2016 is the Year of the Fire Monkey. Fire monkeys are clever, intelligent, creative, active and like to be in control. This means it will be an active year for the economy and for real estate, according to Chinese astrologist and feng shui master Master Y. C. Sun.
"The fire monkey is a money monkey and focuses on fast money, so expect lots of activity this year, much growth and movement, especially in the Bay Area real estate market," Master Sun recently told members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.
The monkey is a symbol of metal, jewel, hardware. It is the sign of determination, mental toughness, sports, engineering, military action, high-tech, making a move and change. The best job sectors this year are information technology, consumer electronics, restaurant, entertainment, theater,/performance, defense/firearms, technology services; travel, wine, spa/beauty, skin care, gaming.
Master Sun says for the U.S. economy, this year will bring a solid boost in consumer spending due to lower energy costs and wage growth. He says lower gas prices will free up disposable income, help people absorb higher rent or house payments.
Master Sun predicts the housing market will maintain steady growth as job hiring and wage growth should be strong enough to support demands of home purchasing. Chinese investments in real estate will continue focusing on bigger ticket items of residential and commercial real estate.
The feng shui master says as low gas prices and higher wages free up disposable income, more buyers will move up to more expensive property. Growth areas are West: Los Altos, Napa, Oakland, Fremont, Sacramento, Denver; Southwest: San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix; East: DC, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, NY: and Southeast: Miami, New Orleans.
According to Master Sun, the Bay Area real estate market will be hot, steady and sustainable for those moving up. First choice locations will still be hot, but the tight supply will lead buyers to hot second and third choice neighborhoods. The boom areas will be those located near BART and Caltrain stations.
As for the feng shui effect in 2016, Master Sun says homes facing east and west are luckiest this year and homes facing north, northeast and northwest, not so much. If your house happens to face north locations, don't worry. Just place a wind chime at your front door or six one dollar coins under the carpet by the door.
"That will keep the bad energy from entering your home," feng shui master assured the Realtors.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.