Summertime in the Central Coast ☀️🌊🏄‍♂️

More homes. Currently 147 options in Lathrop, CA. Better prices. A little more breathing room for homebuyers. For the past few years, buyers have had the same two frustrations: asking prices felt too high, and there were not enough homes to choose from. This summer, that may be starting to shift. According to Realtor.com, the national median asking price was $430,000 in June, nearly $11,000 lower than one year earlier. Realtor.com also reported that the number of homes listed for sale in June reached the highest June level in three years. That does not mean every home is suddenly affordable. It does not mean every seller is desperate. And it does not mean buyers can ignore preparation. But it does mean buyers may have more room to compare homes, more time to think through their options, and more opportunities to negotiate than they had during the tightest years of the market. For buyers in Lathrop and River Islands, this matters because the full cost of owning a home is more than the list price. Taxes, insurance, HOA dues, special assessments, solar, maintenance, and monthly payment all need to be part of the conversation. If a tight budget or limited selection caused you to pause your home search, this summer may be worth another look. The key is not to chase every listing. The key is knowing your numbers, understanding the local inventory, and finding the homes that actually fit your life and budget. We know what to look for. Thinking about buying in Lathrop or River Islands? Text me at 209-831-0913 and I can help you see what is available right now. David Torres Broker Associate ΓEA⅃ Broker 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

The second half of 2026 could be better for the Lathrop housing market, but that does not mean it will be perfect. The first half of the year tested a lot of patience, including my own. Mortgage rates stayed higher than expected, affordability remained tight, and uncertainty made both buyers and sellers more cautious. But there are a few signs worth watching. If oil prices keep easing, inflation cools, and global tension settles down, mortgage rates could move lower later this year. Even a modest improvement in rates can make a difference for buyers because monthly payments are where affordability is felt the most. Home prices are also still expected to rise nationally. Forecasts are calling for about 2.3% growth in 2026, which points to a slower and more normal pace, not a major price drop. That matters if you are waiting on the sidelines. Waiting does not automatically mean you will get a better deal later. If rates improve, more buyers may come back into the market, and the best positioned homes in Lathrop and River Islands could start getting more attention again. For sellers, a stronger second half could bring more buyer activity, but pricing and presentation will still matter. Buyers are careful, and they are comparing value with more inventory to choose from. For buyers, the opportunity may come from being prepared before everyone else feels confident again. The smartest move is not to guess from national headlines. It is to understand what is happening locally in your price range, your neighborhood, and your situation. If you are thinking about buying or selling in Lathrop or River Islands, text me at 209-831-0913 and let’s talk through what the second half of the year could mean for you. David Torres
Broker Associate
ΓEA⅃ Broker
DRE 01944033 #LathropCA #RiverIslands #LathropRealEstate #RiverIslandsLathrop LathropHomes

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

Think home prices are going to crash in Lathrop, CA? A lot of buyers are wondering the same thing right now. They are watching mortgage rates, price reductions, homes sitting longer, and asking if waiting could get them a better deal later. I understand the concern. Nobody wants to overpay or buy right before values drop. But a price reduction on one home is not the same thing as a housing crash. A slower market is not the same thing as a housing crash. A seller becoming more negotiable is not the same thing as a housing crash. According to Realtor.com, home prices are still rising in 71% of housing markets across the country. And the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae shows that more than 100 economists, housing experts, and market analysts expect home prices to rise each year for at least the next five years. Even the more pessimistic experts in the survey are not calling for a crash. Could some homes reduce their price? Yes. Could certain price points soften? Yes. Could buyers have more negotiating room than they had during the peak market? Absolutely. But that is not the same thing as a 2008 style collapse. If you are waiting because the monthly payment does not work yet, that may be a smart reason to wait. But if you are waiting only because you expect home prices to crash, it may be worth looking at the local data before building your entire plan around that assumption. The better question is not, “Should I wait for a crash?” The better question is, “What is actually happening in my local market, my price range, and my situation?” If you want to understand what home prices are doing in Lathrop or River Islands, text me at 209-831-0913. David Torres Broker Associate ΓEA⅃ Broker DRE 01944033 #LathropCA #RiverIslands #LathropRealEstate #riverislandslathrop

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. ❤️🎉🙏🏽

720 Channel Drive in River Islands | Lathrop is Officially Sold! What was once the perfect home for this season of my clients lives eventually became too small for where life was taking them next. As their needs changed, it was time to make a move. The transition is complete! 🎉 It’s no secret that today’s market can be challenging, which makes a successful closing that much more meaningful. I’m incredibly grateful to my clients for their continued trust, patience, and confidence throughout the entire process. Being invited back to help them once again is something I never take for granted. Congratulations on the sale of your home and on everything that’s ahead.🍾🥂 If you’ve been wondering whether your current home still fits your lifestyle, goals, or future plans, let’s have a conversation. David Torres Broker Associate ΓEA⅃ Broker DRE 01944033