April 2025 Housing Market Update: A Shift That Favors Buyers

 If you've been waiting for the right time to jump into the housing market, you might not have to wait much longer.

According to the latest data from HousingWire, the U.S. housing market is starting to shift. And for homebuyers, this could be a window of opportunity.

Home Prices Are Starting to Cool Off

In April 2025, the median home price across the country was $414,000. While that's still higher than this time last year, the pace of growth has slowed to just 1.8%—a sign that the market may be stabilizing. For buyers, this means less pressure to act fast and more room to negotiate.

Inventory Is Up—Big Time

One of the most encouraging developments for homebuyers is the 20.8% increase in homes for sale compared to the same time last year. That means more choices, more competition among sellers, and potentially better deals for those looking to make a move.

Buyers Are Backing Off (Which Could Help You)

Ongoing economic uncertainty—think inflation, interest rate volatility, and recent trade policy headlines—has led many buyers to hit pause. In fact, contract cancellations are up, which means fewer bidding wars and more leverage for serious, prepared buyers.

Sellers Are More Willing to Work with You

With more homes on the market and fewer buyers ready to pull the trigger, many sellers are becoming more flexible. This could look like price reductions, covering closing costs, or offering credits for repairs.

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Why This Matters for You

The market is moving, and if you’re financially ready, now could be a strategic time to explore your options. You don’t need to time the “perfect” rate or the lowest price—you just need to be informed, pre-approved, and ready to act when the right home hits the market.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, we're here to help guide you through the process.

Let’s talk about your next steps and what this shift could mean for your goals.

Joe Costa

The Park Place Collective Group

402 West Broadway, Suite 400

San Diego, CA 92101

619-990-7552

www.parkplacecollective.com

Why a Home Inspection Is a Must for Homebuyers

 

According to a recent report from Keeping Current Matters, about 1 in 5 buyers today are skipping the home inspection to try and win over sellers. While that strategy might work in a bidding war, it also comes with serious risks.

Why You Don’t Want to Skip the Inspection

A home inspection isn’t just a box to check—it’s a powerful tool that protects your investment and gives you valuable insight into the property you’re about to purchase.

Here are a few key reasons why it matters:

Helps You Avoid Surprises

A professional home inspector can uncover issues you likely missed during your initial walkthrough—think foundation cracks, roof damage, outdated wiring, or plumbing problems. These hidden issues can be costly if discovered after you’ve closed.

Gives You Negotiation Power

If your inspection report reveals problems, your real estate agent can help you ask the seller for repairs, credits, or even a price reduction before closing. Without an inspection, you lose that leverage.

Provides a Post-Purchase To-Do List

Even if you decide to move forward with the home as-is, your inspection report serves as a helpful list of future repairs and maintenance items you can tackle over time.

Why This Matters

A home inspection might feel like a small step in the process, but it offers peace of mind, transparency, and protection. It helps ensure you’re not walking into a major financial burden or a home with safety hazards.

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Final Thoughts

In today’s fast-moving market, it can be tempting to cut corners to compete—but skipping an inspection isn’t worth the risk. Knowledge is power, especially when making one of the biggest investments of your life.

Have questions about the homebuying process or how to prepare for a successful inspection? Let’s connect and talk through your options.

For more information please contact Joe Costa and The Park Place Collective Group

402 West Broadway, Suite 400

San Diego, CA 92101

619-990-7552

www.parkplacecollective.com

Why Homeowners—Even Those With Low Rates—Should Reconsider Refinancing

 

With high-interest debt on the rise, refinancing your home could be the smartest way to lower your monthly expenses.

Many homeowners with low mortgage rates—some as low as 2–3%—believe refinancing isn’t worth considering in today’s higher rate environment. But here’s the truth: even if your mortgage rate is low, you could still be overpaying each month if you’re carrying other types of high-interest debt.

Think about it:

• Credit cards with rates of 18–25%
• Student loans at 6–8%
• Car loans, personal loans, or even business loans that stack up over time

These debts can quietly erode your monthly cash flow and prevent you from saving, investing, or even just breathing easier financially.

Here’s Where Refinancing Comes In

By refinancing your mortgage, you may be able to consolidate higher-interest debt into a single, manageable payment—even if your new mortgage rate is higher than your current one.

It’s not just about the rate. It’s about your total monthly outflow.

