In our annual first market update, we reflect on Malibu's real estate trends, comparing past and present markets. This year, amid recent fires and road closures, we analyze 2024 market segments alongside 2023. With no beach homes sold just 1.5 months into 2025, we also assess current inventory and the challenges of this uncertain start.

The Malibu Podcast is back for 2025, though with heavy hearts. In the wake of the recent wildfires and the devastation they have left behind, we asked insurance guru Robert Feldman back on the show for an insurance update and tips for those whose homes were lost or damaged. Robert breaks down the five steps of recovery for fire victims, discusses home hardening, dangerous misinformation, and what made the Palisades and Eaton fires so catastrophic. | To reach Robert Feldman at WOWS Insurance regarding home insurance, email robert@wowsinsurance.com or visit wowsinsurance.com and follow him on Instagram @bob.b.que

Over the past decade, home and fire insurance in California has become an issue for current and new homeowners alike. Finding an insurance provider who will write a policy that adequately insures property against risk can now be incredibly difficult, particularly in areas like Malibu. Enter Robert Feldman, an insurance veteran with nearly 25 years of experience who specializes in fire zones and hard-to-place risks. Robert and his team have founded WOWS Insurance services, designed to deliver solutions for homes that previously were exceedingly difficult to insure. In this episode, Robert discusses the current state of the industry, the California Fair Plan and some of its alarming loopholes, and more! | To reach Robert Feldman at WOWS Insurance regarding home insurance, email robert@wowsinsurance.com or visit wowsinsurance.com

In this episode, Tony interviews the legendary Malibu architect, Doug Burdge, AIA. Doug and his firm have designed and built over 300 custom residences in the Malibu region alone in varying styles, all of which are breathtaking. His projects have been widely featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, Veranda, Robb Report, Luxe, and Traditional Home. In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics including Doug's beginnings and draw to Malibu, permitting masterpieces with the City of Malibu, Woolsey Fire rebuilds, and his work in other regions including Sun Valley and Montana. | To learn more about Doug Burdge and his firm, as well as see their portfolio of amazing homes in Malibu and elsewhere, visit: www.buaia.com

Last month, we covered the widely publicized 2024 NAR Settlement and what it means for sellers. In Part 2, we focus on the implications for Home Buyers: what has changed, and what hasn't. These changes are still evolving, however, now that the dust has settled we wanted to address the changes and what buyers should know as they navigate purchasing real estate under the new rules and regulations. | To read the NAR Home Buyer summary, visit: bit.ly/NARBuying

Can real estate updates be spooky? We're willing to try, mostly because we didn't have a better idea for our yearly Halloween episode. In this market update, we analyze 2024 through October and look back at years past. Haunted by huge sales numbers of the past and ever-increasing inventory, Tony and Justin analyze single-family homes, condos, mobile homes, land, and more in this (spooky) episode.

By now, you have probably heard about the class action lawsuit that resulted in the widely publicized 2024 NAR Settlement. These changes are still evolving, however, now that the dust has settled we wanted to address the changes and their impact on real estate agents, sellers, and buyers. In Part 1, we focus on the implications for Home Sellers: what has changed, and what hasn't. | To read the NAR Home Seller summary, visit: bit.ly/NARSelling

In this mega-market update, Tony and Justin recap 2024 thus far, compare it with the sales last year, and analyze the Summer real estate market trends in Malibu. Spoiler alert, it's not as bad as you've heard and several segments are outperforming last year.