The Fed Just Cut Rates — What It Means for Westside Condo Buyers and Sellers

By Brian Maser, President & Broker — The Condo Experts

The Big Picture: Fed Policy & Mortgage Rates

The Federal Reserve just reduced its benchmark interest rate for the first time in nearly a year. This was widely anticipated, and it’s already shifting the housing market. According to national reports:

• 30-year mortgage rates have dropped to around 6.35% in recent weeks, giving buyers more monthly affordability.
• Applications for mortgages and refinances have jumped as buyers re-enter the market.
• Economists expect additional cuts through late 2025 as inflation stabilizes.

As Colton Lindsay often points out, every 1% drop in rates boosts buying power by roughly 10%. That’s a game-changer in competitive markets like Santa Monica, Brentwood, and other West LA cities, where affordability has been the main barrier.

What We’re Seeing on the Westside

Numbers and headlines are one thing. But what matters is what’s happening right here in the Westside condo market — from Santa Monica to Brentwood to Venice.

Here’s what my team at The Condo Experts has observed over the past 60 days:

• Open houses are buzzing again. We’re seeing stronger turnout with serious buyers — not just lookers. In some Santa Monica condo open houses, traffic has doubled.
• Multiple offers are back. Well-priced, well-presented condos are receiving multiple bids, with some selling above asking price.

• Buyers are more optimistic. Lower rates have shifted psychology. For example, a Brentwood buyer who qualified for $900k in July may now be eligible for $1M+.

In short: the Westside condo market feels alive again.

What This Means for Sellers

If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines for a “hotter market,” this may be your window. Demand is picking up, and serious buyers are ready to compete.

But — and this is key — buyers today are smart and cautious. They’ll pay a premium only if your condo is:

• Pre-packaged with full transparency (HOA docs, reserves, assessments, insurance, disclosures).
• Presented correctly (prep, staging, marketing, pricing).
• Trustworthy (buyers want confidence, not surprises).

That’s why we built the Pre-Packaged Condo Sale™ system — to eliminate objections before they come up and to help sellers net more.

 Related reading: Why Waiting to Sell Might Not Pay Off

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, this is one of those rare moments where opportunity and affordability overlap. But success isn’t about chasing the lowest rate or jumping at the first property you like.

It’s about understanding what you’re really buying:

• The unit and the financial health of the building.
• HOA governance, reserves, assessments, and long-term planning.
• The system you’re entering as an owner.

That’s why we created the Condo Buyer Summary™ — a clear, 4-page breakdown of 400+ pages of HOA documents. It protects you from bad buildings and helps you buy with confidence.

 Related reading: Buying a Condo: Why Reserves Aren’t the Whole Story

Our Track Record

We don’t just talk theory — we execute.

• See our 31 recent sales on Zillow →
• Browse our current featured listings →

The Bottom Line

The Fed’s rate cut has re-ignited the Westside condo market. Affordability is improving, buyers are energized, and condos in Santa Monica, Brentwood, and West LA are moving again.

The message is clear: momentum is building, affordability is back, and the window of opportunity won’t stay open for long.

 Contact us today for a free condo value review (for sellers) or a free Buyer Summary (for buyers).

Let’s make sure you’re on the right side of this market shift.

—
Brian Maser is the founder of The Condo Experts. With over 700 Westside condo transactions closed and 600+ renovations managed, Brian’s team specializes in helping sellers maximize value and buyers purchase with confidence through their proprietary Pre-Packaged Condo Sale™ and Buyer Summary systems.