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Mortgage MinutePublished December 8, 2025
Why Year-End Is a Smart Time to Buy a Home in Northern California
A Smart Year-End Opportunity for Buyers
As the holidays pick up, most buyers step back and that quiet in the market is exactly why this moment can work in your favor. Right now, two trends are creating a rare opening for buyers:
📊 Inventory Is Higher Than Last Year
Housing supply is up more than 15% compared to this time last year. More homes on the market means more choices and more room to negotiate before competition returns in January.
💰 Rates Are Near Their 2025 Lows
Mortgage rates have been holding steady, improving affordability compared to the first half of the year. When rates eventually drop further - as many economists expect - buyer demand is likely to increase quickly.
Together, more selection + better affordability rarely overlap for long. Historically, once rates move down, prices tend to adjust upward as more buyers re-enter the market. Acting now means stepping in before that shift and before competition tightens again.
Should You Wait or Buy Now?
A quick Cost of Waiting analysis can show exactly how today’s numbers compare to early 2026 based on your price range and county. For many buyers, the difference in equity and monthly payment can be meaningful.
If you'd like a breakdown tailored to your budget and timeline, we’re here to help.
Happy House Hunting!
Data sources: Altos Research & Mortgage News Daily.
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