CharlieBrownSF MarketTracker – April 2025

Charlie Brown and team continue to prioritize client service while ensuring safety. Mortgage rates slightly rose to 6.62%, yet median sale prices and affordability improved: median monthly principal and interest payments fell by over $100 year-over-year. Home sales remained steady, while inventory increased, giving buyers more options.

A 10% rise in new listings suggests sellers are accepting that low mortgage rates aren’t returning soon. Buyers benefit from slight market shifts, although the Federal Reserve remains firm on current rates with no major cuts anticipated.

Locally, San Francisco's single-family homes maintain strong value, with prices increasing 6.63% over four years, while condos dropped 12.52%. Single-family homes are selling at 114.7% of their original asking price — a level not seen since mid-2022. Inventory remains a major challenge; sold listings surpass new listings, tightening supply.

The single-family market favors sellers with only 1.5 months of supply, whereas the condo market favors buyers with 3.7 months of supply. Overall, single-family homes remain a hot commodity, while condo buyers can find opportunities in a slightly softer market.

In the April 2025 MarketTracker by CharlieBrownSF, the real estate market shows a blend of resilience and evolving trends both nationally and locally. Nationally, mortgage rates have slightly risen to 6.62%, yet median monthly principal and interest payments have dropped by over $100 year-over-year, offering improved affordability even amid higher home prices. While home sales have remained relatively stagnant, the inventory has grown, giving buyers more choices and slightly shifting leverage in their favor. Sellers are increasingly accepting that lower mortgage rates may not return soon, prompting more listings.

Locally, the Bay Area housing market displays mixed signals. Single-family homes continue to dominate, keeping most areas firmly in a seller’s market, especially in Silicon Valley and San Francisco. In contrast, condos present a buyer’s market across the region. Inventory levels are growing in Silicon Valley and the East Bay, while San Francisco and the North Bay struggle with shortages. Homes in Silicon Valley sell extremely quickly, often within 8-16 days, and San Francisco single-family homes are achieving above asking prices. Meanwhile, the East Bay shows cooling trends, with modest year-over-year price declines but healthy monthly gains. Overall, despite economic uncertainty and Fed policies remaining steady, the Bay Area market shows strength, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers depending on property type and location.

MarketTracker Silicon Valley – April 2025
In the latest MarketTracker, Charlie Brown reports a dynamic real estate landscape. Nationally, mortgage rates rose slightly to 6.62%, yet median monthly P&I payments fell by over $100 compared to last year, offering some financial relief to buyers. Inventory has notably increased, with over 10% more listings added in March 2025 than a year prior, suggesting a slow shift in market power from sellers to buyers. Locally, Silicon Valley remains strong, with home prices continuing to rise: San Mateo (+3.75%), Santa Cruz (+7.27%), and Santa Clara (+11.58%) year-over-year. Despite the surge in inventory — single-family homes saw a 40.05% increase — buyer demand remains robust, with homes in Santa Clara and San Mateo selling in just 8-10 days on average. While single-family homes remain a hot commodity, the condo market is more balanced, offering better opportunities for buyers. Overall, Silicon Valley real estate continues to present excellent investment opportunities even amid shifting national trends.

Mortgage rates have continued their gradual upward trend, with the average 30-year fixed rate sitting at 6.62% as of April 10, according to Freddie Mac. Despite the rising rates, the median sale price of a home in the U.S. has also increased, contributing to ongoing affordability challenges across the nation. However, there’s a silver lining: the median monthly principal and interest (P&I) payment has decreased by over $100 year-over-year, signaling potential relief for homeowners—possibly due to refinancing when rates momentarily dipped.

Home sales have remained relatively stagnant compared to last year, with February 2025 seeing 4.26 million sales, a modest dip from 4.38 million in February 2024. The real shift has been in inventory, which has grown significantly. Over 1.24 million homes were on the market in February, up from 1.06 million the previous year, giving buyers more options and increasing the average time listings remain active.

There’s also been a 10% increase in new listings in March compared to the same period last year. This suggests that sellers are starting to adjust their expectations—many are no longer holding out for lower mortgage rates, as the Federal Reserve has indicated no major rate cuts are expected soon. The Fed has opted to maintain the federal funds rate and continues to reduce its holdings of mortgage-backed securities, reinforcing the current rate environment.

