# LET'S BE BRIEF !

By Jeff Wermuth (@jeffwermuth) · Published 2026-09-14

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Southern California Real Estate: Let’s Be Brief!

Here are three developments buyers and sellers should know about this week.

MORTGAGE RATES MOVE HIGHER

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 6.76% on September 10, up from 6.71% the previous week. The 15-year fixed rate averaged 6.09%, according to [Freddie Mac](https://www.freddiemac.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

Actual rates vary based on credit, down payment, loan type and lender. Buyers should compare lenders and focus on the complete monthly payment—not only the advertised rate. Seller-paid rate buydowns may also help create affordability without requiring a large price reduction.

ORANGE COUNTY AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY MARKET UPDATE

Orange County home prices remained resilient through August. The median sale price was approximately $1.2 million, up about 3.9% year over year, according to [Redfin](https://www.redfin.com/county/332/CA/Orange-County/housing-market).

Conditions still vary dramatically by neighborhood, price range and property condition. Well-priced, move-in-ready homes can attract strong interest, while overpriced listings may sit longer.

Riverside County continues to offer buyers more home for their money than many Orange County communities. Buyers may find additional negotiating opportunities, but attractive, correctly priced properties can still move quickly.

For sellers, today’s market rewards realistic pricing, strong presentation and an effective launch strategy. The first few weeks on the market remain especially important.

CALIFORNIA HOME INSURANCE: CHECK BEFORE YOU COMMIT

Insurance availability and pricing remain major considerations throughout California, particularly in wildfire-prone areas. The California FAIR Plan now covers a significantly larger share of homes than it did several years ago, reflecting the continuing difficulty some homeowners face obtaining traditional coverage.

Buyers should request insurance quotes as early as possible—preferably before removing their investigation contingency. A property may qualify for financing but still create problems if suitable insurance is unavailable or unexpectedly expensive.

Sellers should consider gathering insurance information early and completing defensible-space or home-hardening improvements when appropriate. California also provides temporary non-renewal protections for qualifying properties near declared wildfire disasters. Details are available from the [California Department of Insurance](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

THE BOTTOM LINE

Rates, local inventory and insurance can all affect affordability and negotiating strategy. Every property and buyer is different, so good planning before writing or accepting an offer matters.

Jeff Wermuth  
The Wizard of OC Realtor  
DRE #01882109  
949-355-2813  
[jeffwermuthre@gmail.com](mailto:jeffwermuthre@gmail.com)

Information is provided for general educational purposes and is subject to change. Consult the appropriate lending,insurance,legal,or tax professional for advice concerning your individual situation.