Week of August 3, 2026
Good morning from Danville. Here's your quick read on where rates and the Bay Area market stand this week, and what it means whether you're buying, selling, or thinking about a refinance.
Rate Snapshot
Rates ticked up slightly to open August, with the 30-year holding in the high-6% range after the Fed's decision to stay put. Here's roughly where the market sits this week:
| Loan Type | Current Market Range |
|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed | ~6.78% |
| 15-Year Fixed | ~6.01% |
| 30-Year Refinance | ~6.84% |
Rates as of August 3, 2026 — subject to qualification. Current rates posted at NestMortgage.ai/rates.
The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate steady at 3.50%–3.75% at its July 29 meeting — the fifth straight hold. That was widely expected, so it didn't move mortgage rates much on its own. What's actually driving home-loan pricing right now is the tug-of-war between cooler inflation data and higher oil prices. As a broker, I shop wholesale lenders across my network to find the pricing that fits your scenario, so the "market rate" you see in headlines isn't necessarily the rate you'd qualify for.
Current rates are published on NestMortgage.ai/rates and update regularly. Subject to qualification.
What's Happening in the Bay Area Market
Inventory remains the headline. Across San Francisco and the broader Bay Area, listings are historically tight, which continues to keep well-priced homes moving fast.
San Francisco's single-family median climbed to roughly $2.15M, up sharply year over year, with homes going under contract in about 12 days. Condos have been steadier near $1.2M.
Closer to home in Contra Costa County, listing volume stays controlled and competition is active. Danville's median has hovered near $1.87M in recent months, with most homes going under contract within 12 to 30 days of hitting the market.
The takeaway: this is still a supply-constrained market. Buyers who are prepared move faster than the competition, and sellers with move-in-ready homes are being rewarded.
Tips for This Week
For buyers: Get fully pre-approved before you tour, not just pre-qualified. In a 12-day market, a strong, verified approval letter is what separates an accepted offer from a missed one. Let's talk through your numbers so you're ready to write.
For sellers: Low inventory is working in your favor, but pricing and presentation still decide how fast and how high you sell. A pre-listing conversation about buyer financing can help you evaluate offers on strength, not just price.
Thinking about a refinance or HELOC? Even with rates where they are, tapping equity through a HELOC can make sense for renovations, debt consolidation, or funding a purchase. It's worth a quick review of current market options based on your qualification.
Have a question about your specific situation? Reply to this email or call me directly at 925.718.0700 — I'm always happy to run the numbers with you.
Talk soon,
Kaveh Sartipi Mortgage Broker & Advisor, Nest Mortgage NestMortgage.ai
Kaveh Sartipi | NMLS# 247776 | DRE# 01363588 | Answer Home Loans, Inc. is a Licensed Real Estate Broker, California Department of Real Estate DRE# 02058505 | NMLS# 1729528 | Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval, underwriting, and program guidelines. Rates and terms subject to change without notice.
Kaveh Sartipi
Mortgage Advisor · NMLS# 247776 · Top 1% Nationally
Kaveh Sartipi is the founder of Nest Mortgage and has been helping Bay Area buyers finance their homes since 2001. With access to 70+ wholesale lenders, he specializes in finding the right loan for each client's unique situation.