The May 2025 MarketTracker from CharlieBrownSF outlines national and local real estate trends. Nationally, median home prices rose 2.75% year-over-year, while average 30-year mortgage rates declined slightly to 6.63%. However, despite more listings—inventory up nearly 20%—sales dropped by 2.43% compared to last year, reflecting buyer hesitation, possibly due to recent economic uncertainties like the trade war. Many sellers who waited for lower rates are now listing, despite rates remaining relatively high. The Federal Reserve has held rates steady but anticipates future cuts, potentially creating a favorable environment for buyers.

Locally in San Francisco, the condo market shows signs of rebound, with median sale prices rising 9.13% year-over-year after months of decline. Single-family homes saw a smaller 2.12% increase. Inventory remains a major issue: listings for single-family homes and condos dropped 6.29% and 7.52% respectively, with condo sales down a significant 21.17%. Despite tighter inventory, single-family homes are selling at 14.2% above asking, while condos are at 0.4% over asking. The MSI (Months of Supply Inventory) indicates a seller's market for single-family homes (1.7 MSI), but a buyer’s market for condos (3.9 MSI). Overall, San Francisco remains competitive, with limited discounts and rising prices—especially in the recovering condo segment.

This Market tracker reveals key national and local real estate trends that buyers and sellers should watch closely. Nationally, the median home price rose 2.75% year-over-year, while mortgage rates dipped slightly to 6.63%. Inventory levels have surged nearly 20%, indicating a shift in seller behavior as more homeowners list despite fewer buyers. Although sales have slowed slightly, these conditions may open up unique opportunities for buyers in the near future.

In the North Bay, market activity is more nuanced. Median home prices remain relatively flat, with small increases in Sonoma and Marin Counties and slight declines in Solano and Napa. Inventory has dropped sharply—down over 16% year-over-year—largely due to fewer new listings. Despite this, homes are spending more time on the market, signaling a cautious buyer base. Currently, Marin and Solano Counties lean toward seller’s markets, while Napa remains a buyer’s market, and Sonoma holds steady in the middle.

If you're thinking about buying or selling, understanding these trends is essential. Each county has its own market dynamics, and having local expertise on your side makes all the difference. Click here to learn more and let Charlie Brown guide you through your next real estate move with confidence.

San Francisco Real Estate Market Update – May 2025

In May 2025, San Francisco's real estate market showed signs of subtle momentum, with closed sales up 2.2% month-over-month. The median sales price increased slightly to $1.35M—a 1.6% rise from April and a 2.1% annual gain—signaling slow but steady growth. Homes are selling faster, with days on market dropping to 27, down from 32 last year, suggesting heightened buyer activity.

Despite economic headwinds and ongoing affordability challenges, new listings rose by 7.8%, while active inventory also ticked up by 4.9%. However, pending sales declined by 4.5%, showing that many buyers are still on the fence. The market remains moderately competitive, with 60.3% of homes selling over asking, though average sales price dropped slightly to $1.629M.

The condo and TIC market experienced softer growth, with a median price of $1.085M, representing a 5.3% increase year-over-year. Condos are taking longer to sell than single-family homes but still show signs of resilience.

In summary, San Francisco's market is balancing cautious optimism with ongoing affordability and economic concerns. Inventory is increasing, but competition remains—making it a good time for both buyers and sellers to stay informed and act strategically.

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The May 2025 MarketTracker reveals a dynamic real estate landscape shaped by national and local shifts. Nationally, home prices continue to rise, with a 2.75% year-over-year increase in median purchase prices. Mortgage rates are slowly decreasing, with 30-year averages at 6.63%. However, inventory levels are surging—up nearly 20%—while sales have slightly declined, reflecting consumer uncertainty amid economic events like the trade war.

Locally, Santa Cruz County saw a break in its upward streak, with median home prices falling by 8.57% compared to last year, while San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties saw price increases of 1.69% and 5.50% respectively. Inventory across Silicon Valley is up, with single-family home and condo listings rising sharply, leading to a 30% and 51.29% year-over-year jump in active inventory. Despite this, homes are still selling quickly—within 8 days in Santa Clara and around two weeks elsewhere.

The market remains competitive: San Mateo and Santa Clara stay in seller’s territory with only 1.7 months of supply, while Santa Cruz leans towards a buyer’s market at 3.5 months. Condos are now considered a buyer’s market across the board.

📍 Whether you’re buying, selling, or observing, understanding these trends is crucial.