May 29, 2025

Happy Thursday

Lately, a lot of people are asking the same question: What’s really happening with the market?

Rates are bouncing, headlines are mixed, and it’s easy to feel like things are all over the place.

But here’s the thing: even in a choppy market, people are still buying and selling every day. The key is knowing how to play it—and what really moves the needle.

According to the latest Case-Shiller Index, U.S. single-family home prices rose +0.8% from February to March. That’s +3.4% year-over-year, +52.3% since March 2020, and still +6.3% above the 2022 peak.

The bottom line? This isn’t a falling market—it’s a shifting one. And smart moves (like the right upgrades or timing your sale well) can make all the difference.

Here’s what’s happening in real estate today:

3 properties to watch, 2 news updates on market trends, and 1 thought-provoking insight from me + a snapshot of current market conditions.

📈 Market Stats & Trends:

Active inventory had the smallest weekly increase we’ve seen all year. In isolation, that’s just a fun fact. But zoom out, and the local trend lines are still holding steady: low inventory, price resilience, and longer days on market when homes miss the mark on pricing or presentation.

Here’s where things get interesting. If rates keep rising, expect buyer demand to cool further. That would likely lead to longer market times and softer prices in the second half of 2025. We’re not there yet—but it’s a scenario worth watching.

Last month, I said the outlook was foggy. This month? Still some cloud cover, but the path ahead is starting to take shape. Savvy buyers are watching closely. Smart sellers are getting ahead of the next shift.

Median Prices This Week

3 Properties to check out

613 Saltgrass Ave Carlsbad, CA 92011 $2,050,000 This one feels like a vacation that never ends. The community is called Waters' End for a reason. Coastal whites, updated kitchen, and an easy indoor-outdoor flow. Bonus points for a quick bike ride to the beach, community pool & BBQ. View property

2345 Levante St Carlsbad, CA 92009 $1,400,000 This is one of those rare townhomes that feels like a detached house. Set on a spacious lot with west-facing views, there's room here to reimagine, remodel, or just enjoy as-is. The layout is functional, the bones are solid, and the outdoor space? A blank canvas. Big potential in a prime La Costa location View property

503 Sierra Ave, Unit 162 Solana Beach, CA 92075 $1,729,000 Dreaming of a walkable beach lifestyle? This gated bluff-top condo has private stairs to the sand, oceanfront pool + hot tub, and is just blocks to Cedros District shops, live music at Belly Up, and the Coaster. Inside, it's light and airy with recent updates. The HOA just made major improvements to the community. View property

2 News Articles

• ​Top housing officials are calling on the Fed to lower rates​

The pressure is mounting. This week, FHFA Director (Federal Housing Finance Agenc) Bill Pulte urged the Fed to cut interest rates, citing stalled buyer demand and affordability challenges. While inflation has cooled, rates remain sticky—and that’s kept both buyers and sellers on the sidelines.

Local lens: North County demand is still there, but many would-be movers are frozen by today’s 7%+ rates. If and when the Fed pivots, expect a surge of activity—and competition. For now, savvy buyers can still negotiate. And sellers? If your home shows well and you price right, you’ll stand out in this low-inventory market
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• ​These Remodeling Projects Bring the Most ROI (and Joy) in 2025​

If you’re thinking about updating your home, this new NAR + NARI report is worth a look. Top ROI?

In North County, a refreshed kitchen or updated flooring can go a long way in boosting buyer appeal. Not every upgrade needs to be massive—sometimes it's the mid-range improvements that move the needle. Curious what would make the most impact for your home? I’ve got opinions. Just ask.

1 Tip or Thought

Renovate now, pay later: A smarter way to prep your home for sale

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​ In today’s market, buyers are picky—and presentation matters more than ever. But here’s the challenge: many sellers know their home needs updates… they just don’t want to pay for them upfront.

That’s where Compass Concierge comes in. We’ll front the cost of strategic improvements—think paint, flooring, landscaping, staging, even kitchen and bath updates—with no interest and no upfront cost. You pay it back at closing, and in many cases, you’ll more than make up for it in your final sale price.

This isn’t about over-improving. It’s about making the right upgrades that deliver real ROI and help your home stand out. Want to know what’s worth doing (and what’s not)? Let’s walk through it together.

Josh Meltzer DRE 02098859 REALTOR® M: 858.585.0309​ ​Josh@joshmeltz.com​ ​joshmeltz.com​

P.S. 44th Annual Fiesta Del Sol in Solana Beach [Fletchers Cove Park]

May 31-June 1, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM

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DISCLAIMER: Due to recent changes by California Association of Realtors, and the SDMLS Clear Cooperation Policy (the “Policy”), Brokers are limited in their ability to share off-market properties. It is the intent of this letter to be in compliance with the Policy. For this reason, Talechia & Associates can only share such property information with clients of Talechia & Associates. If you would like more information on our properties that are not publicized in the MLS, and becoming a client of Compass, please contact Josh (858) 585-0309 or Talechia (858) 229-2181

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628, 01527235, 01527365. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.