📰 News Highlights

U.S. Mortgage Rates Fall Below 6% for the First Time in Years

U.S. mortgage rates have finally fallen below 6% for the first time since September of 2022. After the lows of the pandemic years, when the average mortgage was closer to 2.5%, the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates, and mortgage rates surged along with them. This week, the average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is at 5.98%, according to a new report from the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp (Freddie Mac).

Real estate experts say it's a psychologically important milestone for homeowners who've clung onto their older, cheaper rates and would-be buyers scared off by high interest payments, creating an uncomfortably tight housing market.

Want to learn more? Check out this article.

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🎬 Reel Recap + Real Details

Goodbye to Carlsbad Village Plaza…

If you haven't heard, the entire Carlsbad Village Plaza is being redeveloped into housing and retail space. For a lot of locals, this is not just a shopping center — its been part of their weekly routine. The shopping center has been a staple in the community for over 60 years -- home to Smart and Final (the only “affordable” grocery store for miles), a laundromat, a hardware store, a pharmacy, a non-profit thrift store, and a French café. A few of the businesses have been there for over a decade. The city approved the redevelopment plans back in 2024, citing state housing laws.

Want to learn more? Watch our reel or read this article

Del Mar bans digging holes at the beach

Del Mar has officially banned digging holes and burying friends (or foes) in the sand. This is to prevent dangerous, deep, or large holes that pose collapse, safety, and emergency vehicle access hazards. These regulations will limit hole depth to 2 feet or less and require all holes to be filled before leaving. Sandcastles are in for Summer 2026!

Want to learn more? Watch our reel or read this article.

​​Your Guide to Weekend Fun ✨

Attend the Oceanside International Film Festival

The Oceanside International Film Festival (OIFF) is an annual, five-day juried event held every February in Oceanside, California, celebrating independent, local, and international cinema. The 15th annual festival in 2026 takes place at historic venues like the Star Theatre and Brooks Theatre, featuring diverse film genres, surf films, panel discussions, and red carpet events.

It is a 501c3 non-profit organization focused on providing a platform for independent filmmakers, promoting cultural storytelling, and showcasing genres ranging from drama and comedy to surf and documentary. It emphasizes community, environmental themes, and artistic expression within a historic, coastal setting.

The festival also presents over 20 awards to filmmakers, including for best picture, acting, directing, and screenwriting. This is the schedule:

Tickets, including daily passes ($18) and full event passes ($86), are available here.

Local Eats and Coffee Shops ❤️ 

☕ Coffee Shop of the Week: Lofty Coffee

📍 Solana Beach | 132 S Cedros Ave

Lofty Coffee in Solana Beach is a cozy, speciality coffee and breakfast-brunch-lunch cafe in the heart of the village. They roast their own organic coffee and pair it with a seasoal daytime menu from their kitchen and bakery - think poached egg plates, loaded toasts, sandwiches, bowls, and fresh pastries.
Check out their instagram here!

🍴 Restaurant of the Week: Casa De Bandini

📍 Carlsbad | 1901 Calle Barcelona

Formerly located in Old Town, San Diego, this second-generation Casa de Bandini Mexican Restaurant embodies Mexican culture: authentic Mexican food, fabulous mariachi entertainment, hot-off-the-grill homemade tortillas, giant margaritas, and an environment embracing Colonial Mexico. It was voted #1 Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad, and for good reason. Check out their happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-5pm!

Check out their website here!

📺 What’s Changing and What You Should Know about SD

Inside San Diego’s Most Underrated Neighborhoods in 2026

Everyone’s out here dropping $1.5 million to live the coastal San Diego dream, but there are five neighborhoods where you can get that same beach access, vibe, and convenience for under $1 million. Most buyers overlook them, and that’s exactly why the opportunity is still there.

In this video, I’m breaking down the specific areas where your budget stretches from $500,000 to $1 million further, without giving up the lifestyle. One of them just approved over 17,000 new homes, and prices haven’t caught up yet. Watch until the end to see which neighborhood it is and decide if you should make your move now.

The San Diego Housing Market Makes Zero Sense

San Diego’s housing market is doing something that feels impossible at first glance: about 78% of homes lost value last year, compared to 53% nationally. Prices are slipping, inventory is still tight, and yet homes are selling faster than almost anywhere else. If you’re trying to make a move here, those contradictions can either confuse you into waiting—or help you time your decision correctly.

In this video, I’m breaking down every one of those signals and what they actually mean in real life: where demand is still strong, why speed doesn’t always equal price growth, and how the market can cool and stay competitive at the same time. Watch through to the end, then tell me if you’re buying or selling and which part of San Diego you’re focused on, and I’ll help you read the numbers for your situation.

🔍 Search Homes for Sale in North County
Start your search here: Explore Listings 

Want to learn more or feature your home?
Reach out to Bern for personalized support, market insights, or to get your home listed and seen. 📧 Email Bern Today: [email protected]

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