The combination of increasing inventory, stable but high rates, and slight relief in monthly mortgage costs could be a sign of power beginning to shift from sellers to buyers, though real estate remains highly local in nature.

April 2025 Market Overview
Nationally, mortgage rates rose to 6.62%, but median monthly principal & interest payments dropped by over $100 year-over-year, offering slight affordability relief. Home sales remained stable with a dip in sales but an increase in inventory and listings—giving buyers more options. Sellers are increasingly listing homes, accepting that low mortgage rates won’t return soon.

Locally in the North Bay, median home prices held steady, with Marin County seeing a 9.32% drop and Napa a 10.4% gain YoY. Inventory has declined sharply, with a 14.28% MoM drop and nearly 21% fewer new listings YoY in March. Despite this, homes in Sonoma and Solano are sitting ~15% longer on the market, while Napa homes are selling faster.

Market dynamics vary: Sonoma, Marin, and Solano have entered a seller’s market with inventory below 3 months. Napa remains a buyer’s market, holding 5.6 months of supply. The data suggests an upcoming shift as low supply could spark bidding wars and push prices up in the coming months.

MarketTracker San Francisco – March 2025

The March 2025 MarketTracker from Charlie Brown provides an in-depth analysis of the real estate market at both national and local levels. Nationally, affordability remains a challenge despite slightly lower interest rates. While new home listings increased by 4.21% year-over-year in February, home prices and mortgage rates continue to make homeownership difficult. Inventory levels are gradually improving, with a 16.83% rise in active listings compared to last year, offering more options for buyers.

Locally, San Francisco’s real estate market faces its own unique challenges. Inventory remains critically low, especially for single-family homes, which saw a 15.87% decline in active listings year-over-year. This scarcity has led to record-high sale prices, with single-family homes selling at 113.3% of their listing price. In contrast, the condo market is more balanced, with prices remaining stable and buyers having more negotiating power. The city's real estate landscape remains divided—while single-family homes are in a strong seller’s market, the condo sector leans toward a buyer’s market.

Despite these trends, opportunities exist for both buyers and sellers. Those looking to make a move in the market are encouraged to seek expert guidance.

East Bay Real Estate Market Update – March 2025

The real estate market continues to evolve, with affordability remaining a nationwide challenge despite a slight drop in mortgage rates. Home prices have held steady, making it difficult for first-time buyers to enter the market. However, new inventory is gradually increasing, with a 4.21% rise in new listings nationwide and a 40% surge in East Bay listings compared to last year.

Locally, East Bay home prices remain stable due to this inventory growth. While single-family home prices have plateaued, condo prices have declined, with Contra Costa County seeing a 5.66% drop and Alameda County experiencing a 9.77% decrease.

Despite rising inventory, homes continue to sell quickly. The East Bay remains a seller’s market, with single-family homes averaging just 1.6–1.8 months of supply, while condos are more balanced at 2.8–3.5 months.

Buyers now have more options, and while top-tier properties still attract bidding wars, deals may be found on listings that linger. Stay informed about market trends to make the best real estate decisions.

North Bay Real Estate Market Update – March 2025

The North Bay housing market remains dynamic, with shifts in inventory, pricing, and demand shaping the landscape. March 2025 saw moderate price increases across key counties, reflecting a balanced market between buyers and sellers. While mortgage rates continue to impact affordability, demand for well-priced homes remains steady.

Key Highlights:
📌 Price Trends – Median home prices in Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties saw slight increases, driven by limited supply and strong buyer interest.
📌 Inventory Levels – While new listings have emerged, overall housing stock remains tight, making competition strong for desirable properties.
📌 Market Activity – Homes continue to sell at a steady pace, with well-priced listings receiving multiple offers, especially in sought-after areas.
📌 Buyer & Seller Insights – Sellers benefit from strategic pricing, while buyers should be prepared to act quickly in this competitive market.

The Silicon Valley real estate market remains dynamic as of March 2025, showcasing trends that both buyers and sellers should monitor closely. Home prices continue to demonstrate resilience despite economic fluctuations, with median sales prices reflecting steady demand. Inventory levels have slightly increased, offering more options for buyers, while competition remains strong in key neighborhoods.

