Our blog serves as a comprehensive resource offering insights into market statistics, home values, and practical advice for buying and selling properties. We also include local information to keep you informed about the community we care deeply about. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We’re eager to assist you in finding your perfect home!
Dr. Jessica Lautz is the Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association of REALTORS®.
Facts: The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac rose to 6.89%, up from 6.86% last week. With this rate and a 20% down payment, the monthly mortgage payment amounts to $2,105 for a home priced at $400,000. With a 10% down payment, the typical payment would be $2,369. This does not include HOA fees, insurance, maintenance, and more.
Level set now: These mortgage rates are higher than those seen in the last 16 weeks. This increase results from the bond market responding to economic news, such as government credit rating announcements and tariff discussions. Regardless of the reason, homebuyers waiting on the sidelines for rates to drop will likely be waiting a long time. There is no expectation for lower rates, and home prices continue to climb in most markets. A comprehensive analysis of monthly costs is crucial for all homebuyers, rather than focusing on minor fluctuations in mortgage rates. Rates are only one component.
To watch: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac currently back about 70% of U.S. home loans. If a change occurs, it would impact the 30-year fixed mortgage rate and could lead to an increase in the cost of borrowing.
With all the uncertainty in the economy, the stock market has been bouncing around more than usual. Continue Reading
Welcome to May! As the flowers bloom and the days grow warmer, the real estate market is heating up right alongside them. This is traditionally one of the busiest and most active times of year for buyers and sellers alike—making it a great moment to make a move, list your property or explore new opportunities.
Spring has officially sprung, and our local market is showing it. New listings are coming on fast, which is typical for this time of year and signals an active season ahead.
Looking at the numbers from April 2025, we saw a slight dip in the number of homes sold compared to April 2024 in Atascadero (-13%), Paso Robles (-4%) and Templeton (-33%). Despite this, home values are holding strong. Median sales prices increased notably in Atascadero (+9%) and especially in Templeton (+84%), while Paso Robles saw a modest decrease of -4%. Across all three areas, sellers are still capturing about 98% of their asking price, showing continued buyer demand and price stability.
One trend we’re watching closely is the increase in days on market. Atascadero saw the median days on market rise to 22 (up from 12 in 2024), Paso Robles to 29 (from 10) and Templeton to 77 (from 21). Templeton’s figure is notably influenced by two high-end properties—each listed over $1 million—that sat on the market for over 200 days before selling, skewing the median upward.
As we move through May, we hope you feel inspired and informed to make the most of the opportunities this active real estate season brings. Whether you're considering buying, selling or simply staying updated on the market, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Wishing you a successful and sunshine-filled month.
Here are some statistics for Atascadero, Paso Robles and Templeton for the month of April 2025. If you would like to see information on other Central Coast cities, please let us know.
Dr. Jessica Lautz is the Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association of REALTORS®.
Facts: The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac decreased to 6.76%, down from 6.81% last week. At this rate, with a 20% down payment, the monthly mortgage payment amounts to $2,078 for a home priced at $400,000. With a 10% down payment, the typical payment would be $2,337.
Positive: While mortgage rates are elevated, home buyers have more negotiating power than they did over the last several years, with more inventory. Repeat buyers have reaped stacks of cash from housing equity, allowing for all-cash purchases and hefty downpayments, offsetting higher rates.
Negative: Mortgage applications eased this week. GDP eased, but it was a cloudy picture at best, as the import of goods increased. Justified or not, consumers can be reticent to make any large purchases, including a new home, when there is uncertainty in the air. Eyes will be on the job report tomorrow as steady employment means higher home sales.
