Thinking About Selling or Buying in this year? Here’s What We’re Seeing Locally

Bay Area Homes

As we move into the second quarter of 2026, we’ve been getting a lot of the same question:

The honest answer is—no one can predict it with certainty. But we can look at patterns, buyer behavior, and what we’re seeing on the ground to get a pretty good sense of where things are headed.

A Market Facing More Uncertainty

There’s a lot going on right now that’s influencing how people feel about making big decisions:

  • Interest rates have moved higher
  • The cost of goods and services continues to rise
  • There’s more global uncertainty than we’ve seen in a while
  • The job market is shifting
  • And consumer confidence, which had been improving, is starting to soften

Any one of these on its own doesn’t change the market much.
But when they all show up at once, people tend to take a step back.

How Buyers Typically React

In times like this, most buyers don’t panic—they pause.

Instead of rushing in, they take more of a “wait and see” approach:

  • They become more cautious
  • They look more closely at value
  • They’re less willing to stretch beyond their comfort zone

In other words, the most aggressive buyers start to step back first.

What This Means for the Market

So what does that look like in real life?

You’ll likely see fewer bidding wars.
Instead of 10–15 offers, it may be more like:

  • 2–5 offers on strong homes
  • And sometimes just one solid, well-qualified buyer

At the same time, buyers become more selective.

Homes that are:

  • Well-priced
  • Move-in ready
  • In strong locations

…are still going to do well.

Homes with trade-offs—or pricing that feels a little too aggressive—may take longer to sell.

And overall, price growth tends to slow.
Not necessarily decline dramatically—but level off or adjust modestly.

The “Flight to Stability” Effect

There’s also another dynamic worth mentioning.

In uncertain times, some buyers actually lean into real estate.
They’re looking for:

  • Stability
  • Something tangible
  • A long-term place to land

But even these buyers tend to be more thoughtful.
They’re not the ones overpaying—they’re looking for value.

Why the Bay Area Is a Little Different

The Bay Area has always had some built-in support:

  • Limited housing supply
  • A strong base of high-income buyers
  • Long-term demand for homeownership

That doesn’t make it immune to change—but it does tend to prevent more dramatic swings.

What We Expect Moving Through Q2

If current trends continue, the most likely scenario is a more balanced, selective market.

  • Buyers are still there—but more cautious
  • Competition still happens—but not as consistently
  • And pricing becomes more important than ever

The margin for error just gets smaller.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, this doesn’t eliminate opportunity—it just changes the approach.

The homes that are performing best right now are the ones that:

  • Are priced strategically from the start
  • Show well and feel move-in ready
  • Line up with what buyers are expecting today

Where we’re seeing challenges is when homes:

  • Start too high
  • Rely on past peak comps
  • Or assume buyers will stretch the way they did before

That’s where momentum can get lost.

The Wrap

The housing market isn’t disappearing—it’s becoming more disciplined.

And in markets like this, the difference between an average result and a strong one usually comes down to:

strategy, positioning, and timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are homes getting fewer offers?

Is the Bay Area housing market slowing down in 2026?

Are home prices expected to drop?

Is now a good time to sell in Belmont?

Drew and Christine Morgan are experienced REALTORS and NOTARY PUBLIC located in Belmont, CA, where they own and operate MORGANHOMES, Inc. They have assisted buyers and sellers in their community for over 30 years. Drew and Christine have received the coveted Diamond award, ranking among the top 50 agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California by RE/MAX. To contact them, please call (650) 508.1441 or emailinfo@morganhomes.com.

For all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook and on X.

This article provides educational information and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered real estate, tax, insurance, or legal advice; it cannot replace advice tailored to your situation. It’s always best to seek guidance from a professional familiar with your scenario.

BROKER OWNER | MANAGER | NOTARY

The Belmont Market Is Moving Fast — Are You Positioned to Take Advantage?

Belmont From Above

Belmont Housing Market: A Little More Choice — But Still Moving Fast

We’re about two-thirds of the way through the first quarter of 2026, and the early read on the Belmont housing market is coming into focus.

Inventory has opened up modestly. So far this year, 39 homes have come to market, compared with 34 during the same period last year — about a 15% increase. Currently, there are 31 properties in the pipeline, including 19 active listings available to buyers and another 10 “coming soon” homes preparing to enter the market. Eight properties are already pending.

At first glance, the increase in listings appears to be good news for buyers. And to a degree, it is — there are slightly more choices than there were a year ago.

But the market’s pace tells a more important story.

