Interest rates may be at historic lows but, like the rest of the country, San Diego homebuyers are still a bit balky and uncertain when it comes to making a commitment. And, this is no less true in Point Loma, Ocean Beach and Old Town than the rest of San Diego County. Yes, prices have gone up — in some neighborhoods — over the past year. By the end of July, the median sales price in the county increased 5 percent — from $371,000 to $390,000 for detached homes — and 3 1/2 percent for attached homes, increasing to $217,500. But home prices have come down sharply in Ocean Beach and Old Town during that same period. In Ocean Beach, the median price for detached homes was $706,000, down from $799,000 the year before, while the median price for attached homes in the neighborhood sunk from $365,000 to $308,000 during the same time period. Old Town’s detached homes fell from $622,500 to $501,000 over the course of a year. Old Town’s attached home prices fell from $251,000 in July 2009 to $195,000 just last month. These numbers now put Old Town homes below the county’s average median prices, which theoretically, make them very competitive in the real estate market, given that the neighborhood is a very desirable place to live. In short, we’re seeing true bargains here. The bright spot was in Point Loma, where — like the rest of the county — prices rose. In July, the median price for a detached home was $815,000, up from $758,750 during the same time last year. Attached homes in Point Loma soared in value to $418,250 from $326,000 last year. But how were actual sales in these three ZIP Codes? Well, while total sold listings in the county dropped 13.5 percent for detached homes over the course of a year, to date this year, there have been 79 home sales in Point Loma, up a bit from 73 this time last year. But July wasn’t kind. There were only nine sales last month in the neighborhood, compared with 22 last year. For attached homes, there have been 23 sales this year in the neighborhood, down only by one compared to a year ago. But there were six sales of properties last month compared to three at the same time last year. In Ocean Beach, sales have been up substantially year to date for detached homes compared to a year ago. As of the end of July, there have been 71 homes sold, while there were only 52 homes sold by the same time in 2009. Attached home sales fared well, too, with 49 sold listings to date at the end of July, compared with just 29 last year. Did low prices help Old Town? Not by much for detached homes. This year, there have been 43 sold listings in the area as of the end of July, while by the same time last year, when prices were considerably higher, there were 41 sales. For attached homes, the price drop did have an impact. So far, there have been 101 sold listings, compared with 79 by the end of July 2009. Is there any rhyme or reason to these numbers? Well, we know that across the U.S. the homebuyer tax credit boosted sales through the end of June. On the other hand, we know the public in general remains anxious about how the economy is faring, wondering if the job market will improve or if things will take a turn for the worse. It’s the not knowing that may be holding buyers back right now. So, despite lower prices in some neighborhoods and very low interest rates, it’s a nervous public that’s out there waiting for economic news that will give them the impetus to buy a home. Until people have a better feeling about their economic future, it looks like some optimistic pockets of the population in San Diego County are going to take advantage of the deals and the interest rates to buy homes, while others will practice restraint. And that mix of emotions currently is on display in Point Loma, Ocean Beach and Old Town as we look at the wide range of sales figures for those neighborhoods.