If you live in Westchester, 90045, or the neighborhoods surrounding LAX, you’ve probably seen the headlines about a government shutdown and wondered:

“Is now a terrible time to buy or sell a home?”

Short answer: No.

Longer answer: a shutdown can slow a few pieces of the process—but it does not crash the housing market, especially in high-demand pockets like the LAX corridor.

Let’s break down what’s really happening and what it means for you locally.

Does a Government Shutdown Stop Home Sales?

Even during a shutdown, most of the housing market keeps moving:

• Homes are still listed.
• Buyers are still shopping (especially in job-rich hubs like Westchester and Playa Vista).
• Contracts are still written.
• Many loans still close.

Historically and in current data, shutdowns create temporary friction, not a long-term freeze. Housing activity tends to resume quickly once funding is restored.

For a desirable, supply-constrained area like 90045 near LAX, demand from airport professionals, tech workers, and frequent travelers doesn’t disappear because of political gridlock—it just requires a bit more strategy.

Where You Might See Delays

Here’s where a shutdown can touch real estate:

1. Government-Backed Loans (FHA, VA, USDA)

Some federal staff reductions and system slowdowns can:

• Stretch out FHA and VA processing timelines.
• Pause or delay certain USDA loans (less common in our immediate urban area, but relevant for some buyers).

If you’re a 90045 buyer using one of these programs, it doesn’t mean your purchase is dead—it just means we plan your timeline carefully and keep your lender ahead of the curve.

2. Income & Tax Verifications

Many lenders rely on IRS and other federal verifications. During a shutdown, accessing those records can take longer, which may:

• Add time to your loan approval.
• Require extra documentation from you to keep things moving.

A proactive real estate + lending team can anticipate this and prevent last-minute surprises.

3. Flood Insurance & Special Cases

If a property requires federal flood insurance, there can be complications when programs like the National Flood Insurance Program are disrupted. That’s more common in certain coastal or designated zones; if we’re writing an offer on one of those, we’ll flag it early and structure around it.

Why 90045 and the LAX Corridor Are Still Solid Bets

For our corner of Los Angeles, shutdown headlines are noise layered on top of very real, very local fundamentals:

• Proximity to LAX: Constant demand from aviation, hospitality, logistics, tech, and frequent flyers.
• Commute + lifestyle appeal: Easy access to Playa Vista, Silicon Beach, LMU, and the coast.
• Limited inventory: Quality homes in Westchester/90045 don’t sit long in any normal market cycle.

These factors help insulate our market from short-term political drama. Serious buyers keep shopping. Serious sellers still get results—with the right strategy and guidance.

Smart Moves for Buyers Right Now

If you’re buying in or near 90045:

1. Get fully pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) with a lender who’s up-to-speed on shutdown procedures.
2. Know your loan type. If you’re using FHA or VA, build in realistic timelines and strong communication.
3. Be offer-ready. Delays can create windows of opportunity when other buyers hesitate.

Shutdown or not, well-prepared buyers can still win the right home here

Smart Moves for Sellers Right Now

If you’re selling in Westchester, Playa del Rey-adjacent, or the LAX area:

1. Don’t overreact to headlines. Pricing based on local data— not national fear—will attract the right buyers.
2. Tight contract management. Work with a team that tracks the buyer’s financing milestones closely so small delays don’t turn into canceled escrows.
3. Lean into relocation + aviation buyers. Our area is uniquely attractive to these groups, even in uncertain times.

With professional guidance, your listing can still secure qualified buyers and a strong final price.

The Bottom Line

A government shutdown can create short-term delays, extra paperwork, and media anxiety.

It does not mean:

• You can’t buy.
• You can’t sell.
• The 90045 / LAX-area market is on hold.

It does mean you should have an experienced, well-connected local team in your corner.

Ready to Talk Strategy?

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in 90045, Westchester, or the LAX corridor, let’s talk.

We’ll:

• Review how the shutdown may (or may not) affect your specific plan,
• Coordinate with trusted local lenders,
• Build a timeline and strategy that protects your interests from day one.

We’re your local real estate team near LAX—here to help you move with clarity, not chaos.