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.