Blog
A Federal “Naughty List” is Making Some California Condo Sales Nearly Impossible (SF Chronicle March 23, 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.
MARKET UPDATE (March 2025)
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.
MARKET UPDATE (February 2025)
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.
Beginner’s Guide to SF Public Schools
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.
MARKET UPDATE (January 2025)
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 Launches Free Online Database for Property Records
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
MARKET UPDATE (December 2024)
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.
MARKET UPDATE (November 2024)
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.
MARKET UPDATE (October 2024)
On September 18th, the Federal Reserve Bank dropped its benchmark rate for the first time since 2020 - a very positive development for housing markets.
MARKET UPDATE (September 2024)
"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
MARKET UPDATE (August 2024)
As of August 8th, mortgage rates had reached the lowest point in over a year, while financial markets were experiencing significant volatility.
The Hidden Costs of Holding Out: Why Waiting to Sell Could Be Costing You More Than You Think
When deciding whether to accept an offer, it’s critical to consider your carrying costs…. including the cost of capital.
Compass Concierge
We offer Compass Concierge, a unique program designed to help you effortlessly transform your property into a stunning, market-ready home.
MARKET UPDATE (July 2024)
The median house sales price in Q2 2024 rose 6% from Q2 2023, while the median condo sales price declined by 2.5%.
Bay area luxury market report (Spring 2024)
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.
MARKET UPDATE (May 2024)
Home prices, sales volume, luxury sales, the number of new listings, and overbidding — all increased as the market moved into spring. Not every listing sells, though, and price reductions also increased.
MARKET UPDATE (April 2024)
Markets have heated up dramatically through the end of Q1, with Q2 expected to see significant home price increases. Most if not all Bay Area residential markets are seeing or will probably soon see their strongest market dynamics since the pandemic boom ended in spring 2022.
Navigating Life's Next Chapter: A Guide to Downsizing and Alternative Living Options for Those 50 and Older
As we journey through life, we inevitably reach a point where our housing needs evolve. For many individuals aged 50 and older, the prospect of downsizing or exploring alternative living arrangements becomes a topic of consideration.
Embracing Minimalism: The Art of Decluttering for Seniors (*and others)
As we age, our priorities and lifestyles naturally evolve, leading many seniors to seek simplicity and efficiency in their daily lives. One powerful way to achieve this is through the practice of decluttering and embracing a minimalist approach to living.