As we close out another year shaped by shifting rates, tight inventory, and strong demand, one thing has remained constant: buyers and sellers in North County San Diego have a lot of questions. Whether you’re thinking about making a move in 2025 or 2026 or simply keeping an eye on the market, understanding the biggest concerns can help you make confident decisions.

Here are the top three questions we’re hearing—and the guidance we’re giving our clients every day.

1. “Will I ever be able to find the right house?”

It’s no secret that inventory across North County San Diego remains low. Many buyers worry that the “perfect” home may never appear—or that when it does, it will sell immediately.

Here’s the good news:
Even in low-inventory environments, the right homes do come on the market. What makes the difference is preparation. Buyers who are pre-approved, watching the market daily, and ready to move quickly are the ones who secure the best opportunities.

Off-market and coming-soon listings also play a huge role in North County San Diego. Working with a real estate agent plugged into local networks can help you access homes before they hit the MLS, increasing your odds of finding the right match.

2. “Is it better to buy now or wait for rates to fall?”

This is the hottest question of the year.

Most buyers are hoping for rate relief, but the truth is this: the moment rates drop meaningfully, buyer demand will surge. That typically means more competition, more offers, and higher prices.

Buying now often allows buyers to negotiate more and avoid the bidding wars that are likely to return once rates fall. And remember—you can refinance later if rates come down. You can’t rewind to today’s price.

3. “If I’m selling, do I need to wait for the market to pick back up?”

Sellers often assume that high rates mean buyers have disappeared, but North County San Diego continues to attract strong demand thanks to its lifestyle, schools, weather, and limited land for new development.

What sellers do need is strategy.

The homes selling quickly today are the ones that are:
• strategically priced
• beautifully presented
• marketed aggressively both online and offline

Those three factors matter more than trying to time the market. Many sellers this year received multiple offers simply by positioning their home correctly from day one.

Bottom Line

This market requires clarity, preparation, and a strong plan—but great opportunities still exist for both buyers and sellers in North County San Diego. Whether you’re months away from making a move or ready to start the process, we’re here to help you navigate every step with confidence.

If you’d like a personalized market analysis or a strategy session for buying or selling, we’d be happy to help.