an affordability index of 24 percent.
San Francisco Bay Area: Affordability levels remained consistent with the previous year, with an index of 21 percent. However, the high median home price in this area, projected at $1,120,000 for 2023, poses a significant challenge for homebuyers.
United States: In comparison to the national average, which saw an affordability index of 40 percent, California’s housing market proved to be less affordable, with an index of 20 percent.
County Affordability Analysis
The report also highlighted affordability indices for specific counties within California, shedding light on local market dynamics.
Most Affordable Counties: Lassen County ranked as the most affordable county in the state, with an affordability index of 53 percent. It was followed by Plumas County at 42 percent and Siskiyou County at 41 percent.
Least Affordable Counties: Mono County, along with San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and Orange Counties, shared the distinction of being the least affordable, each with an affordability index of 12 percent. These counties required a minimum annual income of at least $208,000 to purchase a median-priced home.
San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties: These two counties in the San Francisco Bay Area continued to be among the least affordable areas in the state. San Mateo County had an affordability index of 15 percent, while Santa Clara County had an index of 16 percent. The high cost of living and strong demand in the tech-driven region contributed to the challenges faced by prospective homebuyers.
Marco Santarelli is an investor, author, Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, and the founder of Norada Real Estate Investments – a nationwide provider of turnkey cash-flow investment property. His mission is to help 1 million people create wealth and passive income and put them on the path to financial freedom with real estate. He’s also the host of the top-rated podcast – Passive Real Estate Investing.
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Jonathan Bailey House & Park, “The Old Ranch House”, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Built 1868 – Whittier’s First Home.
Buying A Historic home? 6 Owners share the pros and Cons
They just don’t make homes like they used to.From intricately carved moldings to turrets to hand-carved stone fireplaces, many older homes offer a unique charm you can’t find in modern properties.
10 home renovations that will pay you back
Some historic homes in no-so-great states of repair can be great investments, if you’re willing to put the additional time, sweat equity and money into them. However, because of their age, historic homes can be costlier to fix and renovate than newer ones. You may find that generations of homeowners have made repairs and additions with varying levels of expertise, and old walls can hide some big surprises.
If you’re thinking about buying a historic home, you need to make sure you’re up for the challenge — financially and emotionally.
We tracked down six homeowners who have taken on these projects and asked them to share the lessons — good and bad — that they’ve learned along the way.
Meet the panel:
Ron Tanner, a professor at Loyola University-Maryland, bought an 1897 townhouse in Baltimore in 2000 with his wife (then-girlfriend), Jill. The house had most recently been occupied (and vandalized) by a fraternity. The couple spent 15 years restoring it, documenting the project on a blog and in a book, “From Animal House to Our House: A Love Story.” They’re now restoring an 1880 farmstead about 40 miles from Baltimore.
Amy and Doug Heavilin are currently restoring a 1902 Victorian-style house in Franklin, Indiana. They had already worked on homes from the 1920s and 1930s, and were living in one from 1875 when their current home — their “dream house” — came on the market after a foreclosure. You can follow the Heavilins’ projects on their website.
Ken Roginski‘s restoration of a 1910 late-Victorian-style home in Freehold, New Jersey, led him to a career change from finance to historic preservation. He has worked for the New Jersey Historic Trust and is now a consultant — “The Old House Guy” — helping other owners of historic properties with their projects.
Alex and Wendy Santantonio bought a 15-foot-wide 1885 row house in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, in 2003 and are still finding projects that need doing They’ve also purchased a 1908 beach house in Maryland and are continuing to document their restoration projects on their website.
A BEDROOM RENOVATION. PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY AND DOUG HEAVILIN
All of the homeowners we spoke with agreed that restoring a house brings value that can’t be measured in dollars and cents.
“People have a connection to this house,” Amy Heavilin said. “People knock on our door and tell us about when they lived here. It was broken up into apartments at one point. So a lot of people lived here, and they bring photos when they come to visit. The history of the people who lived here was amazing.”
“We’re not just restoring it for us,” she said. “We’re restoring it so other people can continue to love it.”
Con: Historic designations may limit some of your choices
REFINISHING THE FRONT PORCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY AND DOUG HEAVILIN
If your home has a historical designation or is in a historic district, you may have to follow certain rules when making changes to the exterior.
The Heavilins were already planning to keep a historically accurate color palette on the home’s outside, but the local historical society did hesitate when considering their plan to turn a back porch into part of their new kitchen.
“There were windows about a foot above the floor, and when we wanted to move those windows so we could put cabinets in, there was a little pause,” Amy said. “But they decided that because [the porch] was an addition and not part of the original house, it wasn’t a problem.”
“If we had wanted to change a window on the front of the house, they probably would have said that wasn’t allowed,” Doug said.
