FORBES June 22, 2023:

Even though the summer homebuying season is officially here, the housing market is still experiencing a winter chill.

The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate remains elevated compared to last year, hitting a year-to-date high of 6.79% the week ending June 1, according to Freddie Mac.

Though the median existing-home sales price edged lower year-over-year for the fourth consecutive month—a promising sign for home shoppers—experts don’t expect substantial, nationwide price declines anytime soon.

Home prices remain stubbornly elevated, perpetuating affordability challenges for many, especially first-time homebuyers. For one, the nation’s housing supply remains limited—and probably will remain so for at least the near future—due, in part, to those who purchased homes in recent years at record-low interest rates staying put.

Mark Danforth Lomas

Recent Posts

The Case for Opening State Street

For decades, State Street has been the rhythmic pulse of Santa Barbara—a historic boulevard connecting…

23 hours ago

Rincon Classic Update

The legendary Rincon Classic is back for 2026, bringing together the best local talent and…

3 days ago

Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2026

The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is set to transform the "American Riviera" into a…

1 week ago

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival Poster

The poster for the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), created by local artist Baret Boisson,…

1 week ago

Year End Analysis, and 2026 Outlook

As we close the books on 2025, the South Santa Barbara County real estate market…

2 weeks ago

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

You may be wondering why a real estate blog would post something about Martin Luther King.…

2 weeks ago