From the Desk of Johan Cisneros | The Running Realtor
October is here, and you know what that means in Hawthorne. Campaign signs are popping up on lawns, political banners are hanging along our streets, and candidates are working hard to earn our votes. Election season is officially underway!
Meanwhile, our neighborhoods are changing. New businesses are opening, construction projects are drawing attention, the Hawthorne Mall continues its long awaited transformation, and the local real estate market is giving buyers and sellers plenty to think about.
As someone who has spent years working in real estate and running through Hawthorne, Holly Glen, Wiseburn, Del Aire, and the Ramona Tract, I enjoy seeing how these neighborhoods evolve. Some changes are exciting. Others certainly get the neighbors talking!
This month, I want to share what’s happening in our community, explain something many homebuyers don’t realize about our local city and county boundaries, and take a closer look at housing prices across our neighborhoods.
And, of course, I’ll finish with a few miles from my running shoes.
First, let’s talk real estate: Not all 90250 neighborhoods are the same
One of the most interesting things about our community is that having a Hawthorne mailing address doesn’t necessarily mean you live within Hawthorne city limits.
For buyers relocating to the area, this distinction can be especially important.
- City of Hawthorne: Incorporated city with its own municipal government and city services.
- Wiseburn: A residential neighborhood within unincorporated Los Angeles County, served by the Wiseburn Unified School District.
- Del Aire: Also an unincorporated Los Angeles County community, with homes served by Wiseburn Unified.
- Holly Glen: Located within the incorporated City of Hawthorne but served by the Wiseburn Unified School District.
Why does this matter? Depending on the property, your local government representation, municipal services, certain regulations, and voting districts can be different, even when two homes are only a few blocks apart.
School district boundaries can also play a significant role in homebuyer searches. That’s one reason I always recommend confirming the school assignment and jurisdiction of a specific property rather than relying solely on the ZIP code.
October’s housing market: Four communities, four different stories
Market Insider reports dated October 6ā7, 2026, except Wiseburn, dated September 11, 2026. Statistics reflect the report’s selected geographic areas and approximately the preceding 12 months.
| Community | Median sold price | 12-month change | Homes sold | Avg. days on market |
| City of Hawthorne | $789,000 | ā7.2% | 70 | 51 |
| Wiseburn | $1,050,000 | +7.2% | 27 | 25 |
| Del Aire | $1,150,000 | +8.2% | 32 | 42 |
| Holly Glen | $1,350,000 | ā3.9% | 27 | 18 |
Source: TheGenie.ai Market Insider, pages 2ā5 of the four supplied reports. These are area-specific snapshots, not a comprehensive count of every home in ZIP code 90250.
What catches my attention?
Hawthorne: The median sold price is $789,000, down 7.2% year over year. Homes averaged 51 days on the market, and sales averaged 98.9% of their asking prices. With 70 sales compared with 76 in the preceding annual period, market activity has slowed somewhat. This creates opportunities for buyers, particularly when a property is overpriced or needs improvements.
Wiseburn: The median reached $1,050,000, up 7.2%. Homes sold in an average of 25 days and achieved approximately 100.4% of asking price. The numbers suggest buyers remain willing to compete for desirable homes, especially those that are priced appropriately and in good condition.
Del Aire: With a median of $1,150,000, up 8.2%, Del Aire recorded the strongest median price growth among these four reports. However, homes averaged 42 days on the market and sold at approximately 97.8% of asking price. That’s an important reminder that rising property values don’t mean every seller can name their price.
Holly Glen: The median is $1,350,000, down 3.9%, but homes sold in just 18 days on average and achieved approximately 101.6% of asking price. Despite the decline in median price, competition for well-presented properties remains evident. With only one active listing identified in the October 6 report, available inventory was particularly limited.
My takeaway: There isn’t one real estate market in 90250. There are several smaller markets operating at different price levels and speeds.
