APRIL 2026 NEWSLETTER

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The following infographic shows data from February 2026 because that's a full month of data.  Boy, so much has happened in our market since then.  The war in Iran has caused uncertainty in the financial world.  

Loans and real estate is still moving forward but things shift.  In the next few months I'd like to compare this infographic with March's infographic.  More to come!

Key Trends and Data (March/April 2026)

• Volatile Interest Rates: The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.38% late in March, say Freddie Mac. Global economic turmoil has caused Treasury yields to fluctuate, prompting a 30+ basis point jump from Feb lows.

• Cautious Spring Market: The housing market is in a "cautious transition" for the spring season, with increased inventory, improved affordability compared to the previous year, but higher rate volatility.

• Rising Foreclosures/Default Risk: Late-stage delinquencies and active foreclosures have increased over 20% year-over-year—the highest since 2018—with FHA loans representing a significant portion of this risk.  See the following infographic for perspective.  Still 3 decade low but trends may be alarming.

Mortgage applications tumble 10.5% as 30-year rate hits highest level since October

Do we run for the hills and stop all mortgages?  No!  This is when you trust your mortgage and real estate professionals to work with current economic conditions.  This is a time when we get creative on helping with affordability.  Borrowers may choose adjustable or seller paid buy downs to help with affordability.  

How can we look at this in a positive light?  Is this a time when a buyer can get a better deal?  Possibly.  Now may be a time for sellers to offer buyers incentives and a time for buyers to work with their mortgage broker to be creative on financing.

Reach out to me if you'd like to discuss.

If you know my work ethic and wouldn't mind taking 5 minutes to LIKE & review me, it would be greatly appreciated!

I wanted to share some news.  Ernie and I are going to join the owners of the Descanso Cemetery the weekend before Memorial Day to do an annual clean up they do.  Staying connected to fallen firefighters' memories and their families is really important.  

Colby Shigley, the reason for our "Firefighter Colby Shigley Memorial Scholarship" is buried at that small cemetery and his parents live out of state.  We have our AirBNB cabins a few miles from the cemetery and we pass it once or twice a week.  It's important for us to feel that we are respecting and honoring him when we can.

If you know of a first responder family who has recently dealt with a tragedy, please reach out to me.  We always like to see if we can help in some way.

For cribs I wanted to highlight a property with acreage!  My grandma lived off Dye Rd in Ramona for most of my childhood so I thought this Dye rd property would be fun.

"To Dye For" is a 400ish acre property with tons of walking and horse trails adjacent to thousands of acres of public land.  it really is a special place and was a former dairy.

This month I wanted to share the American dream! Owning land. Yep. Owning land.  There are 34 properties in San Diego that are 1/2 to 20 acres in size under $50,000 - with some as low as $7,500.

If you've ever wanted to live the American dream and own land, call me. Let's see if we can make it happen.

These photos are of actual properties available now.

Visit equitysmartloans.com. Rates, Fees and Programs are subject to change without notice. This is not a guarantee or a commitment to lend. Some products may not be available in all states. Not all applicants qualify for financing, subject to review of credit/collateral. Equity Smart Home Loans NMLS#: 856170 DRE#: 01906808 Headquarters: 1499 Huntington Dr Suite 500, South Pasadena, CA 91030, (323) 258-4317.