In this solo episode, I’m giving you a big-picture look at the Q2 2025 housing market—nationally and locally—plus breaking down what the $1.75B Rocket Mortgage–Redfin merger could mean for buyers, sellers, and agents.

We’ll talk inventory surges, buyer fatigue, why affordability is still the elephant in the room, and what cities like Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, and Winchester are doing differently. I also share strategic advice for both buyers and sellers navigating this cooler but still competitive Inland Valley market.

If you’ve been on the fence about buying, selling, or even just staying put—this one’s for you.

• Inventory is up: Menifee (+38%), Temecula (+25%), Winchester (+21%)
• Buyer demand is still soft—mortgage apps are down nearly 40% from 2019
• Local pricing trends: Temecula ($782K), Murrieta ($685K), Menifee ($580K), Winchester ($605K)
• Homes are sitting longer, especially above $900K—staging and prep matter
• Buyers are negotiating—just not lowballing
• Sellers must prep, price smart, and expect concessions
• Redfin + Rocket Mortgage could change the game—here’s how

00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Q2 2025 market insights

01:00 – National inventory up 30% year over year—why buyers still hesitate

02:30 – Mortgage rate pressure and affordability barriers

04:00 – Local breakdown: Inventory growth in Menifee, Winchester, Murrieta, Temecula

06:30 – Home prices + best value areas for buyers

08:00 – Negotiation trends + sales-to-list ratios

09:30 – Days on market + why condition matters

11:00 – What buyers expect at $900K+

12:00 – Average first-time buyer age = 38 in CA

13:00 – Redfin + Rocket Mortgage merger: pros, concerns, and predictions

17:00 – Strategy tips for sellers: prep, pricing, and pre-inspections

18:45 – Final thoughts: Balanced market ahead—time to plan

If you're overwhelmed by the data, you're not alone—but you don’t have to navigate this market blindly. Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or just curious about what your home is worth—let’s talk strategy, not guesswork. Reach out anytime. I’m here to help you think long term and live local.

Learn more about Liz Jones:

Website: https://www.jonesrealtysocal.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesrealtysocal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizjonestricityrealestate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonesrealtysocal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KWLJONES/

#TemeculaRealEstate #MurrietaHomes #MenifeeMarketUpdate #WinchesterCARealEstate #HousingMarket2025 #RocketMortgageRedfin #HomeSellingTips #MarketUpdateQ22025 #LizJonesPodcast #LocalLivingTriCity #SoCalRealEstateTrends #InlandValleyHousing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Local Living Tri-City, I sit down with Todd Straugh, a longtime Inland Valley resident, Marine veteran, and security expert with SafeStreets—a leading ADT authorized provider. Todd and I talk about home security trends, the rise of neighborhood crime, how technology (and AI!) is changing the way we protect our homes, and why safety isn’t just about fear—it’s about peace of mind.

If you’ve ever wondered if your cameras are enough, or what security features you actually need versus what you’re being sold, this episode clears up all the noise.

• How SafeStreets customizes systems to match each family’s needs
• Why camera placement (and setup) can make or break your security
• The real deal on “porch pirates,” neighbor disputes, and false alerts
• What AI-powered doorbell cameras can now detect
• Security trends Todd sees in Temecula, Murrieta, and Wildomar
• How convenience features—like remote garage access and smart locks—are changing the game

00:00 – Meet Todd Straw and how he got into the security industry

02:00 – SafeStreets and ADT: What sets them apart

03:30 – The evolution of home security—from landlines to AI

05:00 – The rise of porch piracy and how systems are (and aren’t) solving it

06:45 – How security systems reduce neighbor conflict

08:30 – Helping families feel safe after a traumatic event

09:45 – Smart home features: garage control, voice activation & more

11:00 – What pricing looks like & how SafeStreets designs affordable systems

12:30 – A favorite client story: freedom through remote monitoring

14:00 – Why crime is increasing & what’s shifting in our local landscape

16:00 – Smart systems for pets, second homes, and absentee owners

18:00 – Final thoughts on balancing safety with everyday living

Feeling safe at home isn’t about paranoia—it’s about peace of mind. If you’ve been putting off getting a real security system, now might be the time to explore your options.

