Walmart, Target, and Dollar General spent millions putting self-checkout machines into their stores. Now they’re spending millions pulling them back out. Why? Because automation has its limits. When something goes wrong or an important decision needs to be made, people don’t want an AI chatbot, an automated answering service, or another machine. They want a real person who understands the situation and picks up the phone. Selling your house is not a self-checkout moment. There is too much money involved and too much at stake to be left navigating it alone. You deserve real answers from a real person. That’s what I’m here for. 209-831-0913 David Torres Broker Associate ΓEA⅃ Broker Lathrop, CA DRE 01944033

Summertime in the Central Coast ☀️🌊🏄‍♂️

Thinking about waiting for lower mortgage rates before buying a home. I understand why. If rates dropped significantly, monthly payments could improve, buying power could increase, and the home search might feel easier. But current forecasts do not show a major drop happening soon. Forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Wells Fargo show mortgage rates staying relatively steady in the low to mid 6% range through at least mid 2027. That matters if your entire plan is built around waiting for rates to fall below 5%. Some buyers have been waiting 2-3 years now. Could rates move lower at some point? Yes. Mortgage rates can change based on inflation, the economy, Treasury yields, Federal Reserve policy, global events, employment data, and investor expectations. But based on the current outlook, experts are not expecting a dramatic decline soon. I just check rates again today and the average 30 yr fix s hovering around 6.7% The other piece buyers need to understand is perspective. Today’s rates feel high because many people are comparing them to the ultra low pandemic years. Those rates were unusual. Historically, mortgage rates have spent much of their time between about 5% and 10%. That does not make affordability easy. It just means waiting for 2020 or 2021 rates to return may not be the most practical plan. If the numbers do not work, waiting can absolutely make sense. But if you need to move, waiting for lower rates is not your only option. New construction incentives, adjustable rate mortgages, rate buydowns, assumable mortgages, seller credits, and homes that are priced more realistically may all be worth exploring. The better question is not just, “When will rates come down?” The better question is, “What can I afford today, and what options could help make the numbers work?” Thinking about buying in Lathrop or River Islands? Text me at 209-831-0913 and let’s talk through what is realistic in today’s market. David Torres Broker Associate ΓEA⅃ Broker Lathrop, CA DRE 01944033

Feeling priced out of the housing market? A lot of first time buyers in Lathrop and River Islands are asking the same thing right now: “Is there anything out there that actually fits our budget?” That question is fair. Home prices are still a challenge, mortgage rates have made monthly payments feel tighter, and the search for a detached single family home can start to feel discouraging fast. But sometimes the issue is not that buying is impossible. Sometimes the search is too narrow. If affordability is the biggest hurdle, it may be worth looking at condos and townhomes too. According to HousingWire Data, there were 233,030 condos and townhomes for sale this June, more than any June in at least the past decade. More inventory can mean more choices, less pressure, and a better chance of finding something that fits. Price matters too. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median condo price was $380,000 in June, compared to $446,400 for a single family home. That is a difference of more than $66,000. For some buyers, that lower entry point could make homeownership feel more realistic. A condo or townhome may not be the right fit for everyone. You still need to compare the full monthly cost, including taxes, insurance, HOA dues, maintenance, and any special assessments. But if you have been waiting because detached homes feel out of reach, this may be worth exploring. Your first home does not have to be your forever home. It just needs to be the right step for your life, your budget, and your long term goals. Feeling priced out in Lathrop or River Islands? Text me at 209-831-0913 and let’s look at what is actually available. David Torres Broker Associate ΓEA⅃ Broker DRE 01944033 #lathroprealestate #buyingahome #starterhome

Just another great excuse to spend more time outdoors. 🎣🦆 Nostalgia + New Memories to create. Love the packaging @fieldandstream 👏🏽 #outdoors #fishing #hobbies #fieldandstream

Sometimes, a photo doesn’t need a caption.❤️

Selling and buying at the same time? This is one of the biggest questions homeowners face when they are ready for their next chapter: should you buy first or sell first? Let’s dive into it. There is no perfect answer for everyone. The right strategy depends on your finances, your equity, your timeline, your comfort level, and what is happening in the local market. But in many cases today, selling first can put you in a stronger position. The biggest reason is risk. If you buy before selling, you may end up carrying two mortgages if your current home takes longer to sell than expected. Right now, properties are sitting on the market longer than expected. That can create pressure, stress, and less flexibility when it is time to negotiate. Selling first also gives you clarity. You know what your home sold for, what your net proceeds look like, and how much equity you can use toward the next home. That equity can make a big difference. It may help with a larger down payment, lower monthly payment, closing costs, paying off debt, or making a stronger offer on the next property. And when your current home is already sold, your next offer can look cleaner to a seller because it is not dependent on another home selling first. That does not mean selling first is always easy. You still need a plan for timing, moving logistics, rent back options, temporary housing if needed, and what replacement homes are available. But the key is not to guess your way through it. If you are thinking about selling and buying in Lathrop or River Islands, start with the numbers. Know your home value, your equity, your next home budget, and your timeline before making a move. Text me at 209-831-0913 and let’s talk through the smartest order for your next move. David Torres Broker Associate ΓEA⅃ Broker Lathrop, CA DRE 01944033

A beautiful day that allowed us to celebrate our son turning 10. Our last one to reach double digits. 🥳 A reminder to myself: slow down, hit dnd, and enjoy these moments. They don’t stay little for long. ❤️🎉🙏🏽