A home in Holly Glen should not automatically be priced like a home elsewhere in Hawthorne, and even within Wiseburn and Del Aire, condition, lot size, improvements, and location can make a significant difference.
For sellers, accurate pricing and preparation matter. For buyers, understanding the neighborhood and knowing when there’s room to negotiate can make all the difference.
Election season: Who’s running in Hawthorne and Wiseburn?
The November 3, 2026 election is approaching, and our local candidates are busy introducing themselves to voters.
For Hawthorne City Council, three candidates are competing for two seats: Alexandre āAlexā Monteiro, Katrina Manning, and Sergio Roberto Mortara.
The race for City Treasurer includes L. David Patterson and Raymond Vergara, while Dayna S. Williams-Hunter is running unopposed for City Clerk.
Over at the Wiseburn Unified School District, six candidates are seeking seats on the governing board: Rebecca Hamburg Cappy, Dawson Bruckman, Grace Athena Boland Bader, Jeanne Ogar, Nelson E. Martinez, and Rogelio āRogerā BaƱuelos.
Regardless of whom you support, I encourage everyone to take a little time to learn about the candidates and vote. Local decisions influence our schools, roads, public safety, neighborhood improvements, and ultimately the quality of life we enjoy.
And remember our earlier discussion about boundaries? Living in unincorporated Wiseburn or Del Aire doesn’t automatically make you eligible to vote in Hawthorne municipal elections, even when your mailing address says Hawthorne.
What’s happening with the Hawthorne Mall?
If you’ve lived in Hawthorne long enough, you probably remember when the Hawthorne Plaza Mall was a major shopping destination. For years, residents have wondered what would eventually happen to the property.
Well, there’s finally some movement.
In July, the City of Hawthorne announced that it had secured a court order requiring the property owners to begin demolition no later than August 14, 2026. The court also established an August 28 deadline to submit outstanding demolition permit applications for the two parking structures.
The court-ordered timeline represents an important development after years of uncertainty, although demolition and eventual redevelopment are two different steps.
I know many residents, myself included, would love to see that property become something that truly benefits Hawthorne. Hopefully, we’ll eventually see a destination that adds new businesses, jobs, and amenities to our community.
For now, the important news is that the city has taken steps toward addressing the long-vacant site. A completed redevelopment plan and opening date have not yet been confirmed.
Neighborhood development: Growth comes with questions
Driving along Inglewood Avenue, it’s difficult not to notice the ongoing development and new businesses.
A recently opened McDonald’s near the Wiseburn Little League clubhouse and longtime neighborhood favorite Dino’s Burgers has generated discussion among residents.
Some welcome additional dining choices and investment. Others have expressed concerns about traffic, drive-through circulation, pedestrian safety, and the potential effect on established local businesses. The restaurant’s location at 13324 S. Inglewood Avenue received planning review for a drive-through and associated improvements
Also on Inglewood Avenue corridor, new multifamily developments have also sparked debate about parking availability, increasing density, and the impact on surrounding residential streets.
These projects raise important questions about how communities balance the need for housing and economic development with neighborhood traffic, parking, and infrastructure.
My hope is that residents continue to stay informed and participate in local discussions. Whether you support or oppose a particular project, community involvement is important.
A welcome addition: The Wiseburn Sports Complex
Now for something I really enjoy seeing on my runs: families and young athletes making use of the new Wiseburn Sports Complex at 135th Street and Aviation Boulevard.
The complex officially celebrated its grand opening on April 24, 2026. Funded through Measure EE, the facility provides field space for softball, Little League, and soccer, along with parking, restrooms, and other amenities.
It’s a wonderful addition to the neighborhood, especially for families with children who participate in youth sports.
Having coached at Wiseburn Little League, I have a special appreciation for these programs. Youth sports are about much more than winning games. They’re about friendships, teamwork, discipline, and giving children memories that last a lifetime.