We recently helped homeowners reduce their monthly expenses by hundreds (even thousands) of dollars by restructuring their overall debt through a strategic refinance.

How Do You Know If It’s Worth It?

We’ll do the math for you. At The Park Place Collective Group, we offer a free, no-obligation refinance rate comparison. We’ll take a look at your current mortgage, your outstanding debt, and your long-term goals to see if a refinance would help you:

• Lower your total monthly payments
• Pay off high-interest debt faster
• Free up cash for savings, investments, or business growth
• Improve your financial flexibility

When Does This Make Sense?

Refinancing might make sense if you:

• Have credit card balances, student loans, auto loans, or personal/business loans
• Want to simplify your monthly payments
• Have home equity that can be used strategically
• Are looking to improve monthly cash flow

Let’s Talk

Your situation is unique—and so is our approach. Our team is here to run the numbers with you, no pressure, just honest insight.

📞 Schedule a Call with Joe Costa and The Park Place Collective Group

Let’s explore whether a smart refinance strategy could unlock savings for you.

Joe Costa-NMLS: 113396

Mortgage Advisor | The Park Place Collective Group

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A Trusted Partner for Real Estate Agents, Financial Planners, CPAs, and Insurance Professionals

 

At Park Place Collective Group, led by Joe and Marni Costa, we know that when you refer a client to a mortgage partner, you’re putting your reputation on the line. That's why we’ve built our entire business around one core principle: deliver a client service experience so high-level that it reflects positively on every professional involved.

Whether you’re a real estate agent, financial planner, CPA, or insurance advisor, when you refer your client to Park Place Collective Group, you can trust they’ll be treated with the same care, urgency, and attention to detail that you yourself provide.

Why Professionals Trust Park Place Collective Group

1. Unmatched Availability

We don’t operate on a strict 9-to-5 schedule. Real estate transactions, financial moves, and client questions often happen after hours and on weekends — and we’re available when you and your clients need us most. Quick responses and personal attention aren't the exception with us — they’re the rule.

2. Setting Expectations and Over-Communicating

From the very first touchpoint, we clearly set expectations so that your clients understand the mortgage process — and so you stay in the loop at all times.

We believe proactive communication is critical: whether it’s a major milestone or a small update, we make sure everyone involved is informed and aligned.

3. Handling Each File with Personal Care

When we take on a client, we treat their file as if it were our own. Every detail matters, and we bring the same level of care and urgency that we would expect if we were in the client’s shoes. This approach not only leads to smoother transactions — it also builds client trust, helping strengthen your relationship with your client as well.

4. Solution-First Mentality

Challenges can arise in any mortgage process — but we don’t let them stall progress. If an issue comes up, we immediately move into solution mode. We collaborate with all parties — client, agent, financial advisor, CPA — to quickly strategize and implement a path forward.

You can count on us to tackle issues head-on with transparency and action, not excuses.

Protect Your Reputation — Partner with the Best

We understand that your clients are your lifeblood. You need a mortgage partner who treats them with the same level of respect, care, and professionalism that you do.

At Park Place Collective Group, we don’t just close loans — we elevate the client experience so that your clients feel fully supported and confident, and your professional reputation shines.

Ready to experience the Park Place difference?

Partner with a mortgage team that works as hard for your clients as you do.

Joe & Marni Costa

Park Place Collective Group

NMLS2571108

(O)619-990-7552

(C)646-245-7856

info@parkplacecollective.com

www.parkplacecollective.com

Build It Right: How Our Construction to Permanent Loan Makes Financing Your Dream Home Simple

 

For many buyers, the idea of building a custom home is exciting—but the financing process? Not so much.

At The Park Place Collective Group, Joe & Marni Costa offer a Construction to Permanent (C2P) loan program that simplifies financing from the ground up. Whether you're a homebuyer ready to build or a real estate agent working with clients exploring new construction, this one-loan solution helps make the process smoother, faster, and more predictable.

🧱 What Is a Construction to Permanent Loan?

Park Place Collective Construction to Permanent loan is a single financing solution that covers the cost of building a home and then automatically converts to a traditional mortgage once construction is complete.

Instead of securing a construction loan first and then applying for a new mortgage later (with another closing and another set of fees), this program consolidates everything into one loan.

