Q2 2026: Monterey Peninsula Market Snapshot

Single Family Homes • Q2: April – June 2026 • vs. April – June 2025

What’s happening in our market — and why it matters

For starters, you should know that Q2 is typically the busiest real estate season of the year. In fact, the National Association of Realtors shared this article in March 2026 encouraging sellers to list between April 12–18, when homes tend to sell faster, for less competition, and for about 1.3% more than the yearly average, roughly $26,000 more than listing at the start of the year. Does that mean our selling season is over? No, it will keep going. Buyers and sellers rarely get to time their life needs around a market calendar.

Before the numbers: it's helpful to know that mortgage rates bounced around a fairly narrow range all quarter, between 6.3-6.49% on average. This week, they eased back to 6.43%, a seven-week low. The bigger story is the year-over-year picture: rates are still lower than they were a year ago (6.67%), which means today's buyers are, in real terms, in a better position than they were last summer. That said, roughly half of our buyers here on the Monterey Peninsula are all-cash and completely unaffected by mortgage rates. (Lucky them!)

Here's how each community is looking this quarter:

My sneakers-on-the-ground take:

Buyers showed up with enthusiasm in early spring, but that energy has cooled a bit. Some well-priced homes are sitting longer than I expected this late in the quarter. What is cutting through: walkability and water views. Buyers keep asking for both. Anything priced under market value is gone almost immediately, often with multiple offers to bring the sale price at or slightly above market value. Homes priced too high are gathering cobwebs, then sellers are having to reduce the price repeatedly to earn a second look. Well-priced, turn-key homes are moving quickly, as they generally do, unless they're overbuilt to a very specific taste. There are plenty of homes on the market that need TLC, and most buyers see those repairs as death by a thousand cuts and pass. If you're a buyer who's open to doing home improvements, there are plenty of homes for you!

At the end of the day (er, quarter), the numbers confirm it: the Peninsula remains one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Both buyers and sellers are in a good position to act. It's a moment of balance that feels fair and good after many years of a seller-dominant market.

Thanks for reading! If I can help you understand the market and buy or sell your home, please reach out. I'd be honored to help.

With gratitude,

Ashley