When the Writers Guild of America, a relatively small union, went on strike in May, I immediately saw an impact with my showbiz clients who were looking to buy a house. Actors are now also on strike. They command a big presence in Los Angeles. It has 160,000 members. Here is how I am currently seeing the market being affected and how it may potentially be affected in the future:
1) In order to get a home loan, my clients in the entertainment business have to show a paystub dated within the last 30 days. Writers, and those affected by the writer strike, will not be able to show a paystub from their normal writing job for the last 30 days. No paystub means no home loan. As soon as the strike is over, and they get a paycheck, they should qualify to get a mortgage again.
2) If writers, actors, and everyone else affected by these strikes are no longer getting paid, and can't afford to pay their mortgages, will they be forced to sell their homes? Will we see a big jump in LA's for sale housing inventory because of this? It is too early to tell, but this is definitely something to keep an eye on.
I'm hoping the strikes end soon and everyone can happily get back to work!