💡 Why Clients & Agents Love Our C2P Program

• ✅ One Loan, One Closing: Say goodbye to multiple closings, duplicate fees, and added stress.
• ✅ Underwritten Up Front: We qualify borrowers based on the permanent financing terms from day one.
• ✅ Simplifies Long-Term Planning: Borrowers lock in their mortgage while still under construction.

🛠️ What Makes Our Program Different?

Our Construction to Permanent financing is designed for primary residences only, and follows specific guidelines to ensure a smooth process:

• 🏡 Borrower must hold title to the lot
• 📑 All construction work must be completed and paid for before closing
• 🏢 Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required prior to loan delivery
• 🔍 Appraiser's certificate of completion and property photo must be included
• 📊 Property taxes are estimated

This is not a construction-only loan, and it doesn’t support FHA or VA financing. It’s conventional or jumbo only, depending on the buyer’s scenario.

❗ Condo Note: Only detached condos are eligible — no attached units.

👷 Who Is This Program For?

This is a perfect fit for:

• Buyers planning to build a custom or semi-custom home
• Clients who already own their lot or are purchasing it up front
• Borrowers working with licensed builders
• Real estate agents helping buyers navigate new construction projects

🚀 Ready to Get Started?

Our team walks clients through every step — from initial approval to the final walkthrough. If you're an agent with a new construction opportunity or a buyer who’s ready to build, we’d love to be your financing partner.

Reach out today to learn how Joe & Marni Costa and The Park Place Collective Group can help you build something better.

Contact Us:

📞 619-990-7552

📧 info@parkplacecollective.com

🌐 www.parkplacecollective.com

Wellness, Wealth & Community: How Park Place Collective Is Redefining the Financial Experience

 

When most people think of financial services, they picture suits, spreadsheets, and sales pitches.

But at Park Place Collective, we see something entirely different:

We see people.

People with goals.

People with stress.

People trying to juggle family, career, money, and health—sometimes all at once.

And that’s exactly why we’ve built a boutique brokerage experience that goes far beyond the numbers.

One that puts you at the center—not just your finances.

We Believe Financial Health Starts With Personal Balance

At Park Place, we understand something many firms overlook:

You can’t thrive financially if you’re overwhelmed mentally or physically drained.

That’s why we take a holistic approach. Every client, every service, and every conversation is designed to bring your mind, body, and finances into better alignment.

Yes—we help you secure mortgages, invest in real estate, get the right life insurance, and access business capital.

But we also help you breathe easier, sleep better, and move forward with clarity.

What We Offer: Full-Service Financial Solutions

As a boutique firm, we specialize in integrated financial services tailored to your life, your goals, and your pace.

Our core services include:

• 🏡 Mortgage Lending – Find the right loan with expert guidance, whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing.
• 🏢 Real Estate Solutions – Invest smartly, sell strategically, and find properties that fit your future.
• 🛡️ Life Insurance Protection – Secure your legacy and protect your loved ones with peace of mind.
• 💼 Business Loans – Fuel your growth with capital options built for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

We don’t offer cookie-cutter advice. We get to know your whole story—so we can help you write the next chapter with confidence.

Introducing the Park Place Wellness Division

Now here’s what really sets us apart…

We don’t just help you build financial strength. We help you build personal strength, too.

Through our Wellness Division, we host one-of-a-kind community events that bring together financial education with mental and physical health practices. Imagine this:

• A beautiful outdoor yoga class with wireless headphones
• A breathwork or guided meditation session to release stress
• Fitness experiences that boost energy and mindset
• Wellness activities side-by-side with access to top financial professionals

We call it: “Disconnect to Reconnect”

—because when you take time to unplug, you reconnect with what matters most.

Why Wellness + Wealth Works So Well

It might sound unusual—mixing finance with fitness. But the results speak for themselves.

Our clients walk away from these experiences feeling:

• 💡 More focused and clear-headed
• 💰 More confident about their financial future
• 🧘 Less stressed and more grounded
• 🤝 Better connected to their community and network

And for real estate agents and industry professionals, it’s a game-changing way to grow your business authentically—by being part of something people actually remember.

