January 2022 Market Update

Oh What a Year! It was like 2021 home sales were trying to make up for any slowdown we had in 2020! Despite the continuing pandemic, it was a banner year with new sale price records being set all over the Peninsula! The year boasted high prices, fast sales, and lots of happy buyers and sellers. I had the pleasure of working with many of them, closing out December with 27 properties, and over $50 million in real estate sold.

In 2021, the average sale price for single-family homes in San Mateo County was $2,413,439 – that’s up 18% over last year and up 29% over 2019! In other words, if you have been living in your home for a few years, its value has gone up substantially. My advice? Even if you’re not planning on moving in the near future – know the current value of your home. It is your most valuable asset, and it’s important to be informed.

Currently, 2022 looks like it will continue to flourish. If you’d like to know my insights for the New Year’s market, or the current value of your home, give me a call. There is never any obligation, and I’d love to chat with you. Until then, my family and I wish you a happy and healthy 2022!

Total Inventory (Number of Homes Sold) in 2021

Average Price per Square Foot in 2021

October 2021 Market Update

Now that we’ve completed the third quarter, we can see that the rising prices are a true trend. In San Mateo County, the average price for a single-family home has risen 14% over the same time last year and in individual cities, the gain is even higher. As we head into the holidays, we’re seeing the market calm down a little – homes not flying off the shelf in 5 days quite as often – but still very strong buyer demand. 

On a personal real estate note, my husband and I are in escrow to sell our very first home. We enjoyed 12 wonderful years at 2744 Foster Street, so it’s sincerely bittersweet to say goodbye to the home and neighborhood we loved for so long. We are staying in San Mateo, and have found a new home with the space we need for our growing family. When it came time to put Foster up for sale last week, we were lucky to find that the market for our former home was robust, and with only 6 days on the market we received 8 amazing offers, all significantly above the asking price. We are very happy for the buyer, and I cannot wait to share the sale price once we close!

As always, I’ve shared some data below on last month’s market. If you or anyone you know is thinking about moving in 2022, I’m just a phone call away and would love to represent you!

Number of Homes Sold September 2021

Average Price per Square Foot September 2021

August 2021 Market Update

I’m beginning to sound like a broken record. Month-after-month, the prices just keep getting higher and higher. Homes in the “lower-end”of the market (and that can mean under $2.5 million) almost always sell over list price if presented properly. Buyers still can tell if a home is overpriced so that’s where I come in – setting the correct price for TODAY is essential. And property preparation is also essential. I excel in each and in negotiating the best price for my sellers. Please reach out with questions. It would be my pleasure to represent you.

On a personal note, as you may have noticed from my postcard’s color change, I’ve joined Compass! It was time to make a move and this felt right! While redefining the industry through technology and creativity, Compass also knows that its the trusting relationships we create with our clients – everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned sellers – that is the heart of this business.

Now that I’ve made a move – how can I help you with yours?

Number of Homes Sold July 2021

Average Price per Square Foot July 2021

May 2021 Market Update

Wow, what a market! Prices are at record highs – look at Hillsborough over $6 million and Redwood City over $2.2 million – just to name a few. Inventory has started to pick up but is still quite low in many areas. Pricing a home is the most important factor right now. Just because it’s a seller’s market does not mean every home is selling quickly. I have seen many go with up to 20 offers and other great homes receive no offers at all. Buyers are still very cautious about homes that are priced too high as they know they may get bid up even higher.

Part of my job is managing expectations for both buyers and sellers. And that takes experience, which I have. I expect prices to stay strong for some time. I am representing both sellers and buyers (I can help you find your next home too).

Number of Homes Sold April 2021

Average Price per Square Foot April 2021

March 2021 Market Update

Well one year down... (and that doesn’t mean one year to go). I hope you and your family have made it through this and my heart goes out to you if you experienced any loss during this time. I remain hopeful and am always here to assist you in any way I can – whether that has to do directly with real estate or perhaps you just need a referral to someone to help you with something. I stay well connected in our communities and am always happy to share my trusted resources. Please reach out any time.

Here’s a quick update on the local markets and how they fared in February. Sales were brisk, although if there were more homes for sale, they would have been even more brisk. Many homes, particularly those under $2.5 million, sell very quickly and often with multiple offers and for more than list price. This doesn’t mean that it’s easy though. Property preparation, great marketing, and experienced negotiations are what get you the best offer and terms – my specialties! If you have questions or just want to catch up and find out about a particular sale in your neighborhood, please call me any time.

Number of Homes Sold February 2021

Average Price per Square Foot February 2021

January 2021 Market Update

One month down, 11 to go! What will the real estate market be like in 2021? Well, if January is any indication, there is plenty of buyer demand out there. In San Mateo, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Belmont, and Burlingame – in some cases the number of sales was more than double compared to January 2020. In San Carlos and Hillsborough there were just slightly fewer sales. It has become apparent that our new way of life is going to be with us for some time and buyers are still looking for larger homes with office space, room for distance learning, and outdoor space. This continues to fuel the market along with record-low interest rates. Getting your home on the market before the competition really heats up is important. I will work with you every step of the way – from property preparation to closing and beyond.

I’m sure you have questions so please reach out anytime and let’s talk.

It would be my pleasure to represent you.

Number of Homes Sold Jan 2021

Average Price per Square Foot Jan 2021

Friends Don't Let Friends Hire a Bad Agent

The saying goes (the saying of the naysayers that is): “Anyone can put a sign in my lawn.” I occasionally hear this from those who do not believe in the power of a true Real Estate Professional. Typically I respond by explaining how much more there is to real estate sales beyond a sign, touting the high level of my service and sharing data on my track record of record breaking sales… But today I ask you: "Can anyone actually put a sign in your lawn?” Because the answer is, apparently, a resounding NO!

This agent could not be bothered to. They didn’t even bother to order new signs when they switched brokerage firms; notice the shoddily taped paper logo in the upper right corner. Don’t let this happen to your lawn, or your friend’s. Instead, call me, and one day your lawn could have a sign like this.

We won an Award!

Proud announcement today: My team is being honored by Coldwell Banker Real Estate for our sales achievements in 2020, as members of the International Society of Excellence. It was weird year for all of us, and a tricky one to navigate professionally for many of us. We worked tirelessly to not only maintain, but improve on, our standards of care, and to achieve the absolute best results for our clients. I am honored everyday to work with Debbie and Sanit, and thrilled to get this recognition for our hard work and dedication.