What Every Homeowner Needs to Know in Today’s Shifting Market
The housing market is moving toward a more balanced, normal state, yet it can feel unfamiliar. That’s because our expectations have been shaped by the red-hot seller’s market of the past few years.
There’s still plenty of opportunity if you’re considering selling, whether that’s next month or next year. The key is staying informed and having a strategy that fits today’s conditions.
Inventory Is Rising. Buyer Power Is Making a Comeback
New data shows that the number of homes for sale is climbing, bringing us closer to pre-pandemic norms. This shift gives buyers more choices, and means sellers need to be strategic with pricing and presentation.
Below, you’ll find two versions of the same data, active single-family home listings in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties for the month of June from 2015 through 2025.
One is visual (great for getting the big picture fast), and the other is just the raw numbers (perfect if you like to dig into the data). 😊
Active Listing Count – June of Each Year (Single Family Houses Only)
| Year | Santa Clara County | San Mateo County |
|---|---|---|
| June 2015 | 1,610 | 659 |
| June 2016 | 1,835 | 831 |
| June 2017 | 1,162 | 588 |
| June 2018 | 1,465 | 626 |
| June 2019 | 1,901 | 749 |
| June 2020 | 1,278 | 738 |
| June 2021 | 942 | 513 |
| June 2022 | 1,488 | 673 |
| June 2023 | 797 | 524 |
| June 2024 | 1,059 | 551 |
| June 2025 | 1,401 | 688 |
Inventory Growth Depends on Where You Live
It’s important to remember that inventory isn’t growing at the same pace everywhere. Local market conditions can vary a lot, and that can shift the dynamics for both buyers and sellers.
If you’re in an area where housing inventory is back to more typical levels, buyers may have more leverage than you’d expect. That doesn’t mean they hold all the cards, but it does mean they have more options, so your home needs to stand out in pricing, condition, and marketing.
On the flip side, if inventory in your area is still tight, you might see stronger competition from buyers, especially for well-priced, move-in ready homes.
Looking at the data above, you’ll notice that San Mateo County has fewer active listings than Santa Clara County. Part of that is due to geography, Santa Clara County spans a larger area, reaching as far south as Gilroy. But beyond size, there are clear patterns in the data. Over the years, Santa Clara County has shown greater fluctuations in inventory, with a wider gap between its June highs and lows. Trends matter, and so does context. Understanding what’s happening in your specific market is the key to pricing and positioning your home effectively.
The Right Price Matters More Than Ever
With more homes hitting the market, buyers have options, and they’re not wasting time on homes that feel overpriced. That’s why getting your pricing strategy right from the start is key to selling quickly and for the best possible price.
As Realtor.com puts it:
“. . . a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home should have little problem finding a buyer.”
But miss the mark, and it could cost you. Overpricing often leads to price reductions, longer days on market, and less leverage in negotiations.
And it’s not just a local issue. While price drops are common right now in the Bay Area, this trend is happening nationwide. In fact, according to Realtor.com, about 1 in 5 sellers, or 19.1%, are reducing their asking price to draw in buyers. Check out the map for a visual breakdown of where price cuts are happening most frequently across the country:
Price reductions are a clear sign that many sellers are still clinging to outdated expectations. In today’s shifting housing market, it’s more important than ever to stay informed with current, accurate data.
If you’re thinking of selling, relying solely on online estimates like those from Zillow won’t cut it. While they can be a helpful starting point, they’re not the final word. A professional Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) provides the most accurate picture of your home’s value in today’s conditions.
Bottom Line
The sellers who will succeed in the coming weeks and months are those who recognize the shift in the market, and adjust their strategy accordingly.
Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or explore a 1031 Exchange, I’m here to help. The best way to reach me is by text at 650-224-4747. I’d love to connect with you!