A Unique Opportunity for Agents & Professionals

If you’re a real estate agent or industry partner, the Wellness Division opens the door to:

• 🎯 Non-intrusive marketing: Be seen and remembered without “selling”
• 🌱 Community outreach: Serve and uplift the neighborhoods you care about
• 🎉 Memorable events: Stand out with client experiences they’ll talk about
• 🤝 Team bonding: Strengthen your crew through shared wellness activities
• 🔗 Brand exposure: Position yourself alongside a movement that’s growing fast

You’ll meet potential clients, build authentic relationships, and get referrals organically—all while taking care of your own well-being.

More Than a Firm—A Movement

At Park Place Collective, we’re not just offering services.

We’re creating a community.

One where people feel supported—financially, emotionally, and physically.

Because real wealth isn’t just about what’s in your account.

It’s about peace of mind.

It’s about clarity.

It’s about living well and building something that lasts.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Whether you’re buying a home, investing in property, growing your business, or just craving a more balanced life—we’re here to help.

Let’s talk about your goals.

Let’s move your finances—and your wellness—forward together.

👉 Visit www.parkplacecollective.com or reach out to schedule a free consultation or get involved in our next wellness event.

(O) 619-990-7552

Info@parkplacecollective.com

March 2025 Housing Market Update: 5 Key Takeaways for Homebuyers and Sellers

As we move through the busy spring season, the March housing reports show a shifting market. Whether you're buying or selling, understanding what's happening right now can help you make better-informed decisions. Here's a simplified breakdown of the top five takeaways from March 2025.

1. Existing Home Sales Slowed Down

Sales of previously owned homes fell 5.9% from February. This is the slowest pace for March in over a decade. Why the slowdown? High mortgage rates—hovering around 6.8%—combined with elevated home prices are making affordability more challenging for buyers.

2. New Home Sales Picked Up

On the flip side, sales of newly built homes increased by 7.4% month-over-month. Builders are offering creative incentives like rate buydowns and covering closing costs to attract buyers. Many are also focusing on smaller, more affordable homes to meet demand.

3. Inventory Is on the Rise

There are now more homes available on the market—inventory jumped 8.1% in March compared to February, totaling 1.33 million homes for sale. This gives buyers more options and reduces some of the pressure that existed when inventory was much tighter.

4. Home Prices Are Still Climbing—but Slower

The median price for an existing home rose to $403,700, a 2.7% increase year-over-year. While prices are still going up, the pace is slowing. This could be an early sign of price stabilization in certain markets, giving buyers a little more breathing room.

5. Homes Are Sitting on the Market a Bit Longer

In March, homes were on the market for an average of 36 days, compared to 33 days a year ago. That’s a small change, but it reflects a shift—buyers are taking a little more time to make decisions, and sellers may need to be more flexible with pricing and terms.

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What This Means for You

For buyers, the increase in inventory and slower price growth are welcome signs. If you've been waiting for the right moment to buy, this may be a good time to explore your options—especially before rates move again.

For sellers, demand is still there, but buyers are more price-conscious. Make sure your home is priced competitively and prepared to stand out in a market where buyers have more choices.

Whether you're buying your first home or planning your next move, talk to a mortgage professional to better understand your numbers and lock in a strategy that works in today's market.

#HousingMarket2025 #RealEstateTrends #HomeBuyingTips #MarketUpdate #MortgageAdvice #HomeSellingStrategy

Source: HousingWire

Joe & Marni Costa 

The Park Place Collective Group

402 West Broadway, Suite 400

San Diego, CA 92101

One-Time Close Construction Loans

 Construction to Permanent Financing Made Simple

Thinking about building — or helping a client build — a custom home?

Joe & Marni Costa and The Park Place Collective Group now offer a Construction to Permanent (C2P) loan that turns the complexity of building into a streamlined, one-time financing solution.

Why our C2P program makes sense:
 One loan that rolls from construction into your mortgage
 One closing — fewer fees and less stress
 Borrowers underwritten on permanent loan terms up front
 Available for primary residences only
 Works with conventional and jumbo loan programs

Key Requirements:

• Borrower must own the lot

• Licensed builder required

• Certificate of Occupancy is required before closing

• All construction must be complete and liens cleared

• Detached condos allowed; attached units not eligible

• Not available for FHA or VA

 Let’s talk about your next new build client.

Whether you’re a buyer, agent, or builder — we’re here to help structure it right from the start.

 Call Joe & Marni Costa | The Park Place Collective Group

 info@parkplacecollective.com

 www.parkplacecollective.com