The Best Time to Buy a House in the Bay Area

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By Clever Real Estate Updated March 29, 2023

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Best time to buy a house in the Bay Area | Best places to buy a home in the Bay Area | How to get a great deal on a Bay Area home

What's the best time to buy a house in the Bay Area? It depends on your priorities and needs.

In recent years, listing prices for homes in San Francisco have been lowest in September, with home prices falling to around $47,000 less expensive than the annual average. In May, listing prices rose to about $52,000 more than the yearly average.

Mortgage rates, on the other hand, were lowest in December. But with interest rates currently on the rise, it pays to explore your options with a trusted mortgage provider to make sure you’re getting the best rate possible.

Read on to find out which time of year is the best time to buy a house in the Bay Area.

Getting started

If you're interested in buying a home in the Bay Area, the first step is to find an experienced realtor who knows your local market. Economic conditions in the Bay Area change rapidly, and a high-quality real estate agent can help you navigate the best season and location to start your home search.

The best way to find a realtor is with a free service like Clever Real Estate. Clever matches you with top agents from trusted brokerages like Keller Williams and Century 21.

Interview as many agents as you'd like until you find the perfect fit, or walk away at any time with no obligation. Add your zip code below to request hand-picked agent matches today!

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The best time of year to buy in the Bay Area

In the Bay Area, you'll typically find the highest number of listed homes from July through November. When more houses are on the market, it's often easier to negotiate the price of a property.

At a national level, winter tends to be the best time of year to negotiate for a home. Homeowners usually prefer to sell in the summer months, so those who list their homes in the winter are often more motivated to sell quickly — and at a lower price.

However, real estate trends can vary greatly depending on your specific market, and there may even be variances within certain neighborhoods. The best way to find a home in your target market is to connect with a local realtor. They'll help you navigate the ins and outs of your market and find the best time to buy a house in the Bay Area.

💰 Find a top buyer's agent near me today!

The best places to buy a home in the Bay Area

West Menlo Park

With a local population that falls just shy of 4,000 people, West Menlo Park is packed with urban amenities. Whether it's coffee shops, restaurants, or parks, you're only a stone's throw away from convenient spots. Public schools within the area are also highly rated.

Loyola

If budget isn’t a concern, then Loyola is one of the best locations to buy a home in the Bay Area. It’s not cheap: the median home value is $3.65 million, and the cost of living is more than 368% higher than the national average. Unemployment rates are super low at just 2.6%, and the median income surpasses $210,000.

Contra Costa County

If you're looking for the lower end of the pricing spectrum, then consider Contra Costa County. This particular segment of the Bay Area is cheaper than the wider San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward Metro area. The median home value is approximately $916,000 — compared to San Francisco's median home value of around $1,488,000.

Marina

Marina offers the rare opportunity for lower median home values and above-average appreciation growth. With median values at $858,287, this is one of the cheaper locations to buy a home in the Bay Area. Values grew by 8.8% last year.

Solano County

With median property prices of $769,405, Solano offers relatively lower-budget buyers an opportunity to move to the Bay Area.

Four ways to get a great deal on a home in the Bay Area

1. Find a great Bay Area real estate agent

Your first step as a potential home buyer is to find an experienced real estate agent, one with extensive knowledge of the Bay Area housing market. They can guide you through the buying process and help you navigate local pricing trends.

2. Determine what you need and want in a house

Before you start the buying process, it’s important to outline your specific goals. This should include the type of area you want to live in, what your budget is, and whether you need to be within walking distance to public transport.

3. Find a lender and secure financing

Unless you plan to buy your home with cash, you'll need to apply for a mortgage. For most home buyers in the Bay Area, interest rate is one of the biggest factors when choosing a lender. Doing some upfront research and comparing options to find the best rate could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

4. Negotiate for the best possible price

Once you find a property that fits your needs, your realtor will help you determine the right amount to offer the seller. They'll also negotiate with the seller's real estate agent to ensure that you pay a fair price.

If you're looking for a realtor, Clever can connect you with top realtors in your area for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Fill out our online form, and a Clever representative will reach out to get the process started and answer any questions.

👋 Find your perfect agent now!

Finding a great local realtor is the first step in making your home buying dreams a reality. Our free service matches you with top agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.

Enter your zip code to request hand-picked agent matches in minutes. Compare your options until you find the perfect fit, or walk away with no obligation. Try Clever's free service today!

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