Mortgage Rates, Real Estate, and Revelry in Santa Barbara

Fiesta

As the sun blazes over the Pacific and the scent of Fiesta confetti still lingers in the air, Santa Barbara’s real estate market is dancing to its own rhythm this August. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just soaking in the coastal vibes, here’s what you need to know.

Mortgage Rates: Holding Steady, With Hints of Easing

30-Year Fixed: Averaging 6.74%, slightly down from early summer high
15-Year Fixed: Hovering around 5.99%, up just a tick from last week
Outlook: Rates are expected to remain stable through August, with a slight chance of easing if economic indicators soften

Buyers dreaming of sub-6% rates may need to wait a bit longer, but even modest dips are worth watching. The Fed’s cautious stance and mixed jobs data are keeping things in a holding pattern, for now.

Inventory & Pace of the Market: More Listings, Still Competitive

Inventory: Active listings are up 24% year-over-year for single-family homes, and 35% for condos
Sales Activity: Up 13% for homes and 11.6% for condos compared to last year
Sales-to-List Ratio: Holding strong at 96%, signaling a confident, balanced market

Santa Barbara’s market is showing signs of moderation, but don’t mistake that for stagnation. Homes are still moving, especially in hot zones like the Mesa, Montecito, and Upper East Side. Condos are the breakout stars this season—affordable, attractive, and increasingly in demand.

Local Spotlight: August Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Santa Barbara isn’t just selling homes—it’s selling experiences. August is packed with events that showcase the city’s vibrant culture and coastal charm:

Date	Event	Location
Aug 1–3	Old Spanish Days Fiesta	Cabrillo Blvd & Downtown SB
Aug 8, 15, 22, 29	Free Summer Cinema	SB County Courthouse Sunken Gardens
Aug 23	Pacific Pride Festival	Chase Palm Park
Aug 23	Margaritas Y Más Festival	Elings Park
Aug 2–24	Santa Barbara Bowl Concerts	SB Bowl (My Morning Jacket, Shakey Graves, Japanese Breakfast & more)7
All Month	Sunset Sessions Rooftop Music	Hotel Californian

Whether you’re sipping a margarita under the stars or cheering on triathletes at East Beach, August is a reminder of why people fall in love with Santa Barbara—and why they stay.

Final Thoughts

Santa Barbara’s real estate market continues to defy national trends, offering both stability and opportunity. With inventory rising and rates holding, August might just be the sweet spot for buyers and sellers alike.

And if you’re not ready to make a move, at least make it to the Bowl. Or the beach. Or the butterfly exhibit. Because in Santa Barbara, even the waiting game comes with a view.–

Mark Danforth Lomas