According to Keeping Current Matters, many homeowners are feeling uneasy after seeing recent headlines questioning where home values are headed. It’s understandable. National news often focuses on uncertainty, interest rates, and affordability challenges — but those big-picture stories rarely reflect what’s actually happening on the ground in specific markets. Here in San Francisco and Marin County, the local real estate story is far more nuanced, and in many neighborhoods, surprisingly resilient.
As local experts working daily in these communities, we’re seeing firsthand how strong demand, limited inventory, and neighborhood-specific trends are continuing to support home values across the region.
Headlines vs. Reality in the San Francisco & Marin Market
National housing headlines tend to speak in averages. But real estate is hyper-local—especially in Northern California. What’s happening nationally does not automatically apply to Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Noe Valley, Pacific Heights, or SOMA.
Here’s what local data and recent market activity show:
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Inventory remains historically low in both San Francisco and Marin County
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Well-priced homes continue to attract serious buyers
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Desirable neighborhoods are seeing faster days on market than the citywide average
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Prices are stabilizing or rising in many submarkets, even as buyers become more selective
In other words, this is not a market in free fall—it’s a market that has recalibrated.
Why Limited Inventory Is Still Supporting Prices
One of the biggest reasons home values have held steady locally is supply—or more accurately, the lack of it.
In San Francisco, active listings remain well below long-term averages. Marin County is experiencing the same pattern, particularly in single-family homes under $3 million. Many homeowners who locked in historically low mortgage rates are choosing to stay put, keeping resale inventory tight.
When supply is limited and demand persists, prices tend to remain supported—even in higher-rate environments.
What we’re seeing locally:
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Fewer listings than pre-2020 norms
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Strong competition for move-in-ready homes
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Buyers prioritizing quality, location, and long-term value
This dynamic is especially visible in walkable neighborhoods near transit, top schools, and vibrant downtowns.
Buyer Behavior Has Changed—But Demand Has Not Disappeared
Today’s buyers are more selective, but they are still very much active in the market. Instead of rushing, buyers are being intentional—and that’s actually healthy.
In San Francisco and Marin County, buyers are focused on:
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Homes that are priced correctly from day one
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Properties with updated systems or flexible layouts
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Neighborhoods with long-term lifestyle appeal
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Locations that offer commute options, green space, and community amenities
Homes that meet these criteria are still selling efficiently. In many Marin neighborhoods, properly priced homes are averaging under 30 days on market, while standout properties can move even faster.
Local Price Trends Tell a More Accurate Story
Rather than looking at broad headlines, it’s more helpful to examine neighborhood-level trends.
Across San Francisco and Marin County:
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Median prices have stabilized after prior volatility
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Some neighborhoods are posting year-over-year gains
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Others are seeing minor adjustments that reflect normal market balancing—not decline
This kind of price normalization is typical after rapid appreciation cycles. It does not indicate a collapse—it signals a return to sustainable growth.
From a long-term perspective, Bay Area real estate has consistently rewarded homeowners who focus on time in the market rather than trying to time the market.
Why Media Headlines Often Miss the Local Context
National stories are designed to grab attention. They often focus on extremes, not averages—and rarely on local nuances.
What those headlines don’t always highlight:
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The Bay Area’s chronic housing shortage
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Strong local employment centers
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Ongoing demand from tech, healthcare, and professional sectors
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The lifestyle and land constraints unique to San Francisco and Marin
These factors create a foundation that continues to support values, even during periods of uncertainty.
What This Means If You’re a Homeowner
If you own a home in San Francisco or Marin County, recent headlines alone shouldn’t define how you feel about your property’s value.
Instead, it’s important to understand:
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Your specific neighborhood trends
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Recent comparable sales
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Buyer demand for homes like yours
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How pricing and presentation affect outcomes
In many cases, homeowners are pleasantly surprised to learn how strong their local market remains.
What This Means If You’re Considering Buying
For buyers, today’s market offers something that was missing just a few years ago: opportunity with leverage.
Buyers now benefit from:
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Less competition than peak frenzy years
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More room for negotiation in certain segments
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Time to conduct proper due diligence
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A chance to enter high-quality neighborhoods with long-term upside
For those planning to stay put for several years, today’s conditions can be an excellent entry point—especially in neighborhoods with limited future supply.
The Bottom Line for San Francisco & Marin County
Despite what national headlines may suggest, local home values across San Francisco and Marin County are being supported by real fundamentals: limited inventory, steady demand, and enduring neighborhood appeal.
This is not a one-size-fits-all market. Every town, street, and property type tells a slightly different story—and that’s where local insight matters most.
If you’re curious about what’s happening specifically in your neighborhood, or if you’re considering buying or selling in the coming months, a personalized market analysis can provide clarity and confidence.
Reach out anytime to discuss your home’s value, neighborhood trends, or current opportunities in San Francisco and Marin County. Local knowledge makes all the difference.
