Kimberly Schmidt, a San Diego real estate expert, was recently quoted in CBS News, where she shared insight on the trends influencing today’s housing market and buyer behavior. Below is her full interview, where she expands on her insights and provides additional perspective beyond what was featured in the article.
Q: There have been several changes (Fed rate cuts, lower inflation, lower mortgage rates) since Spring 2025. With that in mind, does spring look easier for buyers, or is there reason to believe it could still be a difficult buying period for buyers? From what you’re seeing right now, what feels like the biggest difference in the market compared to last spring?
A: "The market in San Diego today is looking noticeably more active this year than last, in my opinion. I'm noticing more buyer calls overall, especially from first-time buyers who are ready to take the plunge. For those looking at condos in San Diego, that market softened quite a bit these last 12 months, so buyers are now able to find units that are more affordable, and those attached units are where many first-time buyers begin their search. Buying in a competitive market like San Diego's is likely more difficult than other parts of the country, but I think seeing that the market didn't completely crash last year has given consumers more confidence to move forward in 2026."
Q: In your opinion, do you believe home prices are more likely to fall, rise or stay flat this spring?
What are you seeing right now that supports your view, like list prices, price cuts, bidding wars or sellers negotiating more, or other?
A: "In my opinion, I think we will continue to see modest gains this year in San Diego's single-family homes, and that the condominium market will continue to struggle a bit. If the home presents well and is priced right, those properties are moving. The challenge is having sellers understand that their dream price of the pandemic highs is no longer realistic, and that painting those purple walls really is necessary. Buyer are being very picky, and we have definitely been seeing sellers granting concessions, especially on units price below $2M. Mirroring the K-shaped economy we're seeing nationally, it's notable that the market above $2M in San Diego is moving more quickly than anything priced below that tier."
Q: Do you expect inventory to improve this spring, or stay tight, and what’s the biggest reason either way?
A: "I expect inventory to improve this spring. As an active agent, I honestly go by how much my phone is ringing and it's ringing a lot more this spring than it was last year. Last year we had a delayed start that never really got going, and I heard that from agents around the country. This year feels like our normal, busy spring pace."
Q: Looking at the upcoming spring homebuying market, when might it make sense to lock in today’s rates and buy, and when does it make more sense to wait? What are the benefits of each approach?
A: "I always tell buyers that timing the market perfectly is incredibly difficult. If they are comfortable with their budget and financial plan, I encourage them to make their decision based off of finding the right home for them, not waiting for an 1/8th of a point rate drop. Inventory has been tight these last few years, so the right house isn't guaranteed to come up again in the short-term, whereas refinancing is an option if rates make good movement downward. That being said, if the purchase is really a stretch, then I encourage buyers to move with caution and maybe pretend like they are paying that big house payment for a couple of months and see how it feels before they begin writing offers."
All answers authored personally by Kimberly Schmidt, San Diego Real Estate Expert
Click here to read the entire article: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-spring-2026-homebuying-season-looks-like-with-rates-lower/