Two months into 2026, we are still waiting for the market to warm up.
Usually, inventory rises consistently during the first few months of the year. I was surprised to see that inventory of North County has decreased, albeit very slightly, between late January and late February.
During the month of January, no new sales records were set.
Listings are taking longer to sell: the number of Days on Market for sales is higher than in previous years. January sales numbers show that, in San Marcos, Oceanside, and Escondido, the time on market was 30 or more days.
Here are January 2026 median detached home sales prices, with inventory numbers as of February 23, 2026:
Carlsbad – $1,774,000
Last all-time high: $1,972,500 – June 2025
Encinitas/Cardiff-by-the-Sea – $2,022,500
All-time high: $3,100,000 – September 2023
San Marcos – $1,247,500
Last all-time high: $1,340,000 – April 2025
Vista – $890,000
All-time high: $1,008,500 – June 2025
Oceanside – $939,000
Last record: $1,031,000 – December 2024
Escondido – $900,000
Last all-time high: $1,044,000 – July 2025
Interest Rates
At the end of 2025, the Federal Reserve dropped rates three times. The most recent cut was on December 10, 2025. In January and February, the Fed decided to hold rates steady, keeping them at 3.50-3.75%. Today, rates continue to hover around 6%.
When you apply for a mortgage, your credit score makes a big impact on your interest rate, and on any private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums. If you’re thinking about buying or refinancing, start with a credit check, to make sure you can secure the best possible rates.
If you own a home, it’s probably worth more than you think. Contact me for a free personalized home valuation, or if you have any other real estate questions.
If you’re thinking about homeownership, we can work together to determine your mortgage options, your price range, and the best time for us to start shopping.
I look forward to hearing from you!