Whether you want a basic camera setup or full smart-home control, Todd and the SafeStreets team can help you create a plan that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Learn more about Todd Straugh:

Website: https://www.safestreets.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safestreets-usa/

Learn more about Liz Jones:

Website: https://www.jonesrealtysocal.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesrealtysocal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizjonestricityrealestate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonesrealtysocal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KWLJONES/

#HomeSecuritySolutions #SafeStreetsADT #TemeculaSafety #MurrietaHomes #WildomarLiving #PorchPirates #SmartHomeSecurity #LocalLivingTriCity #LizJonesPodcast #HomeProtectionTips #InlandValleySafety #SecuritySystemSoCal

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Tim Myers—award-winning musician, entrepreneur, and now a candidate for U.S. Congress in California’s 41st District. From platinum records and touring the world with OneRepublic to launching his own record label and mentoring artists, Tim has lived a creative, high-impact life.

But now, he's turning that experience into public service—and he’s got big ideas for how we fix affordability, housing, and safety here in California.

We talk about everything from the broken music industry to the insurance crisis facing homeowners, school funding gaps, the rising cost of living, and why our kids—and their grandparents—are moving out of state. Tim’s story is deeply personal, incredibly real, and full of hope for a better future.

• How growing up in Corona shaped Tim’s values and vision
• Why he left the major-label music world to empower artists
• What inspired him to run for Congress and serve working families
• Creative, out-of-the-box ideas for solving California’s housing crisis
• The insurance dilemma: What’s happening and what could be next
• How crime has personally impacted his family—and what he’d change
• The role faith plays in his leadership and public service mission

00:00 – Meet Tim Myers: musician, entrepreneur, and congressional candidate

02:00 – Growing up in Corona & how his dad shaped his outlook on service

04:00 – Music career, major labels, and launching Palladium Records

07:00 – Artist-first business values and what the music industry gets wrong

09:30 – What inspired Tim to run for office & the impact of Prop 28

12:00 – Affordability, housing, and why so many families are leaving CA

15:00 – California’s insurance crisis and ideas for repurposing state land

18:00 – How school funding and bond extensions impact our middle class

20:00 – Diversity in the 41st District & how he plans to listen and lead

22:00 – A personal story of crime, safety concerns, and California’s shift

25:00 – What kind of campaign Tim is running—and how you can get involved

Tim’s story is a reminder that when people with heart, experience, and vision step up—change becomes possible. If you’ve ever felt like your voice doesn’t matter, this episode is proof that it does.

Share this conversation with a neighbor, a voter, or someone who’s losing hope in the system—and remind them that better leadership starts with bold voices, just like Tim’s.

Learn more about Tim Myers:

Website: https://www.timmyersforcongress.com/

Learn more about Liz Jones:

Website: https://www.jonesrealtysocal.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesrealtysocal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizjonestricityrealestate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonesrealtysocal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KWLJONES/

#TimMyersForCongress #CaliforniaPolitics #LocalLivingTriCity #AffordableHousingCA #MusicToMission #SoCalLeadership #PublicServiceStories #CaliforniaInsuranceCrisis #MiddleClassMatters #TemeculaPolitics #MurrietaRealEstate #WildomarIssues #CreativePolicyCA #LizJonesPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Local Living Tri-City, I sit down with Senator Kelly Seyarto, who represents California’s 32nd District (including Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, and beyond), to talk about the real issues behind California’s housing crisis.

We cover everything from inflated construction costs, outdated energy policies, and affordability challenges, to the growing wildfire insurance crisis impacting local homeowners right now.

Senator Seyarto doesn’t hold back—and if you’ve ever felt frustrated by rising housing costs, lack of inventory, or affordability policies that just don’t add up, this is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why California’s housing shortage goes deeper than supply and demand

2. The broken system behind energy mandates and how it impacts home costs

3. What’s happening with wildfire zones and skyrocketing home insurance rates

4. How regulations are stalling development and pushing families out of the state

5. Why current policies are unintentionally hurting middle-income families

6. The critical role of community feedback in creating better legislation

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome + why affordable housing isn’t reaching those who need it

01:30 – Meet Senator Kelly Seyarto and his experience in housing and public safety

03:00 – Why affordability issues start with flawed energy policy

05:15 – California mandates and unintended consequences on cost of living

06:30 – Who’s really moving out of California—and why

08:30 – Regulatory red tape and the roadblocks to building homes

10:00 – Why entry-level housing alone won’t solve the problem

12:00 – What Austin, TX did differently—and what we can learn from it

14:30 – Wildfire zones + insurance spikes pricing buyers out of entry-level homes