Homes that are going pending are averaging just nine days on the market. That’s a clear signal that new inventory is being absorbed quickly. In fact, the buyers we’ve represented this year have still found themselves in highly competitive situations. On the last two homes we pursued, each drew roughly 15 offers.

That combination — more listings, but very fast absorption — suggests that demand remains strong and pricing pressure is holding firm. If the market were softening, we would expect to see homes sitting on the market longer, more price reductions, and fewer competing offers. So far, none of those conditions are showing up in the data.

It’s still early, and there haven’t been enough closed sales yet to draw firm conclusions about pricing trends for 2026. But the early indicators point to a market that remains still seller-leaning, with motivated buyers acting quickly when well-prepared homes come to market.

The takeaway: Belmont buyers may have a few more options this year — but the window to act is still short, and competition hasn’t gone away.

What this means for you depends on your timing and your strategy.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Belmont this year, the early trends suggest preparation and positioning matter more than ever. Sellers need to price and present their homes correctly to capture today’s fast-moving demand, and buyers need a clear plan to compete when the right property appears. If you’d like a quick, no-pressure review of your home’s current value, or a strategy session to understand your options in today’s market, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to share what we’re seeing locally and help you make informed decisions about your next move.

About the Authors

Drew and Christine Morgan are the founders of MorganHomes, their independent brokerage based in Belmont. They also maintain a strategic affiliation with RE/MAX GOLD, combining the flexibility of an independent firm with the resources of one of the largest real estate networks.

As longtime Belmont residents and real estate professionals with more than 30 years of experience, they have helped generations of local families buy, sell, and make smart real estate decisions. Drew is also a Notary Public, providing additional convenience and support for clients when it matters most.

Their consistent performance has earned them RE/MAX’s prestigious Diamond Award, placing them among the top agents nationwide and among the top performers in Northern California.

If you have questions about the Belmont market or would like to discuss your situation, you can reach them at (650) 508-1441 or info@morganhomes.com.

For ongoing insights about Belmont real estate, local market trends, and community updates, you can subscribe to this blog or follow MorganHomes on Facebook and X.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as real estate, legal, tax, or insurance advice. Because every situation is unique, we recommend consulting with a qualified professional, like us, to understand your specific circumstances.

MorganHomes
Broker | REALTORS | Notary

DRE#01124318 | 01174047

Are Belmont Homes Still Getting Multiple Offers in Today’s Market?

The Hidden Opportunity: Why Some Belmont Sellers Are Winning Right Now

You may have heard that higher interest rates have “slowed the market.” But here in Belmont, the story on the ground looks very different.

Just last week, a home on Francis Court — where we were writing an offer for our buyers — received 27 offers. That’s not a slowdown. That’s serious demand.

What’s Really Driving the Market?

The biggest factor today isn’t interest rates — it’s low inventory.

Many homeowners are staying put because they have low mortgage rates or aren’t sure where they’d move next. The result? Fewer homes for sale. And when a well-prepared home in a good Belmont location hits the market, buyers don’t have many options — so competition can be intense.

Today’s Buyers Are Serious

Buyers right now are:

  • Well qualified
  • Well funded
  • Focused on the long term

When the right home comes along, they act quickly — and often aggressively.

But here’s the key:
Not every home gets multiple offers.

The homes that win typically have:

  • Smart, realistic pricing
  • Strong preparation and presentation
  • Clear value compared to recent sales
  • A desirable micro-location (flat streets, walkability, commute access, etc.)

In today’s market, strategy matters more than ever.

The Hidden Opportunity for Sellers

Because inventory is so limited, prepared sellers currently have:

  • Less competition
  • Highly motivated buyers
  • Strong negotiating leverage
  • The potential for multiple offers

The Francis Court property is a perfect example of what happens when strong demand meets limited supply.

Should You Wait for Rates to Drop?

Many homeowners ask this question.

The reality is: when rates fall, more buyers will enter the market — but so will more sellers.
That means more competition.

Right now, the environment is unusual:
Strong demand with limited competition.

Belmont Is a Local Market

Home values here depend on the details — street location, lot usability, expansion potential, commute access, and neighborhood feel. Understanding how buyers see these factors often makes the difference between a good result and a great one.

Curious What Your Home Might Do Today?

The headlines may sound uncertain, but locally, well-positioned homes are still performing very well.

If you’re wondering what your home might sell for — or whether this market makes sense for you — we’re always happy to provide a local, no-pressure analysis.

Because in today’s Belmont market, success comes from preparation and strategy — not timing the headlines.

Enjoy the day!

