Even though rates are high and sales have slowed, the real estate market continues to remain consistent. Since the beginning of the year, we have more inventory, more buyer activity, and stable prices.
What came as a surprise was the decrease in inventory between late May and late June. You can see in the graphs below that inventory is also much lower than in 2025.
During the month of May, no new sales price records were set. Still, you can see in the graphs below that the prices are holding steady, relative to 2025. Oceanside set a new all-time record in April 2026, and the median sales price in Encinitas is the highest since October 2024. So even though inventory is down and buyer activity is down, the median sales prices don’t reflect a consistent decrease.
Listings are taking 2-3 weeks to sell: the number of Days on Market for sales is still low, for well-priced homes. May sales numbers show that, in North County, detached homes usually sell in between 2-3 weeks.
Here are May 2026 median detached home sales prices, with inventory numbers as of June 23, 2026:
Carlsbad – $1,765,000
Last all-time high: $1,972,500 – June 2025
Encinitas/Cardiff-by-the-Sea – $2,700,000
All-time high: $3,100,000 – September 2023
San Marcos – $1,163,900
Last all-time high: $1,340,000 – April 2025
Vista – $950,000
All-time high: $1,008,500 – June 2025
Oceanside – $950,000
Last record: $1,031,000 – December 2024
Escondido – $955,000
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. Since then, the Fed has decided to hold rates steady, keeping them at 3.50-3.75%.
What’s more telling than the federal funds rate, which drives short-term rates, is the 10-year treasury bond rate, which helps determine long-term rates, including those for 30-year mortgages. The 10-year treasury bonds rate is 4.38% as of today (6/26/26). The spread is usually 1.25-2% when rates aren’t expected to cycle down. Today, however, 30-year mortgage rates are higher, ranging between 6.25-6.75%, depending on the loan program.
Your credit score also helps to determine your interest rate, and 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!