17:00 – How legal red tape delays projects and drives up costs

19:00 – What Senator Seyarto is working on behind the scenes for wildfire insurance reform

22:30 – Commercial property owners + insurance loss risks in LLCs and trusts

25:00 – Political vs. practical solutions—why we need a reset

27:00 – What YOU can do to help influence better policy

If you're feeling the squeeze of rising costs, overwhelmed by what’s happening in California, or just wondering what’s next for our communities—you're not alone.

This episode is a reminder that we can’t solve big problems with silence. Your voice matters—whether it’s a message to your local representative, a conversation with your neighbor, or simply sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Let’s keep talking, stay informed, and show up for our community—because the future of the Tri-City area starts with people like us paying attention and speaking up.

Learn more about Senator Kelly Seyarto:

Website: https://sr32.senate.ca.gov/

Learn more about Liz Jones:

Website: https://www.jonesrealtysocal.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesrealtysocal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizjonestricityrealestate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonesrealtysocal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KWLJONES/

#KellySeyarto #CaliforniaHousingCrisis #WildfireInsurance #TriCityPolitics #TemeculaHousing #MurrietaRealEstate #AffordableHousingCalifornia #LocalLivingTriCity #LizJonesPodcast #HomeInsuranceCrisis #CaliforniaLegislation #WildomarHomes #HousingPolicyCA

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into what’s happening in our local real estate market as of May 2025. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching the trends, you’ll want to hear these insights before making your next move.

From pricing trends and average days on market to buyer behavior, price reductions, and growth hotspots—you’ll get a full breakdown of what’s happening in Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Winchester, and Menifee. Plus, I’ll share who’s moving where and what this means for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Temecula has the fastest-selling homes at 21 DOM, while Wildomar is seeing 70 DOM
• Price reductions are at their highest levels since 2016—38% of listings saw a drop in Q1
• Buyer power is increasing, but strategy matters—don’t lowball too soon
• Menifee and Winchester are leading population growth, while Temecula remains the #1 request
• Sellers need to price realistically from the start or risk sitting for months
• Every market has a sweet spot—find it and move quickly

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to the May 2025 Market Update

00:45 – Temecula pricing and inventory trends

01:20 – Murrieta and Wildomar: Slower sales, lower price growth

02:30 – Menifee’s booming population and pricing stats

03:20 – Winchester’s new construction and school zone appeal

04:15 – Price reductions: what the data shows

05:10 – How buyer psychology is shifting in today’s market

06:30 – What sellers need to understand about mindset and equity

07:45 – Migration trends: Who’s moving in, and who’s moving out

09:00 – Where buyers are looking now and why

10:10 – Pro tips for buyers in today’s market

11:00 – Pro tips for sellers (and why maintenance matters)

12:00 – When to adjust pricing and how to avoid painful delays

12:45 – Final thoughts and how to reach out for help

#TemeculaRealEstate #MurrietaMarketUpdate #MenifeeHomes #WildomarRealEstate #WinchesterCAHomes #LocalLivingTriCity #LizJonesRealtor #RealEstate2025 #MarketUpdateMay2025 #HomeSellingTips #HomeBuyingAdvice #SoCalHousingMarket #TriCityRealEstate

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you haven’t experienced Fuhgeddaboudit, you’re in for a treat—and so is your palate. In this episode, I sit down with Faith Catalano, the co-founder and creative force behind Wildomar’s most elegant new dining destination.

What started as a vision inspired by speakeasies and a desire to bring upscale intimacy to the Inland Valley quickly became a reality. From carefully curated wine pairings to lollipop chicken and live music, Fuhgeddaboudit is setting a new standard for local nightlife. And let’s just say—this isn’t your typical wine bar. It’s an experience.