Now that my youngest son is in high school, it’s especially rewarding to see so many of the kids I remember from Little League continuing to play baseball and making their high school teams.
And on a personal note, congratulations to my son, Giancarlo, for making the Bishop Montgomery High School freshman baseball team!
As a dad and former coach, seeing these young athletes continue their journeys is something special. Congratulations to all the kids who made their teams, and keep working hard!
A friendly reminder for Holly Glen drivers
Speaking of our neighborhoods, if you frequently drive through Holly Glen, here’s a friendly reminder about the traffic camera at Rosecrans Avenue and Hindry Avenue.
That intersection has an established red-light camera enforcement system, and it has generated its share of traffic citations over the years.
Make sure you come to a complete stop when required, including before making a right turn on red where permitted. And, of course, don’t try to beat the red light.
Trust me, there are much better ways to spend your money than paying for a traffic ticket!
From summer heat to winter rain: Is your home ready?
After another stretch of hot Southern California weather, one feature continues to become more important to homebuyers: air conditioning.
As a real estate broker, I’ve noticed that more buyers are asking whether homes have central heating and air conditioning. While homes in our coastal communities historically benefited from milder temperatures, recent heat waves have made indoor comfort a bigger consideration.
For homeowners thinking about selling, an updated HVAC system can certainly be an attractive feature, although the value of installing one depends on the home, installation cost, and competition in the neighborhood.
And just when we finish complaining about the heat, here comes the possibility of a wet winter! NOAA’s October 8 outlook indicates a strong-to-very strong El NiƱo is likely through early 2027. That doesn’t guarantee how much rain Hawthorne will receive, but it gives us another reason to prepare our homes before the storms arrive.
My recommendations are simple:
- Inspect your roof and repair any leaks, damaged flashing, or deteriorated roofing.
- Clean gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems.
- Check that grading around your home directs water away from the foundation.
- Inspect windows, doors, and exterior walls for gaps that may allow moisture inside.
- Address areas where rainwater collects near the house.
You don’t want to discover a roof leak during the first major storm, and you certainly don’t want your house turning into a floating attraction!
A little preventative maintenance now can save thousands of dollars in repairs later.
Mortgage rates: What’s happening with affordability?
Interest rates continue to challenge buyers in Hawthorne and throughout the South Bay.
According to Freddie Mac’s October 8, 2026 survey, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.40%, compared with 6.30% a year earlier. The 15-year fixed average was 6.73%.
These are national benchmarks, not guaranteed local lender quotes. Actual rates depend on credit, down payment, loan type, points, and other factors.
Higher borrowing costs have made affordability more difficult, especially for first-time buyers. However, buyers may find negotiating opportunities in homes that have been sitting on the market or need updating.
For sellers, this means it’s more important than ever to position a home correctly. Buyers are carefully comparing the total cost of ownership, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and potential repairs.
And as I like to remind my clients, pricing a home correctly from the start is a lot like pacing yourself in a race. Go out too fast, and you may struggle to finish strong.
The Final Mile: Running through our neighborhoods
I’ll close with something a little more personal.
One of my favorite things about living and working in this community is being able to lace up my running shoes and enjoy the neighborhoods I’ve come to know so well over the years.
My most recent five-mile run took me through North Hawthorne, the hills of the Ramona Tract, and Del Aire. Along the way, it’s always nice to see neighbors walking their dogs, families enjoying the parks, and kids playing sports.
I averaged about 7 minutes and 30 seconds per mile.
Not bad, I suppose, but considering how fast I used to run back in my younger days, I’d say Father Time is finally catching up with me!
Then again, I’m still out there putting in the miles, and that’s what matters.
Whether it’s running, real estate, or watching our children grow up in these communities, I think there’s something special about appreciating where we live and how far we’ve come.
Until next time, stay healthy, stay involved in your community, and remember that whether you’re buying, selling, or running, having the right strategy makes all the difference.
