🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday, America!

This Independence Day is especially meaningful as we celebrate 250 years of freedom, opportunity, innovation, and the American dream. Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and memorable Fourth of July filled with friends, family, and gratitude for the nation we proudly call home.

Wall Street Closes the Week on a Positive Note

Despite continued global uncertainty, the stock market finished the holiday week with optimism.

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Closed at approximately 52,900, reaching another record high.
• S&P 500: Posted weekly gains as investors welcomed easing inflation concerns.
• NASDAQ: Experienced some technology-sector volatility but remained positive overall for the week.

Markets were encouraged by a slower-than-expected jobs report, reducing concerns that the Federal Reserve may need additional interest rate hikes in the near future. Investors are now turning their attention toward second-quarter corporate earnings and upcoming Federal Reserve meeting minutes.

Mortgage Rates Continue to Improve

Homebuyers received some welcome news this week.

According to Freddie Mac:

• 30-Year Fixed Mortgage: 6.43%
• 15-Year Fixed Mortgage: 5.79%

These represent the lowest average mortgage rates seen in several weeks. While borrowing costs remain elevated compared to historical lows, even modest improvements increase purchasing power and encourage more buyers to re-enter the market.

Inflation

Inflation continues moving in the right direction, although it remains above the Federal Reserve's long-term goal of 2%.

Lower energy prices resulting from improving geopolitical conditions have helped reduce inflationary pressures. However, housing, insurance, healthcare, and consumer services continue to keep overall inflation elevated. The Federal Reserve remains cautious and is expected to carefully evaluate future economic data before making additional policy decisions.

Employment & The Job Market

June employment data showed:

• Approximately 57,000 new jobs added
• Unemployment: 4.2%

Hiring has slowed compared with previous months, but unemployment remains relatively low. A cooling labor market often eases inflation pressures because wage growth slows, reducing the likelihood of additional Federal Reserve tightening.

For housing, steady employment remains critical. Buyers who feel secure in their careers continue purchasing homes, especially in desirable Southern California communities.

How World Events Continue to Influence Housing

Global events continue to affect every aspect of the housing market.

Recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drove oil prices higher earlier this summer, increasing transportation, manufacturing, and construction costs. Those higher costs contributed to inflation and helped keep mortgage rates elevated.

Recently, optimism surrounding diplomatic efforts and improving energy markets has lowered oil prices, helping bond yields ease and allowing mortgage rates to decline modestly. While international events remain unpredictable, improving stability overseas could continue benefiting borrowers later this year.

Local Housing Market Update

Westlake Village

Westlake Village remains one of Southern California's strongest luxury housing markets.

Inventory remains limited, and well-prepared homes continue attracting qualified buyers. Luxury buyers remain active, many purchasing with substantial cash down payments, making this market less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations than many other communities.

For Sellers:

• Proper pricing continues to generate strong activity.
• Professionally marketed homes are selling faster.
• Move-in-ready homes command premium prices.

For Buyers:

• Slightly lower mortgage rates improve affordability.
• Negotiating opportunities are better than during the competitive markets of previous years.
• Acting before rates decline further may reduce future competition.

Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks continues benefiting from strong schools, desirable neighborhoods, excellent parks, and quality of life.

Inventory remains below historical averages, supporting home values while giving buyers more choices than they had a year ago.

Families continue relocating to the Conejo Valley, creating steady demand across most price ranges.

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles market remains mixed.

Luxury neighborhoods continue performing well, while higher financing costs have caused longer marketing times in many mid-priced communities.

Buyers are becoming increasingly selective, placing greater importance on condition, location, and realistic pricing.

Well-priced homes continue receiving multiple offers, while overpriced properties are experiencing longer days on market and price reductions.

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

Home Buyers

Lower mortgage rates provide welcome relief and may improve monthly affordability. Waiting for significantly lower rates could mean facing increased buyer competition if financing costs continue falling later this year.

Home Sellers

Although today's buyers are more payment-conscious, inventory remains limited throughout much of Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and many Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Homes that are priced correctly, professionally staged, and strategically marketed continue selling successfully. Expert pricing and negotiation have become more important than ever.

Looking Ahead

The markets will continue watching:

• Federal Reserve policy
• Inflation reports
• Mortgage rate movement
• Corporate earnings
• Global geopolitical developments
• Consumer confidence

If inflation continues cooling and mortgage rates trend downward, we could see increased buyer activity during the second half of 2026.

Ready to Make Your Move?

Whether you're thinking about buying your first home, upgrading to your dream property, investing, or wondering what your home is worth in today's market, local knowledge makes all the difference.

As your trusted local real estate advisor serving Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Lake Sherwood, Calabasas, and Greater Los Angeles, I provide personalized market analysis, strategic pricing, expert negotiation, and world-class marketing to help you achieve your real estate goals.

Let's discuss your options and build a strategy that works for you. Whether you're planning to move this month or simply preparing for the future, I'm here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Happy Independence Day, and here's to celebrating 250 years of the American Dream! 🇺🇸

Tina Lucarelli DRE 02102354 (310) 738-8089