San Diego’s Real Estate Market is Shifting: What a Buyer’s Market Means for You

Are you ready for the transition to a buyers market here in San Diego? A great real estate agent like myself can help guide you through our dynamic housing market and set you up for success.

After years of steep competition and soaring prices, the San Diego real estate landscape is entering a new phase—a buyer’s market. As a local luxury real estate professional with deep ties to the San Diego community, I have been closely watching the gradual shift in dynamics between buyers and sellers over the last several quarters.

This transition presents new opportunities, but also new challenges depending on which side of the transaction you’re on. Here’s what this means for you, whether you’re looking to purchase a new home or preparing to sell.

What Defines a Buyer’s Market?

A buyer’s market occurs when housing inventory exceeds buyer demand. In this type of environment:

• Homes tend to sit on the market longer

• Sellers become more flexible in negotiations

• Price reductions and concessions become more common

• Buyers have more leverage to request repairs or upgrades

We are starting to see these trends emerge in several San Diego neighborhoods, including parts of North County Coastal, Downtown, and Rancho Bernardo, where inventory levels are growing and days on market are creeping up.

What This Means for Buyers

This is a smart time to enter the market if you have been waiting for competition to cool down. With more choices and negotiating power, you can approach your home search more strategically.

Buyer advantages include:

• Seller Concessions: Many sellers are now willing to offer credits toward closing costs, pay for home warranties, or include furniture, and appliances to sweeten the deal.

• Rate Buy Downs: With interest rates still elevated, one common concession sellers are offering is a rate buy down—either temporary (2-1 buydown) or permanent—helping reduce your monthly payments for the first few years.

• Room to Negotiate: Offers below asking price are being considered more frequently, especially on homes that have been sitting for 30+ days.

Key tip: Now is the time to explore “off-market” or quiet listings where motivated sellers may be more open to negotiation. A good agent (like myself) can guide you through those opportunities.

What This Means for Sellers

While you may not see the instant bidding wars of 2021 and early 2022, homes are still selling—especially when priced correctly and presented well. San Diego remains a desirable market due to lifestyle, weather, and long-term economic fundamentals.

Sellers should focus on:

• Strategic Pricing: Overpricing is more likely to result in extended days on market and multiple price drops.

• Staging and Presentation: High-quality marketing, staging, and professional photos are essential in this slower market.

• Offering Concessions: Rate buy downs and closing cost assistance can help keep your home competitive.

Remember, the longer your property sits, the more likely buyers are to expect discounts or incentives. Smart preparation now can still lead to strong results.

Why It Is Still a Good Time to Buy or Sell

Despite shifting conditions, San Diego’s fundamentals remain strong:

• Low unemployment and consistent income growth

• Limited new construction due to zoning and land availability

• High demand for coastal and well-located properties

• Continued migration from other markets (L.A., San Francisco, New York)

Long-term value in San Diego real estate continues to hold. Whether you are moving up, downsizing, or investing, this market shift can work to your advantage—with the right strategy.

Let’s Talk About Your Goals

Whether you are buying or selling, you need more than market knowledge—you need someone who is laser-focused, detail-oriented, and committed to getting results.

I am known for my ability to get things done without unnecessary delays, negotiate effectively on behalf of my clients, and handle every transaction with care, discretion, and precision.

📞 Reach out today for a confidential consultation.
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