Faith and I talk about community, creativity, and how one space has created meaningful connections between strangers, friends, and food lovers alike.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why Faith designed Fuhgeddaboudit to feel like a hidden gem in NYC or Chicago

2. How the restaurant has sparked real community friendships

3. What makes their wine events and sensory pairings so special

4. How the Passport Series turned into a Wine Cruise concept

5. The menu standouts you won’t want to miss (hello, short rib sliders!)

6. Upcoming experiences: Petal pairings, Mother's Day surprises, and group wine trips

7. Why this is more than a restaurant—it’s a lifestyle

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome and introduction

01:10 – The story behind Fuhgeddaboudit

02:30 – Creating a space where friendships thrive

03:45 – How Faith brought her design vision to life

05:00 – Wine pairings, curated menus, and special events

07:20 – Behind the scenes of Sunday Suppers and sensory tastings

09:30 – Wine locker memberships and local group trips

11:00 – Passport Series → Wine Cruise: What’s coming in June

13:00 – Faith’s personal journey from stay-at-home mom to business owner

15:00 – What to expect next and how to stay connected

Learn more about Liz Jones:

Website: https://www.jonesrealtysocal.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesrealtysocal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizjonestricityrealestate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonesrealtysocal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KWLJONES/

#FuhgeddabouditRestaurant #WildomarWineBar #FaithCatalano #LocalLivingTriCity #SoCalEats #WinePairingDinners #TriCityFoodie #WomenInHospitality #SupportLocalRestaurants #DateNightWildomar #WineEventsSoCal #ElegantDiningExperience #LizJonesPodcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever stepped into Angelo’s Brick Oven Pizza, you know it’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a local experience built on community, consistency, and real Italian heart. In this episode, I sit down with Angelo Catalano, the man behind the oven, to talk about how he turned a dream and a wood-fired pizza oven into one of Wildomar’s most beloved restaurants.

From delivering pizzas himself during COVID to giving back through fundraisers and community events, Angelo shares his story of grit, gratitude, and great food. He also gives us a preview of his second concept, Forget About It, and what it means to serve people like family.

Whether you're a foodie, a fellow entrepreneur, or someone who just loves supporting local, you’ll walk away inspired—and probably hungry.

Topics We Cover:

• How Angelo built his restaurant just before the pandemic
• What it means to serve with love—and hustle
• The power of regulars, great service, and made-from-scratch food
• Why he believes community comes first
• A peek into his next restaurant concept, Forget About It

Learn more about Liz Jones:

Website: https://www.jonesrealtysocal.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesrealtysocal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizjonestricityrealestate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonesrealtysocal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KWLJONES/

#LocalLivingTriCity #WildomarEats #SupportLocal #WoodFiredPizza #TemeculaFoodScene #AngelosBrickOvenPizza #SouthernCaliforniaEats #WildomarRestaurants #SmallBusinessSuccess #CommunityChampion #ForgetAboutItRestaurant #LizJonesPodcast #Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you want to make sure your home is in top-notch condition to maximize its value before selling? Want to ensure that your property is prepared for listing and selling? I've got the solution to help you achieve that!

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Maximize Your Property Value: Learn how to strategically prepare your home for sale and increase its market value.
• Southern California Real Estate Insights: Gain valuable knowledge about the current atmosphere of the Southern California real estate market and how it can impact your home sale.
• Price Your Home Strategically: Discover effective strategies for pricing your home to attract potential buyers and maximize your selling potential.
• Enhance Your Home's Condition: Understand the importance of optimizing your home's condition to make a lasting impression on potential buyers.
• Navigate Escrow with Confidence: Learn essential tips for navigating the complex process of escrow in the house selling journey.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - The Real Estate Market and Home Valuation

00:01:06 - Preparing Your Home for Sale

00:06:31 - Pricing Strategy and Market Conditions

00:11:33 - Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com Estimations

00:13:26 - Marketing and Driving Traffic

00:15:25 - Importance of Location in Open Houses

00:16:33 - Low Percentage of Homes Sold During Open Houses

00:17:33 - Shifting Trends in Open House Visits

00:18:19 - Property Investigation and Repair Requests

00:21:15 - Final Steps in Closing Escrow

Learn more about Liz Jones:

Website: https://www.jonesrealtysocal.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesrealtysocal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizjonestricityrealestate

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonesrealtysocal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KWLJONES/

#TemeculaRealEstate #HomeSellingTips #SoCalRealEstate #MurrietaHomes #MenifeeHomes #RealEstatePodcast #HomeSellerGuide #ListingTips #EscrowExplained #SellYourHome #RealEstateStrategy #LizJonesRealtor #LocalLivingTriCity

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.