This week, the economy sent a mixed message: inflation remains sticky, the job market is still holding up, mortgage rates remain elevated, and global events continue to influence buyer and seller confidence.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 51,876.11, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq pulled back as technology and AI-related stocks sold off. The Dow was stronger for the week, but the broader market showed signs of caution as investors weighed inflation, interest rates, oil prices, and geopolitical uncertainty.

World Events & Housing Market Impact

Global tensions, especially in the Middle East, continued to affect oil prices, inflation expectations, and investor confidence. When energy prices rise, transportation, construction materials, insurance, and consumer goods often become more expensive. That keeps pressure on inflation, which makes it harder for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.

For housing, this means mortgage rates are likely to remain higher for longer. Buyers are still active, but they are more payment-sensitive. Sellers are still benefiting from limited inventory in desirable neighborhoods, but pricing correctly is more important than ever.

Mortgage Rates, Bonds & Inflation

Freddie Mac reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.49% and the 15-year fixed at 5.84% for the week ending June 25, 2026.

Mortgage rates are closely tied to bond market movement, especially the 10-year Treasury yield. When investors worry about inflation, bond yields often rise, which can push mortgage rates higher. When investors seek safety, yields can fall, sometimes giving mortgage rates a little relief.

Inflation remains the biggest challenge. The Fed’s preferred inflation measure, PCE, rose 4.1% year over year in May, still well above the Fed’s 2% target. That keeps pressure on the Fed to stay cautious, and possibly even consider another rate hike if inflation does not cool.

Job Market

The job market remains steady. Weekly jobless claims fell to 215,000, showing that layoffs remain relatively low. A strong job market supports housing because employed buyers are more confident making large financial decisions.

However, a strong job market can also keep inflation elevated if consumer spending remains high. This is why the Fed is watching employment closely. If jobs stay strong and inflation stays high, interest rates may remain elevated.

How It All Connects

Stocks, bonds, inflation, jobs, and mortgage rates all influence one another. Strong jobs support consumer spending, which can keep inflation higher. Higher inflation pushes the Fed to keep rates elevated. Elevated rates affect bonds, mortgage rates, and buyer affordability. When mortgage payments rise, buyers become more selective, and sellers need to be strategic with pricing, presentation, and negotiation.

What This Means for Buyers

Buyers should focus on monthly payment, not just purchase price. Even a small change in mortgage rates can affect affordability. Well-qualified buyers may have more negotiating room on homes that have been sitting, especially if sellers are motivated.

This is also a market where preparation matters. Buyers should be fully pre-approved, understand their rate-lock options, and be ready to move quickly when the right property appears.

What This Means for Sellers

Sellers still have advantages in desirable areas with limited inventory, but overpricing can cause a property to sit. Buyers are watching value carefully because higher mortgage payments have reduced purchasing power.

Homes that are clean, staged, well-marketed, and priced correctly are still getting attention. Sellers should focus on presentation, professional marketing, strong digital exposure, and realistic pricing from day one.

Local Market Update

Westlake Village

Westlake Village remains one of the strongest luxury and lifestyle markets in the region. The median sale price was approximately $1.85 million, up 35.9% year over year, with homes taking about 34 days to sell.

Demand remains strong because buyers are drawn to the lake lifestyle, top schools, gated communities, golf, boating, walkability, and the overall quality of life. Even with higher mortgage rates, Westlake Village continues to attract buyers who prioritize lifestyle, privacy, and long-term value.

For sellers, this is still a strong market, especially for updated homes, view properties, lake-adjacent homes, and estates in highly desirable neighborhoods.

Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks remains steady and attractive for families, move-up buyers, and buyers seeking more space. The median sale price was approximately $1.11 million, down 1.3% year over year, with homes taking about 40 days to sell.

This slight price softening gives buyers a little more room to negotiate, especially on homes that need updating or have been on the market longer. However, well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods are still performing well.

For sellers, condition and pricing are key. Buyers want value, but they are still willing to pay for homes that feel move-in ready and offer strong lifestyle appeal.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles remains a complex and highly segmented market. The median sale price was approximately $1.05 million, down 0.72% year over year, with homes taking about 48 days to sell.

Higher mortgage rates continue to affect affordability, especially for first-time buyers and move-up buyers. However, prime neighborhoods, updated homes, and properties with strong lifestyle features continue to attract interest.

Los Angeles buyers are cautious but active. Sellers need to be realistic, especially in areas where inventory has increased or where homes require repairs or updates.

Bottom Line

The week ending June 26, 2026 showed a market shaped by inflation, interest rates, global events, and cautious consumer confidence. Mortgage rates remain elevated, inflation is still above target, and the job market remains resilient.

For buyers, opportunity exists, but preparation is essential. For sellers, the market still rewards quality, location, pricing, and presentation.

In Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Los Angeles, real estate remains local. The right strategy depends on the neighborhood, price point, condition, and buyer demand.