Are you planning to sell your home in 2026? The market is shifting towards a new “normal” with more inventory and smarter buyers. In this video, we break down the essential trends for San Diego County homeowners, including why pricing strategy is your #1 tool and how builder incentives are changing the game.

Q&A for Search Visibility:

  • Q: Is 2026 a good year to sell a house in San Diego?
    • A: Yes, while the market is more balanced than the pandemic years, low inventory in key San Diego neighborhoods still keeps demand high for well-priced homes.
  • Q: How will mortgage rates affect sellers in 2026?
    • A: Rates are stabilizing, which has brought more buyers back into the market, but sellers must be prepared to offer “smart” upgrades or potential rate buydowns to stand out.
  • Q: What should I do to prepare my home for sale in 2026?
    • A: Focus on “move-in ready” appeal. Smart home upgrades and professional staging are no longer optional—they are the standard for achieving top dollar.

MICRO-MARKET

While the national headlines often paint a broad brush, the 2026 Housing Market Sellers in San Diego face unique conditions. In neighborhoods like Carlsbad, Encinitas, and North County, the “lock-in effect” of previous years has finally begun to thaw.

Sellers are seeing a more fluid market where they can both sell and find their next move more easily. However, this increased inventory means that “perfection” is back in style. Buyers are no longer settling for homes that need major repairs; they are looking for turnkey properties that justify the current 6% mortgage rates. Strategic positioning is the difference between a home that sits and a home that sees multiple offers within the first two weeks.

Concise Overview San Diego Housing Market 2026 housing market for sellers, featuring insights from Brad and Karen Mattonen, realtors at Coldwell Banker West.

What 2026 Housing Market Sellers Need to Know.

  • Balanced Market: The housing market is reaching a point of balance as more buyers return, leading to stable pricing and steady demand.
  • Mortgage Rates: Rates are expected to stabilize at approximately 6%, keeping buyers serious and grounded in their expectations.
  • Inventory Growth: An increase in inventory is expected. Well-priced and effectively marketed homes will remain the most attractive to buyers.
  • Builder Incentives: While new construction may slow down, builders are likely to offer buyer incentives, such as rate buydowns, to maintain momentum.

How to Stand Out Against Builder Incentives

In the 2026 Housing Market, sellers are not just competing with the neighbor’s house; they are competing with new construction. Many builders in San Diego County are currently offering aggressive incentives, such as permanent mortgage rate buydowns or significant design center credits.

To compete, individual 2026 Housing Market Sellers should consider offering a “Buyer Credit” in their listing. This credit can be used by the buyer to buy down their interest rate from 6% to 5%, making your home more affordable monthly than a similar property down the street. When you combine a strategic buyer credit with professional staging and our high-end digital marketing, your home becomes the obvious choice.

Remember, the goal in a balanced market isn’t just to get an offer—it’s to get the right offer that makes it all the way to a successful closing. By addressing buyer concerns about monthly payments upfront, you remove the biggest hurdle to a sale in today’s environment.

Tips for Selling Your Home Faster:

For personalized advice on the San Diego County 2026 Housing Market Sellers can contact Brad & Karen Mattonen:

Office: Coldwell Banker West, San Diego County, California 1  

Phone: +1 (858) 518-2875

Website: homesinsdcounty.com

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