By admin 
Home sales in the four-county Sacramento area fell in July while prices remained stable.
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Statewide, closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California rose 2.4% from July and increased 1.4% on a year-over-year basis, the California Association of Realtors said in a news release.
Median prices rose 1.6% to $901,420 in August from $887,210 in July, a 0.1% increase over August 2025, the association said.
“Buyers remained engaged in August despite elevated borrowing costs, but the recent rise in mortgage rates and continued economic uncertainty could create some headwinds as we move into the fall,” said Tamara Suminski, president of the association.
A recent increase in mortgage rates has added to uncertainly, experts said.
“While August showed that underlying demand remains present, pending sales softened and inventory is taking longer to clear, suggesting buyers are becoming more sensitive to changes in borrowing costs,” said chief economist Jordan Levine.
Here’s what to know:
What do the numbers show?
Home sales in Sacramento County fell 5.6% in August from July and were 2% higher than in August 2025.
In Placer County, sales decreased 17.8% from July and were 5% higher than in August 2025.
Home sales in El Dorado County fell 17.5% in August compared to July and were 7% lower than in August 2025.
Sales in Yolo County were unchanged from July and were 12.1% lower than in August 2025.
Median home sale prices in Sacramento County fell 0.2% to $549,000 from $550,000 in August 2025.
In Placer County, median home sale prices increased 2.6% to $692,500 from $675,000 in the same period.
Median home sale prices in El Dorado County rose 1.5% to $690,000 from $679,500 in August 2025.
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In Yolo County, median home sale prices increased 8.1% to $648,000 from $599,450 in August 2025.
What do the numbers mean?
“The housing market remained resilient in August, with sales inching up and prices bouncing back,” said Oscar Wei, deputy chief economist of the association.
Rising mortgage rates will likely increase pressure on the market, with sales softening and prices moderating, he said.
“Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, and El Dorado have seen some healthy sales growth so far this year, but housing demand will likely experience some moderations as well for the rest of the year,” Wei said.
What do buyers need to know?
Home prices are expected to soften in the fall and winter months, Wei said. Mortgage rate increases also could weaken housing demand and push prices lower.
“With market competition cooling down, homebuyers may be able to negotiate lower selling prices in the coming months,” he said.
What do sellers need to know?
Buyers will have more options and properties could stay on the market longer, Wei said. Buyers also can be expected to bargain more aggressively.
“Sellers should be prepared to make adjustments to their prices if they want to reach a deal,” he said.
What do the figures mean for 2026?
“California continues to improve from last year despite rates rising in recent months and hitting a 20-month high in the latest reading,” Wei said.
But higher borrowing costs and lingering economic uncertainty will create headwinds for buyers and sellers for the rest of 2026, he said.
“The year should still end with a gain in sales from last year and a slight increase in the statewide median price when it’s all set and done, but conditions could become less supportive for the market fundamentals in the months ahead,” Wei said.
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