Mortgage rates continue to be a critical factor influencing buyer behavior, with recent shifts affecting affordability. While some buyers are adapting to higher rates, others are waiting for potential adjustments in financial policies. Meanwhile, sellers are leveraging strategic pricing and home improvements to attract competitive offers in a market that values move-in-ready properties.

New developments and infrastructure projects are shaping future growth, with tech sector expansions playing a pivotal role in housing demand. Rental markets also show notable activity, with rental prices adjusting in response to inventory shifts and tenant preferences.

The March 2025 edition of the MarketTracker Bay Area report, presented by Charlie Brown of Kinoko Real Estate, provides an in-depth analysis of national and local real estate trends.

National Overview: Despite lower interest rates than last year, affordability remains a significant challenge for homebuyers, with mortgage payments exceeding $2,100 per month. However, inventory levels are improving, as new listings surged by 4.21% year-over-year in February, easing some supply constraints.

Bay Area Trends: The local market remains dynamic, with Silicon Valley and North Bay experiencing price growth, while East Bay prices stabilize due to increased inventory. San Francisco faces declining single-family home listings, though condo markets show buyer-friendly conditions. Demand remains strong for single-family homes, but condos in several areas face weaker competition.

Market Insights: Silicon Valley continues to be a seller’s market, with homes selling rapidly—Santa Clara listings last just eight days on average. Meanwhile, Napa and San Francisco’s condo market offer more opportunities for buyers. The East Bay sees a dramatic 40% rise in inventory, potentially shifting market conditions.

This report offers a comprehensive breakdown for buyers and sellers navigating the evolving Bay Area housing landscape.

San Francisco MarketTracker – February 2025

The San Francisco real estate market continues to experience shifts in pricing, inventory, and buyer demand. Mortgage rates have returned to pre-rate cut levels, signaling lender expectations of potential future rate hikes. Despite affordability concerns, home values continue to rise nationally, with median sale prices increasing 6.03% year-over-year.

Locally, San Francisco saw a notable price decline in January, with median single-family home prices falling 9.68% to $1,422,500 and condos dropping 8.76% to $990,000. However, single-family homes are still selling above asking, averaging 105% of list price.

Inventory remains tight despite more new listings, with active listings down 10.34% for single-family homes and 10.91% for condos compared to last year. This persistent shortage keeps San Francisco firmly in a sellers’ market, with just 1.1 months of supply for houses and 2.8 months for condos.

For buyers, competition remains fierce, but opportunities may emerge as affordability improves. Sellers still hold an advantage, particularly in the single-family market.

For deeper insights or assistance in navigating the market, contact Charlie Brown at (415) 722-3493.

MarketTracker North Bay Newsletter – February 2025

The North Bay real estate market remains strong despite fluctuating mortgage rates and inventory challenges. Interest rates have returned to pre-rate cut levels, impacting affordability but not deterring median home prices, which continue to rise. Inventory is growing faster than sales, hinting at potential affordability improvements in the coming months.

Key Highlights:

• Mortgage Rates: Rates have returned to pre-cut levels, suggesting the market anticipates future hikes due to persistent inflation.

• Inventory Growth: Year-over-year inventory grew by 16.16%, while existing home sales increased by 9.28%, slightly easing supply constraints.

• Median Home Prices: Despite higher rates, prices rose 6.03% YoY to $404,400 in December 2024.

• North Bay Trends:

  • Single-family home inventory dropped by 16.55% in January.

  • Marin County saw a 34% YoY increase in days on market; Napa condos surged 198% in market time.

  • Sonoma and Solano counties maintained price strength, while Marin and Napa adjusted after earlier spikes.

  • Napa remains a buyer’s market with 3.8 months of inventory, whereas Sonoma, Marin, and Solano favor sellers.

The outlook remains strong, with continued monitoring of inventory trends to determine whether 2025 will bring further appreciation.

The February 2025 MarketTracker East Bay Newsletter provides an in-depth analysis of national and local real estate trends. Mortgage rates have returned to pre-rate cut levels, despite expectations of a decline. Year-over-year, home affordability has slightly improved, with median monthly payments down 1.84%. Inventory is increasing at a faster pace than home sales, which may lead to improved affordability in the coming months.

In the East Bay, median home prices remain strong, with single-family homes in Alameda and Contra Costa counties increasing by 2.27% and 1.95%, respectively. Condo pricing shows mixed results, with Contra Costa rising by 0.95%, while Alameda dropped by 15.38%. Inventory levels are climbing, signaling potential opportunities for buyers. However, single-family homes remain a seller’s market, with limited supply keeping competition high.

