Every spring, I get the same question at open houses and over dim sum with clients: “Is now a good time?” The honest answer is that it depends on your story, but this spring, the numbers are giving us more clarity than we’ve had in years.
Inventory across San Francisco and the Peninsula is up meaningfully from last year. That sounds like a buyer’s market on paper, but the well-priced, well-prepared homes are still moving in under two weeks, often with multiple offers. What’s changed is the middle of the market: homes that are overpriced or under-prepared are sitting, and sitting visibly.
For Sellers: Preparation Is the Premium
The gap between a home that’s been thoughtfully staged and priced and one that hasn’t has never been wider. In the past quarter, my prepared listings have averaged 8 to 12% over asking, while comparable unprepared homes nearby took price reductions. The market rewards care, it always has, but right now it’s decisive.
The market isn’t hot or cold. It’s discerning, and that favors people who do the work.
For Buyers: Patience Has a Payoff Again
With more homes on the market, buyers finally have room to breathe. You can see a home twice. You can keep your inspection contingency. In some cases, you can negotiate. That was nearly unthinkable in 2021, and it’s why I’m telling my buyers this is the most balanced spring we’ve seen in five years.
If you’re weighing a move this year, in either direction, I’m happy to walk you through what these numbers mean for your specific neighborhood and situation. No commitment required.
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