As we head into summer, Marin’s housing market is showing signs of both strength and change. With data through the end of May, the local real estate landscape is evolving in ways that both buyers and sellers should pay attention to. Whether you're actively in the market or just keeping tabs, understanding the current trends can help you make more informed decisions.

Let’s break down what’s happening right now, and what it means for you.

Current Market Trends: A Mixed But Promising Picture

Spring traditionally brings a boost in real estate activity, and this year started out no differently. Early-season momentum was strong, but April's stock market volatility and ongoing economic uncertainty created a noticeable pause by May. We saw some hesitation from both buyers and sellers, even as more homes came on the market.

Still, demand held steady. In fact, pending sales were up 7.7% and closed sales rose 5.9% compared to May of last year. Well-prepared and strategically priced homes are clearly still attracting interest.

On the supply side, inventory jumped significantly, with 434 active listings at the end of May—a 43.7% increase year over year. That shift is giving buyers more options and creating a healthier, more balanced market.

Here are a few other key trends we’re watching:

More inventory = more options for buyers. After years of tight supply, this increase in listings offers welcome relief for buyers. While it’s not a full buyer’s market, there’s more room to be selective and potentially more leverage in negotiations.
Mortgage rates are holding steady (for now). As of June 5, the average 30-year conforming loan rate dipped slightly to 6.85%. That’s still notably high, but even small shifts can influence buyer behavior, especially for those closely watching affordability.
Homes are taking longer to sell. With more listings on the market, buyers are being more selective. As a result, days on market are creeping up, and we’re seeing a rise in price reductions. The takeaway? For sellers, pricing and presentation are more important than ever. For buyers, this could mean more leverage when it comes to negotiating price and terms.
Buyer and seller psychology is starting to rebalance. Much of May’s activity was influenced by decisions made before the mid-month rebound in the stock market. Real estate tends to lag behind economic news, but we’re beginning to see confidence return heading into summer.

MARIN COUNTY MARKET UPDATE
Single Family Homes

What This Means for Buyers

If you’re in the market to buy a home in Marin, this may be the most favorable window we’ve seen in some time.

With inventory up and competition slightly less intense than in peak spring months, buyers are seeing more choices, and in some cases, more flexibility around price and terms. That doesn’t mean you can drag your feet—desirable homes in top locations are still moving quickly—but it does mean you can be more strategic and selective in your search.

Our advice?

Get clear on your non-negotiables, stay pre-approved, and work with an agent who understands the nuances of this shifting market. We’re here to help you determine what’s worth pursuing now, and what might be worth waiting on.

What This Means for Sellers

Thinking of selling your home in Marin? Now more than ever, strategy and positioning matters.

Yes, there’s more competition, but there’s also solid demand—especially for homes that show well and are priced with intention. The numbers don’t lie: pending and closed sales are both up year over year, a clear indicator that buyers are still active and motivated.

The key is standing out. That means:

Pricing your home based on data—not guesswork
Presenting your home in a way that connects emotionally with buyers
Marketing it with precision, creativity, and reach to stand out

That’s where we come in. From pre-market prep to pricing strategy to high-impact marketing, our team knows how to position your home for success, even as market dynamics evolve.

Looking Ahead

As we move deeper into summer, all eyes will be on the economy, interest rates, and buyer activity. While we can’t predict every turn, we can say this: Marin remains a highly desirable place to live, and well-positioned homes will continue to attract serious interest.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just staying informed, understanding the data and how it translates to real-world opportunity is your best advantage.