Wednesday, August 5, 2026 / by Dick Keenan
Rates are making headlines nationally, but the story that actually matters if you're buying or selling on the Central Coast is a lot more local than the news cycle suggests. Here's a grounded look at where San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County stand right now.
The Rate Backdrop
The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate steady at its July 29 meeting, keeping the federal funds rate at 3.50%–3.75%. But the vote wasn't unanimous — three members pushed for an immediate hike, and that split matters. It signals the door is still open for a rate increase at the September meeting, with markets currently pricing in roughly a 60% probability of that happening.
More telling than the Fed's decision was the bond market's reaction. The 30-year Treasury yield, which heavily influences long-term mortgage rates, spiked to as high as 5.23% following the announcement — its highest level since 2007. Core inflation (the Fed's preferred gauge) is still running around 3.29% year-over; ...
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Monday, August 3, 2026 / by Dick Keenan
August has arrived, and with it comes one of the most important — and most overlooked — moments in the real estate calendar: the end of summer. For homebuyers on the Central Coast and beyond, the next several weeks represent a genuine inflection point. The frenzy of the spring and early summer market begins to ease, and a different kind of opportunity opens up for buyers who are paying attention. Here is what you should know before the season turns.
Why Late Summer Is a Buyer's Hidden Advantage
Most people think of spring as the best time to buy a home — and sellers certainly love it that way. But the tail end of summer tells a different story. Families who listed in May or June hoping to close before the school year are now watching the calendar with real urgency. Sellers who haven't found a buyer yet are increasingly motivated, and that motivation often translates into negotiating room that simply didn't exist three months ago.
Inventory that has be ...
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Friday, July 31, 2026 / by Dick Keenan
If you've been watching the housing market — or just checking your morning inbox — today brought a lot to talk about. From national inflation data that continues to challenge the Fed, to rising mortgage rates, to an energizing local update straight out of Grover Beach City Hall, here is what buyers, sellers, and homeowners on the Central Coast need to know heading into August.
The National Picture: Inflation Still Calling the Shots
This morning, the Bureau of Economic Analysis released its June Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report — the Fed's preferred inflation gauge — and while the headline number was softer than expected, the details are harder to ignore. June core PCE rose just 0.1% month-over-month, a tame reading. But year-over-year, core PCE came in at +3.3%, still well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
The implication for buyers and sellers is direct: so long as inflation remains elevated, the Fed is unlikely t ...
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real estate, keenan carter group, home buyer, selling a home, realtor
Friday, May 15, 2026 / by Dick Keenan
The world of real estate is evolving rapidly, and the strategies required to successfully buy or sell a home must evolve with it. At NextHome Central Coast, we believe that the modern real estate experience should be deeply responsive, highly sophisticated, and tailored to the unique lifestyle of the California Central Coast. As part of a dynamic national network of innovators and collaborative professionals, we are proud to bring a fresh, progressive approach to our local market—one designed to elevate the sale of your home through specialized marketing and a focus on what matters most.
A Philosophy of Humans Over Houses
In an industry that can often feel transactional and driven purely by data points, we choose a different path. At the heart of every single transaction are human relationships, milestones, and new beginnings. Our deeply connected community of thousands of agents across the country shares a foundational commitment to prioritizing people over property.
We h ...
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Wednesday, April 22, 2026 / by Dick Keenan
If you’ve walked through a few open houses lately, you might have noticed something—buyers are looking for more than just curb appeal. They are looking for "pet appeal."
With nearly 43% of U.S. households owning at least one dog and 32% owning at least one cat, we are talking about over 160 million pets nationwide. That is a massive demographic of homeowners and buyers who are making major life decisions based on the comfort and safety of their four-legged family members.
In today’s market, pets aren't an afterthought—they are often the decision-makers.
The "Animal-First" Lens
According to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association and recent findings from Realtor.com, buyers are increasingly evaluating potential homes through an "animal-first lens."
We aren't just talking about a cute backyard for a photo op. We are talking about strict, practical requirements. Buyers today prioritize:
Fenced-in yards (or the ability to easily ...
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