The newsletter also highlights market dynamics, including days on market disparities, mortgage-backed securities trends, and local real estate opportunities. For personalized guidance, readers are encouraged to connect with Charlie Brown at Kinoko Real Estate.

Silicon Valley Real Estate Market Update – February 2025

The Silicon Valley housing market remains dynamic as mortgage rates return to pre-rate cut levels, while home prices continue to rise. Inventory is finally building, with condo listings increasing by 36.62% year-over-year. Meanwhile, single-family homes are selling fast, with days on market declining significantly in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

Key takeaways from February’s MarketTracker:

Mortgage rates have stabilized at pre-cut levels, impacting affordability.

Inventory growth is outpacing home sales, offering new buying opportunities.

Median home prices continue to rise, up 6.03% nationally compared to last year.

Silicon Valley market trends show strong appreciation, with Santa Clara and Santa Cruz home values up 5.88% and 3.36%, respectively.

Sellers still hold power, with Silicon Valley’s low Months of Supply Inventory (MSI) signaling a competitive market.

Looking to buy or sell in San Francisco or Silicon Valley? Let’s discuss your options. Contact Charlie Brown today for expert real estate advice.

San Francisco Real Estate Market Update – February 2025

The San Francisco housing market remains dynamic as we head into 2025. While mortgage rates have returned to pre-rate cut levels, inventory trends are shifting, offering both challenges and opportunities for buyers and sellers.

• Home Prices: Median sale prices in San Francisco dropped by 9.68% for single-family homes (now $1,422,500) and 8.76% for condos ($990,000), making this an interesting time for potential buyers.

• Inventory Trends: Listings are down 10.34% for single-family homes and 10.91% for condos, keeping competition strong despite fluctuating demand.

• Market Conditions: The Bay Area remains a seller’s market, but specific condo markets, including Napa and Santa Cruz, are presenting rare buying opportunities.

As spring approaches, inventory shifts and interest rate adjustments will shape the next phase of the market. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell in San Francisco, now is the time to strategize.

📞 Need expert guidance? Let’s connect! Call Charlie Brown at (415) 722-3493 or explore listings at charliebrownsf.com.

Silicon Valley Real Estate Market Update – January 2025

The Silicon Valley housing market remains dynamic as 2025 begins, with elevated mortgage rates influencing both buyers and sellers. While home prices stayed relatively stable in late 2024, they are expected to rise in the coming months due to increased demand and limited inventory.

Key takeaways:

• Mortgage rates remain high – The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is hovering around 6.91%, and economists predict rates will stay between 6-7% throughout 2025.

• Home prices trending upward – Single-family home prices increased 5% in San Mateo, 7% in Santa Clara, and 20% in Santa Cruz year-over-year.

• Inventory remains tight – December saw a record-low number of listings, keeping competition high for well-priced homes.

• Buyers adjusting to higher rates – Despite economic uncertainty, home sales increased by 6.1% year-over-year as buyers and sellers accepted that interest rates won’t drop significantly in the near term.

Navigating today’s market requires expert insight. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or invest in Silicon Valley real estate, CharlieBrownSF is here to help. Contact us today for a personalized market analysis.

San Francisco Real Estate Market Update – January 2025

The Bay Area real estate market saw modest price declines in Q4 2024, but home values are poised for growth in 2025. With mortgage rates remaining high—averaging 6.91% as of January—buyers and sellers are adjusting to a new normal. Despite elevated borrowing costs, home sales surged 6.1% year-over-year, driven by increased inventory and growing buyer confidence.

Key takeaways from the latest MarketTracker Report:

• Mortgage Rates & Policy: The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 1% in late 2024, but mortgage rates remain between 6-7% due to economic uncertainty.

• Market Trends: While inventory tightened in Q4, demand remained strong, keeping home prices relatively stable.

• Bay Area Outlook: January prices may see minor declines before rebounding in spring and summer, continuing a historically seasonal pattern.

With inventory expected to shift, now is a critical time to explore your options. Whether you're buying or selling, understanding these trends will help you make informed decisions.

📞 Thinking about buying or selling in San Francisco? Contact Charlie Brown today for expert guidance.