Category Archives: Mortgage

North County and San Diego Housing Markets December 2023

North County and San Diego Housing Markets December 2023 Pam Fraser. Chart of resale housing statistics for North San Diego County

As is typical during the holiday season, the North County and San Diego housing markets are seeing fewer sales. But, the ongoing shortage of available homes for sales is still keeping pressure on home prices. The San Diego market is continuing to appreciate more quickly than the nation as a whole. The U.S. saw a 4 percent year-over increase in median home prices in November, while prices in the North County market rose 8.2 percent, and, countywide, the median price jumped 12.1 percent.

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North County and San Diego Housing Markets October 2023

North County and San Diego Housing Markets October 2023 from Pam Fraser. Chart of resale housing statistics for North San Diego County

With mortgage rates close to 8 percent, month-over prices have backed off slightly in the North County and San Diego housing markets, but year-over prices continue to increase. New listings, pending sales and closed sales have all decreased.

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North County and San Diego Housing Markets August 2023

North County and San Diego Housing Markets August 2023 Pam Fraser. Chart of resale housing statistics for North San Diego County

The North County and San Diego housing markets continue to gain value. The median home price in San Diego County hit last April’s peak, and in North County it has surpassed it. Inventory is still very limited. On average, homes are selling for over 100 percent of their original asking price in about three weeks.

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North County and San Diego Housing Markets June 2023

North County and San Diego Housing Markets June 2023, Pam Fraser, chart of North San Diego County housing sales statistics from May 2023

Despite persistently higher mortgage rates, the North County and San Diego housing markets are recovering. The median price hasn’t yet reached last April’s peak, but it continues to move upward, and increased just over 1.5 percent from April to May. New listings picked up slightly which helped to expand the still very tight inventory of available homes.

Why are we seeing multiple offers on homes and sales prices exceeding list prices when the year-over volume of closed sales was down by almost 30 percent? Continue reading North County and San Diego Housing Markets June 2023

North County and San Diego Housing Markets February 2023

North County and San Diego Housing Markets February 2023 Pam Fraser chart of North San Diego County housing sales statistics from January 2023

The North County and San Diego housing markets showed more strength in January than they had in November and December. This was probably due to both lower mortgage rates and normal seasonal trends. The month-over median price ticked up slightly, inventory remained tight, and sales-to-list price improved. Despite those gains, homes did take longer to sell.

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North County and San Diego Housing Markets November 2022

North County and San Diego Housing Markets November 2022 Chart of North San Diego County home sales statistics for October, 2022 Pam Fraser

Inflation and higher mortgage rates continue to keep downward pressure on the North County and San Diego housing markets. But tight inventory is holding that in check.

The good news is that today’s consumer price index showed October’s inflation numbers lower than expected at 7.7 percent. That caused mortgage rates to drop by a whopping 60 basis points from 7.22 percent to 6.62 percent. Continue reading North County and San Diego Housing Markets November 2022

North County and San Diego Housing Markets October 2022

North County and San Diego Housing Markets October 2022 chart showing North San Diego County housing market statistics for September 2022 by Pam Fraser

North County and San Diego housing markets continue to slow due to pressure from rising interest rates. It’s not all doom and gloom though. Countywide, the median price rose by 7.6 percent year-over in September. Inventory is still very low, sitting below two months, and the average time for a home to sell is just one month.

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What Is a Mortgage Buydown?

What Is a Mortgage Buydown? Pam Fraser picture of a house, calculator, pencil and coins

Mortgage rates have more than doubled in a matter of months. This is making homes much less affordable for today’s buyers. It’s also softening the strong seller’s market we’ve experienced over the last few years. Because of this, it’s important for home sellers to use all of the tools at their disposal to make their homes as marketable as possible. It’s equally important for home buyers to make their home purchases as affordable as they can. One way you can do this is with an interest rate buydown. An interest rate buydown reduces the monthly mortgage payment for the home buying borrower.

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North County and San Diego Housing Markets September 2022

North County and San Diego Housing Markets September 2022 chart showing North San Diego County housing market statistics for August 2022 by Pam Fraser

North County and San Diego housing markets continue to see month-over drops in prices, longer market times and lower selling verses asking prices. But what we are no longer seeing is an increase in inventory.

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8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate

8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate Pam Fraser modern home with a pool

Mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride this year. The Fed is saying they are open to more rate hikes to fight inflation. With proper planning, you can work toward qualifying for a lower mortgage rate and, hopefully, the best mortgage rate available today.

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