The real estate roller coaster moved at breakneck speed during 2022. The year began with multiple offers over the asking price on most new listings. That zoo-like atmosphere continued until late spring. The summer months ushered the hot market to the sidelines as interest rates began to climb. Fall arrived with the realization that although sales were decreasing, prices were holding steady due to the low inventory of houses for sale on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. For buyers, this delivered a double blow to their finances; the higher cost of borrowing and the still high cost of buying a home resulted in many buyers taking a wait-and-see attitude.   As the market settles into these new conditions, patience and cooperation are essential. Yes, properties are selling, but negotiating is once again in vogue. The local Palos Verdes real estate market still favors sellers, but buyers have more negotiating power than [...]