A Mid-Summer Market Update

I hope you're enjoying summer and finding time to slow down, spend time with family, and take advantage of everything the Bay Area has to offer.

While summer is often thought of as a quieter season for real estate, I'm finding that many of the conversations I'm having are already centered around the fall market. Buyers are refining their search, sellers are beginning to think about timing, and many homeowners are simply curious about what today's market means for them.

Although activity naturally slows a bit during the summer months, it can actually be one of the best times to begin planning. Preparing now allows buyers and sellers to move with confidence when the market traditionally becomes more active after Labor Day.

SF & Peninsula Market Update

The Bay Area market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite elevated mortgage rates.

In San Mateo County, the median single-family home price reached $2.15 million in June, an increase of 7.5% compared to last year, while closed sales climbed nearly 19% year over year. Homes averaged just 22 days on market and continued to sell for an average of 103.9% of their asking price, reflecting strong buyer demand for well-priced, well-prepared homes.

San Francisco continues to tell a similar story, particularly for exceptional properties. In June alone, 44 homes sold for more than $1 million over their asking price, illustrating that buyers remain highly competitive for desirable homes in sought-after neighborhoods.

At the same time, we're seeing a more balanced market than earlier this year. Inventory has grown, giving buyers more options, while sellers who invest in thoughtful preparation and strategic pricing continue to achieve excellent results.

Rather than one uniform market, we're seeing several different markets depending on neighborhood, price point, and property type. That's why local knowledge and thoughtful strategy remain more valuable than ever.

Featured Property

This charming three-bedroom, two-bath home was thoughtfully prepared for market after the homeowners invested in significant improvements over the years, including new windows, updated electrical, and a new sewer lateral. Before listing, we completed fresh paint, landscaping, and finishing touches to showcase the home at its very best.

Although we came to market just before the Fourth of July holiday, the home generated strong interest after its first weekend on the market, receiving a preemptive offer and ultimately selling for $1.255 million, exceeding the sellers' target price of $1.2 million. It's a great example of how thoughtful preparation, strategic pricing, and targeted marketing continue to help homes stand out in today's market.

Summer Events Around the Bay

Market Insights

One trend I've been discussing with many clients recently is that preparation has become an even greater differentiator.

As inventory has increased, buyers have become more selective. Homes that are thoughtfully prepared, priced strategically, and marketed effectively continue to attract strong interest, while properties that miss the mark are often spending longer on the market or requiring price adjustments.

Today's market rewards preparation more than ever.

If a move has crossed your mind, even if it's months away, summer is the ideal time to begin planning.

For sellers, this may mean scheduling a walkthrough to discuss improvements that could maximize your home's value, tackling deferred maintenance, or creating a timeline that avoids last-minute stress.

For buyers, now is a wonderful opportunity to become familiar with neighborhoods, meet with a lender, and refine your search before competition often increases in September and October.

The clients who feel the most confident in the fall are almost always the ones who started planning during the summer.