Vlog
If you've been following the housing market lately, you've probably heard two very different stories.
Some people are convinced home prices are about to crash. Others believe waiting another year will mean selling for significantly more money.
As a Realtor here in San Diego, I hear both opinions almost every day.
The truth? Neither side is completely right.
The market isn't crashing, but it's also not experiencing the rapid appreciation we saw a few years ago. Instead, we're settling into something we haven't seen in a while: a much more balanced market.
One thing I've learned after more than a decade in real estate is that headlines are designed to grab your attention, not necessarily help you make the right decision.
One day you'll read that the housing market is about to collapse.
The next day you'll see someone predicting prices are about to skyrocket.
The reality is usually somewhere in the middle.
Real estate is incredibly local. What's happening nationally doesn't always reflect what's happening here in San Diego, and even within San Diego, different neighborhoods and price points can perform very differently.
Right now, we're seeing a more selective market.
Homes that are priced correctly, marketed well, and show nicely are still selling. In many cases, they're selling relatively quickly.
On the other hand, homes that are overpriced are sitting on the market longer. Many eventually reduce their asking price, and some never sell at all.
That's why I rarely answer the question "Are prices going up or down?" with a simple yes or no.
It depends on the home.
Today's buyers have become much more value-conscious, and sellers need to understand that the market has changed compared to the frenzy we experienced just a few years ago.
The market isn't crashing. It's becoming more selective.
If you've been waiting for a dramatic market correction before buying, I wouldn't build your entire strategy around that.
Could certain neighborhoods or price ranges soften?
Absolutely.
But trying to perfectly time the market often means missing opportunities that already exist today.
In fact, buyers have more negotiating power than they've had in years.
Depending on the property, we're seeing opportunities like:
Many new construction communities are also offering incentives that simply weren't available during the height of the market.
Rather than waiting for the "perfect" market, I encourage buyers to focus on finding the right home at a monthly payment they're comfortable with.
If you're thinking about selling, I also wouldn't assume that waiting another year automatically means you'll get more money.
Today's buyers are much more payment-sensitive because mortgage rates remain significantly higher than they were just a few years ago.
That means pricing your home correctly has never been more important.
The sellers who are having the most success today aren't necessarily the ones with the nicest homes.
They're the ones who:
Homes that check those boxes are still attracting strong interest.
This is probably the biggest question I get.
My answer is almost always the same.
Don't try to time the market.
Instead, ask yourself whether the move makes sense for your personal goals.
Buying a home is rarely just about interest rates or home prices.
It's about your family.
Your job.
Your finances.
Your lifestyle.
Those factors are usually far more important than trying to predict exactly where the market will be six months from now.
So... are San Diego home prices going up or down in 2026?
The answer is neither, at least not dramatically.
Some homes are appreciating.
Some are sitting.
Some sellers are adjusting their prices.
And buyers who understand today's market are finding opportunities that didn't exist just a couple of years ago.
Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or simply wondering what your home is worth, having a strategy matters far more than trying to predict the next headline.
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in San Diego, I'd be happy to walk through your options and help you build a plan that makes sense for your situation.
Schedule a one-on-one consultation today, and let's talk about what the current market means for you.
Enter your details to see how much your home is worth.
Schedule a free consultation with a top local agent who can help you estimate and understand your home's value.
We need more information to provide an accurate estimate for this address. Local expert will reach out shortly or you can schedule a consultation now.
Vlog
Jamie Lennon
If you've been following the housing market lately, you've probably heard two very different stories.
Vlog
Jamie Lennon
It’s not just about finding a buyer; it’s about mastering the timing. Here’s how strategies like bridge loans, HELOCs, and rent-back agreements help make the transitio… Read more
Vlog
Jamie Lennon
Getting your home under contract is exciting, but it isn't the finish line. In fact, some of the biggest challenges happen after an offer has been accepted. As a San… Read more
Vlog
Jamie Lennon
If you're a homeowner, there's a good chance you've looked up your Zestimate before. Maybe once when you were curious. Maybe every few months. Or maybe every time y… Read more
Vlog
Jamie Lennon
One of the most common questions I hear from homeowners is: "When is the best time to sell my home?" It's a fair question. Everyone wants to maximize their home's va… Read more
Real estate thrives on human connection and I believe in cultivating relationships that are based on my core values; honesty and integrity. I combine my knowledge of the real estate community with my passion for serving others to help buyers and sellers obtain their real estate goals. I believe in having positive relationships with my clients and as such, I do not outsource important obligations or responsibilities.
