Rates just hit a 2023 low.

Hey, it’s Ian. Happy Saturday!

Here’s your weekly snapshot of housing, rates, and what’s happening around town.

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In this week’s Scoop:

• A Del Sur home that quietly got more interesting

• Mortgage rates at their lowest point since 2023

• A quick gut check on how you read price drops

Let’s dive in ↓

DEAL OF THE WEEK

A Del Sur home worth seeing after a subtle price reset

Here’s the one that caught my eye this week.

• 4 bed, 5 bath, 3,388 sq ft with every bedroom en-suite

• Main-level suite that actually works for guests, an office, or multigen living

• Open kitchen + family room that feels built for hosting or quiet nights in

• La Cantina doors and a private courtyard with a fire pit (this is the vibe)

• Walkable to Del Sur parks, pools, trails, and community amenities

• Priced at $2,399,000 after a recent $50K price drop

If you want the full details, photos, or to see it in person, I’ve got everything ready.

Interested? View full details + photos →
Want to see it? Schedule a private tour →

MORTGAGE MARKET

$200B mortgage bond buy pushes rates to lowest levels since 2023

Source: Mortgage News Daily as of 1/9/2025

Mortgage rates dropped this week, but not because of the jobs report.

The real driver was a surprise $200 billion purchase of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) by government-backed groups.

Because MBS directly influence mortgage rates, the impact was immediate.

Lenders released their best rates since early 2023, pushing borrowing costs to their lowest levels in over a year.

Volatility is still the wildcard. Rates moved throughout the day, and some lenders already adjusted higher.

Even so, rates are meaningfully lower right now.

Want the full breakdown? Read the full article →

QUICK POLL

Last week’s poll results: would you rather have more space and be farther out or less space with a better location? (331 subscribers)

• More space, farther out — 56%

• Less space, better location — 44%

LOCAL DIGEST

5 headlines I’m snacking on

• Midway District 30-foot height limit restored. California Supreme Court ruling. Sports Arena high-rise plans off the table.

• College Area Community Plan approved near SDSU. Thousands of new housing units cleared. First update in more than 30 years.

• SDG&E residential rate hikes take effect January 1. Average household bills up about $20 per month. Wildfire and grid upgrades cited.

• San Diego Section 8 waitlists closing February 1 at 11:59 p.m. Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing programs affected. Funding shortfall.

• San Diego housing and transportation costs rank second-highest nationally. New report released. Only the Bay Area is higher.

HOUSING MARKET

5 stats shaping the market right now

Source: SDAR MLS 1/9/2025

Inventory jumped this week as a wave of new listings hit the market, while fewer homes went under contract.

That pushed total active listings higher, even though days on market barely changed.

The median price also moved up, though that number can swing week to week based on which homes closed.

Buyers have more options, more time, and a little more room to breathe as supply continues to build.

Want to see where seller motivation is showing up? Download the Motivation Monitor →

WHAT’S HAPPENIN

5 calendar-worthy events next week

Monster Jam | Jan 11 | 3:00 PM | Snapdragon Stadium
Giant trucks, big air, and freestyle chaos. Loud, fast, and very hard to ignore.

Borrego Springs Film Festival | Jan 14—16 | Borrego Springs
Independent films, desert backdrops, and a low-key reason to escape the city for a few days

San Diego Rodeo | Jan 16–18 | Petco Park
Bull riding, live entertainment, and a full Western takeover inside the ballpark.

Carlsbad Marathon | Jan 18 | 6:15 AM | 2525 El Camino Real
A coastal marathon with ocean views, cheering crowds, and a strong post-race brunch scene.

44th Annual MLK Parade | Jan 18 | 11:00 AM | Downtown
One of the largest MLK celebrations on the West Coast with floats, bands, and community groups.

Need more ideas? See what else is happening →

That’s the scoop for this week!

Have a great weekend,
Ian

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help:

• Need a game plan? Book a strategy session → A clear read on price, leverage, and timing before you move.

• Want to see a home in person? Schedule a day to look at homes → You’ll know quickly if it’s right.