The recent stimulus checks were less helpful to Bay Area homeowners and renters than anywhere in the country because housing costs remain so high. At $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, these checks count for less than half of mortgage and utility payments for more than 90 percent of Bay Area residents. Even less than one-third of renters (20 percent in San Jose) would see the majority of their housing costs covered by the stimulus checks.

Fortunately, out-of-work Californians will get an extra $600 weekly supplement to their unemployment benefits, which should certainly help.

Meanwhile, home prices remain stable as demand drops by close to percent 26 percent but inventory decreased by 44 percent during the first week of April.