Spring is typically the most active season in Bay Area real estate—but this year, shifting economic conditions added a layer of complexity. A sharp drop in the stock market in April had a direct impact on May home sales, slowing what’s usually a very fast-paced time of year. Understandably, some buyers and sellers chose to pause, taking a wait-and-see approach as financial markets and global events continued to shift rapidly.
Still, despite the hesitation, this wasn’t a crash—far from it. While inventory rose across most markets, buyer activity didn’t fully keep pace, resulting in lower absorption rates and more price reductions than we typically see in spring. Overbidding declined, time-on-market increased, and many properties saw small year-over-year price adjustments. But well-prepared, well-located homes still sold quickly—often with strong interest and multiple offers.
It’s important to remember that housing market data lags behind real-time events. Most of May’s closed sales were negotiated before early May’s sharp rebound in the stock market, which was largely driven by the reversal of China-tariff policies. That shift brought a boost in consumer confidence—and there are already signs that the uncertainty from April is starting to fade.
The pace of change this year has been especially fast. Between inflation, interest rates, tariffs, the Fed’s next move, consumer confidence, international relations, and new tax proposals, 2025 is proving to be a year of economic whiplash. It’s more important than ever to stay connected to the in’s and out’s of the market—and that’s where I come in.
I’m committed to ongoing education and staying informed, so I can help you make sense of the latest data and decide when and how to make your next move—whether that’s buying, selling, or simply watching from the sidelines for now. Every market shift creates opportunities, and thoughtful preparation makes all the difference.
Want to dig deeper into this month’s trends? Click the links below for the full reports and data sets:
📍 Lamorinda Real Estate Report – June 2025
📊 Macroeconomic Factors Impacting the Bay Area Market
🗺 East Bay Median Home Price Map – Alameda & Contra Costa Counties
If you're wondering what all of this means for your specific situation, I’d be happy to talk through it. Real estate decisions are personal, and the best time to act is different for everyone. Whether you’re prepping your home for fall, curious about how rising inventory might affect your neighborhood, or just want to understand where things are headed, I’m here to help.
Let’s connect and create a smart strategy that works for you.
