Interpreting market trends and reliable sources

[BoBromhal]

a quality and competent one can get 10 referrals from the guy he assesses and advises NOT to buy right now.

What stats do I look at, the OP asked?

What's the local employment doing?
What's the median income doing?
What's the # of homes sold, YTD vs YTD?
What's the price/sqft median, over time?
What's the average, and median DOM, over time?

[John7777]

California real estate prices seem to defy explanation. When I first lived there in the late 1970s, I thought things were overpriced. I've pretty much thought that ever since. From time to time, things get overheated and then there's a correction of sorts. But the general trend has been up. I'd be more concerned with buying in the right location. That's the important thing.