Drew & Christine Signature


Drew and Christine Morgan are experienced REALTORS and NOTARY PUBLIC located in Belmont, CA, where they own and operate MORGANHOMES, Inc. They have assisted buyers and sellers in their community for over 30 years. Drew and Christine have received the coveted Diamond award, ranking among the top 50 agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California by RE/MAX. To contact them, please call (650) 508.1441 or emailinfo@morganhomes.com.

For all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook and on X.

This article provides educational information and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered real estate, tax, insurance, or legal advice; it cannot replace advice tailored to your situation. It’s always best to seek guidance from a professional familiar with your scenario.

BROKER | MANAGER | NOTARY

Real Estate Boom: San Mateo and Belmont See Surge in Home Prices and Sales in 2024

“We’re seeing the strongest market conditions since the beginning of 2022…”

Continue reading

“San Mateo County Home Sales Continue to Slip in May, Signaling Continued Shift in Market Dynamics”

The San Mateo County home sale activity shows a year over year decline in home sale activity between May 2022 and May 2023. 

The comparison sheds light on the changes in new inventory, sold properties, average days on the market (DOM), average sale price, median sale price, the median price per square foot, percentage of list price received, sale volume, average home square footage, average lot square footage, and months of inventory.

  • New Inventory: In May 2023, there was a significant decrease of 22% in new inventory compared to May 2022. This decline indicates a decrease in newly listed properties during the period.
  • Inventory: The overall inventory available for sale also experienced a decline of 14% from May 2022 to May 2023. This decrease suggests fewer properties on the market during the latter period.
  • Sold Properties: The number of properties sold in May 2023 decreased by 38% compared to May 2022. This substantial decline indicates decreased buyer activity in the market and suggests a potentially slower sales cycle during the later period.
  • Average DOM: The average number of days on the market increased by 26% in May 2023 compared to May 2022. This rise suggests that properties took longer to sell during the later period, indicating a decrease in buyer demand and a continued detachment from reality for sellers pricing their homes.
  • Median Sale Price: The median sale price experienced a decrease of 10% from May 2022 to May 2023.
  • Average Home Square Footage: The average home size, measured in square feet, experienced only a minor decrease of 2% from May 2022 to May 2023. While the homes sold were 2% smaller in 2023,  they were down10% in value, which could be interpreted that home values are down 8% YOY. 
  • Median Price per Square Foot: The median price per square foot decreased by 14% in May 2023 compared to May 2022. 
  • Percentage of List Price Received: Sellers received 9% less of their asking price in May 2023 compared to May 2022, as indicated by a 9% decrease in the percentage of list price received. This decline suggests a potentially more negotiable market, with buyers having more leverage this year over last.
  • Sale Volume: The total sale volume in May 2023 decreased significantly by 63% compared to May 2022. This decrease reflects a substantial reduction in the total value of properties sold during the later period.
  • Average Lot Square Footage: May 2023 saw a considerable decrease of 33% in the average lot size compared to May 2022. This decline suggests a potential shift towards smaller lots or an increase in properties with smaller land parcels during the latter period.
  • Months of Inventory: The months of inventory, which indicates how long it would take to sell all available properties at the current sales pace, increased by 27% from May 2022 to May 2023. This suggests a shift towards a more balanced or potentially buyer-favored market with a higher supply of properties relative to demand during the later period.

In summary, the housing market in May 2023 exhibited several notable differences compared to May 2022. New inventory, sold properties, average sale price, median sale price, median price per square foot, and sale volume decreased. With fewer homes being listed and fewer selling, the market remains more balanced than in recent memory.

The average days on the market increased, suggesting a potentially slower sales cycle. Additionally, the months of inventory increased, indicating a shift towards a more balanced market with higher supply relative to demand.

It is essential to note that the provided statistics are specific to the given timeframe and location. Further analysis and consideration of additional factors are necessary to understand the local housing marke dynamics comprehensively.

For example, when we comnpare month over month, sales and prices have picked up in 2023, just still not high as they were during the same period in 2022, as the Case-Shiller MSA report for the Bay Area illustrates.

If this trajectorty continues, we expect by October 2023, YOY homes values will be higher than in 2022.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more information.

Drew & Christine Morgan are REALTORS/NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA. with more than 30 years of experience helping sellers and buyers in their community. As Diamond recipients, Drew and Christine ranked in the top 50 RE/MAX agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California.  They may be reached at (650) 508.1441 or emailed at info@morganhomes.com.

For all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.

The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax, insurance or legal advice or substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.