5 Q's - What Today’s Buyers Need to Know

1) Why am I waiting?

The decision to purchase a home is rarely based on just one factor; it’s the result of a complex blend of financial, emotional, and practical considerations. For many, it starts with lifestyle changes, perhaps a growing family, a new job, or a desire to settle into a particular community. Market conditions, interest rates, and financial preparedness certainly play a role, but so do the more personal elements: the sense of “home,” the neighborhood vibe, school ratings, commute times, or even how the morning light hits the kitchen when you’re making a cup of coffee. It's a big decision that goes beyond numbers, it’s about envisioning a future in a space that feels right.

2) How do I know if it’s the right time for me?

After more than a decade in real estate, I’ve learned there’s no perfect answer. Maybe your current home no longer fits your lifestyle, maybe your family is growing, you're craving simplicity, or you're drawn to a new area. Of course, financial readiness matters: savings, stable income, and confidence in your monthly payments are essential. But lifestyle plays just as big a role.

If you find yourself frequently browsing listings or daydreaming about a different setup, it might be time to explore what’s out there. The “right time” isn’t only about the market, it’s about what feels right for you.

3) What if I want to buy when the market dips?

There’s no shortage of famous investment advice about buying low. David Dreman once said, “History teaches that the best time to buy stocks is when things look the worst.” And while that sounds great in theory, acting on it is difficult. When the outlook feels uncertain, most people hesitate — even if they know it could be an opportunity.

Real estate professionals are often accused of always saying it’s a good time to buy. And while that may raise eyebrows, the reason they say it is because, historically, real estate has consistently outperformed many other asset classes over the long term. Still, let’s be honest it can’t always be a good time to buy… or can it?

4) So what’s happening in the market right now?

We’re in a moment of uncertainty. Stock market volatility, global tensions, and shifts in international trade policy are creating headwinds. Inflation concerns, including the potential impact of tariffs, have kept interest rates elevated.

Meanwhile, Santa Clara County saw a nearly 30% increase in single-family home inventory in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. While Q2 likely won’t match that pace, we’re still on track for a year-over-year increase. More supply driven by bent up seller demand, coupled with buyer hesitation, has opened the door to negotiation opportunities. Especially unique as the spring is typically the most competitive season.

In Los Gatos, for example, homes sold below list price on average in both April and May, a trend we haven’t seen since the early pandemic days of 2020 when we were told to stay at home. I’ve included examples below of notable deals that were negotiated within just two weeks of hitting the market.

5) So… is now a good time to buy?

Ultimately, timing a purchase comes down to your personal goals and timeline. But from a market fundamentals perspective, the Bay Area has always been defined by limited supply and persistent demand.

There’s little undeveloped land left and what is available is being reserved for higher-density housing to meet state mandates. The number of new single-family homes added each year is extremely low.

On the demand side, Silicon Valley continues to thrive, possibly on the cusp of another wave of innovation and job growth. The millennial generation, now reaching peak homebuying years, is the largest since the Baby Boomers and together with Gen X, is projected to inherit over $72 trillion in the next few decades.

These are the macro forces worth watching when deciding whether to purchase your first home or expand your real estate portfolio. In the Bay Area, moments of uncertainty have historically been opportunities, not signs of long-term shifts.

Give us a call, let's set up a time to talk about your plans over a cup of coffee.