Carl's Realty

02/19/2026

📉 Mortgage rates just hit their lowest level in about a month, and that’s kicked off a noticeable surge in refinancing activity as homeowners look to lock in cheaper payments.
🏡 While the drop hasn’t done much yet to pull new buyers back into the market, more current borrowers are jumping on the chance to refinance.
📊 According to the latest Mortgage Bankers Association data, total mortgage demand ticked up thanks to this refinance rebound.
📆 This is a short‑term relief signal — worth watching as we head into spring

02/14/2026

📌 Don’t Be One of the 70+ Sellers Leaving Money on the Table 🏡💸. You need a real estate plan — and I can help! Contact me today to start your strategy.

https://calendly.com/carl-carlsrealty/30min

New research shows that homeowners age 70 and older are selling their homes for significantly less than younger sellers — and the older they get, the bigger the gap.
✔️ The penalty starts at age 70 and widens each year.
✔️ Homes owned longer often need more repairs or updates, making them less attractive to buyers.
✔️ Older sellers are more likely to sell off‑market or to investors — which limits competition and lowers final sale prices.
Experts point to maintenance issues and “pocket listings” (private, off‑MLS sales) as big drivers of the discount older sellers face. It’s a hidden drain on retirement wealth many aren’t aware of — and one that could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Source: https://crr.bc.edu/why-do-older-people-get-lower-returns-on-their-homes/

01/18/2026

Wonderful to see such joy and positivity!
Westmont of Escondido

01/16/2026

🚨 Big news: Mortgage rates just dropped HARD.

The average 30-year fixed is now ~6.06% — lowest since Sept 2022.
That’s a real shift… and it means more buying power + more buyers coming back fast.

If you want to know what this rate drop means for your exact budget (and what homes are available right now), I’ll run it for you.
👇 DM me “RATE” and I’ll send you a quick breakdown.

Mortgage rates fell to 6.06%, their lowest level in more than three years, after President Trump announced a $200 billion mortgage-backed securities buyback plan aimed at boosting housing affordability.

The average 30-year fixed rate dropped from 6.16% last week and is well below the 7.04% average at this time last year. Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist says the decline has already sparked a jump in purchase and refinance activity, signaling a stronger spring housing market ahead.

More: https://rltor.cm/H3phtG

01/16/2026

Noteworthy Facts About the New $6,000 Senior Deduction

• It’s automatic — seniors don’t need to file a separate form; it’s built into the state tax return for those who qualify.
• It applies to all income types, including wages, retirement income, and investment income, as long as the filer meets age and income rules.
• It’s designed to offset inflation, especially rising costs for housing, food, and medical care that disproportionately affect older adults.
• Roughly 6 million Californians are expected to benefit, making it one of the largest senior‑focused tax changes in the state in years.
• It’s part of a broader tax package, which also includes credits for low‑income families and renters.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senior-tax-deduction-6000-impact-refund-aarp/

01/13/2026

Mortgage Rates Just Hit Their Lowest Level in Years

After years of volatility, mortgage rates have finally eased to their lowest point in years. They’re still higher than the pandemic-era lows — but stability is returning, and that’s enough to get buyers and sellers back into motion.
Translation: the market is no longer frozen. It’s adjusting.

Read the full breakdown from CNBC:
👉 https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2026/01/09/heres-whats-happening-now-with-mortgage-rates-.html

Bottom line: Waiting for 3% rates is a losing strategy. Smart moves now come from planning, leverage, and knowing your options.

If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, now is the time to revisit your strategy. *Message me to talk through buying, selling, or restructuring your next move with clarity — not guesswork.*

01/11/2026

The housing market freeze is easing.
More homeowners now have mortgage rates above 6% than below 3%, weakening the “mortgage lock-in” that kept inventory tight. As life changes push people to move, more homes should slowly come to market.

This won’t fix affordability overnight, but it’s a clear shift: more listings, more movement, less gridlock.

Source: The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/01/11/mortgage-lock-in-effect/

01/11/2026

Jo’s Diner in Mission Hills isn’t your typical diner—it’s a cozy neighborhood spot turning comfort food into something special. From scratch-made classics to French‑inspired favorites, this little gem is winning over locals one dish at a time.

Catch the full story in the link. https://timesofsandiego.com/business/2026/01/06/jos-diner-in-mission-hills-defies-most-diners/

01/10/2026

✅ New Year, Smarter Money Habits: Check Your Credit (Free)
One of the simplest financial wins you can make this year:
Review your credit reports at least once per year.

Why it matters:
+ Catch errors early
+ Spot identity theft before it gets expensive
+Be prepared for major moves like buying a home or refinancing

📌 New Year’s Resolution:
Add “Check my credit reports” to your annual checklist.
🔗 Get your FREE credit reports (official site):
AnnualCreditReport.com
👉 https://www.annualcreditreport.com
This is the only federally authorized website for free credit reports.

✅ Tip: Pull all three reports at once, or space them out during the year to keep an eye on changes.

🏡 Planning to buy real estate?
Your credit profile affects what you can buy and what it costs.

If purchasing is on your radar this year or next, message me. A quick conversation now can prevent costly surprises later.

https://calendly.com/carl-carlsrealty/30min

12/19/2025

CPI Drops Sharply… Because Nothing Says ‘Accuracy’ Like Creative Math!

Thursday saw the release of a much lighter-than-expected inflation report for November, and economists are already questioning its significance.