2026

In Southern California, some homeowners under financial pressure may benefit from staying and refinancing, while others may gain more flexibility by selling and rightsizing. A Southern California REALTOR® says rightsizing can help protect built-up equity and redirect it toward another home, debt reduction, emergency reserves, or stronger retirement...

As someone who has spent a lifetime exploring San Diego’s neighborhoods and helping clients navigate our ever-evolving real estate landscape, I know firsthand that affordability remains the city’s greatest housing challenge. Even as price growth has moderated, homeownership here still requires a significant financial commitment. Zillow’s latest numbers show...

In reviewing the latest housing data, I’m seeing new listings up by 0.4%—the highest level since April—and the total homes for sale have climbed 0.5%, marking the highest inventory since May. Yet, it’s clear that high costs and mortgage rates hovering near 6.65% are giving buyers pause, with pending home sales dipping 1.1% to a six-month low. As someone deeply committed to guiding clients through...

We're seeing a noticeable shift in the housing market, with home sellers across the country adjusting their expectations. In August, the median listing price per square foot dropped by 1.8% year-over-year, especially in cities that experienced rapid growth during the pandemic. High mortgage rates and increased inventory are influencing this trend. While these national figures are striking, every...

San Diego is allocating $15 million in the eighth round of the Bridge to Home program to support affordable housing development. Since 2021, the program has advanced nearly 3,000 affordable homes across 30 projects, with 676 completed and 1,557 underway or approved. Funding includes redevelopment and state housing allocation funds targeting low-income households. Projects are evaluated on feasibility and...

The Federal Reserve has just increased its key rate by 0.25%, bringing it to a range of 3.75%–4%. This is the first rate hike we’ve seen since July 2023, and officials have indicated the possibility of another adjustment later this year, as inflation continues to outpace their 2% target. The next Fed meeting is scheduled for October 27–28, 2026, where...

As someone who’s always tracking the market to help clients make the right move, I pay close attention to those key windows when buyers truly have the upper hand. Looking ahead to 2026, the period from September 27 to October 3 stands out as the optimal time for homebuyers nationwide. During this stretch, active listings are expected to rise by 31.9% compared to...

San Diego’s luxury real estate market continues to impress, with August 2026 showcasing some truly remarkable properties at the top end of the spectrum. Here’s a look at the most expensive homes currently on the market, with listings ranging from $3,250,000 all the way up to $12,500,000. 1. SDM250029683 — $12,500,000 2. SDM260006443 — $9,995,000 3....

San Diego’s real estate landscape continues to present unique challenges for aspiring homeowners. Only 17% of households in our county can afford the $1.075M median home price, which now requires an annual income of $268,000. Compared to the statewide numbers—where 19% of households can afford the $916,750 median at a 6.54% mortgage rate (and need $228,400 income)—our local market is even more...

Navigating the path to homeownership as a first-time buyer can be daunting, especially when it comes to upfront costs. State assistance programs in 2026 range widely—some states offer generous forgivable loans and grants, while others provide more limited repayable aid. These programs differ in loan terms, income requirements, and even benefits like student debt relief. In my work guiding clients...