Pro: You’ll learn a lot
THE BUTLER PANTRY. PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY AND DOUG HEAVILIN
The Heavilins admitted that they didn’t have a lot of home-repair experience going into their first old house, but they’ve picked up a lot of skills along the way.
“We’ve learned how to do so many things, and I don’t want people to be scared of a project and think they can’t do it,” Amy said.
“It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but you’re not the first to take on a project like this,” Doug added. “People take these on and are able to get it done.”
Con: Your project will probably take longer and cost more than you expect
THE LIBRARY. PHOTO COURTESY OF RON TANNER
Another point on which the homeowners agreed is that your project will almost definitely take longer than you expect.
“I thought we’d be done in two years,” Ron Tanner said. “I had this optimism, and I kept repeating to myself: ‘Just two more years, just another two years.’ I couldn’t surrender that optimism, and it drove me.”
In the end, the Tanners’ renovation took 15 years.
They started with a bank loan to fund some of the immediate repairs like replacing the roof and plumbing, refinishing floors and making electrical repairs. But they had to slowly save up for additional costs like custom-made, hand-turned balusters to replace the ones the fraternity brothers who previously lived in the home had knocked out with baseball bats.
Con: You may have to sacrifice some creature comforts
THE KITCHEN. PHOTO COURTESY OF RON TANNER
During the renovations, you’ll have to put up with a lot of mess and maybe have to give up some of your home’s normal amenities.
While the Heavilins said they were able to go without a functioning kitchen for four or five months, the Tanners’ situation was more extreme.
“We were basically living in squalor for years, living with broken and damaged things for years,” Tanner said.
Tanner advised homeowners to create at least one “safe” room during their project where they can escape from the renovation madness. It doesn’t have to be a finished room, but it should be clean and free of tools and building supplies.
Pro: You get immediate gratification from the work
THE LIVING ROOM. PHOTO COURTESY OF RON TANNER
Finishing your home may take years, but the immediate gratification you get from seeing the progress you’ve made is a great feeling, Tanner said.
“It’s incredibly exciting to watch it come together piece by piece,” he said. “For example, you spend the day weeding and when you look around you think, ‘Wow, this is looking pretty good.’”
Con: Contractors can be hard to find
A 1920S-STYLE KITCHEN RESTORATION. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN ROGINSKI
Sure, plenty of contractors are in the phone book, but that doesn’t mean all of them have the skills and expertise to help you with a historic renovation, Ken Roginski said.
“The biggest con is finding somebody to do the work,” he said. Homeowners should seek out a contractor who specializes in historic restorations. These contractors are more likely to know how to repair what’s already there, rather than tearing out impossible-to-replace features like plaster and antique windows and replacing them with newer, flimsier versions.
Roginski has compiled a list of resources on his blog and said other historic home forums and websites also have information on contractors and specialists from around the country to assist homeowners in finding help in their areas.
Pro: Historic districts could protect your home’s value
A PARLOR. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN ROGINSKI
If your home is located in a historic district, it may retain its value better than if it were located in another part of town, Roginski said.
The rules historic districts have in place for the external appearances of homes mean your neighbors won’t be able to add any unsightly additions to their homes and lower the surrounding property values.
“If all the houses in the neighborhood are going to look really good, your home can be worth about 20 percent more in a historic district,” Roginski said.
Con: What you’ll find behind the walls is anybody’s guess
THE FRONT HALLWAY. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX AND WENDY SANTANTONIO
You never know what you’ll find behind the old walls of a historic home.
Alex and Wendy Santantonio were in their home for about a year-and-a-half before they learned they had some serious structural problems: There were termites, they had water damage and an addition on the back of the house had been built without a foundation.
Through the years, a lot of people in most historic homes have been making repairs and “improvements” of sometimes-dubious quality. That’s why it’s so critical to hire a good home inspector to look carefully at an older property before you buy. Ask yourself whether the time and money it will take to address necessary repairs are really worth your while.
“I think with all houses, and particularly an old house, you’re always going to uncover something you weren’t aware of, even after the inspection,” Wendy Santantonio said. “I wish we had been better prepared for that emotionally and financially.”
Pro: There’s an extensive community of people willing to lend their support
A SUN PORCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX AND WENDY SANTANTONIO
“When we bought our home in 2003, the [online] old house community was there, but not nearly as mature as it is now,” Alex Santantonio said. “The online community has filled out. There are forums where anybody can ask questions and get a bunch of different opinions from people who have been there and done that.”
And it’s not just DIY-ers joining the conversation.
“On these old home community websites, quite a few contractors contribute often,” he said. “They’re not necessarily trying to get work, either. They really have an interest in helping people accomplish their projects.”
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Once restored and brought back to its natural beauty, this Pasadena charmer will be the talk of the town.
