It's hard to know what to say regarding the staggering volatility and uncertainty that has recently characterized political and economic conditions, much less predict how they will play out over either the short or long term. As of the week ending April 4th, both consumer confidence and financial markets have seen enormous declines. Whether this will continue, or reverse direction is unknown: Policies, actions and reactions have been changing very quickly in 2025.

A recent San Francisco Chronicle article highlights a crucial issue for both condo buyers and sellers: some California condo buildings are flagged in a federal database as ineligible for conventional financing. The reasons behind this vary—from structural problems to missing documentation—but the outcome is the same: many lenders won’t approve mortgages for these properties.

According to a Pew Research study, 62% of Americans own a pet, 97% consider their pets part of the family, and 51% view their pets as equally important as human family members.

Market activity and demand - as defined by listings going into contract, speed of sale, and overbidding of list price - rose in February. Unlike other Bay Area markets, San Francisco has not seen a substantial increase in the number of homes for sale: The inventory of listings has remained relatively stable on a year-over-year basis for the past 4 years.

We began 2025 with the usual new year rebound: The numbers of new listings and of listings going into contract have bounced back from their annual low counts in December, and both are almost certain to rise rapidly as we move further into the year. In the Bay Area, we are already on the cusp of spring, which typically sees the most heated market conditions of the year, and, not unusually, the highest median home sales prices.

Applying to San Francisco public schools can feel like navigating a maze, especially with the city’s unique lottery-based assignment system. Whether you’re a first-time parent or new to the area, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

In 2024, San Francisco median house and condo sales prices increased year over year, though still running below the 2021-2022 pandemic-boom highs. The numbers of new listings and sales rose from 2023, but volumes remained well below long-term norms. Fueled by rising stock markets, luxury home sales outperformed the general market. Overbidding of asking price increased, and, on average, listings sold a few days faster than last year.

San Francisco is taking a major step toward modernizing its public records system with the launch of a free online database containing over 7 million property documents. These records, which date from 1990 to the present, include deeds, liens, reconveyances, and notices of default. Previously, these documents could only be accessed in person at City Hall or through paid services. Now, they’re available to the public at no cost.

Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash

In late November, Bay Area markets began moving into the mid-winter holiday slowdown, which in December typically results in the lowest counts of the year for new listings coming on market and homes going into contract. Homes are still listed and deals continue to be made, just at a much slower pace, and this is usually the period where buyers can negotiate most aggressively on unsold properties with longer days-on-market.

If you’re considering hosting a short-term rental in San Francisco, it’s important to understand the city’s regulations to stay compliant and avoid fines. Here’s a summary of the rules, along with useful links to help you get started.

Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

October brought a substantial rebound in market activity. Year over year, median house and condo sales prices were up in October 2024, 2% and 5.5% respectively. Fueled by the large jump in new listings in September, sales activity - as measured by the number of listings that went into contract - hit its highest point since spring 2022.

On September 18th, the Federal Reserve Bank dropped its benchmark rate for the first time since 2020 - a very positive development for housing markets.

"The time has come for policy to adjust... the timing and pace of rate cuts will depend on incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks...My confidence has grown that inflation is on a sustainable path back to 2 percent." Jerome Powell, Chairman, Federal Reserve Bank, 8/23/24

As of August 8th, mortgage rates had reached the lowest point in over a year, while financial markets were experiencing significant volatility.

In today’s real estate landscape, buyers increasingly resemble stock market investors, engaging in a delicate game of timing and strategy. Both markets thrive on anticipation, emotion, and the allure of seizing the perfect moment.

When deciding whether to accept an offer, it’s critical to consider your carrying costs…. including the cost of capital.

We offer Compass Concierge, a unique program designed to help you effortlessly transform your property into a stunning, market-ready home.

The median house sales price in Q2 2024 rose 6% from Q2 2023, while the median condo sales price declined by 2.5%.

House sales averaged a sales price almost 13% over asking price, while condos averaged a sales price about a 1/2% higher than asking price. Both were the highest percentages since mid-2022.

So far in spring 2024, the Bay Area has been seeing its strongest luxury home market since the spring 2022, the very heated end of the pandemic boom. Still, luxury market indicators are generally cooler, and sometimes much cooler, than more affordable segments – though, this is not unusual by long-term standards.