San Francisco Market Data:

JAN. 2024

January is typically a quieter month for closings, as most escrows are 30 days, and this year followed suit. However, we've observed some encouraging year-over-year data indicating an increase in new listings and pending sales, which consequently led to fewer active listings than in January 2022.

My personal experience after 20 years - I've observed a consistent trend: Spring emerges as a seller's market, while Fall tends to favor buyers. This cyclical nature of the real estate market offers unique opportunities and challenges in each season, and I find immense satisfaction in navigating my clients through these fluctuations.

In the Spring, the market buzzes with activity and increased demand often leads to competitive bidding wars. A recent example from this year involved a seller in SOMA. I listed their property, and within a week, received multiple offers and closed 8 days later, a testament to the seller's market dynamics.

Conversely, the fall presents a different scenario. As the market cools down, buyers find themselves with more leverage. Properties may sit on the market a bit longer, and sellers become more open to negotiation. (Like the property above). This shift creates a prime opportunity for buyers to find valuable deals. Assisting buyers in this season, helping them to understand the market dynamics, and negotiating the best possible terms on their behalf is equally satisfying.

Regardless of the season, the joy of helping clients achieve their real estate goals is unparalleled. Whether it's a seller capitalizing on a hot spring market or a buyer finding the perfect deal in the fall, each transaction is a journey. The satisfaction of seeing a client's happiness when they close on a deal—be it selling quickly or buying their dream home under market value—is what makes this profession so fulfilling.