By Costanza Genoese Zerbi & Associates  |  eXp Realty  |  April 2026

Q1 is done. And if you’ve been waiting for someone to give you the real picture of what’s happening in the Long Beach and South Bay real estate market — not the rosy version, not the hype — you’re in the right place.

I’ve been selling homes across Long Beach, Signal Hill, Torrance, and the South Bay for years. And I’ll tell you straight: this is one of the most important moments to get accurate information before you make a move.

Where Mortgage Rates Actually Stand Right Now

Let’s start with rates, because this is where a lot of agents are still telling you what you want to hear instead of what’s true.

As of April 2026, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is sitting in the mid-to-upper 6% range — and it has been volatile. The conflict in the Middle East has pushed oil prices higher, which has driven inflation up to 3.3%, the highest level in nearly two years. That’s kept the Federal Reserve on hold and made mortgage rate forecasting nearly impossible this spring.

The bottom line: rates are not coming down in any meaningful way in the near term. Most forecasters expect them to stay above 6% through 2026. If you’ve been waiting for rates to drop before you buy or sell, that strategy is costing you time — and possibly money.

What This Means for Buyers in Long Beach & the South Bay

Buyers are being more cautious — and that’s completely understandable. Stock market volatility, rate uncertainty, and global headlines are making people want to think twice before committing. What we’re seeing on the ground:

•  Buyers are touring more homes before making a decision.

•  Days on market are stretching longer than they were a year ago.

•  Multiple-offer frenzies are less common — buyers have more room to breathe.

•  Competition is down compared to the peak years.

If you’re a buyer, this is actually good news. You have more inventory to choose from, more negotiating power than you’ve had in years, and less pressure to waive contingencies just to win. The buyers who are getting great deals right now are the ones who are pre-approved and ready to move when the right home shows up.

What This Means for Sellers in Long Beach & the South Bay

Here’s where I need to be direct with sellers: the market has shifted, and the agents who don’t tell you that are doing you a disservice.

Homes that are priced right are still selling. I see it every week in Long Beach, Bixby Knolls, Belmont Shore, Torrance, and throughout the South Bay. But overpriced homes are sitting. And the longer a home sits, the weaker your negotiating position becomes.

If you’re planning to sell this spring, the strategy is simple but requires discipline:

•  Price it accurately from day one. Not aspirationally. Accurately.

•  Present it well. Professional photos, staging, and strong digital marketing are not optional in this market.

•  Work with a local agent who knows the micro-markets. Long Beach is not one market — it’s dozens of neighborhoods, each with its own dynamics.

A Note on the Neighborhoods We Serve

Our team works across Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, Torrance, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and the broader LA South Bay. Each of these communities is experiencing slightly different conditions — inventory levels, price points, and buyer demand vary neighborhood by neighborhood.

If you want a specific breakdown for your street or zip code, that’s exactly the kind of analysis we do for our clients. There’s no charge and no obligation — just real information so you can make a smart decision.

Ready to Know What Your Home Is Worth — or Whether Now Is the Right Time to Buy?

I’ve helped hundreds of buyers and sellers navigate this market — through the highs, the lows, and everything in between. My job is to give you the information you need to make the right move for your family, not just the move that closes fastest.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation home valuation or buyer consultation. We’ll show you exactly where the market stands — and where the opportunities are.

Costanza Genoese Zerbi & Associates  |  eXp Realty  |  Long Beach, CA  |  costanzagz.com