Navigating Today’s Housing Market: What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home right now, you’re probably wondering: What’s going on in the housing market? Is it a good time? What should I do? Great questions. As a local Bay Area agent who has helped many clients through this ever-changing terrain, I want to break it down for you in a simple, actionable way.

1. What the Numbers Are Showing

• Inventory (that is, the number of homes for sale) continues to rise — for months now we’ve seen year-over-year gains. For example: active listings are up ~17% year-over-year in September 2025. 

• But even with those gains, inventory remains below pre-pandemic norms. 

• Home prices are holding steady, in many markets they’re up slightly or flat, rather than soaring. Example: The median sale price rose ~1.7% year-over-year in September 2025. 

• Mortgage rates remain historically elevated compared with the pandemic era, which affects affordability. 

2. What That Means for Buyers

If you’re in the market to buy, here are some insights that matter:

✅ Less competition (in many areas). With market pace slowing a bit, buyers may have more room to negotiate. For example, this October was identified as a “sweet spot” week to buy in 2025 because listings are up, seller motivation is higher, and competition is lower.
✅ Affordability is key. While prices aren’t dropping dramatically nationwide, higher interest rates mean your monthly payment becomes more sensitive to rate changes.
✅ Location matters more than ever. Some metros are much tighter on supply and still very competitive; others are shifting into more balanced conditions. 
✅ Work with someone who knows the terrain. Because the market is nuanced (not “boom or bust”), you’ll benefit from an adviser who understands local dynamics and can help with strategy—whether it’s timing, negotiation, or choosing the right property type.

3. What That Means for Sellers

If you’re selling, you’re seeing both opportunities and headwinds:

✅ Still a seller’s market in many pockets. Because supply remains muted in some regions, homes that are well-priced and presented still draw interest.
⚠️ But the pressure’s increasing. With more inventory and longer days on market in many areas, sellers may need to be more flexible on timing, pricing, or concessions. 
✅ Presentation and value matter. Since some buyers are more cautious, homes that show well, are priced right and have fewer surprises tend to win.
✅ Strategy around timing helps. Sometimes listing when there’s less competition can make a difference. (Again: buyer window of opportunity is shifting.)

4. What I’m Seeing Here in the Bay Area & North Bay

As someone based in Santa Rosa and covering Sonoma County and the greater Bay Area, here are a few localized observations:

• Because the Bay Area has long been constrained by terrain and zoning, the supply side tends to be tighter here than many other markets. That means even when national data points to moderation, locally the fundamentals may still lean toward demand > supply.

• First-time homebuyers are still actively looking; in fact, some are now in a more favorable position than they were a year ago because competition has loosened slightly.

• For sellers of well-maintained homes in desirable neighborhoods (and especially if priced correctly), there are still strong opportunities.

5. My Advice for You (Whether You’re Buying or Selling)

• Get pre-approved and know your budget. For buyers: don’t fall in love with a home you can’t comfortably afford.

• Stay flexible on timing and expectations. The “perfect” house might not appear overnight, and “list at a high number and wait” may not yield the results it used to.

• Work with a local expert (me!). We’ll dig into your goals, your timeline, the market in your specific ZIP code, and craft a plan.

• For sellers: Stage, clean, and price smart. Homes that shine win in any market.

• Keep an eye on rate movements. Even small shifts in mortgage rates can change what a home costs you each month—and thus what you should offer or accept.

• Don’t worry about “timing the bottom.” Because the market isn’t crashing; it’s evolving. According to many experts, we’re not in a collapse scenario; we’re in a re-balance. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re buying or selling, the key takeaway is this: the market is still active and opportunities exist—but the rules of the game are slightly different than what we saw in the pandemic-fueled boom. Buyers have more breathing room; sellers have to sharpen their strategy.

If you’d rather work with someone who stays on top of the numbers and understands the feel of the local neighborhoods in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County and the Bay Area—let’s talk. I’d love to be your guide through this market.

Here’s to making your home goals a reality—smoothly, confidently, and with